Will think good thoughts for your success in London on 22nd...Meanwhile I'll be with the Outerbridge Kaufmann families spreading my mom's ashes in the rose garden at Tranquillity in Somerset trying to weave words into a true beautiful garment of her life^^
So sorry, Graeme. I do love the idea of a true beautiful garment of words. I had to do this seven years ago, to the day.
Half of her ashes went into Hood Canal below me; the other half high into the Olympic Mountains, above. She has me surrounded! Love and peace to you and yours.
Thanks David,nice thoughts. I appreciate you sharing your own personal experience with your mom. I am certain she has you surrounded in love. Best GO^^
Thanks Mary..losing parents is such a high cliff in life..so much to sort out in the aftermath...Many of us encounter it with all sorts of mixed outcomes and new paths and thought^^
I lost both of my parents over the last nine years. You are absolutely right about new paths and thoughts. My entire way of thinking about them has changed, though I had no idea such a transition would happen. All best to you during this transitional time in your life.
I think "the Chekhov" was two fingers to the temple--also wasn't there some discussion of sandals we would all wear?
I've been meaning to get to Portland to see friends and family and am at present Googling flights to see if I can somehow magically pull it off for that weekend :). Here's hoping! Would be so delighted to meet other Story Clubbers in real life!
It is supposed to be 80 here today as well. No humidity, thankfully, but also not very sweater weather-y. I think I could appreciate the sun more if we had a good drenching, but everything just feels dry and dusty right now.
About two decades ago, I started having these recurring dreams about Paul McCartney. It was all very random, because while I liked and listened to the Beatles, I hadn’t spent much time thinking of them as actual people. One night, the dreams just started.
In the dreams, there would always be some sort of huge disaster going on - floods, buildings falling down - just absolute terror. Suddenly a door would open, and someone would pull me to safety. It was Paul McCartney.
You would think that would be enough craziness for one dream, but no, there was more. After I was rescued from the horror of disaster, there would be an amazing calm of safety and a sense of well-being and gratitude. Here’s where it really gets weird: Linda McCartney would then appear to me in spirit form and tell me I had to look after Paul.
I had this dream nearly a dozen times over a couple years. The details would vary, the disaster would change, but always Linda at end. Then as suddenly as they started, they were done.
About 5 years after this I was working as a bartender at a fancy hotel in Beverly Hills. Paul McCartney was in Los Angeles to perform at Staples Center. Some of his touring crew were staying at the hotel. During one of my shifts, this older Scottish guy sat at the bar, and we started chatting. He told me he worked for Paul’s tour and I said, “I know this sounds nuts, but I used to have these recurring dreams…” and proceeded to tell him the whole story - Linda McCartney-spirit form included. He listened as politely as one can when hearing about someone else’s dreams. Hoping to change the subject, I asked him what he did for the tour. His reply? “Head of security.”
So, long story short, I have always wondered if somehow, somewhere I’m on a McCartney blacklist. And I also sometimes wonder if I have failed Linda.
The line is Beatles, but for some reason when I read It I immediately got Purple Rain stuck in my head. Maybe I was trans-Pacific sensing your Prince love, Manami!
We'll be at the Nov 3 event at Zipper Hall, downtown Los Angeles. A fantastic venue by the way, designed mostly for classical music concerts, and across the street from Frank Gehry's Disney Hall. It should be fun watching George with Judd Apatow. I hope to see other Story Clubbers there. Let me know here. Amazingly, George will be back downtown Los Angeles four days later, at the fabulous Central Library, with the equally fabulous Nick Offerman. (That should be pretty cool.) There must be a pretty serious Saunders following in Southern California, which makes me proud.
Okay, so I just bought tickets for the Library Foundation one too! It's going to be held at the Writers Guild Theater on Doheny--not at the Central Library. Let me know if you plan on going to that one, too. I think I've lost my mind to go twice, but oh, well. For both events, you get a book with your ticket, so I'll have 3 books to give out as gifts. Plus, I'm supporting the library AND seeing George TWICE. So it's all pretty damn good.
