On the Overuse of the Word "Genius" and the Damage it's Causing.

The word “genius” is about bandied about entirely too much nowadays. Lately, it seems as if anyone who does something somebody else likes is automatically provided with that label. The bar has been lowered so ridiculously close to the ground for true genius that almost anyone who can string a sentence together or shoot something in focus is held up with the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci and that guy who invented the pet rock.

What exactly is a genius anyway?  What does the word actually mean and, more importantly, how does it relate to the individuals being praised as such?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the only truly reputable source for definitions in my opinion, the meaning of the word “Genius” is as follows:

 

1.

a. Extraordinary intellectual and creative power: artistic works of genius.

b. A person of extraordinary intellect and talent.

c. A person who has an exceptionally high intelligence quotient, typically above 140.

2.

a. A strong natural talent, aptitude, or inclination: has a genius for choosing the right words.

b. One who has such a talent or inclination: a genius at diplomacy.

 

In 1711, when the notion of genius was becoming mainstream, Joseph Addision wrote, “There is no character more frequently given to a writer than that of being a genius', wrote Addison. ‘There is not a heroic scribbler in the nation that has not his admirers who think him a great genius; and as for your smatterers in tragedy, there is scarce a man among them who is not cried up by one or other for a prodigious genius.”

Even back then some people understood the word genius to be an overused descriptive employed by people who were easily impressed by the creative or intellectual processes of others.  Okay, fine.  There were also far fewer people alive then than there are now.  These days the word is used by more than just scholars and intellectual hedonists.  Online communication has shrunk the world and given everybody with fingers a voice.  It has also convinced a large amount of the population that they are experts on whatever subject they find interesting or entertaining.

This all-around expert status has also led to irresponsible usage of words such as “genius” and even “essential,” which is a commentary unto itself (and one that’s in the works).  Much like hopeful parents desperate to have their children labeled as “gifted” when they’re clearly average, millions of people in the Western world ascribe genius to works that, while often well-written, performed, directed, etc., are most certainly not works of genius.

For instance, a certain writer/director who is the darling of the fanboy/girl contingent can do no wrong in the eyes of these people.  However, when someone who might know what he or she is talking about takes an objective look at this person’s work, what emerges is something different from blind, unquestioning, cult-like adoration.  Instead, one begins to see a list of contrivances and gimmicks that have served him so well, admittedly to positive effect in several cases, that aren’t works of genius, they’re just very clever and entertaining. 

One of my Facebook friends referred to this person’s “quiet genius,” a comment that made me chuckle.  He is definitely soft-spoken, so they got the quiet part right, but a genius? Sadly, no. Heavy-handed pop culture references, self-conscious dialogue and supposedly unexpected deaths are not indicative of genius.  Calling him that puts this individual on the same level as Martin Scorsese or Francis Ford Coppola or even Kubrick when he wasn’t succumbing to his one sense of importance.  I can guarantee one thing in this piece above all others: The unnamed auteur will never create anything on their level and thinking otherwise is simply embracing cluelessness.

However, his fans will never come around to my way of thinking either.  Nor do I necessarily want them to.  People are entitled to their viewpoints, no matter how damaging they are to the Big Picture.  And make no mistake: There is damage being caused here. 

Hailing modest talents as geniuses has led to an overall reduction in quality in the arts, the ever-lamented Law of Diminishing Returns.  Derivation has become its own animal, with music “sampling” and “mashup” fiction on the front lines of the struggle to bankrupt imaginations and marginalize more original voices.  I see no end in sight to this and, while I try to write mostly stories from my own head and not someone else’s, I certainly don’t view myself as the heir apparent to the throne of righteous originality.

But genius, true genius, will always distinguish itself from the rest.  It’s just going to need to develop a much louder voice~

 

The Undying Anthology That Refused to Die and Kept Staying Alive!!!

 

 

This anthology seems to have achieved an ongoing life of its own, and I am proud to be one of the authors whose work is included in its pages. I keep finding reviews online despite the fact that it's over a year old now. Below are a some pull quotes from a few readers  who singled out "You With Me," my contribution:

 

"You With Me by Christopher Nadeau: you can feel the horror coming on this one, like little flickers of light at the corners of your vision.... You don't quite want to look the whole way! Nothing prepares you for the ending, but it is a good one! Nothing says I love you quite like this!"

