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Post by Dabeagle on Sept 25, 2016 21:16:30 GMT -5
I owe you an apology, Dave, and your comment at the end of “Charmed” pushed my buttons and I finally realized how much I’ve been taking you for granted as a writer. I have to say that you’ve had my unspoken but honest admiration of your writing talent ever since I stumbled upon “The Meaning Of Life” years ago. That’s one I’ve read over and over again since it showed me that it was possible to find stories to read online that were not only exquisitely written but also weren’t afraid to introduce difficult themes and questions that got at the heart of what it means to be human. I’ve come to regard you as that sort of writer, and every story you prepare and post for us has seized my interest and admiration because I know it will show me something fresh and worth knowing. Plus they are Really Good Stories, entertaining and satisfying and leaving me always wanting more. So here’s my heartfelt ‘thank you’ and apology for keeping mum so long. James Merkin Thank you, James. That means a lot coming from you, with your writing skills. I've actually tried to learn from the things you write so I must be learning something. I just want folks to tell me what they thought and I thank you for taking the time to do so.
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Post by DavidAMorse1701 on Sept 25, 2016 21:23:38 GMT -5
I loved the story. I disagree however, it did not take Crispin long at all to come out to Dylan, not when you consider his situation at home. Crispin has been comfortably hiding in the closet afraid to come out for three years. He has only known Dylan for two weeks and has only talked to him on weekends. In spite of his limited contact he has already risked everything because he saw something in Dylan that was worth the risk to come out. While its also true that Crispin was pushed by his best friend to do so the fact remains he decided to take that chance. He desperately wants to have what he has seen others have, a real deep and satisfying relationship with a special someone. He also understands that since his girl best friend has decided to date he will be open to new rumors about his sexuality whether he comes out or not. As he is beyond the age that most boys have begun dating regularly and he no longer has a girlfriend even his parents would begin to question him. Parents can be insistent if no new girlfriends appear while he spends more time with his new boy friend Dylan. I believe Crispin has set himself on the fast track to come out to his parents. He said as much to Dylan and that is his real fear. If he comes out at school than soon his parents will hear of it.
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Post by DavidAMorse1701 on Sept 25, 2016 21:31:10 GMT -5
That's a lot to say right there, David! I agree that Dylan is a good and decent person and the way he's responded to the needs of a friend is quite admirable. At one time I did consider making them a couple and I had a dark, dramatic story line in mind. However, as things developed, I felt that it would be easily spotted and anticipated and bore the reader, so I ended up not going that way. I do love how easily Dylan and Crispin fell in together, a natural fit of two people who have had a little time to get to know one another, enough to know the value of the other person even if they don't know it all. I won't comment on Crispin's parents either way, except to say they definitely play a role in the third part of the story arc, except to say you do bring up points that I hadn't considered! I'll take a close look at your comments here before I sign of that Standing Up, the third part, is done. Thanks for the great Comment!
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Post by DavidAMorse1701 on Sept 25, 2016 21:40:04 GMT -5
Well, that was kind of you to say, if somewhat unexpected. I always hope that my comments will be taken as thoughtful but not that I would give insight into the characters that an author would not have known. If it does help develop the next episode of the series that would be great. You have a talent I never did for writing fiction and I love your style. I love that your stories have happy endings too as so many short films do not.
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Post by Dabeagle on Sept 25, 2016 21:49:29 GMT -5
It's one of the reasons I encourage the discussion of the stories. People often see things I didn't intend to communicate or simply have a different perspective that allows for great possibilities in the storytelling process. And you are right that he's been waiting three years for the right opportunity and now he thinks he's found that. It is true Mellie pushed him, but I firmly believe that she and Crispin spoke at length about Cris's growing feelings for Dylan. If their chemistry hadn't been good, I don't think Mellie would have made the move she did. She knws Cris likes Dylan and wants to date him, but is afraid. She decides to force his hand because she also believes that Dylan is the right guy for Cris.
Granted, it could have blown up ion her face. Dylan might have thought the whole thing was sneaky and they liars for the charade they carried on, even in front of him. One never knows how people will react which is why folks making comments is such a great thing.
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Post by PaulR5 on Sept 25, 2016 23:28:07 GMT -5
It's one of the reasons I encourage the discussion of the stories. People often see things I didn't intend to communicate or simply have a different perspective that allows for great possibilities in the storytelling process. And you are right that he's been waiting three years for the right opportunity and now he thinks he's found that. It is true Mellie pushed him, but I firmly believe that she and Crispin spoke at length about Cris's growing feelings for Dylan. If their chemistry hadn't been good, I don't think Mellie would have made the move she did. She knows Cris likes Dylan and wants to date him, but is afraid. She decides to force his hand because she also believes that Dylan is the right guy for Cris. Granted, it could have blown up ion her face. Dylan might have thought the whole thing was sneaky and they liars for the charade they carried on, even in front of him. One never knows how people will react which is why folks making comments is such a great thing. On the conservative/neatnick combo mentioned in another comment, I am aware of two ultra-conservative couples who have obsessive neatnick qualities. I thought of them when I read the descriptions of Crispin's parents. And, I don't remember seeing anything definite about Dylan having come out to his parents. Did I miss that? I also had the impression, rightly or wrongly, that Mellie expected Crispin to come out to Dylan more quickly that at the theater.