Oh yes, Mary--you're absolutely correct. My mistake. Because it's a library event, I took it be at the Central Library downtown. The WGA Theatre is a pretty cool venue too. I used to teach there at UCLA Extension; presenting and discussing new movie releases. A lot of neat memories of that place...
That sounds like a great class! Wish I could have taken it. My husband is in the academy so we used to go see all the new movies at the academy's theater near the WGA. Those were the days... (I think they're screening movies again now, but we haven't been yet.)
Yes, that would be fun. Maybe I should buy the SC cap, which makes for a pretty easy identifier. Or else, I may be wearing a tan-khaki cap, or my Los Angeles Dodgers cap. (Go Dodgers!)
LA's full of utopian liberals (like Santa Cruz) - whaddya expect? Would have been more interesting to put him in Watts or east LA...let the progressives meet the real world...
You've been a roughneck and knocked around. I respect that. You've probably been in more
honkytonk dives than a sailor too. I was referring to (most of) your fans, the ones that hold their breath when they have to leave Brentwood and don't relax until they're back.
I've never met anyone those people, though I've met a lot of my fans. Most of the people who show up to my readings have been all over the place and lived in all sorts of ways. I don't find many of the fainters/wilters you sometimes mention here in Story Club either. Hmm. Also, not sure if you've ever been to Santa Cruz but there are lots of different types of people there. Some so liberal they've become conservative, and vice versa. Big world, brother!
Yes, I've been to SC, Santa Barbara (had lunch with Jonathan Winters there). Malibu, Brentwood, Westwood, Bev Hills (used to have an aunt that lived in Benedict Canyon just down from Richard Chamberlin), shopped at Saks, etc, but if you're drawing in a nice mixed demo, that's great and I'm happy for you. (I hope they're reading the Russian book as well.) I guess I identify you more with the New Yorker crowd, which may be a bit myopic. Still wish you were doing more LA area sites, but maybe next time. Best of Luck on the tour.
ps - you should post some video logs of your journeys on YouTube. Be nice to see you, and you can give a shout-out to us Story Clubbers and plug the Club. A lot of people have probably never even heard of it, and it never hurts to have more subscriptions.
pps - I'm still waiting for the Saunders plushy...
Came here to plug his Substack as well. It is honest, beautiful, and incredibly easy to find yourself reading. Highly recommend! Look up “sweater weather” on Substack to find it
Hi George. I'm looking forward to seeing you at the San Francisco - actually Berkeley - event on 11/2 with Samin Nosrat. So glad you will be touching down here. I hope to see other clubbers there.
As for the carry on bags...it's easy. Just do what you do when you write. Edit the hell out of it. Cut away all the clothes you love for all the wrong reasons that don't really belong on this trip because they haven't really earned their place or maybe they really belong on a different trip (the one to Australia) and they aren't advancing the narrative, and, well, they're just too, knitted, or something. Ask your editor to help you pack.
Does anyone else have a crush on Jenny Slate? Just me? Oh I love her! And her voice!
To the Story Clubbers who attend George's events: please come back and share with the rest of us! I look forward to living vicariously through your experiences (and feel a touch of envy that some of you will get to meet each other in real life). Fingers crossed some of these talks will be filmed and posted to Youtube!
Well, looked for a Utah sighting or Colorado. ☹️ Would have loved my CO School of Mines daughter to meet you. Perhaps I could get an autographed book for her somehow? Would make an awesome graduation gift!
Interesting page, contains several good YouTube sites. If you write literary fiction, Michael, I really recommend Shaelin Writes. She's a young Canadian literary fiction author, and has a great, friendly, relaxed approach.
We'll be catching you on the Zoom tube, George, and if you should decide to rock a second tour we'd love to see you at Writers on a New England Stage in Portsmouth, NH! Cheers and congrats!
GS - those of us denizens of Politics & Prose, here in DC are mourning over being not on your schedule this time around. Although cannot blame anyone wanting to give the Nation’s Capitol a pass these days. Hope the tour is at least partially “fun”.