 

"You With Me by Christopher Nadeau. 4* This one reminded me of an old Stephen King collection cover from the 80's. "

 

"‘You With Me’ (Christopher Nadeau) is a very short tale which covers the issue of obsession and one man’s inability to cope with rejection. To say more would be a shame, but his process of dealing with it is quite grisly to say the least."

 

Quote of the Month.

"A word to the wise is efficient. But only if you're speaking to the wise."

-David Gerrold

On Context and Them What Don't Get it.

There's a little thing I like to call "contextual comprehension," because I often like to act as if I created terminology someone else has no doubt already used. It refers to understanding the meaning behind things that are written and said. A prime example of that is how people often have no understanding of the context behind the written word, taking it at face value and completely missing the point of what's on the page or screen.

Nowhere does this phenomenon rear its hideous countenance more often than when religion and politics are being discussed. As a person who was trained to read beyond the surface, I often find it infuriating when trying to describe my reaction to something.  I long ago gave up on trying to convince others.  Nowadays, the arguments tend to result from people misinterpreting my own words because they first misinterpreted the words of the original source.

So, in keeping with the spirit of twits not grasping concepts, I present to you an exchange that took place regarding the now infamous or misunderstood picture of the Obamas at Nelson Mandela's funeral.

In order to follow the conversation below, it's a good idea to take a look at the commentary written by Andrea Peyser, which comes off like a poorly rendered stab at erotic fan fiction.  Look at the picture as well, although you've probably seen it many times by now.

For the conversation, I have edited out the offending individual's name and the names and comments of others. I think you'll be amazed at how calm I remained, considering what she called me:

Christopher Nadeau Amanda Peyser clearly has major sexual hangups.

Woman: Amanda has sexual probs, it's been blown out of proportion, and "they" need to "just stop" finding fault with this poor guy???? What is wrong with you people? Oh wait, I remember - you are complete idiots. I say you are complete idiots because only a complete idiot would continue to dig this deep for a defense of anyone that conducts themselves in this manner. Just because you support him does not - not in any way - mean that he is never ever wrong. Nobody on this planet can be as right as you complete idiots claim President Obama is.

Christopher Nadeau Interesting. Nobody on here debated the inappropriateness of Obama's actions (selfies) yet we're idiots for pointing out the words of a sexually repressed hate monger.
Yeah you have credibility.

Woman: Yes, you are one of the idiots Christopher.

You point the finger at anyone and everyone but Mr. Obama.

Christopher Nadeau Do I? I didn't realize we'd met.

Woman: I don't hate him or anything... but let's face it... he was wrong for doing this. And, I didn't realize you personally now Amanda Peyser enough to know about any sexual hangups...

Christopher Nadeau As a writing professional, I am trained to read the work of others with a critical eye. If this woman had sung Obama's praises my assessment would have been identical. This woman writes like someone e with major sexual hangups. You can practically hear her moaning over her keyboard.

Woman: So what? It does not make Mr. Obama any less wrong for doing this. In fact, if you are able to hear this woman from her keyboard, doesn't it stand to reason that Mr. Obama was doubly wrong for doing this? Are you able to admit that he was totally and completely wrong for this one thing, Christopher? It won't make him any less Presidential if any of you (notice I left out the word "idiots") would simply admit the man's mistakes.

 

Christopher Nadeau I honestly don't care. My concern is the abuse of the written word being used to manipulate people into stupidity. ( I included that word). It's already been verified that the various claims surrounding what was going on have been exaggerated to great effect to suit a specific agenda.

 

Woman: I am simply saying that Mr. Obama was totally and completely in the wrong to take a selfie with anyone at this gathering. Nothing anyone else is, or was, or says, makes that any different; and, to imply that he can't even be human without coming under attack is - in my opinion - wrong, wrong, wrong. He is the President of the United States and he should conduct himself as such - especially in public - and even more especially - at this particular gathering. If anyone here is implying that Mr. Obama did not know what kind of a person this was - as you, Christopher, have kindly pointed out and corrected me on - then he is even more wrong than I originally thought.

