Author Archives: john paul jaramillo

some informal thoughts on meditation and writing workshop

Over the last six months I feel I am finally back on a consistent writing and reading schedule. Finally taking the time to free write chapters and ideas for short pieces I’ve been carrying around in my head. This working–this practice of writing–has also come to include meditation and free writing. And it’s all becauseContinue reading “some informal thoughts on meditation and writing workshop”

film recommendation: roma

I’ve admired Alfonso Cuarón for a while now–Y Tu Mama Tambien and Children of Men are two of my favorite films. And I was happy to find many similar themes from those films. And this latest film is visually stunning–I’ve read he directs and acts as cinematographer. The motif of water and family strength stayedContinue reading “film recommendation: roma”

latino author spotlight oct 29, 6pm

Discover your new favorite author at our Latino Author Spotlight! This author meet + greet will feature two incredible authors: John Paul Jaramillo and Amy Sayre Baptisa. Monday evening 6pm-8pm at Maeva’s Coffee. Free drip coffee will be provided for guests of this event. John Paul Jaramillo, author of “The House of Order” and “LittleContinue reading “latino author spotlight oct 29, 6pm”

quick review–the third policeman by flann o’brien

Such an odd and strange little book from O’Brien. What I liked: Definitely not a book you can easily categorize. The plot was meandering–more so than At Swim Two Birds–and completely unpredictable. A place wholly away from reality was the setting, and late in the novel we learn the “place” of the novel was aContinue reading “quick review–the third policeman by flann o’brien”

quick review: at swim-two-birds

Spending more and more time before getting to sleep at night reading and trying to re-develop my focus. And I decided to work on Barthelme’s syllabus and suggested readings. And O’Brien’s book At Swim Two Birds was a challenge–rather a maze of a book. A labyrinth, to steal from Borges. Have to admit I putContinue reading “quick review: at swim-two-birds”

when a writer loses the way

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 MonteContinue reading “when a writer loses the way”

documentary recommendation: gabo–the creation of gabriel garcia marquez

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 detailsContinue reading “documentary recommendation: gabo–the creation of gabriel garcia marquez”

documentary recommendation–joan didion: the center will not hold

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.

documentary recommendation: trudell

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”

little mocos a novel in stories–book soundtrack–parts 1 and 2

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 ofContinue reading “little mocos a novel in stories–book soundtrack–parts 1 and 2”