Lives in Periphery

[Cole Parker]

This one's going to be a dilly. I can hardly wait.

C

[Nick Deverill]

Yup, it's another tale that's causing me to wish my life away. Roll on the next part.

[EleCivil]

Thanks, gentlemen!

Throughout Laika, I was aiming for about 5000-7000 words per chapter, with a wait time of a month between chapters (I know, I know - some took way longer than a month). With LiP, I'm aiming at 3000-4000 words per chapter, with a new one each week. So far, so good. I actually like the shorter chapters from a storytelling perspective - that length provides a better rhythm, especially with how this story is structured.

What I'm saying is, expect more soon. I've already got a few chapters in the can, and I'll be doing a final edit and submitting chapter two this week.

[Cole Parker]

I've found the same thing. I wrote shorter chapters with both Circumstances and Dust and both seemed to have more forward momentum that way. It does enhance the story-telling.

And once a week will keep the customers happier, too.

C

[Lugnutz]

I'm in awe. This is going to be the story I can't put down. Two thumbs up on this one.

And you can find it here. You won't be disappointed.

http://www.awesomedude.com/elecivil/lip/index.htm

[The Pecman]

Damn good writing. Good job, EleCivil! This goes on my reading list.

[Merkin]

Already love the character Evan and his dad.

[Lugnutz]

Mr. Reid reminds me of another character I read in another story. It defiantly won't be dull.

[EleCivil]

Thanks Lug, Pec, and Merkin!

The great thing about posting stories on AwesomeDude is that you get feedback from excellent writers and readers who are expecting quality. When I see people whose talents I respect saying these things, it means a lot!

[Bruin Fisher]

When a new story arrives from EleCivil, I expect quality. This one has two opening chapters so far, and two intriguing characters introduced, a story that's shaping up to be a real cracker. And it's got dogs, too. What more could any reader want?! A real EleCivil classic, methinks.

Not only an inspirational teacher, but an inspired and inspiring writer too.

[EleCivil]

Thanks, Bruin!

[JamesSavik]

I'm following this story with interest.

Any kid with a Labrador is a friend of mine.

[colinian]

This is an excellent story!

Colin

[EleCivil]

Thanks, James and Colin.

I'm happy to see a lot of familiar readers from the Laika and L&L days coming back for this one!

I was looking through some old emails the other day, and I realized that by posting on Nifty, I was able to refer a lot of readers to AD - they would email me, say "Hey, where's the rest?", and I'd link them here and point them toward the forums. Some of them even started posting and writing for AD. That's the one thing I'll miss about posting to Nifty - that feeling of being an ambassador of The Dude.

What I WON'T miss is my stories turning up on a bunch of really sketchy sites, posted seemingly at random by spammers who do not understand English. (Why the hell would you copy/paste the tenth chapter of a gay coming-of-age story that includes no actual sex on your straight porn site? Come on, man!)

[Cole Parker]

Stop complimenting the damn thing! I read the first chapter and was hooked, but now I'm trying to wait. Hearing how great it is isn't helping!

C

[Lugnutz]

Stop complimenting the damn thing! I read the first chapter and was hooked, but now I'm trying to wait. Hearing how great it is isn't helping!

C

"Dust" was no different. Let us know how the waiting is working.

[colinian]

"Dust" was no different. Let us know how the waiting is working.

Ooooo! Good one, Lugz.

Colin

[The Pecman]

Ah, chapter 2 is up!

http://www.awesomedude.com/elecivil/lip/lip_02.htm

[EleCivil]

Hello, all!

Just wanted to update everyone and assure you that I have not abandoned this story.

These last few weeks have gone into finishing up my thesis - I give an oral defense on Friday and turn in the final draft on Sunday, at which point I'll be DONE, and will get some spare time back to continue writing for fun.

Thanks for sticking with me through the slow patch! (Though, if you're at all familiar with my writing, you were probably expecting this. Haha.)

[Lugnutz]

Expect nothing. Embrace all. It comes when it comes.

[Cole Parker]

If you're defending a thesis, that means an advanced degree. Master of Education?

C

[EleCivil]

If you're defending a thesis, that means an advanced degree. Master of Education?

C

Yep! I'll get to sign my name as EleCivil, M.Ed.

...But I won't, because that'd be obnoxious. Haha.

And to think, I started posting here when I was fresh out of high school. Seems crazy, man.

[Paul]

You had the spark then, and you still have it. No, that makes it sound like you're still only just kindling... aw, screw the metaphors. This looks really good.

[EleCivil]

Thesis is DONE, SUBMITTED, DEFENDED, and GRADED.

You know you're a nerd when you can say "I'm so glad to be done with all that writing. Now I can finally get back to writing."

More LiP coming soon.

[Merkin]

Congratos, Master.