12 hours ago, Parker Owens said:

I liked this feature, Dodger. You speak so easily about some of the things that are quite difficult for others to say clearly. Writing a story where the main character is not a sympathetic person can be very trying. Thanks for writing this. 

Thank you @Parker Owens for you kind words, advice and encouragement.

8 hours ago, Carlos Hazday said:

One thing I'll say about Dodger is he's willing to learn and try new things. The Cockney Canuck isn't my type of tale, too much teen angst and too much time spent inside the MC's head. But I'm halfway through and plan on finishing it. Yeah, I can't figure out the attraction either. I do think if Robbie were to slap Nicola around a bit I would like it a lot more.

 

The soldier's story I may be biased since I'm reading ahead and offering a little help. I despise what Jeff is but can't help understanding who he is, how he thinks, and in the end, feel sorry for him. I really like how Dodger throws a phrase here and there that humanizes the man. I keep hoping this will be a @Parker Owens style redemption tale. The damn author feeds me each chapter slowly so I haven't figured out the ending yet!

Thanks @Carlos Hazday. I'm always hungry to learn and improve, and trying new things helps me to feed this hunger. Your help has been priceless and I hope it doesn't end with this story.

I know you've been reading the Cockney Canuck and I think you're a brave man. I can't bear to even look at the early chapters. After nearly 3 years a hundred chapters and more words than 'War and Peace', I really wanted to get away from Robbie and prove to myself and others that I could write something completely different. The Soldier's Guide may be a little too different for most people's taste but no one can accuse me of playing safe.

I'll send over the rest of the story for you. 🙄

8 hours ago, Headstall said:

Great job, Dodger! As you know, I'm hooked on A Soldier's Guide to Single Parenting. I agree with you that Jeff is not unlikable. You do a great job of showing us the reasons for why he is the way he is, and that stirs some sympathy in me. I too, hope this story contains some redemption. As well, I agree that the messenger should never face gunfire.   Readers should jump on board this train... it's proving to be a good ride. 

Thanks, Gary. I'm really pleased that you've been reading and commenting on the Soldier's Guide. It's not a long story but there are a few twists and turns. I dare not say anymore.

1 hour ago, wildone said:

Who is the Dodger character and do you recommend I check him out?

 

 

First of the 3 stories, I think I picked up early on that the Cockney Canuck was a bit autobiographical. Even though it isn't Dodger's real life, just having a real connection to the story I think is what makes this story stand out, instead of just a creation of the top of the head. They say the best way to public speak well is to have an emotional connection to the subject you are speaking about. I can't help but think that this story is soooo good due to the personal connection Dodger has to Robbie and the characters

 

As far as commenting on Dodger's sister Nicola , I think I have been supportive of her and critical of Robbie. So take that Dodger

 

The Soldier's Guide to Parenting, I think I can relate to it even though I wasn't in the military or such, but just the understanding of mental illness and they urge to numb those feelings through self destructive behaviour has made me maybe more sympathetic to Jeff. Sometimes I'm scared to express this sympathy because he definitely not going to do well with the whole gay thing coming into this life

 

Dodger, you gave away a spoiler

  Reveal hidden contents

You said his son is gay, I didn't know that, I only thought his friend was

 

 

I don't really remember reading A Night At The Opera, but it is tweaking my memory that it was really funny and I liked it Must go read again.

 

Well done Dodger!!

 

 

Thanks Steve. I was hoping that you would comment. My connection with Robbie is just personality. I'm glad to say that the story is a pretty much all fiction but I have to admit to being every bit as stupid and troubled as the character when I was his age. I wasn't the most congenial person to have around but they put up with me. I think the story has run it's course. It's already twice as long as I originally planned but the ending hasn't changed and I'll stay rue to it.

With the Soldier's guide, the spoiler has always been in the story description. @Timothy M. wanted me to change this but I really liked the way it sounded and figured that most people would work it out very quickly anyway.

This was a great promo. I’m invested in Dodger’s stories. His writing promotes reaction... Good and  bad. That takes time and talent. I also appreciate the way he honours his English and Canadian roots. Somewhat personal, my father being Canadian from English ancestry.

Dodger, now you tell us that Nicola is your real sister... some of the things I’ve said... 🙂

I like Dodger and his work.  I like his latest A Soldier's Guide to Single Parenting.  I love what he's done with the Main Character. No, he's not lovable but that's fine with me.

Urm further to that .. i mean the MC isnt lovable .. not Dodger.  I'm sure he is perfectly lovable... and he writes a mean blog too!  Dodger not the Main Character.  

3 hours ago, BlindAmbition said:

This was a great promo. I’m invested in Dodger’s stories. His writing promotes reaction... Good and  bad. That takes time and talent. I also appreciate the way he honours his English and Canadian roots. Somewhat personal, my father being Canadian from English ancestry.

Dodger, now you tell us that Nicola is your real sister... some of the things I’ve said... 🙂

Thanks JP. You know how important your opinion is to me. I naturally write in British/Canadian English but for the soldier story I needed it to be totally American. There are a lot of subtle differences as you know even between Canadian and American English which Carlos has been helping me with. It can get even more complex when you start taking regional differences into consideration but i doubt if anyone's going to be that fussy.

Sorry for hiding Nicola. I've been trying to get her to join GA, that would be fun. She would definitely be my biggest critic and fan at the same time. She doesn't get a lot of free time these days with her hubby and kids. Yeah, she's married with two lovely kids who I get to spoil.

1 hour ago, Mikiesboy said:

I like Dodger and his work.  I like his latest A Soldier's Guide to Single Parenting.  I love what he's done with the Main Character. No, he's not lovable but that's fine with me.

Thanks Tim. You're another one who's opinion matters a great deal to me.

1 hour ago, Mikiesboy said:

Urm further to that .. i mean the MC isnt lovable .. not Dodger.  I'm sure he is perfectly lovable... and he writes a mean blog too!  Dodger not the Main Character.  

Ha ha. It frightened me because I found it very easy to get into his mindset. I wonder what kind of reaction Jeff would get if he tried to post a blog on GA. 😠