Woe of the Underwood
The cursed contraption won't let me go...65 total reviews
Comment from Dawn Munro
What a marvelous story. I'm sure I've read one very much like it by one of the greats many, many years ago - that, in itself, speaks not only to nostalgia but to the author's writing style and wonderful use of language. (There is really no truly new idea, is there, only new ways of presenting old ones.)
I enjoyed it very much! Definitely six-worthy, and I have not a one!
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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What a marvelous story. I'm sure I've read one very much like it by one of the greats many, many years ago - that, in itself, speaks not only to nostalgia but to the author's writing style and wonderful use of language. (There is really no truly new idea, is there, only new ways of presenting old ones.)
I enjoyed it very much! Definitely six-worthy, and I have not a one!
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thank you Dawn, I appreciate the kind comments
I chose a typewriter for the subject because I'd never recalled seeing a story about one possessing someone, either in print or on the silver screen. And believe me when I tell you this -- I've seen and read a LOT of horror stuff, lol.
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LOL.
Comment from Ric Myworld
Thanks for the pleasure of reading another of your great stories. I won't be buying any old fashioned used typewriters, nor would I take one for free. Great job. :-)
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thanks for the pleasure of reading another of your great stories. I won't be buying any old fashioned used typewriters, nor would I take one for free. Great job. :-)
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thanks, Ric. Glad you liked it.
Comment from JM
Your story gave me the creeps, a very important reaction to thrillers. It so reminded me of a Ouija board my friend and I could not get rid of. We made several attempts. Mother tried to destroy it with water hoping the board would be pliable enough to tear after a good soaking. Didn't work. Finally, with much effort, she stomped on it and broke it into several pieces. Your story fascinated me and brought back a personal weird event. I still recall where we dumped it and I still get goose bumps.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Your story gave me the creeps, a very important reaction to thrillers. It so reminded me of a Ouija board my friend and I could not get rid of. We made several attempts. Mother tried to destroy it with water hoping the board would be pliable enough to tear after a good soaking. Didn't work. Finally, with much effort, she stomped on it and broke it into several pieces. Your story fascinated me and brought back a personal weird event. I still recall where we dumped it and I still get goose bumps.
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thanks, JM. That is pretty creepy!
I had not ever remembered seeing a story of movie about a haunted typewriter, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm real glad you liked it.
Comment from ravenblack
Out of all your short stories, I think this I my favorite. I am sorry that I am yet again out of sixes. The haunt is controlled and there is a quiet built to that last horrific w-e-r-1. To be that prolific yet not having it come from us- that would be hell. And this is not directed at you as I suffer the same- I think the typewriter could serve as an excellent metaphor for Fanstory addiction.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Out of all your short stories, I think this I my favorite. I am sorry that I am yet again out of sixes. The haunt is controlled and there is a quiet built to that last horrific w-e-r-1. To be that prolific yet not having it come from us- that would be hell. And this is not directed at you as I suffer the same- I think the typewriter could serve as an excellent metaphor for Fanstory addiction.
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thank you, ravenblack. You just might be right about that last part, lol.
Comment from boxergirl
I'm so glad I had a six for this one, Dean. It is an awesome ghost story with perfect blending of mystery and fear. Your descriptions provide strong imagery throughout. Awesome write and looks like a winner to me! 8-)
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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I'm so glad I had a six for this one, Dean. It is an awesome ghost story with perfect blending of mystery and fear. Your descriptions provide strong imagery throughout. Awesome write and looks like a winner to me! 8-)
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thanks, boxergirl, I appreciate the fact that YOU thought so at least. Unfortunately, the voters thought otherwise, it lost the contest. I'm glad you liked it though.
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Aw shoot! I sorry. :-(
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No worries, boxergirl. Not too many people who read what I write seem to want to vote, but that's okay. It's fun to do anyway.
8>]
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It tells me when to vote if I have an entry but otherwise I don't always see it and I forget to check.
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I usually scan the contests everyday, just to see what's going on. Not everyone can, though.
I'm just really happy that you liked it! That's enough for me.
Comment from Karen B.
Intense and well-plotted. The story flows well and kept me on the edge of my seat. Your spelling and grammar are perfection. The only thing I don't care for is the use of the gigantic bold print for entire paragraphs. I find that unnecessary and annoying. If a paragraph is strong enough to catch the readers' attention, it will do so on its own. And yours ARE strong enough without it. :) Otherwise, a very enjoyable read.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Intense and well-plotted. The story flows well and kept me on the edge of my seat. Your spelling and grammar are perfection. The only thing I don't care for is the use of the gigantic bold print for entire paragraphs. I find that unnecessary and annoying. If a paragraph is strong enough to catch the readers' attention, it will do so on its own. And yours ARE strong enough without it. :) Otherwise, a very enjoyable read.
