Hi, we're the Rock Bottom Remainders. In the literary world we've sold a combined 350 million books and had 40 New York Times No. 1 best-sellers, but for the past 20 years, we've also been in a rock band together raising money for non-profits that support literacy programs. This is us five years ago on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dy14yPVjG4

We're releasing an enhanced ebook today called HARD LISTENING--including original essays, fiction, email conversations, photos, and videos from our 20 years together, all in honor of our founder, Kathi Kamen Goldmark, who passed away last year.

We thought you might have some questions for our band, which includes Stephen King, Scott Turow, Amy Tan, Dave and Sam Barry, Roy Blount Jr., Mitch Albom, James McBride, Roger McGuinn, Ridley Pearson, Matt Groening and Greg Iles. Not all of us could make it, but here's a list of those of us who did.

  • Mitch Albom: keyboard- proof
  • Roger McGuinn: special guest ringer- proof
  • Scott Turow: vocals -proof
  • Sam Barry: harmonica- proof
  • Ridley Pearson: bass- proof
  • James McBride: saxophone- proof
  • Roy Blount Jr.: emcee- proof

We're not going to lie and say we've all been on Reddit much, but our publisher, Coliloquy, promised we'd love it, so let's do this thing! We will all be here to answer questions at 2pm ET.

Edit: Thanks all for coming today and asking your questions. Our publisher was right, we loved it. Thanks for helping us reunite as a semi-band even in cyberspace. It was fun!

Comments: 353 • Responses: 129  • Date: 

giftedgod16 karma

It took me so long to read the title, I've lost my question.

Ridley_Pearson8 karma

One of the best comments of the day.

HereHaveAName14 karma

Ridley, a few years ago, you brought Amy Tan with you for a tour of my place of employment. She brought along her dog, which wasn't allowed out on grounds - I got asked to take care of it for a few hours.

I'm not a small person, and that was a tiny, tiny dog. I don't know that I've ever been more nervous. I was about positive that this dog was going to up and die on my watch, and I couldn't imagine having to tell my mother that I killed her favorite authors dog. So, I made a deal with the pooch - I told it that if it lived for the next few hours, I'd do nothing but pet it.

Having to tell my CEO, "I'm sorry, I can't do that. I'm petting a very important dog right now," is one of the highlights of my career.

Ridley_Pearson4 karma

Amy and Lou used to visit me during the summers in Idaho, UNTIL she got thrown off the only air carrier into Sun Valley for hiding her dog on a flight. Since then the dog carries badges and royal appointments so it can travel anywhere.

bbmlst13 karma

Since you all are writers, do you have a hard time choosing who is going to write the lyrics for your songs? Does Stephen King always want them to be about a malevolent being/object from Maine?

Mitch_Albom8 karma

We don't make up lyrics, but we frequently forget them

Scott_Turow8 karma

We do not make up lyrics. We STEAL lyrics--i.e. for the most part we sign 60's standards.

Ridley_Pearson13 karma

Stephen made up lyrics -- TEEN ANGEL -- until a court order desist was placed upon us. Then Dave (who doesn't make anything up) cajoled an audience into inserting a crowd shouted expletive whenever the publishing company's name was mentioned (they who had filed for the court order). Dave would mention the company's name and 2,000 people would shout _ _ _ _ _ _! Three shows later, the court order was dropped and Stephen was allowed to sing his crazy lyrics again.

Sam_Barry8 karma

We performed an original by Kathi called Older Than Him (aka The Slut Song) and one by Dave called Proofreading Woman. I hear Scott has been writing songs on guitar for years, but he won't play one for us.

grant011 karma

Are you aware of Band from TV, the band comprised of famous TV actors including Hugh Laurie? If yes: who would win in a Battle of the Bands? Who would win in a literal fight?

Scott_Turow6 karma

Anybody who wants to take on Greg Iles better think again--unless Hugh Laurie is allowed to use that cane.

Ridley_Pearson11 karma

And I might add: Amy Tan with her riding crop would make anyone think twice...

Mitch_Albom8 karma

I don't fight Brits.

Sam_Barry8 karma

Greg is a rock star, but Hugh Laurie (as House) is very rock star-like in terms of his use of narcotics.

