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Last week, I received an unexpected email from one of my favorite SOL authors offering thoughtful feedback and commentary on the story. Long story short — I’ve become the lucky recipient of some informal mentoring and guidance. Amazing and completely unexpected! On top of that, another reader has generously offered to help with editing, so I plan to take them up on the offer. This may introduce slight publishing delays as I build extra time into the schedule, but balance between work, writing, and life is essential.
The latest chapter should be posted shortly. It includes a couple of sex scenes, and I’m very curious to hear how readers respond. I don’t intend for this to become a stroke story, but a touch of intimacy feels right to honor the spirit of the original work. Let me know what you think in the comments or via private message.
Next week’s chapter will lean more into the computer science side of Michael’s life. I promise not to go full propeller-head, but a little “nerd speak” is inevitable.
For those asking when hockey returns — the timeline is synchronized with the University of Michigan’s actual 2010–2011 season. Preseason begins in September, and the current story is set in mid-May, so hang in there a bit longer!
Thanks again for all the comments, encouragement, and suggestions. They really keep me going.
— CCTW
I’m so grateful for all the comments and messages lately — it’s been incredible hearing that so many of you are enjoying the new direction. Now that I’m no longer bound by strict canon, there’s a freedom in letting the story breathe, in exploring corners we never dared step into before.
But even freedom has its shadows. As we move forward, Michael remains the same at his core — honorable, loyal, a man who still believes in light even when surrounded by storm. Others, though, are beginning to change. Choices made in comfort will start to carry weight, and one familiar face will find herself walking a darker path than she ever intended.
The next chapters test not whether Michael can fight, but whether he can stay true when every ally, every truth, begins to blur.
Keep the comments coming — they remind me that light is worth writing toward, even when the road ahead grows uncertain.
“Fools rush in where wise men fear to tread.” Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Criticism (1711)
I have created a Discord Channel for those so inclined to discuss the new Defenceman: Parallel Ice saga. Like all of you, I have a life that includes work, family, play and writing so temper your expectations accordingly.
Defenceman: Parallel Ice Discord Channel
--CCTW
I decided to change the story name to clarify that this story is my vision and will differ in focus from Cold Creek's previous Works. Here is the updated title and story description.
Defenceman: Parallel Ice (A Non-Canonical Saga) builds on Cold Creek’s Defenceman series while offering a new interpretation. Michael Stewart’s journey extends beyond the rink into intrigue, modeling, and the launch of his AI: Aegis. From Ann Arbor to London, Japan, and Spain, the story explores honor, love, betrayal, and resilience. Rivals and allies test his limits in the arena, courts and shadows—where triumph demands sacrifice and heart both on and off the ice.
Thanks to all of you for the feedback—it’s really helped. I’ve gone back and updated Chapters 4 and 5. A lot of grammar, tense, and other mistakes are hopefully fixed (though I’m not claiming it’s perfect). Also I changed how Michael and the different women are portrayed. The updated chapter has been submitted and should be posted shortly
Some of you might still not like where I’ve taken things, and that’s fair—you’ll have to decide if the story’s worth following in this new direction.
Appreciate you sticking with me, and I’d love to hear what you think of the updates.
—CCTW
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