C James

Trevor and his father did sort things out, just after Trevor got to Australia. Dirk only has occasional appearances lately, but we do see more of him soon. At the moment, Dirk, like many characters, thinks the threat is basically over. They did talk at length after the Geraldton bombings too, but I didn't show it, I just mentined it on passing, half a sentence somewhere that would have been super easy to miss. This is a case where I should have probably covered it a little bit, the first couple of paragraphs at least. Thanks!!! One thing I've learned the hard way; some of the aussie slang in some of the sites like the one linked hasn't been used in many decades. Fortunately, Graeme speaks Australian very well indeed (he is one! ) I have to be careful on the slang; most terms require an explainer. And if I say it wrong, Bonzer would stomp on my foot. ;-).

I'm going through the posts in order for my replies (I do read each and every one! Most often several times, I'm just slow on replying). And I'll share a blunder I just made; I have been replying on and off in a couple of threads today, composting my posts and replying to many, when I cleverly (NOT!) closed the windows I had open to write them in, thereby zapping three different very long posts in this thread and others. Goats and computers are sometimes a bad mix. Goat Island is indeed real. I do admit though, when I spotted it while picking a route, I was delighted to see it right where I wanted it. Fear not, nothing was actually planted on Atlantis in THAT chapter. ;-) The new chapter is up. I've also written more in the last week than the prior month; I'm feeling both delighted and inspired again. Don't worry about the physical cliffs; they aren't really cliffs, due to being in Australia and thus upside down. BTW, GREAT pick on Cairns... Next up is probably a fairly short sequel to "For the Love". Thanks!!!!! It's been a very long time since I've had such a productive writing week. So far, on track to finish this before my trip.

Chapter 138: Gobsmacked (Here's a link to google maps, centered on the areas in the chapter, because I know some of you are like me, and love to follow along and see the areas they are in.) Amidst ever-warming seas, Atlantis charged north, well offshore. Shortly before dawn, a groggy Trevor, bearing coffee, joined Shane in the cockpit. Shane, who had been standing watch for four hours, took one of the mugs of coffee and, with a smile, reported. “G’day, Captain Bligh. We passed Point Dan

Gobsmacked is up! (it might take up to a minute after this post to appear). This is actually two chapters, one after the other. Please let me know what you think be it good, bad, or mixed. Also, there's a lot in this chapter that hints at what's to come. Also please note; the google map linked at the chapter top is interactive, so you can zoom it around to look at various spots or different areas. if you like, BTW, I'm still working on replies to the other forum threads, e-mails, etc, so if I haven't replied to your post yet, I probably will soon. And THanks!!! CJ

I'm just about to post the next one, which is actually two chapters: my way of saying thank you!

Thanks!!! It'll be 5 chapters after the one I'm about to post.

I'm definitely going to finish this now, no worries. As for Bridget... we'll soon see.

All my stories are on GA, but some aren't in GAstries yet, and are just on http://cjames.gayauthors.org/

Thanks!!! The plot is overly complex; if I had it to do over again, I'd streamline it (and the verbiage).

Shane is actually writing the book, but Trevor was trying to ack as if it was being done by one of Kline's people. He's supposed to be acting like the "front" for a PR scheme and a ghostwritten book (to get the press to lose interest). Trevor can't easily make a copy of that tape yet; it's in US format, different from what the Aussies use. Though many of their VCR's can play a US format tape, copying one is a lot harder. Trevor needs US VCRs. Bridget wants Rachel dead, but only if convenient. It's not a big deal to her.

Thanks! I've been to many of the places in the story, so some of that was easy for me.

Thanks!! I'll miss this story too; it's been a huge part of my life for over two years.

Make that 5 more to go after the one I'll be posting in a few minutes.

Thanks!!!!! BTW, it's not the asset list Bridget fears, it's the tape. The asset list is deadly danger to Trev and Shane though; if Bridget learns it (and thus likley the tape) has been found, her approach shifts from "slow and careful" to "Kill them NOW!"

Kline wanted paying; he's out of pocket 800 otherwise. The press issue; they are dealing with it the only way they can; acting like they want the attention, which due to the perverse nature of the press deters them. It's the only way to get the press to stop hounding them (and that hounding means their every move would be reported). Thanks!!!

This story will go to the end, I promise.

