Mann Ramblings

OO!!! Joann! You should do the first one!!!

Argh!!! Must find time to read this!!!

Nice chapter. I really enjoyed the interaction between Michael and Asher in the hospital. I was hoping we wouldn't have to wait too long before Michael started coming around. Granted, he's hardly in a full acceptance mode yet and there's sure to be bumps along the way. (The story has a lot more to tell ) Looking forward to hearing more about the gap between the chapters. Thanks again, KC

Chapter 4 is up! Yes I know... I totally forgot to mention when chapter 3 posted. If you missed it, you can read 2 chapters at once! Read and review!

Nice opening to set the stage. I love the 1k briefs format. I think it's a challenge to get your story and pacing set within the constraints. Good luck! I'll be watching to see how this pans out.

I've had dream like that too, Yettie. The ones where the whole thing plays out with a plot complete with interesting camera angles and smooth transitions; a movie on an epic scale. It's so maddening when you wake up and it filters away. All you can do it try to write down what you can immediately before it fades. Bummer. How were the sex scenes? You can't tell me you didn't put in some of those.

another touch of tragedy. At least he saved them all. One of the things I love about this story is that you allow it to run its course and play its part without shying away from the possible outcome, even when it may be unpleasant. It's far too easy to edit yourself for a possible negative reaction. I like that a certain mystery about the outcome will always be there. I haven't predicted the plot line yet. Nice.

I only knew Vic through chat since becoming a member last September and I'm envious of those of you who had the chance to know him better. His entrance into the chat room always created a flurry of energy and excitement that I am going to miss greatly. Everyone will miss his kindness and sense of humor. His loss saddens me immensely and it must pale in comparison to those of you who were close to him. I miss him and I hardly knew him. Goodbye, Vic. It was an honor.

and a glimmer of hope appears. You have done a great job of keeping a realistic tension over the waiting game that accompanies surgery. The frustration and helplessness is staggering at times. The conversation with Alex and Kei nearly brought a tear to me eye, it was so touching. Kei's parents, however deserve a frontal lobotomy to improve their personality disorders. Hopefully this whole experience opens their eyes. If not, I hope Kei turns his back on them and gathers his support from the people who will love him without embarrassment. Lovely chapter

Chapter 2 is off and running. See what happens when Erron gets a proper chance to meet more of the crew of the Santa Claus!

I think that's a great idea! Now we just have to get rid of that need for a pesky day job!

Congrats, Andy!!!

Great advice! I've been very fortunate with my editing experiences and I loathe to think what would happen if I lost my editor. I'd hate to have to train a new one!! (Honestly, I think it happened the other way around.)

The first chapter just went live! Read and let me know what you think!

I make character lists with physical and summary descriptions. Then I make plotlines to lay out the entire story. Having the structure laid out helps me keep things in line and (hopefully) cover plot holes in advance. It helps me keep from making the story drift or possibly write myself into a corner. I often go back and add scenes to flesh out the story and I can't do that in a serial format. I prefer the story to be complete or mostly complete before I start posting. It makes me far less anxious that way. The bonus is that during the posting process, I'm left open with time to begin working on the next project. Minimizes lag between stories and keeps me active.

This is such a lovely sliver of life. You are doing such a wonderful job of making a mundane chain of morning events seem interesting and engaging. I'm really enjoying this. I absolutely love the "First Line" format. Clever little pieces of flash fiction. Love it.

Hello everyone! Just a quick heads up that my next story, "A Cook's Tale" is close to being ready to start posting. This is the second book in the "Ship Logs of the Santa Claus," effectively making it a sequel of sorts to "The Luxorian Fugitive." This is a stand alone story about Erron, A new crew member on board piecing his life back together with the help of the crew and the chef, Gamin, a long time family friend. You don't need to read "Luxorian Fugitive" to read this one, but you have a little extra background as the timelines mix slightly. Either way, the easiest way to know when it posts is to watch the forums and update lists like a hawk or "follow the author" from my profile page. Looking forward to seeing you all, Mann

Great response, Renee. We can all identify with the pleading child/puppy scenario. I wish an idea had come to me last week. I love the prompts and do them whenever the idea flashes in my head. I think they are a great exercise that all of us can benefit from. Kinda liking the "Gamble" option this week. Let's see...

hmm... that question for Cia seems awfully familiar. LOL

If no one speaks up, feel free to use one of mine, Cia.

Dolores's mystery prompt response was excellent. I'm hoping to see it expanded and made into something grander. Unfortunately, with the anthology last weekend there weren't any prompts, but hopefully we'll see some interesting responses I have to think carefully for this one...

Magnificent chapter! Exciting and quick paced without being unnecessarily rushed. I wondered how you were planning to save them and I think you did an excellent job. I admit I have mixed feeling about Jack's demise; I feel sorrier for Colton ultimately given Jack's hand in all the atrocity that began this tale. Hopefully they still have a chance to escape. I'll be waiting for the next chapter.

Nicely done. You've captured the frustration and confusion Kei experiences in the hospital when no one will give him any information and constantly ordering him around. I would be incredibly fed up in that circumstance. Then the diagnosis with its severe immediacy falls like a hammer. Alex's anger and turn around were well done and very realistic as far as I'm concerned. I hope you are able to convey the helplessness that comes along with trying to support someone with a potentially lethal illness. You done a wonderful job leading us in with only 2 chapters. I'm definitely looking forward to see how it all comes about. Great chapter.

Congratulations, KC!! I can't believe I didn't notice last night in chat!!! How self-absorbed is that? Please forgive me!!!! Welcome aboard the purple name brigade!!!! Whoohoo!!!!

I've written in 1st person and 3rd Close and enjoy both. I do love the deeply personal connection that can be made from first person, but it's much harder to keep from being bored by the same person's voice sometimes. It requires a very dynamic character or personal connection to maintain. For longer stories, I'm starting to shift to 3rd close. For me, I like the ability to shift POV as long as there is a proper transition. (I think I'm getting much better at it.) It really just depends on the story I'm writing. I'm likely to do either. Omniscient is just too broad for me. I think it takes away the surprise of discovery as everything can easily be spelled out by an unsophisticated writer. I think it takes extraordinary skill to pull it off, but I think it can lack a personal touch to the reader.