'As a Machine & Parts' by Caleb J. Ross
Synopsis: Mitchell, a twenty-something cougar cub, wakes each morning next to his midlife girlfriend, living an ever-thinning line between human and machine. As his literal condition progresses he looses his capacity for human emotion, and potentially with it, Marsha. As a Machine and Parts is a story of Mitchell’s struggle to discover which assembly line he belongs to.
What makes As a Machine and Parts especially unique is the way it integrates illustrative elements to render the story beyond the conventional textual style. As Mitchell morphs from human to machine, the text changes with him, evolving (devolving?) from a handwritten style to a typed style and ultimately to a schematic diagram. Throughout, the pages reflects Mitchell’s change, immersing the reader in ways that traditional print storytelling cannot.
About The Author: Caleb J Ross has a BA in English Literature and creative writing from Emporia State University. His fiction and nonfiction has appeared widely, both online and in print. He is the author of Charactered Pieces: stories (OW Press), Stranger Will: a novel (Otherworld Publications, 2011), I Didn’t Mean to Be Kevin: a novel (Black Coffee Press, 2012), and As a Machine and Parts (Aqueous books, 2011). He is an editor at Outsider Writers Collective and moderates The Velvet Podcast, which gathers writers for round table discussions on literature.
I'm stoked with the turnout we got these last two months. You guys are great! Let's make this one just as good as the last two. Caleb will be joining in.
Discussion will start January 15th.
Order the book here:
http://aqueousbooks.com/author_pages/13_ross.htm
Get to reading!
And starting today, you can also pre-order his New Novel, "I Didn't Mean to be Kevin," right here: http://www.blackcoffeepress.net/
If you order Caleb's Novel before December 31st, you can get a two books for $20 deal at Aqueous Books.
So dive in and do it!
So I don't really know too much about Ross but I just was listening to older episodes of "Booked" podcasts Nd came across the one on Stranger Will. Sounded so good I just ordered the kindle edition for my iPad. Also ordered his Character Pieces. Both are only 2.99. Just a heads up.
Wow everyone, thank you so much for the kind words. I can wait to lurk around for the January discussion.
It has been brought to my attention that the books have not shipped yet. Meaning, they probably won't be around for the first of the month. However, as a Band-Aid until the physical books arrive, if anyone wants to get started on a .pdf version just send your order confirmation directly to me at caleb@calebjross.com. I'll get the .pdf to you. I think the book works better as a physical product, but at least the .pdf may bridge the gap between the have not and the inevitable, though late, have.
Sweet mother of God, I just finished Stranger Will and was pretty damn blown away. I am am ordering this one now and now Im going to finish Character Pieces while I await my copy. By the way, and I asked this before, but does anyone have any reccomendations for the other book I should order with it to get my 2 for 20? I really am not at all familiar with any of these titles ( http://aqueousbooks.com/publications.htm )
Thanks.
Sorry, late to the recommendation party. The only other Aqueous title I've read is The Saints are Dead by Aaron Polson. It's got a Brian Evenson, Matt Bell, detached quality mixed with some horror elements. I truly, truly enjoyed the book. But yes, JA Tyler, he's got a style about him that pretty damn unique. I've enjoyed just about everything I've read from him.
Speaking of Tyler, I found this on the Black Coffee Press Facebook stream that may interest you: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2492131353824&id=1568992535
If you order both Caleb J. Ross and Ryan W. Bradley's books (I Didn't Mean to be Kevin and Code for Failure, respectively) from Black Coffee Press you will get J.A. Tyler's A Shiny, Unused Heart for free. Three kickass books! Hurry. Deal ends Monday!
To avoid confusion, let me explain: both JA Tyler and myself have books on both Aqueous and Black Coffee coming out about the same time. Weird, I know.
Oh man im so tempted to steal money to buy all of CJR's works. Read good things on all of his work. For sure in the morning I'll order "Charactered Pieces" due to hearing the print edition supplies are very limited :(
Then POSSIBLY order "As a Machine & Parts" if I can milk a couple more dollars from my couch.
Oh man im so tempted to steal money to buy all of CJR's works. Read good things on all of his work. For sure in the morning I'll order "Charactered Pieces" due to hearing the print edition supplies are very limited :( Then POSSIBLY order "As a Machine & Parts" if I can milk a couple more dollars from my couch.
What a coincidence. Not to come across as too salesy, but now through January 17th, the e-versions of my two story collections are just $0.99. Here are some details: http://www.calebjross.com/book-news/99-cents-now-through-january-17th-charactered-pieces-and-murmurs/
Regarding print editions, yeah, there are literally 5 left (other than the handful I am keeping for myself). If anyone is interested, there is a link on this page to purchase one. The orders are routed through me, so they will be signed (for whatever that's worth).
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