Laura S. Fox

Chapter Twenty-Eight – Will You Bite Me If I Ask? “Hmm, let me see,” Danny said, willing to play along with Vince’s game, at least for a bit. “It must have happened at a carnival. Your mom wanted to have her future told – I know how much she likes that sort of thing – and instead, she learned that she was going to give birth to the best guardian in the galaxy. How am I doing?” Vince snickered. “You’re so far off I’m suffering from second-hand embarrassment. No. A wolfshifter actually c

The difference between the two quotes truly reveals what you said. Now that I think about it more, I come to the conclusion that it takes a lot of talent to make first person narrative work, and when it does, it might be for surprising reasons. Did someone mention here The Great Gatsby? I hope I'm not imagining things. The first-person perspective there works because Nick Carraway is a witness, not the main character. Would Fitzgerald have been capable of pulling the same effect on the reader by having Gatsby tell his own story? I dare to think not. One of my favorite novels is Donna Tartt's The Secret History. Yes, it's a first-person narration... but again, Richard Papen - no matter how much he tries to say or prove otherwise - remains the 'outsider'. There was even one reviewer saying that they wouldn't rate the book five stars because of how Richard remains 'on the outside' and I found myself mentally screaming at the screen: but that's the whole point! In contemporary romance - while I do occasionally read a first-person story - I find it... dishonest for lack of a better word. Whether you, as the person telling the story about yourself, talk about your good point or bad points, it doesn't matter. I will suspect you - yeah, it must be a personal flaw - of lack of sincerity. And lack of sincerity leads to lack of authenticity. And authenticity is that tiny thing that makes books great. How do you escape - as an author who uses first person and this 'first person' is the main character - this issue? How do you offer a reflection of this main character that won't come across as phony? (Such as... just giving an example - I am not like other girls, I am a hunter, but I'm also pretty, but so not aware of it, I swear... You get the gist.) These are genuine questions - I feel the need to emphasize this, as sometimes, when posting opinions online, they might come across not as their author intended. Again, I return to my first point - writing great prose in first person is a challenge and requires a lot of talent. (Not that any great story doesn't require the same thing, but I just don't see it as challenging.) And what about... second-person? I only read 'You' in that style - the first book was great, the rest slowly diluted the main character and his motivations. And it worked there - a stalker's obsession, rendered brilliantly (just my opinion, of course).

With this gifs, I feel the need to do an exchange like in that old commercial with 'Whazzup'...

It is his big chance, not gonna lie! We'll see the tumbling - and the fumbling

I believe, just my two cents - and what worked for me on occasion - is to let your feelings known about the situation from time to time. Not a total blow up, but signs of discomfort when people behave inappropriately by fighting or doing the things that disturb the harmony. Even an early exit to let them know the others present don't appreciate their behavior might help with them realizing it and doing at least some corrections.

Yes, that is true - Alexander needs to do things slowly so he can guarantee his success. It is a lot like complicated surgery. I didn't choose such a profession for him by accident

Argh, Lyn has been such a difficult character to write... but again, because I built him by gathering bits and pieces from people I met or observed in my life, I know he can exist. Yeah, my little confession here, I tried to make this story as realistic as possible. There are many things readers don't know yet about Lyn. And I know him being seen like this by the readers is a risk, because of the serialized format. I guess we will all see how Lyn appears to readers when all is said and done

Not just a thought; this is actually very perceptive. It is a way to make the others 'see' you, and Lyn fought with so many things in his life. Every day is a battle (although it doesn't have to be).

Oh, I understand this so well. Both the need for peace, and the need to send them all to hell from time to time.

Oh, wow, I always love your analysis, Maestro, but this time, you truly outdid yourself by understanding Alexander's choice of strategy. The Alexander from the past - as you guys already noticed - couldn't have been this patient and methodical. I don't like to portray characters who are perfect in all ways, and Alexander's flaws kept him, in the past, from approaching Lyn in a way that would have gotten them together. There's a whole thing about his attraction in the past, too; it's complex and not that simple and might have caused obstacles, as well. I won't go into details, since I must fight hard against giving spoilers. It's funny how I didn't realize that the phrase 'Thank you for letting me do this to you' could be interpreted as the way a doctor would talk to a patient. But it fits Alexander so perfectly! So, why not both? (meanings) As for the rescue-belt... oh, so true. Alexander learned so many things about Lyn during their college years. He paid attention, he observed... and he has a whole stash of information he intends to use now. Hence the other line you mentioned - That’s what makes things so damn difficult. Although I'd like to add that Alexander actually includes himself in the 'difficulty' aspect. Thanks for the great comment, once more!

With this story, things will link and make sense together, so I'm glad you made the connection with the first chapter. El - the friend with benefits - obviously wanted more, but he didn't have Alexander's warrior spirit (he-he). Plus, it's safe to say that no one has ever wanted Lyn as much as Alexander in his entire life. Lyn is taking little steps. Like someone who needs to get used to this, he might oppose - strongly - at first. But he won't be able to keep it up forever.

Oh, truer and truer words... Control has worked for him 'just fine' until now. But that was because he hasn't met a proper opponent. Alexander, through the familiarity of their past together, managed before to infiltrate Lyn's defenses, so he's already there I like the list you made about things Lyn is afraid of. Honestly, I don't think you missed one major one.

I so love this comment That's basically Lyn in a nutshell. His opponent is redoubtable... so he needs to bring his A game, lol.

Oh, he has plenty of those castles built... and walls, and moats, and all sorts of defensive structures and mechanisms...

Of course, that was the second meaning in the double meaning

I know how he must come across... he's just so used to bury everything deep. Plus, his relationship with Alexander in the past was quite entangled, and as two people used to competing against each other, he has a right to his reservations (but I hope the full picture, when it comes together, will make sense).

Oh, lol, that gif... Lyn loves the game, for sure!

Alexander is on a mission this time around. Even if Lyn pretends not to see it, he knows Alexander is telling the truth. And a promise is a promise It must become true at one point!

Chapter Eighteen – [Memory, Summer Break after Freshman Year] – The Age of Legends “Lyn, be careful,” his mom yelled at him, her hands clasped tightly on the ladder, as she looked up at him with worry in her eyes. “Mom, relax, it’s really not that complicated. And I’ve watched plenty of videos on how to do this.” “That doesn’t make you a roofer,” his mom insisted. “Would you please come down? You’re shaving years off my life just by being up there.” Lyn laughed and shrugged

Thanks for the mention, enfant terrible! I never write 1st person because it would make me feel like such a big imposter... Clearly, some talented writers pull it off, I just can't do it. As for my 'technique' of going from one POV to another... Many years ago, my head-hopping was horrendous! I learned since then to give the characters sections in a chapter so the readers don't get all confused. (And Liar vs. Liar has 55 chapters + epilogue, so if you check the story about the same time next Thursday, it will be complete)

They only had to insist a lil' bit more...

Wen is, I agree, a sad character. I won't focus on him, he does appear in the last chapter before the epilogue, and I think some people are just as happy as they allow themselves to be, their own biggest enemies and all that.

Unfortunately, it didn't cross my mind... That would be so meta, lol.

And the two liars finally retire... from lying! Not anything else. They won't lie to each other and to themselves, and that's the gist of it

It was about time for their masks to drop! And thank you for the praise!