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Fic Talk => Featured Story of the Month => Topic started by: mare on July 01, 2007, 07:13:00 AM

Title: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 01, 2007, 07:13:00 AM
So here we are in July and this month I decided to go with a sci fi fantasy story.

I'm sure Dee will be happy to jump in and answer any questions anybody has about this story and some of her other ones and as always i'll be jumping in and out as Oprah so congrats Dee and I hope you enjoy your month!


Here is the link to the story

http://absolutechaos.net/viewstory.php?sid=6894

 :)


p.s. Because you always say no one reads your stuff I was expecting to see maybe three reviews for this story. You have 96, so stop complaining! lmao  :P ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 01, 2007, 07:14:14 AM
1) Tell us one thing about your story that no one else knows?

2) How long did it take you to write this entire story?

3) Give us a summary different from the one you have posted on AC, with a few more spoilers to make people tune in.

4) If you could cast this story as a movie who would play the main roles and why?

5) Have you ever thought of giving up on the story and if you did what made you continue to work on it?

6) What was your writing process? (Outline, make it up as you go along, the characters wrote it, I am Tonja and plagerized lol)

7) Who was your favorite character in this story and why?

8 ) You had to know this was coming, who was your least favorite?

9) Are all the boys in this one? If not why did you choose to exclude them?

10) If we like this story...then we'd love what story? (Could be by you or someone else) and obviously tell us why lol
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: moppy on July 01, 2007, 07:48:21 AM
 ;D Ohh I'm still bloody waiting for this to be finished!!!

Nice questions too Mare, hell i even thought of one but not sure whether its the same as question 6 and just different wording.

Q ~ How did you come up with this story line? What were the influences for the characters?
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Nijntje on July 01, 2007, 10:23:33 AM
Congratulation s.. and jubilations! I want the world to knoooooooooow. .. ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: honey on July 01, 2007, 12:31:37 PM
Yay!!!!!! Dee!!!!  :-* And you thought no one loved you... I was excited to see this one featured because now it will motivate me to catch up quickly and maybe Dee will decide to finish it!!  I will have lots to say about this story later, but for just a quick note since I don't have a lot of time, I just want to say, don't be afraid to read this story because it says fantasy.   I'd never read a fantasy before I started reading this one, but I have really enjoyed it all the way through. Dee has a great way of creating this magical world and pulling you into it. It's fun to read because it's so different. I hope you give it a shot  ;D


Yay Dee!!!! Congrats hun!
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 01, 2007, 04:04:12 PM
Yay! *does an excited happy dance* I'm so thrilled to be featured!!!! Well, first I just wanted to say, if you're new, I am editing the first few chapters as I go along, Chapter three is in reprogress right now, so... But it's just expansion, so don't feel obligated to wait until I'm done. The story is basically the same. :)

The only reason it has ninety-six is because everyone who reads it reviews like every chapter, and it's kind of long. :D I'm excited, I have some questions to go back and respond to.

*giddy sqee*

*bows* Thank you so much everyone for your consideration and well wishes.

(A note from the future: If you want to read more about PBox or its sequel PNecklace, there's more in my update thread (https://absolutechaos.net/fictalk/index.php/topic,1338.0.html).)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 01, 2007, 04:18:34 PM
1) Tell us one thing about your story that no one else knows? Hmmmm.... I'd say how it's going to end and what it was inspired by... But since it's not finished, that's a secret. ;)

2) How long did it take you to write this entire story? Well, I started writing it on September 25, 2005 and I'm still writing it. I think I may have to pull an all weekender after finals and finish it up... I do have chapter forty-six almost completed... Then only four left... Aside from my revamping of course...

3) Give us a summary different from the one you have posted on AC, with a few more spoilers to make people tune in. Ah geez... And I was really happy with how finite the summary got...

A war plagued by war and sadness.

A place of only unending darkness.

A box that held them all in chains.

A woman who would rather eat cake and worry about exams was thrust into this world of only shadows and she came upon a demon tortured beyond all reprieve. The legendary Pandora... The one who must open the box and rescue them all. But, how would the world be saved when they were thrust against their comrades and the mysterious God loomed over them?

What would they remember when the box was opened? What would they lose and gain? And how much would they suffer?


Well, there's a reason I finally settled on the summary I did. :D I hate spoilers.

4) If you could cast this story as a movie who would play the main roles and why?
Hmmmmm.... Well the Boys would play themselves... and so would their adversaries... As for Minako and Renee... I don't really know. I used paintings to depict the priestesses anyway, so I don't really have a clear "celebrity image" of who they ought to be.

5) Have you ever thought of giving up on the story and if you did what made you continue to work on it? :D You had to ask this question... More times than I can count, particularly when I wanted to give up on writing all together. But, it's almost done so... I want to make it fabulous. Rewritign the beginning is really rekindling my love for it. I guess what made me continue was that in the beginning I was writing it for me... But for everyone, because of it's hidden message... And I guess in my deepest hopes, I still wanted everyone to love it just as much as I did. So, it needs to be finished for everyone to understand it liek I do. :)

6) What was your writing process? (Outline, make it up as you go along, the characters wrote it, I am Tonja and plagerized lol) I am Tonja and I plagarized. Kidding... It just sort of appeared in my head one day and I wrote it as I went. I've known how it would end by about half way actually, so... ironically enough I did finally write down my ideas for the end. But otherwise, it jsut kind of comes as I go. I never ouline an entire chapter though, just the basic ideas. So the dialogue and individual events is all on the spot.

