hh5 Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 I love it when a character just "steps out" like that. Non writers might find this hard to fathom, but characters do indeed take on a life of their own, and sometimes surprise the author. And rats, I didn't know you'd announced that. Ahhem! I was worried someone might imply that, so I made sure to pick a number that, were it a chapter of Changing Lanes, was already posted, so that can't be it! Actually, I have to admit, the rumors about the cliffhanger in chapter 35 of TPOF might possibly have come from me. What?? Don't blame me, blame Graeme!! He's the one who suggested the, er, "Toowoomba option"!! Rick, hrmmm.. Poor guy, he needs to learn the first rule of holes: When in a hole, stop digging! I thought there be at least another ten or twenty chapters ??? This story does compliment "In due time" To end so early and not even finish High School?? Sounds like some dramatic melt down with some resolution thats a complete change since our hero was in the earlier life. I think drew learn enough of how much a true friend is and I think the rest of the group has too. This a better group of friends than the previous life experience. So maybe the truth will set him free - the fears he has will be laid to rest There are those that might be hurt but will come around like James and drew.
C James Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 I thought there be at least another ten or twenty chapters ??? This story does compliment "In due time" To end so early and not even finish High School?? Sounds like some dramatic melt down with some resolution thats a complete change since our hero was in the earlier life. I think drew learn enough of how much a true friend is and I think the rest of the group has too. This a better group of friends than the previous life experience. So maybe the truth will set him free - the fears he has will be laid to rest There are those that might be hurt but will come around like James and drew. Timelines aren't ever set; sometimes, an author may take several chapters to cover a day, or in other cases might leap days, weeks, or even years ahead between chapters, or even paragraphs. One can never tell. I think you're right about Drew. Both he and Rick have certainly learned a great deal about the meaningful of friendship.
Benji Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 Timelines aren't ever set; sometimes, an author may take several chapters to cover a day, or in other cases might leap days, weeks, or even years ahead between chapters, or even paragraphs. One can never tell. I think you're right about Drew. Both he and Rick have certainly learned a great deal about the meaningful of friendship. ...True, but it will be interesting to see how Graeme manages to wrap this up with only two remaining chapters!! You don't think he just end it, making it the evilest cliffhangers of all time do you??
Site Administrator wildone Posted May 17, 2009 Author Site Administrator Posted May 17, 2009 Well the next chapter of TPOF is up, thanks Graeme . I believe that Graeme has made mention the story is just about over, and I can't help but wonder how he will wrap up all the loose ends :wacko: . Rick, I think for the first time is really actually considering to push the sexual side of the relationship to see if he can become gay and therefore satisfy Drew. I often wonder in some stories where a supposedly straight character finds themselves in love with a gay man and finally gives into that love, if it is too clichey (I know that's not a word ). On the other hand, what Drew has given Rick has been absolutely amazing. Self confidence, friends, relationships, courage, etc. Could Rick actually love Drew? Then there is the whole James thing. Rick has been sucessful in getting James back in the group. I guess he could be planning to have James on standby when he finally reveals the truth about himself to Drew. Oh, then there is the possibility that Brandon will be there if and when Rick breaks it off. I'm surprised that he revealed his sexuality to Rick at the dinner table. I think Rick was a little faster than most on realizing that he was checking out Drew, James and the other guy, but if I was a betting man, I'd say that Brandon is in love with Drew. Not a 100% sure, but didn't back earlier in the story some of the friends confide in Rick that they thought Angus was gay and just hadn't admitted it yet? Or was that Brandon? Really enjoyed this chapter
Benji Posted May 17, 2009 Posted May 17, 2009 (edited) Well the next chapter of TPOF is up, thanks Graeme . I believe that Graeme has made mention the story is just about over, and I can't help but wonder how he will wrap up all the loose ends :wacko: . Rick, I think for the first time is really actually considering to push the sexual side of the relationship to see if he can become gay and therefore satisfy Drew. I often wonder in some stories where a supposedly straight character finds themselves in love with a gay man and finally gives into that love, if it is too clichey (I know that's not a word ). On the other hand, what Drew has given Rick has been absolutely amazing. Self confidence, friends, relationships, courage, etc. Could Rick actually love Drew? Then there is the whole James thing. Rick has been sucessful in getting James back in the group. I guess he could be planning to have James on standby when he finally reveals the truth about himself to Drew. Oh, then there is the possibility that Brandon will be there if and when Rick breaks it off. I'm surprised that he revealed his sexuality to Rick at the dinner table. I think Rick was a little faster than most on realizing that he was checking out Drew, James and the other guy, but if I was a betting man, I'd say that Brandon is in love with Drew. Not a 100% sure, but didn't back earlier in the story some of the friends confide in Rick that they thought Angus was gay and just hadn't admitted it yet? Or was that Brandon? Really enjoyed this chapter ........Haha! Steve you should have put in a spoiler, especially after the intro of the next chapter! Puzzling isn't it, with one chapter left how will Graeme pull it off? Does Brandon's revelation allow Drew to break off with Rick, allowing Rick to walk off scot-free and not being ostracized by the group? Or does Graeme leave us with the biggest cliffhanger since a certain motorcycle accident or the un-experienced pilot of a doomed plane? Edited May 17, 2009 by Benji
