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Post by Lugnutz on Mar 27, 2017 7:55:31 GMT -5
I always likes Jamie, this just drives the knife in deeper.
He grows up in this one. Micah makes an appearance and everything makes more sense on his end.
You can say that he grew up in this one. Not everything is a comedy as he is finding out.
I'll be reading this several times to get everything.
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Post by Israfil on Mar 27, 2017 9:08:24 GMT -5
Heh, I think "starts growing up" is more appropriate here. He's still got a ways to go. But yeah, definitely a sign of maturity to start looking beyond one's self.
Yay for character development! Well done, Dave.
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Post by simonuk on Mar 28, 2017 13:22:14 GMT -5
Iv always been a big Jamie fan , as iv mentioned before and this really does show his growing maturity and I'm guessing it showcases Ryan's idea's for him as he was his biggest fan I believe. I am definitely seeing similarities between him and Alec but also parts of Robins' personality seem to be manifesting themselves, its great to see the more endearing bits of him becoming more apparent and the ' rough round the edges' parts being... well smoothed out a touch! It was so well written, but that's a given with Dave's work, and does kinda bring his development to some sort of conclusion - although I'm really looking forward to hearing about his 'mentoring' , for want of a better word, of Michah. Who would have thought when we first met him that he would be earmarked as role modal matterial?! Thanks so much for this one Dave its already up there with my absolute faves!
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pedro
Young Hound
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Post by pedro on Mar 28, 2017 14:32:19 GMT -5
Good one, Dave I liked the development of a number of loose ends: including the fallout from Jamie's 69 with Em. the Alec-Micah-Jamie dynamic, the break up of Boomer-Phillip (mentioned in The Journey and that I had forgotten about). Boomer meeting Alec - I wonder if there will be ripples from whatever they talked about. Jamie as a politician? He is brash enough but is he yet sufficiently observant of the mood around him to be aware of what is required to get elected? There is a good mix of characters around him intellectually and empatheticly and if he watches and learns from them he could be a good candidate especially if Em is able to challenge him on any sloppy thinking.
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Post by DavidAMorse1701 on Mar 28, 2017 23:03:37 GMT -5
I loved the story. I started reading it while waiting for my regular weeknight programs. As I read the story I forgot about the TV and read it to THE END. I like Jamie but he is more complex and sometime difficult to figure out. However its that very complexity of his personality that make his episodes so compelling to read. I love the entire series. It is so much like a TV series. Alec is right about Micah too. He wants to trust and have a loving family, but he has attachment issues. Also, I think someone needs to explain to Alec that Micah has not grown up with him, and so he does not understand his quirky sense of humor, or his "Smart Alec" personality. Or maybe someone should give Micah stories of gags or anecdotes of things he has said to those for which he cares.
I might be reading it wrong but I don't believe Micah understands the intent, it seems clear he believes Alec is afraid he will run away again. I think Alec is just being his usual wise ass self. I remember how Robin misunderstood Alec's feeling towards him. I believe in an earlier story Alec voiced that he thought Robin did not like him. Alec blamed his offbeat style of expressing his caring. Yes, it was in "The Space Between" where Alec got stabbed and Micah played a role.
{{ I frowned a little. “What about Robbie and Lu?”
“Lucien went downstairs to get sandwiches for us and Robin was out in the hall on his phone, updating Hamster and Derek – and since when do you call him Robbie?”
Brushing that aside I said, “Can you get him?”
“Sure,” Sasha said uncertainly. He poked his head out in the hallway and I heard him say Robin's name. Moments later Sash held the door for Robin, who smiled at me.
“Hey, Smart Alec. How you feeling?”
I held a hand out to him and he took it, and then I pulled him to me. It was an awkward hug, me one armed and him probably thinking my meds were off.
He pulled away, looking confused. “What was that for?”
“I have a nagging feeling I should tell you I love you,” I said. In a sudden rush I was seized by another emotion, something from my dreams perhaps, and I said. “We need to hang out some, get to know each other better.”
Robin looked over his shoulder at Sash, who shrugged. “It's Alec doing Alec-like things, isn't it?” Robin asked. }}
Maybe you plan to have that addressed? I loved it. Don't doubt it.
