Very impressive story. I can see why it won. Great premise that's relevant and informed by recent history. It's got voice. All the emotion—and it's got lots—is completely earned. Nothing sentimental or cheap, despite so many possibilities to be that. Wim's intro lauded the ending, which raised my hopes—too high, I worried—but no. The story did not disappoint in any way.
I'm glad RoL did this contest, and I hope they do it again so I can make the deadline this time.
With all the lit mags debuting on Substack this year, received by the whole gamut of reactions but with more weight on the pessimistic side, the anticipation, reception, and above all the winning entry to this contest are points to the optimists. Hey world, there are good writers putting stuff on Substack, and there are curators who recognize it and can help platform it.
Very impressive story. I can see why it won. Great premise that's relevant and informed by recent history. It's got voice. All the emotion—and it's got lots—is completely earned. Nothing sentimental or cheap, despite so many possibilities to be that. Wim's intro lauded the ending, which raised my hopes—too high, I worried—but no. The story did not disappoint in any way.
This was great. My favourite bit was 'The Revenant' bear joke.
I'm glad RoL did this contest, and I hope they do it again so I can make the deadline this time.
With all the lit mags debuting on Substack this year, received by the whole gamut of reactions but with more weight on the pessimistic side, the anticipation, reception, and above all the winning entry to this contest are points to the optimists. Hey world, there are good writers putting stuff on Substack, and there are curators who recognize it and can help platform it.
This was so fun! 😆 I don’t know if the “1975ers” is a reference to something, but I enjoyed the story so much regardless.
I know a few born-in-1975 people. One or two being former antagonists who I'd love it if they read this story. (Just kidding!)
Really fun read. Is this a true story? Just curious. Not judging did you use chat gpt to help ? I enjoyed it