Valkyrie

Yeah, Ivan is definitely a work in progress. I think he'll always need to be mindful of his past. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Aww... that was a very cute story.

I loved this. I was riveted the whole time and the ending was perfect.

It's good to have you back and writing. But even better is to have the correct diagnosis and meds. It makes a world of difference, as you can see.

I imagine you're pretty artful at it

I like it. Sounds like a lot of fun

Cool! I love challenge prompts

"Police released a sketch of the Desert Mangler. His tenth victim was found this morning near--" I spit my coffee all over Rob. "That's who changed my tire last night!"

I thought of Randy when I read this. If he reads it, you realize he'll never go into the basement again.

I love the graphic. It's perfect for the story.

I thought I had read all of the newsletter game stories, but somehow missed this one. I'm really glad I read this in the morning. And that I don't have to go into my basement anytime soon, especially since I have a spider infestation down there. Thankfully it's daddy-long-legs and not It. I think...

I don't know how I missed this when it was posted, but damn.... you do horror well, M! If I have nightmares tonight, I know who to blame

I love Halloween and fall and everything to do with it. The colors, cooler temps, fall food. I unashamedly love anything with pumpkin spices in it. Cia is right that Starbucks started the whole "pumpkin spice latte" trend, but those spices have been used in fall foods for ages.

I'm glad to hear you got another job. Don't underestimate the level of crazy some people are capable of. If you see this guy again, even in passing, get a restraining order. We want our Victor safe And you haven't been slacking off. Trying to concentrate on studies while dealing with the aftermath of being assaulted is understandably difficult. You are not alone in your feelings. Sexual predators are master manipulators who try to turn the abuse back on the victim. I can't say it enough... you did nothing wrong.

Are you wrong in being angry and sad about being violated against your consent? NO! You are not wrong! You were violated against your consent. Can it be considered sexual assault? YES! You said it yourself in your first question. You were violated against your consent. Sexual abuse does not have to involve hitting or someone forcing himself on you... What I think you mean is someone holding you down and forcing you. People tend to think of the fight or flight response, but there is a third response. Exactly what you experienced and that is paralysis or becoming frozen and unable to react. Are you wrong in being sad about this being your first sexual experience? NO! This asshole stole that from you. Is this considered sex? NO it's rape and assault and should be reported to the police. I'm so sorry you're going through all this. Seeing the psychologist is the first step toward healing. And let's be perfectly clear here. You did nothing wrong and are the victim here. Get a restraining order against this guy if he continues to stalk you.

*shivers* That was creepy! I liked how you incorporated the twist without the victim actually visiting a cemetery. I guess "George Mackenzie" is the Bloody Mary of poltergeists.

I was waiting for the twist... poor Kevin. I wonder who the other head was? Nicely done!

*high five*

Oh great... now I'm going to have nightmares... 😛

I think Northie summed it up perfectly. When I read these, they immediately brought to mind classic poets and Shakespeare. I love the rhythm and flow, and as always, you manage to capture the emotions of the moment perfectly. Another well done offering.

#707 is the story of my life.

Thanks for another great edition of Ask an Author, Carlos Congrats on the year anniversary and thank you for keeping this blog feature going.

Can't go wrong with all three

I think you summarized current events perfectly.

Poetry can be highly personal, and I get that sense with these. Thanks for sharing. I hope you continue to post on GA