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pedro
Young Hound
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Post by pedro on Mar 29, 2017 1:14:08 GMT -5
...........Alec is right about Micah too. He wants to trust and have a loving family, but he has attachment issues........ ........but I don't believe Micah understands the intent, it seems clear he believes Alec is afraid he will run away again. I think Alec is just being his usual wise ass self. I remember how Robin misunderstood Alec's feeling towards him. I believe in an earlier story Alec voiced that he thought Robin did not like him. Alec blamed his offbeat style of expressing his caring. Yes, it was in "The Space Between" where Alec got stabbed and Micah played a role. I think you point right at it: I think Micah would run if he felt sufficiently threatened and the threshold for that will be very low at first. He has to develop a certain level of trust with each member of 'the family' he meets. Meeting Hamster and Asher might help him as they had both threatened to run at some point. Jamie is probably a better choice of mentor than might be first thought; of the younger ones he probably understands Alec the best or at least is closest to him in temperament and he has some useful experience with Sean and Asher coming into his life. He can also rope in Sean and maybe even Emily to help. There is also the professional insights of Judge Kirkwood that he can draw on. For Jamie dealing with Micah could be just what he needs to learn the tact and consideration he will need to be a politician. For Alex being misunderstood, what about the early phase of his relationship with Kale in 'Broken Hearted'. Now what is Micah going to make of Kale, Chase & Linc and vice versa?
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Post by Dabeagle on Mar 29, 2017 6:41:56 GMT -5
I'm so glad you all are enjoying Jamie's story. I can say I really like who he is, now. I can see inside his head as a writer instead of a reader and I think that was part of my problem with him from the beginning was we didn't get to see any of his better side. He began to develop in Jamie's Buddy and we could see the things he might be capable of. I like that notion of his being a blend of Alec and Robin, who have both influenced him in positive ways.
Pedro is certainly right about the advantages Jamie has, some of which he simply doesn't see.
As far as Micah goes...yeah, he has a long road as do all kids in his position. I don't think it's Alec's wise cracks that bother him, so much, as that he's too sensitive when they apply to him. He sees Sasha as the stable one, the reasonable one though he clearly doesn't mention all the things Alec does with him where they do have fun. He's sort of like a crusty old man who has to be reminded that fun exists in the world and, more, that it's okay to experience it.
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Post by jkeele777 on Mar 29, 2017 13:03:04 GMT -5
I've always had a soft spot for Jamie, but he really matures a lot in this episode. I can't wait to read more about Micah, because once again, his reminds me so much of me! I see myself in a lot of these kids, it seems, and I hope there are good things in store for them! Keep it coming, sir - I'm hopelessly addicted now!!
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Crossroads
Mar 29, 2017 14:57:20 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by simonuk on Mar 29, 2017 14:57:20 GMT -5
Now what is Micah going to make of Kale, Chase & Linc and vice versa?
[/quote]
Now there's a thought! Id hazard a guess little Linc will end up being the only one Micah isn't initially outwardly hostile towards, due to the lack of threat- perceived or otherwise. I would certainly love to find out that's for sure ..... please !!
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Post by DavidAMorse1701 on Mar 30, 2017 13:32:43 GMT -5
"I don't think it's Alec's wise cracks that bother him, so much, as that he's too sensitive when they apply to him."
As the author, its your story and you see the characters reaction as you do. I wouldn't presume to argue but I kindly disagree. I really do believe Micah has misinterpreted Alec's remarks.
{{ “He's a dick about it!” Micah complained. “He starts looking at Sasha and says shit like 'Oh, look Sash! Micah likes us!' and other stupid crap. I mean, I'm there, aren't I? I'm not running away!” }}
That does sound as if Micah does not see Alec's comments as wise cracks. He's upset because he does believe Alec seriously thinks Micah might run again. Being a dick about it Micah exclaims, that does not seem like a simple annoyance of harmless teasing. He also excitedly exclaims he's not thinking of leaving. I do think Alec needs to follow the "Wheaton Rule" with Micah for a while.
In "Pillow Talk" Sasha warns Alec about teasing Lucien after he shares advice he gave him.
{{ “It's not that big a deal, I just won't have you embarrass him with this – it's not a joke, love.”
“I get it,” Alec nodded. “You know I don't try to hurt.”
“I do, but sometimes you hit tender areas with him. He doesn't have a tough shell to deflect your comments – he's too close to you, loves you too much. He never sees it coming. }}
I think that sums up better than anything I could say. His wise cracks are hard for some people to take, especially those closest to him or ones he wants to have closer ties.
In any event I will enjoy reading the next story including Micah and the family.
This would make a wonder TV series but I can already see the action playing out in my imagination.
