I always love reading your work. Substack reminds of the joys of the early days of the internet when you could be creative and find people who shared your vibe or appreciated your work. Less algorithmic gamesmanship it hate-clicks. I love all the talented fiction writers here, and you’re definitely one of the standouts for me.
It's a nice story because it has both emotional weight and a hopeful ending. 👍 When I'm writing stories like this I always forget the impact doesn't have to come from a disastrous end.
As writers, it's always fun when the main character takes over, and then the story is born. Glad you let Ray tell his story, Justin.
My thoughts about the story? I think Ray will make an excellent teacher, and he is needed. When I was in 4th grade, our bold principal made sure grades 4 thru 6 learned about drug abuse, and street drugs that we could/might encounter. This was the mid-1960s, and drugs were easy to get in southern California. Our school made sure we received almost a Scared Straight educational approach. It worked on me.
I sure hope Ray listens to his inner voice and helps young people as a teacher.
Ray would be an inspiring teacher to boys in trouble. He has credibility. Though I doubt he could ever be credentialed due to his past record, he could be very effective in any local inner city youth center or after school program. Ray needs a mentor. Nicely written, Justin. Empathetic.
I always love reading your work. Substack reminds of the joys of the early days of the internet when you could be creative and find people who shared your vibe or appreciated your work. Less algorithmic gamesmanship it hate-clicks. I love all the talented fiction writers here, and you’re definitely one of the standouts for me.
It’s a standout first line! Thanks for the uplifting story.
It's a nice story because it has both emotional weight and a hopeful ending. 👍 When I'm writing stories like this I always forget the impact doesn't have to come from a disastrous end.
As writers, it's always fun when the main character takes over, and then the story is born. Glad you let Ray tell his story, Justin.
My thoughts about the story? I think Ray will make an excellent teacher, and he is needed. When I was in 4th grade, our bold principal made sure grades 4 thru 6 learned about drug abuse, and street drugs that we could/might encounter. This was the mid-1960s, and drugs were easy to get in southern California. Our school made sure we received almost a Scared Straight educational approach. It worked on me.
I sure hope Ray listens to his inner voice and helps young people as a teacher.
The stark imagery of this story is gripping, right down to the cassette tape and Sony stereo. Well played!
A sad, touching, and beautiful story. I could see the world through Ray's heart.
Definitely one of my favorite first lines ever! Then to end it with that little spark of hope. Lovely!
Ray would be an inspiring teacher to boys in trouble. He has credibility. Though I doubt he could ever be credentialed due to his past record, he could be very effective in any local inner city youth center or after school program. Ray needs a mentor. Nicely written, Justin. Empathetic.
An uplifting read reminding it's never too late!
Such a great story of hope!