It seems so 'Dead Poets Society' that we were required to memorize poems in grade school. How strange to picture us in fourth grade reciting 'Dover Beach'.
That is Olympic-class repartee you guys engage in. Bravo!! I'm begging you for more episodes! Also, I only saw your books in kindle form (and I'm around Chuck's age so understandably old school). Are there any in hardback or softcover that someone from Planet Canada could acquire? Thanks VERY MUCH!!! Eternally grateful for extricating me from podcast wasteland! (lots of fruitless searches for listenable podcasts).
Ha! THANK YOU. I've been telling Chuck that I'm an Olympian for YEARS. All my books are available in all the forms. Try powells.com. Or, more broadly, the internet. :)
Thanks! I checked amazon.ca but they are woefully ill-equipped. Maybe they're getting out of the book sale business (ironically) because I tried to buy a new book from a local author and they said it would arrive only in December! I'll keep looking :) Keep up the amazing work!!!
Sigh, my drug use never got that far. Marilyn Manson told me a story about taking ketamine, then floating around his pool on an air mattress. He's a non-swimmer -- can't swim a stroke -- and as he felt the K paralysis he'd floated into deep water and realized the air mattress had a slow leak. Unable to move, he felt himself sinking and about to drown. Yeah, this is how musicians die: frozen in K Holes and drowning in eight feet of water. He's alive today because he struggled to move the fingers of one hand and finger-paddle himself into the shallow end of the pool. So, while I no longer want to do ketamine, I love to collect K Hole stories.
Marilyn Manson put on the greatest concert that I have ever seen back in 2007. He also wrote a damn great biography. I have never been in a K Hole but using a dissociative to explore my consciousness was a surefire way to relieve any and all depression or anxiety. Nothing like creating small galaxies in the carpet, or riding a roller coaster on your roof. Thank you for your story and response.
While writing 'Doomed' I studied all the anecdotal evidence of Ketamine used for out-of-body experiences. Particularly haunting was one account of a researcher wandering, dazzled, out into the snow countryside and freezing to death.
I am a failure of a fan and haven't gotten there yet, I seemingly took a break from living life and your library after Pygmy/ my deployment. Dipped my feet in for Fight Club 2 though and now I'm hopefully amongst the living again. I did get started on you in high school though in 2001, your hummingbird drawing brought me straight back to Lullaby.
I thought you two sounded great (clear, for certain), but then again I can put faces with voices so might be different for me (and your Bad Factory workers).
A perfect fix? The actor Edoardo Ballerini has studied my style of talking and perfected a hybrid "me" that sounds exactly like me but eloquent. He read the writing memoir 'Consider This' for audio, and stunned me. I'll try to link to his Wiki page, here.
The thumbnail graphic makes it look like Chelsea is plotting something behind your back and it also seems that she got you to share a greater number of sordid tales and details. Are the two of you going to be the consistent podcast duo or will she be extracting polyps from other authors in forthcoming episodes? Loved the road tales! We proles always find the inside scoop on rubbing elbows with names interesting (and I certainly would have relished being cheek-to-cheek with Fisher!(or Sedaris!). The parasocial world is seemingly becoming more elastic and nebulous and you seem to understand and explore it well. As a return-the-favor, by far the most memorable rock show I can recall attending was Dread Zeppelin opening for Mojo Nixon at their peaks. I went home with a portion of a plastic lei and a scrap of white artificial fur, a remnant of a giant stuffed polar bear dubbed “the anti-Elvis” before being thrown to the audience by Nixon. There were probably more than a few styrofoam beads inhaled/ingested as well. Also, as someone who was once naively entrusted with refilling a drug-dispensing robot, I feel we’ve accomplished another level of parasocial kinship!
The one guest we interviewed was Willy Vlautin, on the occasion of his new book 'The Night Always Comes.' And post-lockdown (?) I think the world is hungry for road trip stories and van life. During the Depression when folks were stuck at home for lack of money the entertainment that they loved was "road" movies, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby going somewhere (anywhere!). Not surprised that 'Nomadland' won the Oscar, the travel bug is biting.
