MOLI VIEW™

I first met Charles Bock about four years ago — over the Internet. He e-mailed my band's website to inform us that he and his wife had danced to our music at their wedding. I remembered the post, mostly because of the author's charm and sincerity — and, naturally, his ability to pander to my ego.

When he informed me (again via e-mail) last summer that he would be in attendance at our show on Pier 54 in New York City, I invited him backstage. Little did I know that, in doing so, I would be connecting with a man standing on the cusp of the biggest adventure of his life.

It was a blustery, overcast day out there on the pier and, even with all the activity and hubbub (and a way-above-average deli tray), Bock's energy radiated like a tractor beam. At 26 years old, he'd endeavored to write a novel — a real novel, a novel powerful enough to be published by a real publisher. Now, at 38, his dream — made manifest by eleven years of blood, sweat, and tears — was coming true.

On January 22, Random House will release Beautiful Children, the first novel by Charles Bock. A dark, humorous, savage tale of runaways, gutter punks, and the soft white underbelly of Las Vegas (Bock's birthplace), Children is as passionate and hungry as Bock's utter devotion to it.

If you've ever wondered what its like to risk it all, suffer the heartbreaks and humiliations, and, ultimately, prevail at achieving your life's ambition, then read on. I'll let Charles, who currently resides with wife, Diana, in NYC, tell you about it himself. Because that's what he does best.

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