 

Christopher Nadeau I'm not sure what you mean by ". If anyone here is implying that Mr. Obama did not know what kind of a person this was." Are you referring to Nelson Mandela, the woman sitting next to him or the writer who penned this penny dreadful of presidential erotica? Either way, I'm wondering if you're aware that in many African cultures, even found most notably in Louisiana in the States, funerals are a joyous celebration of life as opposed to a mourning of death. So, am I offended and wounded by my president having a goofy, human moment. Oh, sure. it's devastating. I think I'll go write about the White House pool boy and Mrs. Obama to show my outrage.

 

The discussion went on but the gist of it is she never got it.

 

         

My Latest Anthology Appearance.

I don't say or write this often because I don't blow smoke up a reader's arse unless it's true. So, take my word for it, this is an epic work of fiction! Featuring several works of high-quality fiction from top shelf dark fiction authors, I am proud to have my short story "In Green Remembered" included in this massive tome of awesomeness.

482 pages for $17.10 in paperback or only $4.99 on Kindle sounds reasonable to me!  Order it for the holidays!

Cover image below:

My Adventures With Door-to-Door Solicitors.

I understand the need for direct marketing to peoples' homes.  I've worked in sales, although not the kind that has me going door-to-door, thank Zeus. As much as I find it annoying when someone shows up at my door unsolicited, I also know it's a tough job and try not to be rude when dismissing them. 

All that changes, however, when they keep coming back.  If I have sent you away at least twice, telling you I have no interest in your product or service, you have no reason to return to my door. Yet, one local cable company has been doing just that for well over a year now. Last week, I finally had enough and decided to put a stop to it once and for all.

Below is the email I sent this company and the series of replies they sent me:

I am requesting that your company stop sending solicitors to our door. This is occurring on a weekly basis and is extremely disruptive. My wife has a heart condition and does not need to have it set off by some clipboard jockey banging on our door like an angry cop. We have informed your field reps each time we are not interested for a year straight. When will the subtle hint sink in? Stop coming to our house or we will consider this harassment and pursue legal solutions.

First reply:

Hello, This is an automated reply to acknowledge that we received your email inquiry. It is our goal to reply to your request within 24 hours. Our Promise to you shows that we are committed to providing the level of service our customers have come to expect. We appreciate you taking the time to write us and we will respond soon. Thank you for contacting (Company Name Omitted)

Second reply (30 minutes later):

Dear Christopher,

Thank you for taking the time to contact the e-Care Customer Support Team of ______ My name is Teresa, and I will be pleased to assist you with your request from solicitations from _____. I can certainly appreciate your frustration regarding this matter. I have sent off an e-mail to our Billing Support Department, to cease this solicitation from happening.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact _____Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Teresa H

eCare Specialist

 

Third and Final Reply:

 

(Later that Night)

 

Dear Christopher,

Thank you for emailing _____ my name is Aaron, an eCare Specialist for _____ We appreciate you taking the time out of your day to contact us regarding sales agents visiting your home.

I'm very sorry for the disruption these visits have caused you and your wife. I can understand that with the medical concerns you mention why it is so important that this solicitation end.

I've sent a ticket to our billing support department to advise of the need to stop these visits. As they handle issues relating to the serviceability of addresses they should be able to note on the location information for your address that no in-person solicitation should be done at that location.

I'd very much like to thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the on-going undesired solicitation. Should you require any additional assistance with this or any other concern, please do not hesitate to email us again or contact us by chat or by phone at ________

Sincerely,

Aaron

E-Care Customer Support

 

 

 

 

"Kaiju" Now Available on Amazon!!!

The wait is over. Click here and order my latest novel today for just $11.39! (Odd amount but screw it)

On Genre Ignorance & Why Tight-Asses Still Don't Get Stephen King.

One thing that always used to annoy me when I was younger was a clueless radio DJ. Guys who made statements on the air about a certain performer or music style about which they knew next to nothing, as if they were experts because someone paid them to spin records.  I have no idea if they still exist, as my radio listening days are mostly behind me and my passion for music in general has been waning for years.