Hey, Stephen, I didn't know you were in DC. I agree about P&P. Check out the link in my post above re: Arlington Public Library (North Quincy, Ballston).
I leave NYC tomorrow with work obligations (failing the carry-on only!) so I’ll miss you at Symphony Space, BUT will be in LONDON on the 22nd and already have tkt to Southbank!
Will think good thoughts for your success in London on 22nd...Meanwhile I'll be with the Outerbridge Kaufmann families spreading my mom's ashes in the rose garden at Tranquillity in Somerset trying to weave words into a true beautiful garment of her life^^
Ah, so sorry to hear this, Graeme. May she rest in peace.
TX GS wishing you and yours good outcomes^^
So sorry, Graeme. I do love the idea of a true beautiful garment of words. I had to do this seven years ago, to the day.
Half of her ashes went into Hood Canal below me; the other half high into the Olympic Mountains, above. She has me surrounded! Love and peace to you and yours.
Thanks David,nice thoughts. I appreciate you sharing your own personal experience with your mom. I am certain she has you surrounded in love. Best GO^^
So very sorry, Graeme. May her memory be a blessing.
Thanks Mary..losing parents is such a high cliff in life..so much to sort out in the aftermath...Many of us encounter it with all sorts of mixed outcomes and new paths and thought^^
I lost both of my parents over the last nine years. You are absolutely right about new paths and thoughts. My entire way of thinking about them has changed, though I had no idea such a transition would happen. All best to you during this transitional time in your life.
They are you...thanks for sharing the path^^
Anyone else going to the Portland Book Festival? Hoping to run into some Story Clubbers there!
What’s our secret code again? Wasn’t it some sort of Anton Chekhov move? I’ll have to go back through the archives. :)
I will be there, Sara! I think Lee is coming also; and maybe Stacya??
David that would be a blast. Let me see how that can happen!
YES. Let’s do this!
I think "the Chekhov" was two fingers to the temple--also wasn't there some discussion of sandals we would all wear?
I've been meaning to get to Portland to see friends and family and am at present Googling flights to see if I can somehow magically pull it off for that weekend :). Here's hoping! Would be so delighted to meet other Story Clubbers in real life!
THAT’S IT!
Now I need to practice how to do it without looking suspiciously awkward haha
Hawaii to Portland in November?? Totally worth it.
*Raises fist* For George! And the apples!!
That would be something, to meet you in the falling rain!
It's a little stormy here this week! But in the 80's, with 80 something percent humidity . . . not exactly blissful autumn sweater weather :)
It is supposed to be 80 here today as well. No humidity, thankfully, but also not very sweater weather-y. I think I could appreciate the sun more if we had a good drenching, but everything just feels dry and dusty right now.
If we ever get any! I’m absolutely craving a downpour.
(Your comment also made me get the song “Purple Rain” stuck in my head!)
Ah was it Prince? I thought it was the Beatles! (And I LOVE Prince)
Purple Rain is Prince, but my line is from post-Beatles McCartney…maybe I’m just amazed!
Oh my gosh, you’re so right. Just Paul.
Random story…
About two decades ago, I started having these recurring dreams about Paul McCartney. It was all very random, because while I liked and listened to the Beatles, I hadn’t spent much time thinking of them as actual people. One night, the dreams just started.
In the dreams, there would always be some sort of huge disaster going on - floods, buildings falling down - just absolute terror. Suddenly a door would open, and someone would pull me to safety. It was Paul McCartney.
You would think that would be enough craziness for one dream, but no, there was more. After I was rescued from the horror of disaster, there would be an amazing calm of safety and a sense of well-being and gratitude. Here’s where it really gets weird: Linda McCartney would then appear to me in spirit form and tell me I had to look after Paul.
I had this dream nearly a dozen times over a couple years. The details would vary, the disaster would change, but always Linda at end. Then as suddenly as they started, they were done.
