Incredible. The stuff you do with this animal imagery. It's like Watership Down meets Wes Anderson (animated)and bits of Ari Aster and the Coen Brothers? I can't put my finger on it, which is good. That means its original! This took me a few sit downs. Loved it! I'm so glad you write and share your art. Your work ethics and general activity in the sphere is commendable. This is substantive and, as the other commentary said - free! (I have way worse on my Kindle I bought for way too much). Thanks for being a friend Sean.
I suppose what I mean is the style has this charm to it, then this weird horror - with some cute stuff. See . . . I maybe need to think it out more, but it's really distinctive.
No I love the comparison! I write a lot of my stuff with Wes Anderson and Coen Brothers in mind. And Ari has got some great stuff! I’m stoked you see all that in my writing. I was only asking because I don’t see all of that in this particular story, so I just wondered if it was this story specifically you saw all that in.
Yeah! Some authors can be quite precious about getting it "off" - which I think is wrong because it also stops the reader's imagination. Your work is really literary in its social themes and in the work put into the imagery and dialogue to make it seem so authentic, colourful and entertaining.
Did you publish this previously in a serial form? It's a long post, which isn't a problem because of the images breaking it up . . . but I've just learnt to keep posts as short as possible after I published my "Hanoi SUM FLUX V.2 novella" lol! I loved it.
I love this NEW, very colourful internet writing but oftentimes I feel like it's used just for shock. There isn't really a soundly constructed artistic product behind it, you know? (With a vision - which I think you have. Yes, I was sure about Wes and the Coens).
I originally published this in a print only zine for my paid subscribers. And it's been hidden behind a paywall up until recently, when I decided I didn't like the subscription model for my stories.
Flash does really well on Substack, and it's fun to write, but lately I've been interested working on longer pieces. Outlining a serial now.
First priority is finishing my debut novel. Its a serious and hefty work aiming for the Canadian Canon. I've decided to go indie after many complications along the publication road in Canada (not just length but also excessive PC vibes on the most mundane things) - I've just reclaimed the property. I want that to hit print.
Another serial I have in mind is about a social media curator on trial for deleting certain - very topical - files. That would be longer than Oracle. It's about 180 words. That could be printed too! - but this print thing is all new to me.
People ALWAYS say this if I do a stream-of-conciousness naming of influences thing. Whaaaaat??
I guess this is for all your work I've read but especially this one. It's like if Ari Aster were to direct an animated Wes Anderson movie. I'm sorry if it sounds unarticulated yet. Compared to many of your readers, I am quite new. But yes - I image your films like stop motion horror films, very often, including SIN.
Jeez, Sean. So glad this became available for my broke ass. This is the longest McDonnell I've read and it's so freaking good! I really hope I can tuck into something novella/novel length at some point. I need it!
I couldn’t properly respond before because this covid shit was woopin my ass. (Still is but not as bad.)
Your words mean a lot to me, thank you. I’ve been reflecting on this past year, my own writing, but also the people who have influenced me and continue to, and you’re def one of them. So you liking anything I write always feels like a big deal. Thank you!
Incredible. The stuff you do with this animal imagery. It's like Watership Down meets Wes Anderson (animated)and bits of Ari Aster and the Coen Brothers? I can't put my finger on it, which is good. That means its original! This took me a few sit downs. Loved it! I'm so glad you write and share your art. Your work ethics and general activity in the sphere is commendable. This is substantive and, as the other commentary said - free! (I have way worse on my Kindle I bought for way too much). Thanks for being a friend Sean.
I really appreciate this lovely comment, Brock. This is going to sound weird, but what story were you commenting here? Was it SIN?
I suppose what I mean is the style has this charm to it, then this weird horror - with some cute stuff. See . . . I maybe need to think it out more, but it's really distinctive.
No I love the comparison! I write a lot of my stuff with Wes Anderson and Coen Brothers in mind. And Ari has got some great stuff! I’m stoked you see all that in my writing. I was only asking because I don’t see all of that in this particular story, so I just wondered if it was this story specifically you saw all that in.
Yeah! Some authors can be quite precious about getting it "off" - which I think is wrong because it also stops the reader's imagination. Your work is really literary in its social themes and in the work put into the imagery and dialogue to make it seem so authentic, colourful and entertaining.
Did you publish this previously in a serial form? It's a long post, which isn't a problem because of the images breaking it up . . . but I've just learnt to keep posts as short as possible after I published my "Hanoi SUM FLUX V.2 novella" lol! I loved it.
I love this NEW, very colourful internet writing but oftentimes I feel like it's used just for shock. There isn't really a soundly constructed artistic product behind it, you know? (With a vision - which I think you have. Yes, I was sure about Wes and the Coens).
❤️ High praise.
I originally published this in a print only zine for my paid subscribers. And it's been hidden behind a paywall up until recently, when I decided I didn't like the subscription model for my stories.
Flash does really well on Substack, and it's fun to write, but lately I've been interested working on longer pieces. Outlining a serial now.
What are you working on at the moment?
First priority is finishing my debut novel. Its a serious and hefty work aiming for the Canadian Canon. I've decided to go indie after many complications along the publication road in Canada (not just length but also excessive PC vibes on the most mundane things) - I've just reclaimed the property. I want that to hit print.
Another serial I have in mind is about a social media curator on trial for deleting certain - very topical - files. That would be longer than Oracle. It's about 180 words. That could be printed too! - but this print thing is all new to me.
People ALWAYS say this if I do a stream-of-conciousness naming of influences thing. Whaaaaat??
I guess this is for all your work I've read but especially this one. It's like if Ari Aster were to direct an animated Wes Anderson movie. I'm sorry if it sounds unarticulated yet. Compared to many of your readers, I am quite new. But yes - I image your films like stop motion horror films, very often, including SIN.
Jeez, Sean. So glad this became available for my broke ass. This is the longest McDonnell I've read and it's so freaking good! I really hope I can tuck into something novella/novel length at some point. I need it!
Thanks, Ken! My archives are open and it feels great! ha
You know I’ll be catching up!
So lucky to have snagged a physical copy of this one. As you know, I love it so much. Just a great story. Well done!
I couldn’t properly respond before because this covid shit was woopin my ass. (Still is but not as bad.)
Your words mean a lot to me, thank you. I’ve been reflecting on this past year, my own writing, but also the people who have influenced me and continue to, and you’re def one of them. So you liking anything I write always feels like a big deal. Thank you!
Ah, man. Thank you! That means so much to me. 🙌 I hope you get to feeling better soon.
❤️