Well, the fact that these questions trouble you is itself what will ensure that your writing is good, and will avoid all those self-indulgences.
Can't wait to read it!

I can't wait for the new book James, I love how your mind works! I promise to purchase several copies of your new book and hand them out to everyone I know. Love you, love reading your blog, can't wait for the book! : P

Ah, but sometimes you can get an audience who never says enough. Example: John Irving. He's ridiculous, and still has a following. I'm pretty certain that you could let your characters take over the book and things would turn out quite well. Besides, there can never be too many pouty pool boys. OH, even better. Geeks who are really pouty pool boys when they take off their glasses. And also evil twin fishing boat captains.

Chin up James. Everyone wants the things you are describing. Good for you, writing this post and letting your friends/fans in on whats going on with you. The idea of fiction boggles this* writers mind, but you are talented enough to pull it off. :D

James, are you still trying to pull off that "I'm 39" routine? Talk about fiction.

Anywho, I can't wait to read your new book - I know it'll be a hit. Well, at the very least it'll be fun to read. You've got that aspect of writing down to a science.

YCKTR, you old bitch...

I need a GOOD book right now more than ever!!! Hurry up please!!!

KISSES JAMES!!!

OMG! Urethra hunny! Are you all right? I messaged the good people at WOW and asked them to keep a good thought for you because you are from New Orleans. I'm so glad you are posting again. *hugs

*I guess I should say I emailed them earlier today about you when I saw the news.

This housewife with 3 kids cannot wait for your book to be done. I love your writing style, fact or fiction - kisses - M

Hey Liz--im doing as well as possible at this point---just trying to keep some sanity by hanging around here b/c the coverage is too overwhelming for me--this is the only "happy place" i have right now under the conditions--i should be able to go home for a shot while on monday--but then i cannot return for at least a month---so who knows what the coming weeks have in store for me---but at least now i know what happened to the thank you card JAMES sent to me---its been washed away in the waters!!! *smiles thru the tears* KISSES guys!!

Hey Uree, keep smiling girlfriend. I'm just glad that you're safe! I miss our little chats on AIM. E me your # so I can call ya!!
mwoah!

James, Honey, Sweetie Pie- when have you EVER been the least bit concerned with having your audience say "enough"? (Which is what I love about you.)

man v. himself; man v. nature; man in picture hat v. poolboy...what form will the conflict take?! My breath is baited, James - you could give us a lil hint...Are you telling us that's the poolboy's skull? Ooooo murder mystery!?

oh the power james! don't let it corrupt you, remember, you can take your characters anywhere you want, you just need consistancy

can't wait for the new book swwet James!! keep on keeping on!!

can't wait for the new book sweet James!! keep on keeping on!!

Hurry James, Hurry with that book. Not meaning to rush perfection, but I need something good right now :p I loved your last book, and I have been waiting for another fix of JSJ ever since. In what time frame can we expect to see this new venture?

Keep in mind that writing is art, and that when people feel forced or pressured by outsiders or even your own self discipline, (Which yes, James anyone who reads between the lines knows very well that you have loads)
to perform or express their art when the heart is momentarily lacking is when I begin having the thoughts that you seem to be battling.
The right ideas that will bring out the Jane Austen in all of us will come to you if you keep your eyes open and your head semi-clear,..It will come to you in unexpected places and times,...But rarely when you sit down and force yourself to consider options. I usually will sit down to write after I have most of the concepts figured,..you referred your dilemma as "Giving Birth?" Then "Conception" needs to come first, Correct? WAIT,..don't force it,...like trying to have an orgasm after a week long coke binge,...When your numb,.. Relax,...go out and get yourself a bit of friction,..the twists will come followed by the words, then goes pen to paper.....That's when (For me) you can be flowery with your framework as your ideas are optimistically conceived, and now onto the really fun part.
Idealistically, none of it should be agonizing, I guess I would feel like I was "Doing it wrong" if I was tortured about art. (Of course, just my opinion!) Whatever you do is going to be fabulous James because people love you FOR YOU. You write or have written in the past like you're speaking to us,..even if your composition M.O. changes, your way of communicating is what draws us,..so on with the show,..
Truly, James.....you really can't lose.
Looking forward to your book (But take your time :0) -Shea!

James. I've been reading this for a while now, I'm one of those gauche midwesterners who would have dropped everything to move out to NYC and live the excess for a while (if I had been old enough) . . . but I work in opera . . . and I was in NYC for about 6 weeks this March . . . little did I know I was staying with a friend in an apt. about 3 blocks from the Avalon (nee Limilight) . . . and from what I read . . . it means you're writing one hell of a good book. If you're actually *feeling* it, or *living* it . . . you're on the right track. I read Disco Bloodbath in one afternoon . . . and I love it. You're so painfully honest with your readers . . . and you have one hell of an instinct for when to introduce a bit of comedy in an otherwise very tense situation. I'm one hell of a storyteller . . . but only for other people's stories. You're one hell of a storyteller, but it all comes from you. Bravo James. I can't wait to read it.

okay people, is crudo really the albert crudo of a coupla white ninja vixens???

Yes, unless someone else signed his name to the comment and then linked his website.

JSJ & Paula, If you head into Crudo's "Links" section you will see a nod towards "The World of Wonder Website...."
If that helps you decide....

Sorry I must have "Tossed" my "Cookies" or something, my type key I.D. was missing,...
The above was from me, Shea,...Sowwee.

i know!! this is unbelievable!!! i am SO excited!!! i think albert crudo should be a fashion designer like richie rich and betsey johnson!! his style is so super duper ramarama. and to anonymous, well you can never assume something. it's always best to know what is and what is not.

Intuition and experience often times help in deciphering between what is and what isn't,..with the exception of dealing with human beings,...
In my opinion,..JUST when you think you know, What is, or What is not, "IT" changes,..sometimes because THEY change or because YOU change. "Perception is key" ESPECIALLY in ART. As you grow things change.

Remember the guy on the roof of the building who can see a few blocks further than the guy on the 20th floor? Doesn't make the guy on the 20th floor wrong,..just means the guy on the roof has a better view.
How's that for CONFUSING!?
I am lovin the Crudo style as well, in the "Forces of Nature" section the peacock feather guy,..reminded me of L. Bowery. See,..and that was MY perception, no is or is not, there. But I respect your opinion, glad you commented, it made me think.

eh? lol!!

I can't wait to read all about your character in your new book, too. I will definitely buy it when if comes out... if I have the money of course.