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Read With Mother - An Invitation

Iso Nuys

retired user

Interview with Iso Nuys.


Subject: Read With Mother

http://www.authonomy.com/books/39776/read-with-mother/


Location: A decommissioned World War II bunker, Lamb Holm, overlooking Holm Sound. Flat – windswept – attended by sheep.



Interviewer (generic): So what is Read With Mother?

Iso: It’s an on-going collection of provocative, experimental and imaginative short fiction. It’s the outpourings of my head. In time, I hope, it will be the outpourings of everyone’s heads here on authonomy. It’s the overflow tank.

Interviewer: Hmm, that sounds a little ambiguous. Care to elaborate?

Iso: Well, it occurred to me a little while ago that I had a lot of ideas floating around inside my head, which by nature, either weren’t suitable to be expanded into full novels, or touched upon themes and featured characters that potential publishers might shy away from. This isn’t to say they aren’t good ideas. Indeed, this is the kind of fiction I myself prefer to read, but the industry, quite understandably (at least from a business point-of-view), doesn’t want to take risks at the moment. This is a shame. I think it’s a writer’s duty to take risks.

Interviewer: So what kinds of stories are you hoping will be submitted?

Iso: There’s no set genre. There’s no minimum or maximum word count. What we’re talking about here is an attitude, an agenda, a willingness to cast aside the internal censor and tackle stories we might previously have felt too uncomfortable to write in the past. I know there are a lot of stories floating around in people’s heads, which for some reason or another will never be committed to paper, and that seems like a shame to me. Ideas sprout from ideas. A good crop may follow a bad crop. In order to make progress as a writer, I believe these stories need to be explored and bled from the system. I don’t want this to sound pretentious. What I want is to generate enthusiasm. I want people to write. They shouldn’t feel precious about their work, there are simply too many stories to tell, and sometimes I wonder whether there’s a climate of fear on authonomy, which is not only preventing people writing more, but causing them to quit altogether.

Interviewer: I think I noticed a forum thread started by Jack Cerro which quoted the ‘failure’ rate on authonomy.

Iso: By failure, does he mean those books that have been retired or not received a backing?

Interviewer: Who’s interviewing who here? I’m not sure. I don’t want to put words in Jack’s mouth. It was a quite interesting thread. So Iso, what is failure?’

Iso: The only time you fail is when you stop. I’ve never considered it an option. I’ve never considered it. I write. That’s it. And I feel that I should write whatever comes to mind. I’m not an intelligent person, my prose is simplistic (workmanlike at best), but I know I’ve got lots of stories to tell. And that’s all we are really, isn’t it, storytellers?

Interviewer (now freezing his/her generic bollocks/minge off): I notice you’ve put a warning on the book.

Iso: Well I know there are some rather sensitive souls on this site. This confuses me a little. I would have thought that writers would respect the creativity of other writers, but that’s not always the case. I just want to say for the record that I’m not setting out to shock people, and nor am I asking others to deliberately try and shock others, I simply want us explore certain themes unashamed, to challenge common perceptions, to be progressive and to stretch ourselves.

Interviewer: So what is the purpose of this thread?

Iso: To share our enthusiasm. They’ll be no member list. People are free to come and go as they please. Everything is permitted. The intention is to inspire. I don’t care where the inspiration comes from. People are free to discuss the work contained in Read With Mother. That would be cool. And they’re also free to include random links to other forms of popular culture, be it a photograph, a painting, a music video or film – it doesn’t matter, providing it adds to the accumulative consciousness of the group.

Interviewer: And does this thread have a theme tune?

Iso: Unofficially, maybe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF43b38k0Mw&feature=fvwrel

Interviewer: Can I go home now?

Iso: No. You’re fucked. It’s been a hard autumn and I need something to feed to the cattle . . .


Please note that if you wish, you can use another moniker when submitting a story. Iso Nuys will respect all requests of confidentiality. Submissions should be in the Times New Roman font, size 14, whenever possible. Email: isonuys@gmail.com

ALL NEW SUBMISSIONS FEATURE IN A DEDICATED READ WITH MOTHER SITE: SEE MY PROFILE

READ WITH MOTHER 1
Submitted stories:


1: A Precious Gift - Iso Nuys (08/12/11)

2: The Landscape of the Body - Kristin Gleeson (09/12/11)

3: Lost and Found - Jim Barrass (11/12/11)

4: Consuela, Venezuela, Deceased by Dave Ocelot (11/12/11)

5: The Lies We Tell Our Children by J.L.Fontaine (13/12/11)

6: STUFF by Gordon de Gwymbach (13/12/11)

