I’ve mentioned before that I love One Story, yes? A recent issue of One Story was a piece by my MFA friend Rob Travieso. It was the best issue I’ve received so far, and I’m not just saying that because it’s the only one (so far) written by a friend.

(Nor am I just saying that because Rob beat me out for a fiction prize at the end of our final MFA semester and so therefore I have a vested interest in believing he’s really really good at what he does. Though I was, perhaps, cheated. That prize was, perhaps, rightfully mine. The judge was a short story writer, and I submitted a novel excerpt because I write novels, not so much with the stories, you see, and…and…and… I’LL SHOW YOU, ROBERT TRAVIESO!!! *shakes pale, delicate fist at the sky* Oh, the cruel, unjust universe… Oh my misunderstood genius…)

Yeah. Anyway. Rob’s a really really good writer, and his One Story story got a nice little write-up on Emerging Writers Network. Go check it out. Then check out One Story.

Second thing. You can still pre-order Light Boxes by Shane Jones. I haven’t read it yet, so I’m only plugging potential. I’d like to think that little robot hands are assembling my copy at the printer as I write this. Go to the book site and read the excerpt if you want to know why I’m looking forward to this book so much. Then pre-order the book. You know…if you want to. Bonus: you’ll get that warm, fuzzy, supporting a good author and an indie press feeling. And who doesn’t like that?

(No, I’m not stalking Shane Jones.)

(Really.)

(I’m stalking Caroline Leavitt.)

Third thing you might want to know, particularly if you live in Portland, Oregon, and have hair. My wonderfully talented hair stylist, Lu Devore of Gilly’s Salon, is offering a sale.

Mention you saw this ad here, and she’ll give you the discount. And then she’ll wave her hands around your head and completely transform you, so that all your exes will fall down and weep when you pass them on the street. I swear it. She’s that good.