However, as an author, my passion for fiction remains as intense as ever. As does my interest in genre-literacy, meaning, in so uncertain terms, people selling fiction knowing what the flaming Hell they are talking about.

Case in point: A certain library I happen to frequent which shall remain nameless has, like most libraries, a “Friends of the Library” book sale every so often. It just so happened today that they were offering “Buy One Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel, Get One Free.” I’d like to you store that last part away for not-too-far-in-the-future reference: “Or fantasy novel.” Got it? Thanks. Let’s move on, then.

After I’d finished browsing the library proper, I decided to go to the Friends sale and see what they had available. As usual, the majority of their offerings were not to my liking, but the advertised F&SF table had a few interesting things, including an entire row of Stephen King hardcovers. I had most of them, those I wanted anyway, but I had never purchased a copy of “Lisey’s Story,” my favorite post-Dark Tower King novel with the possible exception of his JFK one.  Still, I didn’t decide to get it until I located an old copy of “The Year’s Best Science Fiction,” my absolute favorite annual anthology.  Both books cost only one dollar, but combined they was buy one, get one free.

I took my choices up to the counter, enduring the annoying woman standing behind it bragging to an annoyed elderly couple about her dancing prowess at some get-together.  Once they’d beaten a hasty retreat, I placed both books on the counter and she said, “Oh, did these come from the science fiction shelf. One dollar, please! Wait, this is Stephen King. That’ll be two dollars.”

“Really?” I said. “The sign said they were buy one, get one free.”

Genuinely perplexed, the woman asked me if Stephen King was science fiction. I chuckled and told her sometimes.  “Well, let’s take a look at the back.” She read a few lines and frowned, “It says it’s about an unruly marriage…” She shook her head as if to say such a plot couldn’t possibly be the foundation for a work of science fiction or fantasy.

I felt my eyes blink rapidly, momentarily stunned by what I’d just heard.

“Let me go ask her,” the woman replied, referring to a woman who was helping another group of patrons.

The woman returned, seemingly displeased with the direction their brief conversation had taken.  With a heavy sigh, she said, “Okay, she said Stephen King’s on the table with the science fiction. One dollar, please. Although, I think he’s more of a horror…” She shook her head again. "Science fiction is more like Star Trek."

I dug in my wallet for the dollar. “I read the novel a few years ago and it’s more of a dark fant—“

“THANK YOU!” she said and grabbed the dollar, turning away from me.

I stared at the man who was bagging my books but he kept smiling and small talking as if nothing had happened.

For a moment, just a moment, a stream of not-so-nice words begged to erupt from my mouth, then I turned and walked out.

I realize I wasn’t at a book store, nor was I dealing with a librarian. Either of those things would have made the entire experience unacceptable and this piece would be a complaint letter going directly to the library. Still, if someone is going to be part of a Friends of the Library organization and act as if they know from books, they should know from books! And if they don’t know something as elementary as the fact that Stephen King’s work can be placed into several genres, they should be willing to listen and learn from someone who does know.

Genre ignorance is often a direct result of arrogant elitism combined with an inability to be wrong. What should have been a pleasant diversion had now turned into a rant about small-minded twits and their undue influence.

That’s all.

My Next Novel Revealed.

You might have seen the teaser image a while ago, but if you didn't, here it is again:

This cover was created by fantasy artist Larry Lonsby Jr. from an idea I had.

You might have wondered what exactly it was for (although the title of this post probably answered that question). Well, it's the cover to my next novel, to be released through Source Point Press.

Now, I present the back cover, which details the plot:

 

Word is the novel will be released at or around October 12th, in time for the ironically named Kaiju Festival. I'm thrilled to be working with Source Point on this one. More details as they materialize~

...And the positive reviews continue to roll in!

Before I unveil some pretty big news in the coming weeks, feel free to take a look at some of the positive reviews the Horror Zine anthology Shadow Masters has received, including my short story, "Willard Junction:"

From an Amazon reader.

