Sorry I'm late to this, Julie. I loved Cleone's snarkiness from the beginning. It's a nice contrast from what I might expect (and that expectation might not be very accurate for beings from Greek mythology -- I'm no expert!). I also loved the detail with which you built up Cleone's approach to Undine, and the relationship with the father too. I think I can guess what they're going to find deeper in the "State Gamelands."
No need to apologize, Larry! I appreciate your reading and taking the time to share your thoughts. I'm learning that fiction here on Substack tends to have a slower trajectory, and in watching my own reading behavior, that tracks. Enjoy Part 2; can't wait to see what you think of it.
The narrator grew on me in this story. Great job incorporating backstory of other water-sprites / naiads so we know the stakes are high if she interferes, and also high if she doesn’t. It’s remarkable what a comprehensive voice and perspective you’ve developed from water! Intrigued by the cliff-hanger….
Thanks, Tara! Bit of a flyer to go with her as narrator, but as my friend says, What are they going to do? Take away my birthday? Thanks for reading and sharing your experience of it.
I felt like I was IN the story with them. The water is my ‘happy place’ (my mother always said, though I doubt it’s actually true) that I swam before I walked. What used to be an occasional lake or ocean beach closed due to bacteria or other nasties, has become fairly common where I live in NH now. I grew up in the Lehigh Valley, though, and can picture your Pennsylvania scenes pretty clearly. Can’t wait for the conclusion.
Wonderful! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. It is sad that in our lifetime, many bodies of water have become dangerous even to swim in, let alone drink.
People, dim as they are, never thought to abuse the very essence of life on which they depended. Then they quit the family to worship the false gods of greed and entitlement. Now, streams choke with chemicals. Lakes bake, rivers ooze. So I haven’t quite found my footing among these gruesome changes. Who can blame me?
Today I’ve listened to all four audios of Heartwood, followed by this… it’s fortunate for my employers that you don’t post these every day Julie, I would be tempted to feign illness! You’ve tinted an otherwise pretty rotten day with an hour of magic… both stories are overwhelmingly beautiful and intelligently written and I can’t wait for part two of Thirst.
Awwww! I'm so happy to hear this! It's all an edge for me, particularly the most recent audio (inner voice: aren't you overdoing it a bit?). No worries on the frequency. Heartwood took me a 14 months and Thirst has been in the works in various forms for probably 4 or 5 years. 😂
Oh how I love this one, Julie! The audio was such a treat. The voices of each character here are so fully embodied, and all of it set in such visceral landscape. Can't wait for more!🌊
Julie, you've done it again. Must be such a joy to write in these nature personas, to get out of this heavy human body if just for a time. I've tried my hand at this in a few poems, one called Consummation, about a human entering the river from the river's sensual POV. Maybe you've inspired me to do and share more. Looking forward to Thirst Part 2.
Great stuff here, Julie. Really enjoyed the read!
Thanks for reading. Glad you enjoyed it.
Great stuff here, Julie. Really enjoyed the read!
Oooh, Julie! I loved this. I especially love the supernatural elements! On to part 2....
Thanks for reading and enjoy part 2!
Sorry I'm late to this, Julie. I loved Cleone's snarkiness from the beginning. It's a nice contrast from what I might expect (and that expectation might not be very accurate for beings from Greek mythology -- I'm no expert!). I also loved the detail with which you built up Cleone's approach to Undine, and the relationship with the father too. I think I can guess what they're going to find deeper in the "State Gamelands."
No need to apologize, Larry! I appreciate your reading and taking the time to share your thoughts. I'm learning that fiction here on Substack tends to have a slower trajectory, and in watching my own reading behavior, that tracks. Enjoy Part 2; can't wait to see what you think of it.
The narrator grew on me in this story. Great job incorporating backstory of other water-sprites / naiads so we know the stakes are high if she interferes, and also high if she doesn’t. It’s remarkable what a comprehensive voice and perspective you’ve developed from water! Intrigued by the cliff-hanger….
Thanks, Tara! Bit of a flyer to go with her as narrator, but as my friend says, What are they going to do? Take away my birthday? Thanks for reading and sharing your experience of it.
Haha!
For the interview series: Burblings?
hahahaa!!! Great idea!
I felt like I was IN the story with them. The water is my ‘happy place’ (my mother always said, though I doubt it’s actually true) that I swam before I walked. What used to be an occasional lake or ocean beach closed due to bacteria or other nasties, has become fairly common where I live in NH now. I grew up in the Lehigh Valley, though, and can picture your Pennsylvania scenes pretty clearly. Can’t wait for the conclusion.
Wonderful! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. It is sad that in our lifetime, many bodies of water have become dangerous even to swim in, let alone drink.
Love this narrator -
People, dim as they are, never thought to abuse the very essence of life on which they depended. Then they quit the family to worship the false gods of greed and entitlement. Now, streams choke with chemicals. Lakes bake, rivers ooze. So I haven’t quite found my footing among these gruesome changes. Who can blame me?
Lovely read, Julie! So many layers…
Thanks for reading, Kate. I had so much fun playing with this / channeling her rage. (therapeutic?)
Today I’ve listened to all four audios of Heartwood, followed by this… it’s fortunate for my employers that you don’t post these every day Julie, I would be tempted to feign illness! You’ve tinted an otherwise pretty rotten day with an hour of magic… both stories are overwhelmingly beautiful and intelligently written and I can’t wait for part two of Thirst.
Awwww! I'm so happy to hear this! It's all an edge for me, particularly the most recent audio (inner voice: aren't you overdoing it a bit?). No worries on the frequency. Heartwood took me a 14 months and Thirst has been in the works in various forms for probably 4 or 5 years. 😂
The audios were perfect Julie… I loved every inflection and nuance.. stop worrying!
That’s my mantra for today! 😊
Oh how I love this one, Julie! The audio was such a treat. The voices of each character here are so fully embodied, and all of it set in such visceral landscape. Can't wait for more!🌊
Thanks for reading (and/or listening?), Mary Beth. It's been a joy getting it to this point.
So compelling, Julie. I'm eager for the next installment. What beautiful descriptions.
Thank you, Leah. Glad you enjoyed it. 💚
Julie, you've done it again. Must be such a joy to write in these nature personas, to get out of this heavy human body if just for a time. I've tried my hand at this in a few poems, one called Consummation, about a human entering the river from the river's sensual POV. Maybe you've inspired me to do and share more. Looking forward to Thirst Part 2.
Thanks for reading, Anne! Would love to see it, when you’re ready to share. 💚