It’s more the people than the places for me. One of the few office jobs I worked had a small crew of outside sales reps and the most successful of the bunch was a dumpy-looking mostly bald guy. He didn’t even sound smart with a voice pitched with extra saliva and gravel. All that didn’t matter, though, since most of his job was bringing doughnuts to construction foremen and their crews to help cement the various deals he made. If Larry was talking to you and was close enough, one of his hands inevitably found its way briefly to your shoulder in a way that felt natural rather than contrived (as it does whenever I attempt it). The late Carrie Fisher and sales guy Larry also seemed to have quite a genuine abilty for humor which helped them no matter where they were. The realization that Fisher, Sedaris and others work(ed) with some of the same simple principles used by some of the most personable people I’ve run across speaks to the universal human experience just as much as your own admission of discomfort/anxiety/confusion regarding interactions at signings. Commiserations and shared revelations are just exactly what we need so much in life regardless of the climate. Admittedly I’m also just a sucker for a name drop (especially one about someone I’ve read and enjoyed).
Spooky. While writing 'Rant' I attended a three-day seminar for used-car sales people. It taught the technique of touching the customer to create physical moments that would build toward a sale. At the risk of repeating myself, Carrie Fisher taught me the magic of touching people around the face and neck at Comic Con in New York. Her thinking was, "No one will remember what any of us said, but their body will remember that physical contact."
That’s exactly the story that got me thinking of Larry. It’s so interesting that the touching has such a profound effect. I believe even the Jim Henson mantra for guests on his shows was “touch the puppet.” Sales tricks are such helpful fun when they can translate to bringing comfort and friendship in non-sales situations. Some tactics from my umpteen customer service and sales jobs, interestingly, are remarkably antisocial. My favorite tip from a manager for not dealing with a customer, getting them out of your sight, and have them never bother you again, is to respond to their first question with “I don’t know” except don’t pronounce any of the consonants. As the manager put it, “They’ll assume you’re incredibly stupid and bother you no more.” If they’re familiar with who you actually are, the trick is to start talking about yourself, of course.
The part where you both discussed the reason as to why surgery rooms have green tiled walls reminded me of a little film tidbit. Supposedly, red and green are the hardest colours for the eyes to discern when together, and this is the reason why the colours on Freddy Kruger’s Sweater are red and green.
Plate of shrimp! A friend just told me that, he'd just heard it on a documentary (?). Makes me wonder about the significance of red and green juxtaposed at Christmas.
Ashamed to admit that I actually didn’t catch on to the reference straight away. I for some reason thought it was perhaps some kind of niche Portland (or some other location) saying/phrase. Pretty much just another way of saying: “No way!”. But then it clicked and I felt kind of stoopid (intentional misspelling, Chuck. Intentional misspelling!).
I might just start using it as a phrase/statement of exclamation to see if it catches on. It’s Urban dictionary or bust.
Not ashamed to admit, BrandAn, that I’ve seen Repo Man many times (including with the dvd commentary on). A friend of mine in college even had the audacity to claim that Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction suitcase has the same properties (though a bit delayed on the death-dealing) as the alien in trunk. Maybe it’s just a coincidence that those that gaze into the suitcase end up dead by film’s end, though.
Okay, I'll stop yelling at Alexa and Google Assistant trying to play the podcast over a smart speaker (not gonna happen). I guess bandcamp is a web-only thing.
I have chatted with Chelsea. She's goofy. I need to hear Chuck now.
I first listened to your podcast before catching up on my Greener Pastures reading, only to come across the phrase “candy-striper,” then remembering Marla’s line of “candy-stripe a cancer ward.” I wish I knew more about your life to put all the pieces together of which recurring elements you use as Easter eggs, but cornflower blue, Missoula Montana, and candy-stripers is a good start for me.
Another thru-line element is the name "Gwen." In high school our classmates included a remarkably beautiful young woman named Gwen, who disappeared occasionally. Word was she'd been committed to a psych hospital. She'd return, then vanish, and to keep her memory alive I'll drop the name Gwen into stories.
That's a wonderful bit of information, and thank you so much for the reply. Long time fan here so even the small virtual connection means so much to me and is a great start to the day!
