I thought about sending you that article when I read it but I knew you already knew everything it had to say. Also what the fuck is wrong with people. And I commend your integrity for not turning that guy's life into some shit Comedy Central would use to sell things. I am not surprised that you behaved with integrity, but as you know, it's as rare among writers as it is among politicians.
Thanks for still saying "we" when I haven't written a word of fiction in months. I feel like all sorts of a fraud. I know it's bullshit, but when has that ever mattered with the writer brain?
I'm glad you dig my silly shit. Video is coming. I can't wait to go viral for pratfalling into an abandoned cistern. I may even do Tommy Salami book reviews again. TikTok needs somebody who doesn't think reading about a bad person makes you into one.
I keep everything locked down bc I have a crazy brother. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a million of them on twitter. It’s a weird thing to navigate though- how to be raw and real and careful and protective all at once.
Gah! It’s like Paparazzi except that the attention seekers need only grab their phones and start the process.
I don’t think you need the bird app to sell a book. No matter what your publisher says. Please do tell us when the book is ready. No pressure- just want to make sure I do presale at the neighborhood indie bookstore.
Hey, I'm a former high school and college English teacher (and an epic failure of a writer) and I am here to tell you that most people can't read. I mean they really, really can't read. The fucking education system is designed to train students to skim and "respond" - it's all about their "feelings" and not about the text. They think literature is just a starting point for them to talk about themselves. Same with every goddamn book club I've ever had the misfortune to try to participate in. Everyone thinks you can interpret literature any way you want to because everyone's "opinion" is valid. And of course they think they "own" the writers who are online. When the only point of literature is for you to feel whatever you want to feel, it's inevitable. FFS.
I feel it. I left Twitter because, well, those folks are crazy. I made one little comment on an author's Twitter. It was actually just a question. It got 500+ likes and bunch of comments. I deleted that shit and never went back.
I joined a memoir workshop Drexel hosted and you said nobody is entitled to every detail of your trauma. That resonated (despite me being a massive over-sharer), and I’ve given versions of that advice many times since. I’ve realized it applies to all of our lives, not just the traumatic. We share as “social” creatures but on social media it’s in hyperdrive - share or you’re obsolete, share or you’re forgotten.
People in general don’t respect boundaries but on social media they resent them, multiplied by a million if you’re famous.
This all makes sense, but I am sorry not to hear about your niece any more. When you were calling her "11" & staying w/her family, I liked the stories where she warned her friend that you & your brother quasi-forced her to watch classic movies as part of her education. I liked your introducing her to Dolly Parton. And I really liked her being a Girl Scout cookie-selling champ. But I get your take on why we can't have nice things.
I thought about sending you that article when I read it but I knew you already knew everything it had to say. Also what the fuck is wrong with people. And I commend your integrity for not turning that guy's life into some shit Comedy Central would use to sell things. I am not surprised that you behaved with integrity, but as you know, it's as rare among writers as it is among politicians.
We have the weirdest job. Your substack is the fucking best, btw. I really hope you start doing video. (and thank you)
Thanks for still saying "we" when I haven't written a word of fiction in months. I feel like all sorts of a fraud. I know it's bullshit, but when has that ever mattered with the writer brain?
I'm glad you dig my silly shit. Video is coming. I can't wait to go viral for pratfalling into an abandoned cistern. I may even do Tommy Salami book reviews again. TikTok needs somebody who doesn't think reading about a bad person makes you into one.
I keep everything locked down bc I have a crazy brother. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a million of them on twitter. It’s a weird thing to navigate though- how to be raw and real and careful and protective all at once.
Gah! It’s like Paparazzi except that the attention seekers need only grab their phones and start the process.
I don’t think you need the bird app to sell a book. No matter what your publisher says. Please do tell us when the book is ready. No pressure- just want to make sure I do presale at the neighborhood indie bookstore.
We're not even close. I still have to sell and write the damn thing. But I promise you'll get sick of seeing me talk about pre-orders.
Es tut mir leid. If there’s ever anything I can do to help lighten the load, please let me know. Don’t want to add to your to-do list.
Noooo that's not how I meant it at all. I appreciate you. I was just like ugh I don't even know if it'll sell and that's just gonna be a whole thing.
Hey, I'm a former high school and college English teacher (and an epic failure of a writer) and I am here to tell you that most people can't read. I mean they really, really can't read. The fucking education system is designed to train students to skim and "respond" - it's all about their "feelings" and not about the text. They think literature is just a starting point for them to talk about themselves. Same with every goddamn book club I've ever had the misfortune to try to participate in. Everyone thinks you can interpret literature any way you want to because everyone's "opinion" is valid. And of course they think they "own" the writers who are online. When the only point of literature is for you to feel whatever you want to feel, it's inevitable. FFS.
Jesus. Why is this comforting.
I am learning from your experiences. I have changed what I put on the internet because of you. xx
I feel it. I left Twitter because, well, those folks are crazy. I made one little comment on an author's Twitter. It was actually just a question. It got 500+ likes and bunch of comments. I deleted that shit and never went back.
Ducking Texas
I joined a memoir workshop Drexel hosted and you said nobody is entitled to every detail of your trauma. That resonated (despite me being a massive over-sharer), and I’ve given versions of that advice many times since. I’ve realized it applies to all of our lives, not just the traumatic. We share as “social” creatures but on social media it’s in hyperdrive - share or you’re obsolete, share or you’re forgotten.
People in general don’t respect boundaries but on social media they resent them, multiplied by a million if you’re famous.
Anyway, tell me when I can pre-order the book ❤️
Powerful. As you often are.
Nice job. let it be a lesson to us all.
People seem starved for connection. Anyhow, anyplace, anybody.
Very true
Everyone should read your stuff about how this crazy fucking world actually works. Thanks for shining a light on the bullshit.
This all makes sense, but I am sorry not to hear about your niece any more. When you were calling her "11" & staying w/her family, I liked the stories where she warned her friend that you & your brother quasi-forced her to watch classic movies as part of her education. I liked your introducing her to Dolly Parton. And I really liked her being a Girl Scout cookie-selling champ. But I get your take on why we can't have nice things.