Hey, send Dennis at the Cult your real name and snail mail address so I can send Loki the most incredible new dog toy I found. But don't tell Loki it's coming, okay? Let Loki be surprised.
That’s sad. I read about people getting a pet in the beginning of covid to entertain their kids and once the full lockdown was lifted they dumped them at shelters or just anywhere.
(laughing) I used to live there. Once I spent the day indoors because someone had ditched a rottweiler that sat on my porch and growled. It was like living 'Cujo' but in a shack.
I feel bad now. I won't have any money to spare on her birthday. But I did find a place called Providence Animal Rescue League and when I do have money, I'll do what I can. Plus they even have an option of being able to dedicate a donation in honor or in memory of someone. Perfect! I can donate in memory of Betty White, and when I make a second, in honor of you, Chuck!
Not gonna lie, when I got the email for this post, I thought, "gesture? Oh man, this is gonna be a juicy post on body language!" Wrong gesture haha
Boy, here I thought you were making an age-appropriate cultural reference. Then I recalled that Betty was still appearing on TV in very recent years. D'oh! Foiled again!
My philosophy is "give 'til it hurts." Easing the pain of grief with an outsized donation I almost can't afford is a win-win.
For me, the 17th is uber meaningful because it is the birthday of Oliver Schroer's (Canada's greatest fiddler/composer) late mom, who lovingly adopted me symbolically (perhaps as her spirit animal), and that of a very kind local DJ who was a light at the end of the tunnel during my young life as a pariah, so I have a lot to celebrate. It's fun to see you referencing that date too (because maybe you're all connected in my fantasy simulated world) ;)
I am no stranger to animal protection (mostly in the financial sense), but I admire your advocating for such causes. A refreshing change from shamelessly plugging subscriptions to this page. Incidentally, if ever you're giving a prize for the person who inadvertently (and occasionally intentionally) purchased the most accounts, check mine ;)
If anyone at all is reading this, I highly recommend checking out the music of Oliver Schroer (who passed 14 years ago)
As a storyteller he enjoyed Postcards DVD and saw similarities with you (and loved the tale about the box, necklace etc.) We were close friends. I don't just pepper random fiddle stars with stories about you! haha
And if any hardy souls are still reading, give often, folks!
Hah! Thank you. And the Substack culture somewhat coaches writers to solicit subscribers. And I remember Betty White from Password. Where I understand she met her husband. Do you have an animal?
The Power Dog I received from you circa '05 is on its way to the Philippines (I still kept the signed books and many other chachkes) I self-identify as part turtle (long story) so I have legions of those in every room of our home. Also love birds (especially the smart species) and octopi.
I forget the Password haha (who ever could have guessed we'd be swimming in them all those years later).
Glad there's 2 of us who have a vague idea of what's going on here. ;)
Substack probably earns some kind of commission, so they want all you writers to hop to it and earn your keep. All those millions of readers of yours will probably turn up here sooner or later. ;)
BTW now that you've opened the floodgates, know that I *can* theoretically turn joke/ribbing mode off, but it goes against my nature. The more serious the post, the more irresistible the temptation. Now you've been warned haha
I probably have it (them) in my collection already, but thanks!
Anyway it looks like I joined your club (e.g. especially concerning my fellow members here) of people doing their utmost to overcome a rocky start (as opposed to a rock star) ;)
I just watched an "'old" episode of our favourite Canadian drama (Family Law) that replicated my most traumatic family event (immortalized, incidentally, in the first letter I wrote you) almost scene for scene. Bruised, shaken up, rattled.... I slunk back to my office to listen to trance music, to wit Inuit folk singing, to reconnect with my ancestors (in a past life perhaps) and then your note arrived.
So thanks again :)
Maybe one of your books in my collection can distract me, too. There's "a couple" I haven't finished yet ;)
BTW for our wedding we asked my friends to give us adopted birds and turtles as wedding gifts, so we're on the same page.
As promised, I cracked open Damned. The one you inscribed "you're an angel even if sometimes your life feels like hell". Just got to the chapter where Madison writes.. "after a somewhat rocky start"...
Goodbye tenuous grasp on reality. 😉
Maybe by the time I read all the rest of your books (plus greener pastures) everything will be back to normal. 😃
Oh you were talking about real animals? haha I had turtles, the smartest, most beautiful dignified creatures in the world. 3 were adopted. You were writing Fight Club around that time. Now I "have" wild birds. We love birding and creatures who are free! (in the financial and philosophical sense).
