You know about Watching the Detectives, my novel-in-progress that is coming right along, that I have read from on the podcast? (It’s been simmering rather than cooking because I have to work around chronic illness and disability; my body dictates how much gets done, unfortunately. Same reason I don’t have a huge backlog on my beloved podcast. I do what I can with what I have.) Well, I have done some lovely editing on it today, plus written 3000 words, and I have organized plus written 1900 words on a new, secret collaborative horror project that I am so excited about! Sent those off to my fellow writer, and we are moving right along, hopefully this weekend. I am beyond thrilled, and cannot wait to tell you all about it.
I have been listening to my Detectives playlist—the music that either moves the plot or that the characters listen to—and I have to link and quote this one to start your weekend. It always makes me laugh. Following it will be the three podcast episodes (so far) so you can listen to Watching the Detectives as it develops. They are here, as is the whole podcast, for paid members (five dollars a month, a cup of coffee, hey o), or everywhere you catch your pods, including Spotify and Audible. So may I present Vampire Weekend in their continued satire and takedown of the privileged classes, “Oxford Comma” (and its shoutout to Lil Jon):
“Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?
I’ve seen those English dramas too, they’re cruel
So if there’s any other way to spell the word
It’s fine with me
Why would you speak to me that way?
Especially when I always said that I
Haven’t got the words for you
All your diction dripping with disdain
Through the pain, I always tell the truth
Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?
I climbed to Dharmasala, I did
I met the highest Lama
His accent sounded fine to me
Take your handbook, it’s no trick,
Take the Chapstick, put it on your lips,
Crack a smile, adjust my tie,
Know your boyfriend, unlike other guys
Why would you lie ‘bout how much coal you have?
Why would you lie about something dumb like that?
Why would you lie ‘bout anything at all?
First the window, then it’s to the wall
Lil Jon, he always tells the truth
Check your passport, it’s no trick
Take the Chapstick, put it on your lips
Crack a smile, adjust my tie
Know your butler, unlike other guys
Why would you lie ‘bout how much coal you have?
Why would you lie about something dumb like that?
Why would you lie ‘bout anything at all?
First the window, then it’s to the wall
Why would you tape my conversations?
Show your paintings at the United Nations
Lil Jon, he always tells the truth”
Episodes for Watching the Detectives:
There Might Be Cupcakes Episode 14: Watching the Detectives
There Might Be Cupcakes Episode 28: Watching the Detectives Part 2
There Might Be Cupcakes Episode 57: Watching The Detectives: Gwendy and Ex
Watching the Detectives: 14
Listen now (64 min) | In which Carla reads to you from her novel, Watching the Detectives, which is based upon a missing-person true crime case. And they were all rich. Rich in looks, rich in opportunity, rich in already wasted opportunities, rich in network, and rich in funds. And rich in frustrations, many of which they could not even name.
Watching the Detectives, Part 2: 28
Listen now (67 min) | In which Carla reads from her own novel-in-progress, continuing from Episode 14: Watching the Detectives, Part 1 In this investigative vacuum, the public and the press are left to fill in the space with theories, and that is exactly what is occurring. On the Tyler College campus, factions continue to escalate via old-fashioned flyers and digital back-an…
Watching the Detectives: Gwendy and Ex: 57
Listen now (53 min) | In which Carla reads again from her novel-in-progress, Watching the Detectives. And they were all rich. Rich in looks, rich in opportunity, rich in already wasted opportunities, rich in network, and rich in funds. And rich in frustrations, many of which they could not even name.