It was early 2023 when my partner, Evie first mentioned it. Before that I’d never even heard of David Sedaris. But being the intensely voracious reader that she is, Evie hadn’t just heard of him, she’d already read a bunch of his books. So, when she found out that he was on a book tour in Australia, and that he was actually coming to Perth, and that there were actually a few tickets left – she pleaded with me to come along. Being the wonderful and supportive boyfriend that I am, I didn’t make any fuss about going. I didn’t bemoan having to leave the house. I didn’t try to weasel my way out of it. And I certainly didn’t try to use my agreement to go as some sort of bargaining chip that would allow me to get something I wanted in return. Instead, when my dearest asked, I immediately and admirably said, “
“Being the wonderful and supportive boyfriend that I am, I didn’t make any fuss about going. I didn’t bemoan having to leave the house. I didn’t try to weasel my way out of it. And I certainly didn’t try to use my agreement to go as some sort of bargaining chip that would allow me to get something I wanted in return. Instead, when my dearest asked, I immediately and admirably said, “of course, my love, anything for you”.”
You make me smile more than any other writer I read, Michael! And now I want to hear stories about the “ Vic Park Writer’s Club.”
I’m also enjoying the synchronicity of the fact that I’m reading this the eve before I fly back to the Northern hemisphere, so it seems that I read your writing upon arrival in, and departure from oz😁
Awww thank you, Camilla. It makes me really happy to hear that (it also boosts my ego a little more than I should let it haha). But seriously, it’s such a blessing to know that people read my writing and so to hear that it makes you smile as well is really special.
Ohh how synchronous — I love it! I hope your trip down under was good and I hope you have a nice trip home. :)
Ohhh and as soon and I can make a piece about the writers group work in a way that I think is fun or funny or interesting (or something) — you’ll see it here :)
P.s. Michael, have you ever considered making an audio recording of you reading your writing? I find it so enjoyable to hear authors reading their work ✍️ hope you may consider it✨🌟💖🙏🏼🕊
I have thought about it before, I’ve just never pulled the trigger. If I’m honest, mostly out of fear that I won’t sound good reading my writing. But I totally agree with you in that I really enjoy hearing authors reading out their work as well. So maybe I should just bite the bullet and get to it . . .
yeah, it's always hard getting past the Inner Critic, but it's great practice for when you offer an author reading like Sedaris 😉 Glad you're thinking about it, and I'm looking forward to when you bite the bullet😁
“it’s such a blessing to know that people read my writing,” thanks for elucidating that Michael - as a writer, I feel this is so true too, and it’s important for me to remember this too. Thanks for the reminder 😁
And looking forward to your piece about your writer’s group too✨🌟💖🙏🏼🕊
The sense of a class divide between you and the world inside that theater really came through. My mom and I share tickets to see touring Broadway musicals, and I find myself feeling underdressed in even professional attire—there’s just an air there. When you invoked it here, I wasn’t where it might lead, but the interaction with Sedaris brought it to a head. I love the new inscription for both the grace and poise it demonstrates in the author and because it led to this story.
I’ll echo Camilla above and add that I too would be interested in hearing about your writers group experience when it suits your storytelling. That this warm piece might also be an origin story for your writing would only add to the experience.
“There’s just an air there” — is totally right. I just feel sorta out of place in more ‘high society’ venues, not because the people aren’t nice but because I’m just not used to it. I’m glad you could relate to the experience. I’m not sure if this is just an Australian phrase or not, but sometimes we say — “you can take the boy out of the bush, but you can’t take the bush out of the boy” — it’s not exactly ‘the bush’ that’s hard to remove from my demeanour but there is definitely a ‘rough around the edges’ thing which I think that phrase captures well.
And yes, Sedaris was so quick to draw up that inscription that it just further reinforced how witty and poised he is.
And thank you, I’ve been mulling over a piece about the writers group for a while, I’ve just gotta sit down and find a way to make it work.
It would be nice to join your writer's club and to able to get to know you, both of you. But you're across the globe and I am just thankful for this platform in which you get to share your stories.
Your "indomitable speed and athleticism" delivered a great piece of writing :)
Aww that’s so lovely Fotini. It would be wonderful to be able to get to know you beyond the confines of Substack as well. And speaking on behalf of my entire writers group (it’s okay I have the authority to do such things) if you ever make it to Perth we’d love to have you join us :)
But yes, accepting our physical and locational limitations (for now) I am thankful that Substack enables us to connect in this way.
Yes, in San Francisco... I've only read a couple of his books, he's such a voluminous writer. There was one particularly poignant story, unlike his usual comedy, about his troubled sister (not the actor Amy who is also hilarious) - it was interesting and difficult for him to share, I should think.
