What the Hell's a Jay Squires
an 81-Year Romp in a Tutu54 total reviews
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Jay,
What a great piece of non-fiction! It's bound to be a contender in the contest, and I wish you much luck.
I had no idea you were older than me. I turned 70 last October. By your picture, I'd guess late 40's? You've got that Steve McQueen look. Anyone ever told you that? He was one of my favorite actors. I'll never forget him in "The Magnificent Seven", with Yul Brynner.
I enjoyed this well-written autobiography, a woulda/coulda/shoulda that hangs out of my back pocket, too. I like the hat-off honesty, without the puffiness that usually accompanies accomplishments.
Where have the years gone? I spent a lot of time writing for fun, not thinking twice about being published until I was in my 60's. Was it a waste? I don't know. Sheree Fitch told me two important things... write for the joy it brings you, as well as others. And write about what you know. It's too late for me now. I've been published in three books, soon to be four, but it would be nice to have my very own book. I suppose that's a goal, if I live long enough to see it to conclusion. But I've got this narrowed aortic valve.
Anyway, your piece makes me (and perhaps other Fanstory members) take a long look at themselves. Do we dare follow you in a likewise mission? Will we "get back up on the poopdeck of the Flagship Fanstory, to deliver (our) high kicks and shake (our) pom-poms"?
An excellent piece, Jay! Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Cheers,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Hi Jay,
What a great piece of non-fiction! It's bound to be a contender in the contest, and I wish you much luck.
I had no idea you were older than me. I turned 70 last October. By your picture, I'd guess late 40's? You've got that Steve McQueen look. Anyone ever told you that? He was one of my favorite actors. I'll never forget him in "The Magnificent Seven", with Yul Brynner.
I enjoyed this well-written autobiography, a woulda/coulda/shoulda that hangs out of my back pocket, too. I like the hat-off honesty, without the puffiness that usually accompanies accomplishments.
Where have the years gone? I spent a lot of time writing for fun, not thinking twice about being published until I was in my 60's. Was it a waste? I don't know. Sheree Fitch told me two important things... write for the joy it brings you, as well as others. And write about what you know. It's too late for me now. I've been published in three books, soon to be four, but it would be nice to have my very own book. I suppose that's a goal, if I live long enough to see it to conclusion. But I've got this narrowed aortic valve.
Anyway, your piece makes me (and perhaps other Fanstory members) take a long look at themselves. Do we dare follow you in a likewise mission? Will we "get back up on the poopdeck of the Flagship Fanstory, to deliver (our) high kicks and shake (our) pom-poms"?
An excellent piece, Jay! Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Cheers,
Kimbob
Comment Written 10-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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You make it all worthwhile, Kimbob. I got a kick out of your thinking I was in my 40's. When I first used that picture on FanStory and Twitter, I called myself "Younger JaySqires." I may have to put that tag back. And yes, I was told some time ago that I looked like Steve Mcqueen. I'm thrilled you enjoyed my story, Kimbob. I appreciate the six stars.
Comment from RPSaxena
Hello Jay Squires,
Lovely piece of Non-Fiction having lucid as well as perfectly matching the theme phraseology, captivating flow throughout from the beginning to the end with nice imagery at several places, and depicting its theme in an impressive way.
The most noteworthy are:
"A promise is a promise" & "The Glory of Now"
Interesting, worth enjoying, and EDUCATIVE as well!
BEST OF LUCK!!
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Hello Jay Squires,
Lovely piece of Non-Fiction having lucid as well as perfectly matching the theme phraseology, captivating flow throughout from the beginning to the end with nice imagery at several places, and depicting its theme in an impressive way.
The most noteworthy are:
"A promise is a promise" & "The Glory of Now"
Interesting, worth enjoying, and EDUCATIVE as well!
BEST OF LUCK!!
Comment Written 10-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Thank you, RP. I'm glad you enjoyed my story enough to award it a 6! Much obliged!
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Jay Squires, Most Welcome!
With best wishes,
~ RP
Comment from Lance S. Loria
That dreaded cheerleader image will haunt me for many days and nights I fear. There should have been some reader alert or warning posted on this writing to keep me from being exposed to such a thing. Oh well, it is just one more of life's everlasting experiences that make us all better writers in the end by expanding our horizons...and that too is an image of your cheerleading I need not see or think about. LOL.
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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That dreaded cheerleader image will haunt me for many days and nights I fear. There should have been some reader alert or warning posted on this writing to keep me from being exposed to such a thing. Oh well, it is just one more of life's everlasting experiences that make us all better writers in the end by expanding our horizons...and that too is an image of your cheerleading I need not see or think about. LOL.
