For video excerpts and more information visit mrfooster.com ]]> http://doubleday.com/2008/07/08/audio-interview-with-tom-corwin-and-craig-frazier/feed/ http://doubleday.com/2008/06/17/mr-fooster-traveling-on-a-whim-by-tom-corwin-and-craig-frazier/ http://doubleday.com/2008/06/17/mr-fooster-traveling-on-a-whim-by-tom-corwin-and-craig-frazier/#comments Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:16:36 +0000 Sonia http://doubleday.com/?p=148 “I try to carry a Pocket Journal Moleskine with me at all times to be ready to write or sketch…I started sketching Mr. Fooster in October 2005 shortly after Tom Corwin presented me with his initial draft of the text. I eventually decided to do pen-and-ink drawings rather than my more graphic style that I employ in my commercial work. Pen-and-ink seemed to be appropriate to the journal quality of the story and the romance of the character.” To read more about Craig’s illustrations and Moleskine Journals, click here. Visit moleskine.com.

Rave reviews for Mr. Fooster:

• “This tasty little novella is a wonderful little read, easily devoured in one sitting, though it stays with you after you put the book down.” — Comics Waiting Room 3.0
• “There is a clever equilibrium between shear simplicity and profound meaning that is sure to provoke emotion from you.” —Static Multimedia
• Mentions on book-blog.com and Bookingmama.com

Visit mr.fooster.com to watch video excerpts and much more.

Watch more video excerpts at mrfooster.com.

1. Do you think it is a coincidence or a pattern that Maria, who had an abusive father, then found a man who abused her?
2. This leads us to consider the next generation: might Natalie’s life turn out differently through having known Sebastian?
3. Do you think Maria could have found her way out of her abusive relationship without the support of her sister? Does breaking out of a box of abusive control rely heavily on the support of others, and from having someone mirror back a different reality?
4. Similarly, how differently do you think Sebastian’s life would have turned out without the support of Delilah?
5. Do you understand the decisions Sebastian’s mother made when he was young? Do you forgive her for her actions?
6. In what ways do the themes of this novel match those of West Side Story? Did the novel’s nod to this famous story effect your reading of it and if so, how?
7. In your experience, is there a fine line between love and possession? Can the two be easily confused? What different kinds of love are illustrated in the novel?
8. How are Sebastian and Maria alike and how are they different? If they had met under happier circumstances, do you think they would still have fallen in love?
9. How important are your childhood memories to you? Is there a single memory you feel defines who you are?
10. How did you feel about the way the novel ended? Was it as you expected? Would you have preferred a different outcome?

Watch a video excerpt of Chapter 2 and visit mrfooster.com.

In his book, as yet untitled, Shaffer will share his behind-the-scenes experiences as a musician, arranger, composer, comedian, and actor, from his days on NBC’s Saturday Night Live in the late 1970s, through his twenty-five-plus year association with Letterman, first as musical director and leader of “The World’s Most Dangerous Band” for Late Night with David Letterman (1982-1993) and ever since as musical director and bandleader of “The CBS Orchestra” on Late Show with David Letterman.

An erstwhile cast-member of SNL’s legendary “Not Ready for Primetime Players” (e.g. his recurring dead-on Don Kirshner impression) in addition to being the show’s keyboardist and composer of special musical material, Shaffer also served as musical director for John Belushi’s and Dan Aykroyd’s “The Blues Brothers.” He will share colorful stories about his SNL days as well as his forays into acting, including his role as the hapless local radio promotion man “Artie Fufkin” in the seminal mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, his work as a composer (including how he came to write the now-classic Gay anthem “It’s Raining Men”), and his experiences performing and recording with many of the world’s greatest musicians, both on David Letterman’s series and in his capacity as musical producer for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony since its inception in 1986.

Shaffer had this to say: “These anecdotes have been accumulating in my mind for the past three-plus decades; it’s been a nutty ride, and I felt it imperative to finally commit my reflections to the page … at least Volume One.”

David Ritz, the only four-time winner of the Ralph Gleason/Rolling Stone Music Book of the Year Award, will collaborate with Shaffer on the writing of the book, which is anticipated to be published in hardcover in 2009.

The deal was negotiated by Flying Dolphin’s Publisher Suzanne Herz, Ritz’s agent David Vigliano of Vigliano Associates, who brought the three parties together, and Shaffer’s longtime manager Eric Gardner of Panacea Entertainment. Herz acquired North American, first serial, and audio rights to the book. Stacy Creamer, Vice President, Executive Editor of Doubleday, will edit the book.
“Paul Shaffer is an enormously accomplished musician and a versatile entertainer who has won the affection of millions of loyal fans for his unique blend of talents and signature sense of humor,” said Suzanne Herz. “Readers will delight in his wit and in the unique perspective on the world of show business that he will bring to his book.”

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David Drake
Vice President, Executive Director of Publicity Broadway Books