18 Comments
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Natalie Aguirre's avatar

I'll be curious to read more next week. And the contest sounds great for all the short story writers in our group.

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Sandra Cox's avatar

An intriguing part one.

Happy Writing New Year.

Sandra

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M. Louise Barbour's avatar

Hi, Lee! I enjoyed reading the first part of your story. Mr. Cigam is just the kind of teacher I'd love! My father was an unconventional teacher too. Wishing you all the best with the Reedsy contest.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Mr. Cigam is out for results and maybe a bit more. Thanks for reading.

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Loni Townsend's avatar

I love getting these little story snippets in my mail. That is the nice thing about substack--getting posts via email option.

Glad to hear you got some great reviews!

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

I’m really enjoying writing these short bits. I’m pleased to hear you like getting them via email.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Thanks, Loni. Here’s to another year of writing for both of us.

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L. Diane Wolfe's avatar

Ready to read entries next week.

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Rebecca Douglass's avatar

I’m a little late to the party, but the story is off to a good start!

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Toi Thomas's avatar

I really like the intro to your story. I hope there's more of it. I'm not in the right mindset for the contest this week, but I hope to do the Reedsy contest at some point. Congrats on the good review!

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Liz's avatar

Looks like an interesting contest. Sadly, I'm not writing anything at the moment.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Another time, then!

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Olga Godim's avatar

I don't like this new art teacher in your story. An art teacher is supposed to encourage everyone to do art, not send students away with his acidic comments. Argh! What a terrible teacher.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Sorry about Mr. Cigam. He obviously needs some teacher training or maybe some humanity training.

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Beth Camp's avatar

What a powerful short story -- and this is only the first part! Can't wait to read Part 2! Characters are deftly brought to life as is the conflict-ridden circumstances (internal and external). Really lovely. Nice to know also about the new Reedsy contest. Happy 2025!

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

I think you wrote that you might enter. I hope you do, Beth.

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Alex J. Cavanaugh's avatar

Sounds like the contest is getting a lot of entries!

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Yes. I'm interested in reading them.

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