I really enjoyed this, Clancy! And I’ve just realized that, as much as I love reading your writing and stories, I will probably never fully catch up with the incredible body of work you’ve been putting out, alas. You’re such a prolific writer, and your story ideas are always brilliant. Plus, your prose is just beautiful and smooth. I loved this passage: "Her friends were reluctantly in tow, giggling at me like the curiosity I was, especially for using the word inopportune. Rachel’s eyes, though, the green ones, were hard and serious with kindly attention." It’s one of those that, if anyone ever asked, "What’s Clancy’s writing like?" I would point to without hesitation (well, along with a million others).
thank you Silvio! I was so much less prolific last year but I made a commitment to trying to put out more fiction this year and so far sticking to it. i feel like not everything meets the standards I have for myself but I am saying fuck it and publishing anyway. it's good that you could point to the line and identify it as stylistically me-- that is as great a compliment as any. looking forward to more of your magical realism fiction!
Very sweet. My teeth ache. However, it flowed along gently like some minor Afton. Johnny Carson, old time Tonight show host, would sometimes say of a comedy sketch, "If you buy the premise, you buy the bit." Bit bought, for me. Thanks.
Great story, Clancy! The movement from juvenile laughter soliticited via his antics to his genuine understanding of how laughter and humor has layers is wonderful. Excellent writing.
I'm lurking still... aaaalways lurking. I read almost entirely science fiction and fantasy now, but occasionally I do start reading a short story like this one and it hooks me. 😁
Yeah, so easily my fave short story of yours, Clancy. I could quote whole heaps of this. Whip smart, full of personality, some banging lines, a plot that tugs along and a warm blanket of fire of happiness at the end.
I mean, I love all your stuff, but this one has some extra flair. A certain economy of words mixed with a snappy and stylish personality within the prose. Hard to describe, but whatever it is you nailed it. A joy to read and it leaves me inspired to hone and improve.
"My towel needed readjusting. The warmth of the inferno that my dormitory had become now beckoned in contrast to the frigidity that had shrunk my penis into a retracted tortoise neck."
👏👏👏👏
Haven't finished reading yet but feeling the need to quote.
As always, a great read. I particularly loved this line: "All were enacted because I was a slave to the laughter of others, but felt I didn’t have the wit or cleverness to produce it conventionally."
An on-point observation, I think that hits home for many a young man.
Awww. Perfect Valentine's Day story. I especially liked these lines: "“I think this log needs some readjusting,” I say, as though I graduated with a Ph.D. in fire. Sparks fly and I flinch." Darned cute if you ask me!
Nice story for a snowy Sunday morning. I tried to figure out a timeline because Grubhub started in 2004 and 12 years later would not be 2024. I reminded myself it was fiction and went back to my tea and muffin, also good for a snowy Sunday morning
It is very light and breezy, like a how-did-you-and-grandad-meet story grandparents tell during long, hot summer breaks. I am always aching for a twist, but that’s my personal cross to carry, this is sweet and funny, fitting for the time of year.
thank you diana! i like a twist too and sometimes my stories have ‘em. but i was getting weary of the pessimism in some of my later stories. this one felt warm. again, thanks for reading. very fitting for a cold winter day
thanks Rosie, i feel like i’ve been writing a bit unloveable characters and bad times lately so to have this one wrap up happily was nice! glad you enjoyed
To follow your wildest desires
Get ready to toil and perspire
In love or in sex
Before you’re an ex
Embrace the arsonist, not the fire
beautiful
I really enjoyed this, Clancy! And I’ve just realized that, as much as I love reading your writing and stories, I will probably never fully catch up with the incredible body of work you’ve been putting out, alas. You’re such a prolific writer, and your story ideas are always brilliant. Plus, your prose is just beautiful and smooth. I loved this passage: "Her friends were reluctantly in tow, giggling at me like the curiosity I was, especially for using the word inopportune. Rachel’s eyes, though, the green ones, were hard and serious with kindly attention." It’s one of those that, if anyone ever asked, "What’s Clancy’s writing like?" I would point to without hesitation (well, along with a million others).
thank you Silvio! I was so much less prolific last year but I made a commitment to trying to put out more fiction this year and so far sticking to it. i feel like not everything meets the standards I have for myself but I am saying fuck it and publishing anyway. it's good that you could point to the line and identify it as stylistically me-- that is as great a compliment as any. looking forward to more of your magical realism fiction!