7) Who was your favorite character in this story and why? It's a toss up between Nick and Renee, because they both have so many facets to them. They're interesting.

8 ) You had to know this was coming, who was your least favorite? God... Because I can still never figure him out fully.

9) Are all the boys in this one? If not why did you choose to exclude them? Yup, all the Boys are in it. :) They have to be, the stroy wouldn't work otherwise.

10) If we like this story...then we'd love what story? (Could be by you or someone else) and obviously tell us why lol Hmmmm.... I'd say anything by Watase-sensei. My favorite is Ayashi no Ceres ("Ceres: Celestial Legend" in America)... But PBox is probably a lot more like Fushigi Yuugi. They're comics though... So I doubt you would love them. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 01, 2007, 04:24:29 PM
;D Ohh I'm still bloody waiting for this to be finished!!!

Nice questions too Mare, hell i even thought of one but not sure whether its the same as question 6 and just different wording.

Q ~ How did you come up with this story line? What were the influences for the characters?

i can never be too sure what people think of it. :D Especially after the last chapter I recieved no feedback... So I worry how the rest of it will go down... ^_^; But I'm really glad you enjoy it. ;D It is a bit "out there" after all.

I think it's different, so I'll answer. :)

Let's see... As to how I came up with it, I promise it will be totally clear once the story is over. Everything I meant to express will be understood then. I think when you really bring the story to it's elements, it's not complicated at all. It's really just the "Bwahahahaha! I kill you with my super special awesome demonic powers!!!!" stuff that makes it seem complicated. :D

As to the influences for the characters... It was the Boys and how their personalities might be warped in the situation of the world. As to the girls... I don't really remember... I think I was having an argument with one of my friends when I started, but... I think it really was all about the situation... Who would be a respectable, non-cliche hero... Who would be an apropriate adversary... How certain elements affect certain personality types... Will the happy go lucky always be such? Will the cool and collected always stay that way? Things like that.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 01, 2007, 04:27:47 PM
Yay!!!!!! Dee!!!!  :-* And you thought no one loved you... I was excited to see this one featured because now it will motivate me to catch up quickly and maybe Dee will decide to finish it!!  I will have lots to say about this story later, but for just a quick note since I don't have a lot of time, I just want to say, don't be afraid to read this story because it says fantasy.   I'd never read a fantasy before I started reading this one, but I have really enjoyed it all the way through. Dee has a great way of creating this magical world and pulling you into it. It's fun to read because it's so different. I hope you give it a shot  ;D


Yay Dee!!!! Congrats hun!

I guess people love me in far off hiding places. ;) Maybe it will motivate me to finish it more quickly. :D I was always going to finish it... I just think my brain needed a break... Being a Yuugiou fangirl again helped a lot... Those demons are really torturous beings.

Aww, I hope everyone listens to you. :) I know it's an odd concept, but... it was a lot of fun to write. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 01, 2007, 09:50:09 PM
Dee I'd ask you a question but I figured out the secret idea behind it and I'm afraid to give it away to others. 

I guess I could ask, once PBox is finished do you have another project lined up to take it's place?
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 01, 2007, 10:10:43 PM
Well... I was going to start a Yuugi x Yami doujinshi, but....

There were originally about three additions to the story, but... We'll see how I feel about them after finally finishing this one. *shrug*
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 02, 2007, 11:21:15 PM
I just wanted to let you all know that I'm currently toiling away on the next true, actual new chapter update...

I just keep distracting myself... It's about a third completed though, so... Maybe it'll be done tonight. :) If not, it's waiting until the weekend after finals... I just don't have to go to one of my classes tomorrow, so...
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: MellzBellz on July 03, 2007, 03:31:16 PM
Yay! I told you this is prolly just the inspiration you need to knock this baby out!
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 03, 2007, 04:49:21 PM
You would think so... But that chapter obviously didn't get finished. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 03, 2007, 06:31:42 PM
okay I have a question for you Dee

Where did you come up with the idea for this story?
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 03, 2007, 08:09:16 PM
I dreamed it one day. Those are the only dreams I remember, the really vivid, epic ones.... Because I'm a big dork or something. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: MellzBellz on July 03, 2007, 09:41:20 PM
You would think so... But that chapter obviously didn't get finished. :D

Yea but you still have the whole month here!
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 03, 2007, 10:00:33 PM
Yea but you still have the whole month here!

It's really stupid actually, because I know exactly what's supposed to happen, I just can't seem to get from point A to point B... And if I write out of order, I know I'll never go back, so...
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: MellzBellz on July 04, 2007, 11:13:07 AM
It's really stupid actually, because I know exactly what's supposed to happen, I just can't seem to get from point A to point B... And if I write out of order, I know I'll never go back, so...

I definitely know what thats like! And I can't write out of order either. My best advice would be to just try to plow through it. Nine times out of ten those parts are the mostly filler parts and you're just itching to get to the bigger more climatic (is that even a word? lol) parts. Keep telin yourself that if you want to get to the big ending scene you need to set the stage first as boring as that might seem.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 04, 2007, 11:33:39 AM
Okay I have a question for everyone else out there... kind of so we can start a discussion or something. 

