Feast Day of Fools, follow-up

[ed dalton]

Mr. Burke,

Wondering if you might have a thought re. my 25 March post; thanks.

ED

[ed dalton]

Well, I guess that's one measure of a man. Be seeing you around, partner. ED

[avacca1]

No offense Ed, but that's a fairly rude thing to say. In regards to your previous post, there isn't a lot that needs to be said in regard to your statement. You say, "My small point as regards Feast Day of Fools is that early on you tell of an "auditory delusion" (sorry no page number as again, I'm listening.) Hallucinations are sensations; delusions beliefs." First off, there isn't really a question there. Second off, you just seem to be harping on the fact that you do not like his particular word choice in this instance. Perhaps an auditory delusion means a situation that someone hears what they want to hear. He could have said just that, but I thought this was the sort of thing we look for authors to do, i.e. find ways of phrasing and expressing ideas and feeling we may be familiar with, but in new and pleasing ways. I wouldn't presume to speak for Mr. Burke, but what is it you really want from him? An apology? Perhaps you should be a little bit more tactful.

[ed dalton]

Thanks for your thoughts. No, of course it's not about an "apology" rather a simple, "Thanks for the kind words," of which there were many more than my "small point" you commented on and perhaps a similar, "Thanks for the observation," or "Interesting observation." These are plain examples of what might pass for being polite when someone has taken the time to write a note about your art.

[pamala]

Dear Mr. Dalton,

I'm sorry, but I cannot sit quietly by when someone insults my father's character. An opinion about a book is another matter . He is the most honest, moral, genuine person I know ( my mom's right up there with him). He is a 75 year old southern gentleman who works hard every single day. I have suggested removing the message board and contact page because of the time involved. He likes having contact with his readers. He thinks people who value books and want to be here are people of good will. If you personally knew what a true gentleman you insulted, one who i have watched my whole life be on the side of the downtrodden, an advocate for people denied a voice, a man I've witnessed always make the kind and right decision, you would be embarrassed.

Do me a favor and write your most personally admired popular figure and please share the return letter with us.

Pamala

[leoauthor1970]

Thank you, Pamela. I've been sitting out here gnashing my teeth, wanting to say something myself, but it wasn't my place. And anyway, I think JLB's reticence and not engaging this poster reveals the level of accomplishment and integrity your dad possesses.

[pamala]

My father and I think we sure have met some wonderful people through this forum. Thank you, Leo.

[avacca1]

I am glad you spoke as well, Pamela. I agree completely with your sentiment of how fortunate a thing it is that Mr. Burke is willing to take the time and reply to his admirers and fans. I can think of no other such readily available means of doing such with anyone else I do admire. Which is to say I admire your father a great deal, not only from his novels, but from his inspirational words to young authors seeking to try their own at literary undertakings. I didn't wish to speak out of line and turn the message board into any kind of fighting ground, but it made me angry to see someone call out Mr. Burke. I have just read my first of his novels only six months ago, but have steadily worked my way through as many as I could get a hand on. Thank you for taking the time to help make this message baord a reality.

Anthony

[ed dalton]

Dear Pamala and all,

My heartfelt apologies as it truly was not my intention to be unfairly critical of your sainted father. The reason I wrote at all, something I rarely do as I'm not much given to these sorts of postings, is because I admire his work as I said in the original note:

I'm a longtime listener as I've pleasured in your many fine books via the audio recording format. Hearing your words spoken by Will Patton creates some of the sweetest poetry I know. And always, the deep water of your unassuming, silvery susurrus washes over and reveals our constant, human dualities. My small point as regards Feast Day of Fools is that early on you tell of an "auditory delusion" (sorry no page number as again, I'm listening.) Hallucinations are sensations; delusions beliefs. Thanks for your companionship on my many walks with the dog and daily commutes.

As I read your dad's responses to the many, fine sentiments expressed by his readers, I did not see mine as so unusual not to elicit even a simple "Thanks for the kind words;" thus my polite, second query, which similarly produced no response. As your father, through his exquisitely drawn characters, speaks directly to the matter at hand, so do I; which includes an apology when warranted. He's lucky to have you as, in turn, are you.

Health and good wishes to all,
Ed Dalton

[pamala]

Mr Dalton,

It clearly states on the board that my dad just can't answer every reply. He writes every day, sometimes he has no internet access, he gets bogged down like we all do, etc... Thank you for being a fan of the work, but I respectfully say that I would not consider an apology to contain passive/ aggressive statements like referring to my father as "a saint". Nor would it continue to complain of what you considered the original insult.

There are so many best selling authors out there who won't even put a contact me link on the page, let alone actively participate so often on a message board. I'm stymied by your insistence on complaining about something he was probably going to get to anyway. I'm asking you to drop the matter, please.

I appreciate the support for my dad, but I will go ahead and lock the topic as this very thing goes against the good will in which the board was created.

Best wishes,

pamala