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Post by Dabeagle on Mar 30, 2017 19:01:35 GMT -5
"I don't think it's Alec's wise cracks that bother him, so much, as that he's too sensitive when they apply to him." As the author, its your story and you see the characters reaction as you do. I wouldn't presume to argue but I kindly disagree. I really do believe Micah has misinterpreted Alec's remarks. {{ “He's a dick about it!” Micah complained. “He starts looking at Sasha and says shit like 'Oh, look Sash! Micah likes us!' and other stupid crap. I mean, I'm there, aren't I? I'm not running away!” }} That does sound as if Micah does not see Alec's comments as wise cracks. He's upset because he does believe Alec seriously thinks Micah might run again. Being a dick about it Micah exclaims, that does not seem like a simple annoyance of harmless teasing. He also excitedly exclaims he's not thinking of leaving. I do think Alec needs to follow the "Wheaton Rule" with Micah for a while. You are right in that what I see or intend may not be what you see or interpret as the reader. A line I write that I think it funny or a throwaway may carry greater meaning for a reader whether it develops into something or not. Many times, in my experience, the kids in care will be contrary to the extreme. It's motivated from fear - in Micah's case, more likely that he's afraid to believe that Alec and Sasha are going to stick by him. It doesn't matter what they have done and it may not until Micah reaches the 'finish line' of his childhood. It's not so much he gets angry at Alec's teasing but angry at the fear the idea invokes in him. My hope is that being with the family for the summer will make Micah's safety net so wide that he will start to believe in the hope of a loving family.
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Post by PaulR5 on Mar 30, 2017 21:51:25 GMT -5
"I don't think it's Alec's wise cracks that bother him, so much, as that he's too sensitive when they apply to him." As the author, its your story and you see the characters reaction as you do. I wouldn't presume to argue but I kindly disagree. I really do believe Micah has misinterpreted Alec's remarks. {{ “He's a dick about it!” Micah complained. “He starts looking at Sasha and says shit like 'Oh, look Sash! Micah likes us!' and other stupid crap. I mean, I'm there, aren't I? I'm not running away!” }} That does sound as if Micah does not see Alec's comments as wise cracks. He's upset because he does believe Alec seriously thinks Micah might run again. Being a dick about it Micah exclaims, that does not seem like a simple annoyance of harmless teasing. He also excitedly exclaims he's not thinking of leaving. I do think Alec needs to follow the "Wheaton Rule" with Micah for a while. You are right in that what I see or intend may not be what you see or interpret as the reader. A line I write that I think it funny or a throwaway may carry greater meaning for a reader whether it develops into something or not. Many times, in my experience, the kids in care will be contrary to the extreme. It's motivated from fear - in Micah's case, more likely that he's afraid to believe that Alec and Sasha are going to stick by him. It doesn't matter what they have done and it may not until Micah reaches the 'finish line' of his childhood. It's not so much he gets angry at Alec's teasing but angry at the fear the idea invokes in him. My hope is that being with the family for the summer will make Micah's safety net so wide that he will start to believe in the hope of a loving family. I have to agree with David Morse. Some kids have trouble understanding teasing, and Alec's brand can be especially difficult to interpret, for those who are not yet VERY familiar with him. I was always a serious and literal-minded child, and my mother would attempt to tease me and I would shake in fear, at times, that she might really mean what she meant as teasing. It wasn't until I was almost Micah's age that I began to "get" some of Mom's teasing. We all interpret the world, especially as kids, only by trying to interpret the present in light of the things which have happened in the past. But the story is a great one. The only nit-pick I saw, Trace is a Harries, instead of a Whitmore, although Trace and Logan are cousins-in-law.
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Post by Dabeagle on Mar 31, 2017 6:34:41 GMT -5
But the story is a great one. The only nit-pick I saw, Trace is a Harries, instead of a Whitmore, although Trace and Logan are cousins-in-law. Oh. Um. Maybe he changed it? Shit, you got me.
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Post by Sy on Mar 31, 2017 21:48:48 GMT -5
You covered a lot of ground in this one; amazing character development. I wonder what elements of yourself are represented by Jamie
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Post by carlholiday on Mar 31, 2017 22:38:23 GMT -5
I've thought about this story for a few days since I first read it and I have to say more of Jamie has come to the surface since he was first introduced to the Sanitaria Springs series. At first he was very much the smart ass, but here in this story he is finally coming to terms with his place in the overall story line. I enjoyed the overall plot development with his relationship with Emily and was happy to see the final resolution came to a good result. His putting Andy into the last play of the football game was good adaptation of the story on social media of the middle school football team in Texas that gave their developmentally disabled "fan" a once in a lifetime chance to be something he probably will never achieve. Nice touch. Micah? Well, we'll have to see where that goes, won't we? Obviously, it is a lead-in to another story.
Good work, Dave, on another interesting chapter in the Sanitaria Springs stories.
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