Do you by any chance sell a lexicon to translate Chuck into Canadian? I seem to have a few issues decoding your intent (says the person for whom a good proportion of her friends were born abroad).
Sassy is Kerri's dog! My dog, Egg, is back to normal. Thanks for asking. She sees a camel on television, and she goes nuts so I give her some leftover pain meds and she's a good, sleepy dog.
Yeah. She goes nuts at the sight of a camel. Years back I'd take her to a hospice to sit with patients. I'd make small talk if asked, but mostly Egg would sit on the bed and be a comfort. Once a priest gave Communion to the dying man and gave Egg an (unconsecrated) wafer. The hospice brought in a llama for the novelty (?) and Egg had her usual camel reaction. Yeah, a llama in a hospice.
The best I can do is I'll feed pigeons on my roof top. Hate to be a party spoiler but, where I live, people in general hate dogs and there's no animal shelters. You might ask, how do the folks in charge deal with strayed dogs? well, once in a while, the municipality would appoint a bunch of people ( Possibly hunters) and off they go riding a 1st gen Mitsubishi L200 then, hunt down every dog in the street.
Hey, I watched a documentary about the soviet space dog, Laika, and how it was rescued and given one happy day with kids, but later burned alive when the automated poisoning system failed, and how by radio they could hear the dog suffer. Damn.
Wow, I've never heard that before. But, I have way worse animal cruelty stories ( witnessed in person) that I'll probably not get looked at the same way ever again if I tell them.
Hey Chuck, do you ever worry about going too far? Sometimes when I'm writing something, I think "am I trying too hard to evoke emotion and end up being too edgy for the sake of it?"
Always. But I worry more about reaching the end of my life and wondering, "Why did I hold back?" Unless a story makes me cringe and squirm, then it never feels fully done. The story has to eventually repel me. That said, it has to get to that extreme in a clever, well-done way or even I won't tag along.
Last February, I lost my dear Wendy cat at the age of 18. I got her when I was 19, and she passed when I was 37. That’s nearly half my life spent with one animal. The only other beings I’ve lived with that long were my parents, and I bet you don’t have to guess which roommate I enjoyed more. I don’t know if I’ll ever get another cat, but maybe sponsoring animals in Wendy’s honor will help to fill that void. 🐈⬛
Chuck, you know something I would adore seeing you do on here? Create a rough draft of a short story while giving notes interspersed to share insight into your process. I think that would be immensely helpful and reassuring.
Yes, I would love that. I wish I could see the full first draft of Fight Club (or even just a chapter), but I also understand why you’d never want anyone to see that. As horrific as that thought might sound to you, it would be really encouraging for people learning the craft.
I don't think it's possible to read the first draft of Fight Club. Chuck most likely incinerated it and kept the fire going to keep warm during a winter.
I know Chuck says he does this — but my theory is it’s to keep that treasure (or Pandora’s box to Chuck) buried. Maybe he burns some of it, but I have a hard time believing he burns all of it. Stop burning stuff Chuck! Future writers need it to reconstruct your process once you cross over to the Great Nothing. OR — please write some alternate first draft and trick us by ‘accidentally’ leaking that and then later pretend it’s not *really* the first draft to trick us to even more. Pull some Andy Kaufman shit! Thanks! Can’t wait.
Yarg? Is it subtitles? I just looked it up.
We took in two shelter dogs this year. Love them!
And thank YOU.
Of course! https://twitter.com/finiteatticus/status/1476011316825497607?s=21
Hey, send Dennis at the Cult your real name and snail mail address so I can send Loki the most incredible new dog toy I found. But don't tell Loki it's coming, okay? Let Loki be surprised.
Yes sure! I can’t seem to find the email for Dennis on your page. What is it?
Never mind I figured it out!
I had faith in you.
Nice work, Atticus. Get ready to receive a bucket of fun!
Also lines up with the Wolf Moon. Legit.
Now I must search "wolf moon."
I‘m having an App which reminds me of every full moon^^
I live in the middle of nowhere and people just dump dogs out here. We take them in and take care of them until we can find them a new home.
That’s sad. I read about people getting a pet in the beginning of covid to entertain their kids and once the full lockdown was lifted they dumped them at shelters or just anywhere.
Jeez, that gives me the boak. Disgusting.
Sadly, I'm hearing that, also.
(laughing) I used to live there. Once I spent the day indoors because someone had ditched a rottweiler that sat on my porch and growled. It was like living 'Cujo' but in a shack.
