Ever since you presented LLLs back in October it changed how I think about endings. So happy this exists in written form now.
I see it as a "show, don't tell" but at the structural level. Put another way: don't end on a lesson, but show us how you're responding to the lesson (ie: show us that you're transformed, or show us that a dilemma isn't solved).
Now I have another image to help remember this: end like 'Space Mountain,' not 'It's a Small World.' I have a traumatic childhood experience of being stuck on a broken Disney ride for hours, and the song looped and looped and it was the first time I understood torture.
In case you never considered this, I'd totally buy wooden Charlie Bleecker anti-signs for $8. (This could be your Personal Monopoly.)
And thanks for linking to my post from yesterday! It means a lot that you shared it (you were my first mentor in WOP!) I need to go back and read those 3 essays you linked. It was a lot of fun to work on those with you, and I want to read them again fresh eyes.
Yesss show us your response to the lesson. That's good.
Being stuck on a broken Disney ride for hours sounds horrible!! I once got stuck on one of those ferris wheels where you sit by yourself, strapped in an individual pod that flips upside down AS the ferris wheel spins. At one point it stopped to let more people on the ride and I was sitting there upside down thinking I was going to throw up.
The anti-signs are a good idea. Although maybe signs with phrases in your home are cliche no matter what??
Obviously I was going to link to your post! You are the one person I've worked with closely (besides Sam) since I started writing as Charlie and you've helped me so much with my writing. I'm excited for you and for everyone who will get to benefit from all the work you've been doing these past few years!
I'd like to state for the record that...yea my feedback was kinda harsh and perhaps hurled you into the depths of despair BUT this turned out great, I love the ending (the irony of George's name is rich), and then the "everything happens for a reason" made me chuckle.
I struggle so much with endings, and I'll always remember the live laugh love lesson (LLLL??) you gave. I'm def still guilty but hoping that I'll tip to zinger end of the spectrum instead of LLL!
Oh yay! We chatted about me looking for writing feedback and the fees of Write of Passage blah blah. I'm signing up right this second, so thanks for sharing!
You're the best, Tommy. Thank you. I've been thinking about writing this for a while but actually have the hardest time writing about the writing stuff.
Ever since you presented LLLs back in October it changed how I think about endings. So happy this exists in written form now.
I see it as a "show, don't tell" but at the structural level. Put another way: don't end on a lesson, but show us how you're responding to the lesson (ie: show us that you're transformed, or show us that a dilemma isn't solved).
Now I have another image to help remember this: end like 'Space Mountain,' not 'It's a Small World.' I have a traumatic childhood experience of being stuck on a broken Disney ride for hours, and the song looped and looped and it was the first time I understood torture.
In case you never considered this, I'd totally buy wooden Charlie Bleecker anti-signs for $8. (This could be your Personal Monopoly.)
And thanks for linking to my post from yesterday! It means a lot that you shared it (you were my first mentor in WOP!) I need to go back and read those 3 essays you linked. It was a lot of fun to work on those with you, and I want to read them again fresh eyes.
Yesss show us your response to the lesson. That's good.
Being stuck on a broken Disney ride for hours sounds horrible!! I once got stuck on one of those ferris wheels where you sit by yourself, strapped in an individual pod that flips upside down AS the ferris wheel spins. At one point it stopped to let more people on the ride and I was sitting there upside down thinking I was going to throw up.
The anti-signs are a good idea. Although maybe signs with phrases in your home are cliche no matter what??
Obviously I was going to link to your post! You are the one person I've worked with closely (besides Sam) since I started writing as Charlie and you've helped me so much with my writing. I'm excited for you and for everyone who will get to benefit from all the work you've been doing these past few years!
I'd like to state for the record that...yea my feedback was kinda harsh and perhaps hurled you into the depths of despair BUT this turned out great, I love the ending (the irony of George's name is rich), and then the "everything happens for a reason" made me chuckle.
200th edition next week. Exciting!
Thank you, Camilo! Tim Urban wrote a piece about the baby name phenomenon and it's so fucking funny and spot on if you haven't read it: https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/12/how-to-name-baby.html
200th edition, baby! Heck yea!
Hahaha “everything happens for a reason” — you stuck the landing, Charlie.
This is such a memorable insight, and Space Mountain rips! From now on, I’ll do an “It’s a Small World” gut-check for my essay-endings.
Haha thank you, Garrett! Love- It's A Small World Gut Check. :)
I struggle so much with endings, and I'll always remember the live laugh love lesson (LLLL??) you gave. I'm def still guilty but hoping that I'll tip to zinger end of the spectrum instead of LLL!
I'm still guilty, too, Becky! Awareness is the first step haha.
...my mother in law surprised us at the wedding with branded soap for everyone in attendance that said "Live, Love, Lather"...
That is amazing.
Oh yay! We chatted about me looking for writing feedback and the fees of Write of Passage blah blah. I'm signing up right this second, so thanks for sharing!
Yes, Medha!! That's awesome. We'll have to touch base on how it's going after you get started.
Hhm!😉
Love it Charlie.
Once you write your memoir I would totally buy a million copies of a book on the craft of writing
You're the best, Tommy. Thank you. I've been thinking about writing this for a while but actually have the hardest time writing about the writing stuff.
I love how this shaped up Charlie. I need a post it note that says "I hate poorly written endings" hanging from my laptop.
Thanks, Haley. You crushed the ending to your last piece. I loved it!
Thanks Charlie 💛
Those fucking signs!
Amen.
I'm supposed to publish in a few hours. I think now have a new ending to think of ;)
Loved it, Charlie!
Get it, Priya!
I did my best to not hurl you to the dark depths but lovingly shove you into a shallow pit of self doubt. The people love a redemption story.
you're right. it was definitely more of a shallow pit of self-doubt lol.
Um . . . yeah . . . happy to help. : )
you did, you forced me to clarify things that needed to be clarified. and in doing so, hurled me into the depths of despair lol.
I laughed at the ending. Well done!
Yesss! Haha amazing, thanks Chrissy :)