The Writer's Life 12/19 - Next Phase

Hondo, the NY Post’s jokester pro football analyst, was in top form today. In lampooning Hollywood for pulling The Interview from theaters in light of a threat from an unknown source, he claims threats have also been leveled by frizzy-haired foster children regarding their portrayal in the latest production of Annie… And he dubbed leftist Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, who once claimed to be of American-Indian heritage in order to secure a job, Fauxcahontas… And in excoriating those who kowtow with mea culpas to the likes of Al Sharpton following tweets viewed as racist, he said: "...while the penitents shout Mayday! The Rev cries Payday!” Kudos, sir.

Gus Andreone, 103, is believed to be the oldest golfer to make a hole in one. He did it in Florida, using a driver off the tee of a 113 yard par three. The prior record is believed to be held by Elsie McLean, 102. It was Andreone’s eighth career ace. I guess there’s hope for the rest of us duffers who have never had one.

I’ve finished the proofing of my rock n roll epic, Rising Star. I found 32 errors, made changes regarding clarity, and added about a thousand words. I’ve also added a title page, and still have to add a dedication, acknowledgments, and About the Author to the file. I’m going with what my literary angel, Victoria Valentine, dubs a "poor man’s copyright." As soon as a work is published in one’s name, it is protected whether or not it is registered at the Library of Congress. After I’ve completed these final tasks, I will transfer the file to a PDF and scan it for errors in formatting. If there is something askew, I will have to figure out the problem and re-submit, unless the Create Space PDF creator allows me to correct errors. If it does, I may again read through the whole manuscript to eliminate any mistakes I’ve missed. Patience is a requisite in the literary quest.

Today marks the end of an era in Sheepshead Bay. The El Greco Diner, in business directly across from the bay for 40 years, is closing. The owners were offered a staggering 13 million for the property. Everyone assumes more condos will be going up. I couldn't think of a more ideal spot, unlike the one scheduled to be built on Sheepshead Bay Road, directly across the street from Delmar Pizzeria. Traffic there is always a mess. Once construction begins it will be infinitely worse. I hope they will be building a huge underground parking lot for the tenants.

I had no luck selling books today in the cold wind. My thanks to Marie, who donated several CDs, a DVD, a VHS and a book.

Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/