Thanks!!!! Sorry, but we'll have to agree to disagree on "Silence is golden". Without feedback (good, bad, or mixed) I just don't have a motive. You've been great; occasional feedback is all I ask for, it's just when it dwindles to near nothing that I get fed up. BTW, I NEVER use cliffhangers!

Just jumping in on my way out the door (I'll be back inline this evening, I've only got a few minutes now) to say that the coming chapter, Gobbsmacked, WILL POST ON TIME. (or, no latter than on time, anyway). It is actually TWO chapters, though it'll appear as one very long one. Why is it done? Firstly, it is thanks to all of you who have replied and gotten me out of my writing malaise. I've been more inspired than I have been in a very long time, and have been writing a lot more, plus enjoying it a lot more. I think the quality is up, too. Secondly, it is only due to the superhuman efforts of our team (beat and editing) that this is ready on time. For them it was twice the work. However, thanks to our team, the chapter will post on time, no later than midnight tomorrow (Monday). The team has truly gone above and beyond on this one. So, thank you one and all! (And I'll be back in the threads, replying to e-mails, etc, tonight, right now I gotta run!)

That story you linked is one of the first things I ever wrote, and of course, I wrote about my sweet little muse. That's also the only story besides Circumnavigation to have a Trevor as a lead character. Hrmm, I wonder if there could be a connection? But... WHAT certain award? I am not eligible for the King of Cliffhangers (for many reasons, though one is the no-three-in-a-row rule) and Circumnavigation won't be eligible in next year, due to completing this year. Thank you!!!! I've written a great deal more so far this week than I have in a long time, and not just on this story. The looming deadline is my coming trip; I HAVE to get the story done and posted by then. One reason is I promised to do so, and I will. The other is kind of selfish; I want to still be here when the finale posts . This story has been a huge part of my life for over two years now, so I don't want to miss out on being around as it ends. I'll be gone a fairly long time, with only sporadic internet, if any at all. I won't be back until just before New Year's day (which effectively takes me out of being able to effectively participate until next year, Jan 1st or so). CJ

I'm replying in posting order in the thread, I'll be back to answer later posts in a bit. The name of the next chapter is at the bottom of this post. And THANK YOU ALL!!!! <hug> Bridget.... her self-assurance is sometime warranted, but she's playing a high-stakes game. However, she's proven herself adept at it, and as we saw with her escape from Florida, rises to the occasion when the chips are down. Thanks!! And yep, the stage is setting for the finale. LoL! Fear not, no cliffs ahead! The final chapters should be exciting, but never a cliff or a cliffhanger! The final two chapters were drafted out long ago, so I'm striving to get to that point, and I'm honestly thinking five in total remain, not counting the epilogue. I'm notoriously bad at estimating chapters, but I think I'm off by at most one at this point, due to being so close to the already-written stuff. Hopefully, within the next ten days I'll be able to reach that join point and give an absolutely guaranteed remaining number. Drives you nearly insane? That fits, because I've never been sane and that's gotta influence the story. I agree on the doldrums part. If I had this to do over, I'd tighten up (edit down) quite a few things. It's an insanely complicated plot at times, and not well suited to serial writing and posting. Maybe Bridget will attend the wedding and bring a nice, thoughtful present? The asset list's publication could ansolutly alter the contract; it's change from destroying Kookoburra as the prime goal (with no great urgency) to "Kill them all right now, damn the conseqences!". If Bridget leans that the tape has been found (and the asset list would tip her to that), it changes everything. I've been having fun writing the Sydney visit; I've had the pleasure of setting out on a long voyage from Sydney Harbour, and though it's been many years, I remember Sydney well. That's why I picked the rotating resturuant; I've eaten there. Also, Shane's confusion when coming back to the table due to part of the room having moved was mine. Thanks!!! Okay, now for the title of the next two chapters (posting as one): Gobsmacked. I think the title fits on many levels. ;-)

