They really appreciated me at Troy ( MI) Beaumont last year when I pulled some 6'5" jackass off a 5'2" nurse he was punching. I didn't know that staff couldn't intervene. I do now.
As you always do, J, you populate your stories with complex characters no matter how brief a window we get to look through. And we get to see them in three dimensions.
What a remarkable gift you have.
I read an article this morning about an older inmate at a prison who while in solitary confinement read Sophie’s Choice. He described the effect of the book as cracking open his heart so that for the first time in his life he experienced compassion for someone other than himself. Books, stories, can do that if they are good enough to reach the core of us. A lot - or even a little. Not all story tellers, writers, poets, artists or musicians can do that. You have that skill though.
Whatever’s going on there take care of yourself. Give yourself a break if you need it.
Being compared to William Styron is wonderful. Thank you. I do hope the stories burrow into people.
A break from writing won't help. It won't make me happy. It will be a defeat. I need more people to pay to read this collection of work. Story #1 would have never made it to Substack if I had any indication I'd be staring up at 400 paid subscribers in 4 years. The other incomes have run dry. No film work. I was happy to supplement this work before. Now those supplemental incomes aren't available.
There’s nothing I can say to this that isn’t straight out of my mom’s handbook ( titled ‘don’t make me come over there’) because I believe in your writing as deeply as I do. I’m not going to annoy you if I can help it. Get some rest.
Thanks for reading. I try to make them relatable and even in the cases of the pieces that might not be as easily relatable, regular readers seem to find humanity they can grab.
Never give up (AI is taking over), original thought is a very rare and beautiful thing that I personally enjoy. Thank - you so much for making me feel something in my "I don't give a fuck life.."
Thank you. I'm just a writer. Nurses are diamonds.
I always admired nurses but in the last two years I've spent so much time in hospitals with elderly relatives that now I'm a superfan
They really appreciated me at Troy ( MI) Beaumont last year when I pulled some 6'5" jackass off a 5'2" nurse he was punching. I didn't know that staff couldn't intervene. I do now.
This was a wonderful, heartwarming story.
I took mom to the cemetery to see Dad's spot today.
We hadn't been there since his ceremony.
We then drove another hour to see her brother and his wife whom I haven't seen in more than 50 years.
Life is getting shorter and shorter and it's important to make the most of every opportunity.
For me, it was a great day.
I am sorry it was rough for you.
No matter when the streak breaks, you are still worth reading and supporting.
All the best.
Thanks J/S. Glad you had a good day with Mom and the family
Oh my heart. You have a way of making something tragic into something uplifting without the least bit of contrivance.
Thanks Lorraine. Thanks for being here and elevating me
Always fun reading your high-quality writing.
As you always do, J, you populate your stories with complex characters no matter how brief a window we get to look through. And we get to see them in three dimensions.
What a remarkable gift you have.
I read an article this morning about an older inmate at a prison who while in solitary confinement read Sophie’s Choice. He described the effect of the book as cracking open his heart so that for the first time in his life he experienced compassion for someone other than himself. Books, stories, can do that if they are good enough to reach the core of us. A lot - or even a little. Not all story tellers, writers, poets, artists or musicians can do that. You have that skill though.
Whatever’s going on there take care of yourself. Give yourself a break if you need it.
Being compared to William Styron is wonderful. Thank you. I do hope the stories burrow into people.
A break from writing won't help. It won't make me happy. It will be a defeat. I need more people to pay to read this collection of work. Story #1 would have never made it to Substack if I had any indication I'd be staring up at 400 paid subscribers in 4 years. The other incomes have run dry. No film work. I was happy to supplement this work before. Now those supplemental incomes aren't available.
There’s nothing I can say to this that isn’t straight out of my mom’s handbook ( titled ‘don’t make me come over there’) because I believe in your writing as deeply as I do. I’m not going to annoy you if I can help it. Get some rest.
I ‘ll look for you here tomorrow.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. And relatable. And humbling. Thank you.
Thanks for reading. I try to make them relatable and even in the cases of the pieces that might not be as easily relatable, regular readers seem to find humanity they can grab.
"One of the best" might mean ... What? The top 150 out of 900-plus? Pretty vague praise.
Still: one of the best.
I'll take that, however many it might mean
I liked it’s Pain - Always 🌷🌻
Look, dangit. I am at work and was not expecting to be in my feelings!
I mean, "If Sammie had ended her own life six months prior, Dan wouldn’t have been able to attend at all." And the ending. Yep.
I'm glad you felt it. Hope it wasn't too much of a work disruption. Next time I'll write you a note so your boss lets you go home
And if you are the boss they can't tease you for cryin
😂 I need to work on that promotion!
Love this. And sending you strength through your personal hardships.
Thanks. I always survive this crap
Poignant and excellent writing.
Keep on keep’in on
Thank you. Nearly four years of daily stories in the archive.
Dig in, have fun and let me know what else you like
I shall.
Never give up (AI is taking over), original thought is a very rare and beautiful thing that I personally enjoy. Thank - you so much for making me feel something in my "I don't give a fuck life.."