14 Comments
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Marc D Regan’s Burning Bridge's avatar

Another vivid snatch of Joe’s sad life. I am really looking forward to holding the actual book in my hands, rereading it. You nail each chapter—and it ain’t moving. Neither is the reader.

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C. James Desmond's avatar

Thanks, Marc! I'm the same way--I need to hold a novel in my hand, feel its pages, crease the spine, watch it crinkle as I progress.

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TechnicallyGoats Eats It All's avatar

Very well painted. I know what those moments look like and you laid it out very well!

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C. James Desmond's avatar

Thanks, Jason.

I'm sure a lot of people who read this have had similar issues with their siblings. My girlfriend is quite close with her sisters, and it makes me jealous because I have absolutely no relationship with my brother. It seemed, from the moment I was born, that his sole goal was to torture me.

The character Rob is based on him.

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Sarah. Just Add Hyperfocus's avatar

Intense! Great writing 👍🏼. Shit brother 👎🏼.

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C. James Desmond's avatar

Appreciate that, Sarah! I’ll have to agree with you on that one. Much more to come…

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Mathew Serback's avatar

This reads like the kind of secret you’re not supposed to tell. Terrific writing.

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C. James Desmond's avatar

Thank you so much, Mathew. I suppose the entire novel is like that.

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Grimalkin's avatar

Never had a sibling, but this was an emotive description of brotherly conflict. 🤘🏼

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C. James Desmond's avatar

Thank you!

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Defamilair's avatar

Beautiful and disgusting. I love it 👌

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C. James Desmond's avatar

My favorite. Thank you, friend.

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Adam-Dylan Bowlby's avatar

brother...

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C. James Desmond's avatar

Indeed...

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