I feel bad now. I won't have any money to spare on her birthday. But I did find a place called Providence Animal Rescue League and when I do have money, I'll do what I can. Plus they even have an option of being able to dedicate a donation in honor or in memory of someone. Perfect! I can donate in memory of Betty White, and when I make a second, in honor of you, Chuck!
Not gonna lie, when I got the email for this post, I thought, "gesture? Oh man, this is gonna be a juicy post on body language!" Wrong gesture haha
My next post will negate this one. Sorry.
Don't be sorry! I'll be looking forward to it.
A financial goal for 2020 is to sponsor the adoption of a puppy. Guess this is going to get accomplished is Jan!
Thank you.
Boy, here I thought you were making an age-appropriate cultural reference. Then I recalled that Betty was still appearing on TV in very recent years. D'oh! Foiled again!
My philosophy is "give 'til it hurts." Easing the pain of grief with an outsized donation I almost can't afford is a win-win.
For me, the 17th is uber meaningful because it is the birthday of Oliver Schroer's (Canada's greatest fiddler/composer) late mom, who lovingly adopted me symbolically (perhaps as her spirit animal), and that of a very kind local DJ who was a light at the end of the tunnel during my young life as a pariah, so I have a lot to celebrate. It's fun to see you referencing that date too (because maybe you're all connected in my fantasy simulated world) ;)
I am no stranger to animal protection (mostly in the financial sense), but I admire your advocating for such causes. A refreshing change from shamelessly plugging subscriptions to this page. Incidentally, if ever you're giving a prize for the person who inadvertently (and occasionally intentionally) purchased the most accounts, check mine ;)
If anyone at all is reading this, I highly recommend checking out the music of Oliver Schroer (who passed 14 years ago)
https://borealisrecords.com/artists/oliver-schroer/?v=e4b09f3f8402
As a storyteller he enjoyed Postcards DVD and saw similarities with you (and loved the tale about the box, necklace etc.) We were close friends. I don't just pepper random fiddle stars with stories about you! haha
And if any hardy souls are still reading, give often, folks!
Hah! Thank you. And the Substack culture somewhat coaches writers to solicit subscribers. And I remember Betty White from Password. Where I understand she met her husband. Do you have an animal?
The Power Dog I received from you circa '05 is on its way to the Philippines (I still kept the signed books and many other chachkes) I self-identify as part turtle (long story) so I have legions of those in every room of our home. Also love birds (especially the smart species) and octopi.
I forget the Password haha (who ever could have guessed we'd be swimming in them all those years later).
Glad there's 2 of us who have a vague idea of what's going on here. ;)
Substack probably earns some kind of commission, so they want all you writers to hop to it and earn your keep. All those millions of readers of yours will probably turn up here sooner or later. ;)
BTW now that you've opened the floodgates, know that I *can* theoretically turn joke/ribbing mode off, but it goes against my nature. The more serious the post, the more irresistible the temptation. Now you've been warned haha
Now... you've got me looking for turtles to inflict upon you!
I probably have it (them) in my collection already, but thanks!
Anyway it looks like I joined your club (e.g. especially concerning my fellow members here) of people doing their utmost to overcome a rocky start (as opposed to a rock star) ;)
I just watched an "'old" episode of our favourite Canadian drama (Family Law) that replicated my most traumatic family event (immortalized, incidentally, in the first letter I wrote you) almost scene for scene. Bruised, shaken up, rattled.... I slunk back to my office to listen to trance music, to wit Inuit folk singing, to reconnect with my ancestors (in a past life perhaps) and then your note arrived.
So thanks again :)
Maybe one of your books in my collection can distract me, too. There's "a couple" I haven't finished yet ;)
BTW for our wedding we asked my friends to give us adopted birds and turtles as wedding gifts, so we're on the same page.
PPS ha ha ha (you're a quick study, maybe haha)
As promised, I cracked open Damned. The one you inscribed "you're an angel even if sometimes your life feels like hell". Just got to the chapter where Madison writes.. "after a somewhat rocky start"...
Goodbye tenuous grasp on reality. 😉
Maybe by the time I read all the rest of your books (plus greener pastures) everything will be back to normal. 😃
Oh you were talking about real animals? haha I had turtles, the smartest, most beautiful dignified creatures in the world. 3 were adopted. You were writing Fight Club around that time. Now I "have" wild birds. We love birding and creatures who are free! (in the financial and philosophical sense).
Do you by any chance sell a lexicon to translate Chuck into Canadian? I seem to have a few issues decoding your intent (says the person for whom a good proportion of her friends were born abroad).
