Hey Lounch,
I enjoyed reading the intro to your book. I brings up a lot of stuff. Writing's the best for that, isn't it?
I think you're onto something, about "everybody being a salesperson." It's the way of the world.... and if you can highlight amusing ways that this is true and relevant... well, that would be great, and perhaps helpful to people.
It seems at this time in our lives there's lots to look back on... and measure where we've been and what we've made of things.
Reading the Tribeca scene gave me goosebumps, since I went through the exact same thing when I turned 40 and was still tending bar at Cafe Un Deux Trios in Minneapolis. I came home to Duff that night and cried like a baby... and a few months later, I hung up my shakers for good.
And then, of course, you really nailed the naiveté and casual arrogance we bought into for the talent we were all so positive we had.
And even the talent we did have we didn't take seriously, (I know I didn't) by developing it or studying or stretching... I thought I knew it all... just as you have indicated.
We were all kind of lazy and unfocused and hungover half the time, weren't we? Living the life of the Beats and the cool writer daddies would make us just like them, right? It did and it didn't. I'm not really very proud of my New York years... for all the reasons you've identified... and others, too. I mean I wouldn't trade them for anything... but have I learned some stuff that I'd improved upon given another chance? I hope so.
Anyway, I applaud you for taking a clear-eyed and funny (always funny, Pat) look at this time... and then sharing it. There are no doubt two books here. Your story from '75 when you got to NY to when you broke up with Lane... and then your "everybody's a salesman" primer.
More!
Drew
Andrew Flack
Buzz, Inc
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