Sam_Barry6 karma

Band from TV wins on the ability scale, but we are sillier.

kahluahandcream8 karma

Hi Mitch ! I've been a huge fan of your works for years - Tuesdays with Morrie not only inspired me to write as well but also helped me a lot with coping with loss over the years. Thank you for everything you do.

My question for you is, as an aspiring writer, I'd know more about your writing habits. What time of day do you usually write, what do you write on, how often do you write, etc. Thanks again !

Mitch_Albom12 karma

Thank you for your question and your kind words. My writing habits are pretty static. I get up every morning between 6 and 7 am, grab a cup of coffee, say a few prayers, and go downstairs to my office and start writing. I do this until about 10 or 11 in the morning and then stop. I never come back to it after that. Never look at it at night or in the afternoon. I always try to finish on an upbeat note, so I'll look forward to coming back to it the next day. Don't use any fance quill pens or pads, because I can't read my own handwriting. I just use whatever computer is laying around, and start writing.

zackhankins748 karma

Hey Mitch! Huge fan of your work, just finished The Time Keeper and loved it! Also, I grew up in Dearborn and always looked forward to reading your articles in the Free Press as a kid and still look them up online even though I live in Boston now. Also, for a guy that seems to really appreciate things the old fashioned way it seems you're handling Reddit pretty well!

Anyway, is there any connection between Detroit sports and your writings involving grief?

Mitch_Albom12 karma

Only with the Detroit Lions.

Astronaut_Bob8 karma

You guys are totally kicking Adrien Grenier's AMA ass right now. Just sayin'

Ridley_Pearson8 karma

Maybe, but he's selling drugs. We have NO idea what we're selling.

Sam_Barry7 karma

That's why we do this.

Ridley_Pearson6 karma

I would also like to point out that the longer this band is on Reddit, the fewer people are on the site.

WandaSong8 karma

For the band: Is Stephen King creepy in real life?

Mitch_Albom24 karma

I saw him playing with spiders. I'm just saying.

Ridley_Pearson13 karma

You would think so, wouldn't you? And you'd be wonderfully disappointed. Super funny. Insanely bright. "Guy-next-door" goofiness. NO IDEA where all that dark comes from; he exhibits NONE of it.

Roger_McGuinn6 karma

Singing Irish songs on a radio interview with Frank McCourt! http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4031/1170/320/IMG_2064.jpg

Ridley_Pearson6 karma

Roger's ability to post a photo link confirms his standing as the Remainders' all time tech wizard and Supreme Geek. Mind you, it's VERY competitive field in this particular band.

RexBeckett2 karma

Roger—a pleasure to mention this to you, but among Irish songs, have you come across Patrick Kavanaugh's Raglan Road? The heart-stopper of all heart-stoppers.

(Here's the only other Roger of Rock Legend with a version of it, along with the Chieftains.

Roger_McGuinn3 karma

Thanks for the link. I didn't know that song and have just downloaded a copy.

redvwbug6 karma

Hi Roy, My wife Melanie is a great fan of yours. Would you write a love poem -- or a love limerick -- for her? Her birthday is tomorrow. Thank you!

Roy_Blount_Jr12 karma

For a virtuous lady named Melanie, Great felons would give up their felony, And masters of lies, If she said, "Not wise," From then on would strictly not tell any.

I don't see how I can get into any trouble with that.

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

NOTICE: gaping silence

pointe556 karma

You've appeared at Book Fairs, Book Conventions, & Theatres. Which venue or tour was your favorite for locale, fan reaction, sound quality, etc.

Scott_Turow9 karma

I personally favor the place in Boston where there were used condoms on the floor of the Green Room. When we pointed this out to the manager of the venue, he shrugged and said, "We had a Latin band last night."

Ridley_Pearson10 karma

Yeah, it was Metamucil on the floors of the Remainders green room.

Mitch_Albom7 karma

and Advil

Ridley_Pearson8 karma

Given that criteria, I'd say "The Filmore" with Robin Williams opening for us.

But a STRONG 2nd would be our being the first band to play at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame (it's opening weekend) in front of every legit rock star IN THE WORLD.

Sam_Barry6 karma

We played in a club near St. Louis. I think it was owned by Chuck Berry (no relation), or maybe it was near a club he owned. Anyhow, Marilyn Manson was playing there after us. I loved that.

