DUEL with the DEVIL
Viewing comments for Chapter 20 "DUEL with the DEVIL - Chapter 20"The problem of creating a non-addictive painkiller
18 total reviews
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Jim,
sometimes love can just leave us desperate. It sounds like that's the case with Brian and Julia. Obviously he loves her, or appears to in any event. I hope he doesn't do anything stupid and mess up his relationship with his sister, or get Julia pregnant. They both seem to be a bit naive. Well done.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2024
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Hello Jim,
sometimes love can just leave us desperate. It sounds like that's the case with Brian and Julia. Obviously he loves her, or appears to in any event. I hope he doesn't do anything stupid and mess up his relationship with his sister, or get Julia pregnant. They both seem to be a bit naive. Well done.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment Written 02-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2024
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Yes, but true love means you can work through that desperation and support each other. Not to worry; we've got some good times coming for a while before some more challenges arise.
Comment from tfawcus
Another great chapter, Jim. It reminded me of my son, who went snowboarding in France a few months before his graduation performance at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne - and broke his arm.
I'm enjoying the way you are building the relationship between Brian and Julia. I feel fully invested in both characters.
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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Another great chapter, Jim. It reminded me of my son, who went snowboarding in France a few months before his graduation performance at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne - and broke his arm.
I'm enjoying the way you are building the relationship between Brian and Julia. I feel fully invested in both characters.
Comment Written 01-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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So he had to perform with a broken arm? Oh no. How did it go?
Thanks very much, Tony. This didn't start out to be a love story, but it's sort of going that way, at least for now. I'll be getting into some science eventually, which I hope will be interesting in its own way.
I appreciate those 6 stars!
Comment from Pearl Edwards
This was a great chapter, Jim, so sweet of Brian to go to Julia because he was worried about her stress levels. It shows how much they think of each other.
Well written Jim,
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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This was a great chapter, Jim, so sweet of Brian to go to Julia because he was worried about her stress levels. It shows how much they think of each other.
Well written Jim,
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 01-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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Thank you so much, Valda. Brian is definitely growing as an individual, being sensitive to someone else's needs rather than just his own. People with chronic pain tend to focus on themselves a great deal, but he's very thoughtful about Julia's needs. This is the basis of a lasting love.
Thanks very much for those 6 stars.
Comment from lancellot
Well, this is a nice chapter, and they continue to appear like sweet, good young adults/ teens. They show love, caring, respect, and good judgement.
Now, having said all that, you don't want to bore the readers with Happy Days reruns, or unbelievable teenagers.
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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Well, this is a nice chapter, and they continue to appear like sweet, good young adults/ teens. They show love, caring, respect, and good judgement.
Now, having said all that, you don't want to bore the readers with Happy Days reruns, or unbelievable teenagers.
Comment Written 01-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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No, you don't. Read the next chapter. This will be something different for me.
Comment from LJbutterfly
I enjoy reading how this young love develops and hope it will last. I married my young love over 50 years ago, so it's possible. You have created lots of tension and stress for Julia. I can't imagine a musician having to deal with yapping dogs.
I'm uneasy. You are writing this story with lots of open ends, leaving the reader to feel like something is going to happen. This technique also encourages the reader to continue reading. So I'm off to the next chapter.
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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I enjoy reading how this young love develops and hope it will last. I married my young love over 50 years ago, so it's possible. You have created lots of tension and stress for Julia. I can't imagine a musician having to deal with yapping dogs.
I'm uneasy. You are writing this story with lots of open ends, leaving the reader to feel like something is going to happen. This technique also encourages the reader to continue reading. So I'm off to the next chapter.
Comment Written 31-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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I love hearing that, Lorraine. I too married my young love exactly 50 years ago, and we're still together too.
I'm so glad the story isn't too predictable and that it keeps you guessing about what comes next.
Comment from jmdg1954
I'm so behind on reading that I almost missed this chapter...
Now, White Castle? Really I haven't had one since I worked at Spencer Gifts Corporate outside of Atlantic City probably ... 34 years ago. But they were a staple while in college after a night at the Rathskeller and drinking pitchers of beer.
