I could not stop the moment I started reading. You've crafted a beautiful story that I thought would end only with tremendous heartbreak, but outside of the tragedy you gave us hope and determination. Excellent work, Garen!
From the very first sentence (which may be the best worldbuilding opening I've read on substack) the story held my attention. Your descriptions, the different perspectives between the well and the surface, the logic behind the echoing song, the way you tie that song back in for a triumphant resolution... I could probably go on all day. I completely forgot about the original prompt, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Glad you chose to go with fantasy, because you turned it into something outstanding. Bravo.
This was beautiful! Great world-building, great sinuous turning of perspective, glorious wordsmithing.
Thank you!!
This was wonderful! That opening sentence is AMAZING, and the way you wove the rich worldbuilding into the story was stunning.
Gosh thank you so much!!
REALLY enjoyed this. delicious reveal. really ingenious and lovely evocative writing!
I appreciate your kind words!
Wow! As others have said, a beautifully crafted story. I loved the reveal with the echo, very well done!
Thank you so much!
I enjoyed the twist ending so much...!
Thank you so much!
I could not stop the moment I started reading. You've crafted a beautiful story that I thought would end only with tremendous heartbreak, but outside of the tragedy you gave us hope and determination. Excellent work, Garen!
Thank you so much!! I’m filled with gratitude for your kind words and the amazing work you’re doing on behalf of fiction writers on Substack.
From the very first sentence (which may be the best worldbuilding opening I've read on substack) the story held my attention. Your descriptions, the different perspectives between the well and the surface, the logic behind the echoing song, the way you tie that song back in for a triumphant resolution... I could probably go on all day. I completely forgot about the original prompt, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Glad you chose to go with fantasy, because you turned it into something outstanding. Bravo.
Thank you, thank you! I might be blushing over here. I so appreciate your kind words.
Wow! Is really all I can say!
Well, I can say a lot more probably - really beautiful and beautifully written, and full of deep symbolism... and... and...
Genuinely magical. I adored it. Thank you!
Thank you, Evelyn! Your kind words mean the world to me!
This was amazing!
Thank you so much!
Great world building and perspective - really enjoyed reading your story Garen Marie!
Thank you! ☺️