C James

This does sound like an intreguing and very original project!! I hope the Muse strikes, and everything comes together for you!

That is so true! I know people who have done exactly that. One friend of mine recently purchased a classic 'vette "for thier daughter". I'd be a little more convinced if the daughter's age was at least in the double-digits. If I'm involved, that is prety much a given... I don't know about that... I agree that the 70's and 80's were a dark age of auto design, but I'm thinking that we are still in one. There just isn't much imagination anymore, and so many cars look alike. Heck, the few "innovations" I've seen lately almost all involve 50's styling!

Actually, there are some things in the next two chapters that even you and Emoe don't know about yet. Oh gosh! He's given away the whole thing! (good one, Graeme!!) Or, I might be planning an interlude; a nice chapter all about the grass growing in the feild? Or am I just hungry and thinking of lunch? I'll post the next chapter on Tuesday! Or, maybe I'll wait until Tuesday. Or, I might post it early by posting it on Tuesday. (this would be Wednesday, Wednesday, or Wednesday for those who are on the strange side of the international dateline). So, is Graeme a Goat Whisperer? Hmmm... I don't know. Getting close enough to an Echidna to hear whispers means braving those pointy quills...

For me, it's situational: If I'm just heading for town or running errands or visiting freinds, all I need are my wallet, keys, and wristwatch. My "cosmetics" supply consists of a small comb that I keep either in my pocket or in the glovebox. I also usually keep a bottle of cologne in the glovebox. I always have a change of clothes, plus of course a well-stocked emergency kit in my vehicle at all times (needed, when you spend a lot of time in the backcountry, miles from pavement). If I'm wilderness hiking, especially overnight, then I do pack out a fairly heavy load, but the contents depend on the length of the hike, terrain, and anticipated weather.

I loved Maseko's maneuvering of the interviewer!! We are certainly learning a lot more about the Empire lately, as well as its current machinations. I still think they will be attacking soon. Everything points to it: they are expansionist, the Republic that barely fought them off before is now weakened and divided by civil war (with Leonov as a possible ally). From the Empire's strategic perspective, this is a golden opportunity to take down the Republic once and for all. Garret's thoughts about Arron at the end of the chapter re-enforced my view that something is deeply amiss there, and that Arron is in some way beginning to exert control over Garret. I, however, no longer think Aaron is a construct of the Leonev faction. I now think his strings are being pulled from Earth. I also think the fact that he has a strong attraction to Garret's "model" of clone is no accident, but rather, literally, by design. Perhaps he somehow affects Garret subconsciously via Garret's implants? Didn't Garret once wonder if Ada was influencing him by making her desires his own? I think Arron is a means to do exactly that. OMG!!!!!!!!! I never thoguht of that, but it fits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If so, Garret might be ever so slightly displeased with Maseko's "publicizing" him.

Yes indeed, Editors can be EEEvil... Hmmm, maybe I shouldn't say that. I hear mine is having a BBQ party and I'm invited. Strange though, that he'd invite a Goat, when I've heard that Goat is the main course? :fire: And I have no idea what you mean about denial! Harumph! I'm a lurker, I tell ya! Anyone want to have a speculation contest, and see who can come closest to guessing what happens in the next chapter?

BUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!! This is hilarious, and witty. I really loved the bit about the Word Icon too!!

As far as "allowed", teaming up to do a colaborative effort is up to the writers. It sounds to me like you have given this a lot of thoguht regarding the plots and outlines. I think I'd be quite unsuited for it, as fantasy realm stories just aren't my thing as a writer (and usually not as a reader). I know basically what a Druid is (though my definition would be more historical) thoguh I have no clue what a "Fey" is and I've never heard the term "Lycan" before. I'm really looking foward to seeing where this goes!

I'm coming into this late (just saw it) and I hope the thieving scum is both disgraced and removed. Dom, I disagree with you on only one thing In my opinion, it IS a violation, no "like" about it. Dom, I'm very sorry that this happened to you. Not only are you a fantastic author, but you are one of the nicest people I've ever encountered. CJ

Humph, you are as bad as my editor! I've been trying to convince him to just go ahead and send me the finsihed chapters instead of waiting for me to send them to him for editing, but will he listen? Nooooo.... BTW, I much prefer the term "publish" to refer to putting a chapter online. This is due to me being a lurker, and posting of any sort is against the lurker code. Publishing is ok, though.

Happy thanksgiving!!! Don't eat too much!

You expect a Goat to be able to count?!?!?!?! One of the signs of a postaholic... I think CJ is finally beginning to face up to reality. I expect him to reply to this post, denying it, but the true sign of a lurker would be to ignore it and not reply. Let's see what happens.... ACK!! Vicious rumors!!! Moderator!! Mooooderator!!! Humph, never a moderator around when ya need one... However, as you point out, I am a lurker, so therefor you were wrong in your prediction that I would reply to this post. I'm ignoring it and not replying or posting. Nope, not me!! You have been told my opinion on spoilers. I've sharpened my spines.... just in case As a minor point, you posted the new chapter on Wednesday (Australian time). However, I won't complain. I'll just accept that you're always behind and that you'll never catch up.... I've got my Editor threatening to BBQ me, and now you and your very pointy spines!! Egads, I never knew it was so risky to be a writer!! OK, Graeme, I'll make you a deal regarding the time of posting. Due to the fact I post on Tuesdays, you can just copy and send me the chapter, which should therefor arrive before I actually post it, and that way I don't have to write it.

