This was a beautiful scene. I felt like I was right there on that bench or hovering nearby like a nosy eavesdropper. Even though I just met Juniper, her compassionate manner and responsible response are very much in character. Wild’s dilemma is so poignant as to be gutting. To know the safe bet is never to touch another person — what must that do to his psyche? It’s so isolating. Yet one cure for such loneliness is to tell someone. Catch-22. It’s beautiful to see him at this early stage when he may hold out hope for a cure.
I’m loving the backstory. And Wild. And I’ll probably never drink ayahuasca again now for fear of ending up with a similar power / curse to Wild (though, in my line of work, perhaps it would actually be quite useful!!) 😜
You put so much into your characters Ben… I feel a little like I’m perched in a tree eavesdropping on something secret that I shouldn’t be… but can’t stop listening because the secret is huge..!
"It was like what a baby must experience, seeing everything for the first time." I keep seeing references to this way of perceiving. Funny how that happens once something grabs your interest. Wild after the ayahuasca trip, Annie Dillard writing about trying to see the way a baby or a newly sighted person sees, and how this opens us up to experiencing on a different level.
Gosh, I hadn't realized you'd released so many more episodes of this. I have to catch up. I guess that's what happens when you aren't on here that often and turn off notifications. This was excellent; it had me glued to the text from top to bottom. Bravo!
Anything is possible, though it would truly have to be something supernatural because I have not gotten around to reading her yet. Believe it or not I don’t actually read a lot of Science Fiction.
So... the reason I said that is one of her most famous books (which I'm reading right now) is The Parable of the Sower. She wrote it in 1996. The date the story in the book starts is July 20, 2024 : )
I’m enjoying this immensely. You’ve done something really incredible with this format. There’s a richness to the story that’s brought to life through the depth and dimensions of the characters and the way you’ve done this with such short, bite-sized episodes is masterful. Bravo!
Thanks, Teyani! I’m glad the story has you engaged. I appreciate you being here. A paid subscription gets you the next episode a week before everybody else. Just sayin’! 😉
I'm so in now. Great story. Love the characters and the backstory. An easy, satisfying read. (Do I have to jump through these hoops every time I want to leave a comment?)
I had to register again, leave my name, my handle — which it then told me it was already being used (by myself I have no doubt) and write out my bio. Twice. I’ve never had to that twice before. I have come upon it after not having been on a site and leaving a comment before. I’m thinking I’m probably a member in good standing now and won’t have to do it again.
This is such a fascinating detail about Wild’s gift/curse. His journey to the Amazon and the ayahuasca experience brought me right back to my own experience down there. I was with a group of twelve from CIIS and while I wasn’t allowed to partake (I was on my period and so it wasn’t advised) one woman (as I was told the next morning) died during her “journey-ing” and was brought back to life by the head shaman. I still don’t know what to think about this, but I do believe some very powerful openings can happen with that medicine. So cool that you brought that bit of mystery and ethnobotany into the story.
I remember reading that passage of your memoir and I’m certain reading it definitely influenced the writing of this story! We will go deeper into the jungle in a couple of months, so stay tuned.
These are two great characters that share such wonderfully written dialogue, Ben
The background to Wild’s curse sounds like a great tale and would probably make an excellent story on its own!
I love how when he’s trying to convince Juniper of what he can do, there’s no histrionics so when she tries to analyse his behaviour, he just walks away
Same with the scene by the pond. When he finally offloads the terrible secret he’s been carrying with him for so long, the storm is like a cathartic release and he just stands and lets it wash over him
Brilliantly done. Looking forward to reading the new chapter 👍🏼
What a glowing review Daniel! Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I spent a lot of time trying to get inside my characters. It’s nice to know that it’s working. Thanks for being here.
And the scenes you paint here, just gorgeous. The moment Wild reveals his truth and then him looking up into the rain. Both are so powerful, So perfectly show the depth of isolation Wild must feel.
Brilliant, brilliant backstory, Ben. I so love these characters. These pieces of explanation, the foreshadowing... Brilliant.
(Plus, the little nudge to July 2024 😆)
Thank you, Nathan. I try to drop a little Easter eggs where I can. 😜
This was a beautiful scene. I felt like I was right there on that bench or hovering nearby like a nosy eavesdropper. Even though I just met Juniper, her compassionate manner and responsible response are very much in character. Wild’s dilemma is so poignant as to be gutting. To know the safe bet is never to touch another person — what must that do to his psyche? It’s so isolating. Yet one cure for such loneliness is to tell someone. Catch-22. It’s beautiful to see him at this early stage when he may hold out hope for a cure.
Thanks Julie. This tension you point out is what drove me to write this story. I’m so glad the scene drew you in.
PS loved the Easter-egg date of July 29, 2024! 😉😊
I’m loving the backstory. And Wild. And I’ll probably never drink ayahuasca again now for fear of ending up with a similar power / curse to Wild (though, in my line of work, perhaps it would actually be quite useful!!) 😜
I can see how the curse might be a superpower in your hands. Imagine how easily you could plan your vacations! Thank you for reading, friend.
