DUEL with the DEVIL
Viewing comments for Chapter 17 "DUEL with the DEVIL - Chapter 17"The problem of creating a non-addictive painkiller
21 total reviews
Comment from jmdg1954
At least on paper the father appeared like a likable person while the "protective" mother who probably drove her daughter to use drugs seemed like a real "B".
I can't recall the last time I heard... a shave and a haircut, two bits!
Great chapter... trying to get caught up tonight.
And honestly, I never would have guessed this chapter was 2300 words. It read easily and smoothly!
John
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2024
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At least on paper the father appeared like a likable person while the "protective" mother who probably drove her daughter to use drugs seemed like a real "B".
I can't recall the last time I heard... a shave and a haircut, two bits!
Great chapter... trying to get caught up tonight.
And honestly, I never would have guessed this chapter was 2300 words. It read easily and smoothly!
John
Comment Written 23-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2024
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A lot of people told me they didn't even notice the length, which was gratifying to hear. I appreciate this great review, John, and the 6 stars too, my friend.
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Jim,
man, what an uncomfortable encounter with her mom huh? Sounds like a world class snob. Her dad doesn't seem too bad, but I don't know how anyone could live in such a cold environment. Well done Jim.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2024
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Hello Jim,
man, what an uncomfortable encounter with her mom huh? Sounds like a world class snob. Her dad doesn't seem too bad, but I don't know how anyone could live in such a cold environment. Well done Jim.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment Written 23-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2024
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Thanks, Tom. It's always uncomfortable to be holding your hand out ready to shake, and they don't take it. It always amuses me when a PhD requests to be called Dr. (like our illustrious first lady). I hope I gave some glimpse into why Julia is sometimes a nervous wreck. The next chapter should be a good contrast for her.
Comment from Pearl Edwards
I must say I hadn't noticed that this chapter was that long as it held my interest well. You showed us the meeting with Julia's parents well, from all involved.
Well written Jim,
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
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I must say I hadn't noticed that this chapter was that long as it held my interest well. You showed us the meeting with Julia's parents well, from all involved.
Well written Jim,
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 22-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
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Thanks, Valda. I really appreciate that.
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
This is lovely. Well done. I know you always write well. but I still have no real clue how you keep it all in your head. I am now in my apartment with wall-to -wall boxes. Navigating through the maze is bothersome. I will be at this for a while. At least, the actual move is finished. Now, I painstakingly have to go through every single box. I have donate even more stuff. While it gives me joy to help others out,
It still is like a knife through the heart at times. While some might say that the rocking chair that takes up so much space in the room needs to go, what I see is a chair I fed my babies in. It is crammed with memories. But, life goes on while you are making other plans. My writing and reviewing will be spotty untill I finish
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
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This is lovely. Well done. I know you always write well. but I still have no real clue how you keep it all in your head. I am now in my apartment with wall-to -wall boxes. Navigating through the maze is bothersome. I will be at this for a while. At least, the actual move is finished. Now, I painstakingly have to go through every single box. I have donate even more stuff. While it gives me joy to help others out,
It still is like a knife through the heart at times. While some might say that the rocking chair that takes up so much space in the room needs to go, what I see is a chair I fed my babies in. It is crammed with memories. But, life goes on while you are making other plans. My writing and reviewing will be spotty untill I finish
Comment Written 22-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
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Thanks very much, Karen. In truth, I don't keep too much in my head. I only have a general idea of where the story is going and no plot outline, although usually when I'm about halfway through a novel, I've figured it out and write down an informal outline. Each chapter, I start out with only a vague idea of what it will cover, but then it takes on a life of its own, and I let the characters guide me. Kind of like life.
Glad to hear the move is going well. There will be an end in sight one day.
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Sometimes I swear I don't remember writing a poem or story at all. I was reading something the othere day, and, I thought isn't it interesting, And I wrote it ! Ever happen to you? :-)
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No, I can't say I've ever experienced that. I think that might be because I read over my own stuff so many times before (and even after) posting it, always looking for minor tweaks, that I'm just extremely familiar with it.
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Okay then, I am officially nuts!
I thought goldielocks and the 3 bears was a good twist, But no one is reviewing it. What do I know? Karen
Comment from LJbutterfly
This chapter was so descriptive and interesting, the length of the story wasn't noticeable. Every word was necessary so we could see how Julia's parents reacted to Brian. The limited conversation, small meal, and unfriendly mother, established tension. Brian handled it well. It all seemed realistic.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
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This chapter was so descriptive and interesting, the length of the story wasn't noticeable. Every word was necessary so we could see how Julia's parents reacted to Brian. The limited conversation, small meal, and unfriendly mother, established tension. Brian handled it well. It all seemed realistic.