7: Getting Published by Allan Shapiro (14/12/11)

8: Seaside Suicide Note by Gerald D. Johnston (14/12/11)

9: COMPELLED - ? by Robert Heath (14/12/11)

10: Accumulating Filth by J.S.Watts (16/12/11)

11: Obituary for a Porn Star by Iso Nuys (17/12/11)

12: Dr "O" by Bunderful (21/12/11)

13: The Nothing Tree by Simon Paul Wilson (22/12/11)

14: A Christmas Story - For The Children by J.S.Watts (22/12/11)

15: Reincarnation: Is there life after death? by J.L. Fontaine (22/12/11)

16: Consumed by Iso Nuys (22/12/11)

17: UNSTABLE by Gordon de Gwymbach (22/12/11)

18: Seduction by J.L.Fontaine (27/12/11)

19: Uncle Zero by Robert Heath (27/12/11)

20: My Name Was Joe by Julie Shaw (29/12/11)

21: GONE by Gordon de Gwymbach (29/12/11)

22: It's Not Bex by Robert Heath (30/12/11)

23: Respawn by Iso Nuys (01/01/12)

24: A Beautiful Day for It by Julie Shaw (01/01/12)

25: Lagan, for Lovecraft by Iso Nuys (07/01/12)

26: The Beginning of the End by J.L.Fontaine (10/01/12)

27: Sectioning by Gordon de Gwymbach (12/01/12)

28: Substructures by J.S.Watts (13/01/12)

29: Jerky by Cass McMain (15/01/12)

30: Watching by Simon Paul Wilson (15/01/12)

31: Circles in the Snow by Robert Heath (15/01/12)

32: Dreams Made Flesh by Bunderful (15/01/12)

33: Dear Samantha by Iso Nuys (15/01/12)

34: Commentary by Gordon de Gwymbach (15/01/12)

35: Images by Cait R Doherty (19/01/12)

36: Blind on Lilies by Yannis Karatsioris (19/01/12)

37: The Window by Ron A Sewell (19/01/12)

38: Callie Chooses by Frances Kay (15/01/12)


READ WITH MOTHER 2
Submitted stories:


1: Angel of Vengeance by Chaz Woods (26/01/12)

2: Dying into Light by J.L.Fontaine (26/01/12)

3: Roebuck 5000 by Iso Nuys (26/01/12)

4: Home Sweet Home by Ron A. Sewell (28/01/12)

5: Little Sucker by Bunderful (29/01/12)

6: Cross Roads by Gorden de Gymbach (01/02/12)

7: The Dobler Effect by Bradley Wind (02/02/12)

8: A Criminal Act? by J.L.Fontaine (05/02/12)

9: Chaos Divison by Simon Paul Wilson (05/02/12)

10: A Damn Good Bargain (on Authenticity, Part 1) by Yannis Yannis Karatsioris (07/02/12)

11: Confession by J.L.Fontaine (07/02/12)

12: The Voyeur by Gordon de Gwymbach (08/02/12)

13: Paid On Return by Iso Nuys (09/02/12)

14: Mr Blankenship's Test by Cass McMain (10/02/12)

15: The Septic Tank by Jim Barrass (11/02/12)

16: Now That's Criminal by Rob Heath (11/02/12)

17: Crash Us A Fag Mate by Rob Heath (16/02/12)

18: Stoned by Bunderful (12/02/12)

19: Sleep Baby Sleep by Tracey Scott-Townsend (15/02/12)

20: Harry's Cat by J.S.Watts (16/02/12)

21: Summoned by John Bayliss (19/02/12)

22: The Journey by J.L.Fontaine (1902/12)

23: Strawberry Jane - Cass McMain (20/02/12)

24: Makes Scents - Gordon de Gwymbach (22/02/12)

25: Family - Iso Nuys (22/02/12)

26: Return Away - Tracey Scott-Townsend (24/02/12)

27: Snippets - Jim Barrass (29/02/12)

28: The Sonnet - Cass McMain (02/03/12)

29: Dear The Utilitarian World – Adam Jessop (03/03/12)

30: Wish Upon a Star - J.L.Fontaine (04/03/12)

31: His Nose and Ears - Frances Kay (04/03/12)

32: Aunt Elizabeth - Gordon de Gwymbach (04/03/12)

33: The Grey Room by Tracey Scott-Townsend (05/03/12)

34: Live Journal by Bunderful (06/03/12)

35: The One-off by Ross Clark (10/03/12)

36: The Kimura House by Simon Paul Wilson (10/03/12)

37: Till Receipts, Answerphones & Pink Roses by J.S.Watts (12/03/12)

