Yes, I enjoyed both books! "Territory" is what Emma likes to call a "Secret History" book. The events *could* have happened the way they're described, and history wouldn't reflect it. It's a nice mix of old-west and fantasy. "The Gospel of the Knife" explores a very interesting idea regarding religious traditions, set in what is an interesting modern fantasy landscape. You can actually check out "The Gospel of the Knife" online, here: http://qwertyranch.blogspot.co...gospel-of-knife.html...

Poor Betty! So, I didn't know that you knew Japanese, Paul! Did you pick some up just for the interview? Also, were you surprised that there were 3 of them? I notice that the quote above refers to a "duo"....

Betty is okay! She got hit by the door right at the beginning of the interview. All the other footage of her was taken after that. I took two semesters of Japanese in college, but didn't study well enough to learn anything useful. I wasn't expecting Atsuko to be there. She's Naoko's sister, and an original member of the band. I had heard she retired from the band and that Naoko and Etsuko were the only two official band member now. I believe that's why the Boston Globe referred to them as a...

No one sees your point, but great ramble, Paul. And great work on the Backstage interviews too.

Tell Betty thanks for taking one for the team! Glad to hear she's ok. I'm a big Shonen Knife fan, so it was really fun to hear what they're up to now. Can't wait for the new album.

I talked with Emma Bull and Will Shetterly as they swung through town on their book-signing tour for Territory and Gospel of the Knife. ...the old adage goes rules are made to be broken- WHEN you can pull it off. And man, does Shetterly ever pull it...

Connections Since I've started interviewing people for Groupee, I realize I'm becoming a nexus point for the whole "Six Degrees of Separation" idea. For example, I found out in a recent trip to visit my family that my aunt Luella's son was one of the...

I caught up with the Japanese rock sensation Shonen Knife at Chop Suey in Seattle, Washington.  We talked about their new album, explored guitarist Naoko Yamano's love of 70's British metal bands, and attempted to introduce the band to my...

In about an hour, Lori's going to give us a ride to airport.  In about three hours, we'll be boarding an airplane.  And in about ten hours, we'll be landing in Austin, Texas to attend the SXSW music festival!  It's definitely going to...