love
memphis, tennessee isn't the greatest city in the world
Dear Neal,
I just finished reading your book, "Never Mind the Pollacks". I know
it's been around for awhile, and you've probably had your back patted
a number of times, but I thought I'd send you my praise and
congratulations anyway. Not only am I not at a the forefront of the
latest/greatest in contemporary literature, I am barely able to call
myself an informed reader. I just tried to read "Everything Is
Illuminated" a few weeks ago and couldn't make it through the first 50
pages. I'm about as far from the literary elite as one could get.
That being said, I think your book was one of the most satisfying,
entertaining and fun reading experiences I've had in a long time.
Reading it really felt like sitting on the floor with a glass of
whiskey, listening to the best records of the last 50 years while
imagining what strange and bizarre environments and personalities
could have produced such sounds. I guess that's kind of obvious, but
I just want you to know how much I appreciated the experience.
I am going to read your other books now, and I will probably read your
next books, whenever they might appear. I think you're a great writer
and I'm glad I discovered "Never Mind the Pollacks", even if it was
after all the hip kids.
Thanks a lot - and good luck.
Sincerely,
Alex C. Blagg
ps. Having grown up there, I laughed out loud when Neal proclaimed
Memphis to be "the greatest city in the world".
You Still Fuckin' Rock
Hey Neal,
If you have given up being a "one-trick retardo pony" or the mantle of
America's greatest living writer, to pursue the real hard road of
being a real writer, well Fuck yeah man.
Not sure--if you remember me-- I did the video for I wipe my ass upon
your novel for book tv in Canada. Now I'm out on the streets as a
freelance videographer dude--and trying work on being a real writer
myself.
I just want to say keep on rocking cause your still an inspiration.
sincerely,
Ian Daffern
Cheese
just wanted to mention some recently enjoyed favorite cheeses:
domestic -
Red Hawk by Cowgirl Creamery in CA
Crater Lake Blue from Central Point, Oregon.
Humboldt Fog from Cypress Grove
Hooligan from Cato Corners
Evangeline from Bittersweet Plantation in Louisiana
Vermont Shepard
and from Switzerland:
Rolf Beeler cheeses, Hoch Ybrig and Appenzeller especially
Best,
Elissa
Some Thanks
Hi Neal,
I'm not sure I'm expecting a response, but I wanted to write a brief email
to express my thanks at having "re-found" your site in the last few weeks
(although I'm not sure it went anywhere - the postings on the old site just
kind of stopped at one point, if I'm right).
I'm a writer myself and just turned 30. My goal has always been to write
fiction and I have written a few short stories and started a novel about a
year ago. What I have written so far is very bad and while I like the
concept, as well as some of the underdeveloped characters, I thought it was
time to start again. So out the window went the 20,000 odd words.
I've wanted to write for the last decade and spent my 20s going to
journalism school, basically putting writing off. I also spent them
drinking. The journalism racket has given me a paycheque while I was
getting wasted, as well as for the last two years that I've been sober. But
now I think it is time to really get going with my writing. I feel very
lost most days and fluctuate wildly between delusions of grandeur and a
soul-destroying lack of confidence.
I've read your writing for many years and enjoyed the "World's Greatest
Living Writer" persona while it was in action. I found it very funny and
never wanted to send you any hate mail. I've been reading about your new
goals with writing (1000 words/per day), as well as the books you're
tackling. I have also set the 1000 words per day rule for myself and just
pounded out the first grand the other day. It was a humbling experience.
I've wanted to be a novelist for so long that to sit in front of the
computer screen and to literally see it blinking back empty at you was one
of the scariest evenings of my life. Made scarier by the fact that I had
started this project earlier and stopped when I realized I didn't have a
clear direction of where I was going. This time around, I've done a bit
more background work, and worked through an outline, so I'm hoping things
will be different.
That's all I really wanted to say. I think you're a brave guy, changing
directions like you are. You've provided me me with a lot of hope in the
last week or two and I hope you succeed. You're a talented writer and I
wish you the best.
Sincerely,
Mike
The Maelstrom
Dear Neal,
As one of your 17 admirers that have followed you from old to new websites, I heartily congratulate you on your revelation. I just wanted to let you know that two summers ago I lived in a cabin in rural Wisconsin and as a project, my roommate and I tried to build a raft out of plywood, plastic barrels, and rope. We named this raft the Maelstrom. After the initial launch from our dock, the Maelstrom capsized and broke apart in about 30 seconds. Later that summer we tried again to build a raft; this time we named it the Maelstrom II. It capsized and sank after about two minutes. Here's hoping your website fares better.
Brett Hoffman
Welcome Back, Pollack
Hey Neal,
As one of the Loyal 17 (incidentally, not the one who's gonna betray you to the Romans- that's #8) I just wanted to say that I really like the new site and all the content. I'm also happy that you're doing things that make you happy as opposed to being righteously indignant and miserable. Anyway, great work so far (just read the "Bad Sex" piece. Wonderful.) and I hope you keep it up for a long time to come.
See you in the New Yorker!
Best Regards,
Taylor Cope
The Cedar Fever
Neal,
I'm sorry to hear of your suffering. If you do not have a ready source of excellent homemade chicken noodle soup, I suggest the following: go to your favorite Viet Namese pho place and get the chicken pho, and add lots of that Sriracha pepper sauce. A little of the jalapeno too, but focus on the Sriracha. Eat all you can. You need the calories and the peppers will clear your head. Good luck.
John Clark
beautiful site / i enjoyed everything
Greetings from The Ancient One
Hello Neal
The vibration of universal energies which is the web of creation we call cyberspace directed me to your website. I must say i'm impressed. Like a rainbow in the sky you lead the viewer to a magnificent pot of gold. May joy and prosperity be yours always.
My name is Micheal Teal. I am a Psychic , Spiritual Advisor and Poet in Hamilton Ontario Canada. My innermost nature lead me to write as i believe positive creates positive. Thank you for beautifully and respectfully sharing your gifts.
May you be bathed by grace in a sea of serenity.
