Over the last year or so I am finding I have more and more unread or half finished books on my desk and shelf. I think that has to do with an issue of focus and depression. And I have revision tasks I've put off and off for far too long as well. My Monte… Continue reading when a writer loses the way
I've been listening to One Hundred Years of Solitude as an audiobook and watching this documentary on Marquez' life and work. I'm still taken by the idea of a large story following several generations--seven generations I think and I'm taken by the idea he was influenced by his Grandparent's stories where local stories, fantastic details… Continue reading documentary recommendation: gabo–the creation of gabriel garcia marquez
Happy to see my book reviewed and featured at Latino Book Review site. https://www.latinobookreview.com/latino-book-review--john-paul-jaramillo---little-mocos.html
Quite a few students asked me about watching this 2017 Netflix documentary on Joan Didion. One of my favorite writers and I enjoyed the film. Fascinating to see personal interviews as well as to hear excerpts of some of her iconic essays.
One of my favorite writers, activists and speakers. John Trudell: It has been, literally, the most blood thirsty, brutalizing system ever imposed on this planet. That is not civilization. That's the great lie - is that it represents civilization. That's the great lie. Or if it does represent civilization, and that's truly what civilization is,… Continue reading documentary recommendation: trudell
Put together a quick listing of song titles I think work with each chapter of my book. Saw a few other writers I admire do this and so I thought I would try. More and more I like the idea of a movie-style book soundtrack. And I am finding this a fascinating exercise. Many of… Continue reading little mocos a novel in stories–book soundtrack–parts 1 and 2
A quick nonfiction excerpt from a project I'm working on: The dark haired boy, bare footed and tired takes the reins of the mare and throws his leg over with a kick. He’s been waiting for hours to ride. His lips widen and then he nearly lets himself giggle as the mount kicks and strides… Continue reading father fragments
Little Mocos--a novel in stories: "Jaramillo’s (The House of Order, 2011) second novel in stories builds on his debut collection, and fans of that work will likely find much to enjoy here. His writing is crisp, concise, and realistic, with a gimlet eye for the details of his characters’ grim existences." --Kirkus Reviews https://www.kirkusreviews.com/…/john-paul-jar…/little-mocos/
Spring Break and we found ourselves in St. Louis for a quick day trip. We stopped off at Comet Coffee Company St. Louis. D had a cappuccino and I had a pour over. I'm new to pour overs but the coffee was very sweet tasting and light. Specifically the menu reads: Francy Torres, Colombia, chocolate, marzipan, fruit… Continue reading coffee recommendation–comet coffee company st. louis
I've not watched Boyhood and in fact I've not watched many films concerning youth and masculinity lately--mostly because of my teaching schedule and work. Moonlight though came up on some podcasts I listen to and admire. And I have to say the film is rather amazing--subtle and subdued. I was taken with the music and also with the… Continue reading film recommendation: moonlight
So happy with the cover design for Little Mocos--thank you to @t_morrissey Morrissey and @TwelveWinters
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Margaret Atwood's classic novel appears to have a well produced series adaptation coming to the internet. I was disappointed with the 199o film adaptation. This looks promising though.
Fascinating documentary covering a church serving homeless and jobless men in North Dakota. I was struck by the struggle between pastor Jay Reinke and his community. Also didn't see the surprise ending coming.
D and I escaped from the election and Trump fallout and enjoyed the Hoagland Center for the Arts' presentation of A Raisin in the Sun. I've always enjoyed Lorraine Hansberry's family drama and the production had some strong performances. I found the play to be a very timely message on standing up and facing injustice as well… Continue reading a raisin in the sun
Teaching a film as lit class this term and spending some time this week closely studying Joel and Ethan Coen's pre-Bob Dylan period film Inside Llewyn Davis. I am particularly interested in the themes of crisis and purposeleness. I also like the feel that the narrative is a mobius strip trapping the main character. I am seeing… Continue reading inside llewyn davis and the mobius strip narrative
Highway driving this summer and enjoying the fairly new Code Switch podcast. I also enjoy the written articles posted on NPR Code Switch site. Primarily enjoying the article on digital divides between Latino and Anglos.
