by
Dreams2Fly
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to my primary beta reader, Joran, who spent far too many work hours arguing with me over the best way to present a person and a story in order to generate sympathy and intrigue, not to mention the intricacies of the lost art of American English grammar. Without her, this wouldn’t be half the story it is. Thanks also to bags1881, whose opinions on the beta helped verify that what I intended was actually imparted to the reader who has no previous insight.
Disclaimers
Adult Themes (LGBTAQQYG etc, etc): This one’s important. This story contains representations of just about every sort of sexuality and self-identification I know of. The opinions of the characters towards these folks are theirs alone and don’t necessarily represent the opinion of the author. There are depictions of loving relationships outside of the heterosexual standard. If it is illegal where you live for you to read such or if you are offended by such, please go elsewhere for your entertainment.
Nudity: Well, you know how it is. Sometimes you just gotta get naked. But, in this case the nudity warning is here as a second caveat beyond the ones in Adult Themes. In presenting certain variations in the bodies of people occupying the gender spectrum, it becomes necessary to be graphically explicit.
Violence: Yeah there’s violence, but only when absolutely necessary. I mean, there’s a mean person causing trouble and there are kids involved.
Language: Yep, I use a lot of that. Mostly English, but I have to caution you that it’s American English, often bad English, and occasionally Pittsburgh English. I think you should be okay in figuring most of it out from context. Oh, yeah, there may be some swearing, too. I honestly don’t know a single person who absolutely never swears, ever. I just don’t. Therefore, I can’t possibly portray a character that doesn’t, either. But, I’ll try to keep from going overboard – unless a particular character simply insists that I’m not properly representing them.
General: This is an original work of fiction. These characters are all mine and, while they may superficially resemble living persons, no attempt is made to directly represent them and no infringements are intended. All television and movie references in this story are made solely in the name of ambience and as a nod of appreciation to all who have contributed to the history of the moving picture. Again, no infringement is intended.
Feedback
No writer can write in a vacuum. We beginners are especially in need of feedback, advice, encouragement, cookies, etc. I will do my best to respond to any messages sent to Dreams2Fly - even criticisms (though don't be surprised if it takes a while on those. I'd rather not respond when I'm upset.) This is my first attempt at a full length story and second posting overall, so bear with me. I believe I am far enough ahead that I should be able to post one part every week or so.
Go directly to a part:
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight
Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen
[an error occurred while processing this directive] Seventeen [an error occurred while processing this directive] Eighteen [an error occurred while processing this directive] Nineteen [an error occurred while processing this directive] Twenty [an error occurred while processing this directive] Twenty-One [an error occurred while processing this directive] Twenty-Two
Chapters
For those who want to read entire chapters instead of little sections, I've decided to post the chapters as they're published. Of course, these take much longer to appear, but at least you can read the whole section instead of just a little part. In case you were wondering, parts average about two typed pages at 12pt Arial on 8.5"x11" paper with 1" margins, which is about 1000 words give or take. Chapters are between 2 and 5 parts depending on what it takes to get the section assembled (usually around 4000 words).
Without further babbling, the chapters:
Chapter 1 (parts 1 - 4) Chapter 2 (parts 5 - 7)
Chapter 3 (parts 8 - 11) Chapter 4 (parts 12 - 13)
Chapter 5 (parts 14 - 16) Chapter 6 (parts 17 - 21)
Special!
I've been working on a 3D redition of Lee's house as an aide to my writing. As a special treat, I'm including images from his house as they are completed. To start off, here are shots from the inside of Lee's kitchen.
©August 2006
Dreams2Fly