Comment Written 21-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
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Thank you very much, Lorraine, and I'm so glad it maintained your interest throughout. Thanks also for that 6th star. Much appreciated.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
I hardly noticed the length and could see no way you could cut it. He had an interesting time at Julia's house, noting her father had a sense of humor and her mother had none, or wasn't going to let him see it. Julia's mother is, very likely, part of her reason for using drugs to survive her expected accomplishments. This is a very enjoyable chapter which shows the humanity in all four of them.
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
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I hardly noticed the length and could see no way you could cut it. He had an interesting time at Julia's house, noting her father had a sense of humor and her mother had none, or wasn't going to let him see it. Julia's mother is, very likely, part of her reason for using drugs to survive her expected accomplishments. This is a very enjoyable chapter which shows the humanity in all four of them.
Comment Written 20-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
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Thanks very much, Carol. I appreciate your perceptive and kind words and those 6 stars too. Mothers like this one put a lot of unnecessary pressure on a kid that does a lot more harm than good. Some people never learn, though.
Comment from Teri7
Jim, This is a really good chapter you have penned. You used great descriptive words and great dialogue. I didn't realize you were this far along in your chapters. I will have to go back and read some! Blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
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Jim, This is a really good chapter you have penned. You used great descriptive words and great dialogue. I didn't realize you were this far along in your chapters. I will have to go back and read some! Blessings, Teri
Comment Written 20-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
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Thank you, Teri. I post a new chapter about every 3 days.
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
It didn't seem too long at all, Jim. An interesting meeting with the parents: mother being quite a stuck-up bitch; father very much more relaxed and affable. Clearly, we can see how Jules has developed her insecurities from this domineering presence of a mother who's hardly likely to give Brian an easy ride from now on. The dialogue is excellent and the attention to detail with the supper further adds to this rather straight-laced and restrictive environment for Jules. In conclusion, a great read in which Brian demonstrates his growing maturity and self-confidence. Thanks for sharing, Jim. Take care Debbie
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
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It didn't seem too long at all, Jim. An interesting meeting with the parents: mother being quite a stuck-up bitch; father very much more relaxed and affable. Clearly, we can see how Jules has developed her insecurities from this domineering presence of a mother who's hardly likely to give Brian an easy ride from now on. The dialogue is excellent and the attention to detail with the supper further adds to this rather straight-laced and restrictive environment for Jules. In conclusion, a great read in which Brian demonstrates his growing maturity and self-confidence. Thanks for sharing, Jim. Take care Debbie
Comment Written 20-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
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Glad it didn't drag, Debbie. I guess I shouldn't have worried about the length so much.
Parents can have that negative effect when they push too hard. Julia seems like the type of kid who is strongly self-motivated and doesn't need all that pressure to excel. It's counterproductive.
Comment from royowen
So Brian meets the parents, Mr Entwistle and Dr Schmidt hem, the mother reminds of my perspective mother in lawl nobody but nobody was good enough for her, after Elaine and I were married and gave them two delightful granddaughters, she warmed a little, beautifully written my friend, Brian's doing the right thing, beautifully written, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
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So Brian meets the parents, Mr Entwistle and Dr Schmidt hem, the mother reminds of my perspective mother in lawl nobody but nobody was good enough for her, after Elaine and I were married and gave them two delightful granddaughters, she warmed a little, beautifully written my friend, Brian's doing the right thing, beautifully written, blessings Roy
Comment Written 20-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
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Glad your mother-in-law finally mellowed to you, Roy. That type of parental pressure is more counterproductive than beneficial to the kid. I appreciate your kind words as always, my friend.
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Most welcome
Comment from lancellot
This is a nice chapter with nice kids. There are some questions.
notes:
because it meant I couldn't see her if they didn't like me.
-Why would it mean that? They both did many things in secret and illegal, so... They did a 180 that fast?
Drive safely on the way home.
-How is he driving? What is he driving? Shouldn't he have gotten arrested for DWI or DUI, after the accident, wrecking the car?
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2024
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This is a nice chapter with nice kids. There are some questions.
notes:
because it meant I couldn't see her if they didn't like me.
-Why would it mean that? They both did many things in secret and illegal, so... They did a 180 that fast?
Drive safely on the way home.
-How is he driving? What is he driving? Shouldn't he have gotten arrested for DWI or DUI, after the accident, wrecking the car?
Comment Written 20-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2024
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What I really should have said was "they wouldn't allow me to see her anymore if they didn't like me." That doesn't mean they wouldn't try anyway, but better to have their support.
In regards to the DWI, in North Carolina, you can't be charged with a DWI if you're on your own or another person's private property. He was on the kid's driveway at the time of the accident.