38: The Choice by Colin Neville (15/03/12)

39: Robots & Salesmen by Adam Jessop (18/03/12)

40: How I Am My Father by Frances Kay (22/03/12)

41: Quiet Wedding by Colin Neville (30/03/12)

42: Bunker Bound by Iso Nuys (31/03/12)


Past challenges: December 2011: Sex
January 2012: Structure
February 2012: A Matter of style!
February 2012: Something criminal
March 2012: The Epistolary voice
March 2012: Roman Clef

*Fontaine's officially unofficial agent's list:


Iso - The Master (soooo masterful)
Rob - The Shepherd (because he cares)
Rena - Eleven (Legs eleven)
Julie Shaw - Warrior
Harehound - Deputy (Dawg)
J.S - Lightbulb (Watts!!!)
Colin Smith - The Framer (sailing in)
SPW -Elsewhere
Bradley Wind - Tornado
Cait - Emerald (Isle)
Shakespeare's Talking Head - The Bard
Mr Karats - Pure Gold
Kristin Gleeson - Joyful ('Glee' and sleek as a selkie)
Jim Barrass - Man of Letters
David Ocelot - Toaster
Allan Shapiro - Prion (Press)
Cass - Sunflower
R.A.S. - Mystery!
Frances K - Puppeteer (Dollywagglers) (Sincerest apologies that I missed you out, Fran. I got carried away with nerves.)
Chaz Wood - Dark Angel (ditto Chaz, sorry you were left out of the story inadvertently.)
Fontaine - Fountain
Tracey Scott-Townsend - Time Traveller
Adam Jessop - Peacemaker

If you don't have a cape or a pair of leggings, then please see Fontaine for your regulation Super Hero outfit! Tongue out


Posted: 10/12/2011 10:58:26
Last Edit: 31/03/2012 09:55:56 by Iso Nuys

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Iso Nuys

retired user

We had our first contribution yesterday from Kristin Gleeson:

http://www.authonomy.com/books/39776/read-with-mother/read-book/?chapterid=377067#chapter


Some of you might also be aware that Kristin's first novel, Selkie Dreams, is due to be released in hardcover next year.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Selkie-Dreams-Kristen-Gleeson/dp/190848327X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323515698&sr=8-1


I think I'm more excited than she is! Or maybe not. But I am excited! Open-mouthed

Well done Kristin!


Posted: 10/12/2011 11:14:11

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Rob1969

first registered 30.05.11

last online 2 hours ago

I'll play.

Give me some time and I'll send you something


Posted: 10/12/2011 11:39:31

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Iso Nuys

retired user

I'll play.

Give me some time and I'll send you something close quotes

Great stuff Rob.

Have fun with it. Anything goes.

(I may have a couple more very well respected members of the community lined up to contribute, but I won't name names until they've submitted a story and they're happy with it.)

Posted: 10/12/2011 11:43:27

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Bradley Wind

first registered 01.04.09

last online 58 mins ago

I'll have something for you in the New Year. It may have teeth.

Posted: 10/12/2011 12:25:20

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Iso Nuys

retired user

I'll have something for you in the New Year. It may have teeth. close quotes

See, I go away to make a nice cup of tea and look who sneaks in the backdoor (that's not a euphemism btw - or it is - but not in this context).

I'm sure it will have teeth. It might have tentacles and suckers, black eyes and a beak as well . . . at least, here's hoping.

At some point I'd like you discuss your influences on this thread, Bradley.

What were your earliest influences, what helped shape your imagination and what continues to be a source of inspiration to you? Please feel free to link in any artists, films, pictures etc. I'm sure a lot of people would be interested to see where your unique imagination has come from.

(still waiting for your cover to be verified!)

Thanks again for all your contributions.

Posted: 10/12/2011 12:37:30
Last Edit: 10/12/2011 12:38:31 by Iso Nuys

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SPW

first registered 03.09.10

last online 2 days ago

Will be sending you something by the end of next week. It will be dark and quite odd.

Posted: 10/12/2011 13:38:56

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Rob1969

first registered 30.05.11

last online 2 hours ago

See, I go away to make a nice cup of tea and look who sneaks in the backdoor (that's not a euphemism btw - or it is - but not in this context).

I'm sure it will have teeth. It might have tentacles and suckers, black eyes and a beak as well . . . at least, here's hoping.

At some point I'd like you discuss your influences on this thread, Bradley.

What were your earliest influences, what helped shape your imagination and what continues to be a source of inspiration to you? Please feel free to link in any artists, films, pictures etc. I'm sure a lot of people would be interested to see where your unique imagination has come from.

