Krista

I think I meant, interesting as they kind of treated their sons like collectibles and not people. So I liked the use of the word. Although fuck trophies is more on brand for this comment section, I'm thinking.

I also think someone should write: A Separate Peace - A story about co-workers who don't usually work together in close proximity, being trapped together on a project. Chaos, could also end bloody, because one co-worker, we'll call him Steve, is a cheeky little shit that gets up to meanness. And his co-worker's name, we'll call her Krista, a mostly sweet darlin that gets fed up with him and, get creative with how the blood gets everywhere, if you wish. You don't have to, but you know.

I have two ideas for the first prompt. The first one is a bit silly but the second one might lead me down a 300k rabbit hole, and I can't... I can't keep killing off the Main Character to hard stop me from continuing the story. The titles are: Twilight - even though I don't like horror anything, I thought about attempting to write a short story with some scary elements... probably won't touch this one though. and, Where the Red Fern Grows - and going full blown romance, because that's my safe and comfy spot. Nothing to do with vampires or the depressing story of a kid who loses both his dogs that wrecked me as a child when I thought it was going to be a cute little story about a kid and his two puppers... It was the first time I can remember thinking that I can't trust authors, they're evil critters. I may dabble with the second title though, truly. And just hope that it isn't this massive thing that consumes me in the attempt.

Welcome y'all, have fun.

Thank you! Glad you like the characters through two chapters. Good luck with the rest of the reading.

May we someday see all this extra writing? Especially the Ethan ones, for reasons - completely innocent I assure you. Educational and what have you. Unless you plan on branching off with another story that requires a tighter grip on all the extra reading material. And, I thought you'd like the Filthy Fairytales, you're welcome. Well deserved.

Seeing works from all these authors that were around when I was a wee little new-ish author and realizing that a lot of them are no longer active is a bit bittersweet. I don't remember anything about the story I submitted for this Anthology either. I might be brave and take a look.

You'll have to edit that thing I do not speak of, because I am a natural brunette.

I think it is the blond hair. Because Five manipulated Percy to be involved with that dude on the boat, before the summer chicken thing started. The game itself wasn't all that bad, because they stopped short of ever crossing any definitively cheat-y line. Just 'because' him and Bethany were tired of seeing poor Percy go without and not sharing that big penis with the world... so to speak. Then the game of chicken started afterwards and that's when 'Five' wanted to experiment. He was honest with Bethany, but Percy didn't know anything about that plan until well after when Percy discussed Bethany. If I'm remembering correctly, Percy was starting to put a bit of a distance between anything physical with him and Five finally admitted that it was 'he' who wanted to experiment and that he had Bethany's blessing to do so. So that frees Percy from feeling most of his guilt, you can't fault Five or Percy if Bethany presses experimentation. If the woman is willing to open the door, she has to suffer the consequences. I'm thinking she will suffer them rather thoroughly later on. So, at least as far as Bethany is concerned, the only time Percy should feel any blame was doing anything with Five 'before' knowing that. The fact that Percy showed and spoke of a lot of guilt about hurting her makes him human and in an apologetic light. Still wrong, but here we are. Where I found fault with Five was that he didn't disclose any of this information until he had to, his experimentation was in jeopardy of causing a rift and/or stopping completely. So he 'had' to tell Percy. He didn't really choose to. Duplicity with reasons are lies with excuses. Sorry. Omitting important information is also a lie. It didn't allow for Percy to come to terms with what was happening. He held a lot of guilt he didn't have to. Which is a running theme with Five, he's been very consistent with omitting information, causing undue harm, and then coming clean. It is a very selfish fault he's had throughout. It makes him an interesting read, he'd be boring if he was given the green light from Bethany and there weren't any underlying issues coexisting in his character. The story so far hasn't created any conflict between Five/Bethany and Percy/Bethany stemming directly from the experimenting blowing up in all their faces. So, all this mess (I say mess with absolute love, because I'm here for it) that I've discussed are exciting to me. I may sound like I dislike Five, but his character is my focal point because he has driven this story, flaws and all. I just wouldn't date him. Although I wouldn't date Percy either, unless he shows me that he can be different when Five isn't involved as far as communication goes. And I'm far too innocent for either of them, far, far too innocent. So far Seb is the only one I'd consider. I never said Percy wasn't entirely blameless, I've went off on both of them for not communicating enough for it to matter. Living in filthy fairytales that can't function outside of PineCrest. But you also have to admit that On the boat Percy was minding his business and engaging in a game. At PineCrest he was minding his own business and Five showed up with more than just a simple visit to a longtime friend on his mind and went right to manipulating Percy shortly after. If he had been upfront not long after the stinky hug they shared, then all of this would be a moot point for me to make. And Krista should've saved Percy, missed opportunity. I'm only saying that of course, because her name is Krista and that is a very Krista thing to do, I'm thinking. But that is a comment I should've posted on the other chapter.

