A lovely story, Barrie. It's actually much more compelling to read of such modern digital-age terminology when it's all crammed into one story: swipes and likes and refreshes comprise a language I don't really wish to see inserted into the things I read or write; but condensed, here, within the framing of a boy-meets-girl story, is really very good.
Such a good point. I realised, reading a crime novel by an author I usually like, that wildly contemporary issues and practicalities woven into the narrative REALLY wind me up … in the case of the crime story, the heavy handed emphasis on COVID days. I tried to sprinkle the terminology over this tale as lightly as I could while emphasising an obsession. Thanks for the kind words and the share. Great encouragement as I warm up my fiction fingers!
I feel you! I am wary of so much contemporary fiction for fear of this. Maybe because it's already too pervasive in our shared culture that we can't bear to see it in the individual parts of that culture that we take away to our corners and cosy chairs. I'm sure it was the same reading maybe Amis or Wolfe back in the 80s and jarring on something contemporary. Take me back a few decades or a century or two and I'm much happier! And books with more than one typeface or type size... I find it really hard to get past the first sentence.* I've never believed it necessary, not even -- perhaps especially -- in children's books. There are whole swathes of page and pages devoted to one long AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH in many non-illustrated children's books today and I don't know how that ever became a thing that an editor thought a child or reading parent would need or enjoy.
* One glorious exception to this was 'Queenie' which I thought was quite wonderful, and I think I was persuaded to read by a friend. So maybe it's just me who is too stubborn and set in their ways!
It has been illuminating reading the first handful of books published in 1965, noting how the ones that appeal most are those that manage to stay relatively timeless … few references to the specifics of the era; perhaps the odd reference to a switchboard, or telegrams, dates things but generally they are more readable without the grating reference points of modernity. Ah, yes, I can only imagine the pressure of being an art director and having to accommodate the vagaries of book design and typeface!
It’s the editor within the art director that used to despair so much! Interesting about those books you’ve read so far: and timelessness, absolutely, is the thing which I seek too: escapism of the finest order.
Barrie I have been reading a similarly annoying novel which I am not sure I can finish, although I always try to give respect to the author in doing so, this particular book just may have me beaten!
I feel there is enough doom scrolling and agonising over those hearts in the every day without having to consume the same agony in something that should be enjoyable, calming and at the very least a good story.
That said, I agree with Matt, your short and sweetly romantic story was very clever and enjoyable too!
Phew, thanks Susie, I’m glad I managed to avoid the worst excesses … perhaps short form fiction is the answer (my answer anyway). Thanks so much for the kind words. Slowly getting back into making some stuff up!
Same thing is true of films. Seems in any new film I try to watch every scene has people texting at an alarming rate and the only face to face interaction is in the sack. And some in the sack stop what they are doing in order to answer their phone! Good God, It is hard to watch.
An aptly-timed posting as yesterday was National Handwriting Day. Was that intentional or just a serendipity? Either way, this is a well-written piece and was delightful to read.
Hi Georgia, belatedly I spotted that it was National Handwriting Day - I have been handwriting references and quotes in a commonplace book with Jillian Hess and her community of notetakers - but this story was more of a nudge to myself to be a bit more intentional about screen time (he says, tapping away at a keyboard!). Thanks so much for the kind words … super-encouraging! Barrie
Captivating and clever, and I was happy to reach the end and find I could believe there is hope for your perhaps not so shallow protagonist. I loved the unexpectedness of a caramel smooth voice, grating on the silent screenplay, and the widening of eyes, shortness of breath and racing heart, in response to a non-responsive screen - or perhaps something else.. brilliant Barry! I find myself at times a little addicted to the hearts too 💛💛💛 and so very easily distracted. Although I find the distraction is from a myriad of different creative ideas that arrive all at once!
Sorry about my slow response to these kind words, Emily. So happy that you picked up the parallels between screen addiction and the flickerings of attraction … sometimes I surprise myself with the way the words and ideas flow together so it it cool if someone spots what I’m trying to do. Distracted by ideas sounds like the best way to be!
I really liked this...so much I read it twice. I've been thinking about this quite a bit today about how much social media is in our lives and many people see it to find their self worth in the likes and dislikes. Nice meet cute as well!
I’m delighted that it hit the spot … thank you for the encouragement. It’s true; we are all slightly in thrall to this electronic world … but the community we draw strength from can be here … so, as ever, it about balance. Perhaps we need the simpler times of your Victorian lady’s diary!
Oh, oh oh. These poor poor women who don't even know how miserable they are, how fake their lives are. What a terrible way to live. "Look at me, it said. Like me. Do you see me? Do you like me like this?" Unable to live without constant validation! I am sorry for them. I, myself have never owned a cell phone and am not on any social media. I know there is a HUGE social presence on Substack now, but it does not tempt me, EXCEPT for commenting on others' excellent writing -- such as this post. You did an amazing job here, writing about the mind of a young addict in 2025. I can't imagine how you did it.
Thanks for the kind words. One of the exercises on a writing course I did last year involved reading a piece about two 11 year olds and write a follow up. A great challenge for imagining the characters into being. The pen did the rest!
A lovely story, Barrie. It's actually much more compelling to read of such modern digital-age terminology when it's all crammed into one story: swipes and likes and refreshes comprise a language I don't really wish to see inserted into the things I read or write; but condensed, here, within the framing of a boy-meets-girl story, is really very good.
