13 Comments
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Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

Secondary characters coming to life, full story at 11.

Douglas Halpert's avatar

@Nancy E. Holroyd, RN When I watch movies, I am often most enthralled by the secondary characters, such as Robert Shaw in Jaws or James Whitmore in The Shawshank Redemption.

BEFRIENDING LIFE's avatar

As much as I await the happy reunion of the lovebirds, I am enjoying this backstory into the other characters involved. Dane is wielding the only power she has in her world, with a dark side of obsession. I hope no bunnies will be harmed! nora ann

Douglas Halpert's avatar

@BEFRIENDING LIFE Nora Ann: There are no plans to bring bunnies into the narrative, but keep your eyes out for the return of the two beavers on Will’s acreage in later chapters. Have a great rest of your Thursday! Douglas

Carolyn Preston's avatar

DO NOT stop writing. Your charactars are wonderful.

Douglas Halpert's avatar

@Carolyn Preston Thank you so much for your encouragement! Comments like yours keep me writing Starting After Zero for my Substack audience, and help motivate me to continue to pitch my first book of short stories and map my first novel. I greatly appreciate your kindness in taking the time to share your positive energy with me.

ICI Grief (The Rebel's Hike)'s avatar

I enjoy your writing!

Liz Gauffreau's avatar

I enjoyed this. It would actually work well as a stand-along story.

Douglas Halpert's avatar

@Liz Gauffreau I brought this new character in to bridge two major events in the narrative, but enjoyed telling this particular tale from his perspective, especially his strange affinity to his favorite shirt. I patterned it off my personal experience of buying the vintage shirt that is pictured in my primary photo on Substack. I am glad that you enjoyed the story!

Liz Gauffreau's avatar

I look forward to the next installment!

PiscesInMotion by S. Zuidema's avatar

I aways look forward to the next chapter of your story. Great work Douglas!

Douglas Halpert's avatar

@PiscesInMotion by S. Zuidema Sharon: I appreciate your kind comment! I am working on the next chapter now…

Sally Jupe's avatar

Ha! I kind of knew the name John Nabors then couldn't think where from....sorry. In a book you can track back I guess. Then I realised this 'is' a character in your story. And the Dane connection. As I'm not from the US I tend to lose the true meaning of 'place' sometimes that is relevant to the story but I cannot latch onto it and tend to skim read. I loved the T shirt thread though. Are you sure its not yours??😉