sojourn

"Things couldn’t be better". Great story closer but in mid tale it is at best false hope. I want to know who is "Marti"? It's sounding more and more like the script is Eric's life. Could it be written by Mike? or Amy? Or some friend we have yet to meet? Mark seems to have a lot of influence with the production company... maybe it's his script. Thanks for sharing. Write faster. Post sooner.

I really got wrapped up in this story and I usually shy away from vampire stuff. Mainly because they are smelly and dead. I started reading this because of "I've Always Loved You". The fact that book one was initially set in familiar territory helped to spark my interest. I soon wanted the best outcome for the protagonists. I found the plot line was complex and intriguing. The characters were colorful and believable. And they were flawed enough to be interesting. It was just a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I am happily following this story. It has all the charm an angst that pulls a reader in. I literally have "Blueblood 2" and "Makarovia, the Freshman Year" in tabs on my laptop. I broke off from them to read the updated chapters here. I hope that says how much I enjoy your work. ps... USA Today, in the eighties, listed Bowens island as South Carolina's number one restaurant. And yes, the decor changed and I think the food lost a lot with the "expanded" menu. After all, every classy establishment relies heavily upon its ambiance. My name was there a few times. I could never locate them on subsequent visits. Please, write faster, post sooner.

More and more I see Zach almost as a reincarnation of Robby. Robby was my favorite character in the early years. I was also a big fan of Stef's partner who died of AIDS. (I am glad this habit of picking losers doesn't carry over to my real life.) I can't say that I care much for Zach. I think that is because he has shown himself to be less than on more than a few occasions. The sooner he is completely out of the picture the sooner Will can get on with his life and prepare himself to eventually lead the family just as JP has. I know that is years away but Zach takes up an undeserved proportion of Will's energy and attention. Thanks Mark for sharing your talent.

Thoroughly enjoying your tale. However, VW beetles had the engine "in back" not a trunk. Even in the seventies when they no longer sold in the US they were rear engined and their "frunk" would not likely have held an adult female.

Brad and JJ both showing their vulnerabilities. I guess 9-11 hit them harder than they realize. Why do i get the feeling Jake is going too soon become a pawn in the bigger scheme. Having him kidnapped for real would obviate many of Brad's concerns and trust issues.

For the first time, I find myself rooting for JJ. I was staunchly entrenched and bivouacked in the Anti-JJ camp. But, I didn't really like the younger Stef too much either. The current Stef is not one of my favorites either. I liked him best in his middly years. i guess I have rooted for and then jeered at most every major "family" character in this saga at one time or another. Maybe I am just too easily swayed or they are just like regular real life friends and family whose appeal waxes and wanes over time. I guess that makes them all very realistic characters. Thanks for sharing Mark.

I recognized the Coconut Grove as soon as I read about the fake palm trees. The fire was still being discussed when I was a kid. The feather threw me until fire on his sleeve. Great story. Thanks for sharing. Jim

This is a story that has me eager to find more by this writer. I only recently began to search out Mind Control stories. I happened upon this one and was thoroughly impressed. It is grabs your imagination early on and doesn't let go. It has characters that are believeable and protagonists that are well worth rooting for. There is more than enough intrigue to keep you guessing to the very end and enough sexual tension to make you wonder if anything is ever gonna happen. This tale is a most satisfying read. I can't see how it could be improved. Jim

Thank you. If you have read other comments on my stories you know that I always appreciate the efforts of a reader that wants to make my story a better read for future readers. In this case, I reverted to the vernacular of my youth. To me, one who fetches something for someone else as a matter of habit is sometimes told to "go fer" this or "go fer" that. Where I come from, a gopher is an overgrown rodent. I agree that sometimes the two are descriptively and euphemistically synonymous. In this case, "gofer" is one who "goes for" something for another individual. Please allow me to be poetically in error. Thanks for commenting, Jim

Thanks, I just discovered "Grammarly" and went back to re-edit and I guess I messed it up. I think it is fixed now. Thanks again, Jim

