67 Comments

This isn’t the first time the state of Utah has let me down. Looking forward to the signing, kangaroo’s or not!

Expand full comment
author

That said, I'm working out a plan. If stores allow I hope to do three readings at each day-long signing. These will be short stories read at three evenly spaced intervals during the day. I will keep you posted. The King's English in Salt Lake City is great.

Expand full comment

Sounds great!

Expand full comment
founding

If you need a kangaroo at bookpeople in Austin let me know. I’ll be there and I’m still game. I’m driving 4 hours to be there so I’m not above hopping around and such. Sadly I’m glad to hear you now have an xl now

Expand full comment

Chuck -- I’m planning on being at the Tattered Cover all day the day you’re there. I’d be happy to help you in anyway I can. Let me know!

Expand full comment
founding

This kangaroo helper has a travel pump that can inflate things quickly. Just requires a plug into a wall outlet. Happy to come early to help inflate the kangaroos if needed for our area event.

Expand full comment
author

How I Spent My Summer Vacation: I've blown up all the kangaroos in order to write stuff on them, and to test them for leaks. So my mouth as been on their valves, but months ago.

Expand full comment
founding

If the kangaroos make their journey north for your (hopefully still in the works) Canadian event(s) - count me in!

Expand full comment
author

From your lips to Canada's ears.

Expand full comment
founding

If anyone needs me, I'll be moping about not getting to attend the tour. 🎻

I do hope everyone has fun, though! 😊

Expand full comment

Mind if I join you? It’s my understanding that misery loves company...

Expand full comment
founding

For sure. The more the mopey-er. 😆

Expand full comment
author

In the early 60s when Andy Warhol began to break out, he was in such demand as a college speaker that he sent several fake Andys in grey wigs to fulfill speaking gigs at the same time. Doing this, he raked in the money. Until one fake Andy lost his wig while boarding a plane.

Next time I'll use a batch of fake Chucks.

Expand full comment
founding

Often imitated - never duplicated.

I was hopeful that SF would make the cut - close enough for a day trip. However, I understand that sometimes things just don't work out.

That being said - I am patient enough to await an opportunity to meet the original Chuck.

Gonna log away that Warhol fun-fact, though.

Expand full comment

Wait, for real? I’m reminded of the line, “the self is a fiction...”

Expand full comment

Chuck Pseudo-niuk?

Expand full comment

A copy of a copy of a copy?

Expand full comment
founding

That photo of you is giving me life!!!! So glad you had a good time. 🥰

Expand full comment
author

My old typing teacher was there -- Mr. Barry -- and I told him I still have to look at the keys.

Expand full comment

It's never too late Chuck, we can still whip out that Mavis Bacon software and get you touch typing fast like a stenographer on crack. Also, how did Barry respond?

Expand full comment
author

Poor Mr. Barry wasn't very lucid.

Expand full comment

Oof, he must be getting up there in age. You're like 89 years old, he must be over a hundred.

Expand full comment
author

Why is there no "Not Like" option. I'm hardly a day over 88, sir.

Expand full comment

LOL!

Expand full comment

Can you imagine if a social media site had those options? And then one person on your friends/followers list keeps disliking all your stuff without saying anything. That would drive people mad.

Expand full comment
founding

1. footnote was serious and heavy and slightly funny.

Expand full comment
author

Very unsettling. Agreed.

Expand full comment
founding

You look very handsome in your picture...*runs way*

Expand full comment
founding

I’ll be at Third Place Books early if you need any help here in Seattle 👍

Expand full comment

Just let us know if you need help numbering any sticks or anything weird and Chuck like that will be used to spread joy and wonder.

Expand full comment
author

Truth is... now that I've numbered all the thousands of batons, I've decided on a new, better game. This means more batons, and they won't need numbers.

Expand full comment

Looking forward to having shit thrown at me.

Expand full comment
author

Wear a helmet.

Expand full comment
founding

Footnote #1 made me laugh for the first time in quite some time.

Much obliged, Professor P!

Expand full comment

How does one lock down a kangaroo helper position?

Also, while it's disappointing you're not represented in your high school library, I've got to admit that Gary Paulsen selection is 🔥.

Expand full comment
author

Well, Grace Paley is also AWOL. My books usually sit beside hers.

Expand full comment

Great photo of you and the coyote. Straight to the pool room for that one!

Expand full comment

Shit...I was the soft-spoken, shy kid in high school. Why does it always have to be the quiet kids that turn out to be sick freaks?

Expand full comment

But the worst you can say about me is that I produce bad writing. That's it. And the last time I checked, that is much better than drugs and rape.

I hope.

Expand full comment
author

My advice? Always put your freak on the page and leave it there.

Expand full comment

Exactly! Us writers have a great outlet for our shadow!

Expand full comment

James Patterson may be stuffing high schools full of his books, but I bet his readings don't involve Kangaroos hurling things at people. I'd consider that a win.

Expand full comment
author

Right?

Expand full comment