RETURN FOR THE ABYSS

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I hope to back full time… life has been rough for a little while, let’s hope it gets better.


I never really understood how much I enjoyed visiting all your blogs, until I couldn’t, it might take me a few days to get caught back-up with all your blogs…so bare with me.

I have been over my book several times, mostly in my head, trying to weed out weak plot points—and build stronger side plots. And most of all, I am trying to build solid: believable characters in a tangible setting.

I once had a deadline, or writing goal, but not anymore. I just cherish each day I get to work on what I love. It will get done when it gets done… that I can live with.

I sure hope all your lives and books are coming along splendidly… I sure miss you all. It’s weird, I feel like I made friends—friends you miss when they’re not around— without ever meeting any of you.

With any luck I’ll be here tomorrow.



Thx for any comment you might leave.

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HERE!!

I have internet access; I’ll be spending the time trying to catch up on your blogs... if it lasts I’ll post up something more--but for now I am off to visit your blogs!


Thx for being there.

It’s easy to take the internet for granted, when you have never been without it for years and years.

If I don't make it to your site before I lose it again, I am very sorry... and of course I miss all of you—kind-of-sounds weak, but there you go.







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Subjectivity

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I have been working out of town, with very sporadic internet access… so I am working on catching up with all your blogs.

I realized how subjective writing and reading is the other day. A good friend of mine suggested a book that he thought I HAD to read, so I suggested one in return and went and bought the one he recommended.

I couldn’t get though 15 pages, before I had to put it down… I nearly threw it in the garbage, I hated it so bad.

I am not going to reveal the name of said book, because it is fairly new and don’t want to cast a bad light on it, or to offend anyone who thinks it is good.

It’s a weird deal; if I hated a book you loved, it seems to drive a wedge between people.

I will tell you about an old book that caused the biggest augment me and my best friend ever had. It was: Lord of the Rings

I couldn’t finish the first book, it was slow, hard to get into… and plain boring. I hated it; I don’t know how anyone could like it. The movies were ok, but that’s about it.

And I am sure you might disagree, and all the more power to you… it’s what makes writing an art.

What I am trying to get at? don’t take ever critic to heart, you might have 10 people read your book, to find only one person really got it. Don’t change everything to fit all opinions, focus on the one that has the same taste you do—and work from that one most. I am only talking about subject matter and craft, the technical aspect of writing can come from most anyone versed in advanced story telling.

What’s your opinion?

Read any books you hated that other people loved?

Does it bother you if other people hate the books you love?

Thx for your support, and any comment you might leave!

Pay Back

I am so horrible at blog awards, so I am doing a hybrid, I won’t pass on the award because I know some people prefer not to participate. I’ll list those wonderful bogs that inspire me, give me hope, and offer priceless advice or just an awesome read.


Really, if you want a great follower and a fantastic blogger to meet, just follow the links I’ll leave. They all rock and make me feel special; they make the world a better place: and me a better writer. They don’t appear in any order, they all have a place in my heart. Thx for all you do for me! If you can, let them know you're comeing from my blog, so they'll know I care.

The other side of the story : Probably the single biggest factor in my development as a writer… her advice is priceless; her blog is full of awesome advice put in a way you can understand, so you can put into action! I highly recommend you follow her and read all of her post—new and old!

Creative Arts Anonymous  : I love her blog, I love what she writes... a must follow!

Rockets and Dragons  : She is a hard nut to crack, probably my first follower… I know she is my first steady commenter, she is a huge reason I am still blogging---even though she has kind of faded from blogging lately. Definitely worth a follow, her topics are great and thought provoking!

Nancy S. Thompson : great blogger, writer, teacher and an all around great person to get to know---her blog is worth the visit.

The Write Stuff  : Wonderful lady and great blogger, I just started following her.

Sarvenaz Tash    : Love her blog, and can't wait to read her book... worth a follow.

So, You're a Writer...  : A must follow, she is worth the effort to get to know.

