Congrats Darby! I'm so happy for you 
I've heard so much about this story, it seems to be mentioned everywhere I look (and that's a good thing!), so it's been on my must read list for quite sometime. Seeing this featured has got me motivated! Yaaaay!
So I had the day off and decided to read a couple chapters aaaaand a couple chapters turned into 20. lol Literally. Not joking in the slightest. I had to stop though cause my eyes are about to fall out of my head from staring at the computer screen for so long lol! Basically what I'm trying to say is, I LOVE THIS STORY! Whole heartedly.
Thank you, Dani! This means so much to me coming from you because you know I am one of your Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon devotees and admire your work on that story!!! I am glad to hear that you got sucked into Casual. I hope you continue reading and enjoying it!!!
When I read the question and answer post at the beginning of the thread, I was interested to see that a lot of the story/personalities of the characters/circumstances are from your real life. While I was reading, I was wondering on several occasions how much of it relates to you personally. I had a hunch that some of it did, just not how much. I think putting your own personal experiences into your writing makes it better because you know the emotions first hand and can accurately describe them, which you've done.
I knew this question was coming...ha! I had a serious boyfriend through most of high school and I left for college single for the first time in my life. I became a serial dater! In early college, I was known to date many guys at the same time. At one point, I made a decision to not sleep with anyone or date anyone for a year, and during that time, I probably met more guys that were interested in me. I actually had two different "relationships" at different times with two different men in my early 20s that lasted 13 months and 9 months that I would never admit that either of them were my boyfriend. I was not in a position of power in the 13 month relationship but I was in the 9 month relationship (because I had learned from the 13 month experience). I would occasionally go out on dates with other guys while I was with them, even though I remained monogamous. I got really burned by the 13 month relationship and it was a new experience for me to have my heart trampled on like it was by him. I knew my husband for two years before we started dating, and when I started dating him, I would not admit to my friends when I was with him, and then suddenly we were in love, practically living together...the
n a year later we were engaged, and a year later we were married. Needless to say it was a shock not only to my system, but everyone around me!
All of that said, Quinn is VERY much how I was during the 9-month non-relationship. I had this wonderful guy who wanted to do all of these huge things for me but I kept him at arms length. In the end, that is what ended it, he got sick of all of my rules and wanted more than I was willing to give him. He actually got married shortly after we ended things.
I've seen a progression from the beginning to where I am now with your writing. I saw on your profile that you are mainly a reader and the only reason why you started writing was because you ran out of things to read (lol). I can tell that as the story progresses, so does your writing - you become more comfortable and confident, and it definitely shows, and it's great!
I am so much more a reader. I am kind of old school in the FF world, AC is so overwhelming that I think I missed quite a bit of stuff and now have a "to-read" list that I plan to start on once I finish Casual! I feel like I have literally read EVERYTHING out there.
Thank you for the compliment on my writing...I still struggle a bit with the confidence, especially when I start writing the tough stuff! I saw a noticeable change in my writing when I got a Beta - the chapter in NYC is when Mel came on board.
I love the characters and the progression of them. I love Quinn but dislike her at the same time. I feel like she should just give in to Nick already and just be HAPPY! He so obviously adores her, and you've hinted how he's basically shunned his past life of craziness to be with her (though he didn't realize it until recently), and it's clear she loves him or else she wouldn't be breaking every single rule she's set up for her 'casual sex' lifestyle. Gah!!! But what would a story be without all the dramz?
LOVE LOVE LOVE her columns! I think it's great how we learn more about her through her columns just as Nick is learning about her through the same venue. It's great how you keep her a mystery to us, where we discover more about her as the story progresses.
At times I have wondered myself how readers can find anything endearing about Quinn with her blindness and some of the crap that she pulls. She is so scared to let go! Nick in Casaul is a guy with warwounds from his past experiences, and he has had a checkered past with women. He has somewhat naturally fallen for Quinn, been guarded at times but pretty open about his feelings and where he stands. One of the funniest things to me about Quinn is that she never really had the casual-sex lifestyle...ot
her than sleeping with the other guy from the gym very early in the story, she has been completely monogamous and only been with Nick. She hasn't even really dated since she met him either. We do need the dramz...and there is A LOT more to come, so stay tuned - it will come from a place you may not expect...
The columns are Quinn at her most transparent and vulnerable. It is where we get to see what she is thinking...lat
er in the story, she makes confessions to people instead of just through her writing. She is aware that Nick sees it, and sends him messages through her writing in subtle ways...
I can't wait to read more of this, and I'll definitely throw in more of my thoughts/opinions. I was going to wait until i've read all that you've posted but I couldn't help myself!
I love it Darby. I'm happy I finally started reading it Congrats again! You deserve it love.
Thank you again...and please do let me know your thoughts! Hugs!
Author
Topic: Featured Story of the Month for February 2009 : Casual by cabybakes (Read 13376 times)