Not boring at all. It reads fast, keeps a nice pace. I'm serious about wanting to include in the anthology I'm putting together, if you're interested...?
Definitely open to it. What form would the anthology take? Digital? Self published physical copy? Would you be making it available solely on Substack or on some other site? Just curious.
Thanks for reminding. I did read the link in the original message. I'd be honored to be included, but like I said, I know its longer than the limit so I understand if it gets cut in the end.
This was such a strange and compelling piece. I was scared, intrigued and most of all: I loved the contests. They were so fascinating and I could sense the underlying meanings behind each psychiatric challenge. It’s such an interesting concept that you explored, I am curious about the backstory and the making of this story. I have always been impressed by psychiatrists’ capacity to stay composed in the face of mental illnesses and pain. It was so interesting to see them experience some of this pain and react to it. This was so powerful!!! Thank you for this moment, Layne!
Also, you have a real talent for sensory descriptions. So here are my highlights:
Straight ahead, a reception podium was manned by a lady with too much hair and an impatient look in her eyes. I suspected that she suspected that I might be planning to ask her where a guy could take a dump.
The atmosphere was warm with designer fragrances and the musk of human bodies.
unkempt hair spilling out over his ears and neck.
A roaring cheer rolled across the room and spilled over our little table in the back.
where the competitions took on strange and even disturbing flavors.
They unfolded like giant white flower petals
For a moment it was just the two of us, there on the roof of the world.
Hassania! This is why I decided to start posting my writing on Substack! I really appreciate your willingness to give a longer piece like this a chance and to take the time to write such a kind and thoughtful comment. I’m especially honored to get positive feedback from writers like yourself whose work I respect.
I myself am a psychiatrist with twenty years’ experience. One day a couple of years ago, I had heard about some kind of contest in which accountants or computer programmers or some profession competed against each other, and the phrase “Psychiatry Contest” popped in my head. It was so absurd that I couldn’t stop imagining what such a contest might entail.
At some point after that, I read Chuck Palahniuk’s book Consider This, in which he recommends the creation of a realistic world by devising rules, rituals, and myths and repeating them until they are fact (the first rule of Fight Club…).
With that advice in mind, I just started writing from the perspective of someone who happens upon this hidden world and learns about it along with the reader. My goal wasn’t anything “antipsychiatry,” it was more about playing with some of the tropes and misconceptions people (and fiction) tend to have regarding psychiatrists.
I’ve very glad that you connected with it. If there was anything that was particularly confusing, or any errors in the text, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m here for the validation, but also to improve. I’m looking forward to reading more of your stuff as well•
This was gripping in an absurd comical way. The ending was great, and that last line of dialogue fantastic.
I appreciate it. It’s a weird kind of story, and a longer read, but at least I feel like I can safely say that it isn’t boring•
Not boring at all. It reads fast, keeps a nice pace. I'm serious about wanting to include in the anthology I'm putting together, if you're interested...?
Definitely open to it. What form would the anthology take? Digital? Self published physical copy? Would you be making it available solely on Substack or on some other site? Just curious.
Self-published physical copy (got around 12 authors on board). I believe I sent you a link in chat, I’ll send again.
Thanks for reminding. I did read the link in the original message. I'd be honored to be included, but like I said, I know its longer than the limit so I understand if it gets cut in the end.
Naw, I doubt it gets cut. I’m glad you’re onboard! I’ll follow up with you in July.
This was such a strange and compelling piece. I was scared, intrigued and most of all: I loved the contests. They were so fascinating and I could sense the underlying meanings behind each psychiatric challenge. It’s such an interesting concept that you explored, I am curious about the backstory and the making of this story. I have always been impressed by psychiatrists’ capacity to stay composed in the face of mental illnesses and pain. It was so interesting to see them experience some of this pain and react to it. This was so powerful!!! Thank you for this moment, Layne!
Also, you have a real talent for sensory descriptions. So here are my highlights:
Straight ahead, a reception podium was manned by a lady with too much hair and an impatient look in her eyes. I suspected that she suspected that I might be planning to ask her where a guy could take a dump.
The atmosphere was warm with designer fragrances and the musk of human bodies.
unkempt hair spilling out over his ears and neck.
A roaring cheer rolled across the room and spilled over our little table in the back.
where the competitions took on strange and even disturbing flavors.
They unfolded like giant white flower petals
For a moment it was just the two of us, there on the roof of the world.
Hassania! This is why I decided to start posting my writing on Substack! I really appreciate your willingness to give a longer piece like this a chance and to take the time to write such a kind and thoughtful comment. I’m especially honored to get positive feedback from writers like yourself whose work I respect.
I myself am a psychiatrist with twenty years’ experience. One day a couple of years ago, I had heard about some kind of contest in which accountants or computer programmers or some profession competed against each other, and the phrase “Psychiatry Contest” popped in my head. It was so absurd that I couldn’t stop imagining what such a contest might entail.
At some point after that, I read Chuck Palahniuk’s book Consider This, in which he recommends the creation of a realistic world by devising rules, rituals, and myths and repeating them until they are fact (the first rule of Fight Club…).
With that advice in mind, I just started writing from the perspective of someone who happens upon this hidden world and learns about it along with the reader. My goal wasn’t anything “antipsychiatry,” it was more about playing with some of the tropes and misconceptions people (and fiction) tend to have regarding psychiatrists.
I’ve very glad that you connected with it. If there was anything that was particularly confusing, or any errors in the text, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m here for the validation, but also to improve. I’m looking forward to reading more of your stuff as well•
Fantastic and wild and weird, loved every surreal bit of it.
Now that was a wild ride that brought me back to my past as fast as an acid flashback!
That’s what I like to hear! I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. You’re welcome for the flashback•