Brian did a move I would have done in the same situation, as I'm sure you would have too, to, two...
Excellent post.
John
reply by the author on 31-Jul-2024
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I'm so behind on reading that I almost missed this chapter...
Now, White Castle? Really I haven't had one since I worked at Spencer Gifts Corporate outside of Atlantic City probably ... 34 years ago. But they were a staple while in college after a night at the Rathskeller and drinking pitchers of beer.
Brian did a move I would have done in the same situation, as I'm sure you would have too, to, two...
Excellent post.
John
Comment Written 31-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 31-Jul-2024
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Oh, they are the best. I buy them occasionally in the supermarket now. They're the real deal.
Just don't miss the next chapter. You may really enjoy that one.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
"Don't do anything stupid" . . . Fran may never leave on vacation again as long as Brian is in the house with her.
Man, I hope Helen hasn't placed a call to Mommy Dearest!
Geez, I'm remembering that first posting of this story and wondering how we're going to get there. Yet, life has a way of twisting and turning . . .
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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"Don't do anything stupid" . . . Fran may never leave on vacation again as long as Brian is in the house with her.
Man, I hope Helen hasn't placed a call to Mommy Dearest!
Geez, I'm remembering that first posting of this story and wondering how we're going to get there. Yet, life has a way of twisting and turning . . .
xo
Pam
Comment Written 30-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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Yep, hardly ever a straight path. I look at my own life and how as a young teen I had wanted to be a golf course architect, turned instead into a golf course superintendent, then, discontented with that, I found my true job calling as a programmer and eventual system designer. Never would have foreseen that path through my professional life. And then going from a very structured-thinking profession to becoming a retired "pantser" writer of fiction and poetry was another surprise. I guess that's what makes life so interesting.
All this to say that the scene in the Prologue won't be the end of the story for Brian.
Comment from royowen
I have had those sort of relationships in the past, but unlike this one with Brian and Julia, mine didn't last, but I do remember that you think .you can't wait until the next time you see them, nothing is important as maintaining relationships, not even job satisfaction, beautifully written Jim, great post, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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I have had those sort of relationships in the past, but unlike this one with Brian and Julia, mine didn't last, but I do remember that you think .you can't wait until the next time you see them, nothing is important as maintaining relationships, not even job satisfaction, beautifully written Jim, great post, blessings Roy
Comment Written 29-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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Thanks so much, Roy. My wife and I met at college and during the summers we visited each other every weekend. We lived about an hour and a half apart, but we never missed a weekend. I think we felt very much the way you described it.
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That was good Jim
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
This is a true love story in which both are so good for each there. But you've cleverly introduced that element of tension and anticipation and my mind is racing as I consider what might happen next. I actually wondered if she might be involved in a car accident but that would be too similar to the fate of his parents. Anyway, so far, so good. You're keeping your cards hidden in this excellent and absorbing story about the frailty of human nature. No errors noted. Well done, Jim! Debbie
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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This is a true love story in which both are so good for each there. But you've cleverly introduced that element of tension and anticipation and my mind is racing as I consider what might happen next. I actually wondered if she might be involved in a car accident but that would be too similar to the fate of his parents. Anyway, so far, so good. You're keeping your cards hidden in this excellent and absorbing story about the frailty of human nature. No errors noted. Well done, Jim! Debbie
Comment Written 29-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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Thank you so much, Debbie. I guess I've got you where authors want their readers to be--anticipating what comes next and eager to find out. The next chapter will put another factor into the mix.
Comment from Wendy G
Brian has matured into a very thoughtful and caring young man, and it is great to seeing their commitment to each other and to staying clean. That was quite something to drive through the night, and to manage the traffic in a huge and unfamiliar city. A very well written chapter!
Wendy
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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Brian has matured into a very thoughtful and caring young man, and it is great to seeing their commitment to each other and to staying clean. That was quite something to drive through the night, and to manage the traffic in a huge and unfamiliar city. A very well written chapter!
Wendy
Comment Written 28-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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Thank you, Wendy. Everyone needs a support system, and her parents seem to provide a very questionable one, so she's lucky she has Brian now. He just really loves her.