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Post by Neal on Nov 20, 2021 2:08:04 GMT -5
An update on Devyn has been one of the more requested items, but I didn't see a way to make a complete story about just this experience. Once we reach the holidays in the time line, we should see him get a chance to try speaking to everyone. I think Griff will cry and I think Devyn should prank call Nate, right? Right? Is this thing on? Has anyone other than Nate heard Devyn speak before? Robin, perhaps? I really like the fine texture you're developing with Micah's moral development. He's not facing burning-building ticking-bomb hero stuff, it's ordinary life stuff like unwinding awkward situations without making them even more awkward. I'm confused. Did you mean Micah instead of Nate?
I don't remember Devyn speaking full sentences to any characters since his introduction in "Devyn's Song." There were a couple wheezed expletives, an attempt to whisper "You are safe. I love you" into Griffin's ear and a lot of scenes where the prose appeared as if he was talking but it was him signing, typing on a phone/computer or writing on something.
I have been wrong before so if I am now please tell me who, where, when he spoke.
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Post by mattyboy on Nov 20, 2021 3:54:47 GMT -5
You're not wrong now, either! (Or at least, I don't think you are)
I think early in Devyn's Song Dev tells us he became mute when he was 13. So going on 3 years when he was introduced, more like 5 years now as of Conversations. So he's never spoken since he was introduced, except for those instances you note, but presumably he could speak normally before he got sick.
Derek, Hamster, and Griff are new arrivals in the Springs, but it feels like the Kennedys are locals, and Nate and Devyn knew each other as kids. And Devyn might have been a middle school classmate of Robin's. Or maybe not, I feel he usually travelled to the Kirkwood's house by car
Oh yeah, the comment about Micah was a completely unrelated thought - about Micah stirring up that trust issue with Leo at the massage table (and which also annoyed Sasha).
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Post by Neal on Nov 21, 2021 4:54:56 GMT -5
You're not wrong now, either! (Or at least, I don't think you are) I think early in Devyn's Song Dev tells us he became mute when he was 13. So going on 3 years when he was introduced, more like 5 years now as of Conversations. So he's never spoken since he was introduced, except for those instances you note, but presumably he could speak normally before he got sick. Derek, Hamster, and Griff are new arrivals in the Springs, but it feels like the Kennedys are locals, and Nate and Devyn knew each other as kids. And Devyn might have been a middle school classmate of Robin's. Or maybe not, I feel he usually travelled to the Kirkwood's house by car Oh yeah, the comment about Micah was a completely unrelated thought - about Micah stirring up that trust issue with Leo at the massage table (and which also annoyed Sasha). Thanks for responding.
Well duh! How did I forget that Nate and Devyn are cousins and probably lived in The Springs all their lives. Of course Nate probably heard preteen Devyn's voice. But then other readers might think that I think they are real people who exist in the real world.
A 1966 song that was popular then You don't have to click the link unless you want to know what the voice in my head sounds like
Just for the record I thought your Micah comment alluded to the massage fiasco. And I liked the "He's not facing burning-building ticking-bomb hero stuff, ..." bit.
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Post by Dabeagle on Nov 21, 2021 10:20:17 GMT -5
Ryan and I used to say we could talk to the characters in our heads. Sometimes they felt very, very real.
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Post by Steve T. on Nov 22, 2021 12:11:24 GMT -5
Ryan and I used to say we could talk to the characters in our heads. Sometimes they felt very, very real. That's my benchmark for a great story and a great author. Not that you talk to imaginary people, but that the characters become as important to you as they are to us. When characters become more than just characters...and I care about them and what happens in their lives, you have done your job damned well!
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Post by Neal on Nov 22, 2021 18:46:03 GMT -5
Ryan and I used to say we could talk to the characters in our heads. Sometimes they felt very, very real. That's my benchmark for a great story and a great author. Not that you talk to imaginary people, but that the characters become as important to you as they are to us. When characters become more than just characters...and I care about them and what happens in their lives, you have done your job damned well! Well said! I heartily agree with you. Dave has done a great job with these characters and the "world" they live in.
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Post by PaulR5 on Nov 23, 2021 4:51:38 GMT -5
I agree. If the characters are real enough to hear in one's head, the story has a good hold on the author.
I enjoyed "Conversations." I hope we hear more of Devyn and Micah talking together. I greatly enjoyed Doug and Alice Kutsenko's conversation, as well, and the teen angst Micah and Leo and Reece and Jenna.
I still hope Griffin and Devyn are teaching Micah sign language.
The discussion of Sasha, Alec, Kale, and Chase had to be a challenging one to write. Well done.
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Post by JohnnyD on Dec 6, 2021 15:41:05 GMT -5
What a great addition to the overall story line! Been waiting to see when Dev would speak and having Micah hear him (only) was great.
Also, the other conversations about the '4-some' and their overall relationships was good too.
These characters all have grown up for a few years and faced many trials and good times. It's good to get updates on their lives every once in a while. thanks for writing and keeping this up! hugs - John
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