From B&N:

Have read other Horror Zine anthologies, but this by far beats t

Have read other Horror Zine anthologies, but this by far beats them all.  Jeani Rector has lined up an amazing array of writers that blow my mind with the sheer talent.  By far my favorite story in the set in Shaun Meeks' Red Velvet.  The title brings to mind delicious cake, and who doesn't love cake?  But when you get into the story, the red velvet the main character enjoys is far from delicious and causes him a world of problems.  I loved the creature in this one, so vivid with the description.
The book is packed with great stories though and they are all new.  I loved the stories by Bentley Little, Lisa Morton, Christopher Nadeau, Ronald Malfi, Simon Clark, Jeani Rector, Christian A. Larsen and so many others.  The book is full of win and will leave you wanting more.  If you do want more, check out the recommendations I have added on the side.

There are more but I'm too tired to include them today~

 

WHAT'S THIS???

Something is coming! Keep your eyes on this blog for more information...

Farewell, Grandmaster.

We're losing them one after the other. Time and age are claiming them and soon none of them will be left.  I'm referring to the Grandmasters of Science Fiction, those authors whose indelible imprints are forever etched into a field that once struggled for validity.

Now Frederik Pohl has died. He was different from the other greats of SF for one main reason: I knew him.  More accurately, I spent two weeks with him and his wife Betty, along with a host of other aspiring writers, twice during the Nineties.

He was a kind and encouraging man with a rapier wit whose opinions were never condescending or cruel.  He seemed to take a genuine liking to me, especially during my second trip when I'd learned to stop taking myself so seriously. His sharp prose became an enormous influence while I was finding my voice and his flawless melding of science and fiction into stories about real people struggling to understand and survive the universe into which they'd been thrust cannot be over-stated.

At the age of 93, Frederik Pohl has departed us.  We are a colder, darker place because of it~

Which One's the Evil Dopelganger?

I suppose this story can be told now. It's been over a week since it happened and I've not received a response to my response.

Last week, another writer with the same name and possibly even same birthdate as me contacted me out of nowhere via email regarding our names. He'd located a post on this blog from a couple years ago where I mentioned there being another Christopher Nadeau with an author page on Amazon in which I referred to his book as a gimmicky pastiche of emails. Well...it is. It's not a novel. It's not a collection of short stories or essays or a work of academic non-fiction or even investigative journalism.

The other me was understandably displeased with my analysis of his work and told me so, adding that I, as a fellow author, know what hard work it is to write a book. I do. Although, I'm not convinced copying and pasting emails qualifies, but I'll bet the formatting was a bitch, since it's a self-published work. He also reminded me that it was a comedic work, in case I didn't get that from the customer reviews declaring it hilarious.

The email culminated with a request for me to retract my comments (unless I'd read the entire thing, because everybody does that before deciding a book isn't for them, right?) and in return he would, at no small expense to himself, make an alteration to his name in order to ensure there would be no confusion as he embarks on a career of more writing and movie roles. Hey, it's what he wrote. I have no evidence one way or the other.

I asked two different writers, one also a publisher, what, if anything, they thought I should write back. Below is the email I sent.

You be the judge:

Hello, Other Chris.

 

I always wondered if we would "meet" somehow. As someone who doesn't make rash decisions regarding the writing field, I ran your email by a couple professionals whose opinions I respect: One publisher/author and one published author. The consensus was that requesting a retraction and apology from someone regarding a review is astoundingly unprofessional. Whether I read the entire book or not, I drew a conclusion based on what I felt was enough material. I understand its comedic intent. I did something similar to a supposed Nigerian chief's widow years ago on another blog where I implored her to send me money because neo-Nazis had burned down the church I claimed to be pastor of. It was an amusing gimmick and my readers enjoyed it. I am glad yours have as well. I will not be retracting or apologizing.

 

As far as having the same name, so be it. You and I dwell in very different genres. While there is humor in some of my work, I am not a humorist and my readers are aware of that fact. Early on, a couple of them thought mistakenly that I'd written your book and returned it when they discovered I had not.  If you want to modify the spelling of your name, that is entirely up to you. As long as we're not both named "John Smith," I think we'll be just fine.

 

Frankly, it sounds like you're the one with the concerns over the same name issue. It doesn't take an intrepid reporter to find out that Googling our name brings up me and my work due to its sheer volume and the amount of interviews and reviews that have been written about it. Also, the copyright on my novel pre-dates yours by at least three years. No "compromise" is necessary as far as I am concerned.

