Comment from Neonewman

Excellent

Well, it seems some of the old Marie fell out, LMAO. I loved it. Look, Jim, don't think badly of me, but I think I like the hell out of Marie. She's almost becoming my favorite character. Sorry! But I stand by what I say, lol.
They are moving along quickly with their project, having it ready by the New Year.
I have to tell you, I'm addicted to this story.
Off to the next Chapter.
God bless,
Steve

 Comment Written 22-Jan-2025

Comment from Karen Cherry

Excellent

I haven't been on here as much lately. the cold wetaher bites me in the the heinie and everywhere else. I caught up with your story. Layere after layer. good work. karen

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2025

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2025

Thanks very much, Karen. This is definitely the most complex story I've written with three major plot lines going. It will come together by the end.

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

I understand how Marie felt about the airline not transferring her luggage.

That happened to my husband this past summer. However, there was no offer to bring his luggage to our home.

I'm enjoying the new Marie. I was surprised when she bought Johnny a banjo. What a great gift. She was even sorry she misjudged Brian.

I'm waiting to see what effect Dana's contribution has.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2025

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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2025

I've based this chapter on several of the things that happened to my wife and me on our Thanksgiving trip to Cleveland to visit our daughter. It was the first time we'd flown in several years, and we've vowed to drive the trip in two days from now on.

Marie has her ups and downs as we will see soon. She was a fun character for me to write about.

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

I can understand Marie's angst with losing her luggage that has happened to me though I didn t go off. Another good read Jim, now lets see how Christmas goes for them and their guests.
Cheers
Valda

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2025

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2025

Thanks, valda. My father was similar to Marie, in that he would often go off on the wrong people. I can remember being embarrassed by him several times for that.

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

Marie seemed to have turned over a new leaf when she tipped the doorman so much, but then her plane was delayed. Johnny may remember her temper tantrums when he gets older. The team working in the basement seem convinced things are going good. So hope they are right.

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2025

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2025

Marie is starting to change, but she blows hot and cold at this point. We'll see more evidence of this in the next few chapters.

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Exceptional

I didn't think things would move that quickly but the team are close to producing the chemical for spraying. That said, it hasn't been properly tested yet. Marie has joined the household and she's always a delight, especially with her stroppiness and sarcasm (loved the humour in the beginning). A nice contrast here between Marie's more down-to-earth contribution to the story and Fran's information gathering in the lab. Excellent momentum, Jim, with your plot continuing to create intrigue and excitement as the work progresses. The reference to the drug addict at the end adds further evidence of their need to move quickly to counter the growing demand and popularity of Brian's creation. Well done, Jim! Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2025

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2025

Thanks so much, Debbie. I always love your perceptive reviews. In reality, it would likely take months rather than weeks to develop something like what the team is creating (if it could even be done!)

Marie has become my favorite character in this story for the contrast she brings to the other characters. It was so much fun developing her character and her contribution to the story (which I take a while to reveal). She's an example of how you let the characters take their own course and guide the story when you write as a pantser because I had no real thoughts about how to use her in the story when I started writing it. I just knew I wanted her to be one of the three POVs.

I just finished writing the book yesterday, and it ended up being pretty long (82,000 words or about 380 pages). Not quite as long as Saving Mr. Calvin at 93,000 words, but longer than all the others. Right now we are coming up on the halfway point when we finish chapter 25. I hope I can maintain folks' interest in such a long tale. There will be further character development, especially of Marie, but a lot more action/adventure and some tense scenes in the second half as the two major plot lines are resolved.

Thanks so much for those 6 stars, Debbie. Always much appreciated.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Things are progressing nicely in the production area of the drug, but the really pleasing thing is in the change of heart by Marie, behaving like a thoughtful and kindly way is merely a decision anyway, and who wants to remain unpopular with loved ones, love is a verb not a noun, well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Jan-2025

We will be going back and forth a little bit with Marie. Two steps forward, one step back. Hard to change overnight, but perhaps she'll get there one day.

reply by royowen on 13-Jan-2025

Yep

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I can't wait to see if they're successful. I am also wondering what Dana is up to. I'm afraid she may mess it up for them.

Brian's sister Fran is the special agent in charge of the mission. (sister,)

Brian answered for the group. "I think we'll be ready for production (group,)

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Jan-2025

There is certainly that risk with Dana's scheme. We'll see how it all works out. Thanks for your good edits, Barbara.

Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary

Excellent

Jim,

Another fine chapter to the book. I see Marie is still as bitter as ever. sounds like the team is almost ready to go on their project. This should prove interesting when the dump those chemicals on the plants. Hopefully it will work.

Cecilia

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Jan-2025

Thanks, Cecilia. Marie is still a work in progress, and she has a long way to go.

Pretty soon we'll get to see this plan in action. Fingers crossed.

reply by Cecilia A Heiskary on 12-Jan-2025

You're welcome. Keep writing.

Comment from Ric Myworld

Exceptional

It's funny how a sweet little grandbaby chance change an evil beast with a few misspoken words and slobber on her shoulder. Early in the story, I was thinking she'd be a good one to dump on the island. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2025

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reply by the author on 12-Jan-2025

Thanks so much, Ric, and for those 6 stars too. Very much appreciated. You may still find you'd like to dump her on that island.

reply by Ric Myworld on 12-Jan-2025

Yes, sir, as the old saying goes, "Leopards don't change their spots," at least often. :-)