~Backword~
Well, we're at the end.
My but it's been a fun ride, hasn't it? I think I enjoyed writing author's notes just as much as I enjoyed writing the story…guilty pleasure kicking in, I guess.
It may be a bit before the next story comes up---for, rest assured, there will be a next story---as I write a story as a story, not an installment plan. I'll sit down for an hour or so each day for a bout a week to think over what I've done and where I could go, the next week I'll fine-tune the storyline, then I'll work out quirks in the story, then I'll race to try and figure out where I'll stick all these odd pieces that my muses throw at me for the fun of watching me try and juggle it all…Ergo, it may be a bit before I get something new up. So, because I'll be depraved of my wonderful guilty pleasure, I'm getting in one last hurrah of ranting before I close!
I'd like to say thank you to those of you who reviewed. You can't imagine how much I appreciate the time and effort you all spent critiquing---your reviews have helped me grow and learn as an author, and have provided both helpful suggestions and much-needed encouragement. I'm hoping that my future lies in the realm of writing, and this is the place for me to learn the art; you've been my teachers and cheerleaders combined. You've helped me re-assess my writing style, and you've shown me areas in which I can improve or I excel. Some day, I'd like to make a living through writing, and you're helping me move closer to that goal; your comments, critiques, compliments, and caring words have encouraged and helped me more than you know. Thank you all!
My beta reader, aside from intensely commenting on my grammar trip-ups, also let me know when something wasn't quite clear in the reference department. Ergo I'm going to try and explain anything that might not be clear…and no, I do NOT mean that I will explain the entire story.
Some of the chapter names in this story were references to other pieces of literature, so I'll explain them now. *ahem*
2: The Thousandth Man
A reference to the poem "The Thousandth Man" by Rudyard Kipling. The first verse goes as follows:
'One man in a thousand, Solomon says,
Will stick more close than a brother.
And it's worth while seeking him half your days
If you find him before the other.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine will depend
On what the world sees in you,
But the Thousandth Man will stand your friend
With the whole round world agin you…'
I was referring to the relationship NiGHTS and Reala used to have. Key word, used…
3: The Dream Is Deferred
The poem above the chapter, by Langston Hughes, was the reason for this title. We don't know what happens to a dream deferred---but we're about to find out, aren't we?
5: Though They Have Eyes
A reference to the Bible verse "Though they have eyes, they see not; though they have ears, they hear not." No one seems to see the storm that's gathering…
6: But A Servant When He Reigneth
Another poem by Rudyard Kipling, "A Servant When He Reigneth" was in its turn derived from Proverbs 30, verses 21-23. "For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear. For a servant when he reigneth…"
The poem and verse were actually placing the servant who reigns in a low light---Kipling explains why---but I must admit to quoting out of context. I was speaking of NiGHTS and his future position: "For three things the earth is disquieted…for a servant when he reigneth." The impending fiasco's going to turn Nightmare on its head---I'll say the earth's disquieted.
10: Foreboding: An Ill Wind Blows
You know the saying 'It's an ill wind blows nobody good'. Every inhabitant of Nightmare's going to be hurt by the storm kicking up---truly an ill wind, for once.
11: This Hideous Dream
Reference to the quote above, from Julius Caeser.
12: Who Knoweth What The Day Brings Forth
This is a line from a Bible verse---unfortunately, I can't remember where I read it, and so I can only ballpark it. The coming day will be one full of upheaval.
13: The Heroism We Recite
Derived from the poem "We Never Know How High We Are" by Emily Dickinson.
We never know how high we are
Till we are asked to rise
And then if we are true to plan
Our statures touch the skies---
The Heroism we recite
Would be a normal thing
Did not ourselves the Cubits warp
For fear to be a King—
NiGHTS will, eventually, have to face the duty of heroism; it's a pity it's not an easy task.
14: Though They Go Mad
Obviously I'm referring to the poem above.
16: We Shall Have No Time For Dances
Another reference to the poem…
17: The Dawning Of East And West
The dawn when NiGHTS and Reala finally break their ties together, and the two sides are formed. For East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.
18: Falls The Shadow
Figure it out.
There, that's it. The trilogy's finished, the story's done, and my career as an author is at an end…Yeah, right.
Don't worry, it isn't the end of the saga, just the end of the story. Another one will follow soon.
It may be awhile, of course, due to the fact that I write stories all at once, not in little increments like most people here at ffn do. However, I'll be back as soon as I can be.
And don't think I won't be around---as everyone knows, I can't keep out of things for long. You'll probably see yet another stupid conversation or interview within a short time…*listens as readers collectively stand and leave* Yes, I do believe I'll do that.
~Avis~