There’s a lot here to process, much of which I’m not remotely qualified to address. Two things, though:
1) You are a writer. Whether you ever get paid, or make a living at it, is for you to decide. But I always value good writing. A decade later, my kids and I will still occasionally drop a reference to “he drank a booze.” Don’t doubt that you’ve got the skills.
2) As someone who has a *very* fraught relationship with a still-living brother, you’ve given me a lot to think about regarding what kind of regrets I might be able to fend off. If this piece does nothing else (and I think it will), allow me to thank you for that.
Thank you, Scott. I can't tell you how much a comment like this means to me. Clearly, I'm just at the moment lacking in confidence, and I do appreciate the boost, very much.
Also, thank you for remembering my hard-boiled crime fiction.
Palimpsest, remember that time? I still think about it daily, I suspect, and that means I've probably thought about you daily for some significant portion of the last 22 years, certainly those since it went away. You were someone I looked forward to "hearing" "speak" back then, and even when sadly it's about a source of pain I still do. I embrace the word *amateur* for its true original meaning, not the wrong-headed implication of second best that capitalism etc has given it; the things in my life I'm proudest of have been those done *for the love of the action*. It seems to me that you are clearly an amateur writer, and given how much you care and the good and the bad in your life, probably an amateur person too.
This was excellent, and thank you so much for writing it. The recognition of a lot of my own thought processes gripped my chest.
I very much value your writing and hearing your thoughts. Your takes on things always clarify things for me in a very unique way. I hope the appreciation of myself and all these others helps you realize how much you are valued.
Whatever successes and failures you may have professionally, you are an extremely good writer (I say as someone with high standards and excellent taste...)
You should shake the dust off the Wodehouse collection. Impossible to read and not have your spirits lifted.
Bill, I met you six years ago (!) at a 2001 exhibit in DC. Our mutual friend Mike bought us sandwiches. I’m sorry to hear about everything you’ve been going through but I’m glad you are still writing. (You are a really good writer!) I’ve shared this with my friend Jeff who introduced me to Nick Cave and Ordet. This reminds me that my favorite art is introduced to me by friends. I miss our occasional FB interactions. (I’ve since quit.) I am on Instagram. Are you?
Hey Patrick! I was wondering what happened to you. Thank you for your kind words. Unfortunately, while I technically have an Instagram account, I never use it. But I could start!
There’s a lot here to process, much of which I’m not remotely qualified to address. Two things, though:
1) You are a writer. Whether you ever get paid, or make a living at it, is for you to decide. But I always value good writing. A decade later, my kids and I will still occasionally drop a reference to “he drank a booze.” Don’t doubt that you’ve got the skills.
2) As someone who has a *very* fraught relationship with a still-living brother, you’ve given me a lot to think about regarding what kind of regrets I might be able to fend off. If this piece does nothing else (and I think it will), allow me to thank you for that.
Best,
Scott
Thank you, Scott. I can't tell you how much a comment like this means to me. Clearly, I'm just at the moment lacking in confidence, and I do appreciate the boost, very much.
Also, thank you for remembering my hard-boiled crime fiction.
bill this was fantastic
Thanks, Andy.
Palimpsest, remember that time? I still think about it daily, I suspect, and that means I've probably thought about you daily for some significant portion of the last 22 years, certainly those since it went away. You were someone I looked forward to "hearing" "speak" back then, and even when sadly it's about a source of pain I still do. I embrace the word *amateur* for its true original meaning, not the wrong-headed implication of second best that capitalism etc has given it; the things in my life I'm proudest of have been those done *for the love of the action*. It seems to me that you are clearly an amateur writer, and given how much you care and the good and the bad in your life, probably an amateur person too.
This was excellent, and thank you so much for writing it. The recognition of a lot of my own thought processes gripped my chest.
I very much value your writing and hearing your thoughts. Your takes on things always clarify things for me in a very unique way. I hope the appreciation of myself and all these others helps you realize how much you are valued.
Beautiful.
Whatever successes and failures you may have professionally, you are an extremely good writer (I say as someone with high standards and excellent taste...)
You should shake the dust off the Wodehouse collection. Impossible to read and not have your spirits lifted.
Reading this the day after Mother's Day (with its own freight and wonder), is quite the bank shot right into the thick of me. Thank you.
Bill, I met you six years ago (!) at a 2001 exhibit in DC. Our mutual friend Mike bought us sandwiches. I’m sorry to hear about everything you’ve been going through but I’m glad you are still writing. (You are a really good writer!) I’ve shared this with my friend Jeff who introduced me to Nick Cave and Ordet. This reminds me that my favorite art is introduced to me by friends. I miss our occasional FB interactions. (I’ve since quit.) I am on Instagram. Are you?
Hey Patrick! I was wondering what happened to you. Thank you for your kind words. Unfortunately, while I technically have an Instagram account, I never use it. But I could start!
I never use it either! But maybe we can use the messagey thing to share recommendations.