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Losing Tazar...intriguing.  Separating characters is always an option.  Let me know what you think of Jay after the next four chapters.  I don't see her actions to be passive.  She's the straight man in a comedy duo.  NJC pointed out that she and Alda are kinda like the Odd Couple.

I'll make Slash a scoundrel since he is one anyway.  I am consistently reminded not to take Tazar out of the 'noble giant' category.  Not just by you, but it reinforces the point.  Thanks.

A

In my opinion, it also eliminates the option of a publisher picking up your work.  I've heard of at least one writer self-publishing and then being picked up by a publishing house.  Having something on the internet means you are putting up most, if not all, of your book for free.  Once out there, it can be pasted, go viral, and be out of your control forever. 

Not that I think I'm going to make a fortune on my book, but I would like the option someday.

A

I would take a screenshot and send it to Sol. Or just have him check your account. Have you posted successfully on the new site yet?

Because we don't know what each other looks like, much less where we all live, here is a copy of my Xmas card insert for all of you.
If anyone else would like to share, I'd love a card in return :-)

2014.  Is it gone already?

Here is the news.  I graduated with my Masters of Physician Assistant Studies.  I went solo to the ceremony and spent three blissful days without children.  As I walked down the red-carpeted hockey stadium (GO HUSKERS), I wore power shoes and got to sit in the first row.  I hid my phone in the sleeve of the gown, so it made up for having no pockets.   

I now have another diploma hanging in my bathroom.  Should you decide to come and see it, you’ll have the best seat in the house.

Collin is growing too fast.  This isn’t the musings of a doting mother.  He really is getting too big.  We’ve lost the ‘cute card’ that lets us get away with autistic outbursts.  I’m getting used to the stink-eye as people watch us pass.  Usually I can say the ‘A’ word and they understand.  When they don’t, I’m not especially concerned anymore.

Soon, I’m going to have to learn to shave him.  Can’t wait.  There’s no way I’m going to let him look like a half-Japanese terrorist and let him grow a beard.  Any advice on how to get an autistic kid to hold still for electrolysis when he won't let a razor into the same zip code?   

Sean loves to count fireflies, eat string cheese, tell on his brother, and romp in puddles.  He destroyed a pair of blinky-tennis shoes this year because the temptation of a rainstorm was too much to resist.  He still enjoys cuddling, and puts up his arms while whimpering, “Peep...peep.  Baby Blue Bird is sad.”  If Momma Blue Bird doesn’t fall in line and pick him up, his solution is to shout,  “PEEP!”  His imagination is impressive, and he assigns each of us roles to play.  If he happens to be Dora, I’m Boots.  Batman?  I’m Robin.  Another one of my roles has been Tails while he gets to play Sonic.  
   

I’m always the sidekick.  I got used to it after a while.

Collin is learning how to deal with his world, one mistake at a time.  One example is swearing.  He has taken to saying, “D**m it!”  I interrupt and say, “That is a mad-sad word.  Say, darn it!”  “Holy Mackerel!” is approved for usage, but my favorite is, “Holy cow pies!”  There have been a couple flops that I won’t name, but they are happening at home instead of school.  At least I’m not getting anymore calls from his teacher.  This all started with Collin calling her a b***h.

We blame the television.  Those words aren’t being used at home.  No, definitely not.  Well, at least not the last one.

Mitch got some no-baby time this year and went to a convention to draw, relax, and drink.  I stayed with the kids and got to pretend that I’m a stay-at-home Mom.  Last month, I went to a writing conference in Chicago and spent most of my time visiting with friends.  Despite my lack of participation in that conference, I’m still writing.  I made my first short story submission to Brain, Child Magazine.  We’ll see if I actually get paid.  I’m planning on dinner out to celebrate.  You’re invited.  While I’d prefer sushi with a hundred of my closest friends, I’ll settle for a trip to Denny’s.  If necessary, we’ll go to Rally’s and get a combo to share.

Blessings and all our wishes for a wonderful next year,

Mitch, Amy (Boots), Collin, and Sean (Dora)

I added a chapter with Kha and Anver fighting.  Just for hoots and giggles.  I'm vastly entertained by their spat as I delay the conversation that will mobilize the Wolves and get them on the right track. 

If anyone is interested, it's chapter 11. 

Cheers!

A

I can tell you that a swarm of cops appear when a shooting victim appears in the ER.  They politely but impatiently wait to be allowed into the room, and hopefully talk to the victim before surgery (or intubation which kills all questioning for at least a day).  Their goal, that I see it, is to catch the shooter that night, and close the case quickly before momentum is lost. 

They are very blunt, point out holes in the story to the victim as the story changes, and try to garner the truth from a vague story.  (by collecting details about height, weight, beard, color, clothing, and getting a description of what happened from the victim.  If it is a gang-based shooting, the intensity seems to be much less (interestingly enough) since they expect a retaliation shooting within a couple days.  It seems to be a acceptance of helplessness to prevent another crime.  They can't control the gangs, so they just shake their heads and collect info (knowing that much of it is wrong)

Most victims know their shooters.  It's just a fact.  Random shootings are rare.  When they do happen, the victim is usually living the scene over-and-over, and their affect is either very tearful or angry.  (kids are another matter entirely and don't apply to this conversation)  People who are calm and refuse to answer questions immediately probably know their shooter and are either planning retaliation (as in a gang-based shooting) or protecting someone that they know from prosecution.  Gang-based shootings are usually in unlikely public areas or completely residention (like shopping parking lots. Residential shootings seem to take place outside their homes as they approach their driveways but no robbery is involved.) 

Weigh in, AllenL.  Do you agree?

I'll read chapter 4 as soon as I can.

A

So one Amy equals one completed call on a telecommunication network.  (including attempts and dropped calls) 

Hmm.  OK, that'll do.

Amps or Volts?  Nevermind.  Forget I asked :-)

What chapter did I miss?  You had so many chapters out of order that I might have bypassed one.  Chapter 4 Version 2?  Is that right?

Or am I now a meter with which to compare your writing?  If so, is this a good thing?

Once to the previous owner.  Second to the ring itself. 

A Horror can be destroyed.  You just have to assemble the right ingredients and I'm not going to make it easy :-)