Still catching my breath after splitting my sides listening to Episode 3 (didn't listen in order, oops!). Those podcasts are priceless! Please tell me there will be more!! You and Chelsea are the funniest duo on the Internet! I'm going to look for her books now too! THANK YOU Chuck (and Chelsea)!! PS Thanks too for the piggybank you gave us for our wedding in 07. How many of those can there be out there? ;) We're still saving up, for a rainy day.
What a coincidence (haha)! Yes, you mentioned in the lovely companion letter that your grandparents had received a piggy bank as a wedding present. You had our names and wedding date inscribed on it too! Thoughtful beyond belief.
Back in '08 I told my "brother" and your fellow storyteller Oliver Schroer (I actually gave you his CD in Mtl in '08 at the reading) about your generosity, as I accompanied him during his platelet transfusion, and he asked if we're still in touch. I said regretfully not. But thanks to a string of unimaginable circumstances here we (all) are. I'm getting to relive some of the most joyful moments of my life (e.g. reading at Kansas City.. "pssst don't tell anyone" haha), a unique form of true delight I thought I'd never experience again.
As I said to Oli, I'll just get the fan stuff over with right away... What with your podcast and this blog, I couldn't care less about not being able to travel for 2+ years or even indefinitely (in the worst case scenario). This is way better (also found other online passions).
And the subscriptions will keep snowballing. Saying "thanks" just doesn't cut it. I'm too busy with work to watch movies though, but I'm sure you'll understand.
Think of these ventures of yours as the "carrot" (e.g. from Guts) that motivates me to work hard so I can buy more subscriptions! hehehe
Agreed. This is kind-a wonderful in my usually alone life. Fyi, the three prizes have gone out to last week's Quiz winners. I'm working on a new Quiz. Soon.
I admit I'm nuts but I'm not *that* nuts that I have to compete mercilessly for every prize. I'm wearing the necklace you made (had it restrung 3 times incidentally). My desk is adorned with chachkes you sent over the years, and most importantly, I got (get) to thank you. I want to let the next generation reap the rewards of your generosity too. I'm up to 2 blessings lately... this blog and your podcast! haha I hope you and your spouse are your wedding gifts to each other too (Wish you hand-wrote on that wedding related letter to us).
PS No clue how to post pictures on your website (Chuckpalahniuk.net (The Cult) I assume) but I can confidently say I will treasure that bookmark forever.
Thanks for the tip! The "smuggler" hasn't come through for me yet, but I'd like to share a picture of your offerings that made it into our wedding ceremony. I can try sending that to Dennis.
Couldn't find Dennis' email (contact page on website does not allow pix) but I sent a test pic through your FB page. Still not sure if that page goes to Dennis or you, but that's academic. I'll send a bookmark pick there too, eventually :) Thanks!
Meanwhile I clicked on Starry Eyes website (From Dennis' litreactor page) and it took me to an Indonesian gambling site! Adoh! (bisa mengerti bahasa indonesia). He might want to know about that. :)
That was great! I listened to the first episode today while cleaning out my guinea pigs and I'll do the same tomorrow with the second episode. Don't worry your voice is nice to listen to - kind of calm and soothing, a great storytelling voice for sure. Chelsea sounds great too. The story about your mom's funeral and the glass fishing balls was beautiful, I almost cried. Thanks for not up-selling this to us!
Side note: one of my guinea pigs has had the nickname "Kiki the Magnificent" since we got her as a baby three years ago - I alway say it in a ring master circus announcer kind of way, I imagine Luther doing the same for Sam the magnificent 😊
This week at Portland Pet Supply I saw a canister of powder labeled "Guinea Pig Dust Bath." The Emily Dickinson-part of me assumed it was dead guinea pigs. I trust not. No hyphen.
Just listened to the first episode and loved all the tales of events and the things you've done to make them memorable. I've been lucky enough to see you a few times and all have been memorable. From the Naperville, IL "Mystery death at the hotel", Black Barn (Adjustment Day) and Strand Books (Consider This) in Manhattan, all were memorable. In the episode you mention touch and I got nuzzled at the Black Barn event (with pics!) and each event was memorable. You're right. Something about the physical contact of the event seared every detail of the day into my mind and for that I thank you.
