The Crypt of Hubbard Hayle
Some happinesses money just can't buy.49 total reviews
Comment from babylonia
Dean,
And lucky for me, you already have two more parts ready. I really can't wait to read them to see what is going on. Made me smiggle. Imagery is excellent.
Love,
Barbara
  |
Dean,
And lucky for me, you already have two more parts ready. I really can't wait to read them to see what is going on. Made me smiggle. Imagery is excellent.
Love,
Barbara
Comment Written 20-May-2014
Comment from Mike Battaglia
See? I knew I'd need a six...
This has hit me right in the nostalgia organ, sir. I donlt know what it is... I can't quite place a finger on it yet, but it reads so familiar. And I don't mean the story, I mean the soul. This is, at heart (so far) a good old fashioned ghost story. And a bloody good one at that. It would seem, sir, that you and I share some of the same dirt on our shoulders from the graves we have crawled up out of.
Your banter between the two boys was good. One dominant, one submissive, as is usually the case in any relationship. You played that well. And it brought me back to my own youth, and that means you did your job as a writer. Well.
You have me curious, intrigued. You've set the stage well, and built up the dread reveal of your Dead Henry quite effectively with the pinky swear. A pinky swear is no laughing matter. Sometimes I smirk when I read you, sir, knowing full well where your inspiration comes from. Other times I smirk because you bamboozle me, and I like that. But your style... your voice on the page, the natural ease and the flow with which you write... this is why I keep coming back. Your voice, sir. That is what has me enraptured as a reader. And I am not alone in this opinion, either. It's about time you started believing in your talents and accepting the fact that this is what you were meant to do. The passion that explodes from your posts, sir... That is something I rarely find here.
I have yet to come across something you have written that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed.
Keep it up, sir, but don't let this be the pinnacle. Take it further.
Your friend,
--Mike
reply by the author on 13-May-2014
|
See? I knew I'd need a six...
This has hit me right in the nostalgia organ, sir. I donlt know what it is... I can't quite place a finger on it yet, but it reads so familiar. And I don't mean the story, I mean the soul. This is, at heart (so far) a good old fashioned ghost story. And a bloody good one at that. It would seem, sir, that you and I share some of the same dirt on our shoulders from the graves we have crawled up out of.
Your banter between the two boys was good. One dominant, one submissive, as is usually the case in any relationship. You played that well. And it brought me back to my own youth, and that means you did your job as a writer. Well.
You have me curious, intrigued. You've set the stage well, and built up the dread reveal of your Dead Henry quite effectively with the pinky swear. A pinky swear is no laughing matter. Sometimes I smirk when I read you, sir, knowing full well where your inspiration comes from. Other times I smirk because you bamboozle me, and I like that. But your style... your voice on the page, the natural ease and the flow with which you write... this is why I keep coming back. Your voice, sir. That is what has me enraptured as a reader. And I am not alone in this opinion, either. It's about time you started believing in your talents and accepting the fact that this is what you were meant to do. The passion that explodes from your posts, sir... That is something I rarely find here.
I have yet to come across something you have written that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed.
Keep it up, sir, but don't let this be the pinnacle. Take it further.
Your friend,
--Mike
Comment Written 13-May-2014
reply by the author on 13-May-2014
-
Thank you, Mike, that's very kind of you to say, my friend. You're absolutely right, we're of the same mold, although our styles are different. Your style takes hold of you and delivers a deadly sucker punch,right in the groin, and I mean that in a good way as it pertains to telling a horror tale. Mine, I think, sort of sneaks up on you, little by little --like a spider toying with its prey caught in the web -- then delivers the coup de grace, at least the best way I know how. You know it's coming, you just don't know when.
Anyhow, thanks again for all of your support of my horrific endeavors. I truly appreciate that!
Your fiend too (LOL),
~Dean
-
That, sir, is the perfect analogy of your writing style. That is why I adore it. You trap me. I know it's coming, and the dread you feel in that anticipation is what makes your stories stand out so much. That, and because you deliver at the end. For all your dread anticipation, you still get me at the end. Me... Yeah. I do like the sucker punch. My brother tortured me as a child; teased me mercilessly, and it instilled more fear in me than anything. I tease in my writing because I know it's effective. It worked for me. Still... you and I, sir, we both achieve the same result in our writing: a morbid, almost guilty grin.
You get a lot of reviews, sir, as do I, and that means a lot of replies. You always reply individually to each reviewer, and I respect the hell out of you for that. It also makes you that much more of a writer in my mind.