Site Moderator TalonRider Posted May 17, 2009 Site Moderator Posted May 17, 2009 Well the next chapter of TPOF is up, thanks Graeme . Not a 100% sure, but didn't back earlier in the story some of the friends confide in Rick that they thought Angus was gay and just hadn't admitted it yet? Or was that Brandon? Really enjoyed this chapter There was a chapter not that long ago where that was mentioned. It was also the reason for the set up at Peter's party, to get Angus and James together for the night and to make Angus squirm. I was suspicious of Brandon early on. He was just too protective of Drew, which lead me to think he had a major crush on Drew.
Site Administrator wildone Posted May 18, 2009 Author Site Administrator Posted May 18, 2009 ........Haha! Steve you should have put in a spoiler, especially after the intro of the next chapter!Puzzling isn't it, with one chapter left how will Graeme pull it off? Does Brandon's revelation allow Drew to break off with Rick, allowing Rick to walk off scot-free and not being ostracized by the group? Or does Graeme leave us with the biggest cliffhanger since a certain motorcycle accident or the un-experienced pilot of a doomed plane? Oops, my bad
C James Posted May 18, 2009 Posted May 18, 2009 Well the next chapter of TPOF is up, thanks Graeme . I believe that Graeme has made mention the story is just about over, and I can't help but wonder how he will wrap up all the loose ends :wacko: . Rick, I think for the first time is really actually considering to push the sexual side of the relationship to see if he can become gay and therefore satisfy Drew. I often wonder in some stories where a supposedly straight character finds themselves in love with a gay man and finally gives into that love, if it is too clichey (I know that's not a word ). On the other hand, what Drew has given Rick has been absolutely amazing. Self confidence, friends, relationships, courage, etc. Could Rick actually love Drew? Then there is the whole James thing. Rick has been sucessful in getting James back in the group. I guess he could be planning to have James on standby when he finally reveals the truth about himself to Drew. Oh, then there is the possibility that Brandon will be there if and when Rick breaks it off. I'm surprised that he revealed his sexuality to Rick at the dinner table. I think Rick was a little faster than most on realizing that he was checking out Drew, James and the other guy, but if I was a betting man, I'd say that Brandon is in love with Drew. Not a 100% sure, but didn't back earlier in the story some of the friends confide in Rick that they thought Angus was gay and just hadn't admitted it yet? Or was that Brandon? Really enjoyed this chapter I loved this chapter too.. and WOW, what a reveal! I think Rick does love Drew, as a true freind, BUT.. can Rick make the leap? I could see it going either way.. or even a third or fourth way! And yep, it was Angus they thought might be gay. LoL. Of course, we still have no idea if he is, or isn't. However, I have to say... Rick remained inexplicably oblivious to one glaring possibility regarding what Brandon could be looking at with longing... What was in the direction he was looking? It was mentioned, and Rick looked, but didn't see the obvious: the table! Brandon could well have had a thing for the table... and Rick utterly missed that possibility! ........Haha! Steve you should have put in a spoiler, especially after the intro of the next chapter!Puzzling isn't it, with one chapter left how will Graeme pull it off? Does Brandon's revelation allow Drew to break off with Rick, allowing Rick to walk off scot-free and not being ostracized by the group? Or does Graeme leave us with the biggest cliffhanger since a certain motorcycle accident or the un-experienced pilot of a doomed plane? Actually, ending a story with a cliffhanger would be taking cliffhangers to a whole new level of evil!!! Graeme has said that the story will end at chapter 19.. BUT... What he hasn't said is if there will be a 18b, 18c, etc, etc. Just tossing that possibility out there... the Echidna is known for his twists, after all! There was a chapter not that long ago where that was mentioned. It was also the reason for the set up at Peter's party, to get Angus and James together for the night and to make Angus squirm. I was suspicious of Brandon early on. He was just too protective of Drew, which lead me to think he had a major crush on Drew. That party was great.. poor Angus, LoL! Kudos to Graeme; he has such a gift for the unexpected character twist. The reveal of Rick being straight was one lulu of plot surprise. I'll be vague because it's a spoiler for another of Graeme's stories, but there was a character in HOTT who bowled me over after a certain reveal. I think one of Graeme's gifts is that he knows how people "fill in the blanks" with assumptions, and then uses those assumptions to whack the unsuspecting reader over the head. That takes a deep and precise understanding of not just the character, but how the reader's mind works.