I appreciate the newsletter and new novel in progress and the community of fans here commenting on all the posts!
Things seemed more interesting pre-90's. I was barely allowed to wash dog bowls for my volunteer work at a veterinary clinic. Fingering congealed blood was definitely not on the to-do list.
I would check out HEARTSICK (book one of a six-book series) or ONE KICK (which was made into a 12 ep tv show with Chris Noth). And yep, I am a reoccurring character in Chuck's books - Consider This, the Fight Club comic, etc. In fact. I might be a figment of his imagination. Now that I think about it.
Ack! Now I’ve gone and bought the wrong one! Bought Sweetheart today at the library warehouse (and it’s a signed 1st edition, woo!) but should probably get Heartsick first, yes? Wanting to finish Thom Jones’s “Night Train” anyways. I did peek at the beginning and am anticipating the read since I once lived in one of the houses in Forest Park for a few months of 2001.
Thanks, in workshop we play Good Cop and Bad Cop very easily. Most times I'm the Bad Cop.
I like to think of it as playing Mom and Dad.
It seems so 'Dead Poets Society' that we were required to memorize poems in grade school. How strange to picture us in fourth grade reciting 'Dover Beach'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuR3n0eU-ak
And in fifth grade reciting -- with our shoes full of sand from walking to school across the desert -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m75-812-sj4
"They are Ghouls..." It still gives me a shiver.
Hmmmm... it seems archaic-but-sweet.
That is Olympic-class repartee you guys engage in. Bravo!! I'm begging you for more episodes! Also, I only saw your books in kindle form (and I'm around Chuck's age so understandably old school). Are there any in hardback or softcover that someone from Planet Canada could acquire? Thanks VERY MUCH!!! Eternally grateful for extricating me from podcast wasteland! (lots of fruitless searches for listenable podcasts).
Ha! THANK YOU. I've been telling Chuck that I'm an Olympian for YEARS. All my books are available in all the forms. Try powells.com. Or, more broadly, the internet. :)
Thanks! I checked amazon.ca but they are woefully ill-equipped. Maybe they're getting out of the book sale business (ironically) because I tried to buy a new book from a local author and they said it would arrive only in December! I'll keep looking :) Keep up the amazing work!!!
Oh, Canada.
Also "Olympic-class repartee" is officially my favorite review.
And you probably don't even need steroids, either! ;) Do you have other podcasts? 4 episodes will go by very quickly, I predict.
I'm a one podcast girl. But Chuck and I might be convinced to do another season... Also I've been secretly recording him for months.
Hey, if you've been to any of my book events you'll know I just love to throw stuff. So cathartic.
Sounds great! Just wondering if they have language advisories on these things. ;) Found a new favourite podcast. Upsell on! ;)
Did you enjoy ketamine? I only got to try dextromethorphan.
Sigh, my drug use never got that far. Marilyn Manson told me a story about taking ketamine, then floating around his pool on an air mattress. He's a non-swimmer -- can't swim a stroke -- and as he felt the K paralysis he'd floated into deep water and realized the air mattress had a slow leak. Unable to move, he felt himself sinking and about to drown. Yeah, this is how musicians die: frozen in K Holes and drowning in eight feet of water. He's alive today because he struggled to move the fingers of one hand and finger-paddle himself into the shallow end of the pool. So, while I no longer want to do ketamine, I love to collect K Hole stories.
Marilyn Manson put on the greatest concert that I have ever seen back in 2007. He also wrote a damn great biography. I have never been in a K Hole but using a dissociative to explore my consciousness was a surefire way to relieve any and all depression or anxiety. Nothing like creating small galaxies in the carpet, or riding a roller coaster on your roof. Thank you for your story and response.
While writing 'Doomed' I studied all the anecdotal evidence of Ketamine used for out-of-body experiences. Particularly haunting was one account of a researcher wandering, dazzled, out into the snow countryside and freezing to death.
I am a failure of a fan and haven't gotten there yet, I seemingly took a break from living life and your library after Pygmy/ my deployment. Dipped my feet in for Fight Club 2 though and now I'm hopefully amongst the living again. I did get started on you in high school though in 2001, your hummingbird drawing brought me straight back to Lullaby.
