from grunge conformist to archie bunker bull:

loud and proud jimmy, loud and proud...

I still get criticized by people I knew in University.

I’ve never picked up on the social cues of the world.

Jimmy, sometimes you’re writing is so on point. Other times, well… I’d like to share your work but…

But what?

I was stunned by one of my oldest friends.

But what?

Well Jimmy, there are times you just sound too much like Archie Bunker. My reputation could be hurt by associating with the likes of you. Look. You say you want to get published? Your stuff is really umm… Canadian. And some of your attitudes? They don’t jive well with what’s popular with the current litterati. It’s a bit problematic.

What the fuck do I care about the litterati? I want to write funny stuff for people who…

Who don’t read Jimmy. You’re writing for people who don’t read.

At the age of fifty, I thought I was past this. Sure, this was a valid criticism, but what was I supposed to do - write Hallmark cards for faux progressives who want novels from people from hot climates and names that are hard to spell?

But alas, …