David, thanks for taking the time to look at my silly fluff of a list story. And BIG CONGRATS on Tiger Milk landing in Prick's Kindle Edition! Much deserved exposure, well done! I remember it vividly from earlier iterations.
Thanks for the comment on "Blue Glass Star"! I'm still absorbing everything about this site so haven't got around to reading any of your work yet, but I will.
David, thanks so much for commenting on "The Horticulturalists." I think saying true things is the most important part of the work we do. I'm looking forward to checking out your work!
Thank you for reading and commenting my work. It prompted me to come to your page and partake of your writing. I owe you a big thank you for that pleasure as well.
Hi David, sorry for the late thank-you, but I haven't forgotten. Moved to Germany, so I've been a bit busy. Anyway, thanks for the read and comment on Happy Hour - much appreciated. fos.
David, thanks for the incredible compliment on my latest! I love Robert Johnson. I bought an electric guitar in a pawn shop a couple of months ago, learned a few chords then put it down during the stress of a big move. Ready to pick it up again.
David, thanks for reading "Unmailed Letter to B'go" and for your interesting question about Richardson. Epistolary novel as a matter of literary technology (craft) but also the letter as a particular conveyance.
David, thank's so much for the kind words regarding my piece, Drama Days. It was hard to write, but ultimately became a freeing thing, glad you were inspired by my work.
Hi David! Thanks for stopping by to read "For The Raven" and leave a comment. Much appreciated. Like the thought provoking Stein quote. Resonates with me. Fiddling with redundancy!
Your analysis of my story, "Zurich," floored me, as you tagged my intentions (and hopes) for the story so perfectly.
That's happened only once before. Roxanna Robinson, in a Times review, identified qualities and outcomes I most wanted for a reader in a certain story. Thank you. It's hard not to see the inane bickering that kicks off the piece as demeaning these characters, but I didn't want that. I wanted it all as you said.
Thanks for reading and commenting on Elegy for the Zuccotti Republic. David! Much appreciated! I am looking forward to reading your work. I see that you are from New Hampshire. Coincidentally, I am up to my eyeballs writing an account of an experience I had on a winter traverse of the Presidential Range. Hope to have it up next week!
Hi David, and thanks so much for that wonderful comment about Summer as Seven. Loved what you wrote. Hope you made out okay in the storm? We got hit pretty hard down here but getting by. I'm hoping my favorite little tree in the front yard can be saved.
Thanks, David, for saying those things about "Unexplored Territory." I greatly appreciate it. The story may be a tad long for this site, so it's good of you to read it. It's funny how you learn what your story is about from your readers.
Hi, David! Thank you for your comment and fave on "The Shoes, the Girl and the Waves that Washed Them Away". Much appreciated. Hope you're doing well. :)
Hi David,
I'd like to contact you regarding the story you submitted for the Lost Children Challenge. Please contact me at mrbadexample @ gmail . com
Thank you,
Tom
"Abuzz?" Ew! I'm busy as a bee (double ew!) catching up on my thank-you's for liking "A Nailpolish No," David. Thanks for flying in to read a bit of it, or something equally punny...
David: Your kind response to "May You Live in Interesting Times" was wonderful. Coming from you, a writer extremely adept at creative nonfiction, your praise of my work means a lot to me.
Ha, thanks David! I had a picture of her up before - will put up another later today if I get a chance. And thanks so much for your visit to my latest. Always means a lot!
Thank you for reading and commenting (and "Fav"ing!) my silliness on Les Stroud's survival book. True, Algebra. And calculus. I shuddered just now typing that.
David, thank you for your reading and comments on Movement. And for bringing me back to fictionaut (I got a message that you had commented on my story). I found the time I was spending here cut into my writing time too much so I've stayed away a while. But it's great to come back. I've been reading some of your Flight bits. Love them. As you can tell, I'm partial to the zoom-ins where you get into the characters very closely. But I bet the weaving of these with those intensly smart pull-backs where the larger world is viewed will create a wonderful pace in the novel.
David, Thank you so much for your comment on my Scottish piece. "Blessed extinction" says it all- that's just what I was hoping to achieve in that piece, so your comment was especially encouraging.
hola david. on perec (i'm a hopeless fan)...the bellos translation is quite good--like most of the oulipo translations, it maintains the constraints (so it in a sense a different book). check out the notebooks that perec kept while making la vie, though; they've been published and should be available in most university libraries. it's pretty remarkable.
David, Thank you so much for reading "Things Unseen" and for your comment. It was great to get that feedback. I love your answer to "Why do you write?" on this page. "An imperative of the story itself: It has to be." I feel the same way.
Hi David,
Thank you for taking that time to comment on my story "Orion." I agree that Orion's reactions need to be developed and that the tension present at the beginning of the story sort of dissipates right where it really needs to be increased. I'm going to revisit the story and see if I can fix any of those problems. Again thank you for your time and feedback.
Hmm. A novel. Interesting. Thanks for your comment about my seniors story. And, yes, that line about oatmeal is pretty weak. I know people who do like oatmeal, even kids. I hate it!
Hi, David. I'm afraid it's true about Larry Bird. I checked some pics and he's got that strange look about him. Thanks for reading my story. I'm grateful.
David, thank you for the kind words on Migrant Workers. I like the bear picture on your profile. We have lots of bears in Mendocino County. Had a close encounter with one in the forest. I was surprised to see that a bear can run faster than a racehorse. Fortunately, it was running AWAY from us.
There are diverse ways of discovering the works of the many writers here. After reading your terrific comments on etiquette, I went to look at your writing. I am so glad I did. The last line of "Love Slut" is a gem. Thank you!
David, it'd be really funny (or awful, take your pick) if this stupid email was the inspiration for a rash of Fictionaut stories and poems! You're absolutely right about the idiotic (or clever-as-a-fox?) ambiguity in the writing.
thank you David for your kind words about Any Answers and other stories recently - it means a lot. I have been so damn busy and when i get a chance, Fictionaut helps me write. I wish I were a better reader of friends stories and hope to be in the future! Hope all is well with you.
oh my giddy aunt! Your comment so brilliant & SO timely! Thank you so MUCH. I've just been rehearsing it in the kitchen to the goldfish - all out of breath, read your comment - RELEIF & big skippy strides in circles (& I'm wearing big wooden clogs!) Wheeee! Kiss
Thanks for the encouraging comments on Cucumbertini. I see you're in Franconia. I skied Patrol at Ragged Mountain and occasionally skied at Cannon. (Back in the day - went to school in Manchester)Cheers
It’s been a fun winter, right?! Downcountry, all is white and no one is moving much. I have a little tree in my front yard that is slowly disappearing – it's a strange sight. Hope you are staying safe and warm there up north!
Hi David! Thanks for your comments/suggestions on "No Oxygen Here". It's definitely a work in progress, and I liked what you had to say about improving one of the paragraphs. Thanks again!
Hi David: Thanks for reading and commenting on "One Way Street." It actually came from a pocket-dialing incident, but the outcome wasn't quite as bad ; )
David, thank you for your time and for reading Gin And A Cowboy: Redux (as well as it's earlier iteration, as posted on FN), I so appreciate the time you took reading both, and I'm pleased that the process was enjoyable for you. My process probably involved a couple of versions between the two! I plan to send this story out, and I thank you for the encouragement!
Thank so much for your very generous remarks about loon, David. Your words are greatly appreciated. I look forward to reading your work. I really like this picture of a beer, here, your avatar. Interesting-looking and dangerous. -- Q
David, thank you for reading Gin And A Cowboy, and for your close read comment. You were spot on about that tidbit of explanation, and I cut it on my next pass through. Thanks for the great comments, very much appreciated.
David, thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my Thanksgiving story. My intent was to have the grandparents more in tune with the actual spirit of Thanksgiving than the more Americanized generation, but very few readers seemed to notice. It seems that you did, so I feel less crazy.
thanks so much for "picking up" on Table For One. Your approbation means a lot to me. I guess regular old probation would also mean a lot, but in a rather different way. You know what I mean. Anyway, thanks!
Thanks so much for the great comments about "Moro", David. I appreciate it so much. I was going to ask you yesterday about the title of your play, "Jaws of Kronos"--where does t hat come from? I know Kronos was a Greek god...?
David, thanks for the great comment on "I Am Not a Corpse." Wish I could take credit for "lovely muck" but that's the phrase from Housman: "down in the lovely muck I've lain".