For most of my teenage and younger adult life I too was a blond. But I also know I can be rather blunt, scary, and mean. Five needs to learn lessons. Maybe if the dude didn't lie, be accusatory, and hypocritical. Didn't start his whole trip on a lie, manipulation, and experiment that never allowed for Percy to be on equal ground... who needs enemies... He's been lucky Percy is horny enough and in love with him both as a friend and romantically to overlook all the manipulation, gaslighting, lies, narcissism, and the assertion that he will want his cake and eat it too whenever he leaves Percy for Florida and Bethany. If Blonds get away with all that because they're blonds... well. Maybe blonds do have more fun...

I don't do horror, so no.

First: Oh my goodness me, I decided to read all of the comments this chapter. Why did I? Why did I pick this very chapter to read all the comments. Mind you, you know the ones that I'm talking about. You filthy things. Also, leaders do not tempt fate, harm, or destruction when other people are involved. Michael is no leader. He shouldn't be leading this team, his mind isn't the most important asset. Especially since he camped right over a sinkhole. He's obviously inept at leading expeditions. Seb and Elmer should be the ones leading. Even if they had to hog-tie and gag Michael's ass... I would've gotten him off his high horse and back to PineCrest. The women shouldn't have even been up there, maybe aside from Esmerelda, since she's obviously trained in advanced aid and triage. As she seemed to assess what she deemed necessary. I don't know what Krista does. Roads closed or not, triage can be tricky and you lose people if you're wrong on the severity of their injuries. Dynamite at thirty yards and superficial face lacerations for Krista, probably dealing with a concussion for he and more severe one for Percy, both of which would have to be assessed for severity or other damages before either of them would've been allowed to sleep. Percy's head and body injuries do seem rather significant. I can't remember the exact criteria and/or determining factors for sleep/withholding sleep for brain injuries and concussions it has been a bit and not something I deal with in my field of practice. But yeah, safe to say they were beyond lucky. And the sinkhole and encroaching storm should have told everyone involved that the day was a waste. It is better to pick up and leave, lose the day... than to lose a life. I am disappointed in all of them. This better make all involved millions, because right now they're down damaged equipment. Their host in Percy. A Snowcat, which I have to google now because I'm thinking it is different than what I pictured earlier in the writing and didn't remember to look up when I was first curious. They nearly lost Elmer and Sheila to a support beam. Five to the sinkhole. Michael and Krista to the dynamite. The people you can't get back, no amount of money is worth five lives. Seb's story about his brother Leo made me cry. I didn't want to cry, so I am angry with you. But... the words are important, so I'll suck it up.

At least Five fixed the mess that was Ethan. Maybe Ethan will go quietly, he'll have to eventually. This whole new game the two of them has started is interesting. It seems they keep falling into these games and I think it goes beyond them just attempting to keep this whole trip organic and fresh. Also, to keep from talking about the important stuff, so par the course for them as far as that goes. At least legitimate distractions are there, they do have to behave themselves a little bit, tending to guests and not be rude. Krista might need to sharpen her knife and do some gelding if Michael gets too lippy. He needs to remember that he too is a guest. One that could've very easily been told to eff right off the property ages ago. Sheila seems quiet. Esmerelda - flirty..? Might need to watch her. Seb seems fun and laid back. All of them seem okay with the situation, Michael aside, but we'll see. It seems like a new game of chicken has started, but in reverse. Now it is all about self-control, and not crossing a line. We'll see who wins this one. I like Five not getting his way, the man needs to learn this lesson... too bad Percy has been playful with it, so the learning won't be as significant as it probably should be.

I think they've done some interviews about why there wasn't as much hockey. None of the actors are proficient enough with skating to actually do it, and they didn't want to do a ton of editing for body doubles, re-shoots, and CGI to make them look half-ass decent at skating, puck handling/stick handling - to make it worthwhile. That's why a lot of the shots on hockey are at a distance or extreme close-ups, and rarely depicted at all. Maybe they can take some lessons whilst they're on break between seasons. Although, I think most of the viewers of the show know as much about hockey as I do. None. And the uniforms are awful unless they're half on or off them in the process of dressing/undressing, so there's that too. Baseball still has the best uniforms, I said what I said.

