Comments on: Prose #111

By: Dan Djurdjevic

Dan Djurdjevic — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:59:37 +0000

Thanks Allie – these are all excellent stories. They are all grounded in a kind of reality I envy; the characterisation and imagery are marvellous.

“Rocks” pack quite a punch; short but effective.

I agree with Michael: “Losing the pee argument” is standout. One of the finest short pieces I’ve read.

“Here” is quite poignant. The writer succeeds in tapping into our collective memories of childhood insecurity.

I really like the narrative style of “Dog days”. It makes me wish there was more to read.

“What Bonzetto the Younger Did on His Summer Vacation” is certainly original and has some wonderfully vivid imagery but feels somehow incomplete.

“How to tell your mother” is a powerfully written piece; gritty, real and marvellously executed.

By: LynnAlexander

LynnAlexander — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:23:28 +0000

Excellent stories! I am familiar with a bunch of folks showcased here, but some are new and I am glad to have run across their work here.
xTx is one of those writers who makes me smile- I can’t help it. I love the way she brings on the weird.

Well done, guys.

By: Joseph M. Gant

Joseph M. Gant — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:26:48 +0000

I really liked “Losing the Pee Argument.” I makes me want to go pee in the tub, seriously.

By: Jodi MacArthur

Jodi MacArthur — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:11:04 +0000

I’m impressed by the quality of these stories. I especially enjoyed the first one by Ari Collins. Rocks is so brief, yet carries a huge punch. I also really enjoyed Eric Stoveken’s story – fun and bizarre! Thanks for the great read.

By: Michael D Brown

Michael D Brown — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:05:49 +0000

All good, and effective in their own way. Some moved me more than others.
“Losing the Pee Argument” is perfect in every way, as it brings one in to sit beside the protagonist and feel what she feels from moment to moment.
“Here” is perfect also, and much like something I’d write because I like to explore the mind of a child with self-esteem problems. We’ve all experienced something along those lines.
“How to Tell Your Mother” reads like a New Yorker piece, but it discusses a topic not usually found in those austere pages. I like it for its openness.
“What Bonzetto…Did…” feels a little incomplete because it draws you in with its great descriptive work and originality, but then leaves you hanging when you want to know just a little more.
“Dog Days” is terrific. Great set up, and even better finish. Reminds me of Raymond Carver’s work at the outset, but then veers into something entirely different.
“Rocks” doesn’t say much to me outside of being clever and brief. A little poetic, while sounding ironic. I like it, but not so much as the others.
All in all, an excellent grouping with variety and much originality. I’d love to be included in this company. Thanks, Allie, for sharing all these fine authors with us.