After a long semester of teaching I found some time to indulge in studying the novella Pedro Paramo by Juan Rulfo. I've been an admirer of Rulfo's career and this book reads as a tremendous progression from his short stories I was introduced to in his book The Burning Plain. What I found in this work is a… Continue reading quick note–twin peaks, juan rulfo and spirit world voices
Episode 562 This American Life--The Problem We All Live With I've lived and taught in the Midwest for ten years now and have yet to fully understand the place and the people. After the Michael Brown shooting and the Ferguson riots, I found this incredible episode of This American Life on Michael Brown's school district--the worst district in… Continue reading podcast recommendation: this american life episode 562–the problem we all live with
Just a quick note at the end of a long year. I guess it is important to remind myself about some writing news as well as teaching thoughts. The last few weeks have given me some good news. My story "Little Mocos" has appeared in Duende Literary Magazine. I am very grateful and thankful to the editors… Continue reading end of year note
Some time away from writing projects for the past few weeks so I've been enjoying Aziz Ansari's series. The series is part Seinfeld and part Louie. The writing and situations are so well crafted. So much understanding and empathy in this series regarding race, diversity and representation in film and television. Can't wait for a season… Continue reading series recommendation: master of none
Summer is for reading. And I have quite a few books stacked next to my bed. I used to worry about having too many books hanging around and felt bad if I couldn't finish them all. I've since changed that thought. The more books the better. Here are a few of the books I am working through:… Continue reading summer reading
This week I'm grading and meeting with students individually but still found some time to watch David Lynch's Eraserhead on Criterion Blu-ray. Lynch says the surreal is the subconscious speaking to us. And this is one of my favorite surreal films. Great documentaries on the film here as well. After watching an early screening of… Continue reading eraserhead
Had some time this SpringBreak to watch some films and this one by Jorge Gutierrez is beautifully animated. I liked the mix of modern music and the Mexican folklore. I was also struck by the theme of death and grieving families.
I've been waiting to watch Diego Luna's film and finally had some time this weekend. The reviews were poor on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes and Marshall Ganz--a man who knew and worked with Cesar Chavez--criticized the film for the one dimensional version of Chavez's life. I have to admit though I found Michael Peña's portrayal of Cesar… Continue reading quick review: cesar chavez
Peter J. Kuznick's research translates well to this Oliver Stone directed series of hour-long documentaries. I found myself admiring the post-structuralism historical mode as well as the well constructed mix of photographs, film footage and news reels.
A few months back I heard of Dan Cohen's concept of using music with dementia and Alzheimer's patients. This holiday I finally had a chance to watch the documentary Alive Inside based on his work and I was amazed. I was struck by how music, memory and also identity were represented.
available now on kindle, smashwords The House of Order--stories, the first collection of composite stories by John Paul Jaramillo, presents a stark vision of American childhood and family, set in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. 2013 International Latino Book Award Finalist--The Mariposa Award--Best First Book--Fiction Latino Stories.com 2013 Top Ten "New" Latino Authors to Watch (and Read)
In the article "10 Famous Writers Who Hated Writing" from The Huffington Post, Bill Cotter discusses his "dark feelings" regarding what he labels as "the commission of the act of writing." He lists quotes from famous authors revealing their angst on the very act of writing and he also discusses the problem of his own inarticulateness. And I must agree when… Continue reading hating writing
The power of the Internet brought me this mp3 of Amy Hempel reading "The Harvest" and suddenly I know what we're listening to in class tomorrow. http://www.wiredforbooks.org/mp3/AmyHempel.mp3 Amy Hempel — "I moved through the days like a severed head that finishes a sentence."
This film is from 2009 and from director Bobcat Goldthwait. I missed it because of a limited release. I most admired Robin Williams playing a frustrated writer and teacher in this dark comedy. Love the scenes in poetry class. "I used to think the worst thing in life was ending up alone, it's not. The… Continue reading film recommendation: world’s greatest dad
Fascinating documentary about Sam Shepard's forty year letter writing correspondence with friend Johnny Dark. Shepard stands as one my favorite authors and I enjoyed the inside look into how Shepard works and operates as a playwright--travelling around with his dog and his typewriter.
Based on the surrealist novel by Michel Faber, the film adaptation was much different than the book. I admired director Jonathon Glazer's experimental style and how images drove the story instead of plot or dialogue.
A new semester will soon begin as I write this and my thoughts obsess over inspiring and motivating my students. It's hard for me to believe I've been teaching since about 1999. I should be seasoned and secure in my teaching philosophy. Yet nothing concerns me more than motivating and caring for my students. The… Continue reading quick note on new semester and dead poets
The film Enemy based on Jose Saramago's novel The Double was a nicely surreal and non-linear film I admired quite a bit. It's been a while since I've seen a film with sex and political power themes that stayed with me far past the viewing. The ending here is nicely cryptic and creepy.
