Poor Anna! Definitely start posting your stories here! Or maybe just a few behind the paywall and still sell the others on Amazon. Growing up outside DC, it is definitely a haunted, evil place. The Nacotchtank probably cursed it.
Whoa! I didn't want that story to end. Please keep posting your stories. If this one is any proof, then we can look forward to some interesting, enjoyable, and dark reading.
I generally do not like fiction, but I must say that you gripped my attention with this one. Many important themes here: shadows-Washington, D.C.-spies; more than one child taken; the fear and impotence of the parents; medical ignorance; symbol of the complicit police state . . .
Thanks for your kind reply. You live in San Fransisco? You should be able to walk out your front door for five minutes and get an idea for a dystopian novel. I loved Frank Capra movies, too. But remember, he wasn't a writer; he was a director, and a great one. I like interesting writing. During my working life I spent many years as an advertising copywriter. And I was good. When I wrote people bought. These days I'm an occasional essayist, mostly to friends. But several years ago Lew Rockwell published four or five of my essays. One of them drew about 1,200 emails in twenty-four hours. I was overwhelmed. Only two of them were any good, and I'd be happy to send them to you if I had a real email address for you. You can email me at jpaulhenderson@protonmail.com
But enough about me. I like your writing, your wit and your unique insight on the insanity that surrounds us. I have an idea for a dystopian novel but don't feel like writing it. It has a (Richard Matheson-style) surprise ending. I'd be happy to share the idea with you, but f you decide to write it, I'd want to be paid. Damn little. Lunch money and some sort of creative credit would be fine. But I think you could write it and write it well. Your head's in the right place.
I appreciate the kind words, jpaul. I don't live in San Francisco- I'm on the other coast, near Washington, D.C. Your story sounds interesting. Thanks!
I liked the story! (I am the cat lady who, some time back, groused about your contempt for cat ladies.) Yes, your story is vaguely reminiscent of, has the flavor of, tales by the unmatchable Ambrose Bierce. Keep writing!
Interesting...maybe should be worked up into a longer story, building up the feeling of dread which isn't Stephen King ready. I know, those who can't do, critisize; but I continued to read to see where it led, and the fact that THE POLICE were actually the cause of her disappearance needs more explanation. How are they involved witht the mysterious (apparently otherworldly) man? What is the true extent of the horror? In what way, if any, can it be fought? In short, you need to be a child to be scared by this story, or even intrigued. I wish I could afford a subscription right now but finances get tighter and tougher for someone on a fixed income. I would like to read more of your stories to see if they get more gripping. Good luck, I enjoy your columns.
I appreciate the feedback, Alice. It actually was inspired by my unpublished novel, "The Shadows of St. Elizabeths," which does delve much deeper into these mysterious Shadows. If only I could get an agent to read it....Thanks!
A very well written story. It is not my type of reading, I never liked spooky, shadowy stories. But this one kept me going from the moment I began to read it. The descriptions of the surroundings and of Washington itself are very nicely placed within the story. Keep writing, it was very enjoyable. You have wonderful writing skills.
Great job Mr. Jeffries. An intriguing story with an abrupt ending. Reminiscent of many Washington DC mysteries that end abruptly with more questions than answers. Missing children and mysterious deaths.
Dear Donald, Yes, wonderful story,similar in content to what I write, also. Keep writing. if you publish on amazon, I will most certainly buy your book. Use every contact you have to try and get an agent or publisher. I wish you the best of luck. Celeste
Poor Anna! Definitely start posting your stories here! Or maybe just a few behind the paywall and still sell the others on Amazon. Growing up outside DC, it is definitely a haunted, evil place. The Nacotchtank probably cursed it.
Thanks, Cindy!
Whoa! I didn't want that story to end. Please keep posting your stories. If this one is any proof, then we can look forward to some interesting, enjoyable, and dark reading.
Thanks, HUMDEEDEE!
Definitely see the parallels with the locale
Just read the short story and enjoyed it.
look forward to more works.
