40 Comments

You have this profound way of making me go, “awwwwwww.” Like someone handed me a puppy.

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Fantastic stuff. Your books have totally fulfilled this role for me over the years, but alongside that, this site is the first time I've ever felt connected to a world of writers that I don't find elitist or restrictive. It's so encouraging.

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I’m sorry if this information is somewhere but do you have a P.O. Box or somewhere to send you things?

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founding

When your packages arrived in the mail I was shaking with surprise and joy. These last few months have been a battle and when I'm down I just crack open one of your generously kind notes and it notably improves my outlook.

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Chuck, something funny happened this week. I gave my parents a DVD copy of Fight Club (which by the way has an insert “How to start a Fight Club”)... I insisted on them watching it. They are very much into wholesome movies and don’t much like violence. I already prepped them some, explaining Maria’s infamous line after sex with Tyler. The other day I got a text from my dad, who is a very ‘by the book’ partner at an accounting firm:

Dad: I dreamed I was in Fight Club at the office the other night.

Me: Did you win? Or did you have to pick a fight with a complete stranger and lose?

Dad: Four guys in office. I decided to stop.

Me: (sends image of Fight Club rules) Sounds like you followed rule #3 but broke rule #4.

Dad: Haha. We only had two at a time.

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My pleasure. Your reply is very touching.

By way of a bizarre update, I read this while visiting my dad and sister in England. We don't stay with them, but rent accommodation nearby for my wife, me, and the kids. I have had more time to read back through the message you posted. We're back in Scotland now and I read it again.

In the place we were staying was a small star shaped plaque on the kitchen windowsill inscribed with the words - "At any moment something wonderful is possible." I thought nothing of it until I read through your message and stopped at the line, "anything wonderful is possible at any moment." I thought you'd appreciate it. I'll read the essay again in your book and once again, thank you. You make a huge difference to many.

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I want to love writing again. But these days, I don't know how. I don't know what happened. Several years ago, I could get through a piece and finish it. Now I seem to be second-guessing myself, starting a first paragraph, going back to tweak it, deleting it, pretending like I'm starting over from scratch even though I already have some material saved.

I've been fussing about this short story for months. Pieces of it are floating in my head and I just can't connect them. And this has been my main focus, this little short story that's supposed to be 3000 words. Meanwhile, everything else seems to be passing me by because of my laser-focus on getting this one thing finished. I feel like if I can't finish this one thing, I'll never finish another thing. Because I just keep jumping from project to project and stopping once the excitement dies.

When I do write, I can pump out 800 words in a day. But most of that is me talking to myself about the story.

How do I make it fun again?

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If I were to send something to your UPS store, would it make its way to you?

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Apr 4, 2022·edited Apr 4, 2022

Thanks for the heads up about the contest.

I'm rubbing my hands together in anticipation ;)

I've been thoroughly bowled over by the packages too. Huge thanks again!

And a sincere bow of gratitude for the lead time. I'm even more prolific after daylight falls in my time zone! ;)

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Hey, I'm just gonna throw this out there...

Has anyone ever died from reading "Guts"? This guy at the retirement home wants me to read it to him after I told him about the physical reactions. I think he had a boner, which is weird 'cause I thought everyone who fought the Cong were flaccid now. I don't wanna kill an old man, you know? I only went there after your advice for writers with brain fog. Need to know my liability risks on this one. Should I just give him my copy of Haunted and walk away?

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I was reading Consider This moments ago. And I'm curious to know about those silent pauses in conversations. You've talked how you used the fight club rules as placeholders if I'm correct ( I think this also, ties to Under the Influence of Music post which I'm struggling to grasp).

My question is, can rough play be used as a placeholder? to cut between scenes? Cause that's how the gang I hanged out with dealt with awkward pauses.

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founding

I’m overly thankful for how you touched my life and Miss Sassy’s. I’m grateful for the push to write again—- it’s leading me into some pretty incredible directions. Thank you for all the time you have given of yourself. The little stuffed Monkey toy survives and sleeps next to Sassy with her pie slice and Mr. Crab. It’s in excellent company. I owe you so very much. Thank you for being there. ♥️💐🎳🍕🐇

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