How did you like the introductions to each of the BSB characters in the story?

I have to admit that Nick's was the most drawn out, and I found myself skimming parts but then going back to re-read cause it made no sense later *laughs and kicks self for skimming to begin with*  I was soooo very confused by Nick at the beginning but I believe that you are supposed to be confused to help give you some sense of confusion that Minako is going through at the same time.

I love that Howie is the 2nd to be introduced and is in the story for such a long time. I definately think that Dee captured him if he were to be in that kind of role I see Howie in that light. 

Brian's introduction was supposed to be a "surprise" but with the banter between the two and how he was dressed it was not a surprise to me. I love the conversation between the two; despite Nick's anger (I find he has a lot of anger in this story)

I was not expecting Kevin's introduction and again I found myself confused and having to re-ready (yes I did not learn my skimming lesson).  Making him a guardian, such a role to fit the oldest I believe. And again Nick shows his anger... lol while Kevin just continues on his quest to get the answer he is looking for for them to pass. 

A.J. kind of baffled me some, I don't know why but I didn't like th fact that he is/was friends with Joey. Okay don't get me wrong they can be friends if they want but I didn't see how this would come to play later in the plot. I found that it made me think of A.J. as weaker then the rest... I don't know why, it's my opinion. 

So what all did you guys think of how they were introduced?  Please go into how she portrayed them in the entire story if you like. I'd be interested to see if anyone else had the same ideas as me.

Also raise your hand if you dislike Minako *raises hand* we'll discuss and join a club together. :-D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: MellzBellz on July 04, 2007, 12:18:04 PM
Hmm... Its been quite a while since I read the character introductions, so I may have to reread them and get back to you here. The only thing I remember is I think I was confused on the fact at first that Nick was a demon complete with horns, claws, and wings... Just cuz yea that's not how i usually picture Nick lol

As far as Minako I don't really have any reason to hate her. I don't think i'm like in love with her, but she seems like a prett solid character. The only main characters i tend to hate in fics are the ones that just come across as whores or who have no depth to them.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 04, 2007, 12:29:27 PM
The only thing I remember is I think I was confused on the fact at first that Nick was a demon complete with horns, claws, and wings... Just cuz yea that's not how i usually picture Nick lol


Aww!! I want to see a picture of him as a demon lol. Dee did you draw any sketches for this story?
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 04, 2007, 01:32:33 PM
I definitely know what thats like! And I can't write out of order either. My best advice would be to just try to plow through it. Nine times out of ten those parts are the mostly filler parts and you're just itching to get to the bigger more climatic (is that even a word? lol) parts. Keep telin yourself that if you want to get to the big ending scene you need to set the stage first as boring as that might seem.

Well, as sad as it is, I'm actually at the climax. :D *kicks self for being a horrible unmotivated author* But right now I'm drawing in my sketchbook for school, and having a lot of fun (well, right right now, I'm eating lunch, hence why I snuck on the computer... shhhh), but once again I procrastinated, so I have to finish like 43 and a half drawings by tomorrow... Somehow... ^_^;
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 04, 2007, 01:34:38 PM
Aww!! I want to see a picture of him as a demon lol. Dee did you draw any sketches for this story?

I do have a few dork sketches, but there's one pretty good one... I'll go get it.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 04, 2007, 01:40:14 PM
Unfortunately, it's not a very good scan of the image, but... This is some time after chapter nineteen... Or at least, his outfit from that chapter onwards...

PBox Nick (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a283/nicks_gal/Drawings/DLimage19.jpg)

And just for some amusement, here is a chibi Nick I colored with markers. :D:

Chibi PBox Nick (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a283/nicks_gal/Drawings/chibidemonnick.jpg)

Those are basically the non-sketchy ones... I have a lot of sketchy sketches, but... None are acanned or anything, so...
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 04, 2007, 02:19:23 PM
^ oh my gosh those are awesome Dee *hugs demon Nick lol*

Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 04, 2007, 02:29:26 PM
:D I'm glad you think he's cute.

I guess I should point out that hopefully Nick's description/introduction is no longer so vague... I edited that chapter up, so... There's a bit more to it now... It's filled with religious references though...
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 04, 2007, 05:06:02 PM
As far as Minako I don't really have any reason to hate her. I don't think i'm like in love with her, but she seems like a prett solid character. The only main characters i tend to hate in fics are the ones that just come across as whores or who have no depth to them.

She has depth, yes but she just doesn't, isn't, someone I like. *shrugs*  I find that I don't have to like the main character to keep reading most times. I don't know ... there is something about her I don't like. Could be her attatchment to Nick and that whole part. Perhaps if there was no love between the two I might like her better. I realize part of the plot wouldn't work then but yeah... *nods* I think she can be sort of whiny at times.

