Date: December 12, 2007 10:43 pm Title: Artistry
That was lovely. I'm so pleased that you made Jim honest about Pam's artwork--and that she understood and appreciated that. Because they were soulless. They were sad, the way she was just then (and for so long, really), and that's okay, because she couldn't have done any better then, but it's so great that Jim knew her potential well enough not to placate her with insincere flattery.
I loved that they showed how well they know each other, and admitted how much there still is to learn. Excellent chapter.
Author's Response: Wow, thank you so much again invis. I was nervous about this one too; I really wanted Jim to tell her the truth and not placate her or patronize her. And I hoped to convey, as well, that he knew that he could not make it about her right then: not "oh, you can do better than this" or "just keep taking classes" or some other inane statement people make. I wanted to convey that he knew she was just self-conscious enough to need the focus taken off her and put on something else: him. (If you can't paint yourself, paint me.) And it did the trick; she had her artistic epiphany. Hmmmmm. Now that I type that out, I realize that I could have put that in the story, and not left the reader guessing...duh. I'm such an amateur. At any rate, thank you SO MUCH for reading, reviewing, and for the kind words. I really appreciate it!
Date: December 12, 2007 03:09 pm Title: Artistry
How can you leave us hanging like this! Torture! Beautiful chapter. Can't wait to see what happens next!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Abigail! I hope you like the epilogue. It's kinda starkly painted (pardon the pun) but hopefully gives a fitting ending. Thanks a million for reviewing and encouraging me through this story!