Site Administrator wildone Posted May 18, 2009 Author Site Administrator Posted May 18, 2009 Kudos to Graeme; he has such a gift for the unexpected character twist. The reveal of Rick being straight was one lulu of plot surprise. I'll be vague because it's a spoiler for another of Graeme's stories, but there was a character in HOTT who bowled me over after a certain reveal. I think one of Graeme's gifts is that he knows how people "fill in the blanks" with assumptions, and then uses those assumptions to whack the unsuspecting reader over the head. That takes a deep and precise understanding of not just the character, but how the reader's mind works. I have to agree with you 100% here CJ. I have been suckered in the past myself to judge a character by there initial actions and that is sometimes from only one point of view, the main characters, and have been badly mistaken. If there is one thing that I really like about Graeme's stories is that he teaches us not to jump to conclusions too soon.
Site Moderator TalonRider Posted May 18, 2009 Site Moderator Posted May 18, 2009 He does have one story where I think if you jump to a conclusion, you just might be right.
Site Administrator wildone Posted May 30, 2009 Author Site Administrator Posted May 30, 2009 The final chapter of The Price of Friendship is up. I am actually reluctant to start reading this chapter, as I don't know if I really want the story to end . Okay, I'm off to read. Why delay the pain of reading the outcome.
hh5 Posted May 30, 2009 Posted May 30, 2009 The final chapter of The Price of Friendship is up. I am actually reluctant to start reading this chapter, as I don't know if I really want the story to end . Okay, I'm off to read. Why delay the pain of reading the outcome. what did some one run out of steam - its far from finish maybe a squel???
Site Administrator Graeme Posted May 30, 2009 Site Administrator Posted May 30, 2009 what did some one run out of steam - its far from finishmaybe a squel??? A sequel is a possibility, but not immediately
Benji Posted May 30, 2009 Posted May 30, 2009 (edited) A sequel is a possibility, but not immediately ..........A sequel is a must, too many loose ends!! Spoiler below Rick got off easy with Drew figuring everything out. Claire has three suitors, Hahaha, Rick definitely has his work cut out for him, Agnus was a surprise though!! That leaves Brandon with the most to lose, however Rick's parents will be so happy to learn Rick isn't gay that they would open their arms wide for Brandon. Great story Graeme, I wasn't sure how you would have been able to finish it in one chapter, but you did it nicely. However there are those loose ends!! Edited May 30, 2009 by Benji
Ronyx Posted May 30, 2009 Posted May 30, 2009 (edited) Great job, Graeme. I loved this story from beginning to end. Some very endearing characters. As a writer, I understand you have a beginning point and an end point. But........ this story demands a sequel. Does boy get girl? Does boy get boy? Inquiring minds want to know! Edited May 30, 2009 by Ronyx
C James Posted May 30, 2009 Posted May 30, 2009 This was a great finish to a superb story! Drew did indeed figure things out. I'd suspected that he would, but the way it was done, with Drew talking to Rick as though he was someone else, was just superb IMHO. I'll be back later with more thoghts, but for now, I'd like to mention what constitutes a story. Generally, a story has a central premise, and in this case it was a very clear one; Rick was masquerading as gay in order to have friends. Once Drew and Rick had their talk, the central conflict was resolved, and that's where a story should end. I'll certainly add my calls to those for a sequel, becuase there are some loose ends (Dare I say.. cliffhangers?) that I'd love to see carried through (Brandon, in particular). Thank you Graeme, for this wonderful story!