When I received the notice, I wondered... what story is this and when did I start following? It's all coming back to me now. I wonder how long frustrated platonic love can last until it leads to physical consummation. Me thinks the question, "How do you feel about children"? Is more than a little prophetic. Thanks for sharing your talent. Jim

You are right. I should never have let the ranch go. But, at the time I had no intention of ever revisiting those characters. Maybe a new edit is called for. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

I am flattered that you feel that way about my story. I can identify with the "squeeze one more chapter in".. However, it occurs with stories that i think are much better than mine. Thanks again, Jim

WOW! I am slightly overwhelmed by your comments. Your reaction was precisely what I was hoping for when I wrote this story. A surprising number insisted they knew Gordy was dead long before it was announced. I admit it was never truly hidden, but I hoped folks would be shocked when they read about his death as stated fact. I agree with all your observations, especially concerning the triangle and how each felt about the other. Who knows maybe they would have eventually lived as a threesome.The emotional ties were definitely in place. But then, life is full of "what if". Thank you so much for such a wonderful commentary. It has brightened my day. It makes me want to read it again. And yes, I get a little choked up when I do. Thanks again, Jim

It was soon clear that Reed was to be found cheating. I rooted for their reconciliation. However the more I learned about Reed's personality the less I liked him. Chance soon had my vote. I was surprised that Reed was even invited to the wedding. Great Story, Thanks for sharing. Jim

You are not being foolish. I in fact "follow" all my stories. I just don't get "notifications". Things may be getting better as I received an email notification announcing your comment as well as two others. I only just checked my email. I will reserve judgement until after I post the next chapter and see if I get notified of any posted comments. Thanks for trying to improve my situation in regards to "notifications'. Jim

Thanks. I will keep that observation in mind. Jim

I think you unintentionally validated this chapter when you stated, "People entering into a relationship do need to discuss these things to be aware of where their partner is on the subject." Jeff and Paul had yet to discuss their personal views on religion. This chapter allowed them to gather some insights into their partner's perspectives and beliefs. In stating that telling stories is a uniquely human characteristic you observed that, "History is a collection of stories." Everything we cannot personally, physically verify and validate is essentially a "story". Hence we read or watch "news stories". Documenting history has never been a real priority, that is why history has most often been written by the victors. "Religion was a basis for organizing our stories and played a profound part in our developing human psyche over the past several millennia. Therefore, I can't discount it." I won’t comment on, "Religion was a basis for organizing our stories". I do not "discount" religion. I am just not convinced that it has been or, more specifically, continues to be a boon to mankind. The "human psyche" (soul, mind or spirit) has developed little over the last few millennium,. Ancient Greeks were no less intelligent or spiritual than modern man. The real difference is the amount of stimuli the average human, of either time period, could expect to receive. I believe it would have been more accurate to state that 'religion has been a constant throughout the history of mankind'. But then one could say the same about disease, pestilence, warfare and greed. We can all condemn them, and yet mankind has persevered and advanced socially even with such dreadful constants. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

I am beginning to embrace the notion that our future will ddiscard deities while embracing some form of spirituality. How interesting, you have shared your views, at this time, as I just today, sent an email expressing similar thoughts. (I think I just violated the common comma quota law.) You have certainly given me cause to consider the idea that sexuality and spirituality have a common source within us. Thanks for making me think. Jim

