h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Xantief,

I see you've decided to put all your currently completed chapters in the AWW.
Later on today I'll get a chance to read them all; I have an appointment this afternoon, but I shall look forward to your ever more interesting 'episodes'.

f.

I finished the sixth last night; I believe I'll recharge my fantasy-battery and continue at the weekend.

Great...keep writing!


f.

I suddenly confronted, in my mind, the necessity to portray that essence of evil as a one-time rational being in its ultimate bathos. That is the wall I'm banging against.

(I'm dredging my memory for images that Richard Adams evoked in 'Shardik', which had exceedingly brutal portent at times.)

Does the story need this exposition?
Does the audience need it?
(Do I, indeed, even want to grapple with it?)

I don't know.

Nevertheless, the 'evil chapter' is written, and thankfully, short.

It won't be shared until the rest is written. By itself it's too mad.

Hmm!

Well, I see the difficulty of the decision you will ultimately have to make; but it can only be yours, I think!
To date, I have only read your first two episodes; I've been sidetracked I'm afraid with family visitors, so not got around to fulfilling my promise to you, but I am so determined.
Until I have read the remaining chapters I cannot offer any personal suggestions to your question.
All I will say at this juncture is that your story is 'shaping up' and unfolding with that essentially mysterious element that characterizes the 'page turner' in all literary creative endeavour.
You might not need, therefore, to instil the 'element of evil'. But your writing is so interesting and professional that whatever your decision it will certainly not detract from your storyline. The question is really whether it will enhance it!
There is almost too much literature these days that characterizes evil and the darker elements, in some form or other: it is fast becoming almost a cliche.

So, that's not much help I'm afraid.

f.

A crazy thought!

As the 'evil' chapter stands alone, and if it is the denouement of your tale, why not be unique and give the reader a choice of two alternative conclusions; with an aside, mentioning your reasons for giving it!

Your penultimate chapter might need to be re-written a tad; or a new chapter crafted as the lighter version: sweetness and light!

But, as I have said, I cannot judge before reading all your story up to that point of departure.

f.

I mentioned in the other thread that Gaia should be renamed Danu, but upon further research, Brigid looks like the more likely candidate.

Hi Frontiersman...

The story is finished. (And just in time...I am becoming dyslexic!)

Thank you for your encouragement along the way. Your opinion is of great value to me.



Xantief