Omachuck: Blog

Some of you may have noticed my repeated efforts to see that the character list at the end of Chapter 23 displays correctly. Corrections are now in place. If you have downloaded previously, you might want to do so again.

I'm not sure if the problem was my file or what, but it looks to be done.

Again folks, please help the authors by letting them know if you spot something that doesn't look right.

I can't believe a month has passed since I told you the draft of Girls was complete and sent to the Swarm authors for comment. Boy did I get some! And the story is better. I sent the final (I really hope so) version for proofreading - a really necessary step. Unless there are a lot of typos to correct you will see it soon.


As soon as this note uploads for posting, I'll send out the proof copy to those I promised when I asked for help on The Times They Are A Changing.


At the suggestion of a reader, I added a character list at the end of Chapter 23 of Times. You should find it useful as you start Girls, but it will not be updated and added to Girls until the story finishes posting. Too many spoilers...

The first complete draft of the sequel to The Times They Are A Changing -- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun -- was sent to the Swarm authors for review, comment, and suggestions. This is the start of the process that makes sure we don't tread all over each other - particularly important this time as I've been loaned characters by starfiend and Medik and piggyback on an idea from an upcoming story by Anne N. Mouse.

I promised some of you advanced copies in return for help with earlier stories. I'll send those proof copies once I hear back from interested Swarm authors.

Yesterday, before sending out the draft, I read it start to finish for the first time. I was happy with where it went, and I think you will find it consistent with Times.

Thank you for your continued interest.

I went in and kicked the upload queue, and the final two chapters should appear sometime soon.

You'll get a glimpse of some tactics used to interdict the Swarm now on the ground. Then you'll take a look at the teams first missions back on the ground.

This has been a fun run, and I appreciate your taking the time to vote, and especially to give me direct feedback.

I've noticed that some of you know that you can change your votes, as I see votes disappear from one rating. I can't tell what the change was to, so the comments are especially valuable. (Am I hinting enough? Please tell me!)

I've mentioned the sequel Girls Just Wanna Have Fun which is coming along nicely. I would have said it is nearing completion, but the combination of your thoughts and the fermentation process while it lay resting, is causing new vignettes to bubble up for inclusion.

Again, most important - Thank you for reading!

One of the many good things about joining the Swarm authors' discussion group is that we read, edit, proof, and comment on stories in progress. As such, seeing a gem develop, and actually having a small part in it, is a gift.


I loved Zipper D. Dude's Lisa from the start, and watching it improve with each iteration was enlightening. Yes, the story is very dark, but so is much of Anne Frank's diary. I would not put Lisa on the same level of writing, but it is an amazing look into the head of a suffering young teen. http://storiesonline.net/s/13672/lisa


Zipper has taken on tough, dark views before - notably in The Concert - and the story ratings are lower than I personally think they deserve. http://storiesonline.net/s/10240:i


I often tell my friends that I'm long past wanting books and movies for adrenaline or social issues, I want to be entertained. Period. You may not like Lisa, but this is one you should read anyway.


If you do, you should really give Zipper the courtesy of a comment on why you like or dislike it. A lot of thought, effort, and talent went into this one, and he deserves the feedback. And if you drop me a line about what you think, that would be good too.


I should note, that the first upload of the story was mangled towards the end. The second upload was fine, so if you read it shortly after the initial submission yesterday morning, you probably should take another run at it.