iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

With me is singer-composer Kristin Hersh of the bands Throwing Muses and 50 Foot Wave. Her new solo “Sugar on Blackstone" displays her distinctive, impressionistic songwriting. Her 2010 book “Rat Girl” is considered one of rock’s finest memoirs. @kristinhersh.bsky.social tinyurl.com/2spss4e9

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

With me is Neil Selkirk, whose latest book is “Why Photographs?” a collection of observations by Neil and other artists including Berenice Abbott, Margaret Atwood, Richard Avedon and Diane Arbus. Could Neil's principles for outstanding photography be applied to prose? tinyurl.com/32mhm2m5

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

My guest is Neil Selkirk, whose latest book is “Why Photographs?” a collection of observations by Neil and other artists including Berenice Abbott, Margaret Atwood, Richard Avedon and Diane Arbus. Could Neil's principles for outstanding photography be applied to prose? tinyurl.com/32mhm2m5

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Trump and his operatives' attempt to spin what's happening with the Kennedy Center, but nothing they say can conceal that a bitter and petulant bully with zero interest in the Arts intends to destroy an institution that served a diverse and eager American audience.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Twenty-five years ago today, my debut novel was published. Little did I know that it would be the last novel set in downtown Manhattan published before the September 11 terrorist attacks. Without intending to, it depicted a New York that no longer existed by the time it reached most readers.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Happy 72nd bday, Elvis Costello. a.co/d/08w8Ed9k

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

With me on this new episode is David Hewson, author of several well-regarded mystery series and standalones, largely set across Europe, most notably Venice. At DavidHewson.com, he now features what he calls “Craft Notes," his weekly column on the craft of fiction writing. tinyurl.com/2hs3zbpn

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

“I’m ready now. Ready to have my fun. Ready to murder and create. Ready to enter my own world" - from "Favourite Hour" by Martyn Waites, one of 20 short stories in the new, expanded "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" (Writers at Work Books) that's on sale now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

“If you were Irish or a woman, you’d have more feel for vengeance than you do. But you’re neither" - from "Permanent Lent" by Peter Spiegelman, one of 20 short stories in the new, expanded "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" (Writers at Work Books) that's on sale now

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

"If you rattle the cage—something might come out and bite you" - from "I Want You" by Alex Segura @alexsegura.com, one of 20 short stories in the new, expanded "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" (Writers at Work Books) that's on sale now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

"Ernesto opened his arms to comfort her. Trina walked into his embrace. She looked over his shoulder at Bill’s boat. 'What should I change the name to?'” - from "Living in Paradise" by Raquel Reyes, in "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" on sale now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

"If you leave, it’ll make you look guilty." "And if I stay and they’ll figure out who I am?" - from "Accidents Will Happen" by Naomi Rand, one of 20 short stories in the expanded "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" (Writers at Work Books) that's available now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

"The life wheezing out of Treadmore, he fixated on water dripping from an outdoor faucet. If he’d been so inclined, he might have taken this as being symbolic" - from "My Aim is True" by Gary Phillips, one of 20 short stories in "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello."

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

"Lecky wasn’t averse to talking with strangers in bars, but he didn’t encourage it. You never knew what you were going to get." - from "Motel Matches" by George Pelecanos, one of 20 short stories in "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" that's available now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

"They agreed a long time ago not to waste any more of their lives wondering how she could be that way, what she got from it, why she had them at all when she loathed them so much" - from "Tramp the Dirt Down " by @catrionamcp.bsky.social in the Elvis Costello-inspired "Brutal & Strange."

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

“That’s it, Lum. Go sit in the shade, you’re nothing but a nuisance” - from "Busy Bodies" by Ed Lin, one of 20 short stories in the new, expanded "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" (Writers at Work Books) that's available now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

"He was afraid that he wasn’t going to be able to finish what he had started. But then how could he explain himself, what he was doing?" - from "Opportunity" by Reece Hirsch, one of 20 short stories in the expanded "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" available now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

My latest guest is Dervla McTiernan, the international best-selling mystery writer whose latest, “Three Reasons for Revenge,” is available now. A native of Ireland who now resides in Australia, she has a gift for developing setting as the springboard for character and plot. tinyurl.com/muczy77b

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

"All she’d done was take her own turn at the game of betrayal. Nothing had been broken that wasn’t doomed to be broken, by one of us, eventually" - from "Everyday I Write the Book" by Gar Anthony Haywood in "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" available now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

"As they were dancing slow and close in his room to a dreamy Chet Baker ballad, he said it, whispering. 'Do you?' she asked. 'Why?' 'You look good in blue.' 'Just blue?' She nipped at his ear." - from "Almost Blue" in "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" out now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

"But who is at their best in a situation of utter chaos, listening in darkness to voices tuned for intimidation and waiting for the sound of doors being battered down?" - from "Watching the Detectives" by Mary Anna Evans in "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello."