Hello, Michael! What a great story, and written so well in, what I’m coming to recognize as, your signature style and self-deprecating humor! This was great!
Thank you, Priya! I really appreciate that. It has been interesting to slowly find my way into this writing style and the more I play with it the more ideas it gives me for other stories.
Although the piece I’m working on now (which will probably be my next post) is written in a very different style — so I guess I’m still playing around with things.
Stepping on babies 😂 This was hilarious and wildly gripping. You’re a superb storyteller, Michael! I hope we get more stories out of the Vic Park Writer’s Club!
Excellent tale, well told! I love the picture in my mind of you doing some kind of skateboard type moves through the crowd of 'posh' people with Evie flying behind in mortal embarrasment but also secretly proud and grateful ha ha, just to get near the front of the queue. Classic!
Hahaha yes that’s exactly how it went, April! I rifled off some of my finest skate related stunts (without the skateboard) sliding down handrails, floating down stairs, and gliding across carpet to get Evie and myself to the front of the queue. (That’s what I should have wrote haha).
And, of course, thank you, April. Your kind (and hilarious) words are always appreciated :)
Your mission - which you obviously chose to accept: Regale a tale of the Regal Theatre - triffik ME - as for response to Evie's invite - very clever too and look how it is unfolding. . . Bravo
Yes, Evie is a good egg. And I am truly a wonderful boyfriend to accept her invitation so nobly haha
It was definitely a nice ceiling, all those fancy ornate mouldings and big cornices, but for once my attention wasn’t preoccupied by the ceiling. Luckily.
I agree with the sentiments below - save us the pleasantries please and get to the cut and thrust of the inner sanctum workings of the writers circle. Do you drink goats blood and how much do you have to drink? Where do you get the goats and do you have a volume goat discount from a local farmer? What do you do with leftover goat? Do you notice any Health effect? Is your complexion and energy levels improved?….and finally, what happens if you become a famous writer and people call you the GOAT…will they expect to drink your blood? How do you feel about that? (asking for a friend who wants to join a writers group)
You win the comment section this time, Simon. I was laughing my ass off at this one. Not just because such questions like — “What do you do with leftover goat?” —- were hilarious but also because I think it’s adorable you actually think I would reveal the inner workings of my writers cult. Things of that nature cannot be shared.
But seriously, thank you, you’re hilarious and as soon I find a way to make a piece about the writers group funny or insightful or something the piece will be out. :)
You have a great story Michael - you didn't even read much just a few short years ago and now you're a reading, writing, literary human offering your gifts to all of us. It is very cool.
I have never been to a book reading so I never equated doing so with helping my own writing. Your story helped me see the benefit of checking them out.
I'm sure Sedaris has seen it all and signing a second hand book wouldn't be on his radar of big offenses, rather he would be honored you guys hustled to the front of the line!
Thank you, Donna. That is so kind of you to say. I do still spin out on the change that has taken place in my life over the last few years by way of writing — it’s a crazy change that I’m very thankful for.
They are definitely worth checking out, even if it’s just to see how so many people will all gather in one place to hear one person read out their writing — as a writer it’s a pretty inspiring thing to witness.
You’re so right! I don’t think Sedaris was the least bit phased by the whole experience.
“Being the wonderful and supportive boyfriend that I am, I didn’t make any fuss about going. I didn’t bemoan having to leave the house. I didn’t try to weasel my way out of it. And I certainly didn’t try to use my agreement to go as some sort of bargaining chip that would allow me to get something I wanted in return. Instead, when my dearest asked, I immediately and admirably said, “of course, my love, anything for you”.”
You make me smile more than any other writer I read, Michael! And now I want to hear stories about the “ Vic Park Writer’s Club.”
I’m also enjoying the synchronicity of the fact that I’m reading this the eve before I fly back to the Northern hemisphere, so it seems that I read your writing upon arrival in, and departure from oz😁
Awww thank you, Camilla. It makes me really happy to hear that (it also boosts my ego a little more than I should let it haha). But seriously, it’s such a blessing to know that people read my writing and so to hear that it makes you smile as well is really special.
Ohh how synchronous — I love it! I hope your trip down under was good and I hope you have a nice trip home. :)
Ohhh and as soon and I can make a piece about the writers group work in a way that I think is fun or funny or interesting (or something) — you’ll see it here :)
P.s. Michael, have you ever considered making an audio recording of you reading your writing? I find it so enjoyable to hear authors reading their work ✍️ hope you may consider it✨🌟💖🙏🏼🕊
I have thought about it before, I’ve just never pulled the trigger. If I’m honest, mostly out of fear that I won’t sound good reading my writing. But I totally agree with you in that I really enjoy hearing authors reading out their work as well. So maybe I should just bite the bullet and get to it . . .