Comment Written 10-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Haha. The reader alerts that FanStory allows doesn't cover an ancient in a tutu. Thanks, Lance for the six stars and the kind words.
Comment from Jean Lutz1
Getting confused as to what I have reviewed, what I haven't. Congratulations on the success of this one. I do believe your are writing about me. At almost 81 years of age, I've picked up the pen to write again. I do have more time albeit I may have lost my mind.
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Getting confused as to what I have reviewed, what I haven't. Congratulations on the success of this one. I do believe your are writing about me. At almost 81 years of age, I've picked up the pen to write again. I do have more time albeit I may have lost my mind.
Comment Written 10-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Thank you, Jean. Good for you to start back writing. I've got room for another cheerleader on my team, LOL. Keep on writing.
Comment from Suzanna Ray
Dear Jay, I love these non-fiction writing Contests, because you really find out something about the 'person', who writes the things that you like. ( their goals, their passions ) so that is why I really liked your description of yourself as a cheerleader on the poop deck.
May you continue to hold this unique position, for many years to come.
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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Dear Jay, I love these non-fiction writing Contests, because you really find out something about the 'person', who writes the things that you like. ( their goals, their passions ) so that is why I really liked your description of yourself as a cheerleader on the poop deck.
May you continue to hold this unique position, for many years to come.
Comment Written 10-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 10-Feb-2021
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I'm glad you enjoyed my nonfiction piece. Thanks for your well-wishes and kind words.
Comment from MissMerri
This was a most interesting reading experience. Several things made it exceptional... First, it was so authentic and honest and un-vain. Your story is uniquely your own, but many of us are certain to find parts of it with which we strongly relate. Plus, it was written in such a readable style, without excess words and then scrupulously edited. I did not see so much as a punctuation mark I would want to change, which is very unusual on this site. Word choices were excellent. But then, your years of writing are bound to make a difference. You were an exceptional writer when here before, and that obviously has not changed. I plan to buy your book. MM
P.S, So glad you have returned to FanStory.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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This was a most interesting reading experience. Several things made it exceptional... First, it was so authentic and honest and un-vain. Your story is uniquely your own, but many of us are certain to find parts of it with which we strongly relate. Plus, it was written in such a readable style, without excess words and then scrupulously edited. I did not see so much as a punctuation mark I would want to change, which is very unusual on this site. Word choices were excellent. But then, your years of writing are bound to make a difference. You were an exceptional writer when here before, and that obviously has not changed. I plan to buy your book. MM
P.S, So glad you have returned to FanStory.
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Thank you MissMerri. You are so kind and generous. It's good to be back with friends here.
Comment from karenina
There is your fine fiction which knocks me off my feet...and there is this gem of an expose on how you developed as a writer (and a human). No buff and shine, spit and polish rendition here--you share the good, the bad and the wry James Dean persona that started you on your path. I found your diligent "publication" via your inebriated uncles not so sincere promise so endearing! You know what I learned most? One can accumulate all the writer's tools in their tool box--but if they are unwilling to dare to find their own voice, to think outside the box, to take a leap and TRY--those tools are worthless. No kidding, I'm not a flatterer nor a fluff reviewer... There are precious few writers I encounter that I truly LEARN from every single time I read them. You are one. Who is to say that those of us on the outside aren't the crazy ones and those in that asylum quite amazingly aware?! Writing expands while it expounds--it entertains as it enlightens. Who said that? OH--it was me. A little blurb in MY high school notebook. Every now and then I find a writer like you and remember, I was right... Karenina
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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There is your fine fiction which knocks me off my feet...and there is this gem of an expose on how you developed as a writer (and a human). No buff and shine, spit and polish rendition here--you share the good, the bad and the wry James Dean persona that started you on your path. I found your diligent "publication" via your inebriated uncles not so sincere promise so endearing! You know what I learned most? One can accumulate all the writer's tools in their tool box--but if they are unwilling to dare to find their own voice, to think outside the box, to take a leap and TRY--those tools are worthless. No kidding, I'm not a flatterer nor a fluff reviewer... There are precious few writers I encounter that I truly LEARN from every single time I read them. You are one. Who is to say that those of us on the outside aren't the crazy ones and those in that asylum quite amazingly aware?! Writing expands while it expounds--it entertains as it enlightens. Who said that? OH--it was me. A little blurb in MY high school notebook. Every now and then I find a writer like you and remember, I was right... Karenina
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Oh, my God! Karenina! I hope I already recommended you for reviewer of the month. I think I did from a review last month that I had to wait until February to get my recommendations back. Damn! This is a most amazing review! I'm thrilled, most of all, that you found something to learn in my post. Please let me know, won't you, if you did get my reviewer nod? If you didn't, I may have placed myself in an embarrassing situation, only to be remedied the first of March.
