How’s your Friday? Allow me to whiz by with a few quick announcements …
DENNY BARRACUDA is now streaming for free! Our little movie had a fantastic year in 2022, and now we want the world to see it. Written by myself and directed by Shannon Goldman, Denny Barracuda is a story about the power of creativity and human connection. (It was also shot in my apartment!) If you watch, please enlarge the screen and/or watch on your TV via the Vimeo app. We’re all so proud of this film, and I’d love to hear what you think.
Hear my NEW PLAY on Feb. 4 in NYC! I said “hear” because it’s a staged reading — and I’d love for you to come, because it’s going to read by a fantastic group of folks. Grab free tickets for BED REST on Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. at The Tank.
Here’s a summary:
BED REST follows one tumultuous day in the life of Windy, a pregnant journalist who's stuck inside her Brooklyn apartment on medical bed rest. Throughout the day, she's visited by three people - an intern, a rock star, and a mattress inspector - who will impact her life in unexpected ways.
What I’m reading: After the Feb. 4 event, I’m going underground for a few weeks to immerse myself in a new writing project. I’m preparing by reading as much as I can, including these lovely memoirs:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin — This new book from the iconic producer offers artistic advice in Rick’s reassuring, Zen-grandpa tone. For the most part, it works, even if he does conveniently disregard the realities of being a working caregiver. Enjoy it with your morning coffee instead of the news, and listen to this podcast interview with Rick for a taste.
Stay True by Hua Hsu — If you came of age in the grunge and indie ‘90s, check out this beautifully written memoir about music and friendship that flashes back with astounding detail. It’s a short read, but I’ve been taking my time to bathe in the language; Hua’s college memories will likely make you recall moments you thought had faded forever.
It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood — I’ve read many graphic memoirs, but this is unlike any I’ve seen. The book records six months of Zoe’s life during the pandemic, which was marked by mental health struggles, long-distance love connections and lots of self-reflection. Zoe is only in her early 20s, but she has such a unique, frantic storytelling style that I’m a lover for life.
Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino — QT is our Eccentric Uncle to Rick Rubin’s Chill Gramps, and I love ‘em both. This portrait of the filmmaker as a young man offers his enthusiastic takes on ‘70s cinema. It’s a winding road full of car chases and Ned Beatty references, but he pulls it together in the end.
I think that’s all for now — take care of yourselves and all your squishy parts.
From White Castle to the Nile,
Whitney
P.S. Have you heard the lyrics I wrote (with music by Eytan Mirsky)?
P.P.S. Ask your local comics shop if they have THE ENDS #2, which features a comic I wrote that was drawn by the mega-talented Dean Haspiel!
I just finished watching Denny Barracuda and I was enraptured.; I found it touching, tender, and empathetic. By capturing the angst so many of us felt during the pandemic, you allowed us to see inside the pain of the two characters. Thank you for creating such a great portrait of two souls trying to get by in difficult times. For a maiden effort, Whitney, you hit it out of the park! More please.
I watched Denny Barracuda last week and loved it SO MUCH 💥⚡🌅