9 Comments
Nov 18Liked by Clancy Steadwell

Wonderful start, Clancy. Rich and vivid and it just flows effortlessly. Great voice. I'd say "keep it up", but you already did, as it's all already here to read! So impressive. Bravo for leading the way of doing the full serial novel deposit. (Well, the first I know, anyway.)

I shall be enjoying my own slow drip feed of this into my brain.

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That's the idea! Thanks for the comment on the voice. Writing it all the way through the end I think kind of helped me stick to the same voice throughout.

Time will tell if this whole thing was a good idea! I'll be posting weekly on Notes with my thoughts on each chapter throughout the rest of the year, so look out for those.

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Nov 18Liked by Clancy Steadwell

"I was reading my thick paperback copy of Redwall by Brian Jacques."

STOP RIGHT THERE!! This was such a seminal book for me in my youth. I LOVED this book. It's one of my early memories of really just sinking into a book as a kid. Ahh, lovely.

(Ok, now I continue...)

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Hahaha I knew many Substackers would find that relatable. I think Jude would definitely be a Substacker today. He's one of the nerdish/reading kids for whom Redwall was in the canon, as was I. I think Jude would be more prone to non-fiction writing than I am, though.

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Nov 19Liked by Clancy Steadwell

Such rich world building. Extremely vivid and easy, flowing prose.

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“world building” — I never thought of this chapter that way, but you’re totally right, that’s what it is. i thought more “boring exposition” but “world building” sounds way better! thanks for reading Adam.

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Nov 18Liked by Clancy Steadwell

An excellent start, Clancy. I look forward to witnessing these two boys growing up. It might take me a while, as there aren't enough hours in the day, but I will savor each chapter.

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Thank you Sharron. They grow up, backwards, side ways, and apart, all at the same time. Take your time with it -- please!

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The awkward, shy new kid is so relatable to me as I’ve been there; as nervous and defensive as Jude seems to be. I’m glad for him that Tommy came and befriended him. This was so engrossing and how cool that you released it all at once. Congrats, that’s an awesome achievement and I look forward to reading the whole novel.

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