If you haven’t checked out Lou Boxer’s NoirCon Blog yet, you’re missing out on a superb collection of essays, memoirs, and even the occasional poem, all of which investigate the mythic persona that is “David Goodis.” Among the most iconic of noir writers, he still remains one of the most enigmatic. His novels suggest a crestfallen life spent wrestling with personal failure, and while certain facts have surfaced to partially corroborate this viewpoint (his failure in Hollywood and subsequent retreat to live with is family for the duration of his all-too-short life), we don’t yet know enough to substantiate it as the gospel truth.All of which makes the NoirCon Blog such an illuminating resource. Culling together pieces from NoirCons past and other magazines, websites, and blogs, Boxer is helping to elucidate the mysterious intersection of Goodis’ life and work.
Most recently, Boxer has posted a memoir by Larry Withers, “The Mysterious Elaine,” which focuses on his mother, whom after her death he discovered had been married to Goodis . Other highlights include “Between the Rivers: David Goodis’ Literary Life Out in the Cold” by Anthony Neil Smith, “Statement on David Goodis,” by Jay A. Gertzman, and of course Ken Bruen’s inimitable, strange poetry on NoirCon itself ("Noir Dark as It's Painted" and "The Mighty Lou").
Check back often to NoirCon often, as Lou Boxer seems to update it pretty regularly. And also, hope to see y’all at NoirCon 2010 (I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll be able to make it there).
Hoping to make it this time. Philly is my hometown.
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