compared the honest and direct nature of my writing to the narrative of John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats. As already alluded to, Darnielle is a musical hero of mine. As you have probably already figured out, your mom is not one to use empty flattery. With that in mind I did consider it fairly high praise.

 Your mom convinced me to show my manuscript to Vespertine, to see if he and his editors could possibly work on polishing it up for me. I did, and apparently with a little bit of polishing Vespertine’s publishing company has agreed to publish it. In many instances an artist’s work is not truly appreciated until after they die. So who knows? Even if no one likes it, I at least will not be around to have my feelings hurt. Since, I will not be around to support you and your mom,...

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