Oh Daniel, we're so the same! I write what I write for me. I don't give a rat's ass if I offend you because I used the word "retard". I mean, "Sensitivity Readers? WTF! I don't know if you read the essay I wrote about the accident I had at work, but if ever anyone was going to be triggered by something, it might be me. I just read through it. If you think you're going to be triggered by something I wrote, I say, turn the page. If someone writes something offensive, and here I quote my wife: "Grow a pair!" I've had a few readers who've unsubscribed, but so what? It's the ones that are still reading me that matter. As for the Paywall, the only reason I have it is because some of my close friends bought subscriptions on the first day. I didn't know what to do for them. So I decided I'd write books--serials--just for them. My stories will always be free. And if ever you want to collaborate, let me know.
Thank you so much for your comment! I enjoy the historical pieces. The Arthurian cycle (in homage to Mallory) that you’re working on reminds me of some of William Morris’s medieval fantasies. And your decision to use the term “retard” is something that I was thinking about recently, because I remember how common its use was (even in the workplace) until about 5 years ago. I used to give private walking tours of downtown Vienna, Austria. A prominent person (whose name shall remain unmentioned) used that very word in a moment of exasperation to describe their colleagues who were running late to the rallying point for the beginning of my tour. Of a group of 30 people, not one of them (including other members of the VIP’s party) expressed concern or shock that the word had been used. It’s interesting how there are so many words or phrases from our generation--and I’m assuming you’re of my generation--that were common from the ‘70s to the ‘90s, but which we are now being told NOT to use in our writing or else our online accounts might get suspended for hateful content. I get that there’s a difference between overusing a word or phrase that some find offensive solely in order to provoke a reaction, but I think it damages the authenticity of a work of art when such dictates become all-but-written law. And I’m not going to play the game of not depicting characters of certain groups because I myself am not part of those groups. I’m an openly gay man; and I read your comment in which you warned readers that you were depicting a gay uncle and writing in things that some might find off-putting, like the way he’s being treated. I LOVED that. I thought it was brilliant. And it remains faithful to the historical record. I’m actually more impressed with a historical tale in which I find myself saying, “That’s can’t be true!” And then I run and look it up and find out that, indeed, it was. What a great testimony to the power of fiction than this ability to showcase aspects of our own history that the reader might otherwise never have known about.
Oh, I totally agree! I'm 65, and the way we used to talk and the things people used to say, well, they add colour to the story now, don't they? I worked in a blue-collar job for 45 years where every other word was one of the "seven bad words you can't say on television." (I loved Carlin!) I didn't swear a lot back then, so I asked this guy why he swore so much, he said it was the difference between catching a fish this big, (and he held his hands a foot apart, not moving them), and one, this fuckin' big. That made so much sense to me. My mother was a prime example of being inappropriate. My parents were Dutch, and were in Holland when the German's invaded. She was 15-16 when they invaded. Her expression to describe the German invaders was "The rot Moff." It wasn't until STAR WARS came out that I'd ever hear that word again. I guess Grand Moff Tarkin was actually a Nazi. But hey, according to the laws of PC, I wouldn't be able to use that, would I? That's why I had to get off Vocal. Media. I wasn't writing according to the safeguards. Safeguards? I've offended you. I've what? I've offended you because I called a character "Gabby the Polio Kid"? What else would you think he'd be called if it's 1965? Even my Mother knew who we meant when we called him that. But I can't put that in a story either. I might offend someone. We don't even have Polio anymore! And heaven forbid you should whisper the word "Mongoloid." I asked my nieces one time, "Hey, whatever happened to the Mongoloids?" and they were mortified that I would say that word. It's hard enough to be true to the history, but even harder to be true to the history of your own childhood! We've raised a generation of pussies because we were raised by a generation that suffered PTSD.
I always find it odd when I read a review and the main complaint is that the writer used a naughty word. People get hung up on the strangest things, but I have no idea how humanity has managed to survive as a species when so many of our members can be sent into pearl-clutching distress by the mere mention of certain words as if they're monsters under the bed. It makes me think it's an affectation, and that they aren't actually distressed at all, but need to tell themselves (or others) that certain words or ideas or images are just too barbaric for their superior souls. What a way to live! It's too bad some have unsubscribed, but that's a testament to their character, not yours. And, they're missing out. You write beautifully, astutely, creatively, intelligently, and in a refreshingly unconventional way that is all too rare these days. I'm glad you don't cater to any audience and I hope you keep writing regardless of who's reading. I know I'll be :-)
Daniel, from the moment we met I became a fan of yours. Not just your writing but of your exceptional personality. Your unique voice was meant to be heard. I can still remember you giving a performance from memory of Milton. I was enthralled. I hope you continue to find the inspiration to write and share. All the best.