Very sweet. My teeth ache. However, it flowed along gently like some minor Afton. Johnny Carson, old time Tonight show host, would sometimes say of a comedy sketch, "If you buy the premise, you buy the bit." Bit bought, for me. Thanks.
oh yes, very very sweet. thanks Jackson. make sure you go to the dentist afterward.
Great story, Clancy! The movement from juvenile laughter soliticited via his antics to his genuine understanding of how laughter and humor has layers is wonderful. Excellent writing.
i'm glad you noticed that Brian! definitely a key element of the story. haven't seen you around lately, thank you for reading!
I'm lurking still... aaaalways lurking. I read almost entirely science fiction and fantasy now, but occasionally I do start reading a short story like this one and it hooks me. 😁
Yeah, so easily my fave short story of yours, Clancy. I could quote whole heaps of this. Whip smart, full of personality, some banging lines, a plot that tugs along and a warm blanket of fire of happiness at the end.
Bravo, mate. Bravo.
thanks nathan! wow, i’m surprised it’s your favorite! although maybe I shouldn’t be…it’s a very heartwarming tale and you’re a heartwarming person.
also, i’m jealous of the sunny skies of melbourne right now.
I mean, I love all your stuff, but this one has some extra flair. A certain economy of words mixed with a snappy and stylish personality within the prose. Hard to describe, but whatever it is you nailed it. A joy to read and it leaves me inspired to hone and improve.
"My towel needed readjusting. The warmth of the inferno that my dormitory had become now beckoned in contrast to the frigidity that had shrunk my penis into a retracted tortoise neck."
👏👏👏👏
Haven't finished reading yet but feeling the need to quote.
This is slick stuff, Clancy.
thank nathan, no one pointed that one out yet, i’m so glad you did hahah
Well written , but it’s not my cup of tea
thanks for reading anyway Angus! not everything is for everyone
so vivid. I could see everything and these words dredged up sophomore dorm memories of my own. as per usual, you're the snake charmer of nostalgia
thanks Will! I hope you don't mind me borrowing "snake charmer of nostalgia"
it’s all yours
As always, a great read. I particularly loved this line: "All were enacted because I was a slave to the laughter of others, but felt I didn’t have the wit or cleverness to produce it conventionally."
An on-point observation, I think that hits home for many a young man.
yup, being the "goof" if you're a young man has become a safe fallback. thanks for reading Miles.
Really fantastic story.
why thank you Mary!
Awww. Perfect Valentine's Day story. I especially liked these lines: "“I think this log needs some readjusting,” I say, as though I graduated with a Ph.D. in fire. Sparks fly and I flinch." Darned cute if you ask me!
haha thanks Sharron, i knew you in particular would appreciate the sweetness of this one.
Yeah. I am a fool for a happy ending.
Nice story for a snowy Sunday morning. I tried to figure out a timeline because Grubhub started in 2004 and 12 years later would not be 2024. I reminded myself it was fiction and went back to my tea and muffin, also good for a snowy Sunday morning
hahah well that's right, it's fiction. alternate universe. thanks Brenda! def a good snowy morning story.
It is very light and breezy, like a how-did-you-and-grandad-meet story grandparents tell during long, hot summer breaks. I am always aching for a twist, but that’s my personal cross to carry, this is sweet and funny, fitting for the time of year.
thank you diana! i like a twist too and sometimes my stories have ‘em. but i was getting weary of the pessimism in some of my later stories. this one felt warm. again, thanks for reading. very fitting for a cold winter day
Great writing, Clancy. You took me ‘there’.
thanks for reading Rebecca! glad your enjoyed. nice to take people “there” when sometimes “here” can be so frustrating these days.
So sweet!
thanks Rosie, i feel like i’ve been writing a bit unloveable characters and bad times lately so to have this one wrap up happily was nice! glad you enjoyed
It was full of lasting imagery and the atmosphere was great! Loved it!