Ms. V

Yes, you were correct but missing one crucial bit of extra explanation for the geeks of the world like me. LOL So, you wrote, “I stayed upwind of you, so you couldn’t have smelled me until I let you.” which is the first half of the info only. To give aid to technical nerds without us making erroneous assumptions, add something about direction facing in the wind stream. It might read something like: “You had the wind at your back, and I stayed facing upwind, so you couldn’t have smelled me until I let you.” So, the two halves are made from upwind/downwind, but also which way the person is facing within the wind stream, toward/away from the wind. (Or just don't worry about the hunting, engineering geeks of the fictional reading world. We're probably a very small percentage anyway; like people who geek out on math for fun.) I don't know about you, but I'm feeling much better after the mental calisthenics. ~ Ms. V

So, here's my geek perspective: I think the trouble comes in the terms used in the explanation that you found at BackCountryPlanet, versus the explanation I used from a weather site with it's dorky little graphic. Upstream & upwind versus downstream & downwind, I've even heard some hunters get this wrong, and others tease those that do, regularly with it. It is true that when you are walking into the wind, you are heading upstream. Now, in walking/standing into the wind from the East to the West, everything in front of you is upwind, and everything behind you is downwind. If you turn around and head or stand facing West to East, you are walking/standing looking downstream with the wind at your back. Everything behind you is upwind, and everything in front of you is downwind. So, if you are heading or looking downstream at your target, your scent is going downwind to them. So in the basic graphic on the weather site, Keller would be the stick in the middle. If he was looking into the wind at Tobyn, your perspective is right. If he was looking from upwind at Tobyn standing downwind than his scent would be heading right at Tobyn. This is where my assumption might have steered me wrong: I was thinking wind flowing downhill with Keller looking down at Tobyn which makes Keller's back to the wind. (I will gladly concede if I'm in error. ) Here is another hunting example from one of my favorite bowhunting sites that talks about the special skill you have to use when hunting upwind when your target approaches from downwind. So, is this a better explanation of why my geeky engineering brain hit a speed bump in chapter 5 of Morningstar? Thanks for your patience with me on this Gary. ~ Ms. V

Gary, is this a good place to chat about the question I have about upwind versus downwind or should I PM you? ~ Ms. V

So, I had to laugh at myself out loud when I read Tobyn's line. “Wow... I'm sorry too, Kellar. Maybe you can tell me more sometime… my mom? She’s cool." Such a serious topic of sharing the loss of Keller's parents at the tender age of four. Yet, answering Keller's need for more information on the pack, as well as Tobyn. Your dialog is excellent as ever and spot on to each character's personality. What struck my funny bone is how polite these two young men are in conversation. These boys are definitely Canadian. I absolutely love this story! I totally understand why their focus is elsewhere than on each other, too. It also adds an element to Tobyn's avoiding the gay feelings for now, and Keller's to understand what would be best to make his man happy. Thanks for such an amazing unfolding in such an amazing world. ~ Ms. V

There are so many awesome comments! I read in your hesitation to bury the reader in information overload, the careful intention you took in tone and dialog. Dialog is a tool you wield with great effect, even where Keller cuts himself off or hesitates. It is so much part of the 'show-don't-tell' that adds to your awesome character development. The strength of Keller's character (literally) shines through in how he holds back questions, crafts carefully those he does ask, as well as the struggles to convey what he's struggled to learn about his healing ability through his years alone. (The gift of feedback in words from his patients is going to have more insight than the medical texts he's been gleaning from, I'm sure.) The fact that neither of them went into this with a self awareness of being gay is affecting some of the giddy or awkwardness they both share in complimenting each other at times. A kind of coltish way of conveying their attraction in fits and starts that they can't seem to control, yet don't want to put pressure on the other. I will hope to write such layered and nuanced dialog one day. ~ Ms. V

The word I would pick for this chapter would be balanced. The growing questions out paced the answers in this one and much of them were dark news. Yet, the growing friendship between our pair, the fun, and the quiet peace kept a thread of hope. Hope for Keller's isolation coming to an end even as he steps into the isolation of Tobyn's pack. Hope that Keller's healing will have an effect, but the mounting odds of so many sick and the heartbreak it could bring to Keller if he can't change the tide. The pace of the piece and the connection of our pair feel real because they are not rushed. Life all too often gives us a lot fewer answers than we feel we need, but we just move forward with the best information we've got to make decisions and hold onto hope. So beautifully written I read it twice in a row. ~ Ms. V