And yes I've told Dee all this before so it's not like I'm bashing her now and Dee knows nothing about it. Dee and I have discussed my feelings for Minako before. :-D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 04, 2007, 05:15:42 PM
Whiny... :p

And yes, I know how much you loathe her... I hope you don't mean to start an entire discussion on that. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 04, 2007, 06:53:29 PM
my theory on hating a character only means that you have done a great job at creating a real three dimensional person or demon in this case? And that takes skill. I always take things like that as a huge compliment.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 04, 2007, 07:20:02 PM
Minako is a person. :)

Really... Because I hate Mary Sues... And they're far from well rounded and realistic...
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 04, 2007, 07:26:33 PM
There are certain characters in fanfiction that might rub you the wrong way and that is totally because of the way you have written the character. If Minako isn't a mary sue that's what you did and I have a feeling she isn't a Mary Sue lol
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 04, 2007, 08:00:55 PM
There's mixed opinion on that, if I remember correctly. :D

But according to the Mary Sue Litmus, she isn't. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 04, 2007, 11:43:11 PM
I think at points she's mary sue-ish... but I'll stop talking about my dislike of Minako (I agree though mare that the character is well written to evoke emotion from a reader whether it be like or dislike).

I like Renee... I LOVE her flitty nature ... heehee... oooh is she the "bad guy" LOL.. could this be why I'm drawn to her??? Though I don't like Justin... but that might be bias on who he's based on .. LOL
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 04, 2007, 11:47:38 PM
Of that she's a snot and ou're drawn to snotty people. :D Joking. :-*

Well... Justin's pretty cruel anyway.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 04, 2007, 11:51:07 PM
but I like cruel characters *points to Corin*... *shrugs* I really do think it's just who he's based on ... if he was an original character he'd probably be my favorite but I have a bias to Justin and that's awful of me I know. But hey ...don't I WANT to write him in 00Carter... hrm...

*scratches head* I think I'm confusing myself with this.. LOL

Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 04, 2007, 11:56:14 PM
If you an write him, he's a great villianous villany. If you have to read about him, your brain aiutomatically maes the connection. That must be it.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mers on July 05, 2007, 12:10:25 AM
congratulation s Dee! you deserve it :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 01:00:21 AM
Thank you, Mersey. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 05, 2007, 02:48:22 AM
If you an write him, he's a great villianous villany. If you have to read about him, your brain aiutomatically maes the connection. That must be it.

Maybe that's it! :-D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 03:31:15 AM
Wow.... I was typing fast when I wrote that. :D

Anyway, yay for bed. Wish me luck on finishing my sketchbook... Sometime before one...
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: RokofAges75 on July 05, 2007, 11:07:00 AM
I think every female lead can be Mary Sue-ish at times.  Most of them end up being the love interest of a Backstreet Boy, and if you're going to make her the love interest, you have to give her enough good qualities to be attractive to the guy (not just in looks, but in everything) - otherwise it's not realistic.  That doesn't mean the character is a Mary Sue.

I can tell there's also a lot more to this story than this one original character.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 05:36:44 PM
Well, I think, given the circumstances, the resulting pairing makes a great dal of sense. As I've said before, a lot of the basis for this story is circumstancial .

Well, I like to think there's more to in than Minako, but... In the end, I suppose it's subjective.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 05, 2007, 06:11:09 PM
okay here's another question for you!

I know you mentioned that you are reworking some of the earlier chapters, if you could go back and change one thing in this story what would it be? I mean leaving a character out or adding someone else or deleting a chapter? What made you decide to rework the ones you are now?



Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 08:11:43 PM
Well.... Hmmm... I would probably introduce AJ earlier. But his character and roll is fitting for where he is introduced, so I like how that turned out, but.... He does appear rather late compared to the others.

Well, I'm reworking them because I feel there's some things I didn't address well enough. One that was pointed out to me was what exactly a demon looks like. So I changed that... Minako and Renee also had a lack of sown relationship, so I fixed that.... Just some things here and there I felt could be improved upon. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 05, 2007, 08:34:55 PM
There were times I felt their relationship went past mere friends. ;)  LOL... just the way Minako acted about where their friendship was heading. And some of Renne's comments made it seem taht way too
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 09:23:45 PM
That wasn't intentional, I promise...

But then again, my view of a best friendship is a bit skewed, my best friend was... maybe is now, who knows... anyway... male. My best friend was/is male... So, who knows what having a sole female best friend is like. *shrug*
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 05, 2007, 09:27:38 PM
*lol* Let me tell you.. Amanda and I are NOT like that. LOL!!
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 09:28:21 PM
Well, who knows. But no, no, there's no shoujo-ai here, promise.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 05, 2007, 09:30:16 PM
I never said there was. It just seemed at certain points that one or the other loved the other as more then a friend. It seems like it's more apparent with Renee towards Minako though.  She gets awfully pissed off that Minako has a love interest and her closest chum is gay... or well part female, part male.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 09:38:24 PM
Well... Renee's feelings are a bit unexplained... Maybe we'll all get there after finals are over....

And that is probably the most ironic thing about that character decision. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 05, 2007, 09:45:52 PM
okay Dee, more questions for you lol

So help people like me out who aren't really into fantasy but might want to give this a try by answering these questions.

1) Are the boys the boys? If not give us a brief explanation of who is who and how they relate to each other. (I ask because sometimes it can all get confusing)

2) When do the boys show up in the story?

3) Who would you actually consider the main character? One of the boys or one of the female leads?

That should help :O)

Oh and another one, do you like mustard or ketchup on your hot dogs? lol
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 10:08:07 PM
1) Are the boys the boys? If not give us a brief explanation of who is who and how they relate to each other. (I ask because sometimes it can all get confusing) This is one of the key points of the story, so without giving too much away, yes, they are the Boys; it will all be clear in the end. As to the bulk of the story, they are the cardinal demons for Saphirsud, so yes, they're still together. Hmm... Well, Nick is Nick, Howie is Howie, Brian is Brian, Kevin is Kevin, and AJ is AJ. Their individuals roles are important to their role in the story and I hate spoilers, so... There's that answer.

