Richard Norway

Again, the wise wizard, Pecman, is correct. There has been great writing in the 1st person POV, and where appropriate or needed, I think it's a great way to write. Maybe I came across as being a little bit over opinionated. I was mouthing an objection to the over use of 1st person as a gimmick, not to put it down as a legitimate way to tell story. The gimmick I'm referring to is the lack of creativity in telling a story. It's too easy to fall into the trap of having the protagonist just narrate in his mind what the story is. Dialog and description need to be used too. To Kill A Mockingbird is still one of my favorite books, and I've read it at least 6 times since high school. I've started my second novel, intending it to be told from the POV of my protagonist, hence I was writing in the 1st person. But before I had reached page 12, the story began to complete itself in my head, and I found that my antagonist needed his voice. I went to 3rd person because it became appropriate.

I also have to agree with Peckman, but he comes to us with a film background. Well, so do I, but not from a working background, but from a screenwriting background. Only as a non-professional, that is...just writing to see if I'd win a contest. Never happened. He's told me that my flash fiction seemed more like a scene from a movie, and I guess it was. Anyway, I like third person as a POV in fiction. It gives me a lot of freedom. I really don't like the first person, at least the way it's used today. Writers seem to get too much into a persons head and use that to explain to the reader what's going on or what he wants to say. I prefer to give a reader some respect and allude to something and let him/her figure it out. Isn't that the way life really works? I think it makes for more motivation for the reader to go on...or hate me!

Brandon, I get the image that you're new to this game too, writing. Well, you are NOT alone. Well, I too am new to this game. And like you, I feel the insecurity, the feeling that I'm not good enough. I read authors like Cole Parker here and keep wondering if I'll ever be as good. Well, I will, someday. And you will too! Hell, you're much better at painting a picture than I am, but I'm better at dialog, So there! You're good man, you really are. I love falling into the pictures that you paint with words. Yeah, Brandon will interrupt my dreams, and that's a good thing.

Brandon, the way you paint landscape with your words is just amazing. In a way, there's not much left to the imagination as you weave your intricacies into the picture, but then again, the mind seems to free itself, allowing for greater escape. Thank you for that picture.

I would so love to see this, but why can't productions like this come to New Mexico. We do have a few people here, you know? The music is great, and it's got a really interesting story line...a love potion that turns a town gay. Hmmm...interesting.

You need to be much more sucinct in your delivery. You know...hook 'em quickly. Just try this... "Here's a hundred dollars. Now stand over there."

I couldn't agree with Bruin more. People read for basically two reasons. One, to learn something, and two, to be entertained, to escape their own lives for a moment and live vicariously. I for one want to believe that there is hope, that I can be better, that there are people out there that do not live by the standards of those we read about in the tabloids or watch on the evening news. So, like Bruin, you can shoot me too.

That's good Colin, on two fronts. The first is obvious, but the second is that McDonald's is not good for your figure anyway.

I opened the first one and skipped the second one. I think we have a problem

Wow is all I can say too. Wibby's right, that was a brave post.David and I have been in a monogamous relationship for 10 years, and we were tested before we did anything. But now I'm thinking that it'll probably be a good idea to have another routine test. It's amazing that for all the thinking and introspection that we as writers do, how complacent we can all become.

Oh, this is going to be good. Let's see he gets out of this one!

Look, I don't know Driver personally, like many of you do, but I see him in his writing. This man has a passion that I can only hope to emulate. Yes, I feel that he's hurting...or has in his past. I just finished reading The Quarry. It was boring, BUT it told me a lot about myself and who the author is. I listened to what he had to say, and it floored me. It changed me. It wasn't literature, but it was honesty...it was Driver. It was something that we all, the world, needs to read, but more so...understand. Driver, whoever he is, is his characters...he changed me!

I have to disagree Cole. Well, clarify some of the words. I don't believe that people 'fundamentally' change. Fundamentally is the key word here. However, people do learn and grow. A youth is in the process of formation of who he/she is. That's learning and growing. An addict will always be and addictive person, He/she may just decide to not shoot up, but the underlying person is still there. An alcholic will always be an alcholic, but may decide to not drink. People who are taught to hate will always hate. What stops them is not some epiphiny, but the laws that are emposed on them to not allow the outward signs of that underlying hstred. Children mostly learn who they will 'fundamentally' be from their parents. As they grow older and interact with more people, they continue to learn, but it is more of fine tuining or frosting on what they are already. I do believe that fundamental chang in our society is generational. In other words, bigotry and hatred will only die out as the biggots and haters die. Their actions are stopped by the laws forbidding their actions, and that's what their kids see. So the next generation sees and become more accepting. That's the way they were brought up. I'm the same person I was when I was 5 years old, but I can't go running naked in the woods like i used to do. For one, I'm too old to run like I used to be able to do, and two, the woods are now a Walmart parking lot. But that doesn't mean that I don't want to. This doesn't relate to Kieran. He's sick, and we don't have much of a clue as to who he really is. Much of what we do see is the result of his growing and learning enviroment.

I don't understand that. He's always asked for comments at the end of each chapter.

Camy must have opened Google and now he's getting all kinds of sexual proposals...from girls!

I'd like to reccommend a well written story by Driver around 2002. The title is Sudden Storm. It's going to be emotional. Have a read, and then let us know what you think. http://www.storiesbydriver.net/ss.htm

I must agree with Colin. This is strange coming from you, but don't get me wrong, it's a good strange. The concept is intreguing which keeps me reading. Wishfull thinking had me gripped into wanting...NO! I can't spoil it yet. Tell me when though. I have thoughts about Kiernan and how he doesn't...not yet thought, don't want to get too deep. The ending hit home to me. I got what you were trying to say about people not changing, because I believe that real change is generational. I think everyone should read this. It'll make them think, and that what's you're all about, isn't it?...making people think. In my humble opinion.

You know Wibby, we've always thought that there was some kind of sexual connection betweem you and a raccoon. Well, I guess we know now. But don't be upset. We're inclusive here. Raccons are cool. I love the black and white faces. And sexy? You got me there. Yeah, they are. Reminds me of old B&W movies of Paul Newman & Spencer Tracy...even Bogart. I'll post a pic when I find one approtraite.

The bartender is still approaching me. What do I do now, confused as hell, because I know what Luggie just told me? Do I order that expensive Michigan beer or do I play dumb and politiaclly correct or just abstain? God I want that beer! But the tax man is standing right behind the approaching bartender. Okay, I know it's truth time. I must do what I feel is the most resposible thing that I can do. I'm old enough to not be giving into childness. As a young male (given to the trappings of being in SE michigan, knowing that I must elevate myself beyond the deer antlers on the mantle), I do what is right. I'll have a Bud light, I tell the bartender.

You're absolutely right Rick. We, like every other country on this planet, produce our wackos. But, it's deceiving to focus on those alone. Take a look at the non-profit world to see the millions of people helping people. It's comforting to finally realize that our world revolves around our volunteers, caregivers and...people who care about others. And we can't just forget those who are the wackos either. They still need our help.

That's cool Cole. Now stand aside. The bartender is approaching.

OMG Luggie! What an electrifying way to wake up in the morning. I'm now charged for the day, laughing as I go. GREAT!!!

Dribble, dribble.

OMG He IS hot! After his divorce, I think I'll marry him. Opps! David, don't read this.

Thank you Res for that. Oh what images!!! As I read, I remembered my dreams as a young man. I wanted him, but couldn't have him, so I fantasized. That poem brought back those old longings. Richard