THEN
On February 3, 2012, I published my first post on WordPress: it was a video by Die Antwoord, and the post was titled One Tablet A Day—it was viewed 4 times, with no likes and no comments. Le Clown‘s character wasn’t born yet; this site was about a man who was married to a woman living with an unconfirmed bipolar type II diagnosis, blogging about his family and mental health. The posts quickly became personal, too personal. My wife was blogging about her depression, but as A Clown on Fire started gaining readers, we felt vulnerable because of the content of my posts. So I wrote more about my kids—the maelstrom that is my daughter, mostly. I was writing and laughing; readers were liking and commenting on my posts. My humour had carte blanche: one day I was using fu*k, the next day, I tried fuck instead. And on March 24, 2012, I introduced Le (the) Clown. In less than two months, my views went from 3528 (February) to 19543 (April).
FAN ART BY THE SEED SAID SO
Writing under Le Clown’s persona was a learning curve: my first posts as the irreverent blogger were published with regrets. After I published a typical Le Clown post, or made a Le Clown comment on someone’s blog, I often sent personal emails to those I thought I had insulted when in Le Clown’s character. It was Smaktakula from Promethean Times and Dotty Headbanger from Notes From A She-Hermit ©™® who encouraged me to unleash Le Clown without remorse. A Clown on Fire lingo was then created: readers became carnies; my family was introduced as Tiny Geek and The Ringmistress. Everything about Le Clown became magnificent™. And it snowballed: the clownonsphere™, being Clownly Pressed™, etc… In August, I started blogging as myself, and as Le Clown—ACOF was Freshly Pressed and featured on The Daily Post. I closed my eyes early on January 1, 2013, elated; this blog was on fire.
On a personal level, 2012 was preemptively baptized the year of nothing™. My wife and I had plan an uneventful year: no babies, no wedding, no moving, no big projects, no surprises… In 2012, we moved, changed jobs, we traveled and my wife’s grandmother passed away. We wanted 2012 to be a year of nothing, but it was anything but…
NOW
The focus will be on the writing:
- There will be two posts a week on ACOF: one from Le Clown on Mondays, and one by me on Thursdays. My About section was updated accordingly.
- I will be introducing my new assistant on January 7. Why? Read this.
- The Alan Smithee Blog Award will be retiring on January 14. Grab it while you can.
- It will be replaced by the Official Le Clown Fan Club, launched on the same day.
- On January 21: a new weekly Madame Weebles / Le Clown column, which will coexist on our respective blogs.
On a personal level, 2013 has been baptized the year of nothing™.
THE OFFICIAL LE CLOWN FAN CLUB’S PIN
I have been recognized in the streets of Montreal. I have received stirring emails from fellow bloggers about my writing and the positive impact that ACOF has had on them. My readership is in the 4 digits. I have been approached to endorse products. I’ve made some friends. I have alienated others. I thank you all.
2014
The year of…™
Eric and Le C,
I am finally at the computer now and able to comment. My life has been changed for the better from your sage advice (notice the use of the word SAGE that I used this THYME), your dapper wear (I am wearing stripes more and more these days), and your general ability to spread your love around. From a year of nothing to a maelstrom of words, congrats.
I didn’t really mean to comment so much, I just wanted to say the best part of the post was that you TM’d the title!
Posted by iRuniBreathe | January 3, 2013, 14:46Patchouli,
When you say your life changed for the better since my sage advice, do you mean the tearing of your Achilles tendon?
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 20:10Almost that. It is not completely torn, it’s got mild tendinitis. Enough that it’s a huge pain (literally, figuratively, physically, visually, demographically, etc).
But it gives me more time to sit in front of the computer. Sortof.
Yours in clownsuits,
Mashed potato
Posted by iRuniBreathe | January 4, 2013, 11:582012 was the year I met Le Clown. Seriously. That’s all I wrote in my journal. I use the rest of the pages to write notes to people who I think wear too much hair spray, so pretty much anyone who wears hair spray. Here’s to a kick ass 2013!
Posted by Ericka Clay | January 3, 2013, 14:46Ericka,
You brought something up, and I must ask the tough questions, so please bear with me: do people still say Spray Net, or am I really that old?
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 14:53What is Spray Net?
