This is one of the most innovative story presentation ideas I can remember ever reading. I loved standing there with you, sorting books, while your story unfolded. I'm inspired by the creativity and uniqueness of this approach Mark.
Wow. Thank you, Rick. I'm honoured. I'm so glad the story stood out as something special to you. I look forward to where your own inspiration will take you from here. I'm grateful for the conversations I had with you, @simonemslie and the Whitehearted crew. They helped me a lot.
Mark, the whole piece worked. Congratulations! This one passage stood out for me - and if I had to guess, it came straight from your muse and you captured it quickly before it dissipated:
“Hungry for a map so I could mark up the margins and point the sails of my questions, billowed and filled with the winds of inspiration, to home… wherever that was…”
Aw, man. Thank you James. I am really glad you enjoyed it. The shape of the question mark... when when I look at it .... " ? " I happen see a shape of a mast and a full sail... fun no?
Mark, this is incredible! The sorting, filing, putting the books away. For anyone who grew up in old school libraries this is a wonderful trip down memory lane. “Thunk” is so perfect beyond just the description of the sound. This one’s a keeper my man. Awesome!! 👏 👊
Thanks, Matt. Libraries, books - totally hear you. These are special places. I certainly 'thunk' about it a lot. LOL. Seriously, thank you for your feedback, man. It helped a lot.
Yes, Claire! I'm so glad you noticed the artwork! I drew it all myself. I drew most of it on my tiny iPhone while riding on a bus, going from home to work and back... and then some time after. It's hard to put it together. But I find this relationship between text and visuals so rich and fascinating ...
Thundrundundurunderrunthunk! That’s the sound of your writing zinging with energy, Mark. Such a joy to see you take your initial idea for the piece and transform it into something so fresh and creative. I felt like I was with you as a teenager. The vignette about Leo was particularly poignant, but I also loved reading the hushed discussion with Byron and your description of laying eyes on young Joyce with his mischievous charm. Looking forward to the next instalment! Will that be in the Davy Byrnes Pub in Dublin?
Mark, this is an incredible piece of writing. So imaginative to use your library job as structure for this. I’ve not read anything of yours previously. What a vivid entry into your world.
I can’t help but being a “why” person so thought I’d ask out of curiosity. I’m wondering if you can remember why you were afraid to speak up for Leo?
Perhaps just your basic “they’d beat me up if I did” concern but just curious. I’m fascinated by the “proving who’s king of the jungle” dynamic that seems not terribly uncommon between adolescent men. Taken to drastic extremes in adulthood, this seems to tie into the “toxic masculinity” theme lots of folks today have broad-ranging opinions on.
This is one of the most innovative story presentation ideas I can remember ever reading. I loved standing there with you, sorting books, while your story unfolded. I'm inspired by the creativity and uniqueness of this approach Mark.
Wow. Thank you, Rick. I'm honoured. I'm so glad the story stood out as something special to you. I look forward to where your own inspiration will take you from here. I'm grateful for the conversations I had with you, @simonemslie and the Whitehearted crew. They helped me a lot.
Rick - same here. The rhythm of the “thunk” worked beautifully Mark. And the tension built throughout as you intended. 👏
Mark, the whole piece worked. Congratulations! This one passage stood out for me - and if I had to guess, it came straight from your muse and you captured it quickly before it dissipated:
“Hungry for a map so I could mark up the margins and point the sails of my questions, billowed and filled with the winds of inspiration, to home… wherever that was…”
So beautiful.
Aw, man. Thank you James. I am really glad you enjoyed it. The shape of the question mark... when when I look at it .... " ? " I happen see a shape of a mast and a full sail... fun no?
Love that Mark. I see it now. :)
Mark, this is incredible! The sorting, filing, putting the books away. For anyone who grew up in old school libraries this is a wonderful trip down memory lane. “Thunk” is so perfect beyond just the description of the sound. This one’s a keeper my man. Awesome!! 👏 👊
Thanks, Matt. Libraries, books - totally hear you. These are special places. I certainly 'thunk' about it a lot. LOL. Seriously, thank you for your feedback, man. It helped a lot.
This was excellent. Loved the format of it and the energy throughout it.
The image of the stuff in the bag – did you make it? I loved it
Yes, Claire! I'm so glad you noticed the artwork! I drew it all myself. I drew most of it on my tiny iPhone while riding on a bus, going from home to work and back... and then some time after. It's hard to put it together. But I find this relationship between text and visuals so rich and fascinating ...
Wow that’s a real talent, Mark! I want to see more of these. Appreciate they take time but so good
Thundrundundurunderrunthunk! That’s the sound of your writing zinging with energy, Mark. Such a joy to see you take your initial idea for the piece and transform it into something so fresh and creative. I felt like I was with you as a teenager. The vignette about Leo was particularly poignant, but I also loved reading the hushed discussion with Byron and your description of laying eyes on young Joyce with his mischievous charm. Looking forward to the next instalment! Will that be in the Davy Byrnes Pub in Dublin?
So much appreciation for your attention and support on this, Simon! A Davy Byrnes Pub episode, eh? hmmm... ;D
This was such a novel way to read the history of your bullies. Beautifully crafted and presented. Thunk.
Mark, this is an incredible piece of writing. So imaginative to use your library job as structure for this. I’ve not read anything of yours previously. What a vivid entry into your world.
I can’t help but being a “why” person so thought I’d ask out of curiosity. I’m wondering if you can remember why you were afraid to speak up for Leo?
Perhaps just your basic “they’d beat me up if I did” concern but just curious. I’m fascinated by the “proving who’s king of the jungle” dynamic that seems not terribly uncommon between adolescent men. Taken to drastic extremes in adulthood, this seems to tie into the “toxic masculinity” theme lots of folks today have broad-ranging opinions on.
Again, incredibly rich writing. It blows me away.