(still waiting for your cover to be verified!)

Thanks again for all your contributions. close quotes

Well Iso, here’s a teaser. My story - which will also be ready come New Year, will be a somewhat experimental collection of three interwoven story arcs whose overarching theme is addiction.
I started it a while ago but you just gave me a reason to finish it off.
Here is a tiny snippet

THIS IS NOT AN EXIT

And you, well ur named up in culture - writ large.
Bag-Head.
Smack-Head.
Junkie.
Skeg.

Ur vice is street worded. Urban named.

H, china white, fix, horse, smack, whack, mother pearl, junk.

This is la familiar - yours that is.

Now you're striding along with that junkie gait that’s someplace between a walk and run, all lurching strides eating up the distance to your dealers door like a pissed ship tossed on a pavement of waves only you can feel.
Your clothes – same as yesterday and the day before and the day before and – they hang off a frame grown gaunt as winter twigs. True that when you were fifteen you would never leave the house without whacking on deodorant and aftershave – even though you didn’t shave – and running four fingers of shockwaves through your hair till it stood a-glisten, spiked and proud as a teen on the pull.
Odour of stale days now, scented by neglect and no pride – hell that was the first thing to go.



A paranoid switch-flick of your head, eyes scanning for the Rosser’s before you knock on the blue flat door. Knuckle rap call.
Cold. Not the day – you.
“Who is it,” low slung dropped octaves, dulled by the door.
You tell him. Adding “You got,” the only question.
Even then the door only opens a crack on a mega chain, two eyes burrow through the slant – You thought your paranoia was bad eh. Well, ain’t this the rats lair.

Inside, enshrouded in the temple of your dereliction. Blank floor stark walls, no intrinsic value, nothing to ease the eye, an abode as barren as your soul – voided like a spent lottery ticket, one that won fuck all.

Front room the view is:


Two dudes on a threadbare sofa gouching out, eyes pinned, heads lolled over, barely acknowledge your arrival – ghosted. Girl, teen was hippy-chick once, now just gaunt, sunken eyed with chapped lips, tracked arms over by a small table, foil handed chasing the dragon - like she could ever catch it. Looks up and like it was her very life vapour exhales a lung full of gear, not spent yet, blows it into the mouth of her fellow snow queen, not that she even likes her, it’s just gear ain’t it. Never waste.
Past that, the place is half-lit squalor, curtains drawn, shaded tones of gloom.

ALL grey everything

the downward spiral

Now you stand hunched, solemn. Pending. Ticks afflict you as if your nervous system is in rebellion, minor fidgets, side-side shuffling of your feet, left cheek spasming as if you are trying to wink but can’t manage it. And as you wait, it builds in you like a wild (P)itch. The need

the very desperation of it.
Internal consumption, it eats up every spark of your form as you wait. Wait to sate the thrum of your habit.

It’s always this way - how could it be any other.

You wake from sedation into need, from the shade of forgetful existence into the light of need it now. Comes like a sickness, inches up on you until it’s all there is and always this

Tease. Wait while the dealer gets his shit together. Two sorts of dealers round your way, fellow addicts – unreliable, skank you always sell small wraps of cut gear – and bread heads, money dealers who never touch anything stronger than fags – dangerous twats in it for doe and kicks. Fuck you up as soon as look at you. This one is the former, a fellow bag-head.




Posted: 10/12/2011 13:40:06
Last Edit: 10/12/2011 13:42:45 by Rob1969

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Iso Nuys

retired user

Will be sending you something by the end of next week. It will be dark and quite odd. close quotes

It's always a pleasure to read your work, Simon. I know from what I read of Yuko Zen that you like to use different forms of narrative. I especially remember 'the list' in Yuko Zen.

And what was the name of the other novel you were working on?

I remember seeing it on your site once, but I can't find it now.

Posted: 10/12/2011 13:46:47

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Iso Nuys

retired user

THIS IS NOT AN EXIT is looking very interesting Rob.

I won't attempt to discuss it right now (there's obviously much more to come) but if anyone would like to point towards what they believe to be experimental novels, or indeed experimental writers, who have influenced, intimidated or even frustrated them, then please go ahead.

As soon as we talk about addiction the first writer who springs to mind is Burroughs. I know that's somewhat lazy, but I'm a bit of literary butterfly so I flit about from genre to genre. I can't say that I ever enjoyed his cut-up technique, and nor did I really understand what he was trying to achieve.

I hugely admire the work of J.G Ballard but The Atrocity Exhibition was a source of frustration to me.

What else do you think we should try reading, even if it pains us?


Posted: 10/12/2011 13:54:26

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