Carlos Hazday

The author skillfully blends current issues to create a dystopian society which is quite believable. The consequences of climate change are evident in the landscape descriptions and the intolerance of extremist views leads to suffering. That many were seduced by those beliefs and eventually imposed their will on others is a call to action. Vigilance instead of apathy can prevent a world like the one described in Ten Years After. Even in the darkness, there are good people. The protagonist is still fighting and helping those who are persecuted. Quite a story and definitely worth reading.

You got me. Nice twist at the end of a twisted story. Good job.

Simply channeling my smart-mouthed character.

I'll leave you a review tomorrow. In the meantime, BRAVO! Exquisite writing, excellent action, and a thought-provoking subject. I recently had an American character warn that we must remain ever vigilant or our rights could get trampled. The right wing will not stop until gay people are once again criminals and segregation becomes the law of the land. Think I'm exaggerating? Clearance Thomas has already warned us. And we've already had an insurrection attempting to overthrow the government. May I be proven wrong.

My early stuff was varied but never so well written. I'll credit all that experimentation with helping me become a better writer.

LMFAO Hey, they were new to you. And anyway, why mess with perfection? If it worked with Harry Potter it should work with another precocious child.

Bitch! You made me cry again. But you also made me laugh and fall in love with the characters. Particularly, Dad. If he's catholic, he better be canonized. The damage done under the guise of good intentions or due to mental illness can be horrific. Although consistent medication can help those like Shay's mother for a while, our society's emphasis on normalizing the lives of those afflicted like her, can backfire and cause harm to them or others. For some, an asylum could be the right answer. I did not have a good relationship with my mother. Her caring was over the top (I make sure none of my characters are helicopter parents) and her difficulty dealing with my homosexuality drove a wedge between us. Like, Shay, I could tell when the word did not match the feelings. As I much as I hate romantic drivel, I'm a sucker for a happy ending. Shay and Griff reconnecting made the painful parts of the story worth it. Great story Now, about your writing... One of my edit comments was I would take it easy on you since I did not want to mess with your writing style. However, next time, I'm taking the gloves off. I think you've been hanging with Andy too much and getting just as verbose. If you want an idea of what to expect, ask @astone2292 how many times I delete sentences and paragraphs and my explanation's always simplifying.

Thanks, Dodger. @Mrsgnomie Good news! Since they're saving the best for last, yours will be up next week. Carlos ducks and runs away.

Nice job, Adi. Who would have thought a story about cake(s) would be so enjoyable.

Not sure what you're talking about. Oh, wait, you're picking on me! Yep, you're Liebe. PS I haven't seen your name pop up either. You sure you wrote something? Maybe it was too wordy and it's being simplified as we speak?

I'm ready for batch #2. One more sleep and @Mrsgnomie will stop whining, nagging, and lying about her patience.

Pat yourselves on the back, Myr+. You created something that has impacted many lives, including mine. I wish you continued success.

I'm telling the whole world you were responsible for her mishap. I can't believe you brag about that. But then again, you know how she turns out. People are gonna wonder what the fuck we're talking about!

I should have something to share next month. Another dinner party! LOL Pssst... Pam and Geoff will be 2 of the guests. Keep that quiet.

Yeah... there's that. But you know how I love my eggs. LOL

I've been going to the Florida Keys since I was a kid; one of my first drives after getting my license at 16 was in my dads business van with a few friends and a cooler of beer in the back. I tried to capture Key West's quirky characters and atmosphere. Thanks for reading, Liebe. (That chapter where she emulates your bully handling's coming up next month.) LMAO

Thank you! I've preached about newer authors using prompts as a way of practicing and experimenting, and this is a perfect example. Not sure if you noticed, but I never named or identified the narrator's sex/gender. My goal was for readers to decide if it was a man or a woman. Being vague at times is a useful tool; I may have used it again in subsequent stories.

Hopefully, you'll be inclined to do it again in the future.

LOL I had to wind my way to the big reveal, and that innocent comment led the way. Not sure why, but you're not the only person who's missed details I was proud of recently. I think I've been posting too much, too frequently. I'm in the process of adjusting that.

Thank you, Jeff. This was one of my earliest efforts and compared to later works it's rough. But you're absolutely right; even back then I was fascinated with setting fictional stories in the real world and incorporating real-life events. I think between Solcar and Children of the Dust, I established myself as a historical fiction writer. So what if some of the history is only a couple of years in the past. LOL Glad you enjoyed this one.

I'm hoping CJ can control himself when she opens her mouth. LOL

We haven't seen her in a long time, so who knows how she's doing. You think all those video calls calmed her about Mexico?

Was thinking about you earlier today. I was plotting Pam Liston's next appearance and wondering how upset you'd get with me CJ.

Thanks, bud. I treasure your continued support.

Too political? LMAO You're obviously not familiar with my writing. I may have included a touch of political atmosphere in my submission.