Peggy Eddleman: Will Write For Cookies  :What can I say, she rocks, her blog is pure fun... give her blog a visit!

From Pen to Paper... : She has a great blog, fun to visit, awesome to get to know... go give her a follow!

Writtled :  Great blog... Awesome reviews, fun to visit!

The Character Therapist  : A perfect place to get to understand how you can relate to your characters better---nice blog to learn from.

Marcia Hoehne : I love what she does... Give her a visit.

YA Author Elana Johnson : You probably already follow her, but if you don’t, she is a must… great blogger, writer and funny as well.

Paranormal Point of View : Awesome blog... give her a visit!

Random Thoughts : She rocks; I owe her a lot… worth a follow.

Beyond the Pages : If you like book reviews this is the spot for you.

The Bookshelf Muse : A Thesaurus for everything, plus a great writer’s insight… go now!

Inner Owlet :  Very inspirational, great person and awesome posts…

BANG OUT THE PROSE : Just started to follow her, nice blog, great posts-check it out.

Michele Shaw :  She is a great writer, blogger and offers impressive writing advice... I owe her a lot.

.W.I.P. It : Go now... she is a must follow.

Weaving a Tale or Two : She knows a lot... more than she'll admit, great place to visit!!

Lisa L. Regan : I owe her more than she knows...great advice, awesome blog, fantastic person!

Julius Cicero : He is an avid writer, awesome blogger and superb follower.

The Waiting is the Hardest Part : Love what she does... check her out.

Barbara Kloss : Perfect follower, awesome blog... worth a daily visit!!

Julie Musil : I love her blog, great place to go... go there now!

klahanie : He has a lot to say in a very interesting way… go give him a visit… a fabulous blog.

Sophia's Desk : She rocks... wonderful follower and great blog friend!

Untroubled Kingdom of Laila Knight : Worth a visit, she is informative, interesting and fun. She won't disappoint if you choose to follow her.

Mark Noce Stories : I love his work and his blog... Very thought provoking, solid writing topics… go now!

Meetings with My Muse : she has always been a great follower and a wonderful blogger, check her out!


Sharp Pen/Dull Sword : She has great posts, advice and given me awesome support and not to mention; she's one hell of a GAL!

clarity2010 : Smart, informative... awesome post; I never fail to learn something from him and his blog.

Aspiring Novelists  :   Great gal, wonderful blogger and follower... she has helped me a ton...thx!

After Troy - Hektor Karl  :Great blogger; thought provoking posts... go give him a visit.


If I missed anyone plz leave a comment and I’ll add you.



Everyone I have listed is worth a follow and I guarantee you won’t regret it. They are the reason I am growing as writer… go ahead and start clicking on those links.

Second Page

I am posting my second page, since a few of you asked to see it.

Same rules apply: be honest and let me have it.


1: would you turn the page?


Thx for all you do for me.

End of first page:
He’s here; time to put my plan into action.

......POST DELETED........

Thx for any comment you might leave!

Strike while the iron is hot!

A quick rewrite of my last post, using all your advice… if you haven’t read my previous post, plz do so before reading this one. Thx for all the feedback.


1: does the internal dialog act as a disconnect, rather than the intended use of a closer connection between reader and story?

2: Which rewrite is better, this one or the last?

3: Does the key point of (one-last-visit) hit home now, or does it still need help. I agree with the scar idea… I just don’t end my 250 words and the hook point if I try to add that part. If this still doesn’t work, I’ll have to rethink the whole page construction.

4: which one gives you the clearest image, and draws you in better?


THX FOR ALL THE COMMENTS




POST DELETED

Another rewrite of my first page!

I rewrote this first page focusing on a few issues... well, more like faults really. plz give it a read and let me know what you think, especially those followers that have read my previous pages.



It will be interesting to see the response, because (at least for me) it’s a different writing style.


Plz be honest and straight forward… thx


THX FOR ALL THE COMMENTS

POST DELETED

Me in a Nutshell

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I thought writing was simple: tell a good story, weave in some believable dialog and off you go… I wish.


