29 Comments
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Mkwawa shujaa's avatar

Having been in a toxic relationship, I could feel his simmering resentment. did he really follow through?

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Sonia Dogra's avatar

Wow. Looking forward to what he's going to do with the pin. The envy had to creep up. And with the insurance money, too many motives here.

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Jeff's avatar

Oh Lee, you always leave us in suspense. Nice writing and I think you'd be good at mysteries.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Thanks , Jeff. Maybe a short mystery. My brain doesn’t seem to be wired for anything lengthy or complicated. 😊

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A.C. Cargill, All-Human Author's avatar

I didn't expect that needle. As for #IWSG, being on Substack bumped me out of my rut. I've branched out with good results so far.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

I hope more of our #IWSG people will come over. When they find out how great Substack is maybe they will.

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Paperback Writer's avatar

Substack is wonderful

But I've held on to my Wordpress blog as well. It is stressful.

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Gabi Coatsworth's avatar

I’m loved the story - and BYW, the play we saw was much funnier than Othello! And you know I tried a mystery. I may do so again when I’ve finished a couple of other books I have in the works…but it’s harder than it looks. 🙂

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

You seem to genre-jump quite well!

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Natalie Aguirre's avatar

Yikes! I didn't see the ending coming. I'd like to write a mystery too one of these days if I can figure out the rules you mention.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

It’s the plotting that’s so challenging for me.

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Alex J. Cavanaugh's avatar

Mystery is a popular choice today. But like the world building in fantasy, it requires a lot of work.

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Sue Goldberg's avatar

Love it. Sometimes ongoing frustration and belittlement makes all of us dream of the dark side.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

There is something about writing on dark side of things that is catharic. You’re right. That need stems from the downer struff that’s going on in our own lives.

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Olga Godim's avatar

So he is finally ready to do off his Desdemona. I get his frustration, but why wouldn't he get a divorce, like normal people?

Great flash.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Clark is far from normal, so the dramatic end would suit him just fine. The wife…not so much.

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Crystal Collier's avatar

Yikes. Will the plot unfold like he's hoping? Whew!

I'm with you on genre jumping. Some genres are great to just enjoy -- not labor over. I feel the same way about mystery. There are too many rules/nuances to go full storm into the genre. (I dabbled early on.)

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Changing genres is challenging. It's like you have to start all over.

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Sandra Cox's avatar

I'm with you on the mysteries, I never felt I had the skill set to write them.

I must say, everything you write is amazing.

Write on:) Sandra

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Wow. That’s too kind. Thank you b

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Paperback Writer's avatar

What a story. Sinister. But he will be caught. I hope he gets caught. Too weak and angry to sort things out.

Happy IWSG day :)

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

He’s as egotistical as his wife. He definitely needs a comeuppance.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

I don't have the skills for mystery either--but I love to read it.

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

I think it’s the way a mystery writer weaves all of the clues and red herrings seemlesslty togeter that fascinates me. When it’s done well, it’s brilliant.

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Beth Camp's avatar

Wow! This flash fiction has a bite! Thank you for posting for IWSG and keep writing!

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Rebecca Douglass's avatar

You have a point about mysteries :D. On the other hand, I get a little lost without that structure!

Great little story there. I’ll think about the Inspector who has to figure out what happened!

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Tyrean Martinson's avatar

I love the way you ended the scene. Nice writing. :)

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C. Lee McKenzie's avatar

Thanks Tyrean!

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