I have had so many conversations with students about how great old school mechanical typewriters are for the feel and cadence in the act of writing. Yet we love the ease of the word processor. In fact once I had a dream I plugged an old typewriter into my MacBook Pro. I rarely post writerly gear… Continue reading writerly gear: hybrid mechanical keyboard
Just heard of this film adaptation from Lois Lowry's novel. Looks well done.
Lately for many reasons I feel I've been living inside of a Philip K. Dick novel, so I've been rereading a couple of my favorite--Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said and A Scanner Darkly. What does a scanner see? Into the head? Down into the heart? Does it see into me, into us? Clearly or darkly?… Continue reading film recommendation: a scanner darkly
Great documentary now available for streaming on Netflix. I'd been waiting to watch this one for a while. I was glad to see some insight into the reclusive artist Bill Watterson. Calvin and Hobbes has always been one of my favorite strips and I remember the last strip to this day. In fact, I found… Continue reading documentary recommendation: thank you mr watterson
Happy to hear my story "Arkansas Flood 1964" will soon have a home in Pilgrimage Magazine.
The first time I heard Thug Notes I found it very funny and engaging. I played it for my Lit 111 students. We liked the break down in a less elite language. And I love to see books and ideas from books featured in so called new media. I wonder though if this quick summary of… Continue reading thug notes
A few years back I made a joke to D about teaching and writing. I told her I was deciding to be a bad teacher and to focus on my writing. I told her I would be selfish. I would put my class work on cruise control. This was difficult to do because I feel such… Continue reading new year’s writing resolution
Reading this defeatist article on Slate.com on grading the college essay. Rings true in many ways but why would I want to give standardized exams instead of essays? So as I prepare to spend the next three or four days reading my students' work, I just have to keep telling myself to grade, and not… Continue reading grading the college essay
Big Sur may be my least favorite Jack Kerouac novel. While On the Road and The Subterraneans captured youth and restlessness, Big Sur relates the aged, alcoholic Kerouac. And perhaps that is why I don't enjoy the book. Kerouac's persona is one of such a broken down writer unable to cope with fame and personal relationships.… Continue reading quick review of big sur feature film
The other day a student came in to the office while I was reading a graphic novel and asked me what I was doing slacking off at school. He seemed to think I was getting away from my responsibilities. Well, this holiday I'm thankful I will have a bit of time off soon to prep… Continue reading thankful for graphic novels
I was interested to find this update on the Neruda exumation. Seems that he was not poisoned but family not satisfied or convinced according to a few articles.
I've long read and admired Junot Diaz' style of prose. I'm almost embarrassed to say how much I've modeled my own work after his. This latest collection of work contains all the themes of trouble and failure at its heart. And also the redemption. I continue to admire how the work follows a consistent universe… Continue reading quick review of junot díaz’ this is how you lose her
I've been waiting for this trailer for a while. I always give out some of chávez' writings in my comp class and admire his words and his work. Can't wait to see Diego Luna's film.
Went to the movies last week. I should've been grading or obsessing over the part time instructor evaluations I was supposed to be writing up. But I went to the movies instead. Don't always spend time during the week taking time to watch movies but I did. And I don't regret it. I wish I… Continue reading last tuesday at the movies
We're discussing a few stories tomorrow from Stuart Dybek's collection The Coast of Chicago. I admire "The Woman Who Fainted" and "Pet Milk" (4:27) and I was happy to find this reading for my Lit 50 students. So important to hear the author's voice. I was lucky enough to hear him read years back at… Continue reading stuart dybek’s the coast of chicago
Discussing Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find" today in Lit 150 class. I'm stealing this lesson/discussion from the Yale Writers' Conference. Love her voice.
I will be reading from my book The House of Order at Colorado State University-Pueblo on Feb 4, 2014 as a part of the Southern Colorado Reader Series. I will also be speaking to several fiction classes on the subject of literary minimalism and composite short stories.