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You did indeed send me a reviewer of the month nod... Very kind of you! I DO learn from you...which is a real delight!--Karenina
Comment from Pantygynt
It is not often I come across an autobiographical work here on FanStory that is well-written and interesting. The true story contest send me scurrying off to the poetry section for some metered medicine and rhyming rants, but this was different here was someone I could identify with - an unsuccessful insurance salesman. Been there, done that and bought the T shirt. Could there be another like me. Interest was aroused.
The fact is neither of us should ever have tried selling stuff. We are both far to good at writing. So why didn't it work?
The answer as far as I am concerned is that I spent far too long living life (call it research)and not enough time writing about it until now, when it is almost over, relatively speaking anyway.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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It is not often I come across an autobiographical work here on FanStory that is well-written and interesting. The true story contest send me scurrying off to the poetry section for some metered medicine and rhyming rants, but this was different here was someone I could identify with - an unsuccessful insurance salesman. Been there, done that and bought the T shirt. Could there be another like me. Interest was aroused.
The fact is neither of us should ever have tried selling stuff. We are both far to good at writing. So why didn't it work?
The answer as far as I am concerned is that I spent far too long living life (call it research)and not enough time writing about it until now, when it is almost over, relatively speaking anyway.
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Jim, you paid me a huge compliment coming from someone of your caliber. To read your answer to why it didn't work rings true to me as well. For me the underlying reason was follow-through. On any one thing in life: whether is was short story writing and submitting, or writing and submitting one novel after another (before Amazon), or selling insurance ... if I had pursued it like it was the only option I had open to me, I would have succeeded. I have ping-ponged back and forth my entire life.
And now, here we both sit, 81 and, what are you, 45?, and waiting for ... for what? I don't even know any more. I really don't need the money. I live on from 3-$400 a month, just for food for me, my dog, and my car. No place to go. That's why I came back to FanStory to stay.
Hey, Jim, thanks for the validation and the kindness. It's good to count you as a friend here.
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45? Flatterer. I am only 18 months behind you. Lol
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haha!
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Oh, Jay, weren't we stupid back in the day? We thought we knew it all, and knew nothing. How I wish, like you, I'd taken notice forty-fifty years ago. It took the amazing writers on FS that put me wise. They shook me up and spat me out a much better writer than when I first joined. Another 10 years, and who knows! (If I'm still around.) We never stop learning, and there's nothing wrong with admitting that. I wish I'd had a six left, I seemed to have lost them all on Sunday. Well done, my friend. A really excellent read. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Oh, Jay, weren't we stupid back in the day? We thought we knew it all, and knew nothing. How I wish, like you, I'd taken notice forty-fifty years ago. It took the amazing writers on FS that put me wise. They shook me up and spat me out a much better writer than when I first joined. Another 10 years, and who knows! (If I'm still around.) We never stop learning, and there's nothing wrong with admitting that. I wish I'd had a six left, I seemed to have lost them all on Sunday. Well done, my friend. A really excellent read. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Thank you, so much, Sandra. Don't worry about the sixes. I just love hearing from you, and finding touchpoints in our education.
Comment from L. Kalere
Well, now I know more about Jay Squires than I ever thought I wanted to know!! But I gotta say, you're an interesting person, as well as an excellent writer. Holding up a mirror and giving an honest appraisal is not easy to do. It sounds like this rebel finally found his cause...James Dean would roll over in his grave.
Kudos from a fellow Californian...isn't Bakersfield Trumpland?
Linda
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Well, now I know more about Jay Squires than I ever thought I wanted to know!! But I gotta say, you're an interesting person, as well as an excellent writer. Holding up a mirror and giving an honest appraisal is not easy to do. It sounds like this rebel finally found his cause...James Dean would roll over in his grave.
Kudos from a fellow Californian...isn't Bakersfield Trumpland?
Linda
Comment Written 09-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2021
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Oh my God, Linda, Bakersfield is about as red-neck as you get, as well as the home town of Kevin McCarthy, one of the Republican party honchos. But in spite of that, Bakersfieldians are slowly shifting to the Democratic Blue.
I'm glad you enjoyed my story. Enough to grace me with a sixer! Thank you so much.