Twelve Days of Magic
A Christmas story25 total reviews
Comment from Caryatid
Delightful straightforward story that made me smile. The family dynamics were deftly handled and rang true, even Mama's suspicion that Billy might be gay. The only thing I'd change is to cull the last paragraph which I think is redundant.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2018
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Delightful straightforward story that made me smile. The family dynamics were deftly handled and rang true, even Mama's suspicion that Billy might be gay. The only thing I'd change is to cull the last paragraph which I think is redundant.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2018
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2018
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You know what's funny about this review. You rated it at a four-star level and yet won first prize--judged by committee--and I collected $100 as a prize.
I'm always thankful for reviews and others' opinions.
Comment from Mabaker
Great story. I burst out laughing when the poor old girl thought Billy was gay! The whole story took a great deal of thought and I'll bet a heck of a lot of editing for it to turn into the contest winner. Great job. Great story. Sincerely Anne.
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2017
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Great story. I burst out laughing when the poor old girl thought Billy was gay! The whole story took a great deal of thought and I'll bet a heck of a lot of editing for it to turn into the contest winner. Great job. Great story. Sincerely Anne.
Comment Written 10-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2017
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The story was inspired by an acquaintance who did exactly like this character did. I am slightly crazy and wrote in one sitting--36 hours--only getting up to pee or get some food I a, so glad it brought you some pleasure..
Comment from Dom G Robles
Ingrid, I just read this story today. I missed it the way I did. Because it was no longer the same format that I used to see. That made the difference. But anyway, congratulations. You have made this story pretty well. I know it is unique, different from all the other Christmas stories I read. The song on the Twelve Day of Christmas is something I learned many years ago but it rekindled my thoughts once again. That song is being sang by my wife when she was still alive. You are tops, lady, my belated congratulations. Dom
reply by the author on 13-Feb-2015
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Ingrid, I just read this story today. I missed it the way I did. Because it was no longer the same format that I used to see. That made the difference. But anyway, congratulations. You have made this story pretty well. I know it is unique, different from all the other Christmas stories I read. The song on the Twelve Day of Christmas is something I learned many years ago but it rekindled my thoughts once again. That song is being sang by my wife when she was still alive. You are tops, lady, my belated congratulations. Dom
Comment Written 13-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 13-Feb-2015
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This was actually a truth inspired tale. A friend did this for her mother. The holidays always have sentiment attached, be it Christmas or Valentines. Thanks for the stars. This one I'm going to try to sell to a magazine for next year.
Comment from alizarin crimson
Dear Spiritual Echo,
Wow, very impressive. Very lively. I am new to your work, but you hooked me right in with your impeccable skills as a writer, plus you had great timing and humor. Your writing feels very natural and effortless. Like you are talking to us directly. Well done, and I see you are one of the top-ranked authors on FS. Kudos to you.
Do you still live in NYC? I haven't been back since we got married in 2000. Miss that crazy place!
Love it. Can't wait to read more.
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2015
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Dear Spiritual Echo,
Wow, very impressive. Very lively. I am new to your work, but you hooked me right in with your impeccable skills as a writer, plus you had great timing and humor. Your writing feels very natural and effortless. Like you are talking to us directly. Well done, and I see you are one of the top-ranked authors on FS. Kudos to you.
Do you still live in NYC? I haven't been back since we got married in 2000. Miss that crazy place!
Love it. Can't wait to read more.
Comment Written 25-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2015
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I've been to NYC many times, but I live in Canada. Though this story was written in first person, it really is fiction, but based on a real series of gifts a friend gave her mother.
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Great job. I read like non-fiction, at least to me. Felt autobiographic. Nice work.
I look forward to more of your work.
Comment from michaelcahill
Wow! I missed this one. I'm just amazed. What a treat of laughter and tears in a perfectly written tale. They had NO CHOICE but to declare this the winner. Ha! It must have broken their little Grinch hearts!! Just keep the bar up there and I'll keep jumping. michael
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2015
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Wow! I missed this one. I'm just amazed. What a treat of laughter and tears in a perfectly written tale. They had NO CHOICE but to declare this the winner. Ha! It must have broken their little Grinch hearts!! Just keep the bar up there and I'll keep jumping. michael
Comment Written 02-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2015
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Thank you, Michael. Let me tell you something really important, let it last. I knew when I spent a day and night on this story that I'd pulled out every quill of the porcupine, the old life and the lost dreams. I didn't write the story to win a competition, I wrote the story because it breathed. If I didn't place, my response would have been, 'fuck them all.' I knew what I held in my hands and I was a custodian. You are a charismatic writer and I hope your stars will equal the heights that you can measure and some you can't see. Know when you write crap and know when you write because the story is worth the effort.