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Post by Dabeagle on Sept 26, 2016 0:36:51 GMT -5
Dylan's parents are, largely, absent. His relationship with them is somewhat defined in Love & Loss and they don't play a big factor in his life, other than providing a place to crash.
Mellie, I think, thought Cris was in the right place and the right time and with the right guy to come out. Considering she had a date iwth her, I think it is safe to say she thought Crispin woul dhave made his case to Dylan, and when that didn't happen she more or less shoved Cris in to Dylan's arms.
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Post by Reinout on Sept 26, 2016 2:32:39 GMT -5
Spend a week reading all the stories in Sanitaria Springs love this and Charmed was a great way to start my monday morning. Thanks Dabeagle
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Post by Dabeagle on Sept 26, 2016 9:10:16 GMT -5
Spend a week reading all the stories in Sanitaria Springs love this and Charmed was a great way to start my monday morning. Thanks Dabeagle And thank you for reading and taking the time out to post!
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Post by prbooks on Sept 26, 2016 15:28:03 GMT -5
Everyday I check to see if you have posted a new story, and I'm always delighted when you have. I'm sorry I haven't been carrying out my side of the things by commenting on my enjoyment. Please keep up the good work that just makes me feel good by having gays living life in the real world.
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Post by Dabeagle on Sept 26, 2016 15:50:06 GMT -5
Everyday I check to see if you have posted a new story, and I'm always delighted when you have. I'm sorry I haven't been carrying out my side of the things by commenting on my enjoyment. Please keep up the good work that just makes me feel good by having gays living life in the real world. Thank you very much for commenting! We normally post Wednesday and Sunday, if there is a short story or Sanitaria story to post (Serials Wednesday, shorts on Sunday)
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Post by xpx123 on Sept 26, 2016 20:58:54 GMT -5
Well I guess I could relate to this topic. I face extreme difficulty in coming out to my parents and honestly speaking... I dont think I ever will. As I read the story of 'Charmed' I realised that it was a realistic and well written story. However I could feel some tension and find myself worrying excessively for the coming out of Crispin to his parents. Guess its a sensitive topic to tread on. For him. For me. Guys around my age group would all face the similar problems coming out to their parents and I guess this story might impact their decision in some way. Anyways well done mate keep it up.
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Post by Dabeagle on Sept 26, 2016 22:21:06 GMT -5
Well I guess I could relate to this topic. I face extreme difficulty in coming out to my parents and honestly speaking... I dont think I ever will. As I read the story of 'Charmed' I realised that it was a realistic and well written story. However I could feel some tension and find myself worrying excessively for the coming out of Crispin to his parents. Guess its a sensitive topic to tread on. For him. For me. Guys around my age group would all face the similar problems coming out to their parents and I guess this story might impact their decision in some way. Anyways well done mate keep it up. Thank you for commenting. I think the issue of coming out is really hard to nail down, one size doesn't fit all. Even though gay kids are identifying and coming out younger and there have been strides made in the US, it is far from ideal. It breaks my heart to hear your position and I hope you can find a safe time and place to be who you are. Thanks for posting, it means a lot to know you're out there. And always keep in mind the message behind Sanitaria Springs is hope.
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Post by dgt224 on Sept 29, 2016 2:25:15 GMT -5
I've been following the Sanitaria Springs saga for at least a year and a half without commenting, mostly because I have a hard time coming up with anything deeper than "Great story. Keep it up!" So for whatever it's worth, consider this another endorsement. Interesting characters in interesting situations.
Oh, and if you want to fix such things, there's a typo about 80% of the way through the story: "When Id' first met him, coming out of the pool ...". (That sort of pickiness served me well when I was a computer programmer; mostly just annoying now that I'm retired.)
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Post by Dabeagle on Sept 29, 2016 9:41:10 GMT -5
I've been following the Sanitaria Springs saga for at least a year and a half without commenting, mostly because I have a hard time coming up with anything deeper than "Great story. Keep it up!" So for whatever it's worth, consider this another endorsement. Interesting characters in interesting situations. Oh, and if you want to fix such things, there's a typo about 80% of the way through the story: "When Id' first met him, coming out of the pool ...". (That sort of pickiness served me well when I was a computer programmer; mostly just annoying now that I'm retired.) D'oh! Thanks, I'll hunt that one down. Programmer, eh? *wicked smile*
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