STORY INFO
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The Staked Plains Butcher and the Prairie Flower

Content

The day was April 15, 1867, in the Texas swath of the Llano Estacado running from Northern Mexico to Canada. For two years I’d been following a trail of slaughtered Comanche, engaging any demonic fiends that sought to feed on what was left. Every victim I’d found had been scalped and disfigured, unrecognizable as human. And sometimes that was before they’d been defiled by the teeth of unholy scavengers.…The last gunshot echoed across the moonlit valley of death that Abraham Strockland stood in the midst of,...

Outstanding reviews

What happened to the baby? Nobody took the baby. Everybody left and nobody took the baby. You need to fix that, or get rid of the baby all together, turn it into a son,' (or one of those pink yard flamingos) or a horse? He returns the horse, no one has to get married.The writing is excellent, great setting, terrific dialogue. I could have lived without the were-coyotes, but it's a necessary evil. Seems like a perfect opening for a longer story.
I appreciate that. But Topsannah was returned to her father at the end of the story. It's the payoff of the story.
I appreciate that. But Topsannah was returned to her father at the end of the story. It's the payoff of the story.
“You are the one that left the note?” “I am.” Strockland presented Topsannah to her father. The glaze in the war chief’s eyes vanished within his softening expression as he slid from his saddle and took the quiet babe in his arms. ...Puhihwikwasu'u retrieved the knife with his left hand, inspecting it with a narrow gaze before looking to the sleeping infant cooing just below his head. She opened her little eyes and smiled at the familiar face lingering above hers, provoking the war chief to smile back before lowering the knife....See?
Thoroughly engrossing tale Carlton, excellent opener and I love the idea of werecoyotes! The action at the beginning really drew me in and the epistle sections inbetween allowed for great insight into Abraham's mindset. Lots of intrigue with your world building leads me to me think this is, or could be, part of a much larger epic.If I had one criticism it would the over usage of "as", it's ok for one thing happen at a time ha. But this is me being picky.Overall a great story and I look forward to seeing your other works.
You hit the nail on the head. This isn't the first story I've written with Abraham Strockland, just the first I've published. Check out the first story I've got on here, "The White Mountains and the Silver Spear", it's in the same timeline, just a few years earlier. There is going to be more from this world. A whole lot more. Thanks for stopping by and God bless.
You hit the nail on the head. This isn't the first story I've written with Abraham Strockland, just the first I've published. Check out the first story I've got on here, "The White Mountains and the Silver Spear", it's in the same timeline, just a few years earlier. There is going to be more from this world. A whole lot more. Thanks for stopping by and God bless.
You hit the nail on the head. This isn't the first story I've written with Abraham Strockland, just the first I've published. Check out the first story I've got on here, "The White Mountains and the Silver Spear", it's in the same timeline, just a few years earlier. There is going to be more from this world. A whole lot more. Thanks for stopping by and God bless.
I like how vivid your writing is in describing the imagery of the land and the different scenes throughout the story. I admire such well-written historical fiction. I am trying to master the art of writing in this genre myself. Your writing style is truly inspiring for that reason. Lastly, I'd like to note that I enjoy how much complexity you put into each of your characters. We get to see them experience heavy themes of love, loss, and war within the story. The Gunslinger is probably my favorite character after this read.
I'm glad my work blessed you. I appreciate your praise, though I must thank God for all the help He gave me in the craft as he has every good story he's had me write. I'm glad you like our friend, Abraham Strockland. And who knows, maybe we'll see him again...
Well written. I liked it and enjoyed reading it. Nice touch seeing Margaret Thatcher in there! The paper thin difference between Strockland and Thatcher was ever present. I'm reminded that you have to be a thief to catch a thief... in this case he's hunting monsters.
Thanks for the feedback! I actually didn't realize I'd made that connection, but it's interesting that its there that deeply now that I think about it. If you're interested in another story in this world, my first story takes place a few years before it.
Those connections and the wider elements of a story are fascinating. Exploring those areas gives rise to more ideas and stories as we travel that particular landscape. So much to learn and so much to write! I'll try and take a look later this week. I've still not eaten and only had a light lunch...!
This was a really well fleshed story. Great worldbuilding- I could see myself riding along with Strockland. Feedback has never been my strong point, I tend to just enjoy a good story. Instead of that I would just say write and rewrite. A lot! take your work, simplify it, play with prose. Write out of your comfort zone. After, come back to your 'happy place' and use what you learned.
I appreciate the advice! I'll keep all of it in mind.
You definitely had some hints of the macabre in there. Well written, descriptive story with a character that pushed your plot. A very good read!
I appreciate that, man!
I appreciate that, man!
Thanks for the advice, man. Also, I love that I was able to capture that land so well, given that I haven't actually been there. Yet. I plan on going through that whole area one day because I'm super into the history of the wild west. My first story is set in the same timeline, taking place a few years before and is in Arizona, so I'm hoping I got that setting right too.
For those that are interested in this world, check out "The White Mountains and the Silver Spear" here on Reedsy, it takes place in the same continuity, just a few years before this one.

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