Book Launch Party!

On Tuesday, December 1, 2009, Simon & Schuster hosted the launch party for Charlie Murphy's new memoir, THE MAKING OF A STAND-UP GUY at Jay-Z's 40/40 club on West 25th Street in Manhattan. Many talented comedians and stars were in attendance, including Paul Mooney and Ice T. It was a great event and Charlie was most gracious and generous in his gratitude for the work we did together to tell his story and shape a book he could be proud to show the world. Charlie also went so far as to thank my wife for allowing me the time away from my family to work hard on making all our deadlines for the project. Charlie is a true stand-up guy and a class act. Check out his story. You won't be disappointed.

On the Set of "Grown Ups"

In June 2009, I got the opportunity to hang with Rob Schneider for a week in Essex, MA on the set of the new Adam Sandler/Happy Madison film "Grown Ups" (forthcoming from Sony/Paramount). Rob (in character above) was an extremely gracious host. Currently, we are collaborating on a variety of writing projects, including a new feature screenplay -- a western starring Rob as a reluctant gunslinger.

Lionsgate Options "God & California"

In July 2009, Lionsgate Films renewed its option on my second novel, "God & California" for a feature film. "G & C" was my graduate thesis at Goddard College, VT.

Charlie Murphy Memoir

This spring I collaborated with Charlie Murphy on his upcoming memoir "The Making of a Stand-Up Guy," forthcoming on December 1, 2009 from Simon Spotlight. Charlie is a funny guy, and a really good dude. "Chappelle's Show" made him famous, but his life before that breakout hit was, in Charlie's own words, "no sitcom." Check out Charlie's story when it hits the shelves this fall to learn more about this hard-working, fascinating entertainer.

"Tackling Larry Csonka" Screenplay

In early 2009, I optioned my original screwball caper comedy feature screenplay, "Tackling Larry Csonka," to Ocean Size Pictures. This story was a direct result of my first dinner with Lionsgate president, Mike Paseornek, who recounted a story from years ago when he tried to bring down the Hall of Fame halfback out of pure, drunken curiosity. He failed.

The idea for this over-the-top comedy haunted me until I had to get it on paper. This is the most fun I've ever had so far as a writer.

"Small Apartments" moves forward...

Rob Schneider is attached to star in the film adaptation of my first novel, "Small Apartments," for which I also wrote the screenplay. Michael Philip ("Drop Dead Sexy") is set to direct. Production and distribution partners include Deviant Film (QBlack Media), Amuse (with William Morris Agency), and Film Tiger. More info as it develops.

"Orange" - A Poem to be Celebrated

I fear that my first, and only, published poem debuted in such an obscure literary volume that I am robbing dozens of the opportunity to experience it. I therefore provide this link. Enjoy "Orange," a guaranteed tonic for word scurvy. I await my MacArthur Fellowship Genius Grant.