I came across this oddity in the stacks and was simultaneously intrigued, repelled, entertained and baffled by it. It’s very interesting and an irresistible peculiarity. Once you start reading this it is impossible to stop. Well over five years have passed since long time site friend David Henson gave us Squirrel. I think it is high time to learn what he meant by it.
Q: This works even though it really shouldn’t. It doesn’t follow a story arc and is a bunch of stuff (usually bad) that happens to and is all caused by one guy. What gave you the idea?
Q: If there was a Squirrel Part 2 (which would be a fine idea), what do you think would have happened? (I envision him landing in death row yet somehow accidentally killing the executioner)
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David’s responses.
Q This works even though it really shouldn’t. It doesn’t follow a story arc and is a bunch of stuff (usually bad) that happens to and is all caused by one guy. What gave you the idea?
A Squirrel is an exaggerated composite of people I knew growing up. The vernacular of the narrative voice is similarly overdone. Once I had the voice and the basic idea for the character, the writing flowed pretty well for the first draft. Then it was a matter of editing and tweaking some of the actions that occurred. The piece, as you point out, doesn’t follow a traditional story arc but is more of a character sketch drawn through a series of incidents and dialogue.
Q2: If there was a Squirrel Part 2 (which would be a fine idea), what do you think would have happened? (I envision him landing in death row yet somehow accidentally killing the executioner)
A2 I’ve thought about attempting a sequel. Poor Squirrel has been left up in that tree for years now. I think a sequel might include flashbacks to flesh out Squirrel’s backstory to some extent. He could end up accidentally killing his executioner as you suggest … or perhaps getting a brain enhancement and becoming a politician. Maybe that wouldn’t take much of an enhancement.
literally stories 
Thank you for the story, David, and for taking time to give thoughtful answers to the questions. Here’s hoping for Squirrel 2. Could put him in the same evolution machine that altered David McCallum in the old Outer Limits. That certainly would attract attention.
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Hi, Leila, thanks again for selecting Squirrel as a Sunday rerun.
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Leila,
Your usual insightful questions and excellent choice!!
David – I only want to say to anyone reading this to seek out all of your work.
I have stated on many occasions that the two most inventive writers we have on the site are you and Leila. I am in awe of your imaginations!!
Hugh
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Thanks so much for your kind comment, Hugh.
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