Frankly, I'm With Frank
I used to dread visits from Frank32 total reviews
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Some people are like that, mostly hermits who don't like people. I don't think I could go a day without a shower and clean teeth. But many do. In a way it's a sad story, one wonders why he prefered to live that way, his only company a black dog called Blackie. I enjoyed reading your story, well done. Sandra xx
stench hung in the air as (if) if were.... remove one (if)
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reply by the author on 09-Nov-2024
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Some people are like that, mostly hermits who don't like people. I don't think I could go a day without a shower and clean teeth. But many do. In a way it's a sad story, one wonders why he prefered to live that way, his only company a black dog called Blackie. I enjoyed reading your story, well done. Sandra xx
stench hung in the air as (if) if were.... remove one (if)
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Comment Written 09-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 09-Nov-2024
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Hello Sandra,
thanks so much for the delightful review. I believe when Frank moved to Alaska, it was just a territory still. The government awarded tracts of land to people who came, I suppose to help populate the area. Frank owned property in Spasski, but preferred to live on his small boat. He had worked for Walt Disney cutting out linoleum blocks for illustrating cartoons, and was an accomplished mechanic. He often told tales of fishing on the outside coast and being able to see many fathoms down into the clear water and watch the fish strike his lures. I don't know what drove him to leave his wife and son and move north, but his story wasn't one that wasn't familiar.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from I am her
What I Like:
Your story paints a vivid and memorable portrait of small-town life in Hoonah, with colorful characters like Frank and his loyal dog, Blackie. The rich detail you give to the people, place, and even the smell of the L. Kane Store transports readers to a rustic, quirky world. The humor sprinkled throughout, especially in describing Frank's wardrobe and Blackie's float, adds a light-hearted charm that keeps readers engaged.
What Needs Work:
The story could benefit from a bit more focus and conciseness, particularly in the middle where descriptions of Frank's habits become somewhat repetitive. While amusing, these passages could be tightened to keep the story moving and maintain readers' attention. Additionally, some details about Hoonah's setting and the town's challenges might add richness without relying so much on Frank's eccentricities.
What I Like Again:
Overall, your writing style has a strong voice, and you capture the uniqueness of each character with empathy and humor. The historical tidbits about the store's founding and the subtle hints of Alaskan life add depth to the narrative. With just a bit more focus, this story has all the elements of an engaging, memorable piece. Keep up the great work!
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 09-Nov-2024
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What I Like:
Your story paints a vivid and memorable portrait of small-town life in Hoonah, with colorful characters like Frank and his loyal dog, Blackie. The rich detail you give to the people, place, and even the smell of the L. Kane Store transports readers to a rustic, quirky world. The humor sprinkled throughout, especially in describing Frank's wardrobe and Blackie's float, adds a light-hearted charm that keeps readers engaged.
What Needs Work:
The story could benefit from a bit more focus and conciseness, particularly in the middle where descriptions of Frank's habits become somewhat repetitive. While amusing, these passages could be tightened to keep the story moving and maintain readers' attention. Additionally, some details about Hoonah's setting and the town's challenges might add richness without relying so much on Frank's eccentricities.
What I Like Again:
Overall, your writing style has a strong voice, and you capture the uniqueness of each character with empathy and humor. The historical tidbits about the store's founding and the subtle hints of Alaskan life add depth to the narrative. With just a bit more focus, this story has all the elements of an engaging, memorable piece. Keep up the great work!
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 09-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 09-Nov-2024
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Hello I am her,
thanks for taking the time to point out the parts you enjoyed as well as what you felt needed work. I'll certainly consider what you've mentioned. I didn't go in to more detail about Hoonah, in part because of the amount of space it would require, and I know that people get tired of reading a story if it gets too long. I believe I've written about Hoonah in previous posts, but just a quick run down for your information.
Hoonah is in Southeast Alaska in what is know as the Panhandle. The original residents were the Tlingit people who lived in Glacier Bay, about twenty miles across Icy Strait on the mainland. They were forced to move when the glaciers started to advance. Like many coastal Alaska towns, it is up against the mountains with a small area along the beach that is flat, so there isn't a lot of room for expansion. Hoonah is located on Chichagof Island and is only accessible by plane or boat. The town itself only has about 850 people, but in recent years the native corporation got involved with the cruise ship lines and it radically transformed the dynamics of the town, not especially for the good. At one time commercial fishing was the primary source of employment. For about ten years a logging company moved in and brought a large population of workers, some of whom stayed and made homes in Hoonah. The federal government built hundreds of miles of road in order to access the trees in the Tongass National Forest, which along with native corporation lands surrounds the town. The town, like most of Southeast Alaska is in a rain forest, which is conducive to the salmon population. The winters are fairly mild in comparison to places farther north in Alaska, but they get lots of snow sometimes. One year we had 23 feet of snow. It was terrible. There is more I could mention, but this information is widely available on line. I would recommend searching for info from something other than a tourist site, as you'll get a slanted view.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