Sam_Barry6 karma

Mitch had a serious Advil problem. We had to check him into rehab. There's going to be a movie about it.

Mitch_Albom5 karma

Playing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was the scariest, but any time we played at a BEA Convention, we had the best reception. Probably because those people actually knew who we were.

Sam_Barry5 karma

We also played at the Fillmore in San Francisco. During sound check Dave and I looked at each other and said, "Holy shit, we're playing the Filmore."

Frajer6 karma

Does Dave Barry make things up?

Sam_Barry15 karma

Everything Dave ever wrote is the absolute truth, including this statement: "It is a scientific fact that your body will not absorb cholesterol if you take it from another person's plate."

Mitch_Albom9 karma

I think Dave made up a brother named Sam

Roy_Blount_Jr10 karma

He does, but he doesn't realize it. And if you tell him he does, he will just sull up.

Sam_Barry6 karma

"Sull" is Roy's word for the day. I had to look it up. It isn't easy to find.

Roy_Blount_Jr3 karma

It's what a possum does.

faceback5 karma

Roger, so, I want to be a rock and roll star. How do I go about doing this?

Roger_McGuinn18 karma

So you you want to be a rock'n roll star Then listen now to what I say Just get an electric guitar And take some time and learn how to play And when your hair's combed right and your pants fit tight It's gonna be all right

Then it's time to go down town Where the agent men won't let you down Sell your soul to the company Who are waiting there to sell plastic ware And in a week or two if you make the charts The girls'll tear you apart

The price you pay for your riches and fame Was it all a strange game You're a little insane The money that came and the public acclaim Don't forget what you are You're a rock'n'roll star

grant05 karma

For Roy Blount Jr: You've been on Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me for a while now…who was your favourite guest of all time and why? Who's your favourite panellist?

Roy_Blount_Jr12 karma

Favorite guest: Barack Obama. Favorite panelist: me.

Sam_Barry8 karma

For Roy Blount Jr: at what point in the song "Wild Thing" should the lyric "You move me" be uttered?

Roy_Blount_Jr6 karma

ow. N

Roy_Blount_Jr2 karma

Sorry. First panelist who popped into my head.

ggolemg5 karma

Why a band?

Mitch_Albom16 karma

we're in a band? I thought this was a reading group?

James_McBride7 karma

Why not?

Roy_Blount_Jr7 karma

protection

Ridley_Pearson6 karma

Why gravity?

fuzzzone4 karma

To be fair, that's not really a choice/decision.

Sam_Barry8 karma

We never had a choice. Especially James and Ridley. The judge said they had to play in the Remainders.

Ridley_Pearson8 karma

My point exactly! We were all asked by a woman, Kathi Goldmark, if we would want to play in a band to raise $ for non-profits. THERE WAS NO CHOICE OR DECISION to be made. Only later did any of us find out who was going to be in the band!

like_buttah5 karma

For Mitch- Since you are on ESPN's sports reporters i must ask, who do you want to win the NBA finals?

Mitch_Albom9 karma

I hate to be like everyone else, but I'm rooting for San Antonio because I like teams that were built the old-fashioned way.

StickleyMan4 karma

Are you taking requests for covers? If so, I'd like to see a cover of Iko Iko. I have no idea why, but it just seems right.

We're not going to lie and say we've all been on Reddit much, but our publisher, Coliloquy, promised we'd love it

Also, your publisher maybe lied. I have a feeling it wouldn't be the first time...

Roy_Blount_Jr7 karma

i don't do covers this time of year. Maybe a single sheet, thin as gossamer, and, willy-nilly, the cat. That's not the cat's name. Did you know that if you sing Happy Birthday in public you have to pay? But the tune is clearly in the public domain, so I guess you could hum it.

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

Stephen King does a WICKED Iko Iko in the Remainders. One of my favs.

pistachiopaul4 karma

Can we get a fun Stephen King anecdote?

Ridley_Pearson11 karma

Three o'clock in the morning, somewhere in the south, in Aretha Franklin's rock bus (we had rented it). Steve in the front of the bus just talking (to no one in particular) for a good 40 minutes. Just on and on and on... Dave Barry and I both awoke for it, and still talk about it to this day.

lucifer-obgyn4 karma

I just wanted to say something to Roy: Roy, I just wanna say that you're the funniest panelist on "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me" 9 times out of 10. How can I be as funny as you?

