14 Comments

Oh wow. This was so difficult and painful to read, but the payoff is beautiful. Every paragraph was so harrowing and upsetting. You did such a great job at describing the verbal abuse and how it twisted Lisa's mind into something it wasn't meant to be. Really powerful writing, Mark.

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author

Thank you Troy. It is important to understand the power words that parents say have on their children. Both for good and ill. And the years it can take to recover from the ill. Thank you again.

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Jan 8Liked by Mark Connolly

Mark, this was so difficult to read. I can only imagine the courage and compassion it took to write. The pain is visceral on the page, and doesn't let up. All that to say, the writing is true to the characters and subject, full of integrity, honesty and vulnerability. All without being sentimental or over-dramatic.

I was relieved that it follows a "redemption" plot, ending on a hopeful note, again, without over simplifying the pain. Well done.

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author

Wow, thank you Julie. I also was glad the prompt I was working from had a hopeful outcome. I very much appreciate your comments. Thank you again.

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Jan 3Liked by Mark Connolly

Mark, as someone who grew up with alcoholism in my family, I am comfortable saying you captured it well. The creativity of this project was really interesting. I can't say I will read all 40, but I will read a few others. I've also followed the fellow who brained this. I might dip my quill in the inkpot.

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author

Thank you Roy. Glad you found time to read it. What with all the books you are reading!! I appreciate your comment.

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Jan 1Liked by Mark Connolly

What a heartbreaking and brutal story. You handled this with empathy and grace.

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author

Thank you. And thank you for putting this thing together. It is amazing.

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Jan 1Liked by Mark Connolly

"Magic requires suspension of disbelief." Doesn't it just.

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author

Thank you. It was a stretch for me to write first person as this woman. But I have 4 sisters so that helped.

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Jan 1Liked by Mark Connolly

I never thought she didn't sound like a woman or that was a distraction for me. The voice was consistent and clear.

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Dec 30, 2023Liked by Mark Connolly

I felt this mother daughter dynamic in my bones.

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author

Thank you. I accidentally replied to another comment when I thought I was replying to you. But, I appreciate your comment. It was a stretch for me to write because I had not experienced that kind of relationship personally. I made up all the details, and hope the person whose prompt I got didn't experience even half of all that.

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Me too.

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