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How many others were disappointed to scroll down and not find a photo of Chuck in that dress? Ah, well… the photo in my head is probably better anyway.

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When I’ve heard you speak about liminal and liminoid events I’ve also heard you talk about the third place. Can a third place often play a role in these types of events? Do you think bowling alleys are a good example of the third place? (Especially one that came and went?) If a story is trying to invent a third place, what elements must absolutely be present for it to work?

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Morpheus introducing me to the construct of the matrix: were you listening to me? or were you looking at Chuck Palahniuk in a red dress?

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Dang. And just like that a memory came squirting out of my mind grapes: I had my own liminal ritual and maybe it needs to be the basis of a novel. Hmmmmmmmm

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I'm currently using my short story to create outrageous memorials for as many folks as I can. Mr Greaves said "Thank you. I never thought I would read this." When I asked for his help writing his most outrageous memorial on twitter, I didn't think for a second he actually write back and want to participate! I hope to get a few more people interested because it is hilarious and very fun to write. Stuffing ashes into glass dildos and writing about body farms...I think they call this type of writing cathartic. Liminal ceremonies allow for a cathartic release as well. The red dress...Sounds fantastic and fun Mr. Palahniuk. https://cheapcrassdevilworshiper.substack.com/p/mr-greaves-jar

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If someone were to perhaps write about your most outrageous memorial plans...what would you have in mind Mr. Palahniuk? Besides forcing your class to eat your eggnog grave ice cream Sir?

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Huh! (said in a Joe Rogan voice). We're the same weight. Funny, I always thought you looked bigger. *pause* Huh! (said again. In a Joe Rogan voice).

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Speaking of inventing rules and rituals, I've had this story idea circulating in my head. It's about Puppy Play. It's been bothering me because I don't know who to put in the puppy costume. The guy or the girl. But I know there are rules to how a dog should behave. Obey commands, walk on all fours, cannot speak but bark, etc.

You talked about Marla's backstory involving Puppy Play, so I take it you did some research. In one particular video on YouTube, someone interviewed this guy puppy. And he said a line so heartbreaking. He said something along the lines of...when you're a dog, everyone loves you.

I HAVE to use that line.

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Have the U.I. gods cleaned up chat formatting?

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It always neat to the see the surprising origin of something - how a chain of miscommunication/misunderstanding spreads. “‘Adjustment Day’? Don’t you mean, ‘A Judgement Day’?”

Interestingly enough, I created a liminoid event in the narrative of my first published short story - a ”suicide trend”. I guess nothing beats a good “action assimilation” structure. (Which I guess is the vicarious appeal of most literature in one form or another.)

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Stellar post! Coming from the Pacific Northwest I totally related to your description of Long Beach (although I'm not as concerned with creating an offense as you - that is a very accurate assessment) Absolutely brilliant way of bringing the red dress and glass floats together and my favorite post by far. Totally has me looking for "reinvented ritual" in my own experinces. Thanks again, Chuck!

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Is this because reading is usually a relatively solitary experience? So by bringing the story out of the pages, it becomes something greater?

So don't just make up stories, make up things for people to do? Involve people. Make your own traditions?

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These liminoid events are interesting. Can this event be considered as such? I remember a bit of trouble from my old childhood neighborhood. A couple times a week, a bunch of us ( 9 and 10 year olds and some were 11 to 13) would gather to buy this extreme lemon scented candy ( now it's out of the market), and eat 5 or 6 pieces at once. It made us aggressive as we couldn't endure the sour taste. When no one was looking, we'd wreck havock on every coffee chop near. Breaking every glass, tables and chairs which were placed outside. We did it so quickly, the waiters come out gobsmacked, while we are roaring with laughter on the far corner of the street. It continued for weeks but, this one time, one of the older kids ( He was prob 13) got caught by a super skinny mustachioed waiter and I swear he literally hanged him from his legs upside down and beat him. We stopped doing it that day.

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I keep having this recurring dream where I'm reincarnated as Mitch Hedberg, and Chuck keeps asking us probing questions at a lecture. The one I remember most is when he asked me "What's the one alcohol you'll never drink again?" I said, "That's easy... Rubbing."

[Pause for uncomfortable silence]

[The joke's slowly revealing itself]

[Audience laughs 10 seconds later]

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Just found this on twitter! I remember you talked about brown diamonds "chocolate diamonds". WWD calls them "Dishwater diamonds" and how they are bigger than ever! It goes on to further state that a diamond with an inclusion or odd color gives the diamond a character and a personalization not found in a flawless diamond. Great read Mr. Palahniuk! https://wwd.com/accessories-news/jewelry/dishwater-diamonds-engagement-ring-trend-brown-grey-stones-1235023046/

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Chuck, may you alway get to the point slowly. I love your anecdotes and stories ❤️

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