1:23:01
Dear Mr. Chinaski.
1:23:03
We are returning four stories,
but keeping My Beerdrunk Soul -
1:23:07
"- is Sadder Than All the Dead
Christmas Trees of the World.
1:23:11
We have been watching your work
and are happy to accept this story.
1:23:16
Sincerely,
John Martin, Black Sparrow Press.
1:23:45
If you are going to try,
go all the way.
1:23:49
Otherwise don't even start.
1:23:52
This could mean losing girlfriends,
wives, relatives, jobs.
1:23:57
And maybe your mind.
1:24:00
It could mean
not eating for three or four days.
1:24:04
It could mean
freezing on a park bench.
1:24:07
It could mean jail.
1:24:10
It could mean mockery, isolation.
1:24:16
Isolation is the gift. All the others
are a test of your endurance.
1:24:21
Of how much you really want to do it.
And you'll do it, despite rejection.
1:24:28
And it will be better than
anything else you can imagine.
1:24:35
If you're going to try,
go all the way.
1:24:40
There is no other feeling like that.
You will be alone with the gods.
1:24:45
And the nights will flame with fire.
1:24:48
You will ride life
straight to perfect laughter.
1:24:51
It's the only good fight there is.