26 Comments

Lacing the boots took a lot of time, for sure, but what about the time he spent trimming that beard and mustache? Wonderful story, Mark, cleverly conceived: humor with a dose of wisdom.

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He definitely spent a lot of time grooming. 🤣 Thanks, K.C.

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As a writer I loved the novel thief. Lots to think about in one little powerful story!

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Thank you, Emily. I appreciate it. 🤓

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Oct 31, 2023Liked by Mark Starlin

The Novel Thief is pure Mark Starlin! 👏

And good on you for noticing those boots! I looked at the photo, read the story, and had to check the photo again. Totally missed it.

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How could you miss those boots?! 🤣

Thanks, Jack.

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Oct 31, 2023Liked by Mark Starlin

Yes ☑️ and No😆

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I love reading this in real time thank you, Mark.

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Are you sure you are not reading in the future? 😉

Thanks, Coleen. 🤓

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I’m happy the story ended on a light note and both men were content with where their lives ended up. The touch of humor in the closing lines was perfect! Thanks for a wonderful story.

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Oct 31, 2023·edited Oct 31, 2023Author

Thanks, Justin. Sometimes we hold onto things too long when there is probably is something better waiting for us. Life rarely goes to plan.

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So true!

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Oct 30, 2023·edited Oct 30, 2023Liked by Mark Starlin

Harrison could have ended up like his brother Stanley, making cars.

His predicament sounds similar to what Ralph Ellison faced in real life. Ellison wrote a classic in his first novel "Invisible Man" and then spent the rest of his life trying to get his second novel right (when he wasn't writing stories, essays and lectures in between). That novel didn't come out until after he was dead.

But Ellison wouldn't have resorted to time travel to fix it, even though his brother from another mother Harlan probably would...

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🤣 Or carpet cleaners.

It has to be a lot of pressure if your first novel is a hit. Not that I would know. 🤣

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This is so clever, Mark! You have such unusually fresh, unexpected themes. Always a pleasure!

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Thank you, Sharron. As Forest Gump's Momma would say, "Mark's writing is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you will get." 🤓

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Love the time travelling writer - rich with possibilities and beautifully explored!

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Thank you JoJo/barrie. I wanted to write something timely. 😂

I wonder how many writers would be willing to steal future stories to become a famous writer? Would the guilt get to them?

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The guilt should get to them ... there’s plenty who’d jump at it. Not me. Got way too many ideas of my own to work through!! 😆

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All you need are ideas. 🤓

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Thanks again, Mark!

1. You know, I once had a pair of boots like that in the 1970s. I hated them.

2. Great advice, as always.

3. Love a good short time travel story!

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I wore steel-toed work boots (or shoes) to work everyday for 27 years. I would not want to deal with those beasts! 😂

Thanks, C.L. 🤓

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Thanks for this Mark

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Thank you, Rolando, for reading and commenting. 🤓

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I LOVE the boots! And your stories. Thanks Mark! 😊

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Those are some serious boots. 😂

Thanks, 3 🤓

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