Let’s say, I’ll start doing it soon(ish) :)
Thanks for the nudge, Camilla :)
yeah, it's always hard getting past the Inner Critic, but it's great practice for when you offer an author reading like Sedaris 😉 Glad you're thinking about it, and I'm looking forward to when you bite the bullet😁
Haha yes, it does seem necessary practice for my upcoming author fame 🙃
Thanks Camilla
“it’s such a blessing to know that people read my writing,” thanks for elucidating that Michael - as a writer, I feel this is so true too, and it’s important for me to remember this too. Thanks for the reminder 😁
And looking forward to your piece about your writer’s group too✨🌟💖🙏🏼🕊
It is definitely something I try to push myself to remember.
Glad I could offer the reminder :)
The sense of a class divide between you and the world inside that theater really came through. My mom and I share tickets to see touring Broadway musicals, and I find myself feeling underdressed in even professional attire—there’s just an air there. When you invoked it here, I wasn’t where it might lead, but the interaction with Sedaris brought it to a head. I love the new inscription for both the grace and poise it demonstrates in the author and because it led to this story.
I’ll echo Camilla above and add that I too would be interested in hearing about your writers group experience when it suits your storytelling. That this warm piece might also be an origin story for your writing would only add to the experience.
“There’s just an air there” — is totally right. I just feel sorta out of place in more ‘high society’ venues, not because the people aren’t nice but because I’m just not used to it. I’m glad you could relate to the experience. I’m not sure if this is just an Australian phrase or not, but sometimes we say — “you can take the boy out of the bush, but you can’t take the bush out of the boy” — it’s not exactly ‘the bush’ that’s hard to remove from my demeanour but there is definitely a ‘rough around the edges’ thing which I think that phrase captures well.
And yes, Sedaris was so quick to draw up that inscription that it just further reinforced how witty and poised he is.
And thank you, I’ve been mulling over a piece about the writers group for a while, I’ve just gotta sit down and find a way to make it work.
Thanks Michael :)
It would be nice to join your writer's club and to able to get to know you, both of you. But you're across the globe and I am just thankful for this platform in which you get to share your stories.
Your "indomitable speed and athleticism" delivered a great piece of writing :)
Aww that’s so lovely Fotini. It would be wonderful to be able to get to know you beyond the confines of Substack as well. And speaking on behalf of my entire writers group (it’s okay I have the authority to do such things) if you ever make it to Perth we’d love to have you join us :)
But yes, accepting our physical and locational limitations (for now) I am thankful that Substack enables us to connect in this way.
Thanks Fotini :)
Your authority is reassuring :)
Say hello from me to everyone in your group. Tell them that is a damn fine group!
Will do, Fotini!
I tell them this writer I know through substack, who writes these great poems, said hello :)
Today I learned Michael is a high society fancy pants.
Hahaha!
Shhh don’t tell anyway, I’m still trying to maintain my ‘street credit’ haha
Ha! That's perfect - I'll bet he still remembers it too. Went to see him once, early 2000s - he's a treat.
It was such a perfectly fitting experience to have with him.
Ohh that’s cool, did you see him in the US?
Yeah he’s great.
Thanks brother :)
Yes, in San Francisco... I've only read a couple of his books, he's such a voluminous writer. There was one particularly poignant story, unlike his usual comedy, about his troubled sister (not the actor Amy who is also hilarious) - it was interesting and difficult for him to share, I should think.
That would’ve been cool to see him in San Francisco. I was only their briefly but I loved that place — it is actually a skateboarding Mecca.
Yeah, I’ve only read a couple of his books as well — even though Evie’s brought home like 7 or 8 of his books now! Voluminous indeed.
I haven’t read the one about his troubled sister, but that sounds like an interesting read, especially seeing it’s different from his normal style.
I’ll have to suss that out. Thanks Troy :)
I believe it was "Calypso" (2018)... :)
Awesome, thank you 🙏😊
Love Sedaris, worth finding some of the New Yorker podcasts he is on for more of that conversational wit. Really inspired by his style.
He’s great hey. So relaxed and witty and funny and silly all at once it’s such a talent.
Ohhh I haven’t heard those podcasts I’m going to have to suss that out. Thanks Jon :)
Hello, Michael! What a great story, and written so well in, what I’m coming to recognize as, your signature style and self-deprecating humor! This was great!
Thank you, Priya! I really appreciate that. It has been interesting to slowly find my way into this writing style and the more I play with it the more ideas it gives me for other stories.
