26 Comments
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Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Excellent. For me, this felt like a metaphor for writing a novel. At the end, it is your creation no matter how it turns out, and you can't wait to haunt people. ;)

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

What an insight.

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Sandy Shaller's avatar

EJ, reading "The House on Hill Road" was one fantastic trip. Your descriptive details, which had to go on and on, were terrific. I could see the contours and twists of the house through the tortured vision of Sylvester. His end, as he is absorbed into the house, is unsettling and perfect. Shirley Jackson would admire this story I am sure.

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EJ Trask's avatar

well that’s the greatest compliment ever, thank you sandy!

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Ken Flyingheart's avatar

Gorgeous. A stellar work of mounting unease hitting perfect notes throughout. I have to agree with Sean, it reads as a metaphor for artistry; the shaping of art-- or stories. Obsession, isolation, the way it keeps twisting, throwing shadows, and never really ends up the way you want it. But it yours, no matter what. Haunted castles. What a trip. Genius work, EJ. No matter the intent.

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EJ Trask's avatar

thank you!

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FranB's avatar

This reminded me of the Haunting of Hill House by the fabulous Shirley Jackson and, perhaps even more, the sequel by Elizabeth Hand - A Haunting on the Hill. Really enjoyed it.

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EJ Trask's avatar

thank you! I am a big fan of both.

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FranB's avatar

Me too!

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NJ Fiction's avatar

This was excellent

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EJ Trask's avatar

thank you 🙏

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Saint-Lazare's avatar

A haunting in reverse, that's such a clever idea, enjoyed it very much!

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K.Lynn Grey's avatar

That was a fantastic ending...

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EJ Trask's avatar

thank you!!! i’m so glad you enjoyed it!

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Jessica Renz's avatar

ohmygod the language and the energy and the tension and the zooming around of chemistry- this was a WILD ride and i LOVED it!

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Nick Winney's avatar

crazy and feverish and what a bizarre idea...yet we are bought into it. well done!

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Keith Long's avatar

This is so good — it sets things up yet inhabits the same energy as Jackson’s story. It feels as unsettling as the house itself

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EJ Trask's avatar

thanks so much keith!

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Mary Morrison's avatar

Very hard to add anything to the impressive comments above! I loved the tension and pace of the story! In fact I read it far too quickly as I was truly gripped and wanted to know where we were heading. And the ending didn’t disappoint- left beautifully open for us all to read in to it our own interpretations of over coveting, obsession, the creative process, the neglect of loved ones, the distrust of others, mental jeopardy, whatever!! A very satisfying read! Thank you!

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EJ Trask's avatar

thank you! i’m so glad you loved it.

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

This is great! The ending reminded me of his first glance at the “things” house. He’s linked himself so tightly with it that he’s eaten alive by himself.The descriptions of him becoming the literal essence of the house is some damn dope shit.

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EJ Trask's avatar

thanks so much! i’m glad you dug it

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Jessica Maison's avatar

So wonderful and heartbreaking. Obsession takes many of us. I agree with Sean. Definitely feels like a metaphor for writing a novel. Great character and haunted house.

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Garen Marie's avatar

Oooh, I’m a big fan of the ouroboros ending. Great take on the haunted house.

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Lyndsey Resnick's avatar

"and whatever walked there, walked alone."

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Caitriana NicNeacail's avatar

Terrifyingly and beautifully written!

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