I have leaned writing is beyond a simple task—it is far beyond a hobby (at least for me) the more you take it serious, the more you realize it’s a second job you don’t get paid for… unless you actually succeed in that job.

My blog commenter’s have helped more than I ever thought possible. Before I started this blog, it was my against the world... now I have you, and I'm amaze me with your insight. So I say thx for all you do for me--and I am sure for others.

If you want a solid blog follower, just click on the people who leave comments here, they are awesome followers and full of wonderful advice.

I know I can write, I know I can make it, I know without a doubt I have what it takes… I just didn’t realize how damn hard it was going to be. The only doubt I have now is: am I willing to do what it takes to see it through—am I willing to work this hard in the possibility it doesn’t happen.

I inevitably come to conclusion (as I am sure you all do) I have no choice but continue… it’s something I must do to complete myself.

So I’ll grow, rewrite a thousand times, and grow some more, in the (seemingly vain) attempt to write something I can be proud of.

Thx for listening, thx for being a sounding board, and most of all thx for making me a better writer.

I only post when I feel a need, I am sure most my post don’t mean a lot to others… but your advice is what gets me through to the next hurdle.

You know I have to ask a question right?

If you could exile one of your flaws, what would it be… what do you always do, even though you know better? (Either in regards to writing or not)

Mine would be: letting myself skip days at a time where I don’t write. Writing every day is the key to finding the end of the rainbow, but I neglect this far too often!!!

I was supposed to do a blog award post; sorry I’ll have to do it later… I am horrible when it comes to those.

Thx for any comment you might leave.

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Writing advice

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Take advice not criticism: the difference? Advice is given out of a desire to help, criticism is to tear down. Crave advice, ignore the other… life is too short and it suffocates your inner writer.

Always seek advice or direction from your superiors… in other words, ask advice from writers who are above your skill level. That way you’ll progress and see value in what you do. You wouldn’t ask directions from a lost person, would you?

Finish your first draft before tearing down your own work, and then seek outside advice. If possible do two drafts before receiving advice from other readers!

Nothing you write seems good enough, but you must learn when to move on!! This one is huge and is different for every writer. But there comes a time when you stifle your growth as a writer by staying with a story too long. If it works after 10 revisions… great, if not, it might be time to move on.

The biggest lesson for me was: just because I received a bad critic from a solid writer, doesn’t mean I have to start from scratch. It just means I need to focus on my deficiencies and build on what I do well as a writer.

It might take 7 to 10 focused rewrites to make a solid piece of work. I should be thankful I see growth after each one… if I don’t, it might be time to move on where the motivation is stronger with a fresh story.

Each time we revise, we cut out weak points in our work. I now see this as a success: rather than a failure like I had before.

If you take two things from this rant they should be: there is always something to learn and we as writers should see the positives in what we do!!!

Keep writing and keep believing!!!

What advice would you give?

Thx for any comment you might leave.

Who am I?

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I often wonder who I am, and what do I want to get out of writing… maybe my problem is: I can’t answer those questions.

Since my last post I haven’t written a thing… my intention was to immediately begin a complete rewrite. But I haven’t been able to do it yet. I am not sure if its confidence or the lack of understanding exactly what, or how, I am going to fix the prevailing issues that exist in my manuscript.

I have worked to tighten my plot, define my MC goals and elaborate on missing world building details, but for some reason I can’t write a thing. Nothing feels right or has that pop.

I think the hardest part is realizing what needs to be showed vs the parts that need to be told. I am learning emotions and scenes that evolve action should be shown, and crisp exposition should be told… but it goes much deeper than that.

I think it boils down to me not really know what I am doing or how to fix it—but at least I am trying—and soon I hope to find that piece of literature or advice that makes me see the light.

I am leaps and bound farther than I was when I started, and I hope to keep learning.

I guess the biggest problem we as writer have is this: the day we find out our best writing isn’t even close to being good enough for publication.

