Must read book excerpts now posted on Wattpad: “Hate Story”

Posted by Jeff on May 16th, 2020 in News | 0 comments

Check out the first several chapters of the must read book, Hate Story, by Jeff Cottrill, now posted on the writing website Wattpad. Here’s the link.

 

It’s a new novel about the Internet, a human life, and everything in between.
Paul Shoreditch has died – and his funeral has inspired a violent riot. Jackie Roberts, a young freelance journalist who’s addicted to classic cinema and online flame wars in equal measure, has been assigned to find out why. What led to Paul’s death? What did he do to make so many people so angry? Who put up a website devoted solely to shaming him – and why?

Mixing satire with mystery, cynicism with compassion, Hate Story is a darkly funny and timely tale that will keep you wanting more.

*****

As I’ve mentioned in previous entries, I’ve posted the first six chapters – or five, if you don’t want to count the prologue-pretending-not-to-be-a-prologue that I’ve titled “Chapter Zero” – of Hate Story online. This time, I’m trying something a little different. I’m using my limited yet professionally relevant knowledge of SEO optimization to see if I can attract random web searchers. This may be a really dumb idea that won’t work in the slightest, but I thought it would be fun to try.

You may have noticed that I’ve begun the title of this post with the words “must read book” and included that phrase in the opening paragraph. That’s my keyword for this web page. Apparently people look for that or something. I’ll write it again: must read book. (I really want to put a hyphen in that, but people on the Internet hate hyphens.) You may also notice that I’m trying to stretch this out to at least 300 words, since I understand that’s the minimum limit.

I guess I need an internal link too. Here you go. It’s a handful of videos and mp3s.

Happy reading.

Lockdown got you bored?

Posted by Jeff on Apr 19th, 2020 in News | 0 comments

Looking for something to read while you’re stuck at home self-isolating? Gone through all your books and desperate for something new?

Well, have I got something for you, kids.

You can read Hate Story, my novel-in-progress!

Or at least the first few chapters.
I’ve been posting them weekly on the writing website Wattpad. So far, I’ve put up the first three: Chapters Zero, One and Two. (Chapter Zero is really kind of a prologue. I’m calling it that because I didn’t want it to look like the standard, cliché prologue-before-the-main-action deal. Even though it, well, kind of is.)

Here’s the link.

Bear in mind that I don’t consider these to be final drafts. They say that a work of art (or, perhaps in this case, brainless entertainment) is never completed, but only abandoned. I’m currently working with the Humber School for Writers to tweak this into something that fits the barest outer reaches of being publishable by even the smallest of presses. And even if I end up having to self-publish this thing, I don’t want it to suck completely.

Happy reading.

*****

Are you done reading? Still bored?

Here’s what the Chipmunks sound like at normal speed.

Ta ta.

The luck of the pot

Posted by Jeff on Feb 29th, 2020 in News | 0 comments

Hey you.

Friday night, come to the Ad Lib Potluck.
I’ll be reading something. There will be other performers, probably Vanessa McMahon and Charlene Winger and stuff. Damon Lum hosts again.

And there will be food.
Details, right sidebar.

Don’t feel like writing anymore.
Here are some puppies and a mean mommy.

Happy March.

Valentine’s / And the lovin’ is easy…

Posted by Jeff on Feb 7th, 2020 in News | 0 comments

Just a quick note to let you know that I’m about to do my first poetry gig in more than eleven months. This Tuesday, you can catch me at the Art Bar Valentine’s Night, along with Valentino Assenza, Rahul Gupta and an open mic. Cynthia Gould hosts.

Yeah, I know. Three males. Two of them white. Not the wokest of lineups. But that’s the way it worked out, so I say shrug and come and have a good time. Deets on the right sidebar.

And to put you in the Valentine’s mood, here’s an uplifting Valentine’s scene from the ultimate Valentine’s movie.

Seeya.

“They’re a rotten crowd. You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.”

Posted by Jeff on Jan 1st, 2020 in News | 0 comments

The twenties are back, everybody.
Yes, I know… the pedants are going to look at you condescendingly and sneer and say, “No. No. The new decade does not start until 2021. Stop behaving like a swine, you unsophisticated fool.” Well, to hell with them. Let’s start partying like we’re at the Gatsby mansion at midnight in 1924, or at the Overlook Hotel in 1921.

One year ago today, I began writing my novel, Hate Story.
I was hoping to have a full first draft completed well before now, but life always gets in the way. The good news is that I’m near 200 pages. More good news: next week, I’m supposed to start the Humber School for Writers mentorship program. Hopefully this program will help transform my book into something that fits into the widest outer realm of being publishable.

One year ago today, I began writing the opening chapter of Hate Story. Today, I hope to sit down again with that opening chapter and fix all of the many, many issues with it, before I show it to my mentor.

But I’m not writing this website update to tell you about all that. I’m here to tell you that Damon Lum is hosting yet another Ad Lib Talent Show for his birthday this month, and I’ll be one of the performers. I’ll read a piece of fiction there, though I haven’t decided what yet. More deets on the right sidebar.

Speaking of me and pieces of fiction: I recently had two short stories published on the website The Blake-Jones Review! Read them here:

“Way Out”
“Death Has a Laugh”

I also posted another story draft on Wattpad, which may amuse you:

“Stock Star”

And my recent theatre reviews for Digital Journal – The Flick, Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical and Second City’s current revue – are at this link.

And now… on with the twenties.
Here’s a video guide if you need it:

Ta ta.