– Richard Thomas –

So it begins

Posted on January 2, 2009     Leave a Comment

A hug and kiss to the wife and kids, loaded up, gas, car washed and a fresh supply of crack in a cup, Starbuck Venti Mocha, and I am wanderlust.

Not bad. 178 miles from Mundelein to Champaign. Baymont hotel? Eh. Ok. But nice free wifi, so I can’t complain too much.

Lots of thoughts ran through my head as I cruised down here. Memories of college at the nearby Bradley University flash before my eyes, fast cuts of frat parties at DU and chasing girls. I pass fields of grass and wheat and corn. Or whatever it is they grow here. The road ahead darkens and I’m reminded of David Lynch’s “Lost Highway” and as always I wonder what life is like in these small towns. Been there. You’re terminal, or you want out. Fast.

Listening to the Sherman Alexie tale “The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian” as I cruise a straight line south. Very funny. Supposed to read it for classes. Behind. Between the magazine I’m editing at Colored Chalk, my job and family, and other writing commitments, I’m not done with the reading. Stupid book from Amazon didn’t get here in time, so I’m screwed on that one. Out of print. And the Poe? Ugh. Unreadable. Gonna surf for the cliffnotes, or wikinotes, and pray that is enough.

Well, short stories to read, the best of 2008. Awesome collection. If you don’t read this series, do it. Keeps you in touch as a writer with what is happening in the world of short stories, and pubs, and has been pretty good so far. TC Boyle, AM Homes, and others make this a good read.

Look forward to meeting my prof and mentor. I hear good things about the lady Pruitt, so I’m optimistic.

USC vs Penn on tv. I mean, my books to read. And I see a Taco Bell out the window. It is calling me. I am rather immune.

Peace,
Richard

MFA Here I Come

Posted on December 30, 2008     1 Comment

I head down to Murray, KY from Mundelein, IL on Friday.  Wish me luck.  Should be about a seven hour drive.  I’ve got some audiobooks, six CDs in the console, including Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” and every gadget, tool, and creature comfort I could stuff in the trunk.  Will be in the dorms.  That’s a hoot.  Haven’t done that in about…oh, 18 years.  Looking forward to wandering around the campus.

More to come.