David, I'm glad you enjoyed the musical time-shifting tale about the Devil and Mr. Johnson. You saw right through it, of course. I appreciate hearing from you.
David, Thanks for your comments on "Florid Psychosis." You are absolutely right--the word "but" does not belong in line two. Good eye! (I just kind of like it there! Quandary. Quandary...)
Thank you for the comment on "Wicked Witch for Hire." I hadn't thought of the title sounding like a kids' book, but taking a step back, it really does. I might consider a different title.
Sorry but the rest was cut off...and thanks, glad you liked.
PM: “Beast Ribbon” came about because Liam was always dressing like a damn dandy in the early days, thought he was Bowie or somethin–he dolled up a lot, wore the shadow and what not and then got it in to himself to tie ribbons everywhere, colorful little fuckers tied everywhere and once at a concert he exposed himself, let it all hang out and the girls screamed, you see he had a ribbon tied around his cock, bright purple, frilly sort of thing and he shouted, “Get a load of this beast ribbon!” We got kicked off the circuit for awhile for that one.
Last November, Trex Hastings from Blunder Fudge interviewed the band on the origins of several of their most famous songs:
TH: And your first hit, "Sausage Soothsayer"?
PM: That was Brian’s wonder child. We was in the studio and Liam horfed on the mixer and what came out was sorta scary and scarlet, like them blood sausages me Blarney gran made me eat as a child, and Brian looked at it queerly, all starry eyed and mystic shitty like and said, “I got a revelation, lads, like this little world around us ain’t as bad as we thought, cause if ya get the shit oughta ya, ya can be just as good as the others.” And we moaned and rolled our eyes and he said” That there’s the sausage Soothsayer.”
TH: That’s a gas, truly, man. But what about, “Beast Ribbon”? I have to say that’s a favorite of mine.
PM: “Beast Ribbon” came about because Liam was always dressing like a damn dandy in the early days, thought he was Bowie or somethin–he dolled up a lot, wore the
Yes, Montreal is a great place! I'm happy to have landed here (originally from NYC) --- it is ripe with inspiration for stories :) I recently drove through Franconia State Park; it is gorgeous!
David,
thanks for your kind comment about Admiral Cheng Ho. I actually don't live far from Bolinas (well reasonable driving distance). it's a comparison I never thought of, but it's a pretty fascinating way of looking at it.
David, thanks for checking out the quantum weight-loss essay a few days ago ("too fast to be fat"). If it gave you a chuckle then it did its job. Glad you enjoyed it.
David, thank you! I’m trying to follow your great example. ;) You were the first one to that story, if I remember correctly. Thanks for all the support. And thanks for stopping by my profile a few days ago. The profile is again under construction (much like myself, these days). Take care!
Hi David, Thanks so much for reading and commenting on 'Everything and Nothing' - it's very reassuring that the tone I was aiming for has come across. And so affirming to have other people reading your work. Your time and thoughts are very much appreciated.
[I only have one slight concern - when I arrived on your page to write this post, I had the initial perception - via your birthdate - that you hadn't actually been born yet! I consider feedback from a possible foetus even more resonant, however - so much more reading time, I'd imagine ;-) ]
awwww you are too kind! I also meant to say that there are things about "Love Slut," even in it's brevity, that remind me of the movie "The Savages" with Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman. (I mean this in a good way.)
Thanks for your comment on The Devil's Inkwell, David. As a teenager I went to a Jim Jones revival in my hometown and felt the draw along with the repulsion that many others felt. I knew a few Jim Jones followers when I first moved to the Bay Area. So I was trying to get both the real and the surreal (how else to deal?) into that story. Thanks for reading it.
Hi David,
I had no idea that you live in N.H. I used to in the early 1990s, owned a house in the lake region. I miss that gorgeous area of the U.S.A.
Anyhow, glad you are here in Fictionaut world. Have a nice weekend.
Hi David, Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment on my story! I'm trying to get back into writing fiction, so I really appreciate the encouraging words.
Thanks for the response to "Northeast of Eden". About 25 years ago I went to a previously-obscure sushi restaurant in mid-town Manhattan for lunch after seeing it receive 4 stars in a review in The New York Times that morning. #1 on the menu was "Live Shrimp", which I figured to mean FRESH shrimp. (Wrong.)
Best,
RR
Thanks, David, for your comments on "Not with a bang..." quite spot right about the excesses, especially within the action you pointed out. I know it's work to do worthwhile crits and a generally thankless task more often than not. Not this time. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you *so* very much, David, for reading and offering such a deeply thoughtful response to the radium girls story. This so, so appreciated!! :-D In fact, you made my day!!
Thank you so much for your post on The Burning Bed. This is exactly what I'm looking for. But you didn't need to comment about how your critique might be too harsh. Harsh is needed. If we don't have harsh, then we end up with authors like Dan Brown and Lee Child.
Thank you SO MUCH for your incredibly in-depth response to "The Telling." I realize how precious time and energy are, and can only hope that the reading of the story generated more energy that was used in the process.
Hi, David. I really enjoyed both of your stories featured in Fictionaut Faves. I recently joined the site and you’re the first New Hampshire writer I’ve come across here. I’m looking forward to reading more of your work. Way to represent our NH!
Many, many thanks, David, for reading and faving "Bread, Fish, Serpent, Stone" and whatever that flag day thing is. You always get it, and you always see how it works!
Thanks for your comment on "Giving Notice." I find achieving "Everywhere present/nowhere visible" very difficult in this novel I'm working on. Glad it worked somewhere!
Thanks for reading and commenting on "My Thumbs," David. Yes, I know "The Nose." Taught "Diary of a Madman" once, and a student asked me if the dogs were really talking. I wanted to say "yes."
Thank you so much, David, for reading “Classmates,” the fav, and your comments, always astute and welcome. I like the photo of the bear. Was that bear in your neighborhood? I only see deer and raccoons. And once a opossum, dead, alas.
Hi David -- thanks for your comment on Love, Story.
I will get to your long list of stories sometime soon. Trying to find time to check out my new community. Great to be here! So far, I really like what you say in the Why Do You Write section:
"Whatever he said or didn't say, the story would be told, as if it had to be." There's an imperative that comes from within the story itself: It seems it has to be and therefore has to Be Told.
Yes. I love the idea that a story has a life of its own.
Thank you so much, David, for your kind words for "Bread, Fish, Serpent, Stone"--for reading, and for seeing/saying what the story is doing that I hoped it would do, especially since your own inhabitations of characters' heads are so finely tuned and right on!
is this the shelagh power-chopra-wall or the david-ackley-wall. just asking. i'm actually trying to pass a message to the naked rowdies but perhaps i just use the next available wall for that.
...attire. Old Roddy, sulking on the dark streets that night, stumbled over a rather glamorous bunch sleeping near a dumpster. They swarmed over him like a pack of dingos on a baby. Liam found him the next morning, striped, filthy and trembling over a pile of his own stool. Buck up Roddy, them bums may be more naked and rowdy then us but we still 'ave the name.
That was great! Full of rich detail and hilarity, very hard to follow. love this: the hopes of their middle class families contained in these sprightly containers...
And I'm going back to the band:
It was a dire and dun-colored year when groupies wept and autograph seekers put down their pens. The Naked Rowdies were on a sated sabbatical. Roddy had a bum leg or so the press was told, and who wanted a gimpy and bloated guitarist up on stage throwing soiled crutches at fans anyway? Behind the dressing room doors, the real picture was pretty grim; Roddy, on his way home after a clumsy threesome with two cousins and a candystriper, had been attacked by a roving band of aesthetically minded hobos. The homeless, tired of being stereotyped as drab dressers (woeful holey wingtips and soiled raincoats) had banded together to form a new "aesthetic". Their new look; jackets and shoes made from discarded Hermes bags. They were often seen crawling the alleys, naked, save their slipshod attir
Cliff and Stu hiked deep into the woods, dripping in sweat, large cumbersome binoculars wrapped around their wizened necks. The summer sun was high and Stu really wished they had brought the thermos of Shandis that Cliff seemed to have “conveniently” forgotten. This of of course was due to the last time they went bird watching; Stu staggering from a dozen Sloe Gins, smashing a nest of Ruby Redstar eggs with his large bottom. “Oh lord Stu, now hold on to your skirt because above is the grand madam.” Stu had never seen one and he looked above and smiled serenely as if viewing an angel. She was quite beautiful–almost translucent, perfectly free of any spotting or marks. My lord they do look a wee naked, don’t they Cliff? and he giggled like a manic child and the bird flew away. Goddamn it Stu, that was our last chance and we’ll never, ever, see a Naked Rowdie again.
