How to hang a cliff
I’ve been writing a lot lately. Once again, it’s a bit of an escape from real life. So, an update.
After my brother went downrange, I sent him a note about something “business” related: I asked if he had one of the keys to a set of locks on a storage room. We use the locks on our storage room as well as his (he stored a lot of his household goods here in town when he moved to Germany). The set of locks have a set of matching keys, which makes my life simple if I need to get into one of the rooms.
Anyway, I couldn’t account for one of the three keys, and I thought I might’ve given it to him when he moved his things into the room. So I sent him a polite note, all business. Now, I was genuinely interested in the key, but part of the reason for the note was to test the waters, of course.
So I waited for his reply, which eventually came. He was polite and straightforward, and even a little chatty. First milestone passed: re-establish communication. I thanked him for his reply, told him I thought it was a long shot that he had the key, and then said to keep his head down.
I haven’t sent him anything else, because I don’t want to seem like I’m forcing mundane conversation as a way to avoid the real issue (that he married a woman I fucking hate). Still, it’s a step in the right direction.
In the meantime, my opinion of my CiL has fallen further, which I didn’t think was possible. My mother has to deal with her, because TFC is responsible for directing the military movers who’ll pack my mother’s things for their return to the States. Also, TFC is now caring for my mother’s grandchildren, and Gram wants to talk to them. Like I said, my mom has to deal with her.
Why has my opinion fallen, you ask? Because my mother forwards copies of TFC’s e-mail (Mom also blind-copies me on anything she sends to my brother or TFC). Through TFC’s own words, I’ve seen that she’s a petty, vindictive bitch, who’s using the children as a weapon. It gets worse, but it just pisses me off to think about it, so I won’t elaborate.
I am sooooooooo fucking tempted to fire a full broadside at TFC, but I know that won’t help. Someone has to act like an adult, after all. It’s not going to be TFC, so I refuse to sink to her level. (Never argue with an idiot—they’ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.)
I know I’m biased, but nothing in my mom’s e-mails warrant TFC’s responses. So far, my mother is taking the high road, but it’s hard for her to bite her tongue. I haven’t responded to any of my CiL’s bullshit, which has been a fucking torment. I tell myself it’s a learning experience, but I want to give TFC a dose of her own medicine… with both barrels.
For now, I’m biding my time. My brother will scrape her off eventually. Until then, I can keep my temper in check.
I hope.
So, with the family drama as our backdrop, let me tell you about Summer Camp.
I’ve been write a lot lately. Just in the mood, I guess. I had a couple of weeks where I didn’t “see” the next part of the story, but I got past that. I have most of Chapter 10 written, and I’m pretty happy with it. It’s a macro chapter, but with healthy doses of micro to keep things interesting.
Even better, I know how I’m going to end the chapter. Yes, dear readers, I’m going to hang a cliff. That’s right, you’ll wail and moan and gnash your teeth when you read the closing lines of Chapter 10. It should be akin to a “Paul, wait” moment. Yes, I’m that evil. You’ve been warned.
As far as the rest of the book, the middle part is coming together in my head. (The end has been in my head for a long, long time.) I’m starting to flesh out scenes, and work things into the right order. I still have to write a detailed timeline, to make sure I get the timing right on a lot of different plot threads, but I’m working on it.
On other fronts, I sent Chapter 7 to the reality team last week. Once I finish Ch10, I’ll send Ch7 out for editing and start the ball rolling to publish it. I still don’t have as much of a buffer as I’d like, but I don’t want to release chapters too slowly. It’s a delicate balance.
Anyway, that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
- Nick
Comments
48 Responses to “How to hang a cliff”
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Hey Nick, I so understand the CiL/TFC problem. I’ve been waiting for my brother to wizen up since ‘98. I’m beginning to think god put her here to torment the family. Anyway, keep up the excellent work.
Nice to know that things are getting better for you, Nick. My theory is that most things usually work out in the long run; they just need time.
Can’t wait for the next chapter!
I just hope you finish the book before your brother and TFC move back to the States. Because then she might actually get down-range of some rifle you happened to be holding! On the other hand, you’d have a lot more time to write stories from prison!
