15 Comments
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The Chronicler's avatar

This has the just the right amount of grit! I love how you balance action and dialogue. This was immersive and compelling read. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Thank you very much! I'm so happy you enjoyed reading this, cause I sure enjoyed writing it. I didn't originally intend to have any action in this part, but it just naturally evolved with the scene.

I can't wait to see what happens next either! 😳😬

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Redd Oscar's avatar

Ace. Explosive, pulpy, and polished to a fine sheen. Excellent work, can't wait to see how Everett deals with these renegades.

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Josh Tatter's avatar

I can't wait to see how he deals with them either, to be quite honest.

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David Perlmutter's avatar

The opening scene reminded me of "Blazing Saddles".

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Ha, I had a feeling someone was going to make that connection.

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Hanna Delaney's avatar

"I was always faking it" 🤣🤣🤣 I love her! Also, Teddy Freeman-what a hero.

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Caroline's such a great character: I honestly can't believe she's one of mine.

Killing off Teddy was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I hadn't planned on it until it happened. Just seemed like a natural story progression at that point.

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Thomas De Moor's avatar

That was great! Really enjoyed the dialogue at the start. It's hard to write dialogue, but you certainly make it believable for the time and setting.

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Joseph L. Wiess's avatar

SMH. I hate to see a good sheriff die and a good woman be taken captive, but that will more than set right when Everett puts these varmints in Boot Hill.

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Killing Teddy was a last minute revision to up the stakes and provide a bit of action.

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Jonathan Delp's avatar

This is the first I've come across any straight Western-style stories on Substack. I'm also enamored with the idea of putting songs to stories but haven't gotten the timing down so far on my own. Glad to read this, and enjoyed the blood.

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Josh Tatter's avatar

Thanks very much, man! I appreciate the kind words. Be sure to check out the previous story featuring these characters, starting here:

https://open.substack.com/pub/joshtatter/p/waylaid?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=25u9ow

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An American Writer & Essayist's avatar

Really good. Can't wait for the next part.

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Jan 4, 2024
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Josh Tatter's avatar

Thanks so much, my dude! Trying my hand at writing a western was definitely outside of my comfort zone, though I am a BIG fan of the genre. But these stories seem to be what people have responded to the most, so I guess I did alright. Make sure you check out the previous story:

https://joshtatter.substack.com/p/waylaid

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