Conner

Essentially, I review and use the plus button. It's simple and easy and is always right there when I finish a chapter. I never use the star rating or the like button, can't be bothered. I used to post in the forums quite a bit, but now that's rare - I'm talking about all author forums, not just Mark's. The only exception of late would be Jwolf's forum; I've taken a particular interest in his stories. That will likely fade away as well. I don't have the time to review and post. I prefer to review. That said, my reviews usually do include comments. What can I say; they just come out. Most of my comments are plot related and the author generally avoids responding to them for the obvious reasons. In any case, I believe plot comments are still useful to the author. It's feedback on where the reader thinks the story's going and even where the reader believes the story has been....if that makes any sense. Guessing at the plot is fun for readers; on that score, my batting average sucks. For newer authors, I usually look for something positive to say about the quality of the writing, character development, flow, pacing and dialogue. I particularly enjoy decent dialogue. However, I don't shy away from offering criticism where I feel it's justified. - "stern but polite" would be how I describe it.

Thanks for your story, Mark. I enjoyed it very much. Bless you and your friend Luke.

The dialogue was indeed excellent! It's amazing the amount of character development that can be achieved through good dialogue. Great job.

The only possession I truly value is my baseball card collection. Slightly problematic however. There are approximately 90 x 3" and 4" 3-ring binders. Would probably toss them out the window and hope for the best. Carrying them out would be 12 to 15 trips - I'm talking respiratory arrest around trip 6.

Thanks, KC. It's more than sharing, you know. It's a gift to those who have experienced the same horror.

Where did I get Taylor from? :wacko: MiT just doesn't work. I guess I got Taylor from the same place I got 7 years from. Thanks for clearing that up for me. (no need to respond).

I'm having difficulty sorting out Chase's timeline after the split - yeah, all 20 years of it. There's 4 years between London and Rio; enter Taylor, a 7-year marriage. There's 9 years unaccounted for. Unclear timelines (unclear to me, I might add)drive me ape-shit nuts...it is what it is - my only defense. Why didn't Coop ask him about the breakup - especially since Chase claims he was celibate for 4 years. It doesn't make sense to me. I'm also having trouble believing Chase was celibate for 4 years - just doesn't wash. Maybe I got it wrong. Taylor is Trouble. For short I'm gonna call him TiT. What does every drug addict need? An enabler. Spencer got it right - bring the Qualudes!

Talk about having to think on your feet. In a matter of seconds, you have to think through the possible ramifications of making an objection or not. Can't be easy. I suppose it's a skill one can get better at, but still, it makes me shudder - the lives that hang in the balance of those few seconds. I love dialogue and this is definitely a dialogue story. Excellent chapter, Andy!!

As the saying goes, "A match made in heaven", but this match was made in heaven and, yes, hell. So you saved Wall Street. Are you sure that's what you wanted to do? So I wouldn't want to be around the Prince of Darkness right about now. I imagine he's more than slightly pissed. So there's still some loose ends to take care of here. I guess there's at least one more chapter. I think Michael needs an "attitude adjustment". Maybe you can squeeze that in. Great chapter, Phoenix!

As other reviewers have pointed out, you have an incredible talent for dialogue. I've witnessed that throughout this story. Excellent story. I'm enjoying it immensely! Thanks.

Happy B-Day!! Drewbie

And red necks wonder why they have a bad rep. Decency does sometimes go too far. A school district in Oshawa, Ontario recently banned students from wearing those pink rubber-style bracelets that say "I love boobies". Apparently, these bracelets are sold to raise money for breast cancer research. The school district deemed them inappropriate.

Truly a superb chapter! The dialogue was excellent. Thanks.

If I were Logan, I would have taken Steven, Eric, and Taylor and headed for the hills - several chapters ago. However, an orgy does not a story make. Oh well. Queen Bee it is. How smart is walking up to a crazy BHB holding a baseball bat? :wacko: I wonder about Logan....a lot! So, will there be a "Battle Royale" like just before the epilogue? I hope so. Talk about CRAZY and SCARY! I'm also wondering whether we'll see Tori again. She's away for months, but it's still early in the school year. Anyway, I know you can't answer plot questions too much so I'll just have to suck it up and deal. Super chapter!!

Ken has learned a lot in just a few days. Quite the quick study - good on him. Between the driving and working on the old house, he and Micak might actually start communicating - as opposed to the pissing contest they had going. Nice! The conversation between Avery and Micah in the cemetary was superb. The "stuck" concept was inspirational in its simplicity. I'm always amazed by how much character development an authour can convey by writing damn good dialogue. I want to give Avery an award or something. Micah's closing thought struck a chord deep inside me. I've been there and you dragged that out of me. Calling it poignant moment would be such an understatement. I don't know whether to thank you or start stalking you. Yes, I'm still laughing a lot too. Thanks for that.

When it comes to grammar rules, dialogue is a free-for-all. I pretty much agree with Cyhort's view.

Luke is a total jerk. Although, it will still be Derek's choice to get involved with Luke's scheme. I'm betting it was Luke who slashed the tires on the camero. At this point in time, it seems Mrs. C's words have had little effect on Derek. Derek's mom seems to be in a depression or something. Can't say I blame her. I am so dying to get the scoop on Derek's dad - what's really behind all that crap he laid on his son. If I were Charlie, I wouldn't be talking to Derek anytime soon. Once Derek's back in school, it will be hard to avoid him. I know it must be tough on him. Great chapter, Hamen!!

Great story, Kim! I enjoyed it immensely!

Ken is getting it all wrong. He's well intentioned though. Micah needs someone to lean on. Right now he must feel terribly alone. Great chapter, Linxe!

That was crazy hilarious!

Sweet love scene - you certainly gave it a lot of care and attention. One complaint - Ryan is referred to as "his prey". That really didn't work there.

I particularly enjoyed the exchange between Ken and Micah in the old house. Ken got a little deep there. At least now Micah understands why he was being a jerk. Micah has a lot of anger and that's understanable. He doesn't have a valve to release the pressure and the steam squeeks out from the cracks...and he has lots of those.

The story flows really well and it's nicely paced. The humour is good. So Jace is desparate...not good news. I'm guessing Ryan is the intended victim of his plot. Have to wait and see.

You have this knack for conveying Micah's emotions - particularly the ones Micah can't put a name to. That is sweet writing. You continue to make me laugh, well, you know, Micah does.

Dinner was just too funny! Baking soda - Just loved it. Patrick needs to be...uhmm...serviced, or something. Enjoyed the chapter!