Your prose is just so immersive; a few words in and I was taken to another world. It flows in such a beautiful way, the rhythm and the events just unfolding in perfect tandem. Loved how you softly unveiled mysteries, using curiosity as a driver.
That said, thank you so much for sharing this story. There is so much power in finding others like one and finally belonging, and you presented that beautifully.
Thank you so much for your kind words. That means a lot to me.
Yes, finding others like oneself and finally belonging... it's so important! That's why I wrote this story.
I wanted to give people a look behind the scenes of what it's like to be different. To feel so unloved and unwelcome that you feel your only choice is to withdraw from society.
I have to unfortunately agree—so few people understand what's like to feel unlovable. Yet finding that love (and that one can be loved) is not always a loud moment, you know? I think you conveyed that perfectly here; quietly, but with resonance.
Just finished reading this for a shout out on today's podcast! I'll share more thoughts there, but I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the pacing of this story. The contemplative tone, combined with the rich detail, really immersed me in the world, and the message at the end was wonderful.
Really glad I have the opportunity to talk about this story on today's episode!
I’m so glad I happened to see this story. It was the name “Beyond the Fringes” and the picture you chose that made me stop and read. Interesting how a picture represents a story.
In any case, I did enjoy it! Your development of the characters was marvelous, and I felt drawn to them. I was so afraid Other would take Hille, and I didn’t want that to happen, but the child chose him, and was so silent in the woods that even he didn’t hear them following, except for the snap of a twig.
Thank you. Yes, I wrestled with that. I knew the child needed to go with Other, but at the same time, Other could not just take them, because—as Other themself said—that would be wrong.
But the child chose him, and that changes everything. I do feel for the parents and siblings, though...
This is so powerful and poignant! And I enjoyed looking at a typical family from the eyes of the outsider. So much busyness but not much actually being done... ain't that the truth!
Thank you, Allegra. Yes, so much busyness. And all the loudness. The world doesn't really cater to autistics. I'm lucky to live in a quiet neighbourhood, but at times, I still get overwhelmed.
I wanted to show the overwhelm. To make it not just visible, but palpable.
I love that contrast between the overwhelm of the human world and the calm of nature. And I so relate to wanting to just disappear into the wilderness!
When my children were little, I actually wanted to just wanted to take them with me to an uninhabited island (or, lacking that, to the Moors) and live a quiet life with them, a dog and several cats.
Life was so hectic back then. So much social stuff going on all the fucking time...
I really enjoyed this story, Daan. Your descriptions brought it to life and you unfolded it in a way that made me want to know more about your main character, Other. Well done! Will you be continuing this story or was it a one-off short story?
At the moment, I don't have any plans on continuing their story, but they might come back in another story. When I love a character (and I certainly love Other) I like to look for ways to have them make an appearance in other stories.
I'm glad Other will come back in a different story! I can't help but wonder, though, what would happen if Hille's mother and family came looking for the child. It could be a really interesting encounter. Did the mom finally realize she messed up by not valuing Hille for who the child truly is? If she finds Other, what repercussions would there be if she thinks Other kidnapped Hille? Or perhaps Other finds Hille's mother wailing in the woods, completely heartstricken over the loss of her child. What would Other do in that situation? I'd like to think it could be a chance for Hille and Other to finally be seen for who they are and hopefully be loved in the way they deserve. The possibilities are endless, though, and intriguing! Thanks for writing such a thoughtful piece that makes you think about how society views and treats people who are different.
Your prose is just so immersive; a few words in and I was taken to another world. It flows in such a beautiful way, the rhythm and the events just unfolding in perfect tandem. Loved how you softly unveiled mysteries, using curiosity as a driver.
That said, thank you so much for sharing this story. There is so much power in finding others like one and finally belonging, and you presented that beautifully.
Thank you so much for your kind words. That means a lot to me.
Yes, finding others like oneself and finally belonging... it's so important! That's why I wrote this story.
I wanted to give people a look behind the scenes of what it's like to be different. To feel so unloved and unwelcome that you feel your only choice is to withdraw from society.
Because I think too few people understand that.
I have to unfortunately agree—so few people understand what's like to feel unlovable. Yet finding that love (and that one can be loved) is not always a loud moment, you know? I think you conveyed that perfectly here; quietly, but with resonance.
Just finished reading this for a shout out on today's podcast! I'll share more thoughts there, but I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the pacing of this story. The contemplative tone, combined with the rich detail, really immersed me in the world, and the message at the end was wonderful.
Really glad I have the opportunity to talk about this story on today's episode!
Thank you.
Just listened to your podcast and really enjoyed it.
I’m so glad I happened to see this story. It was the name “Beyond the Fringes” and the picture you chose that made me stop and read. Interesting how a picture represents a story.
In any case, I did enjoy it! Your development of the characters was marvelous, and I felt drawn to them. I was so afraid Other would take Hille, and I didn’t want that to happen, but the child chose him, and was so silent in the woods that even he didn’t hear them following, except for the snap of a twig.
Thank you for this story!
Thank you. Yes, I wrestled with that. I knew the child needed to go with Other, but at the same time, Other could not just take them, because—as Other themself said—that would be wrong.
But the child chose him, and that changes everything. I do feel for the parents and siblings, though...
This is so powerful and poignant! And I enjoyed looking at a typical family from the eyes of the outsider. So much busyness but not much actually being done... ain't that the truth!
Thank you, Allegra. Yes, so much busyness. And all the loudness. The world doesn't really cater to autistics. I'm lucky to live in a quiet neighbourhood, but at times, I still get overwhelmed.
I wanted to show the overwhelm. To make it not just visible, but palpable.
I love that contrast between the overwhelm of the human world and the calm of nature. And I so relate to wanting to just disappear into the wilderness!
When my children were little, I actually wanted to just wanted to take them with me to an uninhabited island (or, lacking that, to the Moors) and live a quiet life with them, a dog and several cats.
Life was so hectic back then. So much social stuff going on all the fucking time...
My kids are 4 and 6 and I have spent the last week trying to convince my husband that we need to go live on a quiet island somewhere! 😆
I really enjoyed this story, Daan. Your descriptions brought it to life and you unfolded it in a way that made me want to know more about your main character, Other. Well done! Will you be continuing this story or was it a one-off short story?
Thank you, Kimberly.
At the moment, I don't have any plans on continuing their story, but they might come back in another story. When I love a character (and I certainly love Other) I like to look for ways to have them make an appearance in other stories.
I'm glad Other will come back in a different story! I can't help but wonder, though, what would happen if Hille's mother and family came looking for the child. It could be a really interesting encounter. Did the mom finally realize she messed up by not valuing Hille for who the child truly is? If she finds Other, what repercussions would there be if she thinks Other kidnapped Hille? Or perhaps Other finds Hille's mother wailing in the woods, completely heartstricken over the loss of her child. What would Other do in that situation? I'd like to think it could be a chance for Hille and Other to finally be seen for who they are and hopefully be loved in the way they deserve. The possibilities are endless, though, and intriguing! Thanks for writing such a thoughtful piece that makes you think about how society views and treats people who are different.
All those 'what ifs', eh? So many possibilities. I haven't made up my mind yet, but it's simmering in there.