Thank you.
I thought you two sounded great (clear, for certain), but then again I can put faces with voices so might be different for me (and your Bad Factory workers).
Enjoyed that a lot - I think we all hate to hear our voices! It reminded me I've been far too anti-social and need to call my friends more often!
When I hear my recorded voice I think, "who replaced my voice with that nasally asshole?!"
A perfect fix? The actor Edoardo Ballerini has studied my style of talking and perfected a hybrid "me" that sounds exactly like me but eloquent. He read the writing memoir 'Consider This' for audio, and stunned me. I'll try to link to his Wiki page, here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edoardo_Ballerini
The thumbnail graphic makes it look like Chelsea is plotting something behind your back and it also seems that she got you to share a greater number of sordid tales and details. Are the two of you going to be the consistent podcast duo or will she be extracting polyps from other authors in forthcoming episodes? Loved the road tales! We proles always find the inside scoop on rubbing elbows with names interesting (and I certainly would have relished being cheek-to-cheek with Fisher!(or Sedaris!). The parasocial world is seemingly becoming more elastic and nebulous and you seem to understand and explore it well. As a return-the-favor, by far the most memorable rock show I can recall attending was Dread Zeppelin opening for Mojo Nixon at their peaks. I went home with a portion of a plastic lei and a scrap of white artificial fur, a remnant of a giant stuffed polar bear dubbed “the anti-Elvis” before being thrown to the audience by Nixon. There were probably more than a few styrofoam beads inhaled/ingested as well. Also, as someone who was once naively entrusted with refilling a drug-dispensing robot, I feel we’ve accomplished another level of parasocial kinship!
The one guest we interviewed was Willy Vlautin, on the occasion of his new book 'The Night Always Comes.' And post-lockdown (?) I think the world is hungry for road trip stories and van life. During the Depression when folks were stuck at home for lack of money the entertainment that they loved was "road" movies, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby going somewhere (anywhere!). Not surprised that 'Nomadland' won the Oscar, the travel bug is biting.
It’s more the people than the places for me. One of the few office jobs I worked had a small crew of outside sales reps and the most successful of the bunch was a dumpy-looking mostly bald guy. He didn’t even sound smart with a voice pitched with extra saliva and gravel. All that didn’t matter, though, since most of his job was bringing doughnuts to construction foremen and their crews to help cement the various deals he made. If Larry was talking to you and was close enough, one of his hands inevitably found its way briefly to your shoulder in a way that felt natural rather than contrived (as it does whenever I attempt it). The late Carrie Fisher and sales guy Larry also seemed to have quite a genuine abilty for humor which helped them no matter where they were. The realization that Fisher, Sedaris and others work(ed) with some of the same simple principles used by some of the most personable people I’ve run across speaks to the universal human experience just as much as your own admission of discomfort/anxiety/confusion regarding interactions at signings. Commiserations and shared revelations are just exactly what we need so much in life regardless of the climate. Admittedly I’m also just a sucker for a name drop (especially one about someone I’ve read and enjoyed).
Spooky. While writing 'Rant' I attended a three-day seminar for used-car sales people. It taught the technique of touching the customer to create physical moments that would build toward a sale. At the risk of repeating myself, Carrie Fisher taught me the magic of touching people around the face and neck at Comic Con in New York. Her thinking was, "No one will remember what any of us said, but their body will remember that physical contact."
That’s exactly the story that got me thinking of Larry. It’s so interesting that the touching has such a profound effect. I believe even the Jim Henson mantra for guests on his shows was “touch the puppet.” Sales tricks are such helpful fun when they can translate to bringing comfort and friendship in non-sales situations. Some tactics from my umpteen customer service and sales jobs, interestingly, are remarkably antisocial. My favorite tip from a manager for not dealing with a customer, getting them out of your sight, and have them never bother you again, is to respond to their first question with “I don’t know” except don’t pronounce any of the consonants. As the manager put it, “They’ll assume you’re incredibly stupid and bother you no more.” If they’re familiar with who you actually are, the trick is to start talking about yourself, of course.