 

Good luck to you!

C.N.

From the "HUH???" Files.

I often wonder what motivates people who don't care for a particular fiction genre to purchase and review books that fall under it. Here's an example of one Amazon reader dismissing an anthology I'm in as "exploitative" horror because the stories are despairing. Everybody knows horror should make ya feel like dancin' a jig!

"The Darkness Internal" Final Line-up (Excluding interviews)

The Sad Old Lady	Barbara Krasnoff
Printed Matter	Gary Cuba
The Plunge	April Littlefield
Ancestral Sins	Skadi Beorg
The Last Days of Leonard Cross	Ken Goldman
The Elephant in the Room	Nora Cook Smith
The Stie in the Ointment	Jacques Barbéri
Cause and Effect	Bob Simms
Why You Should Listen to Your Wife	Trico Lutkins
Lost ... If Found-MontiLee	MontiLee Stormer

Congratulations to all those who were accepted for this special issue of Voluted Tales I'm compiling. Expect contracts this week!

Quick Update

The last time I posted on this blog was June 11th. Sorry. I've been, like, busy and stuff. Not only with my day job but also with balancing several projects at once.

Editing News:
I am still compiling stories for the special issue of Voluted Tales I'm calling "The Darkness Internal." The response was far greater than publisher Mark Turner or I expected! For a while there, I was receiving an average of one or two submissions per day. That has slowed down, but I now have more stories than I can use in a single issue, not to mention at least two interviews and a possible feature article. So, it looks like there are going to be two special issues instead.

Comic Book News:
I just completed the comic script version of my short story "Sergeant Freedom's Never-ending Crusade," which appeared in the Source point Press anthology Alter Egos. The comic version is called "Undying Freedom" and it is, I daresay, far superior to its source material!

Source Point Press has also given me the greenlight on a special project I and my childhood friend/collaborator Toiale Johnson have wanted to write as a six-seven issue limited comic series designed to explode all known superhero conventions. There's something else going on with that publisher as well, but I'm not authorized to discuss it yet.

Publishing News:
My positive working relationship with editor (and now publisher ) Miles Boothe continues unabated as his new Press just released the Kindle version of the third monster hunter anthology to feature my work:

The print version is set to come out on or after my birthday, July 15th.

 

 Also, the Horror Zine anthology "Shadow Masters" has been receiving high praise. More to come!

 

 

What a Great Thing to See When First Opening Your Email!

Dear Christopher,

Thank you very much for your submission to Miseria's Chorale: Volume
1. We are pleased to confirm we will be including In Green Remembered
in the anthology. A truly poetic, haunting piece topped off with
exceptional writing. Excellent work. It's a privilege to have you in
the anthology.

Please find attached the contract for Miseria's Chorale: Volume 1,
which we ask you to read, sign and return.

If you do not have a scanner, typing your name in the signature space
and returning the contract to us as a Word document is an acceptable
alternative.

We plan to have this ambitious anthology out by October at the latest.
If it fills up quickly (which we are shooting for), you can expect an
earlier release date.

All the best,

David Nell
Forgotten Tomb Press

**Updated** Stories and Poems for "The Darkness Internal"

In case you missed it, I am editing the first special issue of Voluted Tales Magazine, entitled, "The Darkness Internal." Not to toot my own horn, but that's mine (toot!). The submissions guidelines are posted down at the bottom. Here is a list of stories I've accepted so far:

1. Cause and Effect and Bad is Good by Bob Sims.

2. A Stie in the Ointment by Jacques Barbéri.

3. The Elephant in the Room by Nora Cook Smith.

4. Honed to an Invisible Edge by Gene Stewart.

5. The Last Days of Leonard Cross by Ken Goodman

6. Listen to Your Wife (Poem) by Trico Lutkins

Subs just opened this past week, so there's still plenty of time to get them in. I know I have a few writers I know personally, like Nora (above) who are dependable, but nothing is guaranteed.

Details are below:

Voluted Tales Magazines · 247 like this

May 28 at 10:59am ·

• Voluted Tales special editions.
  