I think that holds true in any weather or road condition. :2hands:

Trying to burn down my pen, are ya? I know the feeling! Seriously, I think it is a perfect choice for a car for Val, it just fits... How did you come up with it?? Shhhh! There just might be a moderator lurking around here somewhere... So, more car porn!! Interior door handle Exterior door handles (button type, of course!) And losts and lots and lots of 1965 mustang car pictures

ROFL! What? Me, have an afinity for cliffies? Would I do such a thing? Thanks!! I know I said last night, but I should have the fixed chapter 3 up in a few hours. I'm trying, but right now my computer is being unco-operative. I think I need one of those computer-fine-tuning devices. You know, sledgehammers. :battleaxe: Thank you Rick!!! I'll keep posting! (Every Tuesday). Yep, the mindset of Chris & Steve might be a little hard to grasp. I can't say too much without spoiling some upcoming scenes, but I can try and shed a little light on the subject. Hmmmm. I can't really figure out what I can say on this without giving out spoilers. I can't really say anything at all. So, why am I still typing? I'm not really sure. It's disturbing though. :wacko: Maybe I can give one little hint? Remember Steve's comment to Chris, regarding what Eric could out them as? Not as gay, but as something else? Maybe that is relevant, and maybe it isn't. OK, I'll shut up now as there isn't much more I can say on this without giving spoilers. :ranger: Chapter 5 will explain this whole situation a bit more, though.

I could soooooo sing like a purty lil' birdy. Yet I won't... Awww, not even a little hint? Here are some links to see the '65 Mustang. http://www.hfmgv.org/exhibits/showroom/1965/mustang.html http://www.vintage-mustang.com/topics/broc.../convblurb.html Now look at those and then tell me that Jacob isn't head over heels in love with that car! Details, man, we want details! What size engine? Does it have the optional engine compartment light? What kind of tire stem caps does it have? You know I fumbled blindly through that whole chapter right? Most of it didn't make the cut.... And yes, I'm pleased to see my skillfull re-arrangement of your funiture lead to one stubbed toe, and yeah I unscrewed that light bulb too. No I did not leave that flaming bag on your doorstep.... Fumbled blindly? Yeah, right! As for the rest, I knew it was all your fault!

Sorry I'm late to the party! I only got around to starting "domes and teapots" last week, and I'm only up to chapter 5. I love politics, so this is right up my ally! My favorite scene so far was when Dex chewed out his supervisor, Bingo. Oh, I REALLY loved the line about "a new recipe for stuffed salmon". I'm staying away from the more recent threads until I catch up to them, for obvious reasons, but just wanted to weigh in here and say how much I love the story!

Me too! I think Steve does that intentionally. Very skillfully done if so, just enough misdirection to keep the reader not knowing what to expect. I liked the dealing with Richard too! I HATE people like him.

Welcome Dusk!! If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to PM (personal message) me or any of our various team members, and we will be happy to help!

I definitly agree with the "always listen to your editor" statement! Editors (and beta readers) really make a huge contribution. I loved this chapter too. That ending really was just perfect! I think we have a consensus here! Well done, Darkshadow!!!

Hi Rick! Sorry I'm just getting to your story now. I'll make some comments as I read. The first thing that caught my eye is your use of italics for the word "church". I really liked that, as it conveyed his disdain for that particular church with crystal clarity. I like the situations: It's unique, and has "local color". I also love the vivid descriptions of Sky (he sounds very hot!) Starting it as you did, and then jumping back in time for the backstory, is intriguing! It definitely makes me want to know what happens. The idiosyncrasies, such as the Karate, Sky's full name, the dog, and the Golf all give the characters depth in my opinion. I like it. I liked the Volleyball game in Ch 3, but a little more detail would have made it better. Just my opinion. Finally, what an evil cliffhanger!

Thanks for the spoiler spaces, but I figure that if the reader has waded this deep into the thread they will have seen plenty already. LoL But, you never know... I'm definitly trying to improve on the writing side, and all of the comments are helping a LOT! Heh, I've been cross-posting a lot tonight! I didn't see your or Dark Shadows' posts until quite a bit after I posted! LoL! I'm working on the re-write for chapter 3 as well as chapters 4, 5, & 6. I definitly want it to be a little less rough than it has been. LoL! BTW, I'd like to be very serious here for a second and tell everyone: In the credits at the bottom of the story, I say something that I really mean: "All remaining errors are mine alone". I say it becuase it is true. I always make changes after both Steve (my Beta reader) and Emoe (my editor) see the chapter, so any errors in any chapter are my responsibility and mine alone.

I haven't tried them, but do I get any points for liking 100 year old eggs? The person below me likes 100 year old eggs.

Myk is giving some very good advice here. The only things I'd add are the depending on how much snow, chains might be in order. Also, if you have a choice of vehicles, a 4 wheel drive is a good choice. Above all, as Myk said, go slow.

Well, Steve, we are blaming you for most everyting, so surely that fits too? Tracy, help me out here! Steve just doesn't seem ready to admit that everything is his fault! We must convince him!!! Hey, just subbed my toe! It's Steve's fault!!! Hmmm, as for chapter 7, seriously, I'm really wondering what is going on there. I'm still astounded that Jacob would try and kiss her JUST to try and calm her down. That is really perplexing, as that just doesn't seem like a normal reaction. I hate to say it, but I'm leaning more to the theory that Jacob is so angry at Matt that he wanted to "hit back" in some way, and remember, the Kiss (and almost a lot more, had Val not stopped it) occurred right where Matt would likely see it: that porch is visible from his house, and his bedroom window. Or, as I said earlier, Jacob is just using Val to get close to his true love interest: that cherry '65 Mustang convertible!