2) When do the boys show up in the story? Well, like in most stories, not all the characters are introduced at once. So they each get their own introduction. I'm guessing on the chapters for sure, but... Nick (Second Chapter-this is a fact), Howie (Seventh Chapter), Brian (Twelth Chapter), Kevin (Eighteenth Chapter), AJ (Twenty-Seventh Chapter). I think those are right... So if you like Nick, he's around for a while. :D If you like AJ, sorry... :'(

3) Who would you actually consider the main character? One of the boys or one of the female leads? Well, if you take the entire series "The Legendary Pandora" into account (yes I know the other three are not written), the main character is actually Nick. In PBox by itself, Nick and Minako both share the role. It's dual main charactership. The story is as much about Minako's journey to this fantastical world as it is about who Nick is. If that makes any sense... ^_^;

Oh and another one, do you like mustard or ketchup on your hot dogs? lol Well... After doing the Hot Dog-A-Thon (run 3k and eat three hot dogs), I don't eat hot dogs because the thought of them makes me ill. But when I did eat hot dogs, I only put mustard on them... It was better that way, I think... Ketchup is too mild for hot dogs.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 05, 2007, 10:46:58 PM
1) Are the boys the boys? If not give us a brief explanation of who is who and how they relate to each other. (I ask because sometimes it can all get confusing) This is one of the key points of the story, so without giving too much away, yes, they are the Boys; it will all be clear in the end. As to the bulk of the story, they are the cardinal demons for Saphirsud, so yes, they're still together. Hmm... Well, Nick is Nick, Howie is Howie, Brian is Brian, Kevin is Kevin, and AJ is AJ. Their individuals roles are important to their role in the story and I hate spoilers, so... There's that answer.

2) When do the boys show up in the story? Well, like in most stories, not all the characters are introduced at once. So they each get their own introduction. I'm guessing on the chapters for sure, but... Nick (Second Chapter-this is a fact), Howie (Seventh Chapter), Brian (Twelth Chapter), Kevin (Eighteenth Chapter), AJ (Twenty-Seventh Chapter). I think those are right... So if you like Nick, he's around for a while. :D If you like AJ, sorry... :'(

3) Who would you actually consider the main character? One of the boys or one of the female leads? Well, if you take the entire series "The Legendary Pandora" into account (yes I know the other three are not written), the main character is actually Nick. In PBox by itself, Nick and Minako both share the role. It's dual main charactership. The story is as much about Minako's journey to this fantastical world as it is about who Nick is. If that makes any sense... ^_^;

Oh and another one, do you like mustard or ketchup on your hot dogs? lol Well... After doing the Hot Dog-A-Thon (run 3k and eat three hot dogs), I don't eat hot dogs because the thought of them makes me ill. But when I did eat hot dogs, I only put mustard on them... It was better that way, I think... Ketchup is too mild for hot dogs.

Thanks! And I agree about the hot dogs lmao

so boys are the boys but not really united as boys since they aren't together until around chapter 27 or so?

This is a sequel? So next question, should people read the first one before venturing onto this one?

And anything else you want to add that you might think would be helpful for people to know before reading?

i'm in ultra Oprah mood lol

Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 10:52:21 PM
Thanks! And I agree about the hot dogs lmao

so boys are the boys but not really united as boys since they aren't together until around chapter 27 or so?

This is a sequel? So next question, should people read the first one before venturing onto this one?

And anything else you want to add that you might think would be helpful for people to know before reading?

i'm in ultra Oprah mood lol

Well, thanks for being in Ultra Oprah mode. :)

Yeah, hot dogs are really disgusting. :D

Well.. They all come together eventually, but I suppose that's how to put it... They basically were introduced as it felt right for them in the story... I guess, in that sense it was more important for the plot to be the way I envisioned it, than to have all the Boys in it right away...

Chronologicall y, yes, it's a sequel, but in terms of the story itself, it's actually the first part, if that makes any sense... The other stories are only floating around in my head anyway... But, since the focus of the series as a whole is the character of Nick, then you're supposed to read this one first and foremost, so the reader feels as if they're growing along with him. :)

Anything helpful? Hmmm... No, I don't think so. Just that I hope they're all willing to give it a chance. I know it's out there as far as BSB fan fiction goes, but... I think it's message is a very important one. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 05, 2007, 11:17:22 PM
okay so got that kiddies? NO feeding Dee hot dogs, you should read this one first, unless you have have the ability to float in Dee's brain which might be cool and scary at the same time... and she is trying to convey a message.

Oprah is going to bed now. Thanks for answering all those questions!

Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 05, 2007, 11:20:34 PM
I wish they could float into my brain, then they could tell me where I was going with Chapter Forty-Six. :D

And no, hot dogs are a no no.

Thank you, Oprah, sleep well. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: honey on July 06, 2007, 12:08:42 AM
Well.... Hmmm... I would probably introduce AJ earlier. But his character and roll is fitting for where he is introduced, so I like how that turned out, but.... He does appear rather late compared to the others.

