Notes from Empire Underground

Upheavals and Unexpecteds

2012-02-20T12:09:00.001-08:00

Well, kind readers lots of things going on and much has changed. Book #3 PORCUPINE SKIN has encountered some specific release difficulties so it doesn't look like the March release date will happen. What a pain in the ass this particular wordchild has become! I should have known. I don't exactly write stuff that everyone approves of! Oh well, c'est la vie. I will keep you up to date on it's actual release fo'sho'.
This change in pub date has necessitated a mass cancellation of the original book tour. So we'll also have to see what happens with all of that.We may be looking at a 2013 tour at the earliest. This kind of sucks but shit happens in the publishing world and it's currently beyond my control so I will do the healthy thing and Just Let Go.
Sorry to disappoint Kind Readers but rest assured PORCUPINE SKIN will be released sometime in 2012. And this Wordman still has a lot of great material to share with you through all the other mediums available. Specifically the website at: www.fjgouldner.com
Hope to see you there and stay tuned for new blogjams, Live Chats, and just my general, controversial web presence. And as always thank you for your continued support!!!
Peace,
F.J.G.

The Genesis of the Kitchen Sink Books

2012-02-11T14:16:00.001-08:00

As a writer there are so many topics to write about. My goal is to avoid the prison of one, single topic in my books. Life is too rich......

I want my writing to resemble an unbridled circus performance with several different things going on at exactly the same time ...........

FJG-Wordman

2012-02-08T14:23:00.001-08:00

NEWSFLASH: Release date for PORCUPINE SKIN may be postponed.
Unforeseen editorial issues. I'll keep you posted Kind Readers!

FJG-Wordman

Twitter Microfiction Project

2012-01-11T09:59:00.001-08:00

New Micro-Fiction project over at www.twitter.com/fjgouldner
A new micro-story every day from 1/11 to 1/20 check it out!

2011-12-10T11:27:00.001-08:00

Hey there Kind Readers! Working diligently on the planning of the next book. I know! Book #4 already? Book #3 hasn't even been released yet. I'm also planning the Spring/Summer Red, White, and Blue Trilogy book tour. It will apparently run from April thru June and it should be a blast! Hope to see all of you out on the road folks! The definitive itinerary will appear here, on twitter, audioboo, and facebook soon.
And of course, Porcupine Skin still has the March 2012 release date attached.
However, I'm toying with the idea of a short, limited edition companion book to Porcupine Skin entitled:

Miniature Symphonies

This one will have a limited print run and will only be available to order from the website: www.fjgouldner.com
I'm always thinking of you folks!
There will definitely be free giveaways and such after both book releases so stay tuned.
Lots to ponder!
As always, thank you for your continued support.

Peace,
Wordman

Family and Frenemies

2011-12-02T12:28:00.001-08:00

If you claim to be a friend or family but for some reason refuse to help a person in their time of need, remove yourself from both of those columns.
I'm not talking about the idiots that continually fuck up and expect to be bailed out. The retards that make poor choices and then expect family and friends to wipe their asses for them.
I'm talking about the folks that for one reason or another got the short end of the stick. Shitty economy, impromptu loss of job, or some other unforeseen ridiculousness.
What I'm saying is, if you are a friend or family member that refuses to lend a hand out of selfishness or inconvenience to your precious way of life or delicate schedule GO FUCK YOURSELF!!!
And if you do help but make the person feel small, unworthy, or a bothersome burden FUCK YOU TOO!!!
If you can say that you have been treated better by a total stranger than friends or family it's time to re-evaluate and clean house!
This should not be happening.
Your family and friends are not who they say they are.
Or at the very least THEY'RE FUCKING ASSHOLES!!!
Please start telling them where it's at.
Could you do this one little thing for me?
Please and thank you.

2011-11-26T19:17:00.001-08:00

PORCUPINE SKIN is finished Kind Readers! Quite the ride it was....
The release date is set for March 2012 so I hope you'll all show your presence out on the book tour this spring as well as ordering the book from your favorite bookstore or online outlet.
Your continued support continues to astound me!
Thanks a million......
Peace,
F.J.G.

PORCUPINE SKIN

2011-11-22T09:22:00.001-08:00

Only 5 more writing days left Kind Readers!!!
PORCUPINE SKIN
Coming Soon
March
2012

2011-11-18T19:15:00.001-08:00

Here is the Promo Card for my second book ESCAPE THE LANDSCAPE. Better late than never!

2011-11-13T09:25:00.001-08:00

Here's a relatively interesting blog post Kind Readers. Yesterday I had two transporting gigs with the Cadillac Escalade. The two of them couldn't have been more opposite!
The first was a couple of Irish business people. Nice enough but trite and utterly BORING! They had apparently flown over to the States to break out a can of whoop ass on a lazy American sister company that wasn't producing up to their potential. If I had to take business trips and talk about that type of nonsense my head would've exploded long ago!
The second gig was the drummer Charlie Morgan. 13 years with Elton John, current drummer of the 70's soft rock powerhouses Orleans. Come on, everyone loves their tune Still the One! Morgan was awesome! He sat with me right up front and we talked music, gadgets, and general artistry for the two hour drive. A gentleman, and an interesting chap all the way.
In summation, if you have to travel do it with a musician! You may avoid suicidal tendencies and the urge to reach back and throttle the bullshit out of someone.
Peace!!!