I totally agree with @MacGreg comment. The strength in the hold on this reader is the character development. As Mac said, "I do love the show-don't-tell style you're using with this story," I think it's the key to a strong connection to characters that can last through multiple books. It's the characters that make it possible for me to read some of Stephen King when I'm not a fan of scary books. It's the attention to character development in Keller's craving to know his kind and his drive to help that are powerful across a whole spectrum of readers. The trick to a second book is a new story of growth and change for the characters and where most sequels trip themselves up, IMHO. There is one technical bit that tripped me up. You wrote, “I stayed upwind of you, so you couldn’t have smelled me until I let you.” I have spent a good chunk of time around hunters, and there seems to be a common mistake with upwind versus downwind when I'm reading stories. Upwind is the wind at your back and carrying your scent forward. To be upwind is to be alerting your prey, staying downwind is the key. Now, there are occasions when upwind can work, say if the direction is just off adjacent to be detected or you're disguising your scent, etc. Here is a link to the technical explanation. Most wouldn't catch this, and it certainly didn't stop me long enough last time to make a comment. I was just enjoying the interaction and eager for the next chapter. And yes, I did compare your character development skills to Stephen King's and not lightly. (Especially like "The Green Mile" or "Stand By Me." ~ Ms. V

Such great comments from everyone that I don't have much to add for this chapter. I love reading your responses so much, too. You surprised me with not sharing the important plot details but being open with the back story. It was also so helpful for me as I try to learn better writing habits that you shared bits of your process. Is there somewhere that you share more of those kinds of details? Thanks! ~ Ms. V

So much groundwork and yet with economy. Powerful little phrases, like "pretend-parents," or "but there was no mention of love because he’d never felt it, for or from them." I'm really starting to groove on reading this at a slower pace. So, I've always segregated mystery from suspense. So, they both can be a "who done it," but suspense changes the rules or springs new information at you to wrap things up. Mysteries, no, they give you all the tools to solve them cleverly and mundanely hidden in plain sight very organically along with the story. I'm not so sure you use misdirection, but your strength is in how you incorporate real clues as random bits of inner dialog. That skill takes practicing your craft. This is the solid foundation to start, yet it drew us in and synced us up to Keller flawlessly. Even as adults, empathy to feeling unsure but planning your best and moving on is very relatable. Hence, why I'm reading this again as I move onto the next phase of my "do-over." LOL ~ Ms. V

You're, dare I say, "blood, sweat, and tears." The hard work you put into getting into your character's head and the planning and execution have provided the lubrication that makes it such a smooth and addictive read! No wonder I devoured it last time. ~chuckle~ So many seeds scattered into this chapter, so carefully worded, and yet letting us work for it. It draws us in, and we want to click quickly to the next chapter to find out more and see if our suppositions are accurate. You are a beautiful example of how planning and layout can make a good story great. It's going to be a challenge to stay steady and intentional in such an addictive and "slick" read.

It's been a while, and I'm doing a start over in my life so here I am to enjoy Keller and all the new starts that turned out well in his tale. To be honest, Gary, I read so quickly through it the first time. It was so good I devoured it. This time, I want to absorb it, read all the comments, and catch all the things I might have missed a couple of years ago. I mean, you were planting seeds even in this first chapter. ~chuckle~ I think I have a lot to learn about mapping out a plot. 🧐 ~ Ms. V

Just a slight technical issue in this line: "Staying upwind, he spied on the man who claimed to be his mate run with his pack." Upwind would carry his scent right to them, staying downwind is how you hide your scent. Yet, maybe you meant that to happen since Jed ended up seeing Buzz with the she-wolf? I'm proud of Parker for keeping his cool. I'm worried for Buzz, emotional abuse is as real as physical, and it can be just as damaging over time. It makes it so that the bad stuff is easier to believe than the good stuff, or any hope of things getting better. I'm hoping Jed will hang onto a slim hope until Buzz can follow his heart. 😭 ~ Ms V

Shucks, it's a good thing that Jed is used to going around defensive arguments. He certainly had a bunch of practice in high school. Buzz wants him, and Jed knows it. Jed never struck me as aggressive or rape-y, not taking no as no. He seemed patient, passionate, and persistently persuasive. If he was that way with those that were just sex, he'd be even more so with Buzz being his mate. There will be bumps, but you're so good at making them worth the tension. It's one of the best parts of your storytelling. ~ Ms V

You are an excellent story craftsman with wicked great skills. I've learned a lot reading your works and it has become a part of my permanent library on my kindle. I hope for many more tales in the future to devour. ~ Ms. V

It was nice to have a sweet relationship building chapter. I will also be devouring the sequel! This world and characters you've created are quite addictive! (In so many ways. LOL) ~ Ms. V

Great execution of the fight scene, I didn't get lost in the action once! I'm so glad the silver poisoning didn't kill Jed outright, like mercury or something. Love Jed's dad! Forrest is a piece of work. On the one hand, he's offering Colton a job after graduation as a deputy. On the other, he loses face every time he disrespects Colton for not doing things the way Forrest would when Colton has half the experience. It makes me think that Forrest was hoping the rogue wolf would take care of this problematic new little pack. ~grrr~ Colton just reflects the same disrespect he's given. Loved the dramatic addition of Curtis and Shell. Forrest will hate that he's lost a mom of pups. Shell is never gonna let Curtis forget fainting, I bet. LOL ~ Ms. V