Regards,
The Fetus
Posted by Ericka Clay | January 3, 2013, 15:59Ericka,
So I googled Spray Net and possible correlations to a fetus (fetal tissue? harmful for the fetus, Dr. Henry Morgantaler), to no avail. I’ll have to go with the possible analogy of you being really, really young compared to my 107 years of wisdom.
Le clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 18:54What was that? I can’t hear you through this placenta.
Posted by Ericka Clay | January 7, 2013, 09:47I’m glad to be here for the ride! Onwards and upwards, Le Clown, L’Eric, and the combined Magnificence™ thereof!
You mentioned dear Dotty. She’s not been around since the end of October. Have you heard from her at all in that time?
Posted by faithhopechocolate | January 3, 2013, 15:07Faith,
Dotty and I exchanged a few emails in the past, and my last attempts to reach her failed. I’ll send her another email today.
It’s always a pleasure to read you.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 18:00Thank you. I know her last post, she said she wasn’t particularly wanting to even switch on her magic box that connects her to the world of the internet, and while one of the beautiful things about the internet is that you can just disappear, it’s worrying that we’ve not heard from her.
Le Clown, L’Eric, you’re a jolly good sort. Xxx
Posted by faithhopechocolate | January 5, 2013, 12:35fascinating! so how important on a scale from 1-10 (1 being the least important) is it to create an alter-ego? Talking about Die Antwoord: I have been following Watkin Tudor Jones’s career since 2004 (he was exhibiting some art then) but only after he became Ninja did things seem to go BANG! and so you mention that only after you introduced LeClown did things happen for you. It makes me wonder about people and why they respond more to an alter-ego? How much of you is you? Is it easier to write as LeClown? More liberating? A year of nothing? – or juggling between the two personas?
Posted by hannalietaute | January 3, 2013, 15:07Hanna,
It’s been awhile! It’s good to read you again.
This is a magnificent comment™. I don’t know about the importance of an alter-ego. in my case, I know that it allowed me to explore different writing styles: being irreverent is easier through Le Clown, than as myself. Yes, Le Clown serves as an outlet. And then again, I wouldn’t allow Le Clown to write my personal posts (isn’t it interesting that I mention Le Clown as if he was actually a living entity?), as they are too close to me.
Interesting parallel to Ninja, too. There are other artists who have adopted alter-egos and saw their career enjoy a real boost from it, I’m thinking of Andy Kaufman / Tony Clifton (one of my biggest influences as a “humourist”, with Woody Allen). Or Batman. Now if only Die Artwoord could come back from Ten$Ion with something that carries all the potential of what the band could be…
I will continue to juggle between Le Clown and Eric, to be able to enjoy in two very distinct styles, as they both feed something in me… and the also seem to reach two different readership.
Love, love your comment. Happy 2013.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 15:26Hanna,
On my way home, I remembered that “Woody Allen” is another moniker/stage name (real name being Allan Stewart Konigsberg). Again, thank you for this insightful comment
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 18:02Interesting. I’m not so familiar with Woody Allen, except for “Midnight in Paris” which I enjoyed. I’m curious so will do some research on him. Thanks for the feedback.
Posted by hannalietaute | January 4, 2013, 13:36Without you I would never have tried on all those moustaches. Your blog is indeed the magical recipe for how it’s done. If only I could follow recipes…then my Irish Cream wouldn’t have chunks in it.
Posted by liquorstorebear | January 3, 2013, 16:37My alcoholic bear friend,
How are you? I have to ask you this: when’s the last time you had Crème de Menthe, and is it as foul as I remember it to be? Granted, I was 7 when I tried it.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 18:57I haven’t had Creme de Menthe since my heyday in the liquor store. It’s absolutely horrid–bracing, jarring, vile, like a mouthwash that soils you instead of freshening you up. I absolutely love it. Seven is about the right age to start with C de M…isn’t that the age of culpability for one’s sins?
Posted by liquorstorebear | January 3, 2013, 20:16LS,
Seven is the age of reason. It’s also the age where I discovered liver… raw… on my peen.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 20:19The liver is evil! It must be punished!
Posted by liquorstorebear | January 4, 2013, 12:57LSB,
It was. I spit in its face many times.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 12:59I already LOVE Le Clown!