Your trouble with the CiL sends shivers up my spine. I hope things work out better than they did for my friends brother (who had a bat shit crazy wife nearly ruin his relationship with his family).
And yeah cliffhanger = evil bastard, but I can understand why you would.
Hi there, you seem to back to the RL again, much better than the last Article, don`t let her get you down.
And Cliff hanger, we already KNOW since Book two who the wife is going to be,
but of course I would’t want to spoil waiting till 2009 for the other readers yet.
But on the other hand, if you wait to long we might just…
Cheers
and think of the Temporary Insanity in your Archive, no post in the Lake is small enough not to get hit.
Thanks for the update, both on your life and on the progress of the book. I have a ‘difficult’ sister, but she’s nowhere near your CiL. I’m thankful that she’s just ‘difficult.’
I don’t mind cliffhangers. I think they’re kinda fun.
Downrange? Is he Army?
Who the bloody hell is Cliff Hanger ? Have we not met him yet ?
I dunno who Cliff Hanger is, but I know his brother, Paper…
(Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
My condolences on your RL problems Nick. When my bro got married I thought I was in for a CiL situation myself. But as time has passed (4 year anniversary 11 days ago), she has adapted to my brother’s wants and needs instead of just making him change to hers.
Again, I hope your brother comes around or the CiL does.
Hi.
‘Been reading your stories from the begining , and of course, I like them a lot.
As for your life, something in your posts made me think.
I am in oposite situation from you (at least it seems to me).
My wife tried to separate me form my sister and my family.
Not directly, but I had that feeling.
So I made a terrible noise, broke some furniture and said that eihter she will respect my family and look after them like theu’re hers or she can move out the same minute.
After 10 minutes she said she’s sorry, but I didn’t speak to her for two days.
That was 3 years ago, and everythig is ok now.
Sometimes, you have t ostand up for something you care.
I’m sorry that your brother didn’t have balls to be a man and that bitch that family has to be respected.
(and of course, vice versa, he mut show his respect to hers family, of course)
Hope everything will be allright.
arghhhhhhhh
I hate typos.
sorry for them
Nic
Tried to add my two cents worth earlier but don’t know if it made it through — another by the same name had posted previously and I hadn’t noticed. Wading in the issue of your CiL you may not want to hear this but your reaction is what she wanted. Your hate gives her control and will be able to “push your hot button” whenever she wishes. I have had to deal with this type of behavior for a number of years not personally but theraputically. Your negative reaction to her is what she wants. If you want to get back in control there are a number of things you can do.
Keep doing what you are doing, sounds like it is working. Take your time and you will get what you want. Enjoy the story.
Nick,
The best thing to remember is what’s the most important thing, keeping in touch with your brother. No matter what, that is the goal. Love is blind, but hopefully he will smell that the roses are covered with shit..
I hate my Monster-in-Law, and can’t stand her constant comments about how i take care of my wife and family. But I have learned to turn a very deaf ear towards her, and still be able to appease my wife, which for me is the ultimate goal to a happy home life.
good luck on the family dynamics.
Sorry to hear about the CiL problems - hopefully a just God will make her step in front of a bus…
On the other front, something you said wasn’t clear to me - you say you sent ch.7 to the reality team, and then you will send it for editing. Could you explain the difference?
Hi Nick,
There is a natural tension and jealousy between the new wife the hisband’s old friends and his family. The wife has a relatively short history with the husband compared to his parents and siblings. She naturally feels one down on this issue. Your brother’s ability to shape the new wife’s behavior to meet your expectations may not be great and he may see far more benefits taking sides with her than honoring your feelings.
I just went through a much, much milder version with my oldest son’s new wife. It has taken more than a year to get her to stop viewing us as a threat and relax around us. Just remember that even the slightest irritations that your brother may express to his wife re you and your parents will be grist for wild fantasies in which she feels it necessary to protect her husband. My wife and I tried to council my son prior to his marriage, but his relationship was much too deep. Our comments to him came back to her. The comments did nothing but make her defensive.