Well, granted they are supposed to be "bare" at all times, hence the sheer codpiece.
Moving again slightly away from the rock band:
Cliff and Stu hiked deep into the woods, dripping in sweat, large cumbersome binoculars wrapped around their wizened necks. The summer sun was high and Stu really wished they had brought the thermos of Shandis that Cliff seemed to have "conveniently" forgotten. This of of course was due to the last time they went bird watching; Stu staggering from a dozen Sloe Gins, smashing a nest of Ruby Redstar eggs with his large bottom. "Oh lord Stu, now hold on to your skirt because above is the grand madam." Stu had never seen one and he looked above and smiled serenely as if viewing an angel. She was quite beautiful–almost translucent, perfectly free of any spotting or marks. My lord they do look a wee naked, don't they Cliff? and he giggled like a manic child and the bird flew away. Goddamn it Stu, that was our last chance and we'll never, ever, see a Nake
Seems you used all the good material: nuns, cursing (albeit minor, I suppose I could still use "arse"...) drugs and difficult, dying drummers. Hmm what to do! Very, very funny! Let's post this as a collaboration piece when it's done.
The Naked Rowdies' third album, "Turkish Bath Delite" did dismally in downloads, so their manager, Kip "Streaker" Kaplan, decided it must be an image problem. Gone were the sheer codpieces and experimental "birthday suits". Brought in full force were opaque leotards and vats of horse tranquilizer; the only thing that calmed the boys down. It worked for a short time and their next album, "The Hirsute Agenda" became an underdog success with the celibate teens and Sikhs throughout the world.
brilliant! Hilarious! Much better than mine and I fear this one:
Audrey's memoirs, entitled, "The Naked Rowdies" sold better then her agent had predicted. The title itself was a flinty dig at her first husband–a reference to the slew of terrible rows or "rowdies" (as her husband liked to call them after they made up) he often started late in the night. Naked, nuked on gin and nicotine, it was a never-ending nihilistic nightmare.
Yes, David, we are having fun yet! Mostly I've liked getting to know people and read their stories while I'm reading theirs. It's like a cocktail party without the social phobias.
you're welcome david my pleasure entirely. great story romancing the old london cobblestone for me. aww - memory lane: IRA threat at king's cross station. everybody out. the intimacy! a nation united against a green ghost. i really liked your 'message' in the end, too...that was unexpected and there goes sentimentality...
Dude, the skiing was great in telluride--had 2 1/2 feet of fresh powder to play with. Plus, at night, watched Bode rip on the big screen. You actually in franconia? Cool--I like NH v v much, and actually learned to ski (back in the day) in Vermont. Cheers, g
Your statement above about imperative coming from within a story is just what I need to think about today as I wrestle with another uncooperative piece.
Thank you very much for reading and commenting on my little ghost story!
David, yes, on The Etymons, please let me know. I am open to suggestions, critiques, pies-in-the-face, or kicks in the ass. Frankly, the more public the better. Thanks again for reading.
I truly appreciate the encouragement on "It". I've never done this kind of writing before and your comments are seriously considered as I'm working on new stuff. Thank you!
Hi David, Thank you so much for the kind comments -- they really mean a lot coming from somebody with your background! I've been so remiss about getting involved here at Fictionaut. I really must fill out my page and start participating a bit. I'm currently rereading A Room With a View and rediscovering Forster's dry wit and economical style. I don't know why I found him abstruse when I was in college --- obviously my problem and not his at all. I'll look at the books you recommend as well. Best, Linda
Thank you so much for your comments on my poem. I'm honored.
David, thanks for taking the time to look at my silly fluff of a list story. And BIG CONGRATS on Tiger Milk landing in Prick's Kindle Edition! Much deserved exposure, well done! I remember it vividly from earlier iterations.
Thank you for your comment on my poem. I'm honored.
Thanks, David, for your comment on Night Moves. I was just trying to reach that place in everybody where fears or demons reside--whatever they may be.
Thank you for commenting on a faving "Pyromania" David!
Thanks for the comment on "Blue Glass Star"! I'm still absorbing everything about this site so haven't got around to reading any of your work yet, but I will.
Thanks for the kind words about "Float to Water," David, and thanks for the star!
david---thanks for reading and commenting on my little emergency poem, yo--
appreciate it---gary
Hi David,
I'd like to join the Bear Pit. How do I get onboard? Tina
David, thanks so much for commenting on "The Horticulturalists." I think saying true things is the most important part of the work we do. I'm looking forward to checking out your work!
Best,
Tracie
Thank you for your comments on my story!
Thanks for staying with Night Journey. All insights are needed!
David, thanks for the nice comment on "A Forest."
Thanks again, Dave, for reading Real Skin. I'm in your debt. Hope you checked the hyperrealist art page. I think you would like it.
Thanks for commenting my story. I have left a more extensive reply on site. Much, much appreciated.
Hi David, your comments are appreciated on my questiony piece! I recommend playing with the form, it's so much fun.
This is just to thank you more formally for your helpful comments on my story at the Bear Pit. A more lengthy response is posted there. Many thanks.
Thank you for reading and commenting my work. It prompted me to come to your page and partake of your writing. I owe you a big thank you for that pleasure as well.
And Mr. Ackley is in the house! And generous with his time and comments, as usual. VERY nice to see you again!
Thank you for reading and commenting on "A Novel Begins..." You and I might get alone fine. (Or should that be would get along fine. well?)
David,
Thanks for reading and commenting on The Sunday Papers. Much appreciated.
Brian Michael
Thank you for hanging with "MILLY."
Your support of Night Journey means a lot David. Thanks.
David, your kind words for my little poem, Conjuring Love, came as a delightful surprise. Many thanks!
Thanks David for the nice words on Blemish in the Blood!
David, thanks so much for your wonderful comment on "miranda". That one really meant a lot to me.
A belated thank you for your appreciation of one of my stories!
Charles
Thanks David for the nice comment on "Muddy Creek." It means a lot.
Hi, David. Thanks for reading 'Assiduity Four.' I greatly appreciate your encouraging comment.
david--thanks for reading that train poem, and commenting. small yay. cheers---g
Thanks again for your note on "Getting There".
Hi David, sorry for the late thank-you, but I haven't forgotten. Moved to Germany, so I've been a bit busy. Anyway, thanks for the read and comment on Happy Hour - much appreciated. fos.
David, thanks for commenting on "Tractors" and for your supportive words.
Maths schmaths! Thanks for your words.
Hello David - thank you for the kind comment on my story, "The Artist's Conk." Just found it, having spent the last 4 days offline in the Adirondacks.
Thank you, David. Your reads are always appreciated.
David, thanks for the incredible compliment on my latest! I love Robert Johnson. I bought an electric guitar in a pawn shop a couple of months ago, learned a few chords then put it down during the stress of a big move. Ready to pick it up again.
David, thank you for the wonderful comment on "Out of no way, way". We must be the voices.
David, thanks so much for reading and commenting on "Tongues." Never write much "flash" before last year, but have come to enjoy the form.
God, I love your comment about "I Can Take Satan." Thanks, David!
How can I get access to your play? Congratulations, btw!
David, thanks for reading "Unmailed Letter to B'go" and for your interesting question about Richardson. Epistolary novel as a matter of literary technology (craft) but also the letter as a particular conveyance.
Your kind words re. my collection mean a lot to me - THANK YOU! Very glad you're enjoying it.
David, thanks so much for your comments on "The Road to Ensenada." Means a lot coming from you.
Thank you for the smile today, David.
David, thank's so much for the kind words regarding my piece, Drama Days. It was hard to write, but ultimately became a freeing thing, glad you were inspired by my work.
Thanks, David, for your kind words about Ray's People.... Means a lot.
You must mean 'This be the Verse'? That poem is part of our collective consciousness, I reckon. Thanks, David.xx
Hi David! Thanks for stopping by to read "For The Raven" and leave a comment. Much appreciated. Like the thought provoking Stein quote. Resonates with me. Fiddling with redundancy!
Thanks, David, for reading my three domestic micros. I like Trouble, too.
