Bondwriter

Graeme, whenever you have a youngster putting himself down, feeling insecure and acknowledging the superiority of adults, just enjoy the moment and adopt a condescending tone. And if he wants to think people read stories as they watch sports, ranking, grading and trying to find a winner, just feed his neurosis with some carefully selected words. (Uh... does this come across as ironical and not plain mean?)

Darn, coming in late again. So all the clever things were said already... Yaalc's tale got me the most riveted because of the suspense/ sci-fi element. Same as Camy on this one, I almost stopped reading after the accident but I was intrigued by the 20-year flash forward and it made me want to go on. Graeme's story made quite nicely the point that role models can be other male figures. Good choice of life snippets to show this. Nick has a knack for telling stories from a child's point of view. Both the insecurity and the carelessness are well-conveyed. The portrait of the mother is tender and realistic. Having read a few chapters of WTDBMY casts a peculiar light on this feat. As for the big debate that took place, it's very interesting since I read the reactions after reading the stories and though I always watch arguments without much pleasure, it offers a most interesting exchange. Maybe stating the purpose gives away the fun, and in terms of FM (fiction marketing), such a statement should be avoided. Overall, a nice collaboration. Repeat the experiment whenever you feel like it, guys.

No, I own five. Not counting all those magic little things hidden inside the computer. Do you own underwear with ANY Jim Henson characters printed on it? (This will make for a less threatening pic than Mark's S&W )

No, I can't really think of anything I own worth risking my life for. Thinking of which, I should store some back-up CDs or HD somewhere else than at my house. Or start emailing myself zip files. Do you own a gun?

Some idealism at last. Actually, since income becomes more and more unrelated to production activities, it's not totally stupid to think about this. I disagree with people not wanting to work anymore, but then there may be other incentives than just money.

Replying to the quiet post from the antipodes. Let the tide grow.

I hope you make it until your 30th birthday! Thanks for letting us know Graeme also had audio. I like listening to stories read a lot, and it adds to his "Letters to My Son" a lot in terms of humour.

Yes, Maya is indeed a really interesting character. I agree with a lot of what was written above. I'm still puzzled about additional chapters. I'd like to hear more about Jay's family, Maya, etc. But maybe the story would lose some of its impact. So my general comment would be: good story; strong theme that could have led to a longer narrative, but then wouldn't it have become boring?

Father's Day is the same here, whereas Mother's Day was different. Well, first time I won't have to think about it, since it's getting awfully close to the day my father died last July. It's a weird feeling.

In Chapter 16: "He savored the aroma from the cappuccino and brought the cup to his lips. He was careful not to get his nose in the froth of the steamed milk. He had learned that lesson already." "Naw. It's all paid for by a per diem allowance I have. How about a little more coffee?" "If you've got time, I'd love one more cup.(...)" And, even more revealing yet: "They finished their coffee and decided that working on a friendship would indeed be worthwhile." In chapter 17, coffee disappears. Wine (Australian & Californian) are mentioned, and bottled water is prominently featured. Otherwise, the story goes on rather nicely. Jeremy's NY trip and the various private parties are really nice episodes. Are we reaching the end of Life's a Grind?

Yes, I do, but it never sits in the basement too long. I grab it once a week. Do you own a video-game console?

Spiders won't bring us down! Kill 'em all, as they said in one of the best movies of the 90s. But agreed, Graeme, the electronic arachnids amount for quite a lot in traffic. OK, I'll go on with the round robin in the sneak peek section. Let randomness start over to reach our goal.

Yes, the dad is Jacob's, unless ShadowGod really pulls our leg. Then is there a link with the teddy bear? I doubt motorcycles are gonna be given a bad rap with some accident. Are you sure an old Volvo is no risk at all? The bar holding the hood open while repairing the engine may collapse and lead to a gory beheading scene.

A nice chapter indeed. It's all quite mellow, and the relationships between characters evolve nicely. I hope Ben drives carefully. And if Steph keeps on going to yuppie Belgian restaurants, he shouldn't complain about prices. Why don't they buy groceries and cook a bit, after all? Rather than blaming the Belgians for all their woes... BTW, Jack, do you have a count of meals in this story? They seem to be guzzling down starch and fat like crazy, one of your characters should have heart problems soon!

A post card I got from CJ. He had access to another wireless hot spot. Some inside source sent me this with the caption: CJames & Conner. Now, is it a genuine document, and then who's who? *hopes it will divert attention and prevent the posting frenzy*

You make sure to send him into a posting frenzy once he's back. Did he manage to send a further chapter of FTL once he got close to a wireless hot point? And should I add once again that figures don't matter, but words do?

Not quite sure I've got tons yet. Should any supernatural element disappear? Well, just a few thoughts after Colin's installment. The spotless kitchen, that's a great element for Robbie to have two faces...

This is a really nicely crafted beginning. The 1st person voice rings really true, and the author uses lots of clever imagery ("I managed to postpone my staring contest with the ceiling" is a great line!) Looking forward to 5.

I love it when you deal with states I have some vague knowledge of. Iowa being one of them. And yes, retiring in Iowa City is not a bad choice at all.

Just came to check the non-existing new chapters.

*having a quick look* The events do not have to do with the Civil War, but an old secret that is 150 years old always works. Go ahead people, have a go at it! And it has been steered towards "romantic", so all options are available at the moment.

Happy Birthday, Bob! Hope it's another good one!

A Most Profoundly Frustrating (Love) Story This short story is extremely well-written. It is bittersweet, for the main character-narrator is not exactly the happiest, most worries-free person, but he has a look at life (and people around) that's acute and some sharp wits. A really nice view on romance, well described characters, and a twist at the end. OK, usual warning: SPOILER ahead--

Poor Adrien! What a nasty joke to play on him! This was really cruel, just so Ben could pay him back with a silly "sobriquet" (nickname). Are all Canadians this nasty? Still discovering Montr

Yeah indeed. It seems Brian and Aaron have a mission to fulfill. They're quite some problem solvers. A very positive duo overall, and the Chuck and Billy situation is nicely brought, though we may be glad A&B work miracles. I'm still worried by Brian's liver, though.