Lots of times one can’t help but spook the new member of the family because the values, experiences, attitudes may offend or provoke feelings of insecurity. My wife and I go to orchestral concerts, art shows, collect antiques, go to museums. My daughter-in-law is for her background a shining star, but she has no exposure to our way of life. My son likes a mid western life style and not the same cosmopolitan way we live. Without haveing said or done anything she feels one down compared to us. My son is in the middle.
I made it clear to my wife that we say nothing and do nothing further that would imply criticism of her. We go out of our way to send thoughtful notes and bring her gifts. This policy is beginning to bear fruit. I also have to remind myself constantly that my son is very happy with her and they work very well as a team. So I have made it a point to remind myself that the only thing that will come from any negatives in the relationship with her is to make my son unhappy and cause him to distance himself from us.
So after a full year of walking on egg shells and going out of our way to cultivate her good-will I can say we are making some progress.
I suggest that you seek an impartial trained counsellor to work out the issues in your mind and perhaps review the transactions going on between all of you. Your feeling that your brother will shed her may be wishful thinking on your part and you may be headed to solidifying a schism with your brother that you may not want.
I know this advice is a bitter pill and runs against your insticts. I understand the intensity of the viceral feelings provoked by these events. That is why you may need an impartial trained councellor’s help.
As for Summer Camp B4, the noise in the background is me cheering about the forth coming chapter. (Grin)
Regards,
Aaron
Glad to hear you’ve been making progress, Nick… with the book, but especially in reestablishing your relationship with your brother. Hope things continue to improve on that front.
Old Chinese Proverb:
If you set by the river long enough, you will see the body of your enemy drifting by.
Be well;
Zaffen
On the family front…here is a suggestion… ask her to go to Pakistan in shorts and halter and interview the Taliban with a bottle of hard liquour in her hand….your problem should be fixed after all of the insults they see from her
I have a close friend who is divorcing a man that sounds like your brother’s wife. Unfortunately, he is also not above using their children to hurt her. Without going into details, I would highly recommend getting some good documentation on how she treats family (especially the children). If it comes to a divorce, you may want that sort of thing available in any legal procedings. My friend is unfortuanately finding that out now.
Alright, so maybe July was a busy month, but now it’s September. You’re a fucking slacker, Nick. Get off your high horse and just start writing your fucking sex scenes.
You’re not gonna win the frickin Newbury Book award or anything, so god damn.
Get your heads back in the foxhole.
RE:David’s post above:
FUCKWIT AWARD!!!
nah, i agree with david. it’s kinda time. besides, i’ve actually posted on here a couple of different times, and nick didn’t like what i had to say… so he just deleted the posts. weak.
really, he deleted your posts? That’s censorship. First he supports the Vietnam war and now he’s deleting posts of fans who aren’t afraid to speak their minds?
FASCIST!
and yes, this is the same “fuckwit,” damon, so go screw your sister or something, you gun-toting, flag -waving, wife-beating freak.
Nick, go blow a donkey’s balls, you half-witted immature perv.
RE: David’s post
I normally lurk, but Davis has pissed me off in two separate posts.
In response to his first post: If it’s so easy, why don’t you do it? Until you have thousands of fans reading your prose, mind your betters.
In response to his second post: Hmm…Nick’s blog is a dictatorship. Since it is his, he’s allowed to edit it however, he would like. No one bitches that he edits his story, so why can’t he edit his blog so that idiots don’t make us all dumber (Yes David, you are the idiot.)
To Nick: Tell your brother to keep his head down, hope he comes home soon and things work out. I’ll go back to lurking and waiting for the next chapter of your epic story.
