Two Minutes Downhill
Before writing, there was another obsession. It involved downhill speeds and rattling ankles. Eyes that scanned the road for pebbles that could crack a skull. I don’t skateboard anymore, but show me a set of stairs and my brain will do a kick-flip.
Then it was music. Sixteen candles brought a six-string rocketship. Bedroom boredom became guitar riffs that could keep me warm, keep me company. I infected my friends. Made them listen, made them understand. They bought drum sets, bass guitars. Punk Rock. Black hair-dye. Cringe-worthy everything.
I didn’t find writing until my late twenties. When tattered tee-shirts became suites and ties and timecards. But no matter what I write or create I still crave that rebel yell. The grit and grim of palm-muted paranoia that expediated puberty.
I think it’s true that we find our passions when we’re very young, and then walk away from them for many years looking for something else. But in the end, there’s only so far you can run…
I’ve been writing short stories since January. Reading short stories every day. And I think what draws me to them is the rhythm and speed. They start fast and stay lean. I can re-read a short story over and over and find new layers. The same way a great song unveils itself more and more with every listen.
Skateboarding. Punk rock. Flash fiction. There’s a secret handshake to these things. A knowing wink between those who sing the counter-melody. Those who want their core shook and ankles rattled.
Two minutes downhill.
Two and half minute songs.
Two hundred and fifty-word posts.
Question for you: Is there something you loved as children or teenager that you have recently returned to after many years away?
I’d love to hear about it.
Here are some of my favorite short story collections I’ve been reading (and re-reading) this year:
Raymond Carver: Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?
Bret Easton Ellis: The Informers
Amy Hempel: The Collected Stories
If you have a favorite collection or writer I should be reading, please shoot me a note.
Ok, that’s all for now…
The temperature is fast, loud, and bound to piss off the neighbors 🔥🔥🔥
Read more at https://coreymccomb.substack.com