Thank you so much JayDub! You actually brought a tear to my jaded eye. I was thinking about how long we’ve known each other, first virtually and then in person. I’m still waiting to read one of your stories. Please let me know when you post one and where you post it so that I can read it. You’re a voracious reader and I’d be curious to see your work.
Yep. We write how we write even whilst learning what that means. And thank you, Daniel, for your interest in and kind comments on my work. Happily Marshian.
It’s no labor to read your writing, Adrian. Pure pleasure. There’s a rhythm and cadence to your work that makes it clear your mind gives equal weight to the spoken and written word. It’s smooth and sonorous.
I haven’t gotten direct feedback from people who unsubscribe. I usually only find out when I periodically check the number of people who subscribe. The graph usually looks like the Dow Jones Industrial Average. However, I received an email from a friend of mine (former nun), whom I’ve known for 35 years. She laid out the objections she had to my depictions of religious themes in the “Witch in the Mountain Pass” novel, and then sent a follow up email letting me know that she regrettably felt unable maintain an association with me. She not only unsubscribed from my Substack but blocked me across social media. That hurt, because I had looked up to her when I was younger and I don’t think we’ll ever be able to reconcile. She’s in her late 80s now.
You're kina all over the place in this one 😂 but I one hundo support writing how ever you fucking want to
Thank you!!! 😂
Anytime. I'm always good for a pep talk, too, so. Hit me up, if ever you're in need.
.. will second that commotion.. what comes outta my head = just that.. less or more
.. internal dialogue of a young orca ? ThoughtStream of irreverent aged bayou shitkicker ?
sound of a sticky smallblock intake valve is say what ? a foley artist trashin a Yukon beauty salon a la wolverine ?
when painting with words.. what hits th floor might be the score .. hit me with your rhythm stick
& righthand wavin free .. cuz the mountain’l eat yer lunch - all snow spluffed & rippy too 🏴☠️🦎
Oh Daniel, we're so the same! I write what I write for me. I don't give a rat's ass if I offend you because I used the word "retard". I mean, "Sensitivity Readers? WTF! I don't know if you read the essay I wrote about the accident I had at work, but if ever anyone was going to be triggered by something, it might be me. I just read through it. If you think you're going to be triggered by something I wrote, I say, turn the page. If someone writes something offensive, and here I quote my wife: "Grow a pair!" I've had a few readers who've unsubscribed, but so what? It's the ones that are still reading me that matter. As for the Paywall, the only reason I have it is because some of my close friends bought subscriptions on the first day. I didn't know what to do for them. So I decided I'd write books--serials--just for them. My stories will always be free. And if ever you want to collaborate, let me know.
Thank you so much for your comment! I enjoy the historical pieces. The Arthurian cycle (in homage to Mallory) that you’re working on reminds me of some of William Morris’s medieval fantasies. And your decision to use the term “retard” is something that I was thinking about recently, because I remember how common its use was (even in the workplace) until about 5 years ago. I used to give private walking tours of downtown Vienna, Austria. A prominent person (whose name shall remain unmentioned) used that very word in a moment of exasperation to describe their colleagues who were running late to the rallying point for the beginning of my tour. Of a group of 30 people, not one of them (including other members of the VIP’s party) expressed concern or shock that the word had been used. It’s interesting how there are so many words or phrases from our generation--and I’m assuming you’re of my generation--that were common from the ‘70s to the ‘90s, but which we are now being told NOT to use in our writing or else our online accounts might get suspended for hateful content. I get that there’s a difference between overusing a word or phrase that some find offensive solely in order to provoke a reaction, but I think it damages the authenticity of a work of art when such dictates become all-but-written law. And I’m not going to play the game of not depicting characters of certain groups because I myself am not part of those groups. I’m an openly gay man; and I read your comment in which you warned readers that you were depicting a gay uncle and writing in things that some might find off-putting, like the way he’s being treated. I LOVED that. I thought it was brilliant. And it remains faithful to the historical record. I’m actually more impressed with a historical tale in which I find myself saying, “That’s can’t be true!” And then I run and look it up and find out that, indeed, it was. What a great testimony to the power of fiction than this ability to showcase aspects of our own history that the reader might otherwise never have known about.