Strange that your take away from this chapter was that I am a democrat. Was anything I said, through my characters untrue? But, then again it is fiction. I gather you do not agree with any of their perspectives nor identify with any of their experiences. I tried to make each man's experience unique and at least somewhat relatable. Based on the majority of comments and emails I have received, I feel I have accomplished that feat to some degree. My goal, in spite of what you choose to believe, was to have five characters discuss their experiences and beliefs and have them come across as separate and unique voices. Obviously you heard one voice, mine. Your opinion that I am using my characters, in my story to "preach my beliefs" is wrong. While my beliefs and my experiences color what I write, surely I am not unique in that regard. Is it not true that religions have historically oppressed gays and continue, even today, to deny that gays are a valid and valued minority. As to republicans vs democrats, this nation currently has a two party system. One party, the Democrats, professes to support and embrace the "gay" minority and has proposed and enacted legislation demonstrating they support for gay rights. The other party, the Republican Party, has historically opposed any rights for any minority especially the gay minority. In fact their current senatorial candidate in Alabama has stated, "homosexual acts should be illegal". So you think, my gay characters should espouse opinions more supportive of those who would deny their right to even exist? As a gay man, I am not offended when you label me a democrat? In America, to make your vote count on the national scene, you are either a Democrat or a Republican. A vote for a presidential, senatorial or congressional candidate from the Green Party, Libertarians or any other party is simply a wasted vote. If a gay man votes republican he is truly saying, "I agree with my fellow republicans. I do not deserve the right to love whom I choose." To me a gay man voting republican is tantamount to Jews supporting skin heads and the alt right. (Other than their freedom of speech.) Why would anyone vote for their own.... demise? (I hesitated to use "demise", but it summed up my views of the republican party's regard for gays.) It is your right to disagree with me, and I respect and have defended that right. That discussion was one most thinking people engage in from time to time. If you have never questioned your beliefs or challenged why someone else believes as they do, then I encourage you to do so. question everything. Jim btw, I am not a democrat. I believe no one should be homeless, hungry, or ill clothed. I believe we should not be robbed by those who provide us with medicine, drinking water, electricity, fuel, cable and access to the Internet. I don't like the idea that my utilities make such a profit they can support charities and contribute to political campaigns and support lobbiest. I especially resent the fact that economic circumstances determines ones access to and the level of health care received. I think that makes me a socialist. IMHO, The Republicans take on the American dream is, "I got mine, now you get yours if you can, but don't expect any help from me for the "poor and huddled masses, yearning to be free" or minorities or gays or....ad infinium

Your tardiness is forgiven😁 But Seriously, Thanks, I couldn't ask for a finer compliment than "a thought provoking chapter." Thanks so much for posting your comments. Jim

LOL! I actually said that phrase to myself as I was responding to an email last night. I really did. Thanks for making me laugh. Jim

YOU HAVE YET TO OFFEND ME! I again agree with your opinions. But, I believe that allowing ignorance, bigotry, fear and hipocracy to go unchallenged is a mistake. I include hypocrisy because Christians too often want everyone, but themselves, to follow Christ's example. They sing "God Bless America" while ignoring hungry children in their own city and deny basic health care to their fellow "Christian" citizens. Given their views on immigration they should sing a different anthem, "God Blessed America, helped me get mine (Therefore proving that he is a just and righteous god,.), now you get yours on your own". Yeah, I bet Jesus is real proud of them. Complacency is the greatest threat to democracy and the basic freedoms our founding fathers fought to ensure. Freedom of religion did not mean "freedom of only the Christian religion". Dialogue, no matter how tedious or boring, is important even with "poorly educated bigots" as well as the better educated ones. Dialogue is the first line of defense against hatred, bigotry, fear and ignorance. Remember you did say my characters tended to "rave on". Could you expect me to do otherwise? Please know I have been sincere throughout our dialogue, you never once offended me. Jim

THANK YOU! If no one else gets it, that will be okay. I think your insights are spot on! We were coerced into having faith as a child. I too struggled with a sense of loss when I accepted reality. Indeed there was a hollowness at first. That has healed. I am content in being a man who happens to be physically and emotionally attracted to other men, as well as, being one who is an open minded nonbeliever. Thanks again, your comments have made my day and validated my meager attempt to share some less than positive experiences and viewpoints. Jim ps, I read about a group of atheists that have started meeting each Sunday morning, just like church. I think it helps them overcome their sense of loss. They had speakers and sang songs, one of which was "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog". I loved that idea. I think it was started by a comedian.