Carmen Ruggero writes about...

S. Michael Leier’s “’Tis the Season”

Michael,

I’ve just finished reading “Tis the Season” for the second time. I wanted to let you know I was impressed and touched by it. The introduction of supernatural elements for the sake of supernatural don’t attract me at all because it’s often presented as a gratuitous element of horror. But you presented Dudley’s manifestation in a manner that became acceptable and believable and with a purpose other than to horrify the reader.

The storm, I saw as a psychological manifestation of the child’s emotional turmoil, and that element also became believable. I cared for Rick and the little girl and every character in your story. Making the girl understand the difference between keeping a memory and living in it brought the whole story into realistic perspective. I look forward to reading more of your work. You are an exceptionally good writer.

Carmen Ruggero