"At Beer Land, swinging and bobbing in that circle of smiling, shouting bodies, I thought this time it would be different. That all along it was the drugs and alcohol that had fucked up the scene. "
Man, I’m working on my second book now . Hopefully I’ll find a publisher soon for I Can Only… who can help it get to press , waiting , waiting …. Pray it won’t be too much longer.
How is your book going ? Doing any readings ? Public events or podcasts? I’m reading it right now, it’s great . Can’t wait till summer break from teaching work to fully get into it.
The way you move from the chaos of the scene to that final circle of women is striking. The contrast between chasing connection through desire and finding it in shared recovery gives the ending real weight. Connie’s line about putting yourself on your own amends list adds a layer that lingers. That last image of sitting in the circle feels like the first real homecoming.
This stayed with me. The way you trace the same circle through punk shows, addiction, intimacy, and recovery is devastating and honest in the best way. There’s no performative catharsis here—just clarity, restraint, and real courage on the page.
Fuck, this one hit like a punch to the gut. 🖤 I too used to have a lot of one night stands and flings that I didn’t even really want all that much because I thought I could find what I was looking for in the arms of others. Excellent writing. Thank you.
when does your book come out ?
Man, I’m working on my second book now . Hopefully I’ll find a publisher soon for I Can Only… who can help it get to press , waiting , waiting …. Pray it won’t be too much longer.
How is your book going ? Doing any readings ? Public events or podcasts? I’m reading it right now, it’s great . Can’t wait till summer break from teaching work to fully get into it.
Books sells well… through amazon and barnes and Nobel and Ingram spark… Ive made about 2000$ - thats 300 copies or so…
I sell mostly through promoting on substack.
Have done no readings, ive done two podcasts etc. Havent looked into it really - but when my work slows down Ill hit it again :) -
Awesome man that’s great ! I heard that for a first book selling 2-3k is supposed to be really good so your well on your way.
yeah :) :)
The way you move from the chaos of the scene to that final circle of women is striking. The contrast between chasing connection through desire and finding it in shared recovery gives the ending real weight. Connie’s line about putting yourself on your own amends list adds a layer that lingers. That last image of sitting in the circle feels like the first real homecoming.
Thank you! The Circle is an excerpt from a book I have been trying to get published now since August. That is such encouraging feedback.
Such a powerful piece bringing me right back to what it was like
The rawness of early sobriety is unforgettable.
🫶
This stayed with me. The way you trace the same circle through punk shows, addiction, intimacy, and recovery is devastating and honest in the best way. There’s no performative catharsis here—just clarity, restraint, and real courage on the page.
Thanks, Howard. It was hard to write this one, I’m glad you found meaning in it. This feedback was really touching.
Fuck, this one hit like a punch to the gut. 🖤 I too used to have a lot of one night stands and flings that I didn’t even really want all that much because I thought I could find what I was looking for in the arms of others. Excellent writing. Thank you.
I’m glad you found it relatable. It was hard to write this as it is so honest. But figured other women would appreciate it and find it cathartic .