On Madore

Who would have thought, three years ago, that P.H. Madore would outlast Jeff T. Kane?

I recently said somewhere that I think Andy Riverbed is the most talented writer I know of under the age of 25. I think Madore is the most ambitious writer under the age of 25. Many times, his dedication comes close to matching that ambition. And if I was trying this hard when I was 18-21, I’d be someplace different now that I’m 30.

And yes, his temperament is oh so fiery. Witness his latest discussion with Dave Clapper in the blog post underneath this one. I’m glad I don’t have to deal with it any more. There once was a period of time, as I was in the midst of rejecting what he claims to be 100 different submissions (I should dig up the actual number), that I had to publically absorb the wrath of Madore on a weekly basis. There were many who used the word “hate” in regard to Madore. Fortunately, the 18 year old was no match to the superb debate skills of the lawyer’s son. At some point I bought Madore surf and turf and maybe he realized I was being genuine when I kept telling him that if anything, I truly admired that he didn’t give up and kept sending us work. I don’t know if being published in the Jargon was an adequate payoff for all those years of struggle, but if it makes him happy...

Madore has burned his bridges, and I’ll no doubt take flak for publishing him. “Why do you continue to carry this guy?” a writer I respect very much asked me once, but it’s not like Madore would let anybody carry him.