The show isn't that groundbreaking. But, the first three episodes are a bit of a chore to get through. Or at least they were for me. I still think they sped through the initial progression between the characters and the set-up to what is supposed to be 'the' show. The back half of the first season is a lot better than the beginning episodes. I know they were having trouble shopping this story around for wider release and didn't want to sink a ton of money into the show, but it would have benefitted a lot if they had double the episodes so they could 'live' in the earlier parts a bit better. But, I'm a slow-burn person myself. So all this is my opinion.

I almost went back and edited my comment when I remembered the Sauce vs. Steaks don't need it discussion a few chapters back, but I didn't. I'm thinking it was a missed opportunity.

I think my exact words to you, is for you to remind me that the story I want to write needs to 'go' where I want it to go. That I can't deviate just because I feel a certain way all of a sudden with a character. That I have restricted myself to a plot, character dynamics, and did more pre-writing work than I have in the past. Not that you can slap me upside my head, sir. But you can try and see what happens. --- I think the only thing that would make Trace kick Joel out is if he says he likes his steaks, 'well done.'

Yeah, I tend to 'Cold close,' my stories now. A slice of time with the characters, there are some things unresolved. We live full lives with unresolved things, it's just sometimes something that we can't control. Or are close enough to the problem for there to be a resolution. The way you described his return home, I was smiling the whole time, because it is something I can easily see. Celia's warm smile. Him being open enough with them to explain things. Davin being curious about any details that Joel may leave out. Announcing that he gets to see Cody every Sunday. I like to think they'd take that in stride. It all happened in a month, yeah... But life or even some of the milestones within a life rarely ends in a perfectly wrapped box of resolutions.

It may just not be Ellis' time to be written about, who knows. I'm halfway through chapter three. The first two chapters introduced the story and the path I am beginning with it. Now the rest of them is going to have to build from that. I think I need to give myself a pep-talk every time I open an Ellis chapter. Be like, "You wanted to step away from, 'Coming of age' Romances, suck it up buttercup and get on with it." I wish I can say more, but that would mean me getting into character dynamics. But yeah, if not a short hiatus to retool and think of a different story if Ellis truly isn't going to hold any weight with them, so I can clean slate onto a different idea. Whatever that next idea is, I wouldn't know.

Yeah let's not ask to be spoon fed by GA with these themes. If you want a more detailed approach to a short story, there's plenty of Prompts to choose from. These themes are open ended and broad stroked to allow for loose interpretations. I can list you everything my brain has come up with for Horizon. I'll not do it though, for the reason above. I don't wish to spoon feed anyone. You may disagree, it is your right, but I found Cia's post to be constructive. There are many tools at our disposal to help get away from stagnant thought processes. She took the time to list some approaches to that, for anyone that may read or come across the advice provided, who may not have thought about those minor tips/tricks to jumpstart creativity. Like I said though let's not encourage the idea that we must be significantly guided in our creativity before it becomes worthwhile. We're spoon fed enough in everyday life, stretching our brains a bit will do us a lot of good, I'm thinking. But, for people who are stuck on at least Horizon and wish to pick my brain for the above and/or want me to post my take on the Theme, I will. I just didn't want to feel pushy. As for Unspoken, I've not allowed myself to focus on it as much.

Good luck. I made the attempt once, but almost 500k words for me, with my brain spoiling the next part because I suddenly remember what happens kind of makes it difficult for me to read. I'll have to forget more of it before I can settle in to read a story of that length. I've managed to read Ridley three or four times though. I've reread Ellis chapter one and two twice each already, still trying to figure out if I'm going to like the story enough to continue writing it. Beginnings are rough for me to gauge things. Hopefully it smooths itself out and unfolds a bit. Otherwise, I might be starting an extended writing hiatus.

Thank you for enjoying the story. Shows and films based in Europe with the school social dynamics within them and such are fascinating to me. And I'd be lost if I tried to do Soccer/Football? 😮 or Cricket. But yeah, writing sports aspects, the actual sports can be a little bit tedious to write. I went into deeper depth with my character in a different story that was a swimmer. I don't know if I would have it in me to do that for baseball, it would be quite the ask for my brain to manage. But I hadn't covered baseball, so that was mostly why I decided on Baseball for Joel.

I know, they're completely feral.

Thank you for enjoying this story. I know there's a lot of character stuff that's in the air, mostly side characters. Joel's story arc from lost to finding his place is over though. We left him in a good place to move along with his healing and growing.