I hope you know that I, too, reply individually to reviews, and none more humbly than I do to yours, sir.
--M
-
I know you do, Mike, and I feel that's very important, don't you?
I, for one of many, really enjoy your unique style. Your Danforth Hospital stories are as good or better than a lot of published horror fiction I've read lately, and I'm not just jerkin' your chain, either. I read a book the other day that sounded very good from the brief blurb on the inside cover. But it was horrible! I don't even understand how or why Random House published it! I guess it's not what you know, it's who you bl...well, you know.
8>}
-
The same holds true for me, sir. I was completely disillusioned by a book called 'The Passage.' It was an Oprah pick. The critics were raving. It was the 'next big thing.' I read it. No... I FORCED my way though it. Not only was it completely unoriginal in my opinion, by the writing put me (quite literally) to sleep. I started writing solely for this purpose. I got tired of being disappointed, so I started to write the kinds of stories I wanted to read. It was an epiphany for me.
Mr. Kuch sir, I don't know how long you've been writing, or how much it means to you in the larger scheme of things, but you've got what I like to call The Verve. The words, the stories; they're in your blood, not just in your head. I noticed that the first time I ever read something you wrote. Writing is more to you than just a hobby, that much is obvious. The Verve, sir. You've got it.
Do not waste time or thought on HOW you are going to get to the bookshelves. The bookshelves will find you. You just have to decide if this is truly what your destiny is.
Respect,
--Mike
-
Oh, I know for sure it was what I was meant to do, Mike.
From the very first day I made my best friend Don Allen piss his pants at age 13, when some friends and I were swapping spooky campfire tales while we camped out in another friends back woods, I knew I wanted to be a horror writer. I've had a couple of stories published by Twilight Zone Magazine in '82 and '85, respectively, when it was edited by T.E.D. Klein. I submitted a screenplay to Steven Spielberg for his Amazing Stories series in 1985, and got paid $3,000.00 for the rights to use my idea. The episode is called 'Mummy Daddy', and I used my first name, as well as my wife's name (my first wife at the time) in the write. Check it out sometime if you can. My first name is Harold, so when and if you watch it, you'll see my style all over it.
Obligations to a new wife and children forced me to put my writing "career", if you will, on hiatus. However now, since my fatal heart attack in 2010 (I was clinically dead for over three minutes on my living room floor -- with no brain damage whatsoever, although some would argue that point with me...), I am no longer permitted to work, so I eke out a meager living by submitting dozens upon dozens of short stories and poetry to magazines and ezines all over the place.
With my heart condition as serious as it is, I am more determined than ever to have a book of short horror stories, interspersed with some dark poetry, published. I want something tangible that my children can go to the shelf, pull out, and tell their friend, "My father wrote this". It is my passion, and I'm a man on a mission to succeed, before it's too late.
-
Holy s*** sir...
Not only do I remember that episode (the mummy bumping into the hospital gurney: "What took you so long, Harold?") ...But holy s***!
Why have you NOT published?
I published my book myself. I spent literally years going through the normal channels. I had some bites. A few stories published. Lots and lots of really encouraging rejection letters. I had an offer on the book I just published once before, but it was right before the big earthquake in Christchurch, NZ. I was living in Christchurch for all of the quakes. My contract with the agency lapsed and I chose not to pursue renewing it. Something told me "...not this way..." But it did boost my confidence having an offer to buy my book.
After that, I hit roadblock and snag alike. My writing took backstage yet again in order to accommodate life. I get that, sir. There is no shame in letting it fall to the back burner. Things happen when they are supposed to happen, not when we want them to.
In the end, I couldn't be more happy with how I did it. I got to choose everything. I was in charge. The final edit, the layout, everything. I got to choose whether I wanted to listen to my editors suggestions or not. I got to design my own cover. I even got to decide what price to see the book at online. And it cost me nothing. Now, I have a printed book in my hand, and it is a hell of a lot easier to be noticed in the publishing world with a printed book in your hand. I won't make any money off of it selling it on Amazon, I know this. That's not why I did it. I did it to have the printed book in my hand. This is only the beginning. My suggestion is that you try this. Trust me, sir, nothing... to a person like you, who lives to write... there is nothing that can describe the feeling you get when you hold your own book in your hand.
