did read it again

Hey... I heard this was finished... I haven't been online much, thus I'm WAY behind on reading my WIP's... But my new computer will be here in a couple of weeks, which should hopefully, make it easier.

All that said, I was saddened to hear this was completed. I was so very much enjoying it. I loved some of the humor you injected into the story. You have a knack for storytelling.

And if I'm not over-stepping here, I also heard that in on one of the reviews, you commented you'd couldn't figure JR out, and how the characters quit talking to you. (I can definitely relate to the latter - as I've been stuck for months - although part of that is because I was told I couldn't write my story the way I wanted.)

But as far as the Jenny part - this is YOUR story. You don't NEED to satisfy the readers. Sure, we all want our readers to like what we write, but you still need to write it how YOU want. One writer - and I'm not mentioning names - was criticized in a review for how they wrote Michael and Lindsay, saying they didn't see that personality trait in them at all in the show. How could she do that??? And went on and on, tearing her down. Case in point, the story was AU. You can write characters however you see fit. And really - CANON - only belongs to Cowlip. No matter what anybody writes - it's never canon.

That said - this was an alternate reality. You didn't need JR - to BE - JR. She could have still been called JR, she just wouldn't LOOK like JR of canon.

This was THIS TIME. This time - Lindsay could have gotten together with Sam - gone to a fancy restaurant - ordered fugu, which can be so poisonous that the smallest mistake in its preparation, could be fatal, and killed her after one bite.

This time, Michael could have seen Brian across the street, dashed out into the road, and been hit by a speeding car coming around the corner.

This time, Debbie could have slipped on something on the floor, her feet could have gone out from under her, her wig could have went flying and landed in somebody's soup (okay that's crazy) - and died after her head hit the floor. But crazy or not - it's your story. Write it how you want.

Another thing, if you have a beta, use them to discuss plot points. If you don't have a beta - use a friend. I've been  a beta since 2005. I've probably beta'd for 20 people. And with these 20 people, I have spent hundreds of hours discussing plots points - where they can go with this - that types of things. And I've also done that with other writer friends. Another place is AO3 FB. People are constanty putting things up - I have this character - give a synopsis - and asks opinions on how and where they could go with the story.

I remember a story written years ago - Justin woke up and was right back at 17 and in Brian's loft for the first time. (13 yrs later.) It turned out that Justn and Daphne had been in a car accident. THEY were in the alternate reality of being 17, yet at the same time, the REAL world was going on around them. Daphne had died, and by the time Justin came home from the hospital, he had amnesia... So in a way - it's like your story - alternate reality - and Daphne had died.

So write it how you want. And honestly? This last chapter - as good as it was - seems more like an alternate reality. Are you sure Justin didn't fall down the stairs - hit his head - and he's dreaming now??? Because this whole chapter falls back on the rest of your story. e,g - Gus has problems with his ears - Brian has custody of Molly - Michael's nuts - Debbie's a bitch - etc...

So you see? You could take a short break, and come back with a vengeance, and finish your 83 chapter QAF saga. And if you don't? It was a damn good story while it lasted.

A belated Happy New's Years to you and yours,

Hugs, Cathy

Author's Response:

Darn, you've given me so many great ideas that I could have used.  I'd love to know the name of the story where Justin woke up.  I just might come with this one who knows.  Thanks for the good pep talk.

Author's Response:

Darn, you've given me so many great ideas that I could have used.  I'd love to know the name of the story where Justin woke up.  I just might come with this one who knows.  Thanks for the good pep talk.

Thanks for this story. The end was surprising but everything comes back on its axis.. Happy New Year for you too!

Author's Response:

I have a tendacy to put surprises in there.

Perfect ending.  Sorry about your computer.  Hope it gets fixed for you.  Fantastic writing.  I have loved this story from the beginning.  As with all my favorite stories and writers, I will miss them, but happy endings make me happy so all is well.  Happy New Year to you.

Author's Response:

Computers back.  Now I can read reviews!  Thank you for the lovely comment.

Very interesting twist at the end.  I loved it. 

Author's Response:

Thank you!

I've so enjoyed this story. Sad to see it end, but you did a great job writing this whole story.

Author's Response:

That's the nicest news I could hear.  Thank you!