Reminds me of the verses in Ephesians "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Really appreciate the kind note regarding pacing, Marc. Thank you. And thanks for sharing those verses with me! They seem to be a very good fit thematically in relation to the story.
High school English - 9th and 10 grade. Did a bit of Special education too. Made it seven years and the pandemic was the hardest year of my life - I jumped shipped. How long have you been teaching for?
This is my eleventh year. I taught for six at the high school level, and now I’m on year five teaching middle schoolers. It hasn’t gotten any easier and I don’t blame you whatsoever!
Well done! I loved how you developed the character as he climbed the fire tower. I definitely wasn't expecting what happened but was glad it did! Also, what he ended up writing with the sharpie was perfect.
Thank you so much, Jessica! I’m really happy you enjoyed the story. I knew somehow I wanted to incorporate a missing step, and I ended up taking it in a different direction than I originally planned.
That’s a fine piece of writing, Justin. From sad inevitability, through dark vision, to redemption. The view of ‘the other side’ was especially well done though the details of the walk to the tower spoke of knowledge. Very believable and a great way to lead into the dark imaginings. Strong writing.
Absolutely, Barrie. It’s often my way of exploring human issues. I can’t think of a better way to go about it. Writing fiction seems to be the best approach (for me personally!). Thanks again!
Excellent story all around. You get so locked up in the man and his climb, that when the action kicks in, you're caught off guard. Sort of corresponds to the image I had in my youth as to what happened to Suicides: they were sent to Hell!
Thanks for giving this one a shot, Sharron. I have to be honest, it was one of those stories where I hesitated to press the publish button. It has to be one of the darkest stories I’ve ever written. It took its own course and I just let it go.
I love this: "David walks gingerly down to the next platform. Pulls out his Sharpie and uncaps it. Writes MISSING STEP —> on the handrail in bold letters." Giving new purpose to the Sharpie at the end was brilliant.
Best of luck with your Lunar submission! Fingers crossed for you.
Thank you so much, Meg! I have been meaning to submit a story for...well, a few seasons now. Happy to finally submit one. I’m also pumped that you enjoyed that particular element of The Fire Tower. It felt only right to end with David etching a different type of note/warning in this case.
A great read, the pacing was beautiful.
Reminds me of the verses in Ephesians "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Really appreciate the kind note regarding pacing, Marc. Thank you. And thanks for sharing those verses with me! They seem to be a very good fit thematically in relation to the story.
Looking forward to reading more of your work. I use to be a teacher too!
Thanks so much, man. Oh really? What grade level and subject? I’m a middle school special education teacher.
High school English - 9th and 10 grade. Did a bit of Special education too. Made it seven years and the pandemic was the hardest year of my life - I jumped shipped. How long have you been teaching for?
This is my eleventh year. I taught for six at the high school level, and now I’m on year five teaching middle schoolers. It hasn’t gotten any easier and I don’t blame you whatsoever!
Fantastic story and writing. And reminder that ghouls and ghosts aren’t limited to spooky season. They haunt us when we’re most vulnerable.
Thank you very much, Amie. And yes, absolutely. That’s a great way of putting it.
A sobering vision, for sure. Well-done, as usual. 🤓
Thank you for the kind words, Mark!
Nice play on words
Well done! I loved how you developed the character as he climbed the fire tower. I definitely wasn't expecting what happened but was glad it did! Also, what he ended up writing with the sharpie was perfect.
Thank you so much, Jessica! I’m really happy you enjoyed the story. I knew somehow I wanted to incorporate a missing step, and I ended up taking it in a different direction than I originally planned.
I literally jumped in my seat when he hit the missing step...not what I was expecting at all from this story! Well done, and it’s a well-deserved win!
Thanks so much for reading and for saying so! I appreciate your kind words!
Hooray, Justin, for the Lunar Award! A win well-deserved, my friend!
Thank you so much, Sharron! I was ecstatic when reading that note this morning! 😀
A glimpse into hell huh? But only a glimpse. Congratulations, on the win.
Thanks again! 😃
That’s a fine piece of writing, Justin. From sad inevitability, through dark vision, to redemption. The view of ‘the other side’ was especially well done though the details of the walk to the tower spoke of knowledge. Very believable and a great way to lead into the dark imaginings. Strong writing.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Barrie! It makes me happy to read your response and to hear your ideas involving the story.
I meant to say also, Justin, how important it is for fiction to be a voice for these important human issues
Absolutely, Barrie. It’s often my way of exploring human issues. I can’t think of a better way to go about it. Writing fiction seems to be the best approach (for me personally!). Thanks again!
Me too.
Excellent story all around. You get so locked up in the man and his climb, that when the action kicks in, you're caught off guard. Sort of corresponds to the image I had in my youth as to what happened to Suicides: they were sent to Hell!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Ben. I’m happy you liked the story and some of the elements presented within!
Enjoyed that. Great pacing, and pathos.
I really appreciate the kind words. Thank you, Linda!
Great story, thank you.
Thank you so much for reading!
held my breath a couple times; which tells you how engaged I was reading this. applause
Thank you so much for reading, Alixandra. Your words mean a lot to me. And to be honest, I felt the same way when writing this one!
This was dark and it was deep. And scary in all its interpretations. Wow.
Thanks for giving this one a shot, Sharron. I have to be honest, it was one of those stories where I hesitated to press the publish button. It has to be one of the darkest stories I’ve ever written. It took its own course and I just let it go.
So glad you did, Justin. It is very moving and beautifully written.
Thank you so much! 🙏
This was juicy, Justin. Well done!
I love this: "David walks gingerly down to the next platform. Pulls out his Sharpie and uncaps it. Writes MISSING STEP —> on the handrail in bold letters." Giving new purpose to the Sharpie at the end was brilliant.
Best of luck with your Lunar submission! Fingers crossed for you.
Thank you so much, Meg! I have been meaning to submit a story for...well, a few seasons now. Happy to finally submit one. I’m also pumped that you enjoyed that particular element of The Fire Tower. It felt only right to end with David etching a different type of note/warning in this case.
Great story Justin. Good luck on the submission.
Thank you on both fronts, Scott!
Wow. Gripping literally and figuratively.
Thanks so much for reading and for saying so, 3M!