Merkin Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 Cole has come up with a very big story built within a very small space that will leave you shaking your head in admiration. He's managed to pack multiple chapters' worth of plot and development into this short read without abusing the reader's sensibility or willingness to believe, although it's a close call, indeed. Framing the story with a rookie teacher's actions and observations gives us a jump start on understanding the situation, and then allows for some apt author-to-reader explanation at the end, but the real mastery is demonstrated by the ease with which Cole portrays both a complex backstory as well as lightning fast development of a relationship between two skittery boys, each with so much to lose from precipitous action. I found myself completely committed to these two wonderful characters and it was with real regret that I realized all-too-soon that their story was done. Read it here: Scurvy Dog James Link to comment
ricky Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 A great call. I loved the story and honestly wondered if he had been silently following me through me childhood. I wanted to tell Cole he had Steven's name wrong. What a fantastic and captivating tale. Like James, I really wanted to read about the friendship to come. A loving and Moving story that only slightly flushed my tear ducts. Highly recdcomended. I've decided that when I get out of my second childhood, I want to grow up to be Cole Parker the next time. He writes fantastic stories. Link to comment
Bruin Fisher Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 It's tempting to say something like 'it goes without saying that a story by Cole Parker will be a treat' but I mustn't say that - a proper appreciation of this or any other story should never 'go without saying'. So, here is what I'm saying: It's a difficult feat to bring to life a twelve-year-old boy's inarticulate shyness and embarrassment. Almost a contradiction in terms: to articulate the boy's inarticulate-ness. But Cole is one author who might pick up the challenge, and sure enough, here is the story which fanfares his victory. It's a brilliant piece of work, making the reader squirm with poor Steven, and with Rob too. And the storyline with the new teacher's contribution at beginning and end, is heart-warming and cheering. If you haven't read it, go read, your day will be the brighter for having done so. Link to comment
Cole Parker Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 You guys are way too kind. Thanks so much for your words, which warm my heart. C Link to comment
Lugnutz Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 I don't think Cole has it in him to turn out a so-so story. Kind of reminds me of his story "Courage". Good job old bean. My hat's off to you. Link to comment
Oliver Posted March 18, 2011 Report Share Posted March 18, 2011 You guys are way too kind. Thanks so much for your words, which warm my heart.C We can say that too. You're too kind, Cole. Thanks so much for your words in writing, which warm our hearts. It's a really good, nice, heartwarming story. I'm jealous. I want to be able to write like you. Greetings from the not so cold anymore Netherlands, Oliver Link to comment
Cole Parker Posted March 18, 2011 Report Share Posted March 18, 2011 It's been awhile, Oliver. Nice to see you back! C Link to comment
JamesSavik Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 Well done Cole. That age group is SO very difficult to write because kids vary wildly in their levels of physical and emotional maturity. You did a great job constructing characters that stayed consistent with who they are from start to finish but still grew and changed. In too many stories the change in a dynamic character is so sudden, abrupt and at odds with that persona, it is just not realistic to expect that change to be made in an instant. Steven had to be dragged, gently, out of his shell. He didn't have a rush of insight and instantly become a social butterfly. Change and growth occurs slowly, painfully, if at all. This is what MADE the dynamic of this story ring so true. That's overlooked in the craft sometimes but the crafty notice these touches and appreciate them. Link to comment
Camy Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 Bravo Cole! In Steven and Rob you've created a wonderful pair of characters with great chemistry, and it would be more than nice to see what happens to them next (oh so subtle a hint). I generally abhor people who dress up their pets, but the 'Scurvy Dog' photo had me laughing so hard I had to re-read the first few paragraphs twice. Wicked! Camy Link to comment
Merkin Posted July 1, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2020 SO GLAD to see this fine tale revived for us in this month's "Picks from the Past." One never tires of rereading a story by Cole Parker, and this one is very special.http://www.awesomedude.com/cole-parker/scurvy-dog/scurvy-dog.htm Link to comment
Rutabaga Posted July 2, 2020 Report Share Posted July 2, 2020 Just reread it also, and it was as charming as I remembered. R Link to comment
Cole Parker Posted July 2, 2020 Report Share Posted July 2, 2020 Thanks, guys. I usually try for delightful and charming. It's a good target to shoot for. Easy to miss. C Link to comment
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