The part where you both discussed the reason as to why surgery rooms have green tiled walls reminded me of a little film tidbit. Supposedly, red and green are the hardest colours for the eyes to discern when together, and this is the reason why the colours on Freddy Kruger’s Sweater are red and green.
Do with this information as you will.
Plate of shrimp! A friend just told me that, he'd just heard it on a documentary (?). Makes me wonder about the significance of red and green juxtaposed at Christmas.
I hope Brandan has seen “Repo Man,” else you’re just further tormenting him with the shrimp reference.
Ashamed to admit that I actually didn’t catch on to the reference straight away. I for some reason thought it was perhaps some kind of niche Portland (or some other location) saying/phrase. Pretty much just another way of saying: “No way!”. But then it clicked and I felt kind of stoopid (intentional misspelling, Chuck. Intentional misspelling!).
I might just start using it as a phrase/statement of exclamation to see if it catches on. It’s Urban dictionary or bust.
Not ashamed to admit, BrandAn, that I’ve seen Repo Man many times (including with the dvd commentary on). A friend of mine in college even had the audacity to claim that Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction suitcase has the same properties (though a bit delayed on the death-dealing) as the alien in trunk. Maybe it’s just a coincidence that those that gaze into the suitcase end up dead by film’s end, though.
Okay, I'll stop yelling at Alexa and Google Assistant trying to play the podcast over a smart speaker (not gonna happen). I guess bandcamp is a web-only thing.
I have chatted with Chelsea. She's goofy. I need to hear Chuck now.
They have a smart phone app.
I first listened to your podcast before catching up on my Greener Pastures reading, only to come across the phrase “candy-striper,” then remembering Marla’s line of “candy-stripe a cancer ward.” I wish I knew more about your life to put all the pieces together of which recurring elements you use as Easter eggs, but cornflower blue, Missoula Montana, and candy-stripers is a good start for me.
Another thru-line element is the name "Gwen." In high school our classmates included a remarkably beautiful young woman named Gwen, who disappeared occasionally. Word was she'd been committed to a psych hospital. She'd return, then vanish, and to keep her memory alive I'll drop the name Gwen into stories.
That's a wonderful bit of information, and thank you so much for the reply. Long time fan here so even the small virtual connection means so much to me and is a great start to the day!
Still catching my breath after splitting my sides listening to Episode 3 (didn't listen in order, oops!). Those podcasts are priceless! Please tell me there will be more!! You and Chelsea are the funniest duo on the Internet! I'm going to look for her books now too! THANK YOU Chuck (and Chelsea)!! PS Thanks too for the piggybank you gave us for our wedding in 07. How many of those can there be out there? ;) We're still saving up, for a rainy day.
You got a silver piggy bank! "Count blessings, not faults" right? My grandparents had that same motto on a piggy bank.
What a coincidence (haha)! Yes, you mentioned in the lovely companion letter that your grandparents had received a piggy bank as a wedding present. You had our names and wedding date inscribed on it too! Thoughtful beyond belief.
Back in '08 I told my "brother" and your fellow storyteller Oliver Schroer (I actually gave you his CD in Mtl in '08 at the reading) about your generosity, as I accompanied him during his platelet transfusion, and he asked if we're still in touch. I said regretfully not. But thanks to a string of unimaginable circumstances here we (all) are. I'm getting to relive some of the most joyful moments of my life (e.g. reading at Kansas City.. "pssst don't tell anyone" haha), a unique form of true delight I thought I'd never experience again.
As I said to Oli, I'll just get the fan stuff over with right away... What with your podcast and this blog, I couldn't care less about not being able to travel for 2+ years or even indefinitely (in the worst case scenario). This is way better (also found other online passions).
And the subscriptions will keep snowballing. Saying "thanks" just doesn't cut it. I'm too busy with work to watch movies though, but I'm sure you'll understand.
Think of these ventures of yours as the "carrot" (e.g. from Guts) that motivates me to work hard so I can buy more subscriptions! hehehe
Agreed. This is kind-a wonderful in my usually alone life. Fyi, the three prizes have gone out to last week's Quiz winners. I'm working on a new Quiz. Soon.
