A rarity where I respond to anyone under 18 so as not to anger their parents, or Tipper Gore. This is a situation that any number of my colleagues would refer to as a recipe for disaster. This young woman is gonna be a writing star...
TO: Jim Patrick
From: Linz, Nashville, TN.
I'm 16 and really enjoy the stuff you write for the local blog scene here...it only appears once per month. Why?? You're FROM HERE.
I hope to be a writer eventually and notice that you include silly stuff about your family and friends a lot. My family and friends are crazy funny, stupid but I wonder how I can write about them and not make them mad at me.
I figure no one will pay attention to my writing till I'm older anyway. When did you begin writing and did people take you seriously?
From: Jim Patrick Pontchartrain Press
Dear Linz,
Once per month?? It's supposed to appear twice per month- someone's getting fired for this! Unfortunately it'll be me.
I seem to have moderate allergies to deadline oriented writing assignments, according to Mike Klein, the editor.
On another note, I also have allergies to cats, which led to an eventual breakup between me and my Ex. She, likely, holds an entirely different opinion on this topic.
Let's get to the most important aspect of your e-mail- Aren't there ANY sort of parental filtering systems on your computer? WHY would your parents allow you to hit that Nashville publication?
I'm happy that you did though and that you've enjoyed them- They probably won't scar you or anything...not too much.
If your parents take issue, no worries. I'm perfectly accustomed to angering a young woman's parents- another topic where I believe my Ex might provide a treasure trove of information.
To answer your remaining questions: I don't have a clue.
Actually I'm not certain that anyone takes ME seriously to this day and I'm not 16. But, life can be more fun that way Linz; It's less stressful quite honestly.
Don't be discouraged or doubt yourself because of your age, ever- simply write what you feel whether or not someone will like it or not. There'll always be someone who doesn't like another person's art. I'm looking in the general direction of Nickelback.
When someone shoots your stuff down, deal with it bravely as I do...cry uncontrollably in the corner of a locked room and stage a hunger strike. (both for people not liking your writing AND for the fact that Nickelback is still making music).
I happen to take you seriously, otherwise I wouldn't be writing back I suppose.
You're fortunate to have friends and family who are "crazy, funny, stupid."- get ready to create an arsenal of pseudonyms unless you're ready to be uninvited, unfriended and sit alone a lot.
I don't have this particular problem as my friends are crazy, stupid, funny...and usually drunk.
Note: Don't drink, smoke or watch the Real Housewives. Make healthful eating choices, stay in school...oh, and always wear your seatbelt. Also, stay away from boys until you're age 30.
Pass along the following message to your dad for me...
"You're welcome."
(He'll know what I mean.)
I would've attached some draft writings but I'd like to not end up on a neighborhood watch bulletin.
The truth is, I believe that most people have some form of talent and all people have dreams. Sadly, so many don't take that first step. But, you did. Never stop doing that. Keep at it...then watch what happens.
It may or may not be important to note: I am not a role model for young people, at least that's what I've been told. But, I truly thank you for your email.
Regards,
Jim
copyright Pontchartrain Press, 2015
Author note: Since she sent this email, Linz recently won accolades in a Nashville area school essay competition. Congrats!
