First, we learn Amber Sparks, one of the best, will be writer in residence for September at Necessary Fiction. I have been following the Necessary Fiction 'writer in residence' progam since it was instituted a few months back and, I'm sure, this will lead to yet another momentous series of events.

Second, I think my next project will involve clowns somehow and I would like to find some decent books about the history of humor and the history of clowning. I have looked around, over the years, and have never found anything terribly interesting. Suggestions of texts would be appreciated... I will say I have no interest in anything post-1920s, give or take.

Yes, in my mind, we have images of clowns and alligators, churches and towers, radio broadcasts and circus tents. We will see what we see.