Carlos Hazday

Did you notice Brad kept sneaking Wingnut pieces of pizza? I try to provide somewhat relaxed chapters after high drama ones. Glad this one flowed to your liking. And yes, we get to visit with old friends in the next chapter, and we get to meet a new character who'll be part of the cast for a hell of a long time.

We found out Domogarov's motivation and family details. Obviously, not everything they talked about was reflected in the chapter. The discussions about the western flank were redacted by Mr. Cruz' employer.

“I’m ready.” CJ returned to the main living area to find Spike with Liebe in his arms. Her expression told him she did not mind. “She’s adorable. And she has a lot to say.” Spike grinned at CJ and Owen. “Just like her father.” “Yeah, whatever. I’m warning you, Spike. You return CJ to us undamaged, or Liebe and I will make the rest of your life a living hell.” “Duly noted, counselor.” He winked at CJ. “Damn attorneys can get feisty, eh? That all you’re bringing?” CJ droppe

This is what happens when I research music for a story. I'm glad there are no recordings of me dancing flamenco in my underwear.

@Cia A long time ago, prompted by Myr and Mann talking about how thorough your editing was, I asked you to edit for me. You turned me down. Your loss, toots. There went your chance to rip me a new one. @Myr I agree readers should react to a story whichever way they feel like. Some of us thrive on critical reactions because we want to improve. Other authors may be interested in writing and posting not worrying about what anyone thinks. Both approaches are valid. My chapters get a good number of reactions and comments, but my stories will never be among the most recommended or reviewed. No idea why. I have mentioned it a couple of times, but I'm past begging for reactions every chapter. A newer author might not be as secure in their writing and crave positive reinforcement, so the constant reminders might be just what they need. I use every tool available to provide feedback. And yes, in a few instances when my criticism was extremely harsh, I've used PMs. But an author trying to restrict any sort of reaction is wrong. Evaluating artistic endeavors will always be subjective (think of the East German gymnastics judge giving a Westerner a lower score) and will not always be favorable. Aside from the 'this story and you suck' comments, we can learn from most reactions to our work. Although I'm still wondering why someone ranked a story of mine without a sex scene in it as 'smoldering.' The author who demands all reviews include 5-star ratings should consider offering a better product. Even then, it's up to the reader. More stars won't mean I read anything. I rely on tags, descriptions, recommendations, reviews, reactions, and comments when deciding what to read. GA offers multiple ways for readers to react so why limit myself? To readers: Do as you please. Say what you mean and mean what you say. To authors: Stop whining. Use what you get and learn from it. PS Inflation in reactions reminds me of grade inflation in schools or participation trophies. Positive reinforcement is fine, but sometimes we have to call trash what it is.

Thank you.

Bullets are made of lead and brass, right? That's as biodegradable as it comes.

I had to look LOL Lots of recognizable people, most of them now dead. Thanks for making me feel old again.

BTW - My interest in this thread's purely academic since I've never received a review from @centexhairysub PS - I gave this topic 5 stars.

I wasn't talking about you. LOL

I disagree again. I fail to understand the fixation with offering criticism in PM. The story's public, so should the commentary. If someone can't handle the heat, they should get out of the kitchen

I disagree. If errors are not pointed out, how is an author to improve? I cringe when I read reviews claiming a story's well written when I just covered it in red with my imaginary editor's pencil.

Tell them to write better stories or go jump in a lake. The nerve! Any artist, including authors, put themselves out there whenever they share with the public. If anyone's so insecure about their work, maybe they should consider a different hobby. I've been trashed by readers a few times, and I always try to be civil in my response. Even when it's a bone-headed comment. Tell me who they are and I'll go leave 1 star reviews just for the heck of it.

What she said. However, I'll add I rarely finish a story with an abundance of technical issues. Maybe forgivable in a new author, but anyone with a couple of stories under their belt should either learn how to write properly or expect their stories to be less popular than others. There's one author I'm thinking of who has great plots but writes like a high school kid. Whenever I try a new tale from them, I end up disappointed.

I truly enjoy surprising readers. CJ stories can be predictable often, but I try to keep things fresh and moving along. There may be a couple more little things coming up.

The Poseidon Adventure and Shelley Winters are forever welded together in my mind. I couldn't name another character/actor in the movie if my life depended on it.

Liston Wines, Purple Flame Wines, and now tequila. I only come up with the best!

He's easy to write stupid stuff for. Even easier than CJ! You're the first one to comment on my little pun!

Too much on my plate. You start the round robin, and I may join in. Some thirty or more years ago, the Miami Herald's Sunday magazine rounded up about a dozen area writers and did one. A bunch of best selling mystery authors wrote one of the funniest things I ever read. Since it was set in South Florida, drug dealers, flamingos, and manatees were featured prominently. I've always wanted to be part of a similar project.

As long as I can get up on the saddle, there will be no trikes.

We don't need no stinkin' cliffie! LOL I know there's one near the end, but not sure I ended any other chapter with one. You know I try not to use them too much. Better to do a few big ones than a bunch of little ones.

Thanks, Gary. There might be one or two other tense scenes coming up.

Please, no deities. If this turns too religious, CJ may decide not to hang with me!. Thank you. The joy I experience when readers devour my chapters and tell me they like them is hard to describe.

Thanks, bud.

Since Domogarov's defection impacts national security, a CIA agent would have a lot of leeway on what he does. Trashing a minor diplomat should not get him in trouble. And Steve's probably scared of intelligence agents.