Well, I'm reworking them because I feel there's some things I didn't address well enough. One that was pointed out to me was what exactly a demon looks like. So I changed that... Minako and Renee also had a lack of sown relationship, so I fixed that.... Just some things here and there I felt could be improved upon. :)

I would have liked to get to know him a little better before they all took off together to find the box but you're right, I don't know how you could have introduced him sooner.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 06, 2007, 12:13:34 AM
Maybe in my re-writing, I can fix his lack of introductory character development... .

I do think that's another part that could use some work... But, I did fix Nick's introduction, so... I'm pretty happy about that. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 06, 2007, 01:03:50 AM
Hot dogs are YUMMY!! *says the pregnant lady*
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 06, 2007, 01:36:58 AM
Go run 3k and eat three hot dogs and tell me that.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 06, 2007, 10:32:26 PM
Are you kidding I can't even walk up the stairs right now without getting winded.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 06, 2007, 10:40:07 PM
When you're not pregnant. :p
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: MellzBellz on July 08, 2007, 07:18:08 PM
Actually Purpura's comment about Minako and Renee's friendship is kind of interesting. Maybe I'm taking this from the a very psychosexual literary interpretation (I had an English lit professor in college who had psychosexual theories on just about every literary character imaginable, so maybe she rubbed off on me just a lil lol) but it does seem like Renee might have a ll bit of a girl crush on Minako lol. Why else would she all of a sudden be so pissed that Minako is a rival priestess and has sumthin going on with Nick? I know its definitely not intentional, but I can just see how the case is made. I'd totally buy into that theory.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 08, 2007, 07:20:49 PM
Totally wasn't intentional... My brain, however, works in mysterious ways... *oooooo* So maybe I unintentionall y did it on pupose. :D

Yet another nonsensical statement from me... :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: MellzBellz on July 08, 2007, 07:23:06 PM
No it makes sense... Sometimes as writers we do things subconscuiousl y. Which I think is the coolest thing because then the peces begin to come together on their own.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 08, 2007, 07:31:54 PM
Bravo for me. I created a super special awesome subplot. ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: honey on July 08, 2007, 11:43:56 PM
no I totally agree. I've actually thought that in quite a few places.But it's definitely more on Renee's side. I alway kind of wondered if that was part of her hatred for Minako. Especially after Nick came into the picture.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 09, 2007, 12:29:51 AM
Wow... Everyone thought so... Now I'm really amazed with my brain... I deserve a treat I think... :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: MellzBellz on July 09, 2007, 08:40:35 AM
LOl You should definitely mention that somewhere along the line in the story LOL
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 09, 2007, 01:31:20 PM
I don't know if it really has it's place in it... I mean, I am almost done with it...
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 12, 2007, 10:40:22 PM
I have noticed since your fic has become the story of the month that a lot of fantasy/sci fi stories are popping up on AC. There are at least two on the front page as of right now which I thought was interesting. Maybe they were inspired by you? Or perhaps it's a random coincidence lol

Either way, just wanted to say that :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 12, 2007, 10:47:02 PM
You mean besides the challenge ones?

Interesting... I'm not really sure, but if they were, that's a nice thing to see people givin it a chance. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 12, 2007, 10:48:51 PM
You mean besides the challenge ones?

Interesting... I'm not really sure, but if they were, that's a nice thing to see people givin it a chance. :)

Yes there are two brand new stories posted that aren't challenges not sure if they are sci fi or fantasy or maybe a combo of both but judging by the summaries they are longer fics.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 12, 2007, 10:52:59 PM
Interesting.... Well, I wish them the best of luck. :)

On a totally unrelated note, but since it is my month... The created of the Abridged Series posted my fan art on his LiveJournal. *happy squee* The one the icon is from. That just about made my week.

Also, I'm drawing a picture of the group (in PBox) in celebration of my month.... Just thought I would let you all know that. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 12, 2007, 10:54:03 PM
Nice! Looking forward to see what you come up with and congrats!
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 12, 2007, 10:56:23 PM
Be forewarned it might turn into a CG experiment... All my CG projects seem to.... *shrug*

I have to remember how I drew the other Boys... I think I drew them all together like once... When I was bored during job training....
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 12, 2007, 10:57:41 PM
What would a CG experiment be? Remember i'm inital impaired lol
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 12, 2007, 11:04:46 PM
CG is computer graphics....

Basically a bunch of random material usage/background implications.. .

Kind of like the one I posted asking for help... All the textures and brushes and things I used...
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 12, 2007, 11:10:25 PM
Ah I see lol thanks
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 12, 2007, 11:11:37 PM
It will be very colorful to say the least. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 12, 2007, 11:14:53 PM
mare likes bright sparkly things lmao
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 12, 2007, 11:15:58 PM
Well... PBox is pretty dark, but... I'll give Howie some sparkly bracelets or something. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 12, 2007, 11:16:47 PM
Woohoo lmao
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 12, 2007, 11:19:37 PM
:D

*adds to list of artwork to complete*

My contest entry comes first, but... I'll put this on my list next.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 14, 2007, 09:18:58 AM
I have more questions for you lol I as going to ask last night, but then forgot all about it.

Since you aren't quite finished with this story yet, do you know exactly where it's heading or do you find yourself changing your mind as you go along?

Do you let your readers influence your decisions as you write? Do you get any reader input....for instance they might say I want this to happen, or can you write me into your story? lol

Do you think you'll be writing a sequel to this one?

Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 14, 2007, 06:33:03 PM
Awww, it's alright. I amused myself by being bored. :D

Yup, I've known basically how it would end since I started it, I think I changed it once... But that's the end it's heading towards now. Anhy avid readers will now think I'm a sadist. :D

No, I don't let them influence what I write mainly for the fact that no one tells me what they want to happen. The greatest amount of feedback I ever get is when parts of it confuse Kelly... Then I go back and clarify those parts. My readers don't really seem to care what it is I write or how fast I write it. *shrug*

Well, there are technically three parts following it, the second story in the series is suppossed to be the events prior to PBox (it's called "Pandora"), the third is the events directly after it (it's called "Pandora's Necklace", and the fourth is some time in the future (it's called "Ragnarok")...

Whether or not I actually end up writing them in a timely fashion is yet to be seen though... In the context of the story, they ouht to be there, I think... But they aren't entirely necessary... They would just round out the existence of Nick to it's complete form.

Really, I'm horribly unmotivated... I do have a fanfic I'm kind of excited to write, but it's a totally different fandom....
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: honey on July 15, 2007, 02:21:24 AM

 The greatest amount of feedback I ever get is when parts of it confuse Kelly...


lol... Kelly get's easily confused... Oddly enough as much as I love to write, I am a bit dyslexic and have always struggled with reading. I still like to do it though. But come on Dee... I give you more feedback than just what confuses me.  :P I always tell you what I especially love too! And there's lots of things I especially love about this story.


ps... Did you see I left you another review tonight?   :o  I only have like 6 or 7 more chapters to go till I'm caught up.  Then I shall share all of those wonderful things I was talking about with everyone who reads this thread. ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 15, 2007, 03:06:31 AM
Ah, yes, of course you, do which I do love. :)

But Mare asked if what readers write influences what I write. I don't really change anything because my readers never really say what they think ought to be changed. I'm hoping that means everyone who reads it thinks it's fine as is. :D

I did see it. I was talking to Rose and my email notifier popped up and was like "Absolute Chaos: You have a new Review for Pandora's Box." And I was like, I have a review? That's new. :D I'm proud of you. :)

I wish I could say I was proud of myself. I planned on finishing at least the last six chapters this month and I'm still on the chapter I was writing at the beginning of the month. :(
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: honey on July 15, 2007, 11:20:40 AM
I was talking to Rose and my email notifier popped up and was like "Absolute Chaos: You have a new Review for Pandora's Box." (

hehe that's always fun huh?
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 15, 2007, 02:00:15 PM
It rarely happens so it kind of caught me off guard. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 15, 2007, 02:05:46 PM


But Mare asked if what readers write influences what I write. I don't really change anything because my readers never really say what they think ought to be changed. I'm hoping that means everyone who reads it thinks it's fine as is. :D




You mean all that feedback I gave you in IM's went one ear and out the other :p ... j/k I never thought you would change anything off my feedback cause it wasn't anything you could change without changing the story.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 15, 2007, 03:01:46 PM
It didn't but... Again, it was pronbably too late for most of it to go in without it causing a cataclysmic reaction of nonsensicalnes s.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 19, 2007, 11:20:37 AM
Awww, it's alright. I amused myself by being bored. :D

Yup, I've known basically how it would end since I started it, I think I changed it once... But that's the end it's heading towards now. Anhy avid readers will now think I'm a sadist. :D

No, I don't let them influence what I write mainly for the fact that no one tells me what they want to happen. The greatest amount of feedback I ever get is when parts of it confuse Kelly... Then I go back and clarify those parts. My readers don't really seem to care what it is I write or how fast I write it. *shrug*

Well, there are technically three parts following it, the second story in the series is suppossed to be the events prior to PBox (it's called "Pandora"), the third is the events directly after it (it's called "Pandora's Necklace", and the fourth is some time in the future (it's called "Ragnarok")...
Whether or not I actually end up writing them in a timely fashion is yet to be seen though... In the context of the story, they ouht to be there, I think... But they aren't entirely necessary... They would just round out the existence of Nick to it's complete form.

Really, I'm horribly unmotivated... I do have a fanfic I'm kind of excited to write, but it's a totally different fandom....

If you do end up writing those sequels which would you start with?
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 19, 2007, 04:47:05 PM
If you do end up writing those sequels which would you start with?

"Pandora." :) It's the one that ought to come next. I think the readers lose something by heading toward the future without knowing the past. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 19, 2007, 04:56:46 PM
"Pandora." :) It's the one that ought to come next. I think the readers lose something by heading toward the future without knowing the past. :)

Oooh that's a pretty good quote Dee.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 19, 2007, 05:18:53 PM
Thanks. :D I can be pretty intelligent when I want. ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 19, 2007, 05:21:30 PM
LOL
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 21, 2007, 01:18:51 AM
Yay, PBox has gotten one hundred reviews.

Anyone want to add to the fun and post their thoughts here? :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: honey on July 21, 2007, 01:50:23 AM
yay I was # 100 and I almost left you a note... but then I forgot when I was reading the next chapter... anywhoo, YAY for 100 reviews!! (and Dee says she's not loved)  :P  Like five more chapters and then I will be caught up and I will have to collect all my thoughts before I post them here. While you seem to enjoy my ramblings Dee, I'm pretty sure no one else wants to hear that.  :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 21, 2007, 03:11:08 AM
Sure they do. :)

And it's okay, I left a note for everyone to enjoy. :)

Meanwhile, Rose keeps reminding me that I have to update at least once while it's featured. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 23, 2007, 10:21:09 PM
okay guys we're heading into our last full week to discuss this story. (I can't even believe July is almost over! Eeep!! Where did this summer go? lol) So don't forget if you have any thoughts or questions you should get them in soon-ish.

