Car Con Carne is so called because, in better times, host James VanOsdol would interview folks from the Chicago area in his car and eat meat. Alas, we ate nothing succulent. On the bright side, the pandemic Zoom-style format made it a lot simpler for a Philly guy like me to join the show!
We had a fun conversation about where I got the ideas for my critically acclaimed political satire, what I like about the dystopian genre, why social media is overwhelming yet inescapable, and how I’m a really just a big comic book nerd.
You can watch the podcast recording in its full webcam glory below, or listen to the radio-style podcast wherever podcasts are podcast. (See below the video for a selection of links.)
After writing three fairly dark novels, I decided to have a little bit of fun for my fourth book. Utopia PR is a sci-fi satire about a public relations rep seeking work-life balance while managing crisis after crisis for a dystopian American president.
Public-relations extraordinaire Blake Hamner (the n is silent) put off his honeymoon for his big break: joining a major political campaign for president. Now, the “Hammer” struggles to make time for his marriage as Crisis Communications Manager for Our Leader, who since taking power has become increasingly mad and totalitarian.
The Hammer starts to reconsider his career choices when one of Our Leader’s savage steel hounds attacks the Comms team at a press conference. When a revolutionary levels grave allegations against Our Leader—and implicates Blake for the cover-up—the PR rep who thought he could talk his way out of any crisis finds himself utterly trapped in a dystopian job.
Given the times we’re living in, I think we could all use a laugh. So, rather than dwell in the terrible, I wrote a lighthearted farce! Like my other books, it’s still very much about our present politics, but my goal with this one is to leave readers smiling. Some of my influences include Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, Joseph Heller, Terry Pratchett and Christopher Buckley.
I’ve already received some glowing early reviews. The Hammer himself blogged about some of his favorites on the official Utopia PR website. Just yesterday, I received a very nice review from IndieMuse. Here’s an excerpt:
“Utopia PR is extremely well-written with humor, wit and imagination, and it’s a lighthearted, uplifting vision into the dark times we’re facing. What I took from this book was one important thing I felt Bender implied throughout: no matter how messed up things get in the world, never take it too seriously. There is always time to take a step back from it all, have a little fun and enjoy your time…and, most importantly: focus on what’s most important.”
Shane Staley, IndieMuse
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
You can get Utopia PR in paperback and eBook editions from the following stores and more:
If you like the book, please help me spread the word by leaving a customer review at your place of purchase, Goodreads, LibraryThing or your blog. I’m an indie author who does all his own marketing, and your assistance can make a huge impact.
Please also consider joining my newsletterThe Underground for updates on my writing. Right now, you can get a free eBook of my first book, We, The Watched when you join.
Hope you enjoy! Thanks very much for all your support.
My next novel Utopia PR will be in readers’ hands in just one (hopefully short) month! Personally, I can’t wait for Feb. 22, so I’ve set up a couple ways for you to get an early copy of the eBook edition.
For Kindle owners who enjoy a good game of chance (and frankly, who doesn’t?), I present to you this Goodreads giveaway! Enter to win one of 100 free copies of the Kindle edition. The contest ends Feb. 12, meaning you’ll get the book more than a week early!
Prefer a physical book and don’t mind waiting for Feb. 22? I’m excited to announce the paperback edition is now available to pre-order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with more booksellers expected to add it soon. The eBook was already available for pre-order on those sites, plus Apple, Google Play and Kobo.
Utopia PR continues to garner positive early praise!
“In a tale that’s reminiscent of political farces such as the HBO TV series Veep, Bender employs a smooth, amusing, and straightforward prose style that’s briskly paced … Its tone is irreverent, and readers looking for a quick chuckle will likely enjoy Bender’s winking comedy, which is punctuated with genuinely sweet, sincere moments.” — Kirkus Reviews
I’m even more excited to hear what you think. Please leave a customer review wherever you get a copy or on Goodreads. I’m an indie author with a limited marketing budget, so your help spreading the word really makes a difference.
Book reviewers may also obtain an ARC at NetGalley. If you write a review, please contact me to let me know and I’ll be happy to feature it on my blog or via social media. I’m also available for interviews if so desired.
I’m positively ecstatic to inform you that Utopia PR will be available as a paperback and eBook on 2/22 in the new year.
The early buzz on my dystopian satire is good!
“A dystopian novel laced with intrigue, science fiction, romance and humor,” wrote Gail Kaufman in a review for Reedsy Discovery. “I recommend this book to fans of dystopia who would appreciate a comedic writing style and the underlying themes of marital challenges, finding your purpose, diversity and manipulation through social media.”
Who doesn’t like those underlying themes? Am I right? More reviews should be coming soon, which I am anxious (so very anxious) to read and share. In fact, if you’re a critic, blogger, or even a Goodreads user, please help yourself to a digital advance review copy (ARC) on NetGalley! I just ask that you please write a review, as I am an indie author who does all his own marketing!
If you’re not a reviewer but still want to get your hands on an early copy, I’m planning to make the eBook available to buy one week early on Smashwords to anyone who is subscribed to my newsletter The Underground by Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14). Please join!
You can also preorder the eBook today at the below online bookstores:
I don’t mean to alarm anyone, but I think the protagonist of my next novel is tweeting. According to his Twitter profile, Blake “The Hammer” Hamner also has a business website.
I thought I was writing a novel — a dystopian satire called Utopia PR — but Blake seems to think I’m the co-writer of a very serious non-fiction memoir on his days managing crisis communications for the president.
So yeah, that’s kind of worrying. But hey, 2020 has been pretty weird.
Anyway, he seems to be sharing some savvy public relations tips under his handle, @Utopia_PR, as you can see below. I followed him. Maybe you should follow him, too.
Oy, I think I need a drink.
Utopia PR is coming soon. For updates on my new novel, or Blake’s memoir, or whatever the heck it is, please join the Hammer’s email list. Or mine. Whichever you prefer.