You are just way good at this, Rob. You're my favorite kind of writer. I love mysteries but only the best. Those authors that can write in the clues, keep you guessing, but if you're smart you have all the pieces to solve the mystery early. Even if only some will and some won't see it without hindsight. The writers that don't give you what you need to solve it are just suspense writers, in my opinion. I forgive you the cliffhanger, you're worth it. Onward I read your funny, sexy, smart, action and romantic tale so awesome. ~ Ms. V

You had me worried for a bit at the party, but Shell & Curtis came! Loved how Colton handled it, too. Not sure if the bondage elements were needed, but you've got skills with writing sexy scenes that flow and don't feel awkward. So, what I thought was bubbling and belated caring from Parker's dad was actually sellout for hire. Barney is taking money to spy on his son and both packs. He's going to be lucky if he walks away from this at all. ~ Ms. V

It's official! Grey wolf sightings match to Colton's pee sites. Oh yes, there was no way to keep Shell and Parker apart. I was a bit worried by the dumpster scene, but then Carlton produced the key! If I know men, Curtis will not appreciate being fed to the wolves by Seth, or a Grey wolf in this case. Parker will hint, Shell will be pissed, I think Timber pack will grow, and Stan will have two new young friends. Good, he deserves it, and a stable, unbiased pack after the shit that had him running from his old one. Let's hope the grey psycho doesn't ruin Parker's plans to celebrate Colton on his birthday. ~ Ms. V

Short but sweet and sexy chapter, though with an ominous end. So, the grey wolf might have attacked Stan but it wasn't Stan he was after at all. Sounds like Colton might be, if the grey wolf is calling Parker "the bitch." I can't stop now. ~ Ms. V

Parker's dad is a piece of work. To test if his boy is a wolf with something that might hurt him? Parker's mom seems to care about him, though she is clueless since she's been so busy with work all along. I love that Stan and Buck are pack now! Yet, the grey wolf went after Stan, or are you trying to throw us off the scent? ~ Ms. V

It true of every small town I've been in that it's more about the people than the size. Colton's strongest alpha quality is his protective instinct. It's a quality that makes it easier for a group to follow a strong leader rather than just an aggressive one. Such as Seth, the pseudo-leader at school before Colton moved to town for example. He might have followers, like other aggressive personalities, the fearful, or the complacent but that won't keep them around or foster loyalty. I loved Buck and Stan! I hope to see more of them, please. The only thing that popped out as odd enough it stopped my flow of reading was this, "The wolf came at Parker, but Jed’s massive auburn-colored wolf let out a roar and leapt." Jed would roar as a man, maybe, but as a wolf? A sharp bark might work better and doesn't repeat any other fight sounds you used, like growling, etc. I was laughing out loud at Colton asking about Parker leaning over a naked Jed. And thank you for drawing the line at bestiality, unlike some were-genera writers. Parker's "wolf dick" protest is almost as good as his "butt sex" line. LOL ~ Ms. V

So, lycan bureaucracy and a welcome packet. LOL Parker may be submissive to Colton, yet you don't write him as a doormat. There is a subtle organic way that you progress your characters that feels realistic. Parker is coming into his own sense strength and fighting for Shell was a given. I also like that you wrote Forrest more than one dimensional. He exiled the new alpha Colton, yet Forrest also offered a place he didn't have to, whatever his motivation. Now he's willing to hire Colton as a deputy once he gets training, which will stabilize our new little pack. He's not supportive like Jed's parents, but he is treating them better than Carlton or Parker's parents, yet he's still an antagonist. Strong writing is a crafting characters and dialog that create relationship and identification with readers. This is a big part of why your stories click with me. ~ Ms. V

The tough realizations are coming fast and furious now. It felt authentic that the state championship fell apart. The separations Parker is facing are such a heartache. He might not get along with his folks, but he will feel their loss regardless. The loss of Shell, on the other hand, will be devastating if they can't communicate to find a solution. Curtis is new to Forrest View pack so he might know better about Seth. Shell might be in shock at the moment, but I don't see her lying down and just isolating herself from Parker without a fight. The grit and sadness of this chapter just make these characters even more real and endearing. ~ Ms. V

Colton is the kind of leader I wish there were more of in my life. He worries a bit because he is aware of the big picture and the stakes for his pack, yet that won't stop him trying his best. Park was the heart and the encourager for our new family. He cast a clear vision of who they were and who they could become together. The conclave, another layer to worry about? Carlton better get his head out of his butt, or he'll lose total contact with his son. Great writing! ~ Ms. V