C James

Hi Jack! What cliffhangers? Thanks!!! Don't blame me!! Barbra knew at the end of the chapter, and she didn't say even though she was thinking that not knowing was no kindness. So, blame Barbra. Or, Blame Shadowgod. Seriously though, I'll try and explain why I did that. It was a false report, so I felt it better not to say specifically "Eric's dead". Also, I do like having some aspects of a mystery story in my stories, so there are things for the reader to figure out. Helen's "He'll die young" and a few other things pointed at Eric, though a few could indicate Chase, and the one Wildone found about Brandon falling out of bed could have meant Brandon (but it was actually just meant to foreshadow the falling). Now, had I had Barbra say "Eric's dead", IMHO it would have been more definite that he was, when in fact he wasn't. Not naming names was a clue that something was not as it seemed, or so I hoped. Also, Eric is the favorite character of quite a few readers, so I didn;t want to just have him apparently dead. I did try writing it both ways, butt leaving it unsaid seemed to work better for me. However, I might well be wrong. I did need the incident itself to occur, though. One reason is it is what bought Helen fully around on the paparazi issue, and also it led to a revalation of what was going on with The Shadows, and there are other reasons too that I can't yet say. (wait a few of chapters and then remind me, if anyone is curious). And BTW Graeme, I never use cliffhangers. I can't say where they are going, because the Echidna will make a pincushion out of me if I do. (spoilers, ya know.). However, hrrrrm, what can I say... <eyes the Echidna's spines nervously> Umm, well, ahhh, it's already been mentioned in the text that they are going to Europe on the tour. (there, I don't think he can call that a spoiler, becuase I'm just saying what's in the text, right?) Okay, a serious question: Did everyone follow along okay on the implosion test? Did I make it understandable what they were doing, and why? CJ

That would be great if your could!! Hrmm, how about a shy and retiring goat who saves your protagonist? Perhaps even saving them from one of the many cliffs you will leave them dangling from? Oh, BTW, "I've been framed"? I wonder what he means by that... Hmmm, I dunno, he probably can, but I have a hunch he might be mean about it. He's evil like that, ya know.

But Graeme, of course I'll re-iterate it: I'm a quiet, shy, non-cliffhanger-using lurker! Thanks Ieshwar!! (Not that I'm admitting using any cliffhangers, mind you. ) And of course I'm a lurker.. I lurk, therefor I am.

Hi Viv! Okay, I think I should start by mentioning the difference between a chapter, and a sequel. A sequel does not require the reader to read the prior work to read the sequel. In other words, a sequel can be read as a separate story. A chapter can't. A chapter is NOT okay in the anthology, and it never has been, becuase the anthology is, as it has always been, a collection of short stories (every submission guideline we have ever had has specified "short stories"). Anthologies, by definition, are not collections of chapters, and the GA anthology won't be accepting any chapters for that reason. It would just kill off the format we have, as well as making things hard on the readers. So, that's something I had to draw the line at, and it won't be moving on my watch. However, Viv's UTBOS hasn't been chapters so far; each has worked as a stand alone story. True, you get a better feel for it if you read the prior ones, but, that's true of most any sequel, and sequels are okay. The only new rule, really, is the prohibition on using numbered titles like UTBOS 1, 2, 3, etc, BUT, there is an exception for people who were already doing so for the title they were using. So, UTBOS 5 is fine, so long as it, like the prior ones, works as a free standing story. Just don't call it a chapter. CJ Edit to add: The rule against numbered titles went into effect a few months ago, and as Viv was the only one doing numbered titles at that time, only UTBOS has that exception. For example, if I wanted to follow up by winter entry of "Three for Jake" with Three for Jake 2, I couldn't. Well, I could, but not in the anthology.

I visited the site for a few months as a guest before signing up. I've had a blast here, and love this place. I very much like the feel of community here, and I love to joke around. I can't imagine why people would register and then never post, because to me, they are missing out. To any non-posters reading this, join in, it's great fun.

I voted "Other" becuase, to me, nothing beats an Australian accent.

I still don't see why you imply that LTMP 19 was a cliffhanger? It was, however, I do admit, perhaps a little bit tense.

WHAT scurrilous accusations? LiS 26 was a doozie of a cliffhanger! Shadowgod even admits it! I was merely acknowledging the fact. And Graeme, I AM defending Shadowgod's reputation! (he's the King of eeevil cliffhangers, after all!) I suspect Shadowgod has been spreading rumors again. I'm just a nice, sweet goat who needs eydrops for red eyes evey now and again.

I'm very relieved to hear this! So, does this mean you have finally accepted that I never use cliffhangers?

I hope you have a great B-day!

Thanks Ieshwar!!!

I loved the phone call from the governor, and the fast about-face by the judge. Especially his "as I was saying" ROFL!!!!!!!!! Cray does have guts, glad to see there was no bad reaction.

Ch 7 showed something very well IMHO: Jamie and Andrew may be boyfriends, BUT, been as they haven't actually met im person, that makes what Andrew and Chris did WAY more threatening IMHO. I think things are getting very complicated for the main characters.

:o :o But... but.. but... I already AM pretty much silent... It goes with being a lurker, after all... I still think "Hanging on for dear life" sounds good. Or maybe "Falling so far". Or hrmm, maybe "Spinning in Surreality" becuase its a spinoff of LiS... Or hrmm, "Cody".

Happy Birthday Krista!!

ROFL!!!! OK, a serious story-related news item here: I screwed up! Red Rock Canyon is just west of Las Vegas. I knew this becuase I have driven by it in ther past, plus I looked at it on google earth. BUT, in the chapters I have it as EAST of vegas. in other wordes I cleverly managed to confuse east and west! A reader just e-mailed me to let me know. (If you are reading this, thank you!) I'll of course be fixing this and sending the revised files with the next chapter update.

I've only voted once. I DID vote for two options though, becuase at that time LC had the poll set to allow it. I also haven't tinkered with the results. (otherwise they would be significantly different. LoL)

I was going to suggest "Hanging on for dear life..."

ROFL! Yes indeed! BTW, I see that "It's all Shadowgod's fault" got a second vote! Yay!!! I keep telling you guys that it's all Shadowgod's fault, when will y'all start believing me?

Thanks Carl!! Sorry your "Jake" ended up in a bad way. Yes, I do share Eric in LTMP's reaction to tequila, though not quite so bad. LoL Thanks Sasha! I'm playing around with an idea for a serial sequel. It would be short, under ten chapters, but, well;, it might be my next project after LTMP. Thanks Conner! I'm glad "Jake" came across okay. I've always felt that character development is one of my weaknesses as a writer, so for Jake to come across so well so quickly was a very pleasant surprise for me. Maybe I should drink more often? LoL

Thanks Ieshwar! So, the roasting is at least postponed? BTW, time for me to release the next chapter title: It's Chapter 21! Oh, I suppose I should add that it's called "When in Rome".

GREAT!!!! Don't forget to order your passport as far in advance as you can (they are slow these days) if you don't have one yet. I was in the Greek Islands a few weeks ago, and you will love it! Have a GREAT time Nick!! CJ

Awww, you're so mean, you won't let me have any fun. Sooo, speaking of Cody, any idea what the story will be called? You could always let me name it... I'm very helpful like that, you know.

Well, it looks like Luminati won! Heh, far too late now... But I should have proposed Cremnophiles :pickaxe: