Jack Scribe

You'll have to endulge me with occasional food and beverage fantasy from a guy who has been in the hospitality industry. I've always considered a dinner for two as an essential part of mating foreplay. I know, romantic sop. But

I wouldn't want you to think i'm older AND lazy, Jack. Tracy, older OR lazy is hardly the way I think of you! This is a great story, and one with a significant amount of drama that nonetheless presents itself in a way that brings the characters to the fore, with the action as a backdrop. We come to know these "people" for who they are, as they express themselves through what they do, This is something I appreciate in all your work. The new faces gradually being woven into the much loved fabric of the lives we know so well from previous Splashes is the reward for consistancy, ours, but even more so, yours. I love to create more layers of the characters as the story moves along. As I "got to know" Oleg, it became natural to place him more in the vortex of the plot and use the original Splash characters for support. One thing that may not be obvious is the time line: at the point the crime is committed, this volume takes place within seven days. Kind of an expanded 24. MikeL said - Rory is still on the loose, but a big target is about to fall hard. There are a few twists ahead...but don't be so sure about the "fall".

Pete, I wish I was a fast as the postings may indicate. My mind meanders when I can't resolve a way to present an idea, describe a scene, or satisfyingly massage a sub-plot. However, given enough time, I always wiggle through a 'block' and resolve an issue. By writing ahead and completing the story before release, I also have a way to return to earlier chapters and modify something that doesn't work with later developments. However, this process does allow the final product to "move fast" (or, that's the idea ). I can't give my editing team enough kudos for the work they do. I/we really try to present these novellas in a professional light - as free of grammatical errors, typos, spelling errors, etc., as possible. SOTW will continue to be posting on Wednesdays into May and I hope you continue to be entertained. BTW, I appreciate your note. I've been puzzled by the lack of reaction to this story - even though it's well-read. :wacko: I think that part of it is that I don't write for a teen audience. Whatever the case, my stories are what they are - for better or worse. Jack

Welcome to the reader group, maboi26! However, what is going on in the background, there was a pool party at Dave and Mike's, and we know there is going to be some interesting dialogues. Been a while to their home, wonder what has changed? Doug and Brent are in their full capacities of profession. Wonder what Brent/Brad has been up to? We'll see more of Dave and Mike later on. Doug and Brent are busy in their professions; Doug and his movie, and Brent/Brad now an entertainment lawyer. Oleg and his "Golden Boy" are due to get together for a night. This ought to be interesting. Seems Oleg was reluctant to give up a night of passion for a massage. Wonder if they will zoom off to Palm Springs again. (That is really a nice place. I checked them links Jack) (BTW, have you been there?) Actually, I live in Palm Springs. The gay resort, INNdulge, is owned by friends. I worked for one of them when he ran for city council in 2007 (and regrettably lost because of some GOP homophobic direct mail pieces that suggested his gay resort was akin to Sodom and Gomorrah). Offically, Palm Springs is approximately 42% GLBT. It becomes the annual epicenter of gay America on Easter weekend with the White Party for the boys, and the Nabisco Dinah Shore LGPA for the girls. I am also happy to learn that Shifting Sands will be posted the latter part of 2009. Makes for a great read on a Fall Night. Like the Splash guys, I really enjoy my Vegas boys. Oleg will make an appearance in Shifting Sands. Librent said, Now for some romance/nooky, sorry being pushy I know. Don't worry about being pushy...there will be a little nooky down the road.

Ha! Old Bob, I keep current with the news and then embellish on the detail. Not saying all Russians are bad...check out Dmitri and Maksim on Dancing with the Stars. High on the yummability scale. Thanks for your encouragement concerning my little thriller. Jack

Tongue-in-cheek sarcasm is good in measure...as long as everyone knows it's in good fun. To me, referring to someone as a lying sack of s**t would be considered rude. Just joking but you get the drift. Seriously, I agree with MikeL concerning differing opinions. They're certainly welcome on forum posts. DFW Guy (from Texas, I assume?) pointed out what he didn't like and why. Fair enough. I enjoy comments of all kinds. BTW, a little romantic sop enters the picture in the next chapter. Jack

I hope you'll hang in there and welcome you to GA. This story has only gone through Chapter 8 and the characters will be further fleshed out. I wanted to examine the varying gray shades of good and bad and the presence of abject evil - both imported into the U.S. and home-grown. Jack