Although the piece I’m working on now (which will probably be my next post) is written in a very different style — so I guess I’m still playing around with things.
Thank you Priya :)
Brilliant
Thank you, Patris. I really appreciate your kind words (word) :)
Stepping on babies 😂 This was hilarious and wildly gripping. You’re a superb storyteller, Michael! I hope we get more stories out of the Vic Park Writer’s Club!
Thank you, Jenovia. That is such a lovely compliment and it is especially meaningful to me when I know it’s coming from a writer as good as yourself.
If things go to plan, there will be more stories :)
Excellent tale, well told! I love the picture in my mind of you doing some kind of skateboard type moves through the crowd of 'posh' people with Evie flying behind in mortal embarrasment but also secretly proud and grateful ha ha, just to get near the front of the queue. Classic!
Hahaha yes that’s exactly how it went, April! I rifled off some of my finest skate related stunts (without the skateboard) sliding down handrails, floating down stairs, and gliding across carpet to get Evie and myself to the front of the queue. (That’s what I should have wrote haha).
And, of course, thank you, April. Your kind (and hilarious) words are always appreciated :)
So glad to have that image confirmed! Keep writing Michael and let me know how the writing group goes. 🙂
Done and done :)
What a great story! I had the chance to catch him live in 2022 as well. I was way too nervous to meet him though!
Thanks Will. I really appreciate that.
Ohh that’s cool, where did you see him?
I can understand the nerves, even though he is super friendly he is quite a larger than life figure.
I saw him in Seattle!
Indeed. He is seems friendly yet intimidating--especially after blowing the roof off the theater for two hours!
Nice! I’ve never been to Seattle.
Yeah totally he is a force!
Thanks Will :)
Now I'm going to have to find a book reading party and show up in my full Priestess gear to blow some mental circuity. Great origin story!
Hahaha that’s amazing, Victoria! Your should totally do that.
And thank you! I really appreciate that :)
Your mission - which you obviously chose to accept: Regale a tale of the Regal Theatre - triffik ME - as for response to Evie's invite - very clever too and look how it is unfolding. . . Bravo
That was the mission the men in the black suits tasked me with. And you know me, I’m not one to turn down a random mission like that haha
Thank you, Emmett. As always your comment is much appreciated :)
I love it. Good on Evie for taking you to the Regal theatre and for you accepting the invitation without a whimper. 😊.
How’s the ceiling there I can’t remember it’s been a long time since I been.
Yes, Evie is a good egg. And I am truly a wonderful boyfriend to accept her invitation so nobly haha
It was definitely a nice ceiling, all those fancy ornate mouldings and big cornices, but for once my attention wasn’t preoccupied by the ceiling. Luckily.
Thanks Dad!
I agree with the sentiments below - save us the pleasantries please and get to the cut and thrust of the inner sanctum workings of the writers circle. Do you drink goats blood and how much do you have to drink? Where do you get the goats and do you have a volume goat discount from a local farmer? What do you do with leftover goat? Do you notice any Health effect? Is your complexion and energy levels improved?….and finally, what happens if you become a famous writer and people call you the GOAT…will they expect to drink your blood? How do you feel about that? (asking for a friend who wants to join a writers group)
You win the comment section this time, Simon. I was laughing my ass off at this one. Not just because such questions like — “What do you do with leftover goat?” —- were hilarious but also because I think it’s adorable you actually think I would reveal the inner workings of my writers cult. Things of that nature cannot be shared.
But seriously, thank you, you’re hilarious and as soon I find a way to make a piece about the writers group funny or insightful or something the piece will be out. :)
Looking forward…and I hope that no goats will be harmed in the writing of that piece
I’ll do my best but I can’t make any promises haha
You have a great story Michael - you didn't even read much just a few short years ago and now you're a reading, writing, literary human offering your gifts to all of us. It is very cool.
I have never been to a book reading so I never equated doing so with helping my own writing. Your story helped me see the benefit of checking them out.
I'm sure Sedaris has seen it all and signing a second hand book wouldn't be on his radar of big offenses, rather he would be honored you guys hustled to the front of the line!
Thank you, Donna. That is so kind of you to say. I do still spin out on the change that has taken place in my life over the last few years by way of writing — it’s a crazy change that I’m very thankful for.
They are definitely worth checking out, even if it’s just to see how so many people will all gather in one place to hear one person read out their writing — as a writer it’s a pretty inspiring thing to witness.
You’re so right! I don’t think Sedaris was the least bit phased by the whole experience.
I think it was just funny to him.
Thanks Donna :)
Ya, it gave him a little more material😉
Haha here’s hoping