Drake's Debut

I often here horror stories about great writers who don't get the media attention they deserve. But in the past few months Portland phenom, Monika Drake's name has been drizzling down to Atlanta. She has finally published her novel, Clown Girl: A Novel(hold your mouse over this title to see something cool.) And from what I've read so far she deserves all the praise. But I wonder...are most authors willing to put the time in like she has done, willing to work their own community before they want to go national? Maybe it's me. I don't feel like enough ATLaliens know about my writing. I haven't done any readings this year. I think I need to plug into town, host a spring reader series. Just thinking....Here's an excerpt. Note Clown Girl isn't Christian Fiction, so don't clown with me in the comments about it. Kay?

Chapter 1.

The Clown Falls Down; or, Sniffles Stumbles

An excerpt from the novel by MONICA DRAKE

Balloon Tying for Christ was the cheapest balloon manual I could find. The day I bought it, it was hidden on the lowest rung of a dusty spinner rack down at Callan's Novelties, snuggled alongside shopworn how-to guides: Travel Europe by Clown Circuit!, Rubber Vomit Skits for Beginners, and Latex: The Beauty of Cuts, Bruises, Scars, and Contusions.

Want to tie the Virgin Mary? Start with a light blue balloon. For Jesus, use Easter green. There are tips on tying a crucifix, a lamb, even a Sacred Heart in two sizes, big or small. Ooo la la! These tricks are simple but smart. The grand finale is the pietÀ, Mary with a grown Jesus sprawled across her lap in a four-balloon extravaganza like a tangled link of sausages, or a Japanese bondage trick. The pietÀ or bondage, sacred and profane; in balloon art the two are that close together, one thin twist.