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Good advice. I'm beginning to know. I'm not going to write just for the sake of it this year. That's a good start. Thank you.
Comment from Contests
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2015
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 A contest winning entry! A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for posting the winning contest entry. |
Comment Written 02-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2015
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Thanks so much. I believe my paypal acct is Ingrid@ingridthomson.com
Comment from Cumbrianlass
Brilliant! I love it. I was laughing at the gifts - SO clever.
Had a lovely time today... completely forgot to give you your card (it was on the front seat of the car... DUH!)
Glad you came into my life as well.
I shall treasure your story book always.
Love and hugs.
Av
xx
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2014
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Brilliant! I love it. I was laughing at the gifts - SO clever.
Had a lovely time today... completely forgot to give you your card (it was on the front seat of the car... DUH!)
Glad you came into my life as well.
I shall treasure your story book always.
Love and hugs.
Av
xx
Comment Written 19-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2014
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You give me such pause to stop and consider a few random words. I've been dwelling on the numeric value assessed and attached to success, be it miles or dollars. I haven't turned off the burner, still wondering if all the seasonings are balanced in this potpourri in my head, but you said a wondrous thing. Defining success is usually measured by society's or other people's standards. When we separate our dreams from external evaluations--we're pretty fucking marvelous--aren't we?
You are my favourite gift from the universe this year--possibly decade. I hope you tango through Christmas and jive on the beach. Much love, ingrid
Comment from DALLAS01
I found this to be a captivating tale of reconciliation. Just shows that sometimes healing requires little more than a touch of imagination and a willingness to put forth a little effort in order reap great rewards. The story moved flawlessly through a maze of hope and humor.
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2014
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I found this to be a captivating tale of reconciliation. Just shows that sometimes healing requires little more than a touch of imagination and a willingness to put forth a little effort in order reap great rewards. The story moved flawlessly through a maze of hope and humor.
Comment Written 05-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 05-Dec-2014
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Thanks very much. This story created a brain glitch like no other has in some time. I pulled an all-nighter, writing this for 30 hours straight. Perhaps I'm teetering on the precipice of insanity.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Brilliant, Ingrid. Just brilliant. I remember sending my mother a Christmas stocking one year with a bunch of silly cheap gifts wrapped up inside. She said it was one of her all-time best presents. You hit on the time/thought combination that makes a gift more than a thing. Did I say this was brilliant? :D Nancy
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014
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Brilliant, Ingrid. Just brilliant. I remember sending my mother a Christmas stocking one year with a bunch of silly cheap gifts wrapped up inside. She said it was one of her all-time best presents. You hit on the time/thought combination that makes a gift more than a thing. Did I say this was brilliant? :D Nancy
Comment Written 02-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014
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Thank you. If effort is any indication, I pulled an all-nighter for this story, logging in close to 30 hours before posting, and then, as is no surprise to me, my darling literary geniuses still found some editing for me to attack. Thank you very much.
Comment from Linda Engel
This story was fabulous and heart felt. I laughed and even had a joyful tear to my eye. Thank you so much for the notes. Even if the characters were fiction I know readers can relate to the mother, brother and Debbie , herself. My mom was a lot like this always telling us not to spend any money on her as she lavished us with the oddest things but very useful items. Sweet memories for a family Christmas. Well written and so enjoyed.
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2014
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This story was fabulous and heart felt. I laughed and even had a joyful tear to my eye. Thank you so much for the notes. Even if the characters were fiction I know readers can relate to the mother, brother and Debbie , herself. My mom was a lot like this always telling us not to spend any money on her as she lavished us with the oddest things but very useful items. Sweet memories for a family Christmas. Well written and so enjoyed.
Comment Written 01-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2014
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Thanks o much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.