Posted by susielindau | January 3, 2013, 17:11Susie,
Le Clown loves himself too.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 18:32Le Clown, friend Eric,
I don’t remember when or how we met and I’ve been absent for awhile due to unforeseen circumstances but once I got to know YOU I realized how sweet and caring you are. I was a little timid and scared of Le Clown at first but then I began to see your magnificent light. I do remember and am honored that I was your very first haiku host — remember? I won’t leave a silly emoticon smile but I am smiling. Congrats to you, lovely Sara and your beautiful brood. Look forward to reading more. Thank you, Eric — you deserve this!
Brigitte
Posted by Brigitte | January 3, 2013, 17:30Brigitte,
It seems life has resumed a normal course for you again. Good for you, Brigitte. You were indeed the first haiku host, and the inspiration behind Haiku Sundays. You’re good people. I’ll give your regards to the family.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 18:05M. Le Clown,
You are an inspiration and a whirling dervish of writing productivity. I remember you and Dotty going back and forth and at first I thought you were serious. I miss Dotty and I have missed you!
xoxox mags
Posted by Maggie O'C | January 3, 2013, 19:45Maggie,
Happy 2013. I miss Dotty too. She’s a kick-ass blogger. I have sent her an email today. I’ll let you know if I receive any news. She is the fucking best.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 3, 2013, 19:47That sounds like a whole lot more than nothing to me.
Can’t wait to continue reading your blog this year!
Posted by nevercontrary | January 3, 2013, 21:03Never Contrary,
That sounds like the song Led Zeppelin never wrote… See you soon, mon amie.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 07:54I hate being a mushy-mush mouth but gosh what a heartfelt post! Started following after your FP and I am glad to be a part of the circus (can’t figure out the TM for carnie yet). 2012 was suppose to be a year of nothing for me too, but it’s been a tough nothing. My goal for 2013 is to be more clown-like, less meanie. Happy New year to you and the family for 2013!
Posted by biggreenmeanie | January 3, 2013, 23:14Big Green Meanie,
This is what I say: 2012: You sucked Chodas, and I hope your mouth is covered in poo. Eloquence is my middle name. Happy 2013!
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 07:53Le Clown, there is definitely something to be said about nothing. Clearly, you are on the path to bigger and better things, particularly in my eyes, since I only discovered you five minutes ago. But in that time, your ascension has been mind boggling. Glad I found you in time to grab on and enjoy the ride. Looking forward to following your climb, my friend
ugly emoticon eradicated from your wonderful comment[updated by Le Clown]
Posted by Ned's Blog | January 3, 2013, 23:57Ned,
Did we meet before? I mean, in the last 5 minutes? I think not. But I like the way you think; we can be friends indeed… even if you dared using an emoticon on my site. Happy 2013.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 07:49That’s me — always pushing the boundaries. Thanks for the pass on the emoticon. It’s out of my system now… And a happy 2013 to you as well, Le Clown.
Posted by Ned's Blog | January 4, 2013, 09:54One question. How do you do it? Seriously? How do you do it? I have a fraction of the followers you have, a fraction of the comments, and a fraction of the blogs I bet you follow and comment on. I can’t keep up! How the f*ck, er, I mean fuck do you do it!? FUCK! I love you all, but FUCK!
Posted by robincoyle | January 4, 2013, 01:33Robin,
The answer is simple: I am Le Clown.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 07:14Oh yeah . . . the great and powerful Le Clown. I forgot.
Posted by robincoyle | January 5, 2013, 17:52You may baptize 2013 whatever you wish, Le Clown. The result will be: the year of everything Magnificent™.
Love the pin.
Posted by michellestodden | January 4, 2013, 01:53Michelle,
I could reply to your comment, but I’d rather thank you for liking my Facebook page. It made Le Clown all warm and fuzzy, even if he won’t admit it.