Roy_Blount_Jr12 karma

Thank you. First you have to endure enormous sorrow. And be funny-looking. Even though that doesn't come through on the radio, being just naturally funny-looking is key. i mean funny-peculiar-looking. But not downright horrible-looking, as I am sure you are not. Downright horrible-looking, you should try illegal-loan-enforcement, if you are also burly and mean.

lucifer-obgyn2 karma

I have mutton chops and I'm chubby, Roy...and podcaster Jordan Morris once described me as a "bit of a goofball". Looks like I'm on my way to comedy success.

Sam_Barry7 karma

Even when he's being serious Roy makes me laugh. I don't think he can help it.

skurdnee4 karma

Mitch, I grew up reading the Detroit Free Press and it was only after moving away from the area I realized that truly well-written newspaper articles are quite rare. Thank you making the newspaper something worth reading every day.

Mitch_Albom9 karma

Thank you for continuing to read newspapers. I fear for their future. And I agree, the Free Press really was a well-written newspaper and its writers took pride in that.

Authorvanessashields3 karma

Where do you guys get together to jam? A cyber-garage?

Ridley_Pearson5 karma

We have not perfected the art of "jamming." We're still back at the question: "Should we rehearse, or will it only make us worse?"

Sam_Barry5 karma

It's true, mostly on stage! But I do remember a great jam, led by Roger, in Frank McCourt's hotel room. Frank sang "Danny Boy."

Mitch_Albom4 karma

Bet we'd sound better in a cyber-garage.

Roger_McGuinn4 karma

Mostly on stage!

RexBeckett3 karma

Okay. Irritating publishing-related question. Apologies.

In the years to come, will works of yours that exist only inside a device mean as much to you as the physical copies of your books, visible there across the room? Thank you.

Ridley_Pearson4 karma

If they're visible across the room they aren't being read -- you know? They're just up there on a shelf. Waiting. Hoping. The UNTOLD HOURS it takes to compose one of these... my hope at the end of the last period is that someone will read it. Printed on a roll of toilet paper works for me. Just read it! Please, read it!

Mitch_Albom3 karma

Nope. Not even close. Anyone who's ever ripped open a box of his or her first book and held that sucker in their hands knows that nothing electronic will ever match that experience.

RexBeckett3 karma

Frank McCourt, ah me. I can't think of a more winning opener to a work than what he came up with for Angela's Ashes.

Any thoughts on the man?

Mitch_Albom6 karma

Frank was a doll. He was as funny, smart, gentle and engaging as every page of Angela's Ashes suggests. My impressions was that he was late to the fame game and appreciated it in a way that few who make it young ever do. He loved life, and he loved to laugh. And he played harmonica. He came to us and said, he could play one Beatles song: Love Me Do. So we practiced that song. And in the middle of the show, we invited Frank onstage to play it. And he started playing. Except the one song he knew was actually, "I should have known better." And we were playing "Love Me Do." And the sad thing is, almost nobody noticed. But we laughed about it for years.

Ridley_Pearson6 karma

Frank had a sense of humor and a joy of life that never quit. He forgot the lyrics to Danny Boy at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I mean... FRANK!!! But that was Frank. Being around Frank and Dave with some adult beverages -- those are moments, such rare, incredible moments, at least in my life, that I sometimes wonder if I was actually there or just dreamed it all up.

RexBeckett3 karma

Thank you for that. (What could be more poignant than a version of Danny Boy where the lyrics are forgotten? The sly rogue!)

Sam_Barry6 karma

I don't think he was being sly. I think he forgot. But Frank was hilarious. I remember getting on my knees and trying to conduct him on harmonica.

potatoespequeno3 karma

It's been almost a year since your last concert. What do you miss most about being in the band?

Ridley_Pearson6 karma

The reason we all do this (I think) is because of the time we are not on stage -- all the hanging out and rehearsing, meals, bus rides, flights. The time we share. I can honestly say I miss it every day we are not doing it. I come away charged-up and ready to write-and-roll every time this band spends a day together. Miss it.

Mitch_Albom2 karma

Ridley's right. I always looked at it as summer camp. Can't wait to go. Hate to leave. Think about it until next year. The only thing missing was the bug juice.

Sam_Barry5 karma

Ditto. All these wonderful people. Singing around the piano with Mitch and Dave.

