The daggers of our lives. We stab it with our steely knives but we just can’t kill the beast. Digging out a morsel of light from a dark alley...nicely done Jimmy.
As someone who loves the shadows, the shock of recognition would only be compounded by being named. Naming Sammy Leyman removed the cloak of anonymity and humanised what both parties anticipated would be a a mechanical transaction.
I appreciate my little gang. I love you guys. The encouragement keeps me publishing every day. But the overall financial picture isn't sustainable. I plateau'd hard. This is my fortieth month on Substack, creating the best short fiction I possibly can daily.
Thankful for your words and hoping an answer emerges. It is such a tough financial climate ... Substack could (and should) do more to push fiction of every hue. Your work deserves to garner the rewards.
Thank you. I never had a crack problem but it was impossible to not witness it for a stretch in the 80s and 90s. As recently as last summer I was talking to a homeless neighbor and she sparked one up in front of me.
I can’t believe she wasn’t on my radar until you mentioned her. Digging her music, now following. Will catch a show after Xmas. Do you see her play often?
Not nearly as often as I'd like. Publishing daily has taken a huge chunk out of my social life. But she's always great when I do see her and I own some of her original artwork.
The sponsor becomes the sponsee
Not your typical Christmas story but maybe a better one, the message: despite the odds against it, Goodwill to all.
That is the message. I try to practice it year round.
Wow. This is dark and bright, ugly and beautiful all at once.
Thank you. I can't ask for much more
It's dark and it's gritty. There's power in stories that are hard to read. I really like it.
Thank you. I could feel power in it
The daggers of our lives. We stab it with our steely knives but we just can’t kill the beast. Digging out a morsel of light from a dark alley...nicely done Jimmy.
Thanks Dee. It was important to me to write that. Fun too, but important
As someone who loves the shadows, the shock of recognition would only be compounded by being named. Naming Sammy Leyman removed the cloak of anonymity and humanised what both parties anticipated would be a a mechanical transaction.
A wonderful, if bleak story Jimmy!
Detroit has many silver linings in a cloak of bleak and rust.
I'm biased, but it's the most humane place I've ever been.
Very powerful writing, Jimmy.
Thank you. I work at it. Hopefully I can find a platform that appreciates it.
Looking at the comments there are loads of us who appreciate you.
I appreciate my little gang. I love you guys. The encouragement keeps me publishing every day. But the overall financial picture isn't sustainable. I plateau'd hard. This is my fortieth month on Substack, creating the best short fiction I possibly can daily.
Thankful for your words and hoping an answer emerges. It is such a tough financial climate ... Substack could (and should) do more to push fiction of every hue. Your work deserves to garner the rewards.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to reach people. I just believed that I'd see steady growth.
Damn. Merry Christmas in however you find joy. It’s not all candy canes and toys. It’s tears and sorrow, anger and regret.
But it can be a fleeting moment of peace. Crack isn't positive, but that wasn't the worst possible outcome in this one.
GOOD ONE, JIMMY!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, thank you. I felt this one so strongly.
A bittersweet moment from life on the street.
For two, a moment of warmth and remembrance of good times.
For the other, a small plateau in the spiral.
Wow.
Thanks J/S! Bittersweet for sure, but just enough of a moment that it qualifies for a small gratitude.
got the feel of memoir e.jean called it good one
Thank you. I never had a crack problem but it was impossible to not witness it for a stretch in the 80s and 90s. As recently as last summer I was talking to a homeless neighbor and she sparked one up in front of me.
What a weird mix of somber contentment.
Yep. A little dope will do that very temporarily.
Really liked this one, Jimmy.
Wow, Jimmy, that's some pretty powerful shit, man. Life on the streets is never easy, but that...is a merry Christmas.
Dark...and light. An interesting Christmas story. Nice piece, Jimmy.
Just discovered your stack. Also in the Detroit area. 🤘🏻
My archive has hundreds of stories set in Detroit, over 1200 stories total.
Dive in and let me know what you think.
Wow, thanks!
You write about women in music and you're in the Detroit area. Are you familiar with Carmel Liburdi?
I can’t believe she wasn’t on my radar until you mentioned her. Digging her music, now following. Will catch a show after Xmas. Do you see her play often?
Not nearly as often as I'd like. Publishing daily has taken a huge chunk out of my social life. But she's always great when I do see her and I own some of her original artwork.
Nice! Contact me if you go to a show. And vice versa. I’ll meet you there. 🎶😎🤘🏻