petefromoz

“Even if you didn’t need me to hold you, I’d probably want to do it anyway.” And that, right there, is why I absolutely love this story. Profound, playful, heartwarming, and just utterly sublime. I have missed this so very, very much, and right now I just can't stop smiling. Thank you - this was exactly what I needed right now. -- Pete

This has been bumping around my head half-formed for a couple of days, and now, at ten minutes to midnight, when I really should be sleeping, it appears fully formed. My muse has absolutely no sense of timing... :roll: This is dedicated to all of the folks out there who make music - I can't imagine a world without it. Good Vibrations by Pete Technically, it's oscillation, fundamentals, overtones. Physically, it's a vibration (you can feel it in your bones). Logically, it's key and tempo, melody, and lyric choice. But to me, it's just the passion of musicians in full voice.

Dude - my heatrfelt thanks for keeping the lights on. This is the only place I've ever felt comfortable enough to write poetry in public. --Pete

Every time I see there's a new story from Grasshopper, I'm a very happy boy. He has an absolutely extraordinary talent, and his stories are so moving (to me anyway), that I'm usually a wreck after reading them. Few writers in any form have managed to move me to that extent. The truly scary part is that each new one seems to be better than the last. If you haven't read any of his stuff before, I'd strongly recommend you take a look at this one. If you have, well, you're probably already reading it... --Pete

I wanted to write something profound, but my muse was in the mood for something short and sweet instead... (I won't deny it's more than a little influenced by the recent spate of chilly weather down here.) Hot Stuff by Pete A cozy bed, a blazing hearth, a steaming cup - all have their charms. But nothing beats the gentle warmth of being held within your arms.

A word about cliffhangers. I really don't like cliffhangers in general - they're hideously overused, and are usually done exceedingly badly - drama for the sake of drama. (There are authors I trust with cliffhangers, including several notable authors here, but they are few and far between, especially in this genre). There is however, a frustratingly rare class of cliffhanger - ones which leave you going "But ... what ... he ... huh?", cause you to question large chunks of what you've just read, and make you want to physically grab the author, and demand that they explain what they just wrote, because there's no way you want to wait for the next chapter for an explanation. I adore these, because they make you think, take enormous skill to pull off, and are the sign of a highly creative and inventive author. This one was one of the finest of these I've ever seen. Bravo! As for the rest of the chapter - hey, it's by EleCivil, of course it's great. :D (Although, given my age and background, ‘Riots of Spring’ was always going to trigger Stravinksy...) Thanks as always for making me smile. -- Pete

“My Dad’s trying to convert your friends to Christianity. They’re trying to convert him to secular humanism. I’ve got plenty of time.” Priceless... :D This remains an utter joy to read; easily some of the finest dialogue around, and absolutely original characters to go with. We are truly fortunate to have access to such an talented and original voice. -- Pete

Thank you both for the very kind words. I'm glad you liked them.

My muse has returned after a lengthy absence, and so, after a fashion, have I. These arrived in my head today without warning, and wanted to be said, so here they are. Unnamed by Pete In dread of night, the words don't come. Unvoiced, unspoken thoughts and fears. Wordless terror without a name; formless, primal, unspeakable. In the pale dawn the words return; alas, too late - the moment's gone. ----- Tomorrow by Pete We are what we remember; the sum of what has come to pass. Our past defines our present, and indicates what we'll become. What then of hopes and wishes, of fervent dreams and fancied plans? Imagination frees us from the shackles of ourselves.

(Heh. Blue beat me to it this time - guess I'm getting slow) It's up. You know the drill - go now and read Chapter 5. I'll wait... Back? Okay, this was just cool. From the utterly neat new background image, to EleCivil's inestimable prose, this was a delight as always. I think I'm finally getting my head around what makes me love this story so much. It's the sheer originality of it - there's remarkably little (practically nothing, in fact) which is generic or mundane. Even the plot has character. It all feeds into a sense of watching something real. Every chapter seems to have at least a dozen little touches that elevate this above the ordinary and make it an unalloyed joy to read. Somebody find this guy a publisher, and soon. I'd happily pay real money for this stuff in print.

... and we're four for four. Yet another (appropriately) awesome chapter from the seriously talented EleCivil. An absolute and utter joy to read. Go - read it now, or else you'll be utterly lost when everyone starts talking about Weasels... :D

This is, to my mind, one of the best things that Grasshopper has written, and given the outstanding quality of his previous work, that's saying a great deal. I've just read the whole thing in one sitting (all 9 chapters plus the epilogue are up), and I'm sitting here at 1:30am still taking it in. I haven't been so moved by a story in a very long time. This is one of those stories that you simply must read - I give it the highest possible recommendation.

... and there was much rejoicing. Great character building, an ear for dialogue, and a wit to die for. All this and more in a tightly-written package that continues to be an utter joy to read. I can only hope that EleCivil will continue meandering to alternate mandolins, camouflage paint and all, for a long time to come. The world is a much finer place for it. :D

The good news: There's a second chapter up. The totally awesome news: It's as good as the first one. 8) Stop wasting your time reading this message and go and read chapter 2 of Laika right now. Trust me - it's worth your while. :D

I was deeply saddened when EleCivil said he was finishing Leaves and Lunatics - it was a glorious story, and I didn't think it was possible he could top it with his promised new work. I was wrong. Absolutely, utterly, profoundly, staggeringly wrong. And I'm delighted beyond words that I was. This is a gorgeously funny, charming, witty piece of work. It's without doubt the best thing I've read from him - it's the sort of thing I can only wish I was capable of writing. And that's just the first chapter... Do yourself a favour, set some time aside, and take a look at Laika. It'll make your day. :D