Libby Drew

Hi everyone, So

I really enjoyed this! It was fun and fast-paced, with strong, likable characters (and one likable dog ). What a very pleasant way to spend a free hour. Thanks very much for the time and effort you obviously put into it.

I got to the end way before I wanted to. A fascinating, engaging read, Myr. Thanks. Best line ever: I think you

Running myself ragged and leaving far too little time for treats like this. I've decided I'm going to avoid all my responsibilities tonight and curl up with some good reads.

Always a pleasure to read your stuff, Mark. Loved the gritty reality of this against the second person POV. No names, nothing extaneous, yet very intimate. Thanks for sharing. It's been too long since I indulged in one of your stories.

A very touching and emotional story. Loved the use of water. It evokes so many things: cleansing, redemption, and rebirth. What I loved best is that they met each other halfway. Thanks for sharing.

It ends happily, Sharon. ;-p Is there any other way? And thank you very much.

Thank you. It's my back, and let me tell you, there's nothing like chronic back pain to make somebody feel thirty years older than they really are. I'll be okay, but the recovery is apparently going to be lengthy and uncomfortable. Guess I'll just have to distract myself with writing As for Truth in Advertising, it will be out in August or September in paperback and ebook. Thanks again for the support.

Oh, dear. I'm very sorry, guys. I should have updated this thread a couple of weeks ago, but I've had some health problems that have really thrown a wrench into my day to day activities. I removed Truth in Advertising from the site because it's been sent to my publisher. The story is complete. It rounded out at 18 chapters and 83,000 words. I started Truth in Advertising with every intention of keeping it a free read, but I didn't anticipate the interest it would generate when I mentioned it to my agent in a general query. I do apologize for not saying anything sooner. I had planned to announce its removal a couple of weeks ago, but ended up in the hospital instead. Thank you so much for all your support and wonderful comments on the story. Your feedback really helped keep the story alive in my heart, and on the page. ~Libby

Thank you! This serves as a good reminder for me to get that second installment uploaded here.

I emailed you this morning with the info we talked about. Can't wait to hear back.

Thank you all very much for the kind wishes.

Thank you very much. That you revisit the story is the greatest compliment of all. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you very much. I'm sorry it's been hanging so long. I officially put it on hiatus early last fall. I'd still love to get back to it someday. We'll see. I still think about the characters often, which should be telling me I'm not ready to let them go. Thanks again for the comment. Take care.

Thank you, Vacartu. I've always loved doing them. It's a great way to get the ball rolling again if the inspiration to write just isn't there. I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks very much for the feedback. Take care!

Thanks, Bandage. Yes, you're right. He's starting to re-examine his priorities. Thanks for reading. Glad you enjoyed it! The current outline extends to 13 chapters. But it could be slightly more or less, depending on how it all pans out. Thanks for all the love and feedback. I'm glad you like the story. As for the parents...they're definitely going to try to stir up trouble.

Thank you! My apologies for the horribly late reply. That's an excellent point. After all, Graviel had been Aleck's close friend and confidant for years. All I can do by way of explanation is to offer that Aleck had such a deep-rooted fear of being betrayed (stemming from his abusive childhood) that Graviel's lies hit him particularly hard. Still, it's food for thought. Thanks for the concrit. I'm glad you ennjoyed the story! Thanks again.

And I thank you for that. Thanks, neph! Glad you enjoyed it. Marc is accomplished and smart (and sweet!), but also inexperienced in many things. I hope this little story helped shed some light on his actions in Truth in Advertising. Thank again, Kevin, for all your feedback. Glad you liked the story. I'm doing everything I can to get the next chapter ready to post. I appreciate your patience.

I can always be bribed with hugs. I knew from chapter 1 that Marc was going to lose Aunt May at some point, but that didn't make it any easier to write when it was time to happen. I can tell you Marc isn't going to take it well. Thanks very much for reading and for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Sorry! You have no idea how much I wish I could be writing right now. Circumstances have been conspiring against me, but I'm doing my best. Thanks for sticking with the story and for the support. Thanks, Kevin! Sorry you had trouble with the thread at first. Probably the most frustrating part of all of this is that I've had four thousand words of chapter 9 written for about a month. I want to finish it as much as you want to read it! Promise! Maybe it's time to sacrifice a little sleep. Thank so much for the feedback. Those are amazing compliments, to know that the emotions came through so clearly for you. I hope the story continues to entertain. Thanks again, everyone, and take care!

You better not let my mother hear you say that. No, in all seriousness, Marc is 23, nearly 24, when Truth in Advertising opens. And he's not engaged to Kate. They date casually.

Hi Altimexis! I'm so glad to see a thread for your story. For a while, I was afraid there wouldn't be one. I found Fish Out of Water to be fascinating. It's one thing to be familiar with a topic, but to see it brought to life so vividly in a fictional setting, that was really special. The amount of research must have been dizzying. I ate up every little detail. The truth is I'm a sucker for stories like this, that are so rich with history and ritual. I wouldn't give a second thought to whether or not some words were defined adequately. There was plenty of context in the surrounding story to help me out whenever I needed clarification, which wasn't very often. You did a smooth job of filling in explanations when needed. As a rule, they didn't feel out of place in the slightest. The plot broke my heart in places, which is a testament to how beautifully you brought the characters to life. They were easy to identify with, and to care for. Fish Out of Water reminds us that the world is full of obstacles, and that the hardest ones aren't always tied to our sexuality. Perspective and hope. That's what you gave us with this story. Thank you very much for all your hard work.

Thank you, Anthony. A comment on this story always brings a smile to my face. I always try to remember how all-encompassing these kinds of feelings can be. For kids especially, it's an intense time. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks again for the feedback.

Thank you all very much! I've considered it. There's more to the story, obviously. I just need to decide if it's something worth tackling. Thanks again.