I'm long past the age of having to worry about such things but I read every word because we should all know that sex trafficking can start in unexpected ways. Also , it could have happened to me when I was young, lonely, and far too trusting of potential new friends. I'd have gone to the next bar, or to a party with a woman I'd just met if she was 'cool.' Glad I read this.

Thanks. I'm going to get the book so I can read the rest!

I had trouble getting past the 'win a wife' part. I kept seeing 'good Christian men' (or in this case 18 year-old boys) lined up to throw darts at balloons. The winner gets to take home the prettiest, most chaste, dress-wearing, girl. He tosses his prize over his shoulder--or does he grab her by the hair caveman style and drag her home?

You forgot to mention joining the union. Serial Killers Unite 666. It guarantees women get equal pay for their killing!

Funny, after I wrote that I thought about the other way of viewing it. We're not our characters, but what we write does reflect who we are, doesn't it? I put this is question form because it's a complicated subject. If we return to something again and again there's a reason, but it's hard for a reader to know what that reason is. If you know it's going to be upsetting for you every time you read it (I wouldn't keep reading an author who puts rape in every book even if it's quality literature) then it makes sense to skip their books.

Anyway, that's my deep thought for the day. Have a good one!

I thought the movie was brilliant-and far too real.

The reality of what we're facing is scary as hell. There's a reason so many young people are choosing not to have kids. They don't want to pass on this dying planet.

For me it's another place to share my short stories and get a few reads. I'm enjoying Simily so far, but my first love is fiction and I'm not in it for the money. Gave up on that idea a long time ago.

I saw myself in this one. Thanks for writing this.

I was thinking the same thing. Ever since I found Medium I've been wishing there was a site like it that focused on fiction. Now there is!