What advice can you give a struggling author? To me or anyone that might read this.

Thx for your support and advice, it means the world to me.

And thx for any comment you might leave!!!

Change of Plans

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Ok, change of plans. I am going to rewrite my original story, focusing on a tighter plot and a precise POV, with proper motivation and goals. I received a ton of comments regarding my story and characters; they urged me not to abandon the story, which they feel is really compelling, but to focus on making it better through tighter writing and structure.


With a complete rewrite, I should be able to achieve the desired goal with a plot, story and characters I have already fleshed out.

One question: do you focus on showing rather than telling during the first draft? Or in later revisions?

The reason I ask is this: I find it slows me down, because my mind isn’t set to that mode of writing.

Thx for your support and any comment you might leave!!!

Starting From Scratch

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After some serious thinking I am scratching my manuscript and starting a new, a new sense of direction and a better understanding of how I need to tell a story.


I want to thank each and every one of you… I have received 5 emailed critiques of my first page, and one critique (from a blog contest) of my first chapter, and everyone has lead to my decision. I see the mistakes I am making, and more importantly, I see how to fix it.

I wish there was something I could do to repay all your: support, advice, examples and motivation. You help me grow and give me hope, without you I wouldn't be on this path, without you I would be lost.

All those bloggers out there, who tagged me… I’ll try and get to them tomorrow.

I just wanted to thank you all; I am blessed to have such wonderful people to help me grow.

Thx for any comment you might leave!!

First page rewrite—100th attempt.

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Ok it’s not my 100th attempt, but it feels like it.


Please give it a read and tell me what you think.

The readers who have read my other “first page “attempts plz add if you think this is going in the right direction.

I have put a ton of thought on your last suggestion, on how to make my first page stronger. Hopefully it hits the mark!!!

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  DELETED.... THX FOR THE COMMENTS!!

Tagged...

I was tagged several times, about the same topic… so I decided to participate.




Do you think you’re hot?

Absolutely!!






Upload a picture or wallpaper that you’re using at the moment.

One of the few pic i have of myself... on my computer anyway.


When was the last time you ate chicken meat?

Last night…

The song(s) you listened to recently.

I listen to audio books… no music if I can help it. If I do, its old rock or modern country.


What were you thinking as you were doing this?

How I am going to fix chapter 23…



Do you have any nicknames? What are they?

I was called Hulk when I was younger, probably because of my temper. Now, most of my friends call me King, or Kingster

I was tagged, but I won’t tag anyone… if you have read this and think you would like to participate—well consider yourself tagged.

Thx for reading...

a long read

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Kind of a long read, but if you will, give it a read and tell me what you think. If you don’t want to invest the time I understand… I thank you either way.

Intro: Tristan is fighting a student rival (a real prick), who insulted his pride. Here at the academy its grounds (more like mandatory) to fight to the death... or in the worst case yielding like a coward.  Their fighting at “the pit” it’s a large square filled with sand, surrounded by grass side hills where the spectators get to watch. Tristan’s original plan was to make Clint submit, he didn’t want to kill Clint… but plans change!

A little blood, so the faint of heart, be weary.

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DELETED.... Thx for all the comments!!!

superstitious

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I never realized how sentimental or superstitious I am about my keyboard… until today.


Half the letters are worn off my keyboard, and I thought replacing it was NO BIG DEAL right?

After buying a new and much better keyboard, I just couldn’t go through with replacing my current one. At least not yet! Maybe once my WIP has been fleshed out and I have moved on… then I might be able to retire this keyboard, for now, I just used fingernail polish to keep this one alive—until I see that day come true.

How about you, have you ever been attached to a computer, typewriter, keyboard or some other form of writing instrument or implementation?

Plz share… thx for stopping by… I love you all—you know that right?



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can’t post using Goggle account

EDIT!!! If you are having a problem posting with your Google account, where you get stuck in the loop of death, where it asks you repeatedly to sign in—over and over again. Just uncheck the "keep me signed in" box. And that will fix the issue... at least for now!


