Author Terrance Dean on “Elderly and Edible” from ‘Keep Your Panties Up and Your Skirt Down”

Why am  posting a negative review of my short story “Elderly and Edible”? You have to be able to take the good with the bad.  Terrance gave his honest opinion of the story and that’s what I wanted and needed to hear. I respect that. It forces me to take a closer look at my work before it is revealed to the public. I like that!

Sure, not everyone digs short stories, even Oprah stated that she usually does not  recommend books of short stories because it seems like something is always missing and you’re left hanging at the end. Recently Oprah found a book of short stories that did not leave her hanging and she made it her book club choice.

I purposely wanted to leave people hanging with this particular story so that you’re forced to think. However, when it comes to character and story development I want you to know what they’re about.

Thanks for the tough love, Terrance. It will help in the end.

Hey Ms. Dangerous Lee,

I have read your short and honestly I don’t feel I can give a positive review for it. I feel it’s a powerful tale and one that needs to be told, but it fell short for me.

The eight pages were extremely short, and the story for me was not developed. I think a lot more back story needs to be told, as well as the developing of their relationship, along with his relationship with the young girl. I didn’t connect with the characters, thus I couldn’t feel anything about their situation or issue.

Perhaps you should get someone else to read and review it for you. Sorry about this.

Thanks for thinking of me.

Terrance