How is your dog? A few posts back you mentioned Sassy climbed off the bed crying—unable to move her legs.
Sassy is Kerri's dog! My dog, Egg, is back to normal. Thanks for asking. She sees a camel on television, and she goes nuts so I give her some leftover pain meds and she's a good, sleepy dog.
A picture? A location?
👍
A camel? 😁
Yeah. She goes nuts at the sight of a camel. Years back I'd take her to a hospice to sit with patients. I'd make small talk if asked, but mostly Egg would sit on the bed and be a comfort. Once a priest gave Communion to the dying man and gave Egg an (unconsecrated) wafer. The hospice brought in a llama for the novelty (?) and Egg had her usual camel reaction. Yeah, a llama in a hospice.
Ah bless egg 🥰. Do you know what started the camel/llama reaction or is it just something she's always done?
I’m sorry to say. I legit saw a cat thrown out in the trash the other day. I won’t describe it, but it was jarring.
(!)
it’s in my head
The best I can do is I'll feed pigeons on my roof top. Hate to be a party spoiler but, where I live, people in general hate dogs and there's no animal shelters. You might ask, how do the folks in charge deal with strayed dogs? well, once in a while, the municipality would appoint a bunch of people ( Possibly hunters) and off they go riding a 1st gen Mitsubishi L200 then, hunt down every dog in the street.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyjEOitK4_s&ab_channel=%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B6%D9%88%D8%AD-Alwodouh
Here's a video. (Better not watch)
Hey, I watched a documentary about the soviet space dog, Laika, and how it was rescued and given one happy day with kids, but later burned alive when the automated poisoning system failed, and how by radio they could hear the dog suffer. Damn.
Wow, I've never heard that before. But, I have way worse animal cruelty stories ( witnessed in person) that I'll probably not get looked at the same way ever again if I tell them.
I once got accosted by a RSPCA charity worker on the street. She said, "Do you like animals?"
I said, yes.
She said, "Would you consider donating?"
I said, I already do. I said, "Does anyone actually say no when you ask if they like animals?"
She said, "You'd be surprised."
Good luck with the charity work.
(shrug) It's worth a shot.
Good idea. I will be doing so. Thanks for the idea!
Hey. somebody told me. Happy to share.
Hey Chuck, do you ever worry about going too far? Sometimes when I'm writing something, I think "am I trying too hard to evoke emotion and end up being too edgy for the sake of it?"
Always. But I worry more about reaching the end of my life and wondering, "Why did I hold back?" Unless a story makes me cringe and squirm, then it never feels fully done. The story has to eventually repel me. That said, it has to get to that extreme in a clever, well-done way or even I won't tag along.
So you're saying that it's an okay feeling to experience the uncomfortable-ness while writing a story?
Hell, it's a good sign. It proves you're doing something worthwhile.
I've been looking at the autographs you gave me, Chuck. Did you know the way you write an "a" looks like a "d"
Hah, I could never write a proper 'a' in school. All I can do is a small-looking 'd'.
Last February, I lost my dear Wendy cat at the age of 18. I got her when I was 19, and she passed when I was 37. That’s nearly half my life spent with one animal. The only other beings I’ve lived with that long were my parents, and I bet you don’t have to guess which roommate I enjoyed more. I don’t know if I’ll ever get another cat, but maybe sponsoring animals in Wendy’s honor will help to fill that void. 🐈⬛
Chuck, you know something I would adore seeing you do on here? Create a rough draft of a short story while giving notes interspersed to share insight into your process. I think that would be immensely helpful and reassuring.
I thought about this too. It would be really generous from his part if he's to do that.
Funny, I did that years ago in a short story called 'Fetch' for the site LitReactor. I'll consider it.
Yes, I would love that. I wish I could see the full first draft of Fight Club (or even just a chapter), but I also understand why you’d never want anyone to see that. As horrific as that thought might sound to you, it would be really encouraging for people learning the craft.
I don't think it's possible to read the first draft of Fight Club. Chuck most likely incinerated it and kept the fire going to keep warm during a winter.
I know Chuck says he does this — but my theory is it’s to keep that treasure (or Pandora’s box to Chuck) buried. Maybe he burns some of it, but I have a hard time believing he burns all of it. Stop burning stuff Chuck! Future writers need it to reconstruct your process once you cross over to the Great Nothing. OR — please write some alternate first draft and trick us by ‘accidentally’ leaking that and then later pretend it’s not *really* the first draft to trick us to even more. Pull some Andy Kaufman shit! Thanks! Can’t wait.