Eric, on behalf of Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 07:44You apparently send out personal emails even to this day or maybe you just sensed that I was overwhelmingly sad that you won’t read my damn blog. I’m persistent, Clownie. One day…
Posted by vyvacious | January 4, 2013, 04:18V,
I was on your blog just last week. If I was to increase the frequency, I might get confused, and think I was actually on A Clown on Fire.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 07:26Le Clown,
I’m going to take that as the highest compliment as for you to be confused, that must mean you think our writing is similar-ish. I think you’re starting to finally like emoticons
douchebag emoticon removedVery happy you visited though, thank you!Vyvacious Bodacious
[comment edited by Le Clown]
Posted by vyvacious | January 4, 2013, 14:34Le Clown, my blog started small also, exploded, and then I got deployed. I’ve tried to follow how you’re doing as best I can but clearly you have this well under control. Keep up the great work.
BrainRants
Posted by BrainRants | January 4, 2013, 05:33Brain Farts,
I remember you from a few months back… I see time has been good to you! Look at those rosy cheeks. I’d invite you for tea one day, but I’m afraid my cat might pee on you. We could always meet in public; being seen with you would probably make me even more enviable (is that even possible?), you know, like walking with a baby stroller and telling everyone you’re a widow, and single… but in your case, I wouldn’t have to say anything, as you are so goddamn ugly, even with rosy cheeks… Happy 2013, and welcome back, Brain Rants; it’s good to see you, ugly or not.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 07:25Le Clown,
Oh, but this is a photo of my Spawn dude, who guards my workbench. I would gladly come up and be your Ugly Guy second, but I’m afraid I’m persona non grata up in Canadia. The reasons are irrelevant, but my actual heinously fugly nature doesn’t help things much. Also I am not yet back. I am in Le Afghanistan. Le fuck me.
Rants
Posted by BrainRants | January 4, 2013, 07:35Brain Rants,
Fuck dude, sorry about that… One day, when you’ll be out of Afghanistan, and when the US will invade Canada, we’ll have coffee together, in my cell. I will welcome you like a brother.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 07:41Elyse,
Now HERE’s the infamous and elusive comment I have been trying to comment on since the first comment on this well-commented post! Is your husband Slapdash’s hubby? Or do they share similar traits? Are they in fact serial killers? Did you ever ask yourself these questions? Clowns are people too, you know…
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 07:59Yes, Le Clown, I do always try to hide my comments in plain sight. Or in plain sites. It’s one of the two.
My husband is a wee bit paranoid. He is positive someone isn’t going to like my politics and shoot me. Or at a minimum, stalk me and make my life (and by extension, his) miserable. I listen politely while rolling my eyes.
I’m glad to see that there are other equally concerned husbands out there.
Posted by Elyse | January 4, 2013, 09:07I never miss a happy blog birthday, though I am sometimes fashionably late. And as your present — which is more than most people get — I again wish you a year of many things: all of them positive, all of them quiet.
And I want to say that I am very happy to have met you and your family, and to have become your friend a little earlier on in things, because I won’t lie and say that it isn’t for yourself instead of your persona that I read this, and occasionally even leave a comment (though lately they must be scheduled between urgent care visits).
I hope you continue to find your comfort levels and a good balance in writing this.
xo
Posted by Ruby Tuesday | January 4, 2013, 10:40Ruby,
There’s something for everyone on A Clown on Fire, and I couldn’t be happier to know that you’ve found something that pleases you too. Happy 2013, Ruby.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 5, 2013, 07:46Le Clown:
You started insulting me on February 24th (on my article titled The Art of the Insult, no less) and I have kept returning to be insulted ever since. To what can I attribute this verbal masochism other than your magnificence™? You’ve introduced me to a whole bunch of interesting bloggers – who DON’T abuse a helpless grumpy old man – and have helped keep my creaky synapses working. Stay on fire, baggy pants.
C-a-L
Posted by Curmudgeon-at-Large | January 4, 2013, 11:52C-a-L,
So what you are telling me is that you paved the way for Le Clown?
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 11:59That depends. If I say yes, am I accepting credit or blame?
Posted by Curmudgeon-at-Large | January 4, 2013, 13:46Good work, buddy! I’ve been knocking myself out for TWO YEARS and The Daily Post could care less! They recognized my Book of Terrible site right away, but its been downhill from there…
You have a lot to be proud of, my friend. Keep moving upward!
