Headstall

Howdy.

It just goes to show, you never know when you might run into a capybara. Fun little story, well-written and thought provoking. If you've got a few minutes, read this.

Wow, Chris. Loved this, and I'm still scratching my head at what I read. So many possibilities for where you could take this. This was surprising, very different from what I've read from you before. Good job! Cheers! Gary

Calm down.

He-Man! Now we're talking!

Ah, folks? Anyone? Please leave a Like/Reaction for the story itself on the front story page if you can--it's just a click--and it should allow more eyes to find this one. Thanks!

Aw... Heath... There is certainly a lot of tension between these two young men. Albert Cooley? Yeah, he's that guy, that father who believes it's his right to control everything and doesn't answer to no one. It was an attitude I saw often in my childhood. That spare the rod bullshit. Happy you liked the start. I threw them right and us into the fire, didn't I? Ain't nothing like some naked rassling. Thanks, friend, and I'll see you next Monday. Cheers! Gary.

Lol! I like your enthusiasm, friend. I hope you find the story worthwhile.

I will quit writing before I ever use AI. I promise myself that, because what would be the point.

Yes, AI is actively writing fiction, ranging from flash fiction to full-length novels, and even claiming regional literary prizes. However, the role of AI in writing is a subject of intense debate within the literary community. [1, 2, 3] How AI is Being Used Collaborative Writing: Many authors use AI as a brainstorming, outlining, and editing assistant to push through writer's block. Mass Production: Some authors utilize generative AI to write, self-publish, and sell hundreds of books—particularly in formulaic genres like romance. Experimental Literature: AI systems have authored standalone experimental novels, such as 1 the Road. [1, 2, 3] Current Limitations and Criticisms Lack of Originality: AI models generate text based on averages of previously written data, often resulting in formulaic, bland, or overwritten narratives lacking genuine human emotion. [1, 2, 3] Plagiarism & Ethics: The training data for these models often includes copyrighted books, raising major legal and ethical concerns for authors. [1, 2] Industry Response Many writers and editors view mass-produced AI fiction as a threat to the livelihood of human creators. Some literary institutions have even faced backlash for recognizing AI-written short stories in prestigious competitions. Many literary creatives fear a future where human-written books become "luxury items" while AI floods the market with free or cheap text. [1, 2, 3]

I just watched a piece on CNN about AI, and it makes me so angry. I feel a sense of doom for what is coming.

Hi, all.

Thanks, friend. I understand westerns are not for everyone, and maybe they've run the course for some of my readers. Time will tell. It is a shame I have that contemporary story so close to completion yet it gets nudged aside again. I don't really understand myself sometimes, because I think it's a pretty good one. Something else will move me, like this western, and off I go. Appreciate you for giving this one a chance, and if you tire of it, just let me know. Cheers... Gary....

Sherye!!! So nice to hear from you again. I hope all is well in your world. What can I say? Writing westerns make me happy, and as long as readers want to read them, I guess I'll keep going. It is so fulfilling to hear they are like medicine to you. I reckon they are for me too. Yee Haw! This first chapter puts us right in the middle of a lot of tension, not normally what a doctor would order, but something a quack might. Rest up, my friend, and get ready for a bumpy ride. Cheers! Gary

That is amazing!

Oh, I love this... "meaner than a passel of riled up timber rattlers"... he he... a man after my own heart... keep 'em coming, Doc. Saves me doing more research. Albert is one of those nineteenth century patriarchs... answers to no one and expects obedience from his sons and workers. Too rich for his own good too. Unfortunately there are a few days to get through until Monday, my friend. hang in there. G.

Well, I guess I'd rather be master of the universe, but master of the westerns is pretty cool too. I'll take it!

Yeah, I've known a few of those old girls. Sounds like you have too. Fortunately my grandmother only used a fly swatter, but that twisted wire handle could leave a welt. I can confirm Albert isn't well liked, but we'll learn more about the family dynamic soon. I can also say Gran is one heck of a character.

Woot!

Me too. Sidewinder takes me back. My first multi chapter western, and it felt Like I'd come home. Is Albert as bad as Will Diamond? Hard to believe, but time will tell. Whatever might complicate Albert, I can say his younger son is nothing like him. It would seem to me Albert isn't afraid of anyone.

Yep, it really does sound like that.

They are? Where? Oh... yeah, I see them, a whole sting of Mondays reaching well into the future. Hello, my dear friend. Lovely to see you again. Can I tell you a secret? I was soooo tempted to name this chapter "Heated Rivalry? I mean, come on! It would have been perfect! So yeah, I see the Hatfield/McCoy thing for sure. Romeo and Romeo. Yep. I can see that too. You are spot on about Albert Cooley. He's a privileged prick, but we have to wonder if August knows just how bad he is. The bill for the hand who helped the Crawleys, and what happened to those sheep seemed to surprise... no... shock him... though he could see the man doing such things. I don't think any kid wants to see only bad in their parent, but when something stinks like crap, you can't pretend it's a rose. August got some education today. I can tell you Gran plays a role, but that's all I can say. Fuck or fight? Yes! Love how clearly you see things I write... and what's in my head. There is way too much tension between these two for it to be only about sheep and river territory. Love, love, love your poetic offering! Cheers... Gary

Thanks, friend! Do I have you hooked?

Albert is a man clearly used to getting his own way. He thinks there are no rules for a man of his wealth... sound familiar? Sorry for the tears, but I think we needed to see a hint of what this man is capable of. As you probably know, I tend to dole out information slowly, but this story might be different for me in that things will come fast and furious over the first few chapters. August breaks my heart. I've seen cruelty, witnessed it way too close and too often, and perhaps that is why I write side characters who practice it. I certainly understand his turmoil. At a certain point in life, if you don't take control, your misery can become your only friend. Thanks, Kris. We'll meet Albert soon. Cheers! G

Mondays are back to being my favorite day too, spyke. Happy to hear you liked this start. I kinda like to throw us into deep water right off. There are a lot of chapters to come so settle in, my friend. Cheers! Gary