Get something in print. Doesn't matter what. It will open the doors for you a lot easier and a lot quicker. It's how the game works now... much to the detriment of old fashioned traditionalist like you and I :)
The Universe has been trying to tell you something for a long time, sir. Listen to it. You life is not random; what you've lived through, no coincidence. You have the blessing to know what you were born to do. How you do it doesn't matter, so long as you do it.
Look into self publishing. You have not only the talent on the page, in your words, but in your presentation as well. I've never seen such brilliant theatrics and marketing as I do in your works. And it's effective. Very.
"You want a piece of fruit, you have to go out on a limb to get it."
--Mark Twain
--M
-
Hey, Mike, in response to why I haven't been published, the answer is simple. I just don't know how to go about getting a self publishing company to consider me. Oh sure, there have been a few who claimed" to be interested. But, they all want money, money which I do not have. I've also been told that if a publisher wants money from you to publish your book, run -- FAST! -- in the other direction.
So, that's it in a nutshell. I simply don't know the proper ways, or the correct channels, to go about doing it.
Comment from MoonWillow
Sound like the beginning of a Dean Koontz novel, and I have a feeling things will get worse before the get better. Just two things I noticed, Dean. Just going by the rest of the vocabulary they're both using, I don't think Dan-o would have used the word "badly." I know it's proper english, but kids/teens rarely use proper english just gabbing.
cum bags (scum bags?)
Other than that, great beginning! Must go read part 2 now. LOL. :)shawn
reply by the author on 30-Apr-2014
 |
Sound like the beginning of a Dean Koontz novel, and I have a feeling things will get worse before the get better. Just two things I noticed, Dean. Just going by the rest of the vocabulary they're both using, I don't think Dan-o would have used the word "badly." I know it's proper english, but kids/teens rarely use proper english just gabbing.
cum bags (scum bags?)
Other than that, great beginning! Must go read part 2 now. LOL. :)shawn
Comment Written 30-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 30-Apr-2014
-
Thanks for weighing in on this one for me, Moon, and giving me your opinions on it. I really appreciate that.
This story is based on an actual experience I had while growing up, and Timmy's character is based on my best friend, (whose name shall remain anonymous, of course), and he was weird like that. His daddy was a Baptist minister, and sometimes, Timmy would speak so properly it would cause me to cringe. Then, in mid-speak, he'd convert right back to being a kid again. You'll see him do this frequently throughout the story.
As far as 'cum bag' goes...well, that was just our vulgar way of saying whore, or slut. Okay, it was my way of saying whore or slut.
Anyhow, I really am happy that you dropped in to give me your take on it. I'm very grateful.
-
You're welcome. I wasn't sure if you meant that of if it was just typo... the cum bag thingy. LOL. :)
-
Heh, yeah, I realize it's a bit...risque. But unfortunately, that's how we talked. Ain't it a pity? But...boys will be boys, right?
-
Well, that's going to be a problem in reviewing these boys, cause girls just don't talk like that... LOL!!! NOT!
Comment from Dawn Munro
What a manipulative little brat! Why do I get the feeling he's going to get off easy and his buddy is going to be caught holding the short end of the stick?
This was excellent, Dean! Great dialogue - just one thing that bothered me, and maybe because I picture these very realistic characters as too young for the word - "cum". Somehow it jarred to me within the context of the rest of the dialogue.
I look forward to the next part!
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2014
|
What a manipulative little brat! Why do I get the feeling he's going to get off easy and his buddy is going to be caught holding the short end of the stick?
This was excellent, Dean! Great dialogue - just one thing that bothered me, and maybe because I picture these very realistic characters as too young for the word - "cum". Somehow it jarred to me within the context of the rest of the dialogue.
I look forward to the next part!
Comment Written 24-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2014
-
Hah, yeah, I could see how that would make you think, Dawn. But, let me assure you, this story is based on actual experiences as I was growing up, and I'm not proud of it, but at age fourteen I used words like 'cum', and a few others I really shouldn't mention in mixed company. My introduction to sex was by my sixteen-year-old baby sitter, when I was only twelve years old, and I learned a great deal of what I said from listening to her. I never told Mom or Dad about what she and I had done. As it turned out, she was arrested and thrown in juvey for doing the same thing to a couple of other young boys, so I guess I felt that was good enough for me.
Thanks for your feedback and opinions. You know I value them very highly.
-
Oh, Dean, I'm sorry.
-
No worries, Dawn. I was able to cope with it and put it all behind me. It probably does have a great deal to do with why I write the way I do, and about the things that I do.