Thank you so very much, David. I'm really grateful for your fave and your wonderful feedback!
Hi David,
Thanks so much for your nice comments on "Telling" - I appreciate it!
David,
Thank you for the thumbs up on "Dead End". That compliment is as good as they get. I'm gunna have to check out that anthology your in! It looks great.
Thank you, David. XXX
David, wanted to thank you for your very kind comment about Ocean in a Box.
Wonderful comment on "Babble." Thank you, David. Much appreciated!
thank you for your nice comment and support for my story "I Married This" David!
Your support is so appreciated, David. Glad you liked "Sweet Sounds of Home".
Your analysis of my story, "Zurich," floored me, as you tagged my intentions (and hopes) for the story so perfectly.
That's happened only once before. Roxanna Robinson, in a Times review, identified qualities and outcomes I most wanted for a reader in a certain story. Thank you. It's hard not to see the inane bickering that kicks off the piece as demeaning these characters, but I didn't want that. I wanted it all as you said.
David,
Thanks for commenting on "Uncle Moscow." Glad you liked the poem! My uncle was a real character, one of a kind. I miss him.
Your kind response to "Swimming Lessons" is much appreciated.
Hi, David
Thanks for reading and commenting on Elder Hostel. I haven't been posting much--or writing fiction--so it's super nice to have my work noticed!
Peace and happy twenty twelve......
Katherine
Thank you David for commenting on "For Carol". Carol's story <a href="http://www.fictionaut.com/stories/carol-novack/minnows">Minnows</a> is indeed fantastic; it's the opening story of her book "Giraffes in Hiding".
I really appreciate your reading and commenting on "Needy Kids", David. I haven't been writing much, so it means all the more. :)
Thank you for your kind words on The Burka.
Thanks for reading and commenting on Elegy for the Zuccotti Republic. David! Much appreciated! I am looking forward to reading your work. I see that you are from New Hampshire. Coincidentally, I am up to my eyeballs writing an account of an experience I had on a winter traverse of the Presidential Range. Hope to have it up next week!
Hi David: Thank you for liking my piece, "For the Lost Boys." I always appreciate it when you like my work.
Hi David - Thank you so much for your very thoughtful comments on my memoir, Last Call. It means a lot to me!
David - glad my piece "Cloudy..." worked for you. Thank you for commenting.
it doesn't make sense you're right. let's agree.
thank you for your comment on "<a href="http://www.fictionaut.com/stories/marcus-speh/the-serious-writer-occupies-wall-street">The Serious Writer Occupies Wall Street</a>"—the whole is terribly complex; i know you agree because we've <a href="http://www.fictionaut.com/forums/general/threads/1424">agreed to disagreed publicly</a> already...
David, I wonder why the comment thing on walls is at the BOTTOM? No matter, thanks for reading my story and the FAVE. You TOO are the BEST!!!!
David, thanks so much for the great comments and fav for "Baby, Baby..."!
Thank you so much, David. It is so appreciated!! :-)
Thanks so much for the interesting commentary and fav on "History", David.
All best.
Thanks, David. Appreciate the read of "Ketone Deficiency." Poetry advice, not real advice!
Hi David, and thanks so much for that wonderful comment about Summer as Seven. Loved what you wrote. Hope you made out okay in the storm? We got hit pretty hard down here but getting by. I'm hoping my favorite little tree in the front yard can be saved.
Thank you, David, for your wonderful comment on "Poem Containing 'So,' 'And,' 'Such.'" Down with gate keepers!
Hi David - thank you so much for reading 'Inky and Vague' and for those generous comments. - DJ
I take all the roads so's I can say I was there, maybe, but maybe it's a compulsion. Best always, eh?
gem kish xx
Thanks, David, for saying those things about "Unexplored Territory." I greatly appreciate it. The story may be a tad long for this site, so it's good of you to read it. It's funny how you learn what your story is about from your readers.
Hi, David! Thank you for your comment on "Three-handed Bridge". Hope you're doing well. Chris :)
Hi, David! Thank you for your comment and fave on "The Shoes, the Girl and the Waves that Washed Them Away". Much appreciated. Hope you're doing well. :)
Thanks for reading, David.
Hi David,
I'd like to contact you regarding the story you submitted for the Lost Children Challenge. Please contact me at mrbadexample @ gmail . com
Thank you,
Tom
Hi David: Again, I am grateful for your kind words about For Captain Paul. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
"Abuzz?" Ew! I'm busy as a bee (double ew!) catching up on my thank-you's for liking "A Nailpolish No," David. Thanks for flying in to read a bit of it, or something equally punny...
Thrilled you said that, David. Was hoping that one could stand alone. Thank you!!
Congratulations, David, on your Best of the Net nomination!! "under the skin" is one of my very favorites.
David: Your kind response to "May You Live in Interesting Times" was wonderful. Coming from you, a writer extremely adept at creative nonfiction, your praise of my work means a lot to me.
How to make poetry out of a comment! Thank you for your comment on "A Fable of Trees."
David, What a great comment about my teacher/students story! Many thanks!
David, I'm not really JP either. It's downright depressing to consider all the people I'm not.
Thanks for checking out "I'm Not Emilio Estevez"!
You are kind!
Thanks for commenting on the Chattanooga poem. Glad you liked it.
Ha, thanks David! I had a picture of her up before - will put up another later today if I get a chance. And thanks so much for your visit to my latest. Always means a lot!
"Night of the Hunter" is in my top 5 all time favorite movies. So thanks!
Thanks, David, for reading and commenting on "Waltzing Mathilde" - It's much appreciated!
dear david, thank you for your fine observations on "before the bloodbath", and for the fave.
Thank you for reading and commenting (and "Fav"ing!) my silliness on Les Stroud's survival book. True, Algebra. And calculus. I shuddered just now typing that.
David, thank you for your reading and comments on Movement. And for bringing me back to fictionaut (I got a message that you had commented on my story). I found the time I was spending here cut into my writing time too much so I've stayed away a while. But it's great to come back. I've been reading some of your Flight bits. Love them. As you can tell, I'm partial to the zoom-ins where you get into the characters very closely. But I bet the weaving of these with those intensly smart pull-backs where the larger world is viewed will create a wonderful pace in the novel.
Thanks David for your comment and for reading my piece!
Thanks, David, for reading/commenting on "Burn." Much appreciated!
David, I can't tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate your comments. Thank you! I'm glad you liked "The Grave of Rimbaud."
Thanks for your comment on and fave of "We Must Be Carefully Taut." The idea of singing this poem (even in a whisper) is fascinating to me!
Great comment on "Bogdan," David. Thank you. Gave me much to think about.
Thanks for the comments on Turista! I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
appreciate yr comment on "ginger", david. i'm watching the swallows as i write this, and they're boisterous and drunk on freedom...
David, Thank you so much for your comment on my Scottish piece. "Blessed extinction" says it all- that's just what I was hoping to achieve in that piece, so your comment was especially encouraging.
Thanks for weighing in on the bike story, David. It's hard to know when you put words into a character's mouth. I think the jury is still out. js
David, you and I are suckers for the sound of words. My favorite thing to play around with. Thanks for your comments on the Euclid poem.
David thanks for the beautiful words on my poem "holding"
So glad you liked my Loco story, David! thanks!
Thank you, David, for your extremely kind comment about "Four Noble Lies."
David, thanks for taking the time to read and comment on Three Prayers for Rain. I really value the feedback.
Thanks so much for thinking of Erdrich in your read of Mapping the Territory. Love Medicine is one of my all time faves.
David, many thanks for reading and liking my poem Untitled. Cheers! suan
Great comment on "Black Ice." Thanks, David!
Thank you for the lovely comment on 'This Story' !
Such a cool comment on Oogy Wawa, David! You are so good. Thank you! Pen XXX
david, txs for reading & commenting on <a href="http://www.fictionaut.com/stories/marcus-speh/under-the-apple-tree">under the apple tree</a> - i'm curious to hear why you thought it "sardonic" ... because i didn't mean for it to sound that way. i'm really just a child with a tin heart.
David, all my wing dings are behind me! Thanks for your comment on and star for "The Violinist." (Check out the Chagall painting by the same name.)
David ... thanks for the great comment on "The running from San Pedro blues."
