It's not as true as it used to be but when I broke into TV writing, comedy writers always came in pairs. If one aspiring comedy writer went to almost anyone for advice, he or she was told, "Find a partner." There were exceptions but not many and I was not among them. My co-conspirator for a couple of years was a clever gent from Pittsburgh named Dennis Palumbo. We worked well together for a while, then we decided to see if we could work well in separate directions…and I'm happy to say we've remained friends.
On his own, Dennis went off and wrote other shows and novels and movies. My Favorite Year is probably his best-known work in those categories but a lot of folks also know him from another career he embarked on after we parted ways. Dennis is an oft-quoted psychotherapist who specializes in show business folks and in the special problems of writers. He has written books and articles on those subjects, and he often lectures…plus, of course, he spends all day at his office in the valley, offering advice and aid to people in need of advice and aid. From what I can tell from afar, he has a pretty good success record in that field, as well.
He has so many patients that we've spent the last few years trying to find a free lunch hour on his schedule so we could see each other again. Recently, someone cancelled and we were able to get together…and at that meal, he presented me with an advance copy of his new book, From Crime to Crime. It's a collection of short, brain-stretching mystery stories that manage to echo the classic traditions of that genre while still being fresh, modern and witty. I have been known to finish a whodunnit by flinging it across the room if the author has cheated or otherwise led us, the readers, down a primrose path. Having finished Dennis's book, I'm delighted to report that it was totally unflung. In fact, it's a nice demonstration of how this kinda thing oughta be written.
You can pre-order a copy of it here. You can also read Dennis's new weblog over here. I suggest you do both. He's a good storyteller and unlike some, he really understands what it means to be a professional writer.