Comment from Selina Stambi
Okay, Dean, I guess I'm coming along for the ride with you and your ghostly menagerie!
Great dialogue. It tells the story like a script!
Will be watching for the next one. :)
Sonali
falling on his (oversized) butt.
, I mean(,) (w)ill you still go with
both my hands in my (jeans) pockets
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
|
Okay, Dean, I guess I'm coming along for the ride with you and your ghostly menagerie!
Great dialogue. It tells the story like a script!
Will be watching for the next one. :)
Sonali
falling on his (oversized) butt.
, I mean(,) (w)ill you still go with
both my hands in my (jeans) pockets
Comment Written 23-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
-
Thanks, Reach, and I'm certainly glad you'll be along for the ride. I made those edits. Geesh! I so need an editor, lol...
Comment from amada
Danny is a nutty boy scaring Timmy like that; it reminded me of my two sons while in their teens. Your two characters are adorable in their own merit. Juicy language.
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
|
Danny is a nutty boy scaring Timmy like that; it reminded me of my two sons while in their teens. Your two characters are adorable in their own merit. Juicy language.
Comment Written 23-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
-
Thanks, amada, I'm glad you like the story thus far. It is based on actual events during my childhood, and I'm a notoriously slow writer. I want everything, from the smallest, minute detail, to be correct, and that takes me a little time, especially the editing portion. But, I hope you'll hang in there with me and follow along, and I am working on part two of the story as we speak.
Comment from Ridley Williams
Hey Dean, well off we go...I had a friend like ol' Danny-boy, and after a couple of years of getting in trouble, my mom pulled the plug on our friendship. Of course, we never did anything as cool as night trips to a graveyard, (I saved that for high school, lol!). I like the potential for this idea. Your story flowed at a very readable pace, in a believable manner, and I appreciated the age-appropriate dialog. Nice job, guess I'll see ya' in the next chapter, Bill
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
|
Hey Dean, well off we go...I had a friend like ol' Danny-boy, and after a couple of years of getting in trouble, my mom pulled the plug on our friendship. Of course, we never did anything as cool as night trips to a graveyard, (I saved that for high school, lol!). I like the potential for this idea. Your story flowed at a very readable pace, in a believable manner, and I appreciated the age-appropriate dialog. Nice job, guess I'll see ya' in the next chapter, Bill
Comment Written 23-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
-
Thanks very much, Bill, and I really appreciate you following along. I'm glad you liked the story thus far. It is drawn from personal experiences as a young boy.
Thanks for the fantastic review and very generous rating as well. All are greatly appreciated.
Comment from Patrick G Cox
Hi Dean Kuch,
I have a feeling you're onto a good creepy ghoul living in the crypt here and Timmy is his next victim - assuming Danny doesn't get smart really quickly.
Mind you, a character like Danny getting smart would ruin the story.
Patrick
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
|
Hi Dean Kuch,
I have a feeling you're onto a good creepy ghoul living in the crypt here and Timmy is his next victim - assuming Danny doesn't get smart really quickly.
Mind you, a character like Danny getting smart would ruin the story.
Patrick
Comment Written 23-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
-
Hah, yes, it certainly would, Patrick. Thanks for the excellent feedback on this story. I greatly appreciate it!
Comment from Treischel
A good start on what promises to be an intriguing tale. It's starts with a boyhood friendship, graveyard curiosity, and the old pinky swear. Nicely told, the characters feel very real. I'm hooked.
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
|
A good start on what promises to be an intriguing tale. It's starts with a boyhood friendship, graveyard curiosity, and the old pinky swear. Nicely told, the characters feel very real. I'm hooked.
Comment Written 23-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
-
Thanks, Tom, I'm happy to hear you say that. I'm working on part two now, so it shouldn't be too long. I really appreciate you following along.
Comment from Writingfundimension
Dean, you've got me totally hooked with your superb set-up. I'm looking forward to reading more about poor Timmy's fate, especially with all the secrets Dan's keeping from him. So well done!
Bev
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
|
Dean, you've got me totally hooked with your superb set-up. I'm looking forward to reading more about poor Timmy's fate, especially with all the secrets Dan's keeping from him. So well done!
Bev
Comment Written 23-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2014
-
Thanks a bunch, Bev. I'm really glad that you liked it. It's based on actual experiences I had growing up. I'll bet you could guess which of the characters in the story was most like me, lol.
Thanks again!
-
Ooh, that makes it even more interesting for me.
You're very welcome, Dean, as always.
Bev
