Caught in the Carousel

Letter from the Editor - December 2008

I've just found out some outstanding news about several of our writers and like a proud parent, I feel the need to shout this information from the rooftops.

First, on the strength of her book Not Fair, Clare, staff writer Yvonne Prinz has just been nominated for a Red Maple Award. A prestigious prize that's handed out by the Ontario Library Association to Canadian authors, the Red Maple Award is a highly respected literary achievement. Yvonne will find out how she fares in May in Toronto when the winner is announced. (www.stillthereclare.com or www.myspace.com/stillthereclare)

The man behind The Roberge Report, CITC writer Rob Roberge is celebrating the release of his new book of short stories Working Backwards From The Worst Moment Of My Life. The follow-up to More Than They Could Chew, Working Backwards has been published by Black Arrow Studio and Press. Edgy, dark, ironic, self-effacing, brutally frank and filled with tremendous sensitivity, Rob's book is already garnering great reviews, including a heap of praise from singer/songwriter Steve Wynn. (http://www.blackarrowpress.com/catalog.htm)

Our brilliant designer/staff writer Lyn Dunagan just tore up the U.S Half Marathon, placing 9th out of 262. Winding through San Francisco-she blazed through The Presidio, Chrissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge—Lyn made those 13.1 miles look like a walk in the park. Congratulations, El Dee!

Staff writer Andy Demcak has just released his wonderful new book Zero Summer, a collection of synthetic poems that were put together using the cut up technique as well as OULIPO editing of works that appeared in the New Yorker from 1995-2005. An insightful poet with the touch of a craftsman, this is Andy's second book. (http://www.blazevox.org)

We've got a great issue for you this month: Interviews with Jesse Malin and Leeds heroes The Pigeon Detectives; a new hilarious, comprehensive, insightful and rollicking installment of The Roberge Report; album reviews (John Legend, The Pretenders, Ray LaMontagne, Zealousy); live reviews (The Kooks, The Subways) and free downloadable MP3s (Vic Chesnutt, Circus Devils, Third Eye Blind).

We're all hard at work now on our year-end Top Ten lists. A lot of you have asked, and all I can say is this: my number one album is going to be a big surprise....

**Hint: It's not that band you're thinking of.
**Second Hint: It's not that other band, either.
**Third Hint (the real one): it's going to be awkward once I announce it....

And yes, that is an actual real hint.

Enjoy!

Love and Rockets,
Alex Green
Editor, Caught In The Carousel
Alex670@earthlink.net