VOYAGERS!
The Voyager Chronicles – Book 3
THE CRIME OF ALL TIME
By Dennis A. Daugherty
DISCLAIMER: Voyagers!, and it's associated characters are registered trademarks of Scholastic Productions, James D. Parriott Productions and Universal-MCA Entertainment. This story is written and provided for entertainment purposes ONLY. No copyright infringement is intended by the author.
FORWARD
As you read this, it has been some two days since I put the final touches on the last chapter of this story. To finally finish this roller-coaster ride was in itself a blessing. Mind you, I'm not saying this to imply that I'm tired of writing or bored with the subject matter. Hopefully, that will never happen. This story was fun to imagine and easy to outline. However, after developing a bad case of writer's block, it became a definite chore to put to paper. Unlike my first two installments, the words just did not flow as easily on this one. At one point, I got so frustrated; I just put it aside and didn't look at it for weeks. When the moment finally came and I got back to it, I began writing two and three chapters in one sitting. There's one thing I have learned from this experience. Writing is as much an art form as any other. Like the Renaissance Masters of long ago, you cannot paint a great masterpiece if your heart is not in it. Likewise you can't write a good story, if you are trying to force the words to come out.
Those of you who have read my previous stories know, I am very fond of the characters Bogg and Jeffrey and their father/son like relationship. Whenever possible, I try my best to explore the bonds between them, as well as push them to their breaking point in an attempt to further define their characters. This story is no exception. There are several poignant moments and tear-jerking scenes in this adventure which further emphasizes this. If you can believe it, some of these passages quite literally brought tears to my own eyes as I wrote them. My only advice to you, the reader is to have a box of tissues handy before you begin.
In closing, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the premier of the series, I too have cause for celebration as well. With this story, I have reached a milestone of sorts. Some year and a half ago, (my has it been that long?) I began writing my first Voyagers! story, thanks to the impressive work of another author on this site. Never in my wildest dreams, would I have ever imagined to be able to finish even that one story, let alone three of them. It has been the keen interest of my readers and your thoughtful reviews which have kept this ball rolling for me. My sincerest thanks to all of you. For now though, I am going to put aside my pen, rest a spell and let the rest of you have a go at it. For those of you who are wondering about the future, rest assured the further adventures of Bogg and Jeff (aka, The Voyager Chronicles) will resume again after a brief pause. Until next time… May all your landings be soft ones!
DA Daugherty
(VoyagersFan)