Author's Notes (09/13/2014) - More continued ramblings of a deranged mind...
I started writing "Eternal Spartan" before I even finished "Faithfully Spartan". I found I couldn't just leave off the first story with Michael hanging out there. I wanted closure...damn it! So I started writing notes and went straight to work on the story figuring out what and how I was going to bring Faith and Michael back together.
In some ways I found this an easier story to write, but harder in others. I tried to figure out how I was going to get Michael out of the Hellmouth...couldn't have them just simply dig him up. I could see the dialog that would go with that..."Took you long enough to rent that backhoe..."
I decided to mix magic in Michael's travels to get home and that it wouldn't be easy and take a long time. I planned to add in Forerunners from the beginning to tie it into the first story along with the helpful installation guardian.
As in my previous notes you are probably asking, "Why are you rewriting this story again? Haven't you had enough?'
The simple answer is...no. I enjoyed writing this series so much. Developing the characters that it can be hard to say good-bye. After "Spartan Inheritance" was finished, I swore to myself that I was done with this series and would go back to work on my original novel (which I have done some - first two chapters are posted on my DeviantART page).
As I have said before, I am rewriting some of my stories, so I can print off into book format and that is still my plan.
You may have noticed that this story is now longer (in both words and chapters). When I rewrote Chapter 7, I found that I had added 2000 more words which made that a huge chapter. I decided to break the chapter into two (7 and 8).
The tone and content has changed a little. I have tried to add more depth to the characters and build the relationships between them. I decided to add more depth and intensity to Michael and Tala's relationship, so that it can reflect in the later stories rather than making it just a "one-night" stand. That may or may not work, but it had been something I had been toying with. I pushed the tone with more adult themes, but hopefully I kept it tasteful and didn't make it offensive.
As I have said before, if you had a chance to read my original version of "Eternal Spartan", I am sure that you can read/see the difference between both versions in terms of story content, style and format as I switched from the 1st person to 3rd person perspective.
I am continuing my commitment to revisit not only this story, but also "Requiem for a Spartan", and "Devil's Bargain" to bring them up to the same level. I am busy with work and school, so it may take longer to get them updated.
To all those that have had read the original version of "Eternal Spartan", please take a look and let me know what you think of this "new" version. Hopefully I haven't disappointed those people who had previously favorited and followed this story.
I hope with this rewrite that I have made this a deeper and richer story that you can enjoy.
I want to say a most appreciative THANK YOU to you for reading my stories. I also want to say a another THANK YOU to all those that favorited, followed my stories or me and also sent me messages and posted comments.
Even though the Faith/Michael storyline is over (for now...who knows what the future may bring), please do not hesitate to drop me a message with comments or questions. For those of you that aspire to write, I encourage you to write. Do it because you want to. It doesn't matter what you or anyone else thinks. If you have a story to tell...then tell it. I will end off with the words that my instructor in my writing course told us "You are all better writers than you think your are... You will always be your own worse critic."
All the best :-)
PS: Take a look at my poll on my profile page. Let me know which of my stories you liked the best.