Grateful for the thoughtful review at Indiereader.com: "...the book is filled with beautiful moments, like shards of broken stained-glass window lying in the dirt. This book will open your eyes to a new way of life and will leave you with haunting images not soon forgotten. A worthy read." --IndieReader.com
I tell my students that Week 4 of the semester is usually where the wheels fall off--for students as well as instructors. This semester is particularly difficult as I try to write, edit and act as a student again myself. As well as teaching I am refreshing myself in an online instruction course. Something about… Continue reading teacher’s lounge
A few months back I wrote a quick review of Daniel Chacon's book Unending Rooms. I admire Chacon's aesthetic and overall writerly choices. I look forward to picking up his novel and his other work Chicano Chicanery. His work at times is surreal and also thought provoking. I find his work here playful and intelligent. And… Continue reading quick review of daniel chacon’s hotel juarez
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Poet and professor Juan Morales invited me to be a featured reader next year in the Southern Colorado Reader Series at Colorado State University--Pueblo--tentatively scheduled next April. Couldn't be more grateful.
My friend and mentor Will Hochman answers some questions and gives his opinion on the new Salinger documentary.
I set up this blog to follow my writing but the past few weeks I am back in the classroom. Putting the work of editing manuscripts aside. I am also back in the writing center and tutoring for the first time in years. In fact I had my first tutoring session. A session discussing a… Continue reading back in the classroom
Back to teaching and had time to watch a quick movie this long Labor Day weekend. The Butler was more complex and dynamic than I thought going in. Forest Whitaker's performance was worth admission.
The House of Order spotted by my sister on display in Pueblo, CO Barnes and Noble.
Finished reading through Algren's The Man with the Golden Arm and I've enjoyed the story of self-destruction. I can see why this book is such a classic. Does feel a bit overwritten at times but Algren's Chicago is a gritty and dirty place--very naturalistic. I most enjoyed the sweeping third person narration.
Rereading Borges' The Garden of Forking Paths this morning. And the idea of a chaotic novel or a novel with confounding paths of time consoles me as I've been thinking Semi-Orphaned is a mess of vignettes and scene/organization that spirals. Hopeful that I have found a plan for the chaos. "No one realized that the book… Continue reading a book and a labyrinth
Sat down today--all day today--working towards an August 15 contest deadline for my Semi-Orphaned manuscript. Here is a quick excerpt: Animales Neto was over on the bed shirtless and crudo, shaking his head at the reality of missing his father’s funeral service, when he raised both arms to smell his pits. He started digging in… Continue reading semi-orphaned aug 15 deadline
Happy to see The House of Order featured on the cover of the August Sacramento Book Review!
Ran across this game at Marbles the Brain Store in Chicago and wondering if this might work in my Lit 150 intro to creative writing class.
James Thurber short story adaptation? This looks interesting:
The good folks at CIELO: Culturally Integrated Education for Latinos Organization here in Springfield, Illinois will be discussing my book at their August book club meeting. And they've invited me to come and discuss the book on Aug 6. I'm getting excited.
Calvin and Hobbes documentary looks good.
Found this great wiki page on Tom Spanbauer and literary minimalism: http://creativewriting.wikia.com/wiki/Dangerous_Writing
Here's a quick excerpt from the writeup in the August San Francisco Book Review: Star Rating: 5 out of 5 "Raw and highly emotional at times, Jaramillo’s stories give a realistic look in to the lives of his characters as he presents short vignettes that hint at a deeper family saga. His style is easy to read… Continue reading the house of order writeup in the san francisco book review
Happen to be reading through The Man With the Golden Arm this summer. Now news of Algren documentary. I'm looking forward to it.
I'm grateful for the nearly half-page writeup in the hometown newspaper: "Jaramillo is writing about working in Southern Colorado farm fields, driving and drinking beer and smoking pot; visiting family members in the state penitentiary; about tattooed pregnant girls, dirty kids in laundromats and their desperate mothers--and the pain-filled list goes on, back through several… Continue reading half-page writeup in pueblo chieftain
Enjoyed Sergio Troncoso's fiction workshop the past ten days and wanted to post some of my notes on the rest of the Yale Writer's Conference. Day One: Keynote speech by author and medical doctor Richard Selzer asked us to combine our interests and occupations with our love for language. Loved the idea he gave us to… Continue reading more yale writers’ conference notes
Looks fascinating. Salinger documentary now has a trailer. Here's the link: http://movies.yahoo.com/video/salinger-trailer-1-192014811.html
In the next couple of days I want to post more of my notes from the Yale Writers' Conference. Today though Sergio Troncoso sent his workshop students this great link to Jorge Luis Borges' lectures on poetry and philosophy: http://www.openculture.com/2012/05/jorge_luis_borges_1967-8_norton_lectures_on_poetry_and_everything_else_literary.html
A few nights with D in New York City at Latino Literacy Now's Latino Book Awards Ceremony. Grateful to be on hand at the Cervantes Institute to pick up my Honorable Mention. So many great writers and inspiring words.
