Geron Kees

I do believe you should try some writing yourself. You obviously have the way with words!

Every day is a holiday, if that's what you keep in your heart.

Being put in the same klompen as Nicholaas makes me blush! Tjhanks for the very kind words. The best part is knowing you're enjoying the stories!

Yeah, but even Dickens didn't have all 13,000 characters on ONE story!

Sadly, the real world runs by a different set of rules. So it is up to those of us that want a peaceful and more caring world to put their mark on this one in any way possible. Leaving something behind you in your travels that will hopefully cause others to think, to dream, to love, and to share stands as some small counterweight to all the meanness that looks to be abroad in the world just now. People need to be reminded that there is still a lot of good out there, too. As you well know, with your own writing!

Oh, I read your side of the Atlantic growing up, too! I also loved Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle! And Wells! And Arthur C. Clarke, John Wyndham, Eric Frank Russell, Brian Aldiss, John Christopher, Mary Patchett, Paul Capon, Tolkien...the list is long!

Thanks, Gary!

That's high praise, and thank you. I have been a fan of Robert H. since I was a kid. Isaac to a lesser degree, but still with some love. Sorry about the sleep thing. Or missing of it. Charlie would understand that, I think. If you actually plan to read all of these...I hope you enjoy them, too. Let me know!

Having lived most of my life in the woods, I recognize another appreciator when I hear one. Well done. I felt like I was there, even though I already was!

A very straightforward tale of bullying on several levels, and the resilience that love and devotion can bring to such a circumstance. Ivor brings life to his characters, they are very likable and direct; bonding with them was easy and pleasurable. This was a comment earlier, because I didn't realize you can't review a story until it's marked complete. So if you detect an echo, that's why! Another good story from a writer that knows compassion and fairness, and would like to see more of that out in the world!

The characters that you WANT us to like are VERY likable. The nasty cruds that you DON'T want us to like, we DON'T!

Another wonderful comment. Just remember that beauty is in the eye (and mind) of the beholder.

Thanks for your kind words. Happiness is not as elusive as it sometimes seems. It can be a real tease, dancing from our grasp just as we close our fingers; but in the end, happiness would rather be WITH us than go it alone. We are our own fortresses. Keeping the black dog from the door may not always be easy, but keeping the door barred against his entry is usually just a decision away. I know not everyone can just decide to embrace happiness, but insisting on trying is always the best way to start. Thanks for your wonderful comments!

A very straightforward tale of bullying on several levels, and the resilience that love and devotion can bring to such a circumstance. Ivor brings life to his characters, they are very likable and direct; bonding with them was easy and pleasurable. I don't know why there's no tab here to review this story, but I'd give it five stars if possible!

Very nice job, Ivor. You have a way with starting with a very simple premise and then introducing twists and turns as we move along. Very likable characters, very human, very satisfying conclusion. Thanks!

Writing has no speed limit or time limit. Take your time, craft to your standards, and enjoy!

Thank you!

Well, that answers the question of whether you will enjoy the fantasy aspects of the stories! It sounds to me as if you know your own mind and have made your choices. And that you value them. Seems to me you're doing just fine with life. I doubt there is more you can ask for than that!

What a great story! Your mum sounds like she was fun! Halloween was also not much known in Nederlands when I was young there, either. When I came to the US and discovered it, it was all over but the shouting, as they say. I was hooked. These days, Halloween is celebrated in many places you'd never have thought might embrace the holiday. People enjoy the brief chance to embrace their wild sides and have some fun. I happen to enjoy many holidays, and so Charlie and his friends enjoy them. too. The series edges into fantasy and science fiction as it progresses. If you can tolerate these genres, you'll hopefully have fun! Thank you for your wonderful comments.

A very interesting capsule look at the lives of a pair of guys that seem to have been meant to be together. The hopeful element, and their willingness to embrace it. Look forward, not back. I like that it leaves them a future. Just like in the real world, one hopes!

Ah! Some more insight into Ethan's knot of fear and guilt. I really do hope you can unwind him without an explosion of some sort. Jonathan seems to both want and need him. They'd be good together! Moving along very nicely. You need to write more!

The can certainly nibble some of their own escape holes, I'm sure!

Westerns are a very particular genre, and to really enjoy one it needs to be written by someone that knows the scenery well. All the little facts are right in this tale, which makes the romance that is at the heart of it all stand out that much more clearly. As a look at what could have been, it's memorable. Gary's characters are always special people, and Boone and Coy and the other humans in this one are no exceptions. Look for some people you wish you could know, and a few you wouldn't want to! The animals in this story are also very well presented, people in their own rights, as our animal companions often can be. It was a real pleasure to go along with all of them on their journey, to participate in their adventures, and to ultimately reach the very satisfying conclusion. A wonderful tale of the trail, all the way! 🤠

I guess every story is sort of a trail story. We start out, experience all the ups and downs of the journey, and then arrive at the ending, hopefully a happy one. This was a great trek through time, Gary. It stands well as both a western and as a love story. Boone and Coy are memorable people. You really can't do better than that! Thanks for the ride along this particularly satisfying trail!

I know all too well how hard it is to keep up with things these days. Take your time, Gary. I've found it to be the only way I can read here effectively. I don't want to skim or rush through other writer's chapters, I want to READ them. So I come here when I have the time to do it right. The Moth appeared in an earlier Charlie Boone tale. This is their second appearance. And probably not their last!