The Philadelphia Rock and Roll Coffin Blues

In my editor's letter this week, I talk about why I'm never hurting for novel ideas and why I'm thinking about fleeing Philadelphia (sort of), along with a little bit of shameless self-promotion.

Every week I'm treated to a cornucopia of plot ideas that seemingly belong in the world of crime thrillers, but routinely happen in real life. My problem is that I can't use very many ideas from real life, because no book editor would believe them.

In this past week alone, we've had ...

... the mayor's brother, currently indicted by the federal government, and who recently spent a few hours in jail for unpaid traffic tickets, standing outside City Hall, draped over a coffin of unknown origin, belting out a religious song with the emotion and vigor of an Italian opera star.

... private eyes, partially bankrolled by a casino, knocking on people's doors because they signed their name on a petition.

... teachers routinely being slapped, punched and beaten to the point of needing dental surgery at West Philadelphia High; meanwhile, a Germantown High teacher is recovering from having his neck snapped by a student.

You can read the whole thing at www.citypaper.net. And while you're there, take a look at the kick-butt music package, assembled by Patrick Rapa and shot by Michael T. Regan. Especially you young crazy kids who are into the rock and roll. Or, if you're a bracket-head, sign up for Nick Norlen's Philly Madness! Or, if you're into machine guns and blow, go on a Scarface date!