Wow, I'm in awe of the surprise in this episode - here I was thinking I already knew what happened and was simply being treated to a different POV. Well done! Thinking about that turtle and the tender moment with Jesse and Deepu. Your craft is better with each new episode -- which, how is that even possible when it was so fine to begin with?
Thank you, Julie. I'm glad the characters still come through strong and are not overwhelmed by the stakes that will continue to elevate as the plot pushes toward the climax.
Sensational (and devastating), Ben. The action scene was gripping, with real tension and desperation in the actions. I'm so sad we've lost Jessie, though. He was my favourite.
This was a superb follow-up to the events of last week. Knowing that someone had died, but then finding out how. Fantastic work, even if I am distressed that it was Jessie.
Thanks so much, Nathan. With these last two chapters we’ve entered the realm of the furious rush of writing. I did two months ago when I knew time was running out to come up with an ending. Hopefully it all holds together and doesn’t fall apart like a cheap suit. 😳
Wow. The arc of Jessie, his influence on his Houze-mates, his stodgy, gruff demeanor and its gentle, vulnerable final act. Beautiful and deeply human. And SAD!!!!
I know, right? On a positive note, I won’t have to rag my voice out every week talking like Nick Offerman. Thanks as always for continuing to read, Kimberly.
Oh, I feared we would be saying goodbye to Jesse. My heart breaks for Jayden. And for Deepu. May he not take on a burden that shouldn’t be his. The tender moment the two shared before this terrible moment was gift to readers. May it console him too.
I’m sitting in a cafe all blurry-eyed. Ben, your skill with these characters and plot twists never ceases to amaze.
Oh, Ben. I had a feeling, when you mentioned in your post about all you've been navigating, that it was going to be Jessie. So I delayed, and delayed. What a gut-wrenching episode. I can't imagine what this must be like for you, as the creator of these people. Oh and Jayden!! 💔 Poor sweet Jayden! I'm so glad Deepu & Jessie were able to share that tender moment together... What a rollercoaster this has been...I'm actually surprised by how attached I am to your characters, writing fiction is quite the responsibility, huh?!
Thanks Chloe. It is indeed a responsibility I wasn’t prepared for. It was so much harder to narrate than it was to write which is not really surprising I guess.
Wow. Can’t believe how real this is feeling now. Jessie was the real deal hero and a man devoted to the cause. And poor Jayden. She seemed to really fall for him and I felt like they had a future together. Fantastic writing, Ben. You keep the surprises/hits coming with each episode.
RIP Jessie. Jeez, who would have imagined when we met that gruff curmudgeon we'd be mourning his death all these weeks later. 😢But how are you going to keep the stakes high now, brother Ben!?! You've set a high bar...
Reading! I would have liked to listen but a lot of the time when I get a chance to read, I'm either putting my toddler to sleep or sitting close by to ensure he doesn't throw food on the walls. (Sometimes he throws food on the walls anyway haha). Now I'm not in so much of a rush to get to the next one, I might get a chance to listen to some of the future chapters if the timing lines up right.
Wow, I'm in awe of the surprise in this episode - here I was thinking I already knew what happened and was simply being treated to a different POV. Well done! Thinking about that turtle and the tender moment with Jesse and Deepu. Your craft is better with each new episode -- which, how is that even possible when it was so fine to begin with?
Thank you, Julie. I'm glad the characters still come through strong and are not overwhelmed by the stakes that will continue to elevate as the plot pushes toward the climax.
I'm dying to share it, but too spoiler-y. . .
Sensational (and devastating), Ben. The action scene was gripping, with real tension and desperation in the actions. I'm so sad we've lost Jessie, though. He was my favourite.
This was a superb follow-up to the events of last week. Knowing that someone had died, but then finding out how. Fantastic work, even if I am distressed that it was Jessie.
Thanks so much, Nathan. With these last two chapters we’ve entered the realm of the furious rush of writing. I did two months ago when I knew time was running out to come up with an ending. Hopefully it all holds together and doesn’t fall apart like a cheap suit. 😳
I have every confidence the suit is nothing but the finest silk ;)
💯
Wow. The arc of Jessie, his influence on his Houze-mates, his stodgy, gruff demeanor and its gentle, vulnerable final act. Beautiful and deeply human. And SAD!!!!
I know, right? On a positive note, I won’t have to rag my voice out every week talking like Nick Offerman. Thanks as always for continuing to read, Kimberly.
You were great as Jesse.
Thanks, Adam.
I listened to this twice. It feels like I have lost a friend, a gentle soul. Well done.
Thank you, Diane. I appreciate you so much.
Oh, I feared we would be saying goodbye to Jesse. My heart breaks for Jayden. And for Deepu. May he not take on a burden that shouldn’t be his. The tender moment the two shared before this terrible moment was gift to readers. May it console him too.
I’m sitting in a cafe all blurry-eyed. Ben, your skill with these characters and plot twists never ceases to amaze.
Aw, thank you so much for the kind words Holly. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story. We’re nearing the end. Thanks for being here.
Oh, Ben. I had a feeling, when you mentioned in your post about all you've been navigating, that it was going to be Jessie. So I delayed, and delayed. What a gut-wrenching episode. I can't imagine what this must be like for you, as the creator of these people. Oh and Jayden!! 💔 Poor sweet Jayden! I'm so glad Deepu & Jessie were able to share that tender moment together... What a rollercoaster this has been...I'm actually surprised by how attached I am to your characters, writing fiction is quite the responsibility, huh?!
Thanks Chloe. It is indeed a responsibility I wasn’t prepared for. It was so much harder to narrate than it was to write which is not really surprising I guess.
Wow. Can’t believe how real this is feeling now. Jessie was the real deal hero and a man devoted to the cause. And poor Jayden. She seemed to really fall for him and I felt like they had a future together. Fantastic writing, Ben. You keep the surprises/hits coming with each episode.
Thanks Sheri! it was hard to let go Jessie, but it had to be done. I appreciate you reading and commenting. We’re nearing the end of the story.
RIP Jessie. Jeez, who would have imagined when we met that gruff curmudgeon we'd be mourning his death all these weeks later. 😢But how are you going to keep the stakes high now, brother Ben!?! You've set a high bar...
That’s the million dollar question right? I’ve done my best, but time will tell.
Oh noooo I caught up way too fast!! Now you're going to make me wait... Too cruel!
Yes, I'm afraid so. Just curious, have you been reading or listening or both?
Reading! I would have liked to listen but a lot of the time when I get a chance to read, I'm either putting my toddler to sleep or sitting close by to ensure he doesn't throw food on the walls. (Sometimes he throws food on the walls anyway haha). Now I'm not in so much of a rush to get to the next one, I might get a chance to listen to some of the future chapters if the timing lines up right.
I totally understand how that might be a challenge!
😭💔 Great work Ben!
The characters are becoming more three dimensional. It's more about the characters than the story, and I like that.
Thanks, Chip! See my comment to Julie above. The characters are most important to me, always.
I can't believe you did that.