Adam, thanks so much for providing this series to the community. I look forward to every post. There's something about hearing the voice of the author that creates an immediacy and connection like nothing else. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it.
This is my first introduction to your fiction, Ben. I found myself easily drawn in. Comfortably traveling through the five paragraphs presented here, which is always a surprisingly unique situation when reading a novel. Sometimes, it can be a few chapters, before I can decide if ‘this book is for me’. So I offer my opinion, in hopes that you accept it for what it is, a very high compliment from this reader. The end of the rope I grabbed a hold of, as I was pulled into the story;
“Whatever it is you are, I’m grateful to you.”
“…made some desperate plea like a kidnapped victim scribbling a message on a fogged car windshield. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped.”
And to you, Julie, a wonderful intro; “but the real genius is how, even a year later, I can still conjure up in memory those characters and their dilemmas and emotions.”
One of the many definitions of a great work of fiction ,being able to revisit, remember characters, time and place. And occasionally, open the cover once again , and dive in.
Hi Lor, thank you so much. Your comment means so much to me because I know from following what you've written in response to other writers I admire that you a dedicated and careful reader. I hope this little taste made you want to give one of my novels a try. I know it's a lot to ask of anyone to give so much time and attention. Either way, I'm grateful this little snippet resonated with you. Your presence here in the Substack fiction community elevates the whole enterprise.
Well done! I would be hard-pressed to choose just one dose of Ben's writing. There are so many potent 100-milligram word elixirs in every chapter of every book. This is a fine example of his gifts.
So glad to see Ben showcased here. Having a paragraph from a chapter under the microscope really underscores how skillful he is with language. I think we all got spoiled with Departures (and Harmony House, and, and, and) due to the volume of brilliant writing, and the fact that we were all totally caught up in the plot, so it’s lovely to have a small piece pulled out so we can enjoy it for the poem it is. Excellent work, gang.
What a privilege it’s been for all of us to be entertained, moved and transformed by Ben’s fiction over here. And doubly so because of his audio that puts all other audio to shame.
Adam, thanks so much for providing this series to the community. I look forward to every post. There's something about hearing the voice of the author that creates an immediacy and connection like nothing else. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it.
This is my first introduction to your fiction, Ben. I found myself easily drawn in. Comfortably traveling through the five paragraphs presented here, which is always a surprisingly unique situation when reading a novel. Sometimes, it can be a few chapters, before I can decide if ‘this book is for me’. So I offer my opinion, in hopes that you accept it for what it is, a very high compliment from this reader. The end of the rope I grabbed a hold of, as I was pulled into the story;
“Whatever it is you are, I’m grateful to you.”
“…made some desperate plea like a kidnapped victim scribbling a message on a fogged car windshield. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped.”
And to you, Julie, a wonderful intro; “but the real genius is how, even a year later, I can still conjure up in memory those characters and their dilemmas and emotions.”
One of the many definitions of a great work of fiction ,being able to revisit, remember characters, time and place. And occasionally, open the cover once again , and dive in.
Hi Lor, thank you so much. Your comment means so much to me because I know from following what you've written in response to other writers I admire that you a dedicated and careful reader. I hope this little taste made you want to give one of my novels a try. I know it's a lot to ask of anyone to give so much time and attention. Either way, I'm grateful this little snippet resonated with you. Your presence here in the Substack fiction community elevates the whole enterprise.
Thank you, Ben. I am touched that you have taken the time to comment.
Your fiction is always always worth the read. If anything, Ben, we owe you for such beautiful work.
Thank you, friend. Not sure where I’d be without you here on Substack.
SAME!!!
Ohhhhh!!!! So thrilled to read this Lor! You WILL NOT be disappointed!!!!
No pressure. 😬
Well done! I would be hard-pressed to choose just one dose of Ben's writing. There are so many potent 100-milligram word elixirs in every chapter of every book. This is a fine example of his gifts.
Thank you, Ann! I totally forgot I did this for Adam a couple of months back. I didn't even remember the passage I read until I heard it this morning.
It wasn’t easy, let me tell you. On the other hand, you can just about put your finger anywhere in Ben’s work and find a gem.
True! I guess it’s either the hardest thing--or the easiest thing in the world. 😀
Okay, now y'all are just embarrassing me!
So glad to see Ben showcased here. Having a paragraph from a chapter under the microscope really underscores how skillful he is with language. I think we all got spoiled with Departures (and Harmony House, and, and, and) due to the volume of brilliant writing, and the fact that we were all totally caught up in the plot, so it’s lovely to have a small piece pulled out so we can enjoy it for the poem it is. Excellent work, gang.
Thank you, Chloe. You're making me blush.
A gem that needed no polishing.
I am not sure I could choose just one paragraph of your writing Ben, a whole chapter would be hard enough, each are as memorable as the one before...
Adam, Julie and Ben thank you... 🙏🏼
Thank you, Susie.
What a privilege it’s been for all of us to be entertained, moved and transformed by Ben’s fiction over here. And doubly so because of his audio that puts all other audio to shame.
Thank you, friend.