Date: February 01, 2008 10:59 am Title: Opus 3
I think the guess-the-character format worked against this piece. I wasn't able to enjoy it at all until I was certain it was Karen. Then it became an interesting look at her inner workings. But unfortunately, all the quotes were a little distracting, though I definitely know what you were going for.
I've only ever read Tess of the d'Ubervilles. I liked it OK. I take it Return of the Native is a beloved of yours?
Author's Response: lol funny story, I actually don't love Return of the Native, but this one chapter about Eustacia is like my all time favorite chapter from a novel ever. Other than that I could take or leave the book. Maybe I should re-read it and see if I change my mind. Anyway I feel you about the format and quotes in this one, I think it was a hit or miss kind of thing, but honestly I'm not that upset that the Karen chapter was a miss. Cause like, hm, Karen...whatever ;-) Anyway thanks for the review!! I love hearing the comments, of course!
Date: January 30, 2008 08:42 am Title: Opus 3
stablergirl, you almost tricked me with this one. I was initially thinking it was Jan you were talking about because of the reference to "examining her life choices." (I was thinking that perhaps this was set prior to the Valentine's Day ep)
But then I suddenly realized you were talking about Karen, right? And then it all made more sense.
I really like this story of yours. It's so different from what we usually see around here, and I enjoy the way you keep me guessing until almost the very end of each chapter.
Well done!
Author's Response: Hey Mose thanks! I'm really happy you liked this chapter ok, I don't think it's a fan favorite. And also, I'm happy that you're enjoying this idea! Obviously I enjoy it, but who knows about everyone else lol. Anyway, thanks for the review and glad I could stump you with this one.
9 [Report This]Date: January 30, 2008 05:52 am Title: Opus 3
"...reaching out to the emptiness on the other side of the bed, assuring herself of many things and wishing she were as epic as she seemed." Great line.
Author's Response: thanks ;-)
Date: January 30, 2008 05:14 am Title: Opus 3
Nice. I like the idea that the reason Karen often felt like a thinly-drawn character wasn't because of the writers, but because she, herself, was writing a character to play but she wasn't very good at it. And I love that she characterizes Jim as having gone backward, but feels discontent with that analysis (because if what she wants is love, then he has certainly moved forward and she, herself, is the one who has fallen behind). Sophisticated and beautiful.
Author's Response: yes I like that idea too. She just sometimes seemed so false to me, and she was always trying so hard that I just thought...what if she's not really like this. Anyway, thank you so much for the review and for reading!!!
Date: January 30, 2008 12:12 am Title: Opus 3
this was very dark but it is also true of what the character would be feeling. it is Karen. the whole line about following someone made me think of her.
These are all beautifully written and you seem to have an interesting grasp on these characters. I can't wait to see what you do for the others.
Oh and at the end are you write a list about who each opus is about?
Author's Response: thank you so much, I'm not sure who'll I'll write next, but it should be interesting ;-) Also, great idea...I think I might just do that.
Date: January 28, 2008 10:58 am Title: Opus 2
Oooh, I liked this one much more than the last. Such sadness! At first I thought it could be Michael but I rapidly changed to Stanley. By the end, obviously, you made it clear. But it's the dual possibilities that make these so fun!
Author's Response: oh wow I'm so happy to hear you say that you liked this one better than the first one!! I was so torn about this chapter that it's just very refreshing to know that it reads well. And also I'm glad you're having fun ;-)
Date: January 28, 2008 10:50 am Title: Opus 1
Definitely not too weird of a concept! I like it. I figured I'd just pick a character and then once it became clear who it was I could go back and revisit. I picked Angela straight away! But the fun thing is that a lot of this could have been Pam.
Author's Response: some of it definitely could've been Pam ;-) Glad you got it right, though.
Date: January 26, 2008 09:48 am Title: Opus 2
Ah, Stanley and his crosswords. You fill in a box at a time, and whole words form, and then clue by clue you finish something, and at least something is finished, something is solved. I get that. Nice portrait of someone we know so little about.
Author's Response: thanks! I really like the idea of exploring characters that are not as written about around here. I'm glad your reading them and enjoying them too!!
10 [Report This]Date: January 26, 2008 06:13 am Title: Opus 2
Wow.
Okay, so at first I was sure this was Kevin you were talking about, but then, as you went on, I wasn't so sure anymore. It wasn't until the very end that I realized you were talking about Stanley here. And then I went back and read it all again, and it became clear.
Stanley is one of the hardest characters for me to write for. I don't know why that is, either. So I'm very impressed with what you've done here. This is one of the best explorations into his character that I've ever read.
I'd never considered that Stanley would be wrestling with the personal demon of not being good enough. I mean, I know he's unhappy at his job, but you've given me something else to think about with him.
Great job! Can't wait for more!
Author's Response: Stanley is such a tricky one!! And yeah I tried to be kind of evasive and misleading with this one, throwing in a few things that could've been other characters (debt could be Michael, needing to lose weight could be Kevin). Just trying to make the game a little more fun. I'm so happy that you liked this take on him because I was actually really nervous about it. So I'm glad it works!! Thanks for leaving this review it made my Saturday.