Thanks for the very kind comment on 'A bottle of raspberries'. Much appreciated!
hola david. on perec (i'm a hopeless fan)...the bellos translation is quite good--like most of the oulipo translations, it maintains the constraints (so it in a sense a different book). check out the notebooks that perec kept while making la vie, though; they've been published and should be available in most university libraries. it's pretty remarkable.
Hi David, thank you so much for your words on Migration. I hope you're doing well!
david - thank you for your comment and read of "Bee Sting" really glad you visited! Thanks so much!
David, Thank you so much for reading "Things Unseen" and for your comment. It was great to get that feedback. I love your answer to "Why do you write?" on this page. "An imperative of the story itself: It has to be." I feel the same way.
david, your comment on "<a href="http://www.fictionaut.com/stories/marcus-speh/in-the-nude">in the nude</a>" is almost a metafiction piece. also: true. thank you.
Hi David,
Thank you for taking that time to comment on my story "Orion." I agree that Orion's reactions need to be developed and that the tension present at the beginning of the story sort of dissipates right where it really needs to be increased. I'm going to revisit the story and see if I can fix any of those problems. Again thank you for your time and feedback.
Wow, David. Thank you for your encouraging comments on "The Language," which made my day. Hope you're doing well.
Hi, David. Thanks for reading 'The Forest is Falling.' I greatly appreciate your comment.
Hi David...
I love your comment on my book of love. Thanks so much!
Thanks for your generous words about "Out", David. It was a departure for me, and I'm relieved it came across OK.
David thanks so much for what you said about my story "Tool."
Great comment on "Getting Godless," David. Thanks so much. If you feel like picking up the gauntlet...
As always, thank you! Hope all is well with you and yours.
David, thanks for the thumbs up on "The complete, unabridged contents of an abandoned diary found in Memphis." Glad it seems to be working.
Hi David, thanks for reading Table Thoughts, and thanks for the great comment, too. I really appreciate your feedback. fos.
Hi, David. Thanks for reading 'Raw Goods.' I greatly appreciate your comments.
David,
thanks for your kind comments. It is indeed a kind of Potemkin Village. In fact, a lot of Life Magazine was like that.
Hmm. A novel. Interesting. Thanks for your comment about my seniors story. And, yes, that line about oatmeal is pretty weak. I know people who do like oatmeal, even kids. I hate it!
Thanks, David. And congrats to your son on completing his doctorate at Brown; that's amazing. Small world.
Hi, David. I'm afraid it's true about Larry Bird. I checked some pics and he's got that strange look about him. Thanks for reading my story. I'm grateful.
David, I appreciate your thoughtful and thought-provoking comments on "Waiting".
Super kind of you, David, to read, comment and fave "Space Man". I really appreciate it. Here's to multiverses!
David, thanks so much for the great comment & fav for "The Bed." I really appreciate it!
David, thanks so much for the read and comment for my story "Where Shall We Meet?" I really appreciate it.
David, thank you so much for the comment and the * for "Springtime." Very much appreciate it.
David, thank you - very glad the story worked for you. Hope all's well!
David, thanks for reading and your comments on "Jump"!
David, thank you for the kind words on Migrant Workers. I like the bear picture on your profile. We have lots of bears in Mendocino County. Had a close encounter with one in the forest. I was surprised to see that a bear can run faster than a racehorse. Fortunately, it was running AWAY from us.
Sweet bear, by the way.
Thanks for the kind words about my little story. Much appreciated.
Best,
Drew
Hi David, thanks for the comments on "I will be a child again". I'm glad you like it.
There are diverse ways of discovering the works of the many writers here. After reading your terrific comments on etiquette, I went to look at your writing. I am so glad I did. The last line of "Love Slut" is a gem. Thank you!
David, you are the only to note the funny lines! Thank you for the great comment about "My Wife, My Love."
David, it'd be really funny (or awful, take your pick) if this stupid email was the inspiration for a rash of Fictionaut stories and poems! You're absolutely right about the idiotic (or clever-as-a-fox?) ambiguity in the writing.
David, Thanks for commenting on my jokey "poem" "The Truth Will Out." Your comment made me smile.
Hi, David! Thank you for commenting on "A Literary Separation"!
thank you David for your kind words about Any Answers and other stories recently - it means a lot. I have been so damn busy and when i get a chance, Fictionaut helps me write. I wish I were a better reader of friends stories and hope to be in the future! Hope all is well with you.
David, thanks for faving "Dorothy's Parker House Rolls." It's been a long time! Hope you're well.
Thank you, David, for your kind comment on "Son of Goya."
oh my giddy aunt! Your comment so brilliant & SO timely! Thank you so MUCH. I've just been rehearsing it in the kitchen to the goldfish - all out of breath, read your comment - RELEIF & big skippy strides in circles (& I'm wearing big wooden clogs!) Wheeee! Kiss
Thanks for the nice comments about the Clown Show, David. They mean a lot.
David--thank you so very much for your comments. Made my day!
Neat comment about "The Birds (2)". Spot on. Thanks!
Great comment, David, on the Translator poem. It may want to be prose--you may be right--but that's hubris on the poem's part.
David,
Thank you kindly for the lovely words about Sisters At The Lake, greatly appreciated!
Thanks for the encouraging comments on Cucumbertini. I see you're in Franconia. I skied Patrol at Ragged Mountain and occasionally skied at Cannon. (Back in the day - went to school in Manchester)Cheers
thanks darlin xxx
Hi, David. Thanks for reading '1965, what I wanted-3.' Your helpful comments are encouragement are greatly appreciated.
Yes, the inhuman detachment is mind boggling. Just the idea of what a sniper does is chilling. Thanks for your insightful comment on my little satire.
David - thank you for the kind and awesome comments on "Cuffless". So very appreciated.
Thanks, David, for reading and commenting on "The Musical!" I'm not familiar with that Guthrie song, I'm off to look it up on the intertubes...
David, thanks for reading and commenting on "Soulless, Dreamless." I appreciate it!
thanks!
David, thanks for the feedback about "Still Life." You may be right about that xtra line.
Pokey wants to drink you beer, I have no doubt. If you have beer. If not, well, steak. Pretty much anything, really. Thanks David!
You always bother to read & comment- thank you! XXX
Thanks, David, for you comment on The Uninvited Guest. I'm glad it got you in its grip.
David, I'm very grateful for the time you spent reading Two Poets and for your comment. It means a lot to me.
David, thanks for reading and commenting on "Leftover Author's Notes"!
Hi, David. Thanks for reading '1965, what I wanted.' I appreciate your insightful comments.
Thank you for your comment on my piece, my little tangerine, I'm new to this and it's wonderful publishing something and getting feedback!
More great comments from David Ackley! Thanks for what you wrote about "Staring at Waves."
Thank you for your kind words about "Clean." I appreciate them very much...
David-Thanks for letting Descanso reach you, and thanks for being such a generous reader.
David--thank you!
Hi, David. What's the bear's name? Thanks for the comment and the star for "War."
Thanks for commenting on "The Assassination of Sadat." Always enjoy your comments.
(Do you prefer David or Dave?)
Hi, David. Thanks for reading 'Beat the Market.' Your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated.
David, so glad you liked "Sic transit Gloria Mundy." Thanks for your generous comment.
David, your generous comment on my story is appreciated!
Hi, David. Great comment on "Wahrheit und Dichtung." Thanks!
It’s been a fun winter, right?! Downcountry, all is white and no one is moving much. I have a little tree in my front yard that is slowly disappearing – it's a strange sight. Hope you are staying safe and warm there up north!
David, So glad you enjoyed Life is Always in the Right. It is isn't it??
Hi David - Many thanks for your generous comments on "Nothing Good..." - I'm glad you liked it!
Thanks for your kind comments on "The Search." I appreciate your taking the time to read and post.
Hi, David. Thanks for reading 'Disgeneration.' I appreciate your comments.
hey david - glad you enjoyed Lunkers - it wasn't much of a stretch to imagine this from my boyhood days..
Hi David! Thanks for your comments/suggestions on "No Oxygen Here". It's definitely a work in progress, and I liked what you had to say about improving one of the paragraphs. Thanks again!
Hello David, Thanks so much for your comments on "Mabel Constructed the Quintessential Boundary".
Love the bear pic. It made me think of John Irving and then I read your about. Perfect.
Cheers. M
david, thanks for commenting on "the power". that "little refractive box" of yours is a great simile - for all flash, thank you for that!
Thanks so much David for your feedback on "The Forest" - it's definitely helpful!!
