Wow, four great reads and all so different. It is so encouraging--so many ways to be good!
"Pastels'-perfect voice, trying to absorb a pain she can't yet even get her child head around. The last paragraph is so perfect, drawing her friend's trademark image, mmm, just perfect. Teary to write about it.
"Escape Route"- So well done, starts clothed in a teen love scene, hanging together in their teenage lifeboat. Slowly, expertly the scene and the reality is slowly revealing the gift which could not be more damning, this will not end well. And it doesn't. Powerful, wretched, wrenching story.
"Generations of Leaves"-This one needs many reads, more reveals each time. A vivid portrait of a complicated, difficult, proud woman through the eyes of people of love her just as she is.
"Parable of the Skatepark"-Beautiful writing and images, ending completely surprised me but didn't disappoint.
Thanks so much for reading these and sharing your insights, Leslie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the stories. I'll likely do more posts like this periodically in the future. And yes, it's good to be back!
Sharing stories that you find well-written, along with insightful commentary is so helpful! I feel like I manifested these because I was actually just thinking about popping onto the Art of Flash Fiction to ask for recommendations! Now I’m a bit more educated and totally inspired!
I really did! I made some spicy cacao and am catching up with newsletters. I am just reading in your latest newsletter that you have a wonderful wedding happening tomorrow. Wishing you and the family all the very best, I hope it is a really beautiful day!
Thank you for sharing these Kathy - I always find the stories you select so inspiring and motivating! They make me want to sit down and get writing immediately!
Pastels - simply heartbreaking.
“Then the colors of the kids get smeared together in my head.” And THAT last line 💔😢
And Escape Route - Oof indeed. It’s the sensory details in this one for me: “It’s cheap, brittle lace. I smell cigarette smoke and the sweat of the woman who modeled it while selling one-dollar raffle tickets to underage, over-served boys.” Wow.
Wow, four great reads and all so different. It is so encouraging--so many ways to be good!
"Pastels'-perfect voice, trying to absorb a pain she can't yet even get her child head around. The last paragraph is so perfect, drawing her friend's trademark image, mmm, just perfect. Teary to write about it.
"Escape Route"- So well done, starts clothed in a teen love scene, hanging together in their teenage lifeboat. Slowly, expertly the scene and the reality is slowly revealing the gift which could not be more damning, this will not end well. And it doesn't. Powerful, wretched, wrenching story.
"Generations of Leaves"-This one needs many reads, more reveals each time. A vivid portrait of a complicated, difficult, proud woman through the eyes of people of love her just as she is.
"Parable of the Skatepark"-Beautiful writing and images, ending completely surprised me but didn't disappoint.
Welcome home, Kathy and thanks.
Thanks so much for reading these and sharing your insights, Leslie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the stories. I'll likely do more posts like this periodically in the future. And yes, it's good to be back!
Sharing stories that you find well-written, along with insightful commentary is so helpful! I feel like I manifested these because I was actually just thinking about popping onto the Art of Flash Fiction to ask for recommendations! Now I’m a bit more educated and totally inspired!
Thank you, these were all amazing reads!
I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for leaving a comment, Susannah!
I really did! I made some spicy cacao and am catching up with newsletters. I am just reading in your latest newsletter that you have a wonderful wedding happening tomorrow. Wishing you and the family all the very best, I hope it is a really beautiful day!
Thank you for sharing these Kathy - I always find the stories you select so inspiring and motivating! They make me want to sit down and get writing immediately!
Pastels - simply heartbreaking.
“Then the colors of the kids get smeared together in my head.” And THAT last line 💔😢
And Escape Route - Oof indeed. It’s the sensory details in this one for me: “It’s cheap, brittle lace. I smell cigarette smoke and the sweat of the woman who modeled it while selling one-dollar raffle tickets to underage, over-served boys.” Wow.
Oh I'm so glad the stories resonated with you, Becs! Love your comments, thanks!
My pleasure – The Art of Flash Fiction is genuinely my favourite thing on Substack – it's so full of gems and I am very appreciative of it @kathyfish!