–A Devoted Fan and Defender Against Stupidity
David’s trolling for sailors. LOL.
er. i was just kind of irritated that my posts were deleted - i don’t think they made anybody dumber. they were actually fairly well thought out blurbs. they weren’t franzen-level stuff, but they were cogent. they just got deleted because they said things that weren’t a) very agreeable, or b) put too subtly. either way, lets don’t have a flame war here about it.
also, sailor, that would make me the idiot, by the way. not david. and i disagree about a blog being a dictatorship. if you open the boards for discussion, you can’t only let people discuss in the manner you like best. it’s not illegal, it just constitutes being intellectually stunted. or maybe all of this is just a natural reaction to the huge amount of individuals that suck up to nick in this forum. (
David -
Don’t own a gun (can’t shoot straight anyway)
DO wave a flag at every opportunity
Only beat my wife on alternate Thursdays - it’s her turn to beat me this week.
And I don’t have a sister, tho’ my cousin’s kinda hot - can I do her instead?
And you’re STILL a fuckwit - thanks for so thoroughly proving the point.
Nothing freakish about wife-beating as long as you use the rule of thumb!
you know, damon, i kind of like your sense of humor. just make sure to move to alabama first.
oh, sailor. Do you live in America? Just wondering, but have you ever heard of the Bill of Rights? Okay, just checking.
Nick, sorry if we give you a super-ego-imposed heart attack. Not everyone is a suck up.
Oh, and one more thing sailor. I don’t write my own half-rate erotica because, frankly, I’m too lazy. I also enjoy writing more fulfilling and educating pieces, unlike these shitshows that we’ve all been spouting out of our asses.
Nick, seriously. I sound like an asshole, but really I’m just horny. Post your fucking chapters, and have Kendall and Paul break up already, jeez. It’s about fucking time.
You know, I can fully understand wanting to have the next chapter. Hell I can understand wanting the conclusion.
Yet I cant understand how a fan of a story could be so ungrateful of the job the writer and his team are doing for free, after they do stupid things like work, pay the bills and manage a personal life.
The only payment you can give them is to thank them and be patient. If you want the “right” to post anything you want start your own blog or perhaps offer to pay all of Nicks hosting costs for him in exchange for the “right” to post petulant outburst.
Ok, so I want the next chapter as much as everybody else, I mean I must check if it’s posted atleast twice a day. That doesn’t mean I’m going to start yelling at Nick and insulting him while I’m at it because of it. David, frankly if you’re that horny, just go find another sex story. Nick has this thing called a life, I know you may not know much about those, but it takes priority over writing a book for free, as much as I wish it didn’t sometimes.
And as far as deleting posts, frankly that can be debated all day and unless we actually see the posts that were deleted, and the rest of the conversation that they went with, we really can’t say one way or another. Besides, ever heard of computer problems maybe? I’m on several boards that have had problems where stuff disappears for one reason or another. Not saying that’s what it is, but lets just drop the whole point unless he’s being a tyrant about it and move on.
Nick, good luck dealing with your r/l problems. Even if she won’t go away, try to keep that relationship with your brother. I used to barely talk to my brother because I didn’t like his gf and most of his other friends, but I finally realized he’s still family, so now I’ll hang out with him, just not his friends. Not the same thing, I know, but still, he’s family.
Waiting patiently,
David
David is retarded… no one listen to him
I agree with David on the point that we all must be patient. I currently am home from work for at least 5 months as I am undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, which luckily is curable in the form that i have it.
But i’m on my ass for 5 months, so I check at least twice daily as well to see if Nick has updated his story yet. I am not a writer, at least not a good one, so I appreciate all the time, effort and talent Nick uses to create the little world that I and most of you enjoy.
Yes, I would like to see a chapter every 2 weeks like most of you do, but that isnt possible in Nicks current world.
So let the man work at his own pace and we will see it when we see it. Please do not act like a 4 year old and say “But I want it now!” What does that accomplish for any of us?
I must agree with David. First Nick censors his own blog, what next? It’s clearly facism. It can only end in genocide and a world war. I should have seen it coming the first time Nick waited a week before posting the chapter I deserve by birth right.
Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin’s_law
This argument is officially over. I wonder why I even bothered posting this, but really: some ppl should just get. a. life.
some people need to get a life … just an opion.
Karen
you guys are all fags.
Hi Nick,
Re: CiL, I’d like to reinforce Will’s message. From her point of view, things have been working fine:
- estrange brothers? check
- piss off Brother in Law? check
Congrats on reopening communications with your brother.