I can’t post using Goggle account, so if some of you don’t allow for anonymous post, I won’t be able to post on your blog until Goggle figures this out… they “say” their working on it, though it’s been a week already.


I just wanted you to know, so you don’t think I have stoped visiting your blogs… thx for stopping by.

Oh-yeah, I have moved past my mental block, and I am moving forward… things are looking up. Thx to everyone who has left a comments on my blog. You and your advice have helped me a great deal… I wouldn't be where I am at without you!!!

If the good writing continues, I should be done with my second draft this weekend (thx the heavens) I’ll be starting the third revision sometime next week, this time I’ll focus on brevity, flow and (hopefully) minor issues.


... thx again ...

Good Reads

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Just finished Brandon Sanderson’s Mist Born Trilogy and I must say it was really good.


I am now reading Cassandra Clare’s, City of Bones: her first book in The Mortal Instruments trilogy. I am half way through the first book and like it quite well.

Both the series have a girl, soon to be woman as the MC, and if you like action and a great story you might want to give them a read.

I tried to write something else, besides the second draft of my novel, and I couldn’t do it. It felt like I was cheating on my wife. It felt like I was betraying all the characters, leaving them to die.

So, I can’t move on… that means I hope I find out (Somehow, by revelation or some other kind of miracle)  what’s holding me up SOON. All I need is one chapter to tie in both halves of my story… I have waited weeks, and I have tried writing several drafts of this chapter-- to end up just trashing them. I have spent hours going over the story and plot in my head every night before I go to bed, but nothing I come up with feels write, it might be good writing but it just doesn’t fit somehow (wish I knew why). Sorry to rant, not really making any sense… just felt better to vent, thx for indulging me!



What books have you read lately that you would recommend.

I’ve been out of town working, with little to no internet access, so I am sorry if I haven’t been able to keep up with your blog… I’ll do my best in the future to do so.

I really appreciate all the comments you leave, they DO help me become a better writer.

Thx for any comment you might leave, it will not fall on deaf ears.



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Struggling

I’m struggling on my second draft. I have rewritten chapter 10 several times, and every time it just doesn’t work. I am in a funk right now... hopefully it will pass.

Plz feel free to share your “funk” stories.


I just wanted to highlight a few bloggers out there, thx for stopping by.




Rachel McClellan at http://blackbirdinmywindow.blogspot.com/ is doing a critic of the first 3 pages of your manuscript. So swing by and enter if you want some feedback on you WIP.

Shawna Railey at http://sycamoremeadows-myjourney.blogspot.com/ gave me a blog award, her blog rocks so go check it out… thx.

Thx for the award, but I just might be setting my manuscript on fire...lol.


And the world turns...

Page 57...

Thank you all. The advice from last time paid off BIG TIME!


I really appreciate all the advice you give me. It has helped me see flaws, overcome fears, enhance the feel of my work, and best of all—it made my story stronger.

Give this page a read if you will. It means a lot to get this just right, this scene should make you sit up and take notice.

If you don't want to give an in-depth answer, just say: poor, good, or great... or: I would stop reading, or: I might turn the page, or: I would definitely turn the page.


DELETED........THX FOR YOUR HELP.

Catchy Name

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I need a catchy name for the military academy my MC attends. Any ideas will help, so far the best I can come up with is: Brunswick Military Academy.


I want something bold, yet rolls off the tong… any thoughts?

Any comment you might leave will be appreciated... thx for your time.

Revised First Page critique…

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Revised First Page critique… thx to all the great points, I feel it has moved in the right direction. I thank each and every one of you for leaving a comment. If you haven’t read the post before this one (First page critic) plz read that one first before leaving a comment, and tell me if you agree, that this version is better and follows the subject or focus the reader attention better.


98,000 words

Valley of Swords



REMOVED... THX again to all those poeple that left a comment.

