Trick or Treat? Simple Truths, 2/?

[chazper]

Today was the very elastic quasi-deadline for the "Sandy is a . . ." challenge. It's really open-ended (post anytime! But please do let me know when you do so that eventually I can make a post linking all the stories.) Since it was my challenge, though, I thought I should update my "Sandy is a Novelist" fic. I'm doing something different here--well

Comments

[brandywine421]

I'm so loving this. Love love love.

[chazper]

A very belated thanks, thanks, thanks!

[katwoman76]

This is so intriguing.

[chazper]

I'm glad you're along for the ride (not that I know exactly where it's going!)

[beachtree]

Good take on the Newport and family dynamics. Some common threads are as familiar and strong as ever, even with the tweaks "of the year," among others.

You've certainly set up Sandy's self-doubts and pressure imposed from the external and internal sources. The roots of desperation and seeds of opportunity are clearly visible here. Ryan really has no idea that he might be invited to dinner- as the main course.

Caleb is deliciously manipulative and evil as he just chips away. And there's Peggy to make the party official...

Thanks for the treat. It's so distressing that such a calculated and painful "trick" is about to be played.

[chazper]

Deliciously manipulative Caleb is fun to write. But so is angsty Ryan, so on to the next chapter (unless I work on one of those pesky WIPs first. Where are the creative writing elves when you need them?)

[beachtree]

I'm sure d.m. Caleb is an experience to write, but angsty, suffering Ryan is so compelling to read. How can someone's heart not bleed right along with his?

You know we look forward to whatever you are inspired to write, but I'd say you've definitely gotten the audience invested here based upon the first chapter alone. That had the effect of pouring salt water over deep, fresh, open wounds.

Thanks again. (And Sandy? God help you...)

[zbyszko]

Loving this too. Very interesting - so that's how novelistSandy will be meeting Ryan Atwood.....

[chazper]

Hee. When I decided on novelist!Sandy did wonder how I he was going to meet Ryan, so . . . a ride-along it is!

[fredsmith518]

I enjoyed reading this very much. I always like reading Caleb and you write his mechinations so well, just enough truth sprinkled in to make his other digs seems plausible too.

Yes. I do. My hobby is surfing. But my profession is writing. And I provide for my family.” I like that Sandy got in a couple of words back.

I very much enjoyed Sandy's introspection, where he dissected what was wrong with his writing.

Also, I like non linear writing, so this appealed on that front too, complete with speculation as to how Ryan came into their lives...and why.

[chazper]

I like non linear writing too, but I'm not very good at it, so this will be a challenge. Back to the present in the next chapter!