Cancel culture probably exists! (Now that I have your attention…)

Posted by on Jul 11th, 2020 in News | 0 comments

Everybody’s talking about cancel culture these days, what with that notorious Harper’s Bazaar letter and whatnot. Why do I bring up the subject, when there are much more pressing problems in the world right now?

Because the novel I’ve been working on, Hate Story, is a satire of so-called cancel culture. Or, if you hate that term and think it’s nothing but a right-wing myth designed to protect the wealthy and privileged… how about public shaming? Online bullying? Mob hysteria and rule? Whatever you want to call it, my book’s about it. And I’ve posted a preview – the first six chapters – on the writing website Wattpad. You should read it. Here’s the link.

cancel culture

 

It’s a new novel about the Internet, a human life, and everything in between.
Paul Shoreditch has died – and his funeral has inspired a violent riot. Jackie Roberts, a young freelance journalist who’s addicted to classic cinema and online flame wars in equal measure, has been assigned to find out why. What led to Paul’s death? What did he do to make so many people so angry? Who put up a website devoted solely to shaming him – and why?

Mixing satire with mystery, cynicism with compassion, Hate Story is an outrageous, darkly funny and timely tale that will keep you wanting more.

* * * * *

The other reason I’m posting this is to let you know that I’m reading in a Zoom event this Friday – Ad Lib’s Got Talent: Zoom Edition II. It’s the standard Ad Lib talent show that typically happens at the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto, only there’s a silly pandemic out there, so we’re doing it online. Other likely performers include Vanessa McMahon, Charlene Winger and Dimetre Alexou. Damon Lum hosts as always. Check the right sidebar to find out more.

If you can’t make it Friday, but you still want to see and/or hear me read and perform stuff, go to this page here for a handful of videos and mp3s.

Remember, cancel culture probably isn’t real. Or is it?

I guess I’m cancelled now. Damn.