2011-10-21T16:23:00.001-07:00

Another transporting gig Kind Readers. Seems that this is a good time to produce another blog post. Just recently I was asked how long I had been writing. A funny question actually from a person who never knew I wrote in the first place. But I answered graciously and surprised myself even; "Round about 30 years or so give or take a few detours and side projects along the way."
It was so funny because the person who asked didn't have to utter a word and I knew what he was thinking. 30 years! 30 years and you're not famous yet? Shit, time to pack it in pal. If I wasn't famous after 30 years of doing any art I'd pack it in!
But you see Mr. some of us just can't.
Some of us are blessed or cursed (depending upon how you look at it) and we have to do it whether we like it or not.
Welcome to the world of the true artist!

2011-10-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Out in Old Forge, NY today for a Transporting Gig.
A kind shout out to Joy, the young woman at "VIEW" who
was gracious enough to let me look around the Gallery.
I found her with a book in her hands, sitting peacefully
behind the counter waiting for the last wedding of the season
to wind to a close. Keep reading Joy!!!
Try some FJG!

2011-10-08T10:57:00.001-07:00

Today is such a beautiful day! I think i'll get some work done. Which consists of; Checking on the fellas at the 3/4 house, going to the office to get session notes done, and then some writing for PORCUPINE SKIN. But not before dropping Lew (my 13 year old) off at his buddy's house for Nerf Wars (totally wish I could play!), finish off this delicious Pumpkin Spice coffee to recuperate from yesterday's 13 hour NYC transporting gig, and spend the rest of the day with two of my best girls (Kay and Lila) before going back to the 3/4 house tonight for check in, paperwork, and more writing for PORCUPINE SKIN. Then tmrw. drive up to Potsdam State to take my Roxich out for her 18th birthday meal with the whole brood! You see, I'm not just a Writer, Counselor, and Transporter I'm also SUPERDAD!!! Did I mention Aikido Training?

2011-09-27T20:57:00.001-07:00

Ok so 1 autobiographical piece and 1 twilight zonish piece of fiction tonight. I love being a Wordman!!! I work 3 regular jobs to be able to still provide for La Famille and to keep my integrity as a Writer.
If I drop dead at least I can say I never gave up! Book #3 out Feb. 2012 Kind Readers!!!
Buy that bitch so I can work less.......,

2011-09-18T17:50:00.001-07:00

Sitting here thinking about all I do and what is important to me in this life. Independent writer, counselor, transporter, husband, father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson etc.
What is most important to me in all of this? Honor, loyalty, selflessness, lack of laziness, helping those who truly need it, respect, kindness (even when this means being harsh and truthful), and the unmistakeably most important virtue of all....

......giving when doing so would slightly alter the lifestyle you wish to lead!!!
Most people are not willing to give. Including (perhaps especially) family. If giving means sacrificing one iota of their free time or way of life you can pretty much forget it. Look elsewhere and seek understanding and help from another source.
I was also thinking about the counseling position I just resigned from (I'll be starting my new gig twrw. at 9am.). I will miss the people but the paperwork and caseload were utterly ridiculous! When a Counselor is doing the work of 3 counselors there are a few options; 1. PAY THEM! No not a piddly ass right out of college salary. Some real bread folks!!! 2. RECOGNIZE BURNOUT! Put the poor bastard on hold so they can catch their breath!!! 3. REVAMP THE BROKEN SYSTEM! Re-create the way you do things. A facility is only as strong as it's weakest link!!!

Dissatisfaction creates either change or a grudge.
Are you willing to change?
Am I willing to realize that some things will never change?
Will people stop being so ignorant?
Will I stop being so demanding?
Will people ever truly realize what is important in this life?
I sincerely doubt it.
Then why keep trying?

Because I have to.

