The Toast
It's a short trip from toast to roast17 total reviews
Comment from Tatarka2
I loved it. Such a satisfying ending, and Joey is a character the reader loves and identifies with from the very beginning. This story pulls at the heartstrings. Who doesn't know several "Joeys," and/or feel that he or she may secretly be Joey? This was so well done, told in just the right format, using just enough words to tell the tale and not one word too many. Congratulations and good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2015
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I loved it. Such a satisfying ending, and Joey is a character the reader loves and identifies with from the very beginning. This story pulls at the heartstrings. Who doesn't know several "Joeys," and/or feel that he or she may secretly be Joey? This was so well done, told in just the right format, using just enough words to tell the tale and not one word too many. Congratulations and good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 18-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2015
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Thank you for your kind words. I just learned today the story is in the contests and I am honored to be in the company of so many good writers. Thanks again, Dennis
Comment from mumsyone
This s a very interesting story, well-written and well-edited. No wonder it's been nominated for Story of the Month. I enjoyed reading it for review, and I will be voting for it in the booth.
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2015
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This s a very interesting story, well-written and well-edited. No wonder it's been nominated for Story of the Month. I enjoyed reading it for review, and I will be voting for it in the booth.
Comment Written 18-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2015
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Thank you so very much. I did not know it was nominated so I thank you for telling me of this honor. And it is an honor considering the many excellent writers on this site and which I know includes yourself. Very appreciated, Dennis
Comment from Acquired Taste
Another terrific humorous piece - I find your work so enjoyable. Stephen King has said "Humor is horror with its makeup on." I've love to see one of your more intense pieces. Thanks for the enjoyable read. AT=/
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2015
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Another terrific humorous piece - I find your work so enjoyable. Stephen King has said "Humor is horror with its makeup on." I've love to see one of your more intense pieces. Thanks for the enjoyable read. AT=/
Comment Written 21-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2015
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Thank you so much...horror is not my genre...if that's what you mean by intense. Your encouragement is very appreciated. Dennis
Comment from l.raven
Hi Dennis, best to be good to everyone...island or not..you never know when you will need a friend...but it doesn't hurt if they have an island...a great story...very well written..and a great picture...luff Linda xxoo
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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Hi Dennis, best to be good to everyone...island or not..you never know when you will need a friend...but it doesn't hurt if they have an island...a great story...very well written..and a great picture...luff Linda xxoo
Comment Written 14-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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Good policy! I don't need a friend...I've got you, Babe...:) Thanks! Dennis
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Ohhhhhhhhhhh!!! you are so sweet...yes you do...thank you Dennis...smiling...and you are so welcome...luff xxoo
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Comment from adewpearl
your opening sets the stage and introduces Joey well
The obligatory attendance...were seen as - was seen as
good dialogue as those attending his retirement dinner "roast" him
I just love the reveal when Joey announces what he has been up to all those years in a company that never appreciated him LOL :-) Brooke
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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your opening sets the stage and introduces Joey well
The obligatory attendance...were seen as - was seen as
good dialogue as those attending his retirement dinner "roast" him
I just love the reveal when Joey announces what he has been up to all those years in a company that never appreciated him LOL :-) Brooke
Comment Written 14-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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Glad you liked it...DEnnis
Comment from Spitfire
What a delightful piece. Three years for the quiet ones who go unnoticed. Love the roast humor. And Joey's no dummy. He replaced any funds he borrowed. That lets the reader know he's a good guy. Of course, no one would even think of checking it out (I suspect someone could) but they think he's playing a joke. Perfect picture too. Brilliant, JB. And here I thought you were only good at milking cows. :-)
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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What a delightful piece. Three years for the quiet ones who go unnoticed. Love the roast humor. And Joey's no dummy. He replaced any funds he borrowed. That lets the reader know he's a good guy. Of course, no one would even think of checking it out (I suspect someone could) but they think he's playing a joke. Perfect picture too. Brilliant, JB. And here I thought you were only good at milking cows. :-)
Comment Written 13-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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Well thank you, Shari. Glad you liked it...one gets a lot of time to think while milking a herd of cows...JB
Comment from Spiritual Echo
This is superb!
Too bad it's not in a contest to shore up FS dollars, but as entertainment value--top notch.
The plot of the story, while very good and likely resonates with many worker bees, takes on an elevated value with the quality of writing. 'The flimsy ghost of a pained smile' is but one example of how well you adorned this story with some soulful lines.
Great work.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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This is superb!
Too bad it's not in a contest to shore up FS dollars, but as entertainment value--top notch.
The plot of the story, while very good and likely resonates with many worker bees, takes on an elevated value with the quality of writing. 'The flimsy ghost of a pained smile' is but one example of how well you adorned this story with some soulful lines.
Great work.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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Remarks like this, coming from you, leave me feeling very honored. Thank you so much, Den nis
Comment from JennaG
I love it! What a great story! I am a female version of Joey. At work, I always wanted to just blend in and draw no attention to myself whatsoever. I could so relate to the line "Joey had been flooded with gratitude that the ordeal was over..." because that's exactly how I'd see that retirement party, as an ordeal. Good for Joey in the end! Not that I support embezzlement, but I couldn't help rooting for him to be whisked off to a new, wonderful life. This story was well written and extremely fresh and creative. Great work! A true pleasure to read. :)
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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I love it! What a great story! I am a female version of Joey. At work, I always wanted to just blend in and draw no attention to myself whatsoever. I could so relate to the line "Joey had been flooded with gratitude that the ordeal was over..." because that's exactly how I'd see that retirement party, as an ordeal. Good for Joey in the end! Not that I support embezzlement, but I couldn't help rooting for him to be whisked off to a new, wonderful life. This story was well written and extremely fresh and creative. Great work! A true pleasure to read. :)
Comment Written 13-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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Thank you, Jenna, I do so appreciate your remarks. Very kind of you and I am pleased that it resonated with you. Dennis
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Wonderful in every way. Very well thought out, with a dynamite ending.
>> the quips fell like whips on Joey's lacerated soul
That phrase alone is worth six stars. Bravo! :)
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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Wonderful in every way. Very well thought out, with a dynamite ending.
>> the quips fell like whips on Joey's lacerated soul
That phrase alone is worth six stars. Bravo! :)
Comment Written 13-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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Thank you so much, Phyllis, for your kind comments...very appreciated, for sure. Dennis
Comment from Genya
This was a brilliant story, well told, great characters and dialogue with an unexpected twist at the end. 35 years Joey gave to that company and you can just see it now, those at the top of the pecking order treating someone lower down with disrespect. At least Joey got it right....bet he certainly had the last laugh as he set off to his island retirement home. Great story. Loved it. Genya
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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This was a brilliant story, well told, great characters and dialogue with an unexpected twist at the end. 35 years Joey gave to that company and you can just see it now, those at the top of the pecking order treating someone lower down with disrespect. At least Joey got it right....bet he certainly had the last laugh as he set off to his island retirement home. Great story. Loved it. Genya
Comment Written 13-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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Thank you, Genya, it was fun to write and seemed to flow with no particular snags. I appreciate you reading it and your kind comments. Dennis