Thank you. That truly makes me happy. Sometimes I feel like my small group of loyal readers and I are relegated to a deserted island in the Substack sea, trying to make a radio out of a coconut.
One of the great things about Substack is they found a way to market not only the authors and their works, but also the conversations of the readers and the author around each individual work. That's where I find the value, I can ask about the inspiration or read what others took from the story, I can even share whatever I choose, even if it's unrelated (and usually is in my case) to the subject.
I come for the independents, the big media types bore me mostly. I'll read their free shit if it interests me, but I'd only pay subscribe to the independent writers. I feel like you folks actually earn it. Keeps you in tune with reality. Really, I only have time to read daily about four different writers on here.
Thanks J/S ! None of the MFA hotshots on Substack will even acknowledge me, so I doubt being taught is gonna happen any time soon. I am speaking to a Theatre Arts Class at a Michigan high school next week.
Both of my parents are living, but I’m feeling an ever-present pressure to capture their stories before the time has passed. We’ve talked about it, but haven’t put pen paper yet.
Do it! I never met my dad and my mom treats the truth like it's a weasel in a grease factory. If you have the opportunity...shit, send them a poll like we used to on Myspace. Ask em best music experience, brush with fame, all that.
Joe Strummer played Clubland in the late 80s , maybe early 90s. My friend worked lights, got to watch from backstage. Didn't meet anyone, and of course I got too high, but I clearly remember how hard he stomped his foot when he performed.
Guys name was George, I worked with him doing handyman type work during the day for a bit. It was not a regular gig for him, unfortunately I don't remember all the details. He knew I liked the Clash and found a way to take me. I just know it had something to do with lighting.
For a moment I'd misread and thought Kelly was selling the records for ten dollars each. Pricey for a garage sale, I thought. Then I realized it was the other way round, ten records for a dollar, which made it really cheap. Great story Jimmy, especially enjoyed the intro.
I like the way you drew the picture, with spare strokes of a well-used pencil. Nothing extra. Just enough to sketch the story. Lots of negative space, where the questions live, and write more story in my head.
Thanks. That's often the case. I explore different styles and take different approaches because I publish every day, but the stories are never ultra detailed.
If a contemporary writer brings me in a room and starts describing the t shirts in the closed dresser drawer, I'm gone.
I'm doing quick edits of chapters of my first novel, to post in serial form. It brings back memories of earlier drafts, which were packed chockful of detail. I hope I'm learning to leave the t-shirts in the drawer.
Sooo good, wanted it to go on and on, I know there’s more, loved ❤️
Thanks Carol. I don't know where the Swansons would go from there. But I'll think about it.
wow. I feel a response is inadequate!
In what way?
Man, you are so good with words. Then the hinge swings, and you turn the plot sideways. This is my second read of yours, and yeah!
Thank you. That truly makes me happy. Sometimes I feel like my small group of loyal readers and I are relegated to a deserted island in the Substack sea, trying to make a radio out of a coconut.
One of the great things about Substack is they found a way to market not only the authors and their works, but also the conversations of the readers and the author around each individual work. That's where I find the value, I can ask about the inspiration or read what others took from the story, I can even share whatever I choose, even if it's unrelated (and usually is in my case) to the subject.
I love what they've done. But I'm seeing a bit of an " Applebee's" effect.
The big media types are getting thousands of paid subscribers and the independents are struggling to get people to open the door.
I'll hold my content up against anyone and say it's good quality and good value.
But people have already plunked their whole budget down for Palahniuk and George Takei and whomever.
I come for the independents, the big media types bore me mostly. I'll read their free shit if it interests me, but I'd only pay subscribe to the independent writers. I feel like you folks actually earn it. Keeps you in tune with reality. Really, I only have time to read daily about four different writers on here.
It's addictive. I started reading in Feb on a referral from a friend, been a subscriber since and read daily.
Love that. Better than most addictions I've had.
O. Henry, eat your heart out.
Jimmy, another phenomenal story.
Had me wondering which way it was going and guessing (incorrectly) until the very end, when I burst out laughing and recited the opening line (above).
Keep this up and you should be the subject of an American Literature class on the college level.
Thanks J/S ! None of the MFA hotshots on Substack will even acknowledge me, so I doubt being taught is gonna happen any time soon. I am speaking to a Theatre Arts Class at a Michigan high school next week.
Both of my parents are living, but I’m feeling an ever-present pressure to capture their stories before the time has passed. We’ve talked about it, but haven’t put pen paper yet.
Do it! I never met my dad and my mom treats the truth like it's a weasel in a grease factory. If you have the opportunity...shit, send them a poll like we used to on Myspace. Ask em best music experience, brush with fame, all that.
"blown against the same fence." "Barnacled to the same rotting ship."
Great plot twist too. Blows my mind.
Maaan, blowing minds is really fun. That one grew from a lone seed. I guess I watered it well. Super stoked you love it.
Did anyone else enlarge the photo so they could see what the records were?
I started to myself but was afraid I'd see one artist I hated so much that I'd have to search for a new image.
I know you're a Clash listener, have you ever heard this cover?
https://youtu.be/rt10xjeIKlY
I'm astonished I never heard this. Wow. What a great cover.
I met Simonon on the Havana 3AM tour at St. Andrews. Amazing conversation, probably a half hour or so.
Joe Strummer played Clubland in the late 80s , maybe early 90s. My friend worked lights, got to watch from backstage. Didn't meet anyone, and of course I got too high, but I clearly remember how hard he stomped his foot when he performed.
Ronnie Long or Root on lights? I was there. What's My Name was last or second to last.
Guys name was George, I worked with him doing handyman type work during the day for a bit. It was not a regular gig for him, unfortunately I don't remember all the details. He knew I liked the Clash and found a way to take me. I just know it had something to do with lighting.
No George Kurkaski, or something similar to that. I have very vague memories of that time. I can't even remember the set list.
George Gorski? Grew up in Royal Oak?
Absolutely loved it!! Definitely more to this story!! ❤️
There could be a prequel or a sequel if someone wanted to run with it
Really nice. Warm and fuzzy.
I guess I wasn't warmed by the fact that Kelly missed out on tens of thousands
For a moment I'd misread and thought Kelly was selling the records for ten dollars each. Pricey for a garage sale, I thought. Then I realized it was the other way round, ten records for a dollar, which made it really cheap. Great story Jimmy, especially enjoyed the intro.
I like the way you drew the picture, with spare strokes of a well-used pencil. Nothing extra. Just enough to sketch the story. Lots of negative space, where the questions live, and write more story in my head.
Thanks. That's often the case. I explore different styles and take different approaches because I publish every day, but the stories are never ultra detailed.
If a contemporary writer brings me in a room and starts describing the t shirts in the closed dresser drawer, I'm gone.
I'm doing quick edits of chapters of my first novel, to post in serial form. It brings back memories of earlier drafts, which were packed chockful of detail. I hope I'm learning to leave the t-shirts in the drawer.
Yes ! There's your editing mantra: Leave the t-shirts in the drawer.
Jimmy, this reads like a good novel, only I never get through novels this fast. Good stuff packed in this one.
I'm really itching to write a novel
Whelp. At least Michael gave Kelly some money.