There will be several Richard Poplak sightings over the coming weeks. First off, I’m reading from a fabulous collection of new Russian literature - called Rasskazy - on the 26th of September at a fancy vodka bar. I’ll trust the organizers on the wisdom (or lack thereof) in the venue choice. Regardless, the flyer is below.

The following day, I’m reading with my pal and fellow travelling scribe Andrew Westoll in the Humber School for Writers Tent at Toronto’s annual Word on the Street festivities. The talk is called The Young and the Restless: Travel Writers or Writers Who Travel? Mr. Westoll and I will finish things off with a spirited thumb wrestle.

The list of papers and speakers at Seattle’s Pop Music Conference - including yours truly - is up, and quite the list it is. This year’s title is Dance Music Sex Romance: Pop and the Body Politic. Nothing like music nerds waxing academic on sex. That said, it boasts some fascinating panels, with the promise of some nifty books in the next couple of years.

The conference runs April 16 to 19. Peruse the list here.

Yup, finally. The monster is complete. Sent the final manuscript to the powers-that-be, and we can expect published copies on the shelves - at least in Canada - on April 20, 2009. In lieu of champagne, please send beer.

This website is coming in for a major overhaul to accommodate all things Sheikh’s Batmobile. But in the meantime, this is still the best place to keep up to date on where I’ll be and when I’ll be there. Plenty of interesting talks and readings prior to the launch.