But if you really wanna drive your CiL crazy…be NICE to her. It’ll drive her crazy! It won’t make any sense to her and she’ll be completely thrown off kilter. I’d expect the results to be that she either does a complete turnaround and starts behaving nicer, or she goes so completely off the rails to the point that your brother can see the truth of who she is. Either way, everybody wins.
Take your time with the chapters. I love the books and am impatient, but I’d rather have quality than timeliness.
-tl
David -
I’m partial to Arkansas, but Alabama’s a good suggestion.
Nick,
I’m a technical publisher. There have been times when deadlines loomed (hell, they wizzed past!) and I would have farted in church for a really good reason to give the client/printer/subscribers about why I was de-motivated.
Trolling this blog has filled my ‘pending’ tray with excuses for evermore. Thanx!
Enjoy the writing — it’s always amazing what comes out at the other end.
YOU ARE SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME THINKING ABOUT A PROBLEM YOU CAN’T REALLY DO ANYTHING ABOUT. YOU HAVE TRIED. YOUR MOM IS ON YOUR SIDE. YOUR BROTHER MUST (AND HAS) MADE A CHOICE (PROBABLY BECAUSE OF HIS CHILDREN). MOVE ON TO THINGS THAT YOU FIND ENJOYABLE AND HAVE SOME CONTROL OVER. SHE WILL BE LIKE SHE IS, FOREVER, PROBABLY. SHE HAS YOU DOING EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTS, THAT IS TO TORMENT YOU AND YOU ARE PLAYING INTO HER HANDS. IGNORE HER WITH A CAPITAL “I”.
@rdvmedia
Granted, caps lock IS cruise control for awesome, but spare us the horror from now on, please.
Hi Nick:
I must say I get a kick out of all the politics
on your blog. The last time I ventured a thought I was in Colorado or Louisiana or was it Alabama?? I move around alot in my work. Anyway, I am in Kenai Alaska now and I have just read Chapter 7. I liked it and it was worth the wait. I wish I could write. I just had another of my best loved author’s pass away. He was on book twelve and it will never get finished. I waited since 1992 for that book, so I do not mind you taking your time. Just live and enjoy each day and continue to write. I will appreciate it.
Hey Nick:
Cheers.
Listen to ‘tl’…..be so nice that everyone around you will think you have went ‘uprange’…..it will that BP crazy! Also, mate this story (which is A-grade writing) is yours to do with as you please! No matter what most of us will dig it anyway. Do your worst buddy!
First time I’ve checked the blog in a while… been busy with real life, a lot of editing, and a bit of writing.
@Just Joseph:
I’ve only deleted one person’s posts… ever. Oddly enough, his name was Joe. He was a troll, and he tried to start a flame war with the wrong blog owner (i.e., me). If you’re the same Joe/Joseph, of yankeesdevils03 fame, then yes, I deleted your posts for a reason. They weren’t cogent, or even coherent in most cases. The were just trolling bullshit, and I treated them as such.
If you’re not the same Joe/Joseph, then I didn’t delete your posts. I’m extremely tolerant of criticism, cogent or not, coherent or not. Heck, look at this thread alone… several people being fuckwits. You see their posts, don’t you?
It takes time and effort to delete a post. Most fuckwits aren’t worth either, so I leave the posts. I like to think of them as a testament to human stupidity.
So be my guest, say anything you like, popular or not, appreciative or not. Unless you start a flame war with me personally, you’ll see your posts for the rest of time… for whatever that’s worth.
- Nick
More on the deleted posts…
I just sifted through my history logs (I was curious).
The dipshit/troll was JoeMamma. I couldn’t remember the specifics, which is probably a good thing.
Another guy named Joe Schmoe was giving me shit a while back, but his posts are still there.
@Just Joseph: I suspect that you’re confused about your posts being deleted. Unless, of course, you actually are JoeMamma. If that’s the case, you need to tread lightly. I’m an extraordinarily tolerant guy… until it’s time to stop being tolerant.
- Nick