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Hi all!
I had an interesting email with a question. It basically said that big parts of the stories go about people just sitting around and talking. Well, there is a logical explanation for this style of writing I employ.
I read some books in my time and also a lot of stories on SOL. Something that I found was that a lot of authors seem to think that the reader will “fill in the blanks.” I prefer to let the story tell itself in a logical chronological order. I keep certain facts hidden until it is time to reveal it. Thereby I create an: “Ah ha! I saw that coming,” moment for the reader. It is satisfying for the reader to be shown that he was right in his assessment all along, but it also offers me the opportunity to “twist the script” a bit and give the reader the insight into what he though was right and what karma dictated must be taken into account.
In most stories I found that the MC is the ultimate superhero that always do the right things. That is unrealistic. The MC can be wrong. The MC can be hurt. The bad guys must also be realistic. They must think to themselves and act on it.
That is what makes a story believable. Although it is fiction, it must be believable. It must be like it can really happen. I write my stories not only out of the viewpoint of the MC, but I step into the shoes of the bad guy and write about what I should have done if I was in the bad guy’s shoes.
The MC is not always right, but the MC is the MC and will get it right in the end. And sometimes the MC gets the girl in the end. Not always... Just take “Desert Rose.” The MC did not outright get the girl in the end, but he was close.
Here is Chapter 007 of “Playing Solitaire.” Enjoy!
All the best and God bless!
Bye 4 now!
Jody.
(2026-08-31, 06:57 SAST) (04:57 ZULU)
Hi all!
Okay, not to keep you waiting! Seeing a few readers wait until the story is finished before they start to read it, let me speed up a bit and bring you the next instalment.
Here is Chapter 006 of “Playing Solitaire.” Enjoy!
All the best and God bless!
Bye 4 now!
Jody.
(2026-08-27, 06:50 SAST) (04:50 ZULU)
Hi all!
Thanks for all your comments and emails. Yes, I read them all, but I must apologize for not answering straight away. Between the writing and real life, I am kept really busy.
What can you expect from this chapter? Well, it seems like Megan is starting to lose bricks out of her wall she has built around herself towards Tim it seems, the others are still kept at arm's length.
A new character is being introduced; “Misty”. But not someone you would expect. Misty is somewhat of an enigma and the “women” in Tim’s life. Seems like Megan is in for some competition... LOL!!!
In the meantime, I have been thrilled to see that “Playing Solitaire” is climbing the charts. Included in Top 50 Ongoing Serials, by Weekly Downloads at Nr 6, the Top 50 Ongoing Serials, by Rating, in the Last 30 Days at Nr 20, and the Top Serials by Popularity in the Last 30 Days at Nr 43.
For that I must sincerely thank you the readers. This makes it heartwarming and gives me the inspiration to keep going.
With a total of 1,408,304 downloads across all 16 stories on SOL. (1,745,736 words and counting. And my spelling and grammar has improved!)
At an average of 109K words per story it looks like there is still a few stories to go, and I am now so far behind, I will never die... LOLOLOLOL!!! (Sorry to my Editors – they should take their vitamins and keep up!)
Here is Chapter 005 of “Playing Solitaire.” Enjoy!
All the best and God bless!
Bye 4 now!
Jody.
(2026-08-24, 06:50 SAST) (04:50 ZULU)
Hi all!
So far, the week is running straight on track, and I can now bring you Chapter 4 of the story. All done and dusted with three pictures and the ALT TEXT inserts for those of you who use screen readers.
Oh, and a little background for those of you who aren't totally conversant with the name “Drakensberg.” There is mention of “Dragon Peaks.” The resort, Dragon Peaks, does really exist, and just as described, there is an airfield and the world-famous Drakensberg Boys Choir is situated right next to the resort.
Now, the Afrikaans word for “Dragon” is “Draak”—both refer to that legendary flying lizard breathing fire. "Drakensberg" is Afrikaans for “Dragon’s Mountain.” It is a majestic range of mountains that forms the escarpment and the international border between Lesotho and South Africa.
Lesotho is also known as the “Mountain Kingdom” or the “Lesotho Highlands.” Although the country has a parliament and a democratic political structure, it still has a King as the Head of State, King Letsie III. His father was King Moshoeshoe II, and his mother Queen 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. King Letsie III is known for his ceremonial duties and plays a significant role in promoting national unity and cultural values in Lesotho.
Lesotho is completely landlocked with no access to the ocean, fully surrounded by South Africa (much like Eswatini).
Well, that’s the geography lesson for today!
Here is Chapter 004 of “Playing Solitaire.” Enjoy!
All the best and God bless!
Bye 4 now!
Jody.
(2026-08-20, 06:52 SAST) (04:52 ZULU)
Hi all!
Work on the story has gone ahead this week. I am happy to say that is progressing really good and my editors are happy with how the plot is going.
To say that the response the first 2 chapters got was really heartwarming. I will try to see if I can post chapter 4 by Thursday, while going for chapter 5 on Monday. But no promises. It all depends on how life is directing me. LOL!!!
Here is chapter 003 of “Playing Solitaire.” Enjoy.
All the best and God bless!
Bye 4 now!
Jody.
(2026-08-17, 06:53 SAST) (04:53 ZULU)
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