Thank you for wading all the way through "Period Piece." But no interest in contests, David. I expect to make my pile from plagiarism lawsuits.
David, thank you so much for reading and commenting on It's True What They Say. Peace...
Thanks, David, for your response to Headstone.
Great comment on "Whiplash Marriage," David. Thank you!
Hi David - thank you for the comment on "Ode to Tomorrow". I appreciate the view-point.
Hi David, lovely comments for my story "Empty." I really appreciate it. Thanks.
Loved your insight into "Mussel Memory," David. You saw things I didn't, but I'm not surprised. You're a superb critic. Thank you!
just re-read that i.r.a. story...good old paddy whacker days. we gotta do this again some time. thank you for reading/commenting on "winter", david!
Hey David,
Thank you for your words, not just about my story.
J E
Hey, David. Thanks. Mistah Kurtz, he dead.
Hi, David. Thanks for reading 'Corrective Rejection.' I greatly appreciate your helpful comments.
Hi David: Thanks for reading and commenting on "One Way Street." It actually came from a pocket-dialing incident, but the outcome wasn't quite as bad ; )
David, as always, I appreciate your insights. My best to you!
Hi David, Wow that is a big bear! Thank you for reading "Punk" and your very nice comments!
Always nice to hear kind words from you! Thank you!
Thanks for reading and commenting on How To Burn Years, David. I appreciate it.
David, thank you for your time and for reading Gin And A Cowboy: Redux (as well as it's earlier iteration, as posted on FN), I so appreciate the time you took reading both, and I'm pleased that the process was enjoyable for you. My process probably involved a couple of versions between the two! I plan to send this story out, and I thank you for the encouragement!
David I am so glad you liked Above the Clouds... and just love what you wrote about it, thanking you profusely
Thank so much for your very generous remarks about loon, David. Your words are greatly appreciated. I look forward to reading your work. I really like this picture of a beer, here, your avatar. Interesting-looking and dangerous. -- Q
Love love your comment on my Darklings. Happy I am. Ta very much, mister.
Thank you for your extremely flattering comment on "The Proud Accounting," David. Really, really appreciate it.
Thanks, David, for your read and comments about "Recruitment."
David, thank you for reading Gin And A Cowboy, and for your close read comment. You were spot on about that tidbit of explanation, and I cut it on my next pass through. Thanks for the great comments, very much appreciated.
It's nice to get a good review (of "Night & Day") from such a fine writer. Thank you!
David, thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my Thanksgiving story. My intent was to have the grandparents more in tune with the actual spirit of Thanksgiving than the more Americanized generation, but very few readers seemed to notice. It seems that you did, so I feel less crazy.
thanks so much for "picking up" on Table For One. Your approbation means a lot to me. I guess regular old probation would also mean a lot, but in a rather different way. You know what I mean. Anyway, thanks!
Thank you kindly!
Thanks, David--the banana scene was fun to write!
a gasp AND a laugh - thank you, Mr. Ackley!
Of course! I love the White Mountains and I really love your story!
David, I wrote it just to cheer you up...:-)
Thanks you!
Thanks for reading my story, I appreciate it!
Thanks for the generous comments on my story. They made me feel welcome here!
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks so much for the great comments about "Moro", David. I appreciate it so much. I was going to ask you yesterday about the title of your play, "Jaws of Kronos"--where does t hat come from? I know Kronos was a Greek god...?
Thanks so much David for reading "She Spread Your Legs"!
David, this new fictionaut really appreciates your feedback. Thanks very much. Indubitably.
David, thanks for the great comment on "I Am Not a Corpse." Wish I could take credit for "lovely muck" but that's the phrase from Housman: "down in the lovely muck I've lain".
Dave, thank you for your comments on "Sand." It means a lot to me.
Thanks as always, David! Hope your story is coming along...
David,
Thanks so much for reading and commenting on "Threads." It's much appreciated!
(The Other) David
David, thanks so much for the comment & fave for "Margaret & Beak"...that is a VERY big bear, by the way!
David, I'm glad you enjoyed the musical time-shifting tale about the Devil and Mr. Johnson. You saw right through it, of course. I appreciate hearing from you.
Hi, David. Thanks for reading 'Fifty Five Words or Less.'
Really appreciate your always kind words, David. Thanks!
Thanks, David, for your spot-on comments for "How Elm Trees Die." I always appreciate what you have to say.
ha! everybody loves a good cliffhanger...
as always, David, I thank you. Plus I just like coming to this page to see the bear. ('see', not 'feed', mind you.)
David, Thanks for your comments on "Florid Psychosis." You are absolutely right--the word "but" does not belong in line two. Good eye! (I just kind of like it there! Quandary. Quandary...)
David, so happy you liked "Stampede." I posted it with some trepidation, but feel better after yours (and others') kind comments. Thanks!
Hi David. thank you for the very nice things you said about my story "Medicine"!
Thank you for the comment on "Wicked Witch for Hire." I hadn't thought of the title sounding like a kids' book, but taking a step back, it really does. I might consider a different title.
David, Thanks so much for the close read of Tomorrowland. I loved what you wrote about the father: creepy, yes, how he preps. And the culture steers.
Thanks for your comment on Friend of the Week, David, especially about the children.
Thanks for reading Off With Your Head and the nice comment, David.
David, I appreciate the kind comment and fave for "Wake Up." Thanks!
Thanks for the amazing comment on 4P28! I appreciate the read, and I'm so glad you liked it.
David, thanks for the great insights on "Looking for Samuel Beckett." I appreciate the close read.
David, that was really nice what you wrote about "gutter" I'm glad it pulled at you that way, thanks!
Sorry but the rest was cut off...and thanks, glad you liked.
PM: “Beast Ribbon” came about because Liam was always dressing like a damn dandy in the early days, thought he was Bowie or somethin–he dolled up a lot, wore the shadow and what not and then got it in to himself to tie ribbons everywhere, colorful little fuckers tied everywhere and once at a concert he exposed himself, let it all hang out and the girls screamed, you see he had a ribbon tied around his cock, bright purple, frilly sort of thing and he shouted, “Get a load of this beast ribbon!” We got kicked off the circuit for awhile for that one.
Last November, Trex Hastings from Blunder Fudge interviewed the band on the origins of several of their most famous songs:
TH: And your first hit, "Sausage Soothsayer"?
PM: That was Brian’s wonder child. We was in the studio and Liam horfed on the mixer and what came out was sorta scary and scarlet, like them blood sausages me Blarney gran made me eat as a child, and Brian looked at it queerly, all starry eyed and mystic shitty like and said, “I got a revelation, lads, like this little world around us ain’t as bad as we thought, cause if ya get the shit oughta ya, ya can be just as good as the others.” And we moaned and rolled our eyes and he said” That there’s the sausage Soothsayer.”
TH: That’s a gas, truly, man. But what about, “Beast Ribbon”? I have to say that’s a favorite of mine.
PM: “Beast Ribbon” came about because Liam was always dressing like a damn dandy in the early days, thought he was Bowie or somethin–he dolled up a lot, wore the
How the hell will I top that one?! Brilliant!
Thank you so much for your feedback on "1958-1961." Being the first poem I've written in nearly two years now, your encouraging words meant a lot :)
Glad you liked my post 9/11 story, David. Thanks.
David, thank you for your comment on "The Power of Bad Words."
David, THANK YOU!
Yes, Montreal is a great place! I'm happy to have landed here (originally from NYC) --- it is ripe with inspiration for stories :) I recently drove through Franconia State Park; it is gorgeous!
thanks for the comment, david. "kafka" is spot on. he uncomfortably comes to mind.
Hi David, Know what you mean about Montreal. I used to live there, and I miss it often. What a great city!
David, yes, even tolerance has its limits! thanks for reading and liking my vagina girl story (centerpiece)
cheers!
David,
thanks for your kind comment about Admiral Cheng Ho. I actually don't live far from Bolinas (well reasonable driving distance). it's a comparison I never thought of, but it's a pretty fascinating way of looking at it.
David, thank you. Your favor isn't easy to come by. Greatly appreciate the read.
hello david. thanks for the read and comment on "the re-enactments." much appreciated.
David, thanks for checking out the quantum weight-loss essay a few days ago ("too fast to be fat"). If it gave you a chuckle then it did its job. Glad you enjoyed it.