These are very valid points, in the main. I might quibble on scene you mentioned (how they judged the condition of Atlantis) though that would be unfair for reasons that come later (and thus you had no way of knowing). Did I do it that way just to cause tension? No. I'm right on the edge of what I can say without giving spoilers, but often, when something stands out like the locks issue, there's a reason. In this case, that scene holds clues. However, if we apply that same point you raised in to many other areas, yes, you're right. I'm a detail nut. Let's take the journey in through The Rip; That's not really plot relevant, and though there's a few clues and forshadowing in it, not much, and nothing that couldn't have been slipped in elsewhere. So why did I do it? Basically, as I've come to realize, I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too. A lot of people, myself very much included, like stuff like that; detail about a place, a chance to vicariously do something unusual. However, what it clearly does also do is bog down the flow and pacing. A scene like the passage through The Rip might work very well in a novel principally about sailing around the world. In a story with a mystery/action theme, it drags. I'm trying to do both, and in many ways they work against each other. I do see that now. However, A great many readers (this is part of why I need and crave feedback) have let me know that they love these kind of scenes. Others don't like them. As Wildone mentioned later in this thread, in a prior novel I went into great detail on the inner workings of a nuclear warhead, showing it in microsecond by millisecond detail. Many people loved it. Some hated it. There was little middle ground. The problem I face as a writer is I can either do, or not do, such scenes. I can't (at least I haven't figured out how yet) have them for those who like them while also not having them for those who don't. Could I get away with this in a published novel? Hell no. So you raise some extreemly valid points. Thank you for your feedback. I truly wellcome ALL kinds of it, and in fact, constructive criticisim has often been of tremendous benifit to me. Thanks!!! CJ Oh, Robert is not going to let Lisa and Jeol's antics go unpunished. Yep, Lisa and Jeol did some dumb things. So has Trevor in some ways. He's very skilled in the ways of sailing, but not a lot else. Lisa and Joel are very skilled at causing trouble while meaning well. Thank you!! I need to mention more often (and I'll take this opertunity) that the story is a team effort. And yes, there will be more stories once this is done. For that, I thank you and all the others who have reponded by various means. Thanks!!!! I have to admit, I love the detail stuff (that's why I write it) and many do, but some do not. All opinions on that are very valid IMHO. And who am I to agrue with Australian Maths? I had to use that, just like I had to use your inverted seasonal calander and backwards-rotating storms. Another factor at play in my case: I was horendously slow (I excell at procrastination, when I get around to it) moving this story moved over to GA stories, so more than half of it was first published on my old site, so any hits there don't count for here. Thank you for taking the time to join and weigh in. I very much appreciate it. What you are giving me here is feedback, which is exactly what I asked for. Feedback can be, and offten is, constructive ciricisim, as yours is. And I thank you for it. As for what I did and did not threaten to do, what I said was that the lack of feedback was making me lose interest in posting chapers. That's a fact, it was. I can promose that I am absolutly not going to just reach some stopping point and then do a "book II" or whatever. I may well revisit the world of Circumnavigation for a short story or two at some point, but that's all. There will be no sequel novel, because everything is wrapped up and resolved at the end. Will there be action? Of course. Absolutly!!! I love, and crave, all forms of feedback. For those that don't know, a common reponse of mine to someone pointing out an error or problem is to go fix it (if possible), then add them to the writing credits with my sincere thanks. Why? Because they just helped me AND improved the story. Sometimes, I may not be able to act on constructive citicisim even if I agree, due to it being too late in the story, etc. However, at the very least, I sure keep it in mind for the next one. This doesn't mean I agree with every bit of constructive criticisim, sometimes I don't. But I need to know what people are thinking, and even if I disagree, I thank them. An example would be a large amoutn of sex scenes. I get this one a lot, and it's somethng I won't do. It's just a personal taste thing; I object to that in a story as much as some here object to some of my tech detail scenes. That doesn't mean their point isn't valid (of course it is) it's just not me, so I thank them and polititely disagree. Thanks!!! If at any time, you (or anyone) needs help with site features and naviagion, please feel free to ask me, publically or via PM, for help, and I'll do my best to do so. Okay, I've more replies to make in this thread, but there's a software limit as to how many I can do at a time, plus I'm in the midst of a writing blitz. I'll be back a bit later, (and to do my PMs and emails too). Thanks!!!!!!!!!!! CJ

You're getting part of your wish; two chapters combined into one. Part of the reason is I wanted to do something to say thank you, and the other is I felt it works better as one chapter, not two. The Indian Ocean crossing was part of the story that was both challenging and rewarding to write. I was setting it up from the start, things like mentions of sundials, and Trevor's close call in the Atlantis (falling overboard and almost being left behind to certain death) and putting all the pieces in place. And also, figuring out how he'd survive. Many authors here have been disheartened and discouraged by the decline in feedback. It's a long-term problem, getting worse over time. Maybe part of it is new methods, like the "like" button; many people seem to think that that's a good substitute for actual feedback. It isn't. As for me, I'm on a writing blitz. I'm both happier, and more inspired, than I've been in years.