Hi DFW guy, I appreciate your gut reaction and honest comments. A little history: Splash I was my first story...ever. I think you have a good point concerning the way Splash II ended. At the time, I didn't think I wanted to spend more time with the Hollywood setting and decided the Epilogue would wrap it up. Then, a couple of years later (2007), I decided to revisit the guys, but as 'backplayers' to a thriller/mystery story. Ergo, Splash III. Interesting you'd observe that it "felt like another writer had taken over". Same guy, DFW. What happened was that I changed writing styles - from first person to limited third person. I think I've grown as a writer...but each to his own opinion. Jack

maboi26 and Sir_Galahad, welcome to the forum. Always great to have new readers check in. It is fun to borrow characters from other stories when it's plausable. BTW, I think Oleg will make an appearance in Shifting Sands, this fall. As MikeL points out, there are some romantic possibilities with Andy and Gordy. We'll see. Dave and Mike will be seen in a coming chapter. As I mentioned earlier, the original 4 are support players in this story. And, although CJ is the cliffhanger king (or queen, I forget), it's fun to dangle one at the end of an occasional chapter. Good to hear from all of you. Jack

I recently received a newsletter from best-selling author, Joseph Finder, and thought you'd appreciate this professional writer's process in getting his new novel ready. Sound familiar? Making Plans for VANISHED A month or so ago, I told someone I couldn

Verm, that's a lot of reading for one night - you devoured two years of my work. Even tho SOTW is a thriller, there will be interludes for a few tender moments. Mike, welcome to GA!

My frequent flyer miles keep on climbing. After we revisit the Vegas guys, I plan on returning to Chicago - next year - and see what's been happening with the Windy City boys. Jack

Caught with my hand in the cookie jar. SOTW is a full-blown (no pun intended) move into the thriller genre. I also decided to allow the reader to know "whodunnit" in Harvey's murder and then discover if the murderer is caught. As you sense, the pace will definitely pick up in forthcoming chapters. Jack

And now comes word that some of the fires were caused by arsonists. We in California are very aware of the havoc, damage and personal loss that these fires cause. My prayers go out to all who have been victimized by this tragedy. Jack

Chapter 5 is calm before the storm. Oleg will be a very busy man when he returns to L.A. Jack

Andy plays a supporting role. Keep your eyes on Oleg - to quote Connor, he "is one cool dude." BTW, Andy Leeds is a little homage to author/friend/mentor Drew Hunt who lives in Leeds, U.K. Jack

I echo Kit's thoughts. The most productive time for many writers is first thing in the morning. Your mind is fresh of litter and chances are that you've been thinking about the story while sleeping. If I have a block, resolving a detail/direction/character often comes about while I'm lap swimming or cycling. For others, gardening, cutting grass, driving, etc. are good catylists. But as Graeme said, "Don't worry about it too much." I've sometimes have only written a few paragraphs and a small dialogue exchange at one sitting. To get the creative juices going, also try reviewing previous chapters that lead up to your current state. There have been a couple of instances when I've made changes to the earlier material so my story will traverse that literary crossroad. Above all else, have fun. Jack

In Chapter 3, you'll find out more about Oleg Petrov and how he first met Brent and Doug. We'll also monitor Rory's movements. FYI, the rest of the story takes place within a one week span of the hospital scene in Chapter 2. Jack

In this story, Dex from Domes and Teapots makes a brief appearance. One of the new main characters, Oleg Petrov, is a partner and private investigator in the AOI security organization - working out of their L.A. office. You'll meet him in Chapter 2. I am anxious to get back to Chicago and the Other Avenues troops. I suspect that will be in 2010. Jack

What Rory is up to will become clear in Chapter 2, Sharon, MikeL and Connor (I thank you for your loyalty). I've structured the story so that the reader is aware of certain dastardly acts before the main characters do. We will follow these characters and read as they discover who dunnit. I've gotten a large number of hits on Chapter 1 but very little feedback. Hope this doesn't mean that I missed the mark. FYI, the story will be posted weekly through the winter and into spring. Jack

Wanted to share what I'm up to these next couple of weeks, volunteering for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Last night I was an escort (read celebrity wrangler), assigned to Ben Stiller. Leonardo was, well...just Leo. Sean Penn was very proud to receive his award for MILK and generously accepted a standing ovation. He was introduced by Cleve Jones (played in the movie by Emile Hirsch). Also part of the MILK contingent were Josh Brolin and director Gus Van Sant. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090107/E...ONTPAGECAROUSEL Today, I'm back to being an transportation coordinator for our guests. Fortunately, Palm Springs is warm and sunny for everyone coming from Canada, Northern Europe and the U.K. SPOILER-Shameless plug for my new story. http://jackscribe.gayauthors.org/web/sotw1.php Jack

You'd be surprised to know we're not all that far apart. :wacko: I decided to celebrate the number of years I've been at GA on my birthday. And to answer to usual question: yes, I usually was usually told to hold one package back from Christmas for the birthday. However, I can't bitch - the presents were always pretty neat. Thanks for the birthday wishes. A watch for the new story to roll out very soon. Jack

Second the motion! Below is a little holiday humor on the dark side.