This was, I'm sure, quite rhetorical, for in my eyes, (especially, my reader eyes), you belong exactly where you are. I can't bring myself to read substack after substack, written by those wading in the 'all the things a successful writer must do' stream. One might even call it an ocean, for what we 'should' be doing appears to be a never ending list of frustrating pursuits, most, if not all, stealing time from what we were born to do.
Then, I see you in my in box.
I have analyzed why I find your pen so pleasant. I'm no intellect or scholar by a longshot. Being keenly aware of these facts, I try to keep analysis of anything interesting to me, simple, seeking help (from the experts) when necessary. I love the honesty in your words, and although we hail from entirely different worlds (one redlight, small southern town on this end), I feel we are related in many ways. The chief connection, a love of books at early age, and leading what was basically a blue collar life, all the while feeding our letter addiction. (For me, many years in secret, a 'closet writer,' if you will).
I just ordered "Drainman," and I'm looking forward to it. Don't disappoint me, for you know that they say about meeting people you admire from afar.
And to you and yours, I wish the best a New Year can offer, RW. Thanks for dipping your pen in the substack well from time to time. m
I am debating whether or not to hope you "enjoy" the read, it being a climate dystopian nightmare, but I can hope to earn the aura of your gracious words otherwise. If it disappoints, do tell me how. For we love review, but honesty better.
The shame seems to be that the writers I would most get along with are nowhere nearby. I appreciate the simpatico, and trust I have a blue collar brother in arms.
I can just tell you that I was happy this morning to see your name in my dedicated Substack inbox. You do belong where you are – a world of gifted, original, surprising writers. Happy New Year, RW, keep writing!
I have been between two worlds for going on 20 years now. I am the CFO of an expanding real estate development and lending company. But I look like an aging biker or hippie (depending on how I am dressed or how much weed I have smoked) and my friend group are bar owners, bartenders and musicians. Most of whom call my by my last name thinking it is a nickname without actually realizing I was born with it. When someone calls me by my first name, they all look around to see who they are talking to.
You are absolutely missed, Earl. I speak for more than just myself. Best wishes to you and yours, and a hope that the ninjas finally do their fucking job this year...
Right on, man.
"So you tell me what world I belong in."
This was, I'm sure, quite rhetorical, for in my eyes, (especially, my reader eyes), you belong exactly where you are. I can't bring myself to read substack after substack, written by those wading in the 'all the things a successful writer must do' stream. One might even call it an ocean, for what we 'should' be doing appears to be a never ending list of frustrating pursuits, most, if not all, stealing time from what we were born to do.
Then, I see you in my in box.
I have analyzed why I find your pen so pleasant. I'm no intellect or scholar by a longshot. Being keenly aware of these facts, I try to keep analysis of anything interesting to me, simple, seeking help (from the experts) when necessary. I love the honesty in your words, and although we hail from entirely different worlds (one redlight, small southern town on this end), I feel we are related in many ways. The chief connection, a love of books at early age, and leading what was basically a blue collar life, all the while feeding our letter addiction. (For me, many years in secret, a 'closet writer,' if you will).
I just ordered "Drainman," and I'm looking forward to it. Don't disappoint me, for you know that they say about meeting people you admire from afar.
And to you and yours, I wish the best a New Year can offer, RW. Thanks for dipping your pen in the substack well from time to time. m
I am debating whether or not to hope you "enjoy" the read, it being a climate dystopian nightmare, but I can hope to earn the aura of your gracious words otherwise. If it disappoints, do tell me how. For we love review, but honesty better.
The shame seems to be that the writers I would most get along with are nowhere nearby. I appreciate the simpatico, and trust I have a blue collar brother in arms.
Thanks.
I can just tell you that I was happy this morning to see your name in my dedicated Substack inbox. You do belong where you are – a world of gifted, original, surprising writers. Happy New Year, RW, keep writing!
And I have to admit that if I don't see you here I wonder if I've said something wrong. I always remember your kindness.
🩵
I have been between two worlds for going on 20 years now. I am the CFO of an expanding real estate development and lending company. But I look like an aging biker or hippie (depending on how I am dressed or how much weed I have smoked) and my friend group are bar owners, bartenders and musicians. Most of whom call my by my last name thinking it is a nickname without actually realizing I was born with it. When someone calls me by my first name, they all look around to see who they are talking to.
But mostly popped in to say heya, RW! Been too long. Cheers and have a Happy New Year!
You are absolutely missed, Earl. I speak for more than just myself. Best wishes to you and yours, and a hope that the ninjas finally do their fucking job this year...
All I want for 2026 is the headline. You know the one.
Dude.
I still strive to write as well and freely as you. Truly.
Happy New Year.
It's all a myth. The book I'm trying to shill for now is already ten years in the making. And the best to you always.