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I'm considering trying to further streamline the explanation for the discrepancies between the Bible and the events in the story world. One way is to simply start the story with opening words like: In an alternate universe....  Or, I could explain in an intro that there are many interpretations of Revelation, ranging from literal to figurative, and my story is a fantasy interpretation that will try to end at the same place as the Bible.

Many of the discrepancies between the story and the Bible disappear once Connor's true identity is revealed at the end of book one. Even more differences disappear at the end of book three, which ends at roughly the same place as the Bible, depending on how you interpret certain events.

I would think by the time I get to the end of book three, if you've read that far, you probably enjoyed the trilogy enough not to worry about any leftover discrepancies that I couldn't (or chose not to) explain away.

Doing this eliminates the whole need for the "roads through time" mindwarp. It's just easier to explain in a sentence or two in an intro that you're not in Kansas anymore.

Thoughts?

Can't remember where I left off with regard to Connor and Alessandro & the rats. I wrote the long version with Connor using minimal violence, but finally decided I didn't like him using any violence. So, I moved a few things around, ripped some stuff out, and I now have a cross between the short version and the long version.

I kept most of the backstory from the long version, after which Connor, who is in a bit of a hurry, decides to fast track the usual abuse to which the rats subject him. So, he intentionally says a number of things that rile up Alessandro, who then flattens Connor twice, who doesn't fight back although he plays dead after the second punch/crash to the floor. He does refer to the bullies as either rats, rodents, or vermin, though.

I may yet change rats/rodents/vermin to brood of vipers/slithering serpents/belly-crawlers/etc. for consistency with Christ in the Gospels. That's an easy change. I just need to think about it some more and perhaps come up with terms that are sufficiently rude to provoke Alessandro. I may also add demon spawns back in as it's meant to be an inside joke for readers who've previously read the story and know that Connor is, in reality, the real demon spawn.

Hi Zealous. Welcome to the site. I do a bit of volunteer user support to try to get new members up to speed quickly. Be sure to check out a post in the Premium forum on tips to maximize the numbers you'll receive on the site. It's pinned near the top of the forum, so you can't miss it.

I'm just heading out for a medical appointment, but I'll try to give you further details before the end of the day. I'll send you a connection request in the meantime, so we can communicate using the messaging system.

Thank you, Marilyn & Lynn.

Marilyn, Sol will be in touch for the info he needs to send you to the money. I did finally find the email address, but I'm not sure if that's all he needs.
Lynn, any plans to start posting anything new? Maybe we can get the old band back together. :-)

Seriously thinking about the cats, but I have some medical stuff to get through first.

Thanks, Jack

Thanks, Bobbie. Are you back on the site regularly again?

You've been missed!
Dirk

Thanks, George. This is my second win. Proceeds will go to Marilyn's animal sanctuary if I could only find the email address. :-)

Sol, thank you for running this contest. Thanks also to the judges for their time.
Congratulations to the other winners and everyone who entered. There were some really great contest entries.

Hi Sol.

Sorry to nag, but I retested the way the site pays/charges points for posts, and the ratio is still 5-to-1 (costs 1 point for every 324 words posted but only pays 20% of that back to reviewers). Of course, that means we have to review 5 average-sized chapters (e.g., 2000 words each) to be able to post one average chapter of our own, which I'm virtually certain is higher than it used to be before the site crash/restore (you had estimated 4-to-1 long ago).

We had discussed changing the ratio to 3-to-1 to make it easier to acquire and keep new members. Most long-term members probably have a lifetime supply of points, so it doesn't affect many of us. At 3-to-1, it should then cost 40% less to post than it does now yet still pay the same in points as it does now, which would apply to all members (not including poetry, where the math differs).

We know that using this site successfully involves establishing and maintaining a network of reciprocal reviewers, so points really aren't as important as they once seemed, although we still want to require members (especially new folks) to do at least some reviews before they can regularly post. If they aren't interested in doing a mere 3 reviews for every 1 post, then this site clearly isn't for them.

Please let me know when you or one of your elves has had a chance to change this. I'd be happy to test it.

Thanks
Dirk

Thanks, Sol.

Hi Janet. Thanks for letting us know. That's very unfortunate (actually it sucks). He and I read each other's books for many years until he left the site. He was a really nice guy.

LOL. I just posted it. Now I get to spend several days getting caught up on reviews. Ugh!
Not to mention clearing snow from my deck and driveway. I think I need a nap first, though.