I really enjoy when a story subverts my expectations. Every time I thought I knew the direction this was headed, it changed course and kept me guessing. 👏
Anyone else get the sense that Stephen was warning writers??? “There is no shortcut to the top, and jealousy can drive you to madness if you let it.” 🫣🤔
So many wonderful twists. Like Stanley, the moment you thought you had worked out where this story was going it suddenly yanked you in a new, unexpected direction. Really enjoyed reading this!
Great story, superb writing, and feels center of the target for the Twilight Zone vibe. I could easily see this as part of the Season 1 lineup. Great stuff, man.
Really enjoyed this one, Stephen!! That took a few turns I definitely wasn't expecting!! (also that almost happened to me one time at a comedy club 👁️👁️)
I definitely got Twilight Zone vibes from this story!
Thanks Nissa! ❤️ Was really fun writing something a little different.
Fantastic. I could really feel for poor old Stanley. I was living through his pain and felt bad for the poor sop.
Thanks Daniel. Yeah, poor Stanley, he didn't know whether he was coming or going.
Oh wow, this was wildly and fabulously intense! I honestly never had a clue what was going to happen next - this was absolutely awesome!
Thanks pal! I can't help but notice I didn't get an "OMG!" this time though? 💔😂
OMG!!!
😂😂
My bad - I'll be more on top of it next time 😜
That's more like it! ❤️😂
You got the vibe goin here! Great story, Stephen!
Thanks mate. Really enjoyed being part of this event ❤️
Glad you joined us! I was thrilled when you agreed!
What an awesome event though! I'd never have written anything like this otherwise. Kudos to you and J! 👏🏻
What a wild ride! Holy cow I did not see that ending coming!
Thank you! Means a lot ❤️🙏
Grippingly creepy- very clever use of words to build tension and apprehension. Your ending kept me on my toes!
Thanks! Had a lot of fun writing this one! ❤️
Stephen! Such a good story!
Ah, thanks Shaina! ❤️🙏
Awesome story Steph🤩 full of good twists I loved it 😁
Thanks Miguel, appreciated ❤️🙏
Whoa. This was brilliant!!!! Def took turns I didn’t expect! Damn dude. You’re a wonderful writer.
Ah, thanks mate! Means a lot ❤️
I gotta learn from ya haha
Lol honestly this story just sort of fell in my lap! Think I need help lol.
Love when that happens. Like when it just comes together randomly.
So twisted. I really need to get my hands on that joke book.
You may have to stick it back together 🤷♂️
I really enjoy when a story subverts my expectations. Every time I thought I knew the direction this was headed, it changed course and kept me guessing. 👏
Thanks William. Glad you enjoyed it.
Anyone else get the sense that Stephen was warning writers??? “There is no shortcut to the top, and jealousy can drive you to madness if you let it.” 🫣🤔
🤣🤣 speaking from the heart
I feel like you wrote this for us (me)… Being a part of The Substack Zone event is testing my ability to take heed of your warning!
God, tell me about it! Some of them are just infuriatingly-good!
So many wonderful twists. Like Stanley, the moment you thought you had worked out where this story was going it suddenly yanked you in a new, unexpected direction. Really enjoyed reading this!
Thank you Nick! The whole Substack Zone thing made this a fun one to write ❤️
Great story, superb writing, and feels center of the target for the Twilight Zone vibe. I could easily see this as part of the Season 1 lineup. Great stuff, man.
Thanks Shane! The idea just sort of landed in my lap, felt like luck in a way 🤷♂️❤️
Really enjoyed this one, Stephen!! That took a few turns I definitely wasn't expecting!! (also that almost happened to me one time at a comedy club 👁️👁️)
Thanks Adam! And oh wow, I need to hear more about that 😂
It was creepy and surreal, it would make a great episode of TV. 📺
Ah thanks Reda! I'd love to see it appear on TV one day 🤞🏻❤️