Thanks for saying so, Bill! It was a risky one at the time of writing, for sure. But I think it’s got some beautiful bits that I really wanted to share.
Damn. This story is fire. What I enjoy about your writing especially is how seamlessly you get into the shoes of any kind of protagonist/narrator and time. I know it's a lot of work and research, so bravo!
Thanks, my friend! I really pay close attention to voice. That’s perhaps why I’m so much more prolific in nonfiction than fiction, because my own voice is easy to nail down. I employ the same standard for most of my characters as I do for me: I need to hear their voice in my head, feel what it’s like to be them. That takes a heavy emotional toll, but it’s the only way I know to write fiction.
Wow. Well. First, thank you so much for your words. Second, I’m not usually one for sequels, and it’s been a while since I wrote this story so I don’t feel very emotionally connected to David anymore. But never say never. There might come more of David at some point. I think his childhood in particular would be interesting to explore.
Appreciate it, Nathan! Coming from you, it really means a lot. I was anxious when I posted this (as one should be, I suppose), as I hadn’t given it a read-through in years. It’s always had a special place in my heart, though, and it seems it’s stood the test of time. I still think many parts of this are quite good.
This is a gripping story. My favorite sentence is, "Cassidy trained his eyes upon David with the stillness of a sniper."
Thanks for saying so, Bill! It was a risky one at the time of writing, for sure. But I think it’s got some beautiful bits that I really wanted to share.
Damn. This story is fire. What I enjoy about your writing especially is how seamlessly you get into the shoes of any kind of protagonist/narrator and time. I know it's a lot of work and research, so bravo!
Thanks, my friend! I really pay close attention to voice. That’s perhaps why I’m so much more prolific in nonfiction than fiction, because my own voice is easy to nail down. I employ the same standard for most of my characters as I do for me: I need to hear their voice in my head, feel what it’s like to be them. That takes a heavy emotional toll, but it’s the only way I know to write fiction.
I can imagine how hard it can be, especially writing characters that are nuanced or bad or conflicting. You're doing an outstanding job.
🫡👏🏻
Good story, tense and raw, thank you
No, thank YOU for reading and the kind words!
“Then he started dreaming about being a hero.” Gripping, tragic. Well done!
Appreciate it! Thank you so much for reading.
Winner Andrei, I'm new here and poking around. First story I chose and it's a great one. Thanks for sharing - Jim
Thanks so much for subscribing and reading, Jim!
A story that disturbed me.
You really have something in the character of David -- would you consider writing another story featuring him before his (presumably) untimely death?
Wow. Well. First, thank you so much for your words. Second, I’m not usually one for sequels, and it’s been a while since I wrote this story so I don’t feel very emotionally connected to David anymore. But never say never. There might come more of David at some point. I think his childhood in particular would be interesting to explore.
Jesus, Andrei. Powerful. What a sensational (and dark) ending. I honestly wasn't expecting that when the gun was pulled.
You painted a rich set of characters and context with such few words here. Bravo!
Appreciate it, Nathan! Coming from you, it really means a lot. I was anxious when I posted this (as one should be, I suppose), as I hadn’t given it a read-through in years. It’s always had a special place in my heart, though, and it seems it’s stood the test of time. I still think many parts of this are quite good.
Definitely! Thank you for digging it out and sharing it.
That anxiety is always a sign that something is good ;)
What a good story! Congratulations! 😀
🤯🎉👌🏻 Thank you, Sara!
I’m glad. Plenty more coming.