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thanks, Karen, I sincerely appreciate your kind comments.
As far as the font, I'm not sure what you're referring to when you say "gigantic bold print". There are portions emboldened, but certainly not entire paragraphs. Perhaps you are speaking of the font type, which is Book Antiqua? I use 18 point font in consideration of some readers whose eyesight may not be as good as your or mine, no other prevailing reasons. Certainly not to get "noticed" or get anyone's attention. Many elderly readers seem to appreciate it.
Anyhow, thanks again for sharing your opinions with me, both about the context as well as the composition. I sincerely appreciate it!
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Hmmm....I wonder if it shows up differently on different browsers or something. What I'm seeing is the paragraph that starts "After a bit of modest haggling over the price...". It's larger and entirely in bold. A partial paragraph earlier in the story has that, too. There are other places in bold that are just a few words, but these I'm referring to are larger.
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Thanks, Karen. I made the font smaller, down to 16 point, just in case.
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Thanks, Dean, I guess it must just be something in how the formatting is coming thru since we seem to be seeing it entirely differently. Thanks for responding. :)
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I suppose, but that's weird.
Comment from adewpearl
a haunted typewriter - love the premise
you work its intriguing backstory into the story well
I love what the typewriter types to its new owner in the middle of the night and his reaction to what the typewriter is capable of doing - love the thwarted attempts to get rid of it
it's insatiable need - delete the apostrophe
we are one - eerie ending
I truly like this well-written story, Dean, both the engaging narrative style and the plot :-) I'd give it a six if I had any left
Brooke
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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a haunted typewriter - love the premise
you work its intriguing backstory into the story well
I love what the typewriter types to its new owner in the middle of the night and his reaction to what the typewriter is capable of doing - love the thwarted attempts to get rid of it
it's insatiable need - delete the apostrophe
we are one - eerie ending
I truly like this well-written story, Dean, both the engaging narrative style and the plot :-) I'd give it a six if I had any left
Brooke
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thanks, Brooke. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Comment from Zue65
Wow, you have really set the bar higher for writing a horror and thriller fiction. Your work carries the stamp of a genius and I am definitely your fan. This is the kind of horror story I will gladly endorse and recommend. You instill fright without the gory details of murder, without the nauseating description of blood, but you managed to engage the readers and feel the same degree of dread as your main character did. I hope other horror writers will follow your example, for death and fear maybe painted in our readers' mind without really chopping off the people's heads. Truly exceptional, my hats off to you. God bless.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Wow, you have really set the bar higher for writing a horror and thriller fiction. Your work carries the stamp of a genius and I am definitely your fan. This is the kind of horror story I will gladly endorse and recommend. You instill fright without the gory details of murder, without the nauseating description of blood, but you managed to engage the readers and feel the same degree of dread as your main character did. I hope other horror writers will follow your example, for death and fear maybe painted in our readers' mind without really chopping off the people's heads. Truly exceptional, my hats off to you. God bless.
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thanks. So happy you enjoyed it.
Comment from Auroraboreal800
What an interesting contest!
"Write a story where a skeptic in the supernatural becomes a believer through a terrifying encounter with a ghost."
Well, I don't think this is for me... I had to learn, how to live surrounded by supernatural experiences... Anyway, I like this very well written story. Here is a good subject in an easy to read flowing piece.
Good luck in the contest!
:)
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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What an interesting contest!
"Write a story where a skeptic in the supernatural becomes a believer through a terrifying encounter with a ghost."
Well, I don't think this is for me... I had to learn, how to live surrounded by supernatural experiences... Anyway, I like this very well written story. Here is a good subject in an easy to read flowing piece.
Good luck in the contest!
:)
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thanks. So happy you enjoyed it.
Comment from MagKing
This is indeed one exceptional piece of writing.
Nicely, lovely, and excellently penned down.
You did too well with the piece....
Good luck in the contest!
MagKing
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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This is indeed one exceptional piece of writing.
Nicely, lovely, and excellently penned down.
You did too well with the piece....
Good luck in the contest!
MagKing
Comment Written 27-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2014
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Thank you for your kind comments and most generous review, MagKing. I truly appreciate it.