About 5 years after this I was working as a bartender at a fancy hotel in Beverly Hills. Paul McCartney was in Los Angeles to perform at Staples Center. Some of his touring crew were staying at the hotel. During one of my shifts, this older Scottish guy sat at the bar, and we started chatting. He told me he worked for Paul’s tour and I said, “I know this sounds nuts, but I used to have these recurring dreams…” and proceeded to tell him the whole story - Linda McCartney-spirit form included. He listened as politely as one can when hearing about someone else’s dreams. Hoping to change the subject, I asked him what he did for the tour. His reply? “Head of security.”
So, long story short, I have always wondered if somehow, somewhere I’m on a McCartney blacklist. And I also sometimes wonder if I have failed Linda.
The line is Beatles, but for some reason when I read It I immediately got Purple Rain stuck in my head. Maybe I was trans-Pacific sensing your Prince love, Manami!
See you in Portland on 11/5/22 with Jess Walters! Long live short stories!! (And long ones as well!)
i love jess walter. I've given The Financial Lives of the Poets to about 10 people. It's so good.
So So good! I have it on my shelf as well.
oh i'm happy to hear that!
See you in Chicago!
I’ll be there in Chicago, too!
Hoping to see you and Tania tonight!
Dear George, Can’t wait to join you at the Southbank Lit. Festival in London. Catherine (your 75 year old groupie).
I’ll be there! Would be nice to meet some fellow groupies
I'm Another Rachel. I'll be there too.
How will we recognise each other?
Does anyone know the venue? Is there a place in the lobby to meet?
The foyer is quite spacious...I'll try to pop in sometime before the event and figure out a place we can identify as a meeting point.
Fun!
I’ll be there too! We can create a little groupie section.
I’ll be there, too!
We'll be at the Nov 3 event at Zipper Hall, downtown Los Angeles. A fantastic venue by the way, designed mostly for classical music concerts, and across the street from Frank Gehry's Disney Hall. It should be fun watching George with Judd Apatow. I hope to see other Story Clubbers there. Let me know here. Amazingly, George will be back downtown Los Angeles four days later, at the fabulous Central Library, with the equally fabulous Nick Offerman. (That should be pretty cool.) There must be a pretty serious Saunders following in Southern California, which makes me proud.
Hey Robert. I'll be at Zipper Hall with my husband. Maybe we can find one another in the lobby for a SC secret handshake.
Okay, so I just bought tickets for the Library Foundation one too! It's going to be held at the Writers Guild Theater on Doheny--not at the Central Library. Let me know if you plan on going to that one, too. I think I've lost my mind to go twice, but oh, well. For both events, you get a book with your ticket, so I'll have 3 books to give out as gifts. Plus, I'm supporting the library AND seeing George TWICE. So it's all pretty damn good.
Oh yes, Mary--you're absolutely correct. My mistake. Because it's a library event, I took it be at the Central Library downtown. The WGA Theatre is a pretty cool venue too. I used to teach there at UCLA Extension; presenting and discussing new movie releases. A lot of neat memories of that place...
That sounds like a great class! Wish I could have taken it. My husband is in the academy so we used to go see all the new movies at the academy's theater near the WGA. Those were the days... (I think they're screening movies again now, but we haven't been yet.)
Yes, that would be fun. Maybe I should buy the SC cap, which makes for a pretty easy identifier. Or else, I may be wearing a tan-khaki cap, or my Los Angeles Dodgers cap. (Go Dodgers!)
LA's full of utopian liberals (like Santa Cruz) - whaddya expect? Would have been more interesting to put him in Watts or east LA...let the progressives meet the real world...
Oh, I've never been in the real world, Michael. ;)
You've been a roughneck and knocked around. I respect that. You've probably been in more
honkytonk dives than a sailor too. I was referring to (most of) your fans, the ones that hold their breath when they have to leave Brentwood and don't relax until they're back.