Such a good point. I realised, reading a crime novel by an author I usually like, that wildly contemporary issues and practicalities woven into the narrative REALLY wind me up … in the case of the crime story, the heavy handed emphasis on COVID days. I tried to sprinkle the terminology over this tale as lightly as I could while emphasising an obsession. Thanks for the kind words and the share. Great encouragement as I warm up my fiction fingers!
I feel you! I am wary of so much contemporary fiction for fear of this. Maybe because it's already too pervasive in our shared culture that we can't bear to see it in the individual parts of that culture that we take away to our corners and cosy chairs. I'm sure it was the same reading maybe Amis or Wolfe back in the 80s and jarring on something contemporary. Take me back a few decades or a century or two and I'm much happier! And books with more than one typeface or type size... I find it really hard to get past the first sentence.* I've never believed it necessary, not even -- perhaps especially -- in children's books. There are whole swathes of page and pages devoted to one long AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH in many non-illustrated children's books today and I don't know how that ever became a thing that an editor thought a child or reading parent would need or enjoy.
* One glorious exception to this was 'Queenie' which I thought was quite wonderful, and I think I was persuaded to read by a friend. So maybe it's just me who is too stubborn and set in their ways!
It has been illuminating reading the first handful of books published in 1965, noting how the ones that appeal most are those that manage to stay relatively timeless … few references to the specifics of the era; perhaps the odd reference to a switchboard, or telegrams, dates things but generally they are more readable without the grating reference points of modernity. Ah, yes, I can only imagine the pressure of being an art director and having to accommodate the vagaries of book design and typeface!
It’s the editor within the art director that used to despair so much! Interesting about those books you’ve read so far: and timelessness, absolutely, is the thing which I seek too: escapism of the finest order.
Barrie I have been reading a similarly annoying novel which I am not sure I can finish, although I always try to give respect to the author in doing so, this particular book just may have me beaten!
I feel there is enough doom scrolling and agonising over those hearts in the every day without having to consume the same agony in something that should be enjoyable, calming and at the very least a good story.
That said, I agree with Matt, your short and sweetly romantic story was very clever and enjoyable too!
Phew, thanks Susie, I’m glad I managed to avoid the worst excesses … perhaps short form fiction is the answer (my answer anyway). Thanks so much for the kind words. Slowly getting back into making some stuff up!
It’s all good ‘stuff’ from you Barrie!
[blushes] Fanks!
Same thing is true of films. Seems in any new film I try to watch every scene has people texting at an alarming rate and the only face to face interaction is in the sack. And some in the sack stop what they are doing in order to answer their phone! Good God, It is hard to watch.
The frightening thing is that those movies are clearly reflecting how some folk live in real life. Aargh!
An aptly-timed posting as yesterday was National Handwriting Day. Was that intentional or just a serendipity? Either way, this is a well-written piece and was delightful to read.
Hi Georgia, belatedly I spotted that it was National Handwriting Day - I have been handwriting references and quotes in a commonplace book with Jillian Hess and her community of notetakers - but this story was more of a nudge to myself to be a bit more intentional about screen time (he says, tapping away at a keyboard!). Thanks so much for the kind words … super-encouraging! Barrie
Captivating and clever, and I was happy to reach the end and find I could believe there is hope for your perhaps not so shallow protagonist. I loved the unexpectedness of a caramel smooth voice, grating on the silent screenplay, and the widening of eyes, shortness of breath and racing heart, in response to a non-responsive screen - or perhaps something else.. brilliant Barry! I find myself at times a little addicted to the hearts too 💛💛💛 and so very easily distracted. Although I find the distraction is from a myriad of different creative ideas that arrive all at once!
Sorry about my slow response to these kind words, Emily. So happy that you picked up the parallels between screen addiction and the flickerings of attraction … sometimes I surprise myself with the way the words and ideas flow together so it it cool if someone spots what I’m trying to do. Distracted by ideas sounds like the best way to be!
It was cleverly done and I very much enjoyed it Barry!
Thank you so much for the encouragement ✍️
De même ✨
I really liked this...so much I read it twice. I've been thinking about this quite a bit today about how much social media is in our lives and many people see it to find their self worth in the likes and dislikes. Nice meet cute as well!
I’m delighted that it hit the spot … thank you for the encouragement. It’s true; we are all slightly in thrall to this electronic world … but the community we draw strength from can be here … so, as ever, it about balance. Perhaps we need the simpler times of your Victorian lady’s diary!
Oh, oh oh. These poor poor women who don't even know how miserable they are, how fake their lives are. What a terrible way to live. "Look at me, it said. Like me. Do you see me? Do you like me like this?" Unable to live without constant validation! I am sorry for them. I, myself have never owned a cell phone and am not on any social media. I know there is a HUGE social presence on Substack now, but it does not tempt me, EXCEPT for commenting on others' excellent writing -- such as this post. You did an amazing job here, writing about the mind of a young addict in 2025. I can't imagine how you did it.
Smart move; no cell phone and no social media.
Thanks for the kind words. One of the exercises on a writing course I did last year involved reading a piece about two 11 year olds and write a follow up. A great challenge for imagining the characters into being. The pen did the rest!