Dee anything behind the scenes you care to share? Things you changed, mistakes you made? Things no one else would know?
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 23, 2007, 11:09:39 PM
Well... It's not finished yet... I plan on getting out the rest of the chapters in the next few days, actually. :)

But... Probably the biggest change I made was that Nick was suppossed to die in the end.... Like, flat out, the entire ending was based upon his death....

But about half way through... Around Chapter Fifteen, he said "Hell if I'm dying." Thus, he and I continued in a constant struggle for his death... In the end, he won... And I guess the story is better for it....

As for the rest of it... I guess you'll just have to wait and see. :)

It'll most likely be in the works this weekend... I have a one-shot I need to work on, but... Otherwise, this will be it...

I'll still be editting up the old chapters, of course. :)
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 24, 2007, 07:46:56 PM
aww good for Nick! He is a stubbourn guy isn't he? That happened to me as well for a story. Glad to hear you'll be finishing it up and Rose is right, you should update at least once while you're featured lol and congrats on reaching 100 reviews.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 24, 2007, 10:43:44 PM
I don't think stubborn even begins to describe him. :D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: Rose on July 25, 2007, 12:35:28 AM
aww good for Nick! He is a stubbourn guy isn't he? That happened to me as well for a story. Glad to hear you'll be finishing it up and Rose is right, you should update at least once while you're featured lol and congrats on reaching 100 reviews.

Bolding the best part for posterity lol.

Or just cause I'm a brat. You decide hehe.  ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 25, 2007, 12:49:07 AM
Both. :P
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: mare on July 30, 2007, 02:44:01 PM
Any final thoughts Dee as your month comes to an end?

Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: honey on July 30, 2007, 05:48:26 PM
OK, so I'm getting to this a little late  :D but I wanted to catch up on the story before I posted and I got pretty close but I had a pretty busy month.  So, Here goes...

First off I have to say that this was the first fantasy I've ever read and I was worried at first when I said I would read it, but I really, really enjoyed it. It was very refreshing to read something that takes you so far from the norm of fan fics and this story definitely does that. Dee is very descriptive in her writing and I think that is so important when writing a story like this because she's writing about a whole different world with different characters. Dee did an excellent job at painting that picture for you. It was so visual that I felt like I was there.

I also love the legend she created. More than just a typical story line, there is this whole myth behind what the characters are doing and why they're doing it that brings an epic feeling to the tale. Reading this story is like going on this big important adventure. It's very fun.

Another thing I really like is the interesting relationships in the story. Great character dynamics. Since the boys are not themselves in this you get to see some different dynamics than usual. The two main characters Minako and Nick have a nice romance subplot that is actually vital to the overall plot so it's not like she's just throwing it in there just for the sake of drama. And the relationship between Minako and Renee (the villain or one of them...) is very interesting. (aside from the afore mentioned sexual tension   ;)) 

Overall I found the story to be exciting, intriguing and a wonderful change of pace. My only problem with it (and it wasn't that big a deal or I wouldn't have kept going) is that it gets a little wordy sometimes and I get lost in the long paragraphs. What I found that worked for me though is reading it out loud. I'm really more of an audial learner anyway. The chapters were also pretty long so I had to plan time to sit down and read them when my kids wouldn't be bugging me. And I think thats the reason it's taken me so long to get through it, but every time I did sit down, she managed to suck me into her world and keep me wanting more, so WELL DONE DEANNA!!

Thumbs up for this story. It's really a fresh, exciting story so I would recommend at least giving it a chance even if fantasy is not your thing. You might be surprised. I know I was. Great job Dee!
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 30, 2007, 06:08:19 PM
Any final thoughts Dee as your month comes to an end?



That I'm updating for sure tomorrow after my test. *nod* Look forward to it, everyone.
Title: Re: Featured Story for July 2007 - Pandora's Box by Nick's Gal
Post by: nicksgal on July 30, 2007, 06:16:08 PM
OK, so I'm getting to this a little late  :D but I wanted to catch up on the story before I posted and I got pretty close but I had a pretty busy month.  So, Here goes...

Thumbs up for this story. It's really a fresh, exciting story so I would recommend at least giving it a chance even if fantasy is not your thing. You might be surprised. I know I was. Great job Dee!

Aww, last I checked, you were only two or three chapters away from where I left it off. :) Not far at all.

Aww thanks. I try really hard to make sure everyone who reads it can understand the image of the world. *nod* It's important to me that everyone believes in it as much I do. (not in an odd way, just that it's tangible)

Well, epic tales need epic plots, right?

Yay, the characters are good? *is happy* Characters are almost as important to me as the setting, right underneath it. *nod* And *cough* the Boys are themselves... technically speaking.... And hey, characters need conflicts... Best friends turned enemies is an interesting one. *nod*

I apologize for that. :-[ I'm a little wordy.... :-[ I'm trying to find a way around it in editing.... But I'm glad. *hug*

Thanks for all the kind words, Kelly! *hug*