  The first special edition of Voluted Tales, entitled "The Darkness Internal" is hosted by guest editor Christopher Nadeau.
  
  Christopher is looking for the following submissions.
  
  “The Darkness Internal”- Looking for stories that are outside the norm. They can be horror, dark fantasy, science fiction or even mainstream lit as long they meet the following criteria: Tales of inner darkness. Think Kafka or Phillip K Dick or any U.S. Congressional hearing. Stories should focus on an internal struggle or occurrence. Not looking for genre staples such as vampires, werewolves, and especially not zombies. More interested in tales of torment and struggle as defined by the classic “Man Versus Himself” approach to writing. Still, if you can find a fresh and exciting way to tell the story following the criteria and using those fabled beings, knock us out!
  
  The Darkness Internal special issue will be published in roughly two to three months, so get those keyboards burning and send Christopher a small piece of your souls!
  Submissions by email to christophernadeau@volutedtales.com

On Writing Opinions and the killing of Children(?)

Being a writer in the age of information overload is an interesting thing. People feel comfortable saying or writing whatever they want to us, partially I think because writing is no longer viewed as something that requires actual skill and training. Since anyone can do it online, what's so dad-gum special about it? I am reminded of the time Roger Ebert endured horrible insults regarding his cancer because he dared to write an article decrying the "Jackass" phenomenon and one of its stars.

For about a year, I wrote a Yahoo Voices column just for the hell of it and for the extra income, which was not bad, actually. During that time, I wrote a lot of opinion pieces, some of which still garner the occasional response. And while I didn't ever receive anywhere near the level of Ebert's diatribes, I do occasionally get a response of a negative nature.

This time, it was an article I'd written on celebrities I used to like until I found out that were right wing whack jobs. You can read the article here.

In case you don't feel like reading the article, and I wouldn't blame you as it isn't one of my best, below is the comment from the reader and my response. I have since invited him to continue the conversation on my blog:

Richard D 5/21/2013

Thank you for this list. I know now to add these celebs to my cool list. You, my friend, are a left-wing, baby-killing moron who is on my loser list.

 

Christopher Nadeau 5/22/2013Delete

Richard,

Thanks for the validation. The fact that you felt compelled to comment on a two-year old article I didn't even remember writing fills my heart with joy. I'd love to see your list sometime. if I'm on it, that serves as further validation that I was correct. Thanks for commenting

 

Now, "loser" and "moron" I can handle--they might even be true--but BABY KILLER??? Where on Earth could he have drawn such a conclusion outside of his own internal voices? I'd love it if he came over and elucidated...

Surprise Praise From a Possible Relative.

It always amazes me when someone not only finds one of my more obscure stories but also finds me and lets me know what they thought of it. In this instance, the person might actually be a previously unknown relative on my dad's side, which means basically anyone with my last name. Below is the email I received out of nowhere and my response to it.

To quote Andy Sandberg quoting Nicholas Cage: "That's kind praaaaiiiiseeee."

See below:

Christopher,

 

 I recently joined GLAHW (Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers) and picked up a copy of  Ghostlight Magazine which featured your story, "The Cubicle Dwellers" which I really enjoyed.  I admit I was thrown off a bit by the asylum part at the beginning, but the character's initial acceptance and integration into the job he previously detested and the "Lovecraftian" twist in the lunchroom were very cool because I assumed that they were just going to eat him.  It reminded me of a story called, "Don't Walk" by Chan McConnell that was part of the "Still Dead" anthology by Skipp and Spector.  I was also curious as to if you were by chance related to a [Names Deleted by request]Nadeau?  They are my uncle and aunt that used to live in Michigan.

Thank you,

Mary

 

Hi, Mary!

 

Thanks so much for the kind words regarding my story. I tried to do something I don't see being done with zombie fiction, as it is not my favorite sub-genre. Nice to see I succeeded with at least one reader!
I've never actually heard of [Names Deleted by request]Nadeau, but considering how rare the last name is, I'm willing to bet I'm related to you LOL

 

-CN

 

So, who knows? A relative with similar interests might have found me through a short story about how cubicle existence is not all that indistinguishable from zombies...