First, a note to those worrying; All I asked for was some feedback, which I have been getting, (THANK YOU!). Many writers (not just me... please, please remember others that you read too) crave it, and it's our motivation. With me, good or bad, I need to hear it. Anyway, don't worry about me pulling the plug on public posting; I won';t be doing that unless feedback drops way back again. And, I've been inspired by this; I've written more in the last 48 hours than in the previous two weeks. Also, I'm happier with the product; I think quality is up too. Also, I'm working my way through the threads, e-mails, etc in posting order, a bit at a time, because I have a chapter in my head aching to get out and the keyboard is calling. (And it feels great to want to write, as opposed to have to write.) There have been family situations, plus a few other things, that were part of it. The other part, which it took me a while to realize, was it had become a grind, a chore, because my motivation was drying up. I am now massively motivated to get this story done. I still have a pressing deadline; my mid-November departure. Thanks!!!!! It was Dan who I got "Feedback is an author's lifeblood" from. That has always stuck with me, even before I began writing. Then, once I began writing, I realized it's even truer than I thought. Oddly enough, I think that I am a better judge of what motivates me than you are. What you say may well apply to many authors, but as I've said before, my motivation to post stories in public is feedback, good or bad. It is true that I will always write, but getting a chapter ready for public posting is a lot of work for both me and my team. That's what requires a motive. If I was just after readership, I could post my older stories (For the Love, Let the Music Play, etc) to all sorts of sites, but I have no reason to because they don't generate significant feedback. So, I post only on GA. To be clear, I am not doing this for praise. It's feedback that I crave and need. Sandbox coercion? Do bear in mind that people were already withholding feedback from me. Why on earth wouldn't I consider returning in kind?

Yes, Trevor did an about-face by being open. It's heavily related to what happens in Sydney - he was told to be open, but slipped up a little bit. He's not a skilled liar. He's also a teenager. That he'd be heading for Panama on his way home was no slip at all; that's pretty much his only viable safe route, and it's certainly the shortest. Could parts of that section have been written better, and a few things changed to be a better fit? Absolutely! To be honest, I haven't been pleased with the quality of my writing lately. Feedback, whether good or bad, helps me tremendously in this regard. The publicity... that's a very good point, and brings us into the just-posted chapter. Manipulating the Beast. It's explained in the passage that ends with "a war with the press has to be like this". Other than what the've done, was there any other hope of getting the press to ease off? The story has to end soon; it ends in August, their time (it's now the end of April). The final two chapters were written long ago (it's the intervening ones I don't have yet). All I'm asking for is some feedback; things had died down to the point where I really wasn't motivated anymore; it had become a grind, not a joy (and that hurts quality as well as posting frequency). Thank you for giving me some feedback. The outpouring of support I've received has motivated me far more than even I believed it would, and I've written more in the last 48 hours than I have in the previous two weeks. The final two chapters of the story were written long ago, it's just the intervening ones I need to do. Sequel? Not a novel. However... don't be surprised if a few short stories based in this world appear from time to time. ;-)

First off, wow.... Thank you so much everyone!!!! I'll be back after some sleep to jump into the threads, answer mail, etc, this is just a fast update to say thank you, and let y'all know that this (Forum posts, email, PMs, reviews) has had a HUGE effect. I got inspired. And I wrote. And I wrote some more. I finished a few minutes ago; the chapter is now in the hands of some of the team. It's actually a double; two chapters merged into one. Part of my way of saying "Thank you!" for giving me my muse back. I can't promise it'll be ready in time for Tuesday, that's unknown (I'm late sending it to the team) but I won't delay it for one second more than I have to; if it's not ready in time, that doesn't mean a slip to the following week, just a slip until ready. We'll see what happens and I'll keep you updated. Tuesday might well happen, or maybe Wednesday.