I admit I'm nuts but I'm not *that* nuts that I have to compete mercilessly for every prize. I'm wearing the necklace you made (had it restrung 3 times incidentally). My desk is adorned with chachkes you sent over the years, and most importantly, I got (get) to thank you. I want to let the next generation reap the rewards of your generosity too. I'm up to 2 blessings lately... this blog and your podcast! haha I hope you and your spouse are your wedding gifts to each other too (Wish you hand-wrote on that wedding related letter to us).
PS No clue how to post pictures on your website (Chuckpalahniuk.net (The Cult) I assume) but I can confidently say I will treasure that bookmark forever.
Simply attach the photo in an email to Dennis. He forwards them.
Thanks for the tip! The "smuggler" hasn't come through for me yet, but I'd like to share a picture of your offerings that made it into our wedding ceremony. I can try sending that to Dennis.
Couldn't find Dennis' email (contact page on website does not allow pix) but I sent a test pic through your FB page. Still not sure if that page goes to Dennis or you, but that's academic. I'll send a bookmark pick there too, eventually :) Thanks!
Meanwhile I clicked on Starry Eyes website (From Dennis' litreactor page) and it took me to an Indonesian gambling site! Adoh! (bisa mengerti bahasa indonesia). He might want to know about that. :)
That was great! I listened to the first episode today while cleaning out my guinea pigs and I'll do the same tomorrow with the second episode. Don't worry your voice is nice to listen to - kind of calm and soothing, a great storytelling voice for sure. Chelsea sounds great too. The story about your mom's funeral and the glass fishing balls was beautiful, I almost cried. Thanks for not up-selling this to us!
Side note: one of my guinea pigs has had the nickname "Kiki the Magnificent" since we got her as a baby three years ago - I alway say it in a ring master circus announcer kind of way, I imagine Luther doing the same for Sam the magnificent 😊
You had me at 'guinea pigs.' Podcasts are such a great go-to when doing manual labor.
This week at Portland Pet Supply I saw a canister of powder labeled "Guinea Pig Dust Bath." The Emily Dickinson-part of me assumed it was dead guinea pigs. I trust not. No hyphen.
Just listened to the first episode and loved all the tales of events and the things you've done to make them memorable. I've been lucky enough to see you a few times and all have been memorable. From the Naperville, IL "Mystery death at the hotel", Black Barn (Adjustment Day) and Strand Books (Consider This) in Manhattan, all were memorable. In the episode you mention touch and I got nuzzled at the Black Barn event (with pics!) and each event was memorable. You're right. Something about the physical contact of the event seared every detail of the day into my mind and for that I thank you.
I appreciate the newsletter and new novel in progress and the community of fans here commenting on all the posts!
Hey, if I'd smacked you with a bag of fun-sized Snickers you'd really remember the event. I HAVE GOT TO STOP HITTING PEOPLE WITH CANDY.
Personally, I prefer nuzzles to getting smacked with a bag of fun-sized Snickers but maybe that's just me.
Things seemed more interesting pre-90's. I was barely allowed to wash dog bowls for my volunteer work at a veterinary clinic. Fingering congealed blood was definitely not on the to-do list.
Remember in the pre-AIDS world of the 70s human blood was so pure you could drink it.
LOL...or snort it depending on the purity of the cocaine they were using.
You're a very sweet bunch.
I would check out HEARTSICK (book one of a six-book series) or ONE KICK (which was made into a 12 ep tv show with Chris Noth). And yep, I am a reoccurring character in Chuck's books - Consider This, the Fight Club comic, etc. In fact. I might be a figment of his imagination. Now that I think about it.
Thanks, Brandon!
Backstory. I offered Chelsea the role of villain in 'Fight Club 3' and she declined.
It was a little too on the nose.
Ack! Now I’ve gone and bought the wrong one! Bought Sweetheart today at the library warehouse (and it’s a signed 1st edition, woo!) but should probably get Heartsick first, yes? Wanting to finish Thom Jones’s “Night Train” anyways. I did peek at the beginning and am anticipating the read since I once lived in one of the houses in Forest Park for a few months of 2001.
Start with SWEETHEART! It’s all a puzzle box. I love it when people read them out of order. Why not?