My story "Arkansas Flood 1964" was a Glimmer Train finalist. This is the second time in a row: Glimmer Train Finalist
Finishing up a particularly rough semester. Spending the last few days finishing up student publication editing as well as grading portfolios. Still have a few more hours of math and grade finalizing. Always amazed at just how much work we complete at my community college in writing and lit courses. Ready for a trip to… Continue reading school’s just about out for the summer
Planning a lecture on Fight Club and its dystopian themes. Spending time watching this 2003 Palahniuk documentary/video thing called Postcards from the Future:
Latino Literacy Now has listed my book The House of Order Stories as a finalist for their Mariposa Award Best First Book Fiction Award: 2013 Int'l Latino Book Awards Finalists. Could not be more pleased or honored.
Just finished a very engaging What's Write for Me interview on my book, writing and the process of writing. Thank you to the host Dellani Oakes. Listen to internet radio with Red River Radio on Blog Talk Radio
Lincoln Presidential Library hosting discussion of immigrant experiences, followed by food and music From Swedes in the 1840s to southern African-Americans in the 1940s, newcomers helped strengthen Illinois with fresh ideas and energy. The process continues today with Latino immigrants, who will be the focus of a Cinco de Mayo discussion and celebration April 28… Continue reading recuerdos-memories: latino experience in the land of lincoln
This afternoon I'm rereading Mark Richard's "Strays" for my Lit 150 class: "Uncle trash rakes everything my brother and I owned into the pillowcases off our bed and says let that be a lesson to me. He is off through the front porch door, leaving us buck-naked at the table, his last words as he… Continue reading rereading mark richard’s strays
Prepping to discuss Margaret Atwood's novel The Handmaid's Tale tomorrow in my Lit 111 course. We'll discuss more dystopian elements, feminism and watch some scenes from the film adaptation.
Reading an article about the Salinger documentary. The new poster has an interesting design.
Preparing for Lit 150 and discussion of Amy Hempel's stories "The Cemetary Where Al Jolson is Buried" and "The Harvest". This morning I'm reviewing Tom Spanbauer's notes on literary minimalism: Notes on Literary minimalism—(exemplified by Mark Richard, Amy Hempel and Chuck Palahniuk) Literary minimalism is characterized by an economy with words and a focus on surface description. Minimalist authors… Continue reading tom spanbauer and literary minimalism
Reading about Pablo Neruda's remains that are to be exhumed. It is alleged Pinochet's regime poisoned the poet.
I'm looking forward to reading this award winning book by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Great interview here: "An award like this isn't ever just for the person that won it; it's for the community who raised that writer."
Columbus owes Washington Irving quite a bit. Also his portrait/face has never been authenticated. In fact, Charles Patrick Daly calls this painting from 1592 "pure fancy." Not much changed in these different cartoon and feature film representations of Columbus:
Prepping a lecture on Howard Zinn A People's History of the United States, post-strucuralist analysis and Christopher Columbus. But I'm lazy and probably going to rely on Robert Wuhl's Assume the Position.
Reading this LA Times article on Amazon purchasing Goodreads. Not sure how I feel about this.
Spending time this afternoon with a large stack of composition argument/research papers. I've found no way to make the process easier for me other than to organize and seperate out to about ten or twelve papers a night in prep for about ten to twelve conferences the next day. So important for me to comment and… Continue reading afternoon with argument/research papers
On Tuesday I had the fortune of attending a private screening of the inspirational documentary film I am a Visitor in Your World . The film was about Rebecca Babcock, a young writer and blogger diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 25. The film was a poignant account of her life and struggles and Rebecca's… Continue reading i am a visitor in your world documentary
Drafting and revising semi-orphaned novel project but had some time to finish reading Orwell's memoir/nonfiction/autobiographical novel about a young writer's time in the ghettos of Paris and London. He works in restaurants and sleeps in homeless hostels. Pawns his clothes for food and also closely observes the down and out people he encounters. What strikes… Continue reading quick review: orwell’s down and out in paris and london
Note to self: Writers make choices.
Spending time with Nick Flynn's book and also watching some clips from the adaptation: "We all need to create the story that will make sense of our lives. Make sense of our daily tasks."
