25 Comments

Sorry Clancy, for giving you such a troubled write.

I have read this with a broad smirk on my face....suddenly aware in the first paragraph, this is 'my' story....and it also no longer is. I feel you really tried to own the experience.

I have tried to remember the name of the ships mate, but couldn't, seeing the name Vincent I had a weird sort of recognition, a shift, maybe it was Vincent, maybe it will be from now on. Thanks, you made my day!

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Thank you Bertus! It was such an interesting story, but so far outside my own experience, it was hard to put myself there (but that is the point of this exercise!)

I’m so glad you enjoyed!

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I really liked this, Clancy! I had a similar experience. I had a job on a small oil barge. I was briefly at the helm while the captain went below, and "Surprise", I was called upon to do some unexpected maneuvering in the river. It was exhilarating. Thanks for the memory!

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James! Thank you. This was so difficult to write.

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it doesn't come across that way at all.

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Really fine!

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This was such a visceral read. I could sense both the isolation and connection the narrator experienced, and fully understood and believed their relationship. I may totally be projecting, but there seemed a longing by the camper for Vincent that really drew me in and kept me on edge. The culmination at the lock was thrilling, and the satisfaction of knowing his worth was a great payoff as well. I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you.

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Thank you Troy!!

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“From then on, I’d know the smell of impending rough seas, a secret I never knew I’d longed for, that the other campers didn’t know.” Great line! Nicely done, Clancy.

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Thanks Holly, and thanks for reading.

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Agree! It’s one of my favorites too.

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Really really enjoyed this, Clancy. Great language, great visuals. A fine story you set sail here.

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Thanks Nathan!

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Such a great message at the end and lovey imagery throughout. Really enjoyed this interpretation!

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Thank you Dr. Waller, I appreciate that. This was really difficult to write. But I do like my use of the old “cut of your jib” cliche. It fit so nicely to the theme.

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Me too! Well done!

-Kate

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Great story Clancy! Expertly told. So glad you and Bertus connected. Hope to see you both on the after party meet-up Saturday.

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Thanks Ben for your efforts on this. It was a fun learning experience.

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Beautifully done, Clancy!

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Fantastic tale, utterly gripping. The interiority is well-balanced with the action. Love the reflection at the end.

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Thank you Julie !

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I lived in Seattle for years and there was a boat called the Adventuress that this reminded me of, and that I had the pleasure of sailing on once. I can't imagine being given the helm of that boat, but I can imagine all of the relationships you describe here. Nice work.

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Thanks, it was definitely a challenge that made me a better writer.

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Legendary. Its tough jobs and hard times that make you.

My motto is "Move in the direction of the beatings"

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.. like it a lot n will giver another better read this aft.. coupla patterns noted you might consider .. reconsidering haha ! Call em ‘finesses eh 🦎🏴‍☠️

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