GuitarGod61943 karma

Roger, what would you say your fondest memory of your time with The Byrds is?

Sam_Barry5 karma

Roger didn't respond because he can't remember being in The Byrds. You know the old saying about the 60s.

Roger_McGuinn5 karma

The beginning of the Byrds was the most fun, when Gene Clark, David Crosby, Chris Hillman, Michael Clarke and I were learning how to keep a beat so the dancers at Ciro's wouldn't fall over.

Ridley_Pearson5 karma

Notice: THE SILENCE

kiwisandkoalas3 karma

Mitch: Who is the 6th person you meet in heaven?

Mitch_Albom6 karma

Elvis

Ridley_Pearson4 karma

the tax man

StNic543 karma

Hi all! Just have to ask, if we were to replace the cast of "This is the End" with Rock Bottom Remainders, who would go first, and who are the five people they'd meet in heaven?

Ridley_Pearson7 karma

Sadly, and we should take a moment to honor them here, we've lost several members, three of whom will be the first Five to meet in heaven: Warren Zevon Frank McCourt Kathi Goldmark.

The unexpected part of staying together for 20 years was attrition. Scott (Turow) had pulled me aside when I turned 50 and said, "Rid, be watchful, from here on out you lose friends at an alarming rate." As always, Scott knew what he was talking about. Each of these amazing people, Warren, Frank, and dear Kathi left us with so many funny stories to tell. That could be its own book.

Mitch_Albom5 karma

I just saw this movie. So I think you're asking the question in a humorous way. All I can say is, if the Rapture ever really came, for any of us to be taken up, we would first have to stop playing.

BunnyNothing3 karma

There must have been some interesting synergy in this group - were any of your literary works developed on the road together?

Mitch_Albom9 karma

I don't know if they were developed on the road, but we often saw one another in the mornings sitting at different computers typing and I always thought to myself, "I wonder what novel is being written right now in the aftermath of one of our concerts?"

Ridley_Pearson7 karma

I answered this, but my answer disappeared. Confirming I'm a pro at this.

Ridley_Pearson6 karma

Not on the road -- but it is AMAZING to go back and look at different works that came out of these friendships, ventures into new genres. Pretty cool, actually.

Scott_Turow8 karma

Ridley is being modest. The Peter and the Starcatcher series that Dave and he co-authored was born of their RBR friendship, not to mention the Tony-award winning play based on the first of their four-book trilogy.

pointe553 karma

Read Peter & the Starcatcher and saw the play during opening week. Both awesome works. Liked the way you & Dave corresponded during 'writing' the books.

Ridley_Pearson4 karma

The 10 or so years of my writing life with Dave are among the great treasures I will take to the grave. They are over now, looks like, but I treasure EVERY minute we had together. PATSC is a series I'm actually legitimately proud of!

redvwbug3 karma

In an alternate universe, what would your jobs be?

Mitch_Albom4 karma

point guard for the Detroit Pistons

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

To quote Maynard G. Krebbs: "Work?"

Ridley_Pearson2 karma

This has been a BLAST! Thanks to everyone for organizing it, and thanks much to all of you who joined in! -- Ridley

Sam_Barry2 karma

Thank you, Ridley, Remainders, and everyone!

AcousticMess2 karma

So Hard Listening is an ebook -- ONLY. Do you guys have plans for any other JUST ebooks? Do you own e-readers? How do you like them?

Ridley_Pearson5 karma

When it comes to Colilquy (our publisher) I'm just getting started! I hope to do MANY projects with them. (Kingdom Keepers Insider app is a Coliloquy product!) I offered to be part of a "mystery" ebook, but they got a better offer! (a #1 bestseller!) JK. I"M LOVING THE FORMAT and the possibilities. More to come.

Mitch_Albom2 karma

Mine is growing on me. I have to admit. But mostly for the convenience when travelling. It's still nowhere near the love affair that I have with the printed page.

RrRodo2 karma

Are the Tigers capable of not only reaching, but winning the world series this year? Also, good luck with your band!

Mitch_Albom5 karma

Oh yes. Tigers are loaded. If they could just find someone to pitch the ninth inning...

JNJ089042 karma

Mitch...Do you think the Miami Heat can comeback and beat the Spurs? what are the reprecussions for lebron james if he loses this NBA finals, legacy wise?

