Well done! Great story. And I just so happen to be in Corvallis as I’m reading, heading soon to my favorite cafe, the Naked Crepe, right across from the OSU campus. ☕️🧡
I love the layers of complexity that are woven in here, especially around the politics and ethics of the situation and the times. The last line really landed for me, on so many levels. This was such a great read!
Love the generational echoes here, very moving story. I appreciate the way you raise the question of human intervention, what is our role - stewardship? Rebalancing? And at what cost?
thank you Julie. And I agree, the issue raises so many questions. I'm not sure if I thought the writing would be cathartic, because it definitely brought up more questions than I'd started with.
“Everything to Ellis was a rig: his ancient Dodge pickup was a rig, the gear we stowed and the rental truck we loaded it in were both rigs, my all-wheel drive Subaru was a rig; a classic chic rig he’d called it.”
There were a lot of great lines in this piece, but this little description made me smile more than the rest. It paints such a clear picture of the kind of man Ellis is. Great story Mackenzie!
Such lovely details make this so vivid. Reminds me of some memories as a university student in Maine. Really subtle and lovely moments articulated through these pieces.
Thank you Jean. But I beg to differ! Your comment here has "voice." You've articulated, in a beautiful and simple way, a thought that makes me want more. That is a gift, and I hope you'll share it. My guess is, because it "just is" your voice you think it needs to be something different. But for me, at least, and lots of readers of writers like Alice Munro or Claire Keegan, writing with a true voice makes all the difference. xxoo
I think the unique voice of any writer is the most important element for sure. I’ve written what I had hoped was the final version of my book and even had several agent invites but it’s always stalled and I’m thinking what I lack is good structure and a reason for the reader to keep turning the page, ( no car chases). So I admire that you can take a unique voice AND weave a compelling story. Also, I was out of screen time and wanted to comment but didn’t have much time. I think one of the best things art can do is evoke a response and shots at those owls certainly made me uncomfortable in the moment and wanting a second read later. I’m new to Substack but one of the things I’m looking forward to is writing shorter articles that require less plot. Nice chatting!
Well done! Great story. And I just so happen to be in Corvallis as I’m reading, heading soon to my favorite cafe, the Naked Crepe, right across from the OSU campus. ☕️🧡
Thank you! and what the heck, Corvallis! I’m in Eugene. Have a fun breakfast :)
Eugene's great too!
I love the layers of complexity that are woven in here, especially around the politics and ethics of the situation and the times. The last line really landed for me, on so many levels. This was such a great read!
thanks Troy, I’m so glad you like it
Love the generational echoes here, very moving story. I appreciate the way you raise the question of human intervention, what is our role - stewardship? Rebalancing? And at what cost?
thank you Julie. And I agree, the issue raises so many questions. I'm not sure if I thought the writing would be cathartic, because it definitely brought up more questions than I'd started with.
Woah, I was not expecting that ending. That hits hard!
Thank you for reading my story Jo!
“Everything to Ellis was a rig: his ancient Dodge pickup was a rig, the gear we stowed and the rental truck we loaded it in were both rigs, my all-wheel drive Subaru was a rig; a classic chic rig he’d called it.”
There were a lot of great lines in this piece, but this little description made me smile more than the rest. It paints such a clear picture of the kind of man Ellis is. Great story Mackenzie!
I’m so glad you liked that Ben. And thank you for creating this project!
Such lovely details make this so vivid. Reminds me of some memories as a university student in Maine. Really subtle and lovely moments articulated through these pieces.
thank you! I’m happy it resonated with you.
Great writing. I know because I sit here marveling at the skill and feeling very uncomfortable.
Thank you Jean. But I beg to differ! Your comment here has "voice." You've articulated, in a beautiful and simple way, a thought that makes me want more. That is a gift, and I hope you'll share it. My guess is, because it "just is" your voice you think it needs to be something different. But for me, at least, and lots of readers of writers like Alice Munro or Claire Keegan, writing with a true voice makes all the difference. xxoo
I think the unique voice of any writer is the most important element for sure. I’ve written what I had hoped was the final version of my book and even had several agent invites but it’s always stalled and I’m thinking what I lack is good structure and a reason for the reader to keep turning the page, ( no car chases). So I admire that you can take a unique voice AND weave a compelling story. Also, I was out of screen time and wanted to comment but didn’t have much time. I think one of the best things art can do is evoke a response and shots at those owls certainly made me uncomfortable in the moment and wanting a second read later. I’m new to Substack but one of the things I’m looking forward to is writing shorter articles that require less plot. Nice chatting!