Posted by The Hook | January 4, 2013, 17:01The Hook,
I see a personal email between the two of us in the near future… From this comment and a tweet a few weeks back, I would say there’s a bit of frustration lurking around your parts… Write me, if you need to. I’d love to chat you up.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 19:51Wow, what an amazing and inspiring story! I’d seen your avatar around the blogosphere so many times since starting on wordpress in Novermber last, that I finally gave in and checked you out
ugly emoticon removedI’m glad I did!I look forward to keeping up with your dual personas and your blog! All the best for for 2013, plenty more nothing sounds good
this emoticon sucked on chodaRohan.
[comment edited by Le Clown]
Posted by rohan7things | January 4, 2013, 18:04Rohan,
I’m glad you decided to stop by… But I see you haven’t read my emoticon post… Hmmm…
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 18:12Oh oh, in trouble already… At least that last one got to eat choda. (holy shit I was close to doing a smiley face again, that’s scary)
Your house, your rules, happy to abide.
Rohan.
Posted by rohan7things | January 4, 2013, 19:09Rohan,
You have A Clown on Fire tattooed all over you. Welcome to the circus, and happy 2013.
Le CLown
Posted by Le Clown | January 4, 2013, 19:45This is such a funny post! I love Ty Ling fortune cookies too!!
Posted by davidhardingblogs | January 5, 2013, 04:00David,
Le Clown does love comments written while on meth. Happy 2013, le far away friend.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 5, 2013, 07:31Le Clown,
Feeling all verklempt you have graced my measly blog with a follow, considering your carnie greatness. You must have had a tingling, somewhere deep within your cerebral cortex, that grease paint has graced my face within my lifetime. I look forward to reading what 2013 has in store for Le Clown and the rest of the circus.
Fat Bottom Girl
Posted by Fat Bottom Girl | January 5, 2013, 10:19I find it matters little what happens or doesn’t. Matters most how what does happen is handled – you’re doing great and hope you don’t F.O. any time soon.
Posted by Maria | January 5, 2013, 13:24it looks beautiful, up there for all the important part of the world to see……i must now get my arse in gear and make the link worthy of clicking…..happy &c
Posted by sacha1nch1 | January 5, 2013, 20:13Sacha,
It shines among the greats. Now get to work on your blog.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 7, 2013, 07:53yes sir le clown sir
Posted by sacha1nch1 | January 7, 2013, 18:40I wasn’t around for the very first post, but may I say I’m glad it was a Die Antwoord video. Just another reason why we get along!
Posted by travellingmo | January 6, 2013, 14:57Mo,
I vouch to work on our BFF4EVS status in 2013. Are you with me?
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 7, 2013, 07:54Le Clown
Of course I am with you!
Mo
Posted by travellingmo | January 7, 2013, 15:48I have no doubt that the year of nothing… will be nothing like you imagined it… but in a totally good way….
THAM
Posted by the howler and me | January 6, 2013, 20:05THAM,
I’d be up for that.
Happy 2013!
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 7, 2013, 07:34Happy 2013 my friend!!!
Posted by the howler and me | January 7, 2013, 11:31So glad to have been here from the near beginning! Your Magnificence(TM) has astounded me. Looking forward to all that 2013 has to offer for you and your Carnie followers.
Posted by A Dog With Fleas | January 6, 2013, 20:19Rachel,
This is true… You’ve known Le Clown since he was just a tiny little red nose, often confused for a reindeer…
Happy 2013, dear friend.
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 7, 2013, 07:35True, your little red nose has now grown into a large WordPress Sensation!! And Happy New Year to you too my friend!!
Posted by A Dog With Fleas | January 8, 2013, 18:56No no, thank you! though I have to say that watching Octopussy in a post holiday Bond-Fest this week was even more surreal than usual…..so many inferior clowns in that movie……particularly Le-Moore.
Posted by wordswithnannaprawn | January 6, 2013, 22:44Nanna,
How interesting. I was shopping yesterday, and came across a DVD copy of Octopussy… And a fleeting memory of my infatuation for Maud Adams… Good times. Good times… And happy 2013!
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | January 7, 2013, 07:57Quite a year you’ve had. Congrats on your explosion (blog, that is). Ever since my daughter was born eleven years ago on my living room rug in an emergency delivery, I’ve experienced The Decade of Nothing. But status quo’s not half bad.
Posted by Main Street Musings Blog | January 7, 2013, 12:27