Mitch_Albom3 karma

Yes, I think they can win two in a row. Wouldn't be surprised if they do it. They have more talent than San Antonio, but it hasn't all been functioning at the same time. As for James, I think he's proven himself enough in this postseason. Remember, Magic didn't always win. Bird didn't always win. Only Michael always won. But that was an aberration. I still think James is the best player in the entire league.

Jesse_berger2 karma

Hi Mitch. Tuesday with Morrie is my favorite book and I reccomend it to anyone that reads. My question is: Is there anyone in your life that looks up to you in a similar fashion as to how you looked up to your professor growing up?

Mitch_Albom5 karma

Well, I don't have as much to offer anyone as Morrie did. But I operate an orphanage in Haiti and we take in children at three years of age. The way they take your hand or crawl into your lap within a day of knowing you reminds me a little of what Morrie must've felt over and over again in his life.

BunnyNothing2 karma

Any notable/interesting gigs the band turned down?

Mitch_Albom6 karma

It's hard to turn gigs down when you're begging.

Ridley_Pearson4 karma

This is why Mitch gets "the big dough"

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

Biggest regret: the Clinton White House.

sippysippy132 karma

What's the best laugh you've all shared together, and what brought it about?

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

you have unleashed a demon

Mitch_Albom2 karma

There are a million of them. One that comes to mind is when I yanked off my tear-away pants during the Elvis routine, threw them in the air, and saw them land on the head of our drummer--Josh--who continued playing the entire song without ever removing them. But that's just one.

glennwhelan2 karma

in this world so heavily invested in Social Media, do you find you have to change how you reach your readers? Have you come up with creative "story" ways to reach them?

Ridley_Pearson5 karma

I'm still looking for my readers. If you happen to run into any, tell them I have a new thriller out!

Mitch_Albom2 karma

Definitely. But, for my part, I'm still figuring out how. It's hard to tell the difference between someone who is curious about you for one sentence and someone who actually wants to read a book you've written.

grant02 karma

I assume you don't all live in the same city, so how do practices work?

Also, how do famous authors get in touch with other famous others, or how did you all meet?

Mitch_Albom6 karma

I can only tell you my story. I was covering the Olympics in Norway. One night, at 2 a.m. in the press center, I discovered a piano. And to fight boredom and the cold, I began to play. Dave Barry was there. He came over and sat down, we started singing oldies together. Next thing we knew, we had two dozen Norwegian security guards standing around us, also bored and fed up with the cold. We taught them that great American classic, Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na. After that, he said, "Hey, you should be in the Rock Bottom Remainders." And I said, "Do they sing as well as those Norwegians?" And the rest is history.

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

These, and other equally penetrating questions are answered in HL. But the long and the short of it: practice was scarce (and it showed, or was heard); a clever and wonderful woman came up with the idea that a rock band of authors would be a fun way to raise money at a benefit. It was supposed to be a one night stand.

showgoon2 karma

Were there any songs you wished you played but didn't?

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

Any Beatle songs. Only Greg is good enough to pull one off (Paperback Writer)

Mitch_Albom2 karma

Anything by the Beach Boys (too hard). Anything by the Dave Clark Five (too hard). Anything by Steppenwolf, the Drifters, the Stones (all too hard). And also, "Clair de lune."

Sam_Barry2 karma

Absolutely! There are so many great songs. However, since we never rehearse, mostly we have to stick with what we know. Kathi often said it was a good idea to be careful about what song you chose to sing with the Remainders--you'd be singing it for years.

djp064752 karma

When you're on user-generated content websites such as reddit, how do you feel seeing posts by people that may contain improper spelling or grammar on pretty much every page? As a writer, does it bother you at all seeing people type like this?

Mitch_Albom4 karma

It doesn't bother me as much as you might think. Personally I look at these sites as one step away from casual conversation, where people say ain't, misuse words, and create run-on sentences all the time.

Roger_McGuinn2 karma

Why does the Reddit page need to be refreshed manually? Or am I missing something?

Ridley_Pearson2 karma

I have had to CONSTANTLY refresh manually, Roger. Because you and I are techies

lessmiserables2 karma

How close have you all been to kicking out a member of the band? And why?