David, thank you! I’m trying to follow your great example. ;) You were the first one to that story, if I remember correctly. Thanks for all the support. And thanks for stopping by my profile a few days ago. The profile is again under construction (much like myself, these days). Take care!
Thanks so much, David, for your generous comments on "Origin" - I'm so glad you like the story!
Hi, David. Thanks for reading 'Unfit-V.' You give some of the best comments. I appreciate it very much: and also the fav.
Hi David, Thanks so much for reading and commenting on 'Everything and Nothing' - it's very reassuring that the tone I was aiming for has come across. And so affirming to have other people reading your work. Your time and thoughts are very much appreciated.
[I only have one slight concern - when I arrived on your page to write this post, I had the initial perception - via your birthdate - that you hadn't actually been born yet! I consider feedback from a possible foetus even more resonant, however - so much more reading time, I'd imagine ;-) ]
I was thinking the same thing, some little comedic seeds thrown about...but what theme?
Thanks for the Falling in Love Again comments. I appreciate them. Nice Bear by the way.
Thanks for your comments on "At the back of the crowd" David - look forward to reading more of your work.
Hi, David. Thanks for reading 'Number Nine.' I appreciate your insightful comment.
David, Thanks for your comment on The '08 Election. I'm happy you liked the story.
David, want to thank you again for the lovely comments you made on my poem "blank" so much appreciated
awwww you are too kind! I also meant to say that there are things about "Love Slut," even in it's brevity, that remind me of the movie "The Savages" with Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman. (I mean this in a good way.)
Thanks, David, for reading Between and the comment. Sometimes things work out, when you don't expect it.
Hi, David, thanks for reading 'I heard the news today, oh boy!' and your comment is appreciated.
Hi David, thanks so much for reading my work and commenting. I really worked hard on that one. I'm pleased you liked it.
Hi David, thanks for your "Godot" comment. May Beckett forgive me.
Thanks, Dave. Love your comment on "Augustinian Prayer Sonnet." Appreciate the fav!
Hi David, thanks for your comment and fav on Upstream. I think your profile photo would be pleased to meet my MC too!
Thanks, Dave. Glad you liked "Theorizing Salsa."
Thanks, Dave. Glad you liked "Something, He Wrote."
Happy you liked my Bone Dust. I need to get hurt more often so I can write more like that. Did I just say that? Aargh! Not really...
Thanks for your comment on The Devil's Inkwell, David. As a teenager I went to a Jim Jones revival in my hometown and felt the draw along with the repulsion that many others felt. I knew a few Jim Jones followers when I first moved to the Bay Area. So I was trying to get both the real and the surreal (how else to deal?) into that story. Thanks for reading it.
Thanks for your comment David. I'd nod off while typing if it got predictable! XX
Thanks for the comment David! The nameless boy toy will always be one of my favorite types of characters to pick on.
David, thanks so much for catching up with "Down Cellar." I'm glad you enjoyed it.
...so your bear ain't Nastasia Kinski then : (
Dead chuffed you read my piece & thank you for your comment. Really thrilled you faved it. Yes!! x
Thanks David for your comment on Bedtime Story. Glad you liked the closed circle. So much more than a donor, yes!!
Hi David,
I had no idea that you live in N.H. I used to in the early 1990s, owned a house in the lake region. I miss that gorgeous area of the U.S.A.
Anyhow, glad you are here in Fictionaut world. Have a nice weekend.
Many thanks, David, for your generous comments on "Goodnight Dogs"!
"Inner furniture." I like that! That's for commenting on "Taking off the Knives," Dave.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to read my new story. It means a lot, and I’m grateful for your support. Best to you.
Dave,
I was really touched by your comment about "The Sky is Simply White." Thank you.
Good of you to read and comment on my Butterfly World. Thanks, David!
Thanks, Dave, for reading and commenting on "Magritte." I really appreciate your comment.
I appreciate your response to "Cousin", really.
Best,
RR
Thank you again so much, David!!
Hi David, Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment on my story! I'm trying to get back into writing fiction, so I really appreciate the encouraging words.
Thank you *so* much, David. I really appreciate all your wonderful words!! You always make my day. :-)
Thanks for the response to "Northeast of Eden". About 25 years ago I went to a previously-obscure sushi restaurant in mid-town Manhattan for lunch after seeing it receive 4 stars in a review in The New York Times that morning. #1 on the menu was "Live Shrimp", which I figured to mean FRESH shrimp. (Wrong.)
Best,
RR
I appreciate you noting those things in "Something About Ireland" -- they actually help me to "re-see" my own story.
Very best,
RR
Thanks, David, for your comments on "Not with a bang..." quite spot right about the excesses, especially within the action you pointed out. I know it's work to do worthwhile crits and a generally thankless task more often than not. Not this time. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you *so* very much, David, for reading and offering such a deeply thoughtful response to the radium girls story. This so, so appreciated!! :-D In fact, you made my day!!
David - you are a kind and generous reader, giving of both your insights and your time. I greatly appreciate it.
Hi David,
Thanks so much for your nice comments on "I don't have a gun"!
Thank you so much for your post on The Burning Bed. This is exactly what I'm looking for. But you didn't need to comment about how your critique might be too harsh. Harsh is needed. If we don't have harsh, then we end up with authors like Dan Brown and Lee Child.
David--
Thank you SO MUCH for your incredibly in-depth response to "The Telling." I realize how precious time and energy are, and can only hope that the reading of the story generated more energy that was used in the process.
Thank *you* so much, David!! I really enjoy your work--all of it!! :-)
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on my story, David! Your words mean so much to me. Talismanic, indeed! A million thanks.
Hi, David. I really enjoyed both of your stories featured in Fictionaut Faves. I recently joined the site and you’re the first New Hampshire writer I’ve come across here. I’m looking forward to reading more of your work. Way to represent our NH!
Cool! You got two Fictionaut Faves in one episode! Hope it made your day and glad you enjoyed my writing.
Congrats on the fictionaut faves! Wonderful!
And thanks for your interest in the story fragment!
Many, many thanks, David, for reading and faving "Bread, Fish, Serpent, Stone" and whatever that flag day thing is. You always get it, and you always see how it works!
Many thanks for reading and commenting on "The Secret Animal"--and the fave! I always appreciate your reading, your writer's eye!
Thanks so much, David, for reading, commenting on, and faving "The Only Still Thing." You get it's "less travelled byways of love"!
Thanks, David, for your kind comments on Model T Ford :-)
Thanks for your comment on "Giving Notice." I find achieving "Everywhere present/nowhere visible" very difficult in this novel I'm working on. Glad it worked somewhere!
Thanks for reading and commenting on "My Thumbs," David. Yes, I know "The Nose." Taught "Diary of a Madman" once, and a student asked me if the dogs were really talking. I wanted to say "yes."
Thank you, David, for inviting me to the Rowdies hangout--what an honor! Now just how low can things of a "low comical nature" be?
Thank you for your kind words re Atonement. I see you've got some bear on your hands. Bears, alligators, it's a regular zoo around here.
Thanks very much for your comments. Much appreciated.
Bests. Marc
Nice to see you at NC Writers. Welcome.
David, I really appreciate your comments on The Deer Collage. Thank you!
David,
Thanks for reading and commenting on the naked man of barcelona. I'm sorry i'm so late in thanking you. I'm still figuring things out here.
I see you studied at UNC Greensboro? I'm in the same neck of the woods, relatively speaking anyway...in Chattanooga.
Thanks, David, for your insightful comments on CTR. Very much appreciated.
Thanks, David, for reading "Mrs. Booth" and the fav--and your comments, just too kind.
Thank you so much, David, for reading “Classmates,” the fav, and your comments, always astute and welcome. I like the photo of the bear. Was that bear in your neighborhood? I only see deer and raccoons. And once a opossum, dead, alas.
thanks for the read on "Magnets of Faith & Knowing," David. Did you do the pdf thing?
Another thank you is in order, this time for your lovely comments to "Beach Haven." I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks, David, for your kind words about "Lamb." Made my day.
Hi David -- thanks for your comment on Love, Story.
I will get to your long list of stories sometime soon. Trying to find time to check out my new community. Great to be here! So far, I really like what you say in the Why Do You Write section:
"Whatever he said or didn't say, the story would be told, as if it had to be." There's an imperative that comes from within the story itself: It seems it has to be and therefore has to Be Told.
Yes. I love the idea that a story has a life of its own.
