30 Comments
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Ken Flyingheart's avatar

Another masterful tale, Liz. Struggle to offer up something that hasn't been said about this. It's vivid and accomplished, culminating in that final paragraph, which is absolute perfection!

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

Thank you, Ken! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

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Amanda's avatar

I just love how robustly you paint your stories. As I read, I literally see the characters as you describe them and hear the way they talk and the way they smell, everything. I love how vivid your imagery is!

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

Thanks! I definitely want readers to inhabit the stories. I want, as much as I’m able, to put you there. So your comment makes me very happy!

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Jim Cummings's avatar

This is just amazing writing. Subscribing!

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

Thanks so much , Jim! Glad to have you at the Palace. I hope you find lots of stories that you love in its dark corners. Be careful, some may bite...

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Will Boucher's avatar

Liz this is so gosh darn good. I felt the slime and humidity and the gaze of the gator head. The voice and imagery in this are so unique.

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Will! Sometimes the characters talk, and all you have to do is take dictation. I love it when that happens!

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Will Boucher's avatar

That is the absolute best!

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Barron's avatar

I have to agree with Sean. I could smell the bayou and feel the heat. Excellent❤️

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

I’m glad you liked it!

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Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Liz. This might be your best work. I think I say that with each new piece, but holy moly this was good.

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

Thanks, Sean! You always say the perfect thing. It makes me so happy that you like it!

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Renee's avatar

I love when the words weave and paint themselves into pictures in my head. When I stop reading the words and instead see the story. Your words do that for me, every time.

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

Thank you so much, Renee!

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Hanna Delaney's avatar

How interesting- I have been watching the new series of Interview With The Vampire and this had all the velvet. I enjoyed "whiskey lips" that was divine. I can tell it's the south. I imagined somewhere like St Louis or New Orleans. The words transported me!

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

“All the velvet”. I love that! Thank you! I love Southern Gothic tales, which this is not, but it’s a flavor I really enjoy.

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

I gare-awn-tee that was a good one, Liz. Fantastic atmosphere, descriptions and wording. Really, really good stuff. I hereby request a Rougarou story from you! - Jim

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

I was born in the South, Jim, even though I’ve lived most of my life as a Yankee. I was hoping a little Southern spice was in my blood. I’ll get on that rougarou story!

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Haha, yeah, it’s still in you and you’ll never lose it. Once again, great stuff. - Jim

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Shane Bzdok's avatar

So good, Liz!! Fantastic storytelling with a brilliant ending. I loved it as much -or more- than that gator did! 🙂

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

Thanks, Shane! The gator is a sleeping protagonist, lol.

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Tell Me a Mystery's avatar

Simply wonderful!!! I'm always happy when I see your stories arrive!!! You never disappoint!

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

So glad you liked it! Not my usual territory, but it was fun to visit the Big Easy.

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Tell Me a Mystery's avatar

Please visit it again!😊You know, later.

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Bridget Riley's avatar

Liz, this is amazing! The twist at the end was so, so satisfying, and the voice and atmosphere were so rich and perfect for New Orleans. I absolutely loved this!

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

I am so pleased you enjoyed it! It gives me some hope that the novella I am literally at war with will make some sort of sense if I ever get it hammered out!

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Janice Snapp's avatar

This is one of the most satisfying stories I’ve ever read! I Love it!

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

I am so pleased! It is satisfying, isn't it? Karma, and all that...

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Janice Snapp's avatar

Yes! Karma—also the slow realization about the nature of the narrator. And her voice is delicious!

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