BRAINPAN FALLOUT RE-SERIALIZATON THOUGHTS

The re-serialization of Brainpan Fallout is done. You can start with the introduction, and follow the links at the end of each episode to the end. You could even read it all in one sitting – though I don't advise it – there may be mind-altering side-effects.

Do not operate heavy machinery or make important decisions while under the influence of Brainpan Fallout. We want you to use Brainpan Fallout responsibly. We also aren't liable for anything that happens to you as the result of reading Brainpan Fallout.

[Note to self: Make sure there's a disclaimer if I do a book version. Of course it will have exciting extras about the exciting era and how I came to write it, too . . .]

Once again, considering the gonzo-disjointed way I wrote it, I'm amazed how it holds together. I guess all those years of writing stories built a diabolical story-machine in my brain: All I have to do is throw a bunch of random weirdness in there, shake well, and KERBLAMO! It's become a way of life with me. And because day jobs have taken up more or my life since then, I've become accustomed to being interrupted, and finding my way back on track.

It's also a prototype for Chicano science fiction, and Chicanonautica.

And yes, it's not quite science fiction, more like speculative fiction – but then, say “speculative fiction” to the average person on the street and you get a blank stare. If I was in a pretentious mood I'd call it magic realism, but it's just too funky for that.

The main thing I noticed was how much pain Flash Gomez was in. When I wrote it, I was trying to create something that would appeal to kids who hung out in the poetic coffee houses where The Red Dog Journal was being given away – trying to be professional, not expressing myself. Then it ended up on the Internet, and things spun out of control.

But I was in a lot of pain back then. My writing career had crashed after looking so damn promising. I guess my pain leaked out as I was trying to advise and amuse the younger generation. Some of them called me genius, because they were in pain, too.

Today's kids are also in pain. They see the future as all apocalypses, zombies, and dystopias. Those of us who have been around on this broke-down merry-go-round a few times can do our best to let them know that it doesn't have to be so bad.

Somehow, I've gotten over that pain. The world is in turmoil, and seems to be on the edge of doom (again), but now I see it as the way it is in a complex civilization. Maybe it's the wisdom of age, or the terminal warping of my sense of humor – or brain damage from my life-long quixotic struggle.