I've never met anyone those people, though I've met a lot of my fans. Most of the people who show up to my readings have been all over the place and lived in all sorts of ways. I don't find many of the fainters/wilters you sometimes mention here in Story Club either. Hmm. Also, not sure if you've ever been to Santa Cruz but there are lots of different types of people there. Some so liberal they've become conservative, and vice versa. Big world, brother!
Yes, I've been to SC, Santa Barbara (had lunch with Jonathan Winters there). Malibu, Brentwood, Westwood, Bev Hills (used to have an aunt that lived in Benedict Canyon just down from Richard Chamberlin), shopped at Saks, etc, but if you're drawing in a nice mixed demo, that's great and I'm happy for you. (I hope they're reading the Russian book as well.) I guess I identify you more with the New Yorker crowd, which may be a bit myopic. Still wish you were doing more LA area sites, but maybe next time. Best of Luck on the tour.
ps - you should post some video logs of your journeys on YouTube. Be nice to see you, and you can give a shout-out to us Story Clubbers and plug the Club. A lot of people have probably never even heard of it, and it never hurts to have more subscriptions.
pps - I'm still waiting for the Saunders plushy...
I'll do that, for sure, Michael. All the best.
PS. The video logs, not the plushy. :)
Deptford can be dicey, so can Willesden Green if you're stuck up on areas.
I’ll be seeing you in Brooklyn! Excited to see Brandon too, he’s got a good Substack as well.
Came here to plug his Substack as well. It is honest, beautiful, and incredibly easy to find yourself reading. Highly recommend! Look up “sweater weather” on Substack to find it
Hi George. I'm looking forward to seeing you at the San Francisco - actually Berkeley - event on 11/2 with Samin Nosrat. So glad you will be touching down here. I hope to see other clubbers there.
As for the carry on bags...it's easy. Just do what you do when you write. Edit the hell out of it. Cut away all the clothes you love for all the wrong reasons that don't really belong on this trip because they haven't really earned their place or maybe they really belong on a different trip (the one to Australia) and they aren't advancing the narrative, and, well, they're just too, knitted, or something. Ask your editor to help you pack.
Does anyone else have a crush on Jenny Slate? Just me? Oh I love her! And her voice!
To the Story Clubbers who attend George's events: please come back and share with the rest of us! I look forward to living vicariously through your experiences (and feel a touch of envy that some of you will get to meet each other in real life). Fingers crossed some of these talks will be filmed and posted to Youtube!
Well, looked for a Utah sighting or Colorado. ☹️ Would have loved my CO School of Mines daughter to meet you. Perhaps I could get an autographed book for her somehow? Would make an awesome graduation gift!
This popped up as a Flipbook article. It's about 15 YouTube channels for writers.
https://flip.it/zrTztV
Interesting page, contains several good YouTube sites. If you write literary fiction, Michael, I really recommend Shaelin Writes. She's a young Canadian literary fiction author, and has a great, friendly, relaxed approach.
Is there illiterary fiction? (But thanks, I'll check it out...)
Small omission -- Santa Cruz event is sponsored by Bookshop Santa Cruz, not just Bookshop. Our local indie bookstore for more than 50 years now.
See you in Chicago!
Do Chicago attendees want to meet? I’ll be there!
We'll be catching you on the Zoom tube, George, and if you should decide to rock a second tour we'd love to see you at Writers on a New England Stage in Portsmouth, NH! Cheers and congrats!
GS - those of us denizens of Politics & Prose, here in DC are mourning over being not on your schedule this time around. Although cannot blame anyone wanting to give the Nation’s Capitol a pass these days. Hope the tour is at least partially “fun”.
Yes, not sure what happened there - I love reading at P&P and have such warm memories of being there for Tenth of Dec and Lincoln. Next time!
Hey, Stephen, I didn't know you were in DC. I agree about P&P. Check out the link in my post above re: Arlington Public Library (North Quincy, Ballston).
I leave NYC tomorrow with work obligations (failing the carry-on only!) so I’ll miss you at Symphony Space, BUT will be in LONDON on the 22nd and already have tkt to Southbank!
Safe travels to you. “Liberation Day!”