43 Comments

Love the message here, it's an important theme to remember. I have a soft spot for Barnacle. He can come over any time.

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Thanks, Edith! I agree; it’s an important theme. And Barnacle is a sweetie!

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So great. Love seeing a good wholesome kid character

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Thanks, Keith! I love kid characters.

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I wrote a kid character in my fantasy novel and he was so fun and therapeutic to write lol

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Kid characters are def therapeutic to write. The memories drawn upon for them are so central to who we are, it’s like getting down to the core without all the adult manufactured issues. They are true and wild in a way adult characters never can be.

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Liz. I swear. Everything you write is gold. This was amazing.

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Aww! Thanks, Sean! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I have felt so honored to be in The Substack Zone crew.

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Wow! This is superb! I’m still giggling—after a full belly laugh that knocked my laptop to the floor.

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So glad you enjoyed it! It does have its dark humor, doesn’t it? 😁

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indeed. like an 80% cacao with a marshmallow center.

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Barnacle! Barney! The perfect touch to a very enjoyable Karmic tale. I feel like this was a bit like A Christmas Carol without the redemption at the end.

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Yes! What a great observation! Gotta admit, I love Barnacle. So glad you enjoyed it.

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Liz, you are an amazing wordsmith! Also, can I have Ethan Crouch's house? I'll leave him rotting in the basement and everything.

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Thanks, Michele! And..the house is yours, smashed Ethan and all. 😁

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Yaaaaaaaaaasss! Barnacle is welcome anytime.

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I think Joywood is neat. The something aint right vibe is so simply invoked. I really liked this Liz.

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Thanks, Jon! Joywood is loosely modeled on my own little town. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming when I moved in five years ago that I was a little taken aback (dare I say, creeped out?). Today, I appreciate and enjoy that community spirit immensely.

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joywood! so perfect.

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As soon as I read "barking horrors, shit machines that were no doubt as smelly as they were vocal," I knew immediately that Ethan deserved whatever he got. I know some people are not fond of dogs or don't want the responsibility of dogs, but who HATES dogs?

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Right? Ethan was simply NOT a good neighbor, or likable in any way.

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If only all sociopaths could just fall down the stairs...

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Such a great read! 👏

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Thanks, William!

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Ahhhhh......The satisfaction of the sociopath getting his dues😊

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Some people just don’t have a friendly bone.

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How long until Ethan’s “sack of broken glass” body is found??? Lovely visuals!

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I wonder? I suppose it’s possible someone will notice his absence, but I wouldn’t count on it. 😈

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Cats know.... great story!

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Thanks, Martine! Cats do know!

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Every town should have a mandated Barnacle to ward off pretentious yuppies. Excellent buildup to the ending!!!

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So glad you enjoyed it! Yes, a community Barnacle sounds great, lol.

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This gave me joywood.

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😂😂

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Fantastic as always Liz. I also appreciated the addition of the crochet kittens 😊

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Haha! I thought of you when I put that in. 😁

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