Thanks, David, for your comments on Puppet Maker.
David, I really appreciate the positive review of "Snowed In." Thanks.
Thanks, David, for your comments on The Puppet Maker. Very much appreciated!
Jerry Ratch
laughed at your "Fuckhead" comment...nicely played. no charges will be brought, i promise.
Thanks, David, for your reading of "Maps" and your appreciation of its kaleidoscopic ways!
Thank you, David, for reading "Mind You Don't" and for your comments, which are, as always, right on!
David--Thanks so much for reading "And Then," and for your generous comments--they really mean a lot to me.
yes, sort of next to hampstead - more like kentish town (north) and euston (south) and belsize park (around). see http://www.tourstolondon.co.uk/london-underground-map.gif
Thank you so much, David, for your kind words for "Bread, Fish, Serpent, Stone"--for reading, and for seeing/saying what the story is doing that I hoped it would do, especially since your own inhabitations of characters' heads are so finely tuned and right on!
is this the shelagh power-chopra-wall or the david-ackley-wall. just asking. i'm actually trying to pass a message to the naked rowdies but perhaps i just use the next available wall for that.
Hey, thanks for the nice comment on the poem. I missed it (was out of town).
Bless your heart, my dear. Love, Edna
not sure why it gets cut off but here's the end:
...attire. Old Roddy, sulking on the dark streets that night, stumbled over a rather glamorous bunch sleeping near a dumpster. They swarmed over him like a pack of dingos on a baby. Liam found him the next morning, striped, filthy and trembling over a pile of his own stool. Buck up Roddy, them bums may be more naked and rowdy then us but we still 'ave the name.
That was great! Full of rich detail and hilarity, very hard to follow. love this: the hopes of their middle class families contained in these sprightly containers...
And I'm going back to the band:
It was a dire and dun-colored year when groupies wept and autograph seekers put down their pens. The Naked Rowdies were on a sated sabbatical. Roddy had a bum leg or so the press was told, and who wanted a gimpy and bloated guitarist up on stage throwing soiled crutches at fans anyway? Behind the dressing room doors, the real picture was pretty grim; Roddy, on his way home after a clumsy threesome with two cousins and a candystriper, had been attacked by a roving band of aesthetically minded hobos. The homeless, tired of being stereotyped as drab dressers (woeful holey wingtips and soiled raincoats) had banded together to form a new "aesthetic". Their new look; jackets and shoes made from discarded Hermes bags. They were often seen crawling the alleys, naked, save their slipshod attir
david, thanks for the kind words re: stage management for the drunken paddy poets. much appreciated!
oopps..the ending messed up. Here's another go:
Cliff and Stu hiked deep into the woods, dripping in sweat, large cumbersome binoculars wrapped around their wizened necks. The summer sun was high and Stu really wished they had brought the thermos of Shandis that Cliff seemed to have “conveniently” forgotten. This of of course was due to the last time they went bird watching; Stu staggering from a dozen Sloe Gins, smashing a nest of Ruby Redstar eggs with his large bottom. “Oh lord Stu, now hold on to your skirt because above is the grand madam.” Stu had never seen one and he looked above and smiled serenely as if viewing an angel. She was quite beautiful–almost translucent, perfectly free of any spotting or marks. My lord they do look a wee naked, don’t they Cliff? and he giggled like a manic child and the bird flew away. Goddamn it Stu, that was our last chance and we’ll never, ever, see a Naked Rowdie again.
Well, granted they are supposed to be "bare" at all times, hence the sheer codpiece.
Moving again slightly away from the rock band:
Cliff and Stu hiked deep into the woods, dripping in sweat, large cumbersome binoculars wrapped around their wizened necks. The summer sun was high and Stu really wished they had brought the thermos of Shandis that Cliff seemed to have "conveniently" forgotten. This of of course was due to the last time they went bird watching; Stu staggering from a dozen Sloe Gins, smashing a nest of Ruby Redstar eggs with his large bottom. "Oh lord Stu, now hold on to your skirt because above is the grand madam." Stu had never seen one and he looked above and smiled serenely as if viewing an angel. She was quite beautiful–almost translucent, perfectly free of any spotting or marks. My lord they do look a wee naked, don't they Cliff? and he giggled like a manic child and the bird flew away. Goddamn it Stu, that was our last chance and we'll never, ever, see a Nake
Thanks for your comment on Beckett not Joyce. "Real" and "tough," words I like to hear about my writing.
Seems you used all the good material: nuns, cursing (albeit minor, I suppose I could still use "arse"...) drugs and difficult, dying drummers. Hmm what to do! Very, very funny! Let's post this as a collaboration piece when it's done.
thanks for the ll's, david! will haply check out your fictionals before springing. - carol
The Naked Rowdies' third album, "Turkish Bath Delite" did dismally in downloads, so their manager, Kip "Streaker" Kaplan, decided it must be an image problem. Gone were the sheer codpieces and experimental "birthday suits". Brought in full force were opaque leotards and vats of horse tranquilizer; the only thing that calmed the boys down. It worked for a short time and their next album, "The Hirsute Agenda" became an underdog success with the celibate teens and Sikhs throughout the world.
Damn! That was pretty hysterical. You've outdone yourself. Not so sure I'll be able to conquer that one.
Develop into a story?! Hmm, possibly. But this is much more fun!
brilliant! Hilarious! Much better than mine and I fear this one:
Audrey's memoirs, entitled, "The Naked Rowdies" sold better then her agent had predicted. The title itself was a flinty dig at her first husband–a reference to the slew of terrible rows or "rowdies" (as her husband liked to call them after they made up) he often started late in the night. Naked, nuked on gin and nicotine, it was a never-ending nihilistic nightmare.
Yes, David, we are having fun yet! Mostly I've liked getting to know people and read their stories while I'm reading theirs. It's like a cocktail party without the social phobias.
Ha! Very good.
Or a blurb beneath one of those silly public naked people "Art" projects:
"They were naked and they were rowdy and the streets couldn't hold them. It was a performance piece gone terribly wrong."
Thanks, David! Hmm, "The Naked Rowdies" good name for a short story or an Irish band!
Thank you for your comment. And French accent... ;-)
that's hilarious, david. "you can always get a cab"? there's someone steeled alright for the streets of london.
you're welcome david my pleasure entirely. great story romancing the old london cobblestone for me. aww - memory lane: IRA threat at king's cross station. everybody out. the intimacy! a nation united against a green ghost. i really liked your 'message' in the end, too...that was unexpected and there goes sentimentality...
Dude, the skiing was great in telluride--had 2 1/2 feet of fresh powder to play with. Plus, at night, watched Bode rip on the big screen. You actually in franconia? Cool--I like NH v v much, and actually learned to ski (back in the day) in Vermont. Cheers, g
I'm with you on reading length. I live to read. And on occasion read to live when nothing else will do to soothe me.
Hi David!
Your statement above about imperative coming from within a story is just what I need to think about today as I wrestle with another uncooperative piece.
Thank you very much for reading and commenting on my little ghost story!
David, what a wonderful, thoughtful comment you made on Phoenix Complaining! Thanks so much for your careful attention. Made my morning.
Thank you for all your kind words.
And for reading my story twice. That is a compliment all in itself.
Fictionaut is really giving me the confidence that one day, i might actually publish my work in the English-speaking world.
And yes, the longer stories tend to get read and faved a lot less than the shorter ones. Comes with the WWW territory, I'm afraid.
David, yes, on The Etymons, please let me know. I am open to suggestions, critiques, pies-in-the-face, or kicks in the ass. Frankly, the more public the better. Thanks again for reading.
I truly appreciate the encouragement on "It". I've never done this kind of writing before and your comments are seriously considered as I'm working on new stuff. Thank you!
Hi David, Thank you so much for the kind comments -- they really mean a lot coming from somebody with your background! I've been so remiss about getting involved here at Fictionaut. I really must fill out my page and start participating a bit. I'm currently rereading A Room With a View and rediscovering Forster's dry wit and economical style. I don't know why I found him abstruse when I was in college --- obviously my problem and not his at all. I'll look at the books you recommend as well. Best, Linda
thanks again for reading my work, david--and great to have you on this site.
i love what you say in your box above, to wit, the necessity of the story---yes. the way the story tells us--
I have no problem whatsoever with that, David.
Thank you for the kind words too, they truly do mean a lot.
B