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

“In my experience, it’s always the husband.” “And what experience is that?” “You notice things in my line of work.” - from "Alison" by Mailan Doquang, one of 20 short stories in the new, expanded "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" that's available now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

"Strolling the dirty sidewalks, the stink of rotting garbage and exhaust fumes filling his head, he tried convincing himself it would all work out in the end. He didn’t believe it for a second" - from "You Belong to Me," a new story by Reed Farrel Coleman. Costello collection is available now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

An American saint with Pope Leo.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

"Not only had she said yes, she’d smiled and laughed through the meal, and not reared back in horror when his hand touched hers." - from "Waiting for the End of the World" by Peter Blauner @peterblauner.bsky.social in the new "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello."

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

“She’s got a reputation, OK.” “For what?” Sean puffed out his cheeks. “For making bad choices.” “I’m not a bad choice,” Jimmy said. - from "Our Little Angel" by Mark Billingham "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" (Writers at Work Books) available now.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

"Charlie thought she was stunning. He would give anything to be her victim" - "The Beat" by Raymond Benson @raymondbenson.bsky.social "The Beat" is one of 20 stories in the new, expanded "Brutal & Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" (Writers at Work Books) available now

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

We drew inspiration for the cover of our "Brutal & Strange" anthology from Elvis Costello's "Almost Blue" album cover which was inspired by Kenny Burrell's "Midnight Blue." You can now order "Brutal and Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" from your favorite bookseller.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

It's back and better than ever. The new edition of "Brutal and Strange: Stories Inspired by the Songs of Elvis Costello" (Writers at Work Books) includes new gems as well as those from the original edition. You can get a copy now via your favorite online or independent bookseller.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Jennifer DeVere Brody is the author of “Moving Stones: About the Art of Edmonia Lewis,” the 19th century Black and Native American sculptor. Here she discusses her view of Lewis and her unique, affecting work through a Black feminist and queer lens. tinyurl.com/y9nwvn9b

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

I speak with Wesley Brown, whose latest novel is “Looking for Frank Wills.” Wills was the security guard who, in June 1972, discovered the Watergate burglars mid-break-in. Wesley tells his story through the eyes of Wills’s barber. I found the technique winning and ingenious. tinyurl.com/3udar8py

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

"Crosby Stills & Nash" released on this date in 1969. Graham Nash discussed some of his songs on the album during his recent visit to Writers at Work. tinyurl.com/bdz5rdu3

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

From the Wall Street Journal archives: My Terrifyingly Gracious Meeting with Miles Davis, who would've turned 100 today. tinyurl.com/3f7sx85e

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

All praise for Alison Gaylin, Mary Anna Evans and Peter Blauner for their insightful comments on our panel on how to use music in fiction at CrimeCONN 2026 in Stamford CT.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

At this conference for mystery fans at the Ferguson Library on Saturday, May 16, in Stamford, CT, I'll moderatie a panel of award-winning authors who quite deftly use music to enrich their stories: Peter Blauner, Mary Anna Evans and Alison Gaylin. For more information visit tinyurl.com/32ze5yca

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

It's Record Store Day. While you're out hunting for worthy vinyl, add the following to your haul. Words and music by me, vocals by Suzanna Spring backed by the Black Canyon City Band produced by Kirk Pasich and Colin Devlin for Blue Élan Records. Based on my novel "A Song for Katy Shayne."

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Two days hence from 10 a.m. til noon. Stop by and say hello, OK?

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Published one year ago today. Thanks to all for your support and encouragement. What an amazing ride it's been.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

If you’re in town, stop by. I’ll be happy to see you.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

The Writers at Work hiatus is about to end, but I want to repost this episode with Johnny D. Boggs, a nine-time winner of the Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. I love Westerns but hadn't read a Western novel since "Lonesome Dove." Johnny changed all that. tinyurl.com/ytyx8ds9

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

I've appeared at this conference in years past and it's terrific. So well-organized, wonderful library easily accessed from throughout the tri-state area, a great lineup of well-known authors and so on. I don't know if I should say more, but I'll be leading an all-star panel. News to follow...

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

The Lone Star Cafe was the best country-music venue in New York. In my novel "A Song for Katy Shayne," Katy worked there - not as a musician, but as a waitress. More important to the story, she died nearby. Police say suicide, but after hearing her music decades later, a music critic has his doubts.

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Jim Fusilli @jimfusilli.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Madison Cunningham last night at Big Ears. An outstanding performance by a major talent.

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