You put so much into your characters Ben… I feel a little like I’m perched in a tree eavesdropping on something secret that I shouldn’t be… but can’t stop listening because the secret is huge..!
That’s the highest possible compliment you could pay me, Susie. Thank you!!!
"It was like what a baby must experience, seeing everything for the first time." I keep seeing references to this way of perceiving. Funny how that happens once something grabs your interest. Wild after the ayahuasca trip, Annie Dillard writing about trying to see the way a baby or a newly sighted person sees, and how this opens us up to experiencing on a different level.
It is curious how we begin to notice a new thought or pattern everywhere. Thanks for reading and commenting Stephanie.
I'm catching up! Love that 2024 drop-in reference haha.
Yay, glad you’re back!
Gosh, I hadn't realized you'd released so many more episodes of this. I have to catch up. I guess that's what happens when you aren't on here that often and turn off notifications. This was excellent; it had me glued to the text from top to bottom. Bravo!
Hey Silvio, thanks so much for the kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying the story.
Any chance you've been hanging out in another realm with Octavia Butler?!
Anything is possible, though it would truly have to be something supernatural because I have not gotten around to reading her yet. Believe it or not I don’t actually read a lot of Science Fiction.
So... the reason I said that is one of her most famous books (which I'm reading right now) is The Parable of the Sower. She wrote it in 1996. The date the story in the book starts is July 20, 2024 : )
It’s funny how the dates we inhabit everyday now seemed so completely sci-fi to us back then.
I just think it’s pretty cool you and Octavia were almost within a week of one another’s future forward dates.
The secret, the thrill, the fear. So much here and so empathic as Juniper listens and Wilder tells. Totally hooked.
Yay! Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Mary. It’s such an honor to have a writer of your caliber reading and enjoying my work.
Means so much, Ben. Blessings ...
I’m enjoying this immensely. You’ve done something really incredible with this format. There’s a richness to the story that’s brought to life through the depth and dimensions of the characters and the way you’ve done this with such short, bite-sized episodes is masterful. Bravo!
Hi Sarah, thanks so much for the kind words. I'm thrilled that you're enjoying the story so far. There's so much more to come! Thanks for being here.
You’ve beautifully given us a glimpse into the angst of Wild’s journey. I’m loving this. And? It’s very difficult to wait a week
Thanks, Teyani! I’m glad the story has you engaged. I appreciate you being here. A paid subscription gets you the next episode a week before everybody else. Just sayin’! 😉
Yes. The budget does not allow for that (yet)
I've got you. Enjoy a year on me. I just comped you a paid subscription. Thanks for reading.
Ohmygosh! OhMyGosh! You’re awesome!!! I will pay this gift forward in the very near future. Thank you Ben
I'm so in now. Great story. Love the characters and the backstory. An easy, satisfying read. (Do I have to jump through these hoops every time I want to leave a comment?)
Thanks, Ben. What hoops were required?
I had to register again, leave my name, my handle — which it then told me it was already being used (by myself I have no doubt) and write out my bio. Twice. I’ve never had to that twice before. I have come upon it after not having been on a site and leaving a comment before. I’m thinking I’m probably a member in good standing now and won’t have to do it again.
Sorry that was a hassle. You should be good going forward.
It’s all good. Well worth it. 😏
“The thought felt other. It didn’t come from me.”
This is such a fascinating detail about Wild’s gift/curse. His journey to the Amazon and the ayahuasca experience brought me right back to my own experience down there. I was with a group of twelve from CIIS and while I wasn’t allowed to partake (I was on my period and so it wasn’t advised) one woman (as I was told the next morning) died during her “journey-ing” and was brought back to life by the head shaman. I still don’t know what to think about this, but I do believe some very powerful openings can happen with that medicine. So cool that you brought that bit of mystery and ethnobotany into the story.
Falling head over heels into this story!
I remember reading that passage of your memoir and I’m certain reading it definitely influenced the writing of this story! We will go deeper into the jungle in a couple of months, so stay tuned.
These are two great characters that share such wonderfully written dialogue, Ben
The background to Wild’s curse sounds like a great tale and would probably make an excellent story on its own!
I love how when he’s trying to convince Juniper of what he can do, there’s no histrionics so when she tries to analyse his behaviour, he just walks away
Same with the scene by the pond. When he finally offloads the terrible secret he’s been carrying with him for so long, the storm is like a cathartic release and he just stands and lets it wash over him
Brilliantly done. Looking forward to reading the new chapter 👍🏼
What a glowing review Daniel! Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I spent a lot of time trying to get inside my characters. It’s nice to know that it’s working. Thanks for being here.
Juniper! I love this new character.
And the scenes you paint here, just gorgeous. The moment Wild reveals his truth and then him looking up into the rain. Both are so powerful, So perfectly show the depth of isolation Wild must feel.
I already can’t wait till next week, Ben !
Thanks so much, Holly. I’m so happy they feel real to you. It’s still early days and they’re evolving with every new chapter I write.