Sam_Barry5 karma

We periodically fire everyone, including ourselves, for incompetence.

glennwhelan2 karma

thanks gang

Sam_Barry2 karma

Thank you!

Roger_McGuinn2 karma

Quitting Time!!! Bye Y'all.

Sam_Barry2 karma

See you soon, Roger.

Sam_Barry2 karma

Thank you Mitch, Ridley, Roger, Scott, James, Roy, Greg, everyone at Coliloquy, and all you good folks on Reddit!

Sam_Barry2 karma

Thank you Roger, Scott, Ridley, James, Roy, the folks at Coliloquy, and the Reddit community!

atoastfan1 karma

After being such big authors, what inspired you all to start a band together?

Roy_Blount_Jr6 karma

No more worllds left to conquer in literature. Excuse me, that's "worlds".

Mitch_Albom3 karma

It's simple. There is nothing more fun than hanging around with friends and banging on instruments. Anyone who has ever done it knows that this is true.

HaterSalad1 karma

Thanks guys for this AMA and all the good work that you're doing. Plus for the encouragement for those of us who also have day jobs but play in bands. My question is for the amazing Roger McGuinn. How did you end up in this bunch anyway?

Roger_McGuinn5 karma

I could tell you but it's all in the eBook and it would be a spoiler!

Ridley_Pearson4 karma

Basically, it's a been a dark spot on Roger's stellar career -- but we have enough material with which to extort him, he's not allowed to stop.

Mitch_Albom3 karma

Most people play a six-string guitar. Roger plays a twelve string. So he's wasted twice as much string on our band than he should have.

pointe551 karma

Who determined the set list. Was it based on songs easiest to sing & play for the band members.

Ridley_Pearson5 karma

We had to look up "set list" in the dictionary. (Dave might have used a web site.) When we figured out what one was, Dave was in charge, primarily because Dave ALWAYS has a laptop with 3.2' of him and an active internet connection.

Roy_Blount_Jr3 karma

3.2' of him?

Mitch_Albom3 karma

the set list was determined by 1) opening with a song that wouldnt scare everyone out of the building 2) putting the Elvis impersonation far enough in that I had time to leave the stage, find a bathroom, change my clothes and put on a wig and find my way back to the stage and 3) end with a song that WOULD chase people out of the building so we could go home and sleep.

Sam_Barry3 karma

We barely know enough songs as a group to get through an evening. When people asked for encores we often didn't know what to do.

angienuthead1 karma

Favourite love ballad? :)

Roger_McGuinn6 karma

"May The Road Rise To Meet You" Dedicated to Kathi.

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

gives me goosebumps

Sam_Barry3 karma

Especially as sung by Roger--so beautiful.

Scott_Turow3 karma

Really really beautiful

glennwhelan1 karma

Did Dave Barry say ROCK BOTTOM REMAINDERS would be a good name for a rock band?

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

You can imagine the process of getting this group to agree on a band name... Do you have a few hours? We can talk about it.

Roy_Blount_Jr3 karma

I think that was Dave, but most of our titles have been group efforts.

Roy_Blount_Jr5 karma

Come to think of it, who says it is a good name for a rock band?

Sam_Barry3 karma

I think the name "The Beatles" is kind of stupid.

Roy_Blount_Jr2 karma

Yeah but it's too late for them to fix it now.

grant01 karma

Why does Wikipedia say that the band performed for the last time in 2012 and that the band ended in 2012? Are you guys still active? Thanks for doing the AMA, also!

Ridley_Pearson3 karma

Active, as in probiotics? We lost our founder and (spiritual) leader last year, Kathi Goldmark. It wasn't the same on stage without her. Groups of us will continue to play together. Next up is the Miami Book Fair Nov 13.

Eist1 karma

As someone who writes about science professionally, I find it difficult to keep focus when I come across something I don't know how to articulate. I'll just walk away or do something else on my computer (like right now!) and revisit it later. This, I think, makes me a very inefficient writer and I end up spending much more time than my peers "working".

My question is, how do you maintain focus when you come across something that you can't immediately convey, or, how do you avoid getting into these situations in the first place?

Thanks :)

Roy_Blount_Jr3 karma

chew (I recommend Stim-U-Dents) and fidget.

Scott_Turow2 karma

You know the old joke about how to get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice. Writing is like any other human endeavor--except golf--in the sense that you get better the more often you do it