Oh, I totally agree! I'm 65, and the way we used to talk and the things people used to say, well, they add colour to the story now, don't they? I worked in a blue-collar job for 45 years where every other word was one of the "seven bad words you can't say on television." (I loved Carlin!) I didn't swear a lot back then, so I asked this guy why he swore so much, he said it was the difference between catching a fish this big, (and he held his hands a foot apart, not moving them), and one, this fuckin' big. That made so much sense to me. My mother was a prime example of being inappropriate. My parents were Dutch, and were in Holland when the German's invaded. She was 15-16 when they invaded. Her expression to describe the German invaders was "The rot Moff." It wasn't until STAR WARS came out that I'd ever hear that word again. I guess Grand Moff Tarkin was actually a Nazi. But hey, according to the laws of PC, I wouldn't be able to use that, would I? That's why I had to get off Vocal. Media. I wasn't writing according to the safeguards. Safeguards? I've offended you. I've what? I've offended you because I called a character "Gabby the Polio Kid"? What else would you think he'd be called if it's 1965? Even my Mother knew who we meant when we called him that. But I can't put that in a story either. I might offend someone. We don't even have Polio anymore! And heaven forbid you should whisper the word "Mongoloid." I asked my nieces one time, "Hey, whatever happened to the Mongoloids?" and they were mortified that I would say that word. It's hard enough to be true to the history, but even harder to be true to the history of your own childhood! We've raised a generation of pussies because we were raised by a generation that suffered PTSD.
I always find it odd when I read a review and the main complaint is that the writer used a naughty word. People get hung up on the strangest things, but I have no idea how humanity has managed to survive as a species when so many of our members can be sent into pearl-clutching distress by the mere mention of certain words as if they're monsters under the bed. It makes me think it's an affectation, and that they aren't actually distressed at all, but need to tell themselves (or others) that certain words or ideas or images are just too barbaric for their superior souls. What a way to live! It's too bad some have unsubscribed, but that's a testament to their character, not yours. And, they're missing out. You write beautifully, astutely, creatively, intelligently, and in a refreshingly unconventional way that is all too rare these days. I'm glad you don't cater to any audience and I hope you keep writing regardless of who's reading. I know I'll be :-)
“Pearl-Clutching Distress” will be the title of my memoir. 😂
Haha, love it ;-)
Daniel, from the moment we met I became a fan of yours. Not just your writing but of your exceptional personality. Your unique voice was meant to be heard. I can still remember you giving a performance from memory of Milton. I was enthralled. I hope you continue to find the inspiration to write and share. All the best.
Thank you so much JayDub! You actually brought a tear to my jaded eye. I was thinking about how long we’ve known each other, first virtually and then in person. I’m still waiting to read one of your stories. Please let me know when you post one and where you post it so that I can read it. You’re a voracious reader and I’d be curious to see your work.
Yep. We write how we write even whilst learning what that means. And thank you, Daniel, for your interest in and kind comments on my work. Happily Marshian.
It’s no labor to read your writing, Adrian. Pure pleasure. There’s a rhythm and cadence to your work that makes it clear your mind gives equal weight to the spoken and written word. It’s smooth and sonorous.
Just in curiosity, have you gotten feedback from the people who unsubscribed? I'd be curious to know what they said.
I haven’t gotten direct feedback from people who unsubscribe. I usually only find out when I periodically check the number of people who subscribe. The graph usually looks like the Dow Jones Industrial Average. However, I received an email from a friend of mine (former nun), whom I’ve known for 35 years. She laid out the objections she had to my depictions of religious themes in the “Witch in the Mountain Pass” novel, and then sent a follow up email letting me know that she regrettably felt unable maintain an association with me. She not only unsubscribed from my Substack but blocked me across social media. That hurt, because I had looked up to her when I was younger and I don’t think we’ll ever be able to reconcile. She’s in her late 80s now.
Sheesh, that seems rather extreme.