The Cry (Short Story)

Hi David, This captured me with Goddard’s personality. He started as a regular person and then was slowly revealed - he didn't seem to mind being called Godzilla. Through the clumsy conversation of Barnes, it became amusing since the reader is somewhat in Barnes’ position. He must be one of those people with a good public image and his home life with Marie was something else. His punch was shocking, not expected. Good crafting. Wish I could read on today. Easily shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Creepy and atmospheric. I love the dark tone and the story is well told.

D.E. LaRiviere (AKA Milo Saint) "Six of One" and "The Hand of Cain"

David,

I am a long-time fan of Rod Serling, Alfred Hitchcock, Stephen King, and Poe - House of Usher and Vincent Price seem to ring true here, and others always resonated with my desire to escape into a chilling world just out of my control. The unique ability to construct that world, develop the characters, paint macabre word pictures that will build the backdrop, and then find or create a vocabulary that carries the entire storyline is an art-form in itself. I believe you have done that well.

Insanity, in any of its myriad forms, is frightening and it respects no person. The insane person doesn't really know he or she is insane, that's the insane thing about it. Not till some revealing act or situation obviates the fact of its presence is it usually discovered. Wide-eyed, looking up at the moon, in the rain, mouth open and baying like a wolf is one way to find out that old bill is touched, but the haunting of psychotic conjurations usually do blow the emotional circuits of one as imbalanced as was Goddard.

I do personally feel that there is nothing more frightening than the uttermost darkness of blackness that resides in the recesses of the human mind that harbors guilt, dirty little or big secrets, unforgiven past hideous actions, or suppressed inhumane tendencies.

Nicely wordcrafted, well worded, exceptionally well developed, and the plot and subplots were significantly twisted to bring somewhat of a surprize ending. The dead baby imagery was fascinating, morbid, somewhat enchanting, and was a visual spectre of a final judgment on overdue payment for sins of the past. I think Edgar Allen might just be a bit jealous of you. Please don't try digging him up, however.

Your story started out much different than it ended. You carried me along on the winds of suspicion of something to come. And something wicked this way did come. I was not quite prepared for just how wicked the evil visitor really turned out to be. I won't be telling this story to my four year-old granddaughter, even though she is into everything zombie.

Backed with a thumbs up for your efforts and skills.

PawPaw Mike LaRiviere
Eden's Door

May I recommend that you read RichardBard's BrainRush. It is among the most enlightening and professionally well done books I have read. It could be a primer for any new Authonomist and is a rewarding experience for any reader wanting to see how it is done by a pro.

Hi David,

"The Cry" is well written, well paced, and terribly thrilling. Goddard is totally obnoxious but still a strong character, as is his pitiable neighbor. The cry is obviously his delusion and will drive him crazy. Of course, he's already insane, as we know from his abuse of his wife. These are my first impressions and could be wrong, but in any case, the novel is off to a fine start, and I'll pause only long enough to back it. You've subtly left me wondering what the wife wanted to tell him, what will transpire with the friendly, attractive secretary, and what will be Goddard's fate. I'm hooked.

Would you give "The Doctor of Summitville" a spin? I'd greatly value any comments.

Best of luck, Bill

Concise characterisation, brilliant for a short story.
You have captured a real sense of menace without being overtly over the top with it, very good, very engaging.
To me you have done a brilliant job with this – Hope it does well – good luck.

THE CRY
This is a great short story. Goddard is an interesting character; in the beginning everything in his life seems so simple: moving into a new home, meeting a new neighbor . . . and then the cry begins. I kept reading and reading to what the explanation of the sound could be. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This is so different! It's got a nice dark edge to it which is something I love. Your writing is brilliant too. Can't really say anything else, I really loved this. It's refreshing and well written. Awesome.

Missy

Oh and forgot David, the cover suits well and your short pitch excellent for the work

I agree with another comment you have, I too detect a little Poe in your work. I have always thought trying to engage readers within the frame of short stories is somewhat harder, however you have achieved it without any effort it would seem. I have enjoyed this well crafted book. and it is. I would appreciated your looking at my book and if possible giving comments.
BACKED for sure, BEST of luck David

Denise

I think you have done an incredible job formulating such a rich and encompassing story in a short word count. It's engaging, breath-taking and very unique, with an intensity that's hard to match.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx

I have heard that is fair more difficult to write short stories rather than a novel as you have a shorter time to build characters and your plot. But I'm glad to say you appear to have pulled it off amazingly well.

The premise is fresh and appealing and I'm very happy to shelve such fine writing.

Melxx
Impeding Justice

David, this is great, I detect a little Poe weaved throughout. Your opening strikes a mighty blow—intense. You convey the MC misery well. I felt the agony as the MC's insecurities unravel.
Readers and other writers will connect with the story And the excellent writing style
I wish you all the best
Scott
The Esrevinu Chronicles/Secrets of the Elephant Rocks

Backed with confidence! Tom Ryerson (Carnal Wreckage)

It's concise as short stories should be. The way you impart so much information so steadily shows skill. Technically it's excellent and there's a sense of menace which is similar to Edgar Allen Poe. Backed. Lynn

Dear David, I love your imagination & putting me right with the man - great job. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your pitch, which was very well done. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book. :) "When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"...authonomy quote. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
additional authonomy quote: "Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs." :)