Site Moderator TalonRider Posted May 30, 2009 Site Moderator Posted May 30, 2009 The one thing that I've noticed about Graeme's stories is, he seems to pick a theme that doesn't get much attention. 'New Brother' is an example of that. I agree with CJ that the theme here was someone masquerading as gay in order to have friends. I think Brandon's struggle's would make an interesting story. I was suspicious of him from the first time he had that private talk with Rick. I think Rick's parents will be happy to find out he's not gay, but they won't be too happy that he didn't come clean sooner. Well done, Graeme.
Site Administrator wildone Posted May 31, 2009 Author Site Administrator Posted May 31, 2009 I'll add my vote for a sequel . Funny how we all have different loose ends we want resolved. Me, personally, am worried about Rick. Early on in the story Sue made a threat to Rick about if he was playing Drew there would be consequences. Sue, I don't think has ever warmed up to Rick through out the story. So how will she react when and if she finds out the Rick essentially was playing Drew so he could have friends? Guess that there could be division between the friends. That aside, I want to thank Graeme for another great story . As with other stories by the Echidna, his characters are well developed and well liked. The storyline is also very believable that it might actually happen in real life. Steve Oh, BTW. I'm not judging Sue here, just speculating .
Site Administrator Graeme Posted May 31, 2009 Site Administrator Posted May 31, 2009 The "official" word from the author is that while a sequel is a definite possibilty (I'd like to write one), it's not going to happen quickly. I've got at least one and possible two other writing projects that I want to do first. However, I'm not going to forget this one.
MikeL Posted May 31, 2009 Posted May 31, 2009 Excellent story, Graeme. This was a unique and refreshing plot which lead to a lot of smiles. Thanks.
KJames Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 Yes, Graeme...I was also waiting for each chapter to come out...and was seriously wondering how you were going to 'wrap up' all those relationship convolutions. It was done, rather quickly I think, and in a realistic fashion considering our main characters were mostly teens. Several people have asked for a sequel to this, I'd like to see one to "A New Brother" as well.
Site Administrator Graeme Posted June 16, 2009 Site Administrator Posted June 16, 2009 Yes, Graeme...I was also waiting for each chapter to come out...and was seriously wondering how you were going to 'wrap up' all those relationship convolutions. It was done, rather quickly I think, and in a realistic fashion considering our main characters were mostly teens. Several people have asked for a sequel to this, I'd like to see one to "A New Brother" as well. Thank you! I've considered a sequel to New Brother many times, but I haven't come up with an idea that I think suits the original story. I won't start another novel unless I know how it's going to end, and that's been the killer for any sequel so far. I have to come up with an interesting idea that has a solid ending, and while I've got several ideas of how to start a sequel, I don't have any real idea of where the story would go from that point. That's different to The Price of Friendship where I already have a reasonable idea of what would happen in a sequel, though I want to give it more thought before I start working on it.
Benji Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 (edited) I think Rick's parents will be happy to find out he's not gay, but they won't be too happy that he didn't come clean sooner. ............Other then his deception on being Drew's new BF, that was basically thrust upon him. Rick is a very honest person. Should he come clean to his parents, including the circumstances and past school relations? Or just tell them he decided to switch sides? Edited June 16, 2009 by Benji
C James Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 ............Other then his deception on being Drew's new BF, that was basically thrust upon him. Rick is a very honest person. Should he come clean to his parents, including the circumstances and past school relations? Or just tell them he decided to switch sides? That is indeed a conundrum for Rick! Methinks he's got some explaining to do, lol. His parents will surely notice, once he starts dating, that he's dating females, so there are bound to be questions. LoL. He could say he's Bi, though. My take on the ending; I think it worked very well indeed. It wrapped up the story's core conflict (The Price of Friendship) and resolved that issue. So, once the core conflict is resolved, it is quite logical for the story to end, regardless of loose ends. That said, those loose ends do cry out for a sequel. Oh, and BTW, I will point out that Graeme left us with a CLIFFHANGER: Danishes were mentioned, right? But, so far left unsaid was what kind of danishes! Cheese? Blackberry? Prune? We just don't know! Therefor, I declare that this story ended with a CLIFFHANGER! CJ
Site Administrator wildone Posted June 17, 2009 Author Site Administrator Posted June 17, 2009 Danishes? :wacko: :wacko: You're kidding right? Wait, I forgot whom I'm discussing this with. The one who is still upset over Lemonade .
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