1 Topic by B Douglas Slack (edited by B Douglas Slack 2018-09-21 19:06:13)

Topic: Opinions desired on "Wanderlust"

It's been mentioned in reviews that Brad and Molly's romance has been moving much too fast to be realistic. I ask for those who've read and reviewed the story thus far for their input. Has their attraction and further involvement moved at a more than realistic pace?

A brief story to justify the novel's speedy progress: A navy man, home on Christmas leave from Pensacola, FL, met a high school senior at a Christmas party (one which he was chivvied into attending by his younger brother--a sophomore). A romance developed full-bore at first sight. They dated for only 10 days until his leave expired and he departed for Florida once again to complete training. They corresponded by letter (no email in 1962) until the Senior Prom in June of '62, when he escorted her to the gala in full, not so popular, uniform. They enjoyed another intensive dating session for a week until his leave expired once again and he headed overseas to the Azores for an 18-month tour.

Twelve months later, in June of 1963, after exchanging numerous letters and one barely comprehensible, static-ridden telephone call later, they named a date for the wedding. He arrived at the end of July and they were married on 1 August, 1963 after a TOTAL of just 20 days of personal contact. That marriage has lasted for over 55 years.

Now, I ask for an opinion. Is Brad and Molly's romance running a little too fast, or are they taking full advantage of a chance encounter and living life to the fullest?

Bill

Quote Post 1

Re: Opinions desired on "Wanderlust"

Haven't read the story, but the synopsis mixes a high-stakes bet with a great deal of personal faith in each other, and perhaps a great, determined commitment to each other

Quote Post 2

Re: Opinions desired on "Wanderlust"

Oops. I didn't make it very clear that the brief story of the Navy man's romance is my justification for the rapid progress of the two in my novel. The story is true, the novel isn't. The navy man isn't Brad.

Bill

Quote Post 3

Re: Opinions desired on "Wanderlust"

10 days... Romeo took minutes to forget Rosalind and decide he wanted to marry Juliette.

Quote Post 4

Re: Opinions desired on "Wanderlust"

Haven't read the story, but doesn't really matter since the real question is, "Do people meet, fall in love (or at least think they are) and after a certain amount of time decide to get married and live happily ever after?" Yes, they do. The number of days they spend together before making a lifetime commitment is irrelevant because that number just as well be random since any number of days you choose will have real life adherents from one day to many years before that decision is made and lived with. It happens in real life; it can certainly happen in a novel with no reservation. Anyone who says the situation is unrealistic is out of touch with reality imho. Good luck with the book. Take care. Vern

Quote Post 5

Re: Opinions desired on "Wanderlust"

I've been following along. Naysayers will surface under the best of circumstances. As with love, follow your heart. At the end of the day, you're the author. Also, I may be a bit bias due to the fact my wife and I only dated for a few months before we knew it was meant to be. Keep the chapters coming.

Don

Quote Post 6

Re: Opinions desired on "Wanderlust"

There haven't been any naysayers, Don. A couple of questions in my mind regarding the swiftness of the romance arose from comments and I thought maybe I'd check to see if I was rushing things despite my own experiences.

Brad and Molly still have yet to meet Molly's friend who's older and decidedly set in her ways. Could be a major event.

Bill

Quote Post 7

Re: Opinions desired on "Wanderlust"

It's your story, and their relationship can go as fast as you want it to.  My daughter and her husband were married six weeks after they first met, and they've been together almost 25 years and still devoted to each other.  Love works in mysterious ways. 

I'm anxious to see where the road takes Brad and Molly. 

MJ

Quote Post 8

Re: Opinions desired on "Wanderlust"

Okay. It's full steam ahead then.

Bill

Quote Post 9