2011-09-03T21:12:00.001-07:00

Decisions, decisions.....
Well, not really Kind Readers. My decision was made for me by an overzealous paper pusher that hasn't an ounce of imagination or memory in her head (She forgot what it was like to be a Counselor now that she has become a Director)!
You see I am not only a writer folks but also a father of seven that works 3 jobs other than writing to put morsels in the hatchlings mouths.
I am a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor at 2 different facilities as well as a Limo Driver aka Transporter for a private shop in this proud city of Uterus, Putica, I mean Utica!
Just yesterday said paper pusher stepped into my office demanding that something be done. Her manner was brusque, rash, and rudely dismissive. As only an unimaginative corporate burnout could be. I sat at my desk for a moment, weighing just what she had regurgitated from her ass kissing lips, and I promptly finished the paperwork she had asked for the day before, followed swiftly by my resignation and 2 week notice.
This is just one more episode in a career filled with them.
As a Substance Abuse Professional for the past 8 years I can safely say that Counselors are overworked,(which is a gross understatement to say the very least) underpaid, and undervalued. Valuable clinicians are slave driven relentlessly with caseloads upwards of 50+ when the NYS max is supposed to be no more than 35. I have seen women (and men!) put their heads down on their desks and cry because the workload is simply impossible for one person to manage.
And they are not just crying because of the workload, they are crying because their job is pretty much threatened on a daily basis!
I have also seen many cases where this overload is taken out on the clients rather than management. Yes, an unsuspecting person who has supposedly entered treatment for help with a substance abuse problem becomes an unwitting whipping boy for a totally unexperienced (with life and any kind of personal knowledge of the disease of addiction) overworked, harried functionary that cares more about getting their paperwork done than helping their clients heal and learn the tools and techniques they will need to stay clean and sober. But of course this is not the Counselor's fault. It is management's fault as well as the governing body of all certified treatment facilities in New York State, yes OASAS is to blame for allowing these practices to continue year in and year out, unabated now for appoximately 50 or so years.
It is high time someone popped a hole in the bubble of these private agencies. No more insane caseloads, no more being afraid for your job on a daily basis, no more (and I mean NO FUCKING MORE!) at will clause where the administration can fire you for no reason whatsoever. Sorry but that shit is fucking unlawful!!!
And especially, no more worrying about paperwork and money over the welfare of our fellow human beings whom we have sworn to help.
Private substance abuse facilities need to be unionized. This is the only way quality care can be instituted and maintained for the people who so desperately need it.
Stop lining the pockets of the select few at the expense of the many.
We are more powerful than the various administrations in our respective facilities folks. Stop letting fear dictate your actions. It's time to rise up and stop this nonsense so we can perform the important work we were meant for.
NYS Substance Abuse Professionals unite!!!

2011-08-20T22:33:00.001-07:00

Sitting here outside of the Vernon Downs Casino performing my 3rd job (Transporter aka Limo Driver) and dealing with a mixture of stupidity, extreme drunkenness, and a strange sort of kindness from the Bride and Groom (the only two still able to communicate properly). I have no idea how in the hell I ever partied for so long! It all seems pretty ridiculous now. What was I thinking? Oh, yeah, I wasn't! Man it's good to be clean and sober. I truly never want to go back to that nonsense. I'll just drive and let others make fools of themselves. And of course..... take their money. I wish the bride and groom all the luck in the world. A few words of advice: DO NOT let alcohol into your marriage!

2011-08-14T19:22:00.001-07:00

Today I wondered how all this time could have passed. I was listening to the albums Screaming for Vengeance and Number of the Beast and a friend pointed out that 29 years had gone by since I first heard them. Holy Fucking Shit! I thought. 29 years! Where the hell has the time gone?
When I first heard these seminal metal records vinyl was still hanging tough, Reagan had pretty much just set foot in the White House, and the cold war was still raging.
I was a rough little juvenile delinquent and my father had just passed away. I had no idea what was in store for me. My life as a serious writer was 2 years away from beginning and booze was one of my first loves. I had just stepped away from the Catholic Church I was brought up in and was convinced that there had to be some other way. God, and my mother, were going to be extremely pissed.

2011-08-11T21:42:00.001-07:00

Shot!!! All moved into the new digs and still boxes everywhere..... Moving blows! However, the house is a lot bigger and the new writing space is motivating. I'm gonna need it if book #3 is gonna be done by Feb.
It is definitely good to be back in da hood!
Spent the last 7 years in neighborhoods with little or no color in the North Country and Chadwicks. I like color, it's what makes the world an interesting place. Utica is a perfect little city. Lots of color, charachters, and a whole lotta fodder for the storytelling canon............

2011-07-31T20:55:00.001-07:00

There is a strange thing that happens with the Underground Writer when he is confronted with the prospect that he may not be a commercial success EVER! He either continues his craft and creates great work regardless or he gives up and makes everyone realize he was never really a writer at all. Just a dabbler hoping for some quick fix and his fleeting 15 minutes of fame.
Writers write no matter what their level of success, they have no choice. Authors write for money and to be noticed.
I would never turn down money for my work. Never have, never will. I'm not stupid! But I will always write the way I want. I will never conform. And if that keeps me underground then hand me a fucking torch baby!!!

2011-07-29T19:40:00.001-07:00

Hey Kind Readers FJG here for a quick first blog update. The reason why I entitled it Notes from Empire Underground is simply because I hail from the Empire State and I am still (and at heart always will be) an underground writer. Although I have published 2 books to date (Mindscreams and Escape the Landscape) and have a 3rd being released in Feb. 2012 (Porcupine Skin) I will remain a product of NY State's underground literary scene. That's the place that spawned me and I will remain loyal. Shit, Dostoyevsky's turn of the century Russia has nothing on some of the charachters I've run into here in old NY! Stay tuned Kind Readers lots more to come.....