10 [Report This]Date: January 26, 2008 06:06 am Title: Opus 1
No, not too weird a concept at all, stablergirl! Please do continue!
So I just found this story this morning, and I'm very intrigued at the concept! This first chapter is about Angela, right? (I swear I didn't peek at other people's guesses, either! :P)
I really like the way in which you showed how lonely she is without Dwight. I'm a HUGE supporter of Dwangela (JAM who? haha), and I desperately want them to get back together on the show.
My favorite line: "she had judged herself on her sound judgment." So funny, and so Angela. She really does enjoy being judged, doesn't she? :)
Off to read the next chapter!
Author's Response: Thanks for the encouragement, Mose! I'm a big Dwangela fan too, especially now that with the writer's strike I've basically been watching season three over and over and they're just so great together those two. Anyway thanks for reviewing!! Glad you found this this morning.
8 [Report This]Date: January 25, 2008 07:51 pm Title: Opus 2
Sad but really good. As before, I start out thinking of a few choices until eventually whittling them down near the end. Very well written, as always.
Author's Response: thanks NanReg, I'm happy that you're enjoying this one!! Yeah that's the idea, to keep it kind of ambiguous at first and then make it more obvious by the end. I'm glad it's reading that way.
Date: January 25, 2008 07:49 pm Title: Opus 2
Once again, great writing. Stanley... very ambitious. I've seen very few take a crack at writing him and you did an excellent job!
Author's Response: lol poor Stanley. Yeah I just thought I wanted to take a stab at writing the lesser written characters, so here it is. Thanks again for reviewing, I love hearing thoughts!
Date: January 25, 2008 07:44 pm Title: Opus 1
Wonderful concept and beautifully written. I would love to read some from other characters.
(I'm assuming this is Angela? Great take on her character, btw)
Author's Response: Thanks I'm glad you like this idea!! I wasn't sure how it would end up going over, but it seems to be doing ok. Thank you so much for the review and for the compliments and I'm glad you liked my take on this one ;-)
Date: January 25, 2008 04:45 pm Title: Opus 1
Im going to say the first one is angela and the second one is stanley (although at first I thought it was kevin). This is really good I love puzzles and this is great writing
Author's Response: I love puzzles too!! And yeah I tried to make the beginning of this one pretty ambiguous, just for fun. Glad you like the writing and the premise and thanks so much for reviewing, i love it!
Date: January 25, 2008 04:26 pm Title: Opus 2
I was a little confused at the begging at to who this could be, but by the end i figured it out (I think). The New York Times book makes me think Stanley.
I really enjoyed this. It kind of give some insight into a character who we don't really get to see more of. I can't wait for the next one.
Author's Response: yeah see?? I'm tricky ;-) lol no seriously though the beginning was supposed to be kind of questionable. Glad you like the puzzle idea, and glad this one stumped you at first cause otherwise where's the fun?? Thanks for reviewing!!
Date: January 24, 2008 03:20 pm Title: Opus 1
I like it a lot. Please keep them coming. I can't wait to see how long it takes me to get the next one!
Author's Response: lol thanks!! I know, it's so mysterious ;-)
Date: January 24, 2008 11:39 am Title: Opus 1
You really are able to get way inside these characters; I'm reminded of your Michael piece ofrom a while back. I tend to not be very sympathetic to Angela, but this had me really feeling for her. As always, of course, your writing is exceptional.
Author's Response:
Thanks, brokenloon! I'm glad you're reading this one...that means I can send new chapters to you for beta work :-) :-)
Date: January 24, 2008 09:42 am Title: Opus 1
I guess Angela- who else would call herself "Righteousness"? And who else would be the first thought for a series called "Hymns"? This is beautiful, the idea that she has to face herself and even considers that an act of will instead of humility. Simply beautiful- can't wait for what's next!
Author's Response: lol yeah by righteousness it's totally obvious ;-) Thank you so much for the nice review! I'm not sure who will be next, but hopefully I'll have another chapter tonight or tomorrow.
9 [Report This]Date: January 24, 2008 05:39 am Title: Opus 1
You don't even have to ask, stablergirl; I'm easy : ) I agree regarding Karen and Angela. I was a little unsure at first. Great concept. More, I hope?
Author's Response: lol yep I've decided to do more. Glad you're liking the idea and the first little bit!!
Date: January 24, 2008 12:35 am Title: Opus 1
This is so great! Definitely continue -- you could take this some really brilliant places.
Author's Response: Thanks! I decided to keep going with it so hopefully there will be another chapter soon.
Date: January 23, 2008 10:07 pm Title: Opus 1
Too weird a concept to continue?
Oh my gosh, no! This is a great idea; it's such a fun way to explore the differences and similarities between the characters. At times Karen and Angela are semi-alike in their inner-strength for example. Keep it up!
Author's Response: Agreed! There is a definite Karen/Angela similarity. Thanks for the encouragement! I'm going to keep going I think.
10 [Report This]Date: January 23, 2008 09:57 pm Title: Opus 1
i think it's Angela
Author's Response: ;-)