Thanks, jwslaw!
I am a publisher. We founded After Dark Publications in 1994.
Do you have a web site, Jim? Thanks.
Not for the publishing business at this time. My Substack includes some recent discussion on the topic, "What we do."
For the private finance business we have EldarCapital.com
That was an awesome story. I’m very encouraged to seek out more of your writing. Thx.
Thanks, Scott!
I generally do not like fiction, but I must say that you gripped my attention with this one. Many important themes here: shadows-Washington, D.C.-spies; more than one child taken; the fear and impotence of the parents; medical ignorance; symbol of the complicit police state . . .
Thanks, David!
Wellllllll done!!! I really enjoyed that 😀
Thanks for the small peek into your huge abilities! ❤️💫
Thanks, Toxicanadian!
Cool theme
Thanks, Kokitsum!
Donald:
Thanks for your kind reply. You live in San Fransisco? You should be able to walk out your front door for five minutes and get an idea for a dystopian novel. I loved Frank Capra movies, too. But remember, he wasn't a writer; he was a director, and a great one. I like interesting writing. During my working life I spent many years as an advertising copywriter. And I was good. When I wrote people bought. These days I'm an occasional essayist, mostly to friends. But several years ago Lew Rockwell published four or five of my essays. One of them drew about 1,200 emails in twenty-four hours. I was overwhelmed. Only two of them were any good, and I'd be happy to send them to you if I had a real email address for you. You can email me at jpaulhenderson@protonmail.com
But enough about me. I like your writing, your wit and your unique insight on the insanity that surrounds us. I have an idea for a dystopian novel but don't feel like writing it. It has a (Richard Matheson-style) surprise ending. I'd be happy to share the idea with you, but f you decide to write it, I'd want to be paid. Damn little. Lunch money and some sort of creative credit would be fine. But I think you could write it and write it well. Your head's in the right place.
jpaul
I appreciate the kind words, jpaul. I don't live in San Francisco- I'm on the other coast, near Washington, D.C. Your story sounds interesting. Thanks!
I liked the story! (I am the cat lady who, some time back, groused about your contempt for cat ladies.) Yes, your story is vaguely reminiscent of, has the flavor of, tales by the unmatchable Ambrose Bierce. Keep writing!
Thanks, Nancy- you changed my views on cat ladies!
Paragraph 6 should be the first paragraph of the story. The backstory infodump should be interwoven into the narrative.
I appreciate the feedback, Peri. Thanks.
Interesting...maybe should be worked up into a longer story, building up the feeling of dread which isn't Stephen King ready. I know, those who can't do, critisize; but I continued to read to see where it led, and the fact that THE POLICE were actually the cause of her disappearance needs more explanation. How are they involved witht the mysterious (apparently otherworldly) man? What is the true extent of the horror? In what way, if any, can it be fought? In short, you need to be a child to be scared by this story, or even intrigued. I wish I could afford a subscription right now but finances get tighter and tougher for someone on a fixed income. I would like to read more of your stories to see if they get more gripping. Good luck, I enjoy your columns.
I appreciate the feedback, Alice. It actually was inspired by my unpublished novel, "The Shadows of St. Elizabeths," which does delve much deeper into these mysterious Shadows. If only I could get an agent to read it....Thanks!
A very well written story. It is not my type of reading, I never liked spooky, shadowy stories. But this one kept me going from the moment I began to read it. The descriptions of the surroundings and of Washington itself are very nicely placed within the story. Keep writing, it was very enjoyable. You have wonderful writing skills.
Thanks, Clara!
Great job Mr. Jeffries. An intriguing story with an abrupt ending. Reminiscent of many Washington DC mysteries that end abruptly with more questions than answers. Missing children and mysterious deaths.
Thanks, Just sayn!
Dear Donald, Yes, wonderful story,similar in content to what I write, also. Keep writing. if you publish on amazon, I will most certainly buy your book. Use every contact you have to try and get an agent or publisher. I wish you the best of luck. Celeste
Thanks, Celeste!