First page critic

I just sent my first page (250 words) to a few blogs for a critic; I figured I should offer my revised first page up here as well… so if you want, read it and tell me what you think. Thx for your time and effort, all advice is welcome.


98,000 words

Valley of Swords





REMOVED... thx for all the advice.

?

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My answers are in ( )


What spurs you onward—as a writer—to keep going despite the odds of ever making it? (Besides the common answer—I’m a writer I have to write—I think I’ll go deeper. I write to inspire my kids, and impress my wife, if I can write a book she loves then it’s all worth it.)

If you could give up would you? (I have thought about it, and even tried, but I found out I can’t. and 2 years later, I now know I’ll never quite regardless of the outcome.)

How do you separate yourself from your work? (Still working on this one, so far, I can’t.)

Do you let the weather, stress, family tension or any other outside force affect your writing? (Yes, I do, I often use it to fuel my work… let’s just hope it even out in the end.)

If you could change one negative thing about your writing what would it be? (My use of the English language, more specifically my use of syntax, I struggle to make sentences fit, and flow the way they should in a novel… the way they should flow so the words fad and my world jumps off the page.)

I probably wouldn't be writing if computers and word processors didn’t exist… they are a necessity for me.

Thx for all the wonderful advice, and encouragement… any comment you might leave will not go unread or un-responded to.

...

Give this a read.

Thx for stopping by, give this a read, and tell me what you think… good or bad I want to know what you think. It is choppy, could you visualize it?


It has some violence… blood and killing, so if that stuff bothers you—you might not want to read this.

REMOVED... thx for those who left comments.

Update

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My first draft after a few tweaks is 100% complete, (thank the light) and my daughter is in the process of editing it. She is a blessing. Her formidable knowledge of English, and use of syntax, has dramatically improved my work.

I’m looking for a few people (that don’t know me personally and can give honest feedback) to critic my book, so if you’re interested let me know, via email or comment here.

It might be six months before its ready to go out; I still need to send it to Shakespeare, after my daughter is finished.

My next story revolves around a solar system that has six inhabitable planets, with six varying races, all vying for control. Soon, an outside force—a more advanced race-- is looking to conquer their planets and invades. The remnants of the six planets converge on the human planet, to make one last stand. A young prince and his wife, must find away to bring these races together, and learn the secret of beating the force or all will be lost.

That’s the gist of it, who knows where it will lead.

Thx for stopping by, any feedback will not fall on deft ears.

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I’ve sure missed you all…

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It’s been awhile, I am trying to catch up on all your blogs, thx for sticking around through my non-internet-access days.

Here is a quick question: having a love interest in a book, help you -as a reader- feel more attached to the character, or story?

Please share how you have been and how your WIP is going, anything I can do to help?



Thx for stopping by and lending me your support.

What up?

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How have you all been—good I hope.


How is your WIP going?

When you write, do you plan out chapter length ahead of time; or do you go back after the first draft, and make-up chapters then?

Have you read any good books lately?

Thx for stopping by, you make my day much brighter.

Glad you stopped by...

How is everyone? Good I hope!


How is your WIP progressing? (You know how mine is going.)

When you write, do you picture characters ahead of time, or let them wonder into your mind during creation? (I don’t plan a thing, especially how a character looks like or what they’ll do.)

Without question, there has to be “telling” in a book… it can’t all be showing. How do you keep telling short and sweet—not to mention intriguing? (I really struggle with this one: not the intriguing part-I hope-but with the right amount.)

Thx for stopping by and any comment you might leave.

Been gone...

Sorry all, I’ve been out of town with very sporadic internet access.


My revisions are progressing (very slowly) but I feel at peace with my work… at least for now.

Please read this, and tell me what you think.

Set up: the battle against the magical realm has taken a turn for the worse; horrible creatures have breached the cities walls. Tristan is running home to find his mother and get her safely out of the city, an order he neglected to do earlier. (The creatures have been adequately described on previous pages.)


REMOVED... Thx for your input.