Re: Quarto Three -- The Word

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Date Posted: 02:30:36 03/23/03 Sun
Author: Ihcuiltli
Author Host/IP: dialup-64.152.175.51.Dial1.NewYork1.Level3.net / 64.152.175.51
Subject: Re: Quarto Three
In reply to: MaAS 's message, "Re: Quarto Three" on 00:52:37 03/21/03 Fri

Wow -- there's a lot of good stuff there. Thank you!

>Okay, I'll try to give you as solid/useful an answer
>as I can. I know I should have done this sooner, but
>work critiques are never something to be taken lightly.

I forget about that -- I think I've lost my readership, but it just turns out they're taking the time to seriously think about what I've asked.

>First off - The characters. My reaction is that
>they're NOT at all cardboard cut-outs. They strike me
>as fun and interesting, so I'm definitely enjoying
>them. I think you've got solid characters there, but
>admittadly, I think I'd like to have a better chance
>for some of the ones that are in the background to
>grow distinct. Like Frank and Jeff were pretty much
>just a couple of bums in the background until Soshi
>had dinner with Jeff, and I could really put some
>distinct characteristics on them. Still looking
>forward to that shopping date with Akiko.

I'm glad to hear you feel the characters aren't just cut-outs. It's always a fear, for any writer, I think. But I'm curious to know if you feel anyone's turning out to be very similar to anyone else, especially at the paper. I've had some misgivings, myself, but it's that forest-for-the-trees thing.
I'm also afraid I'm diluting the story by introducing sop many characters. They want to be there -- they have reasons to be there. Maybe I should take a cue from some of my favorite novels, comics, and anime -- large casts aren't necessarily a bad thing.
Ahhh, the shopping trip. Though it may seem forgotten, it isn't. At least Akiko hasn't forgotten. Soshi's been a little distracted.

>As for the amount of information we're giving, I'd say
>that some of the background for both the characters
>and the world (that you take care of in the extras)
>are still a bit vague. The origin of the canine's is
>still sort of up in the air for me. I also think
>there's several aspects of the characters that I'm
>wondering about that will be made clear later. *shrug*

Like what (if you didn't mention it in this message)? One of the reasons the canid origin's a little foggy is, honestly, because even I'm not totally certain what it is, exactly. I waffle between posting it to Soshi's World (huh? what's that?), or not being a narrative wussy and just writing it in properly into the story.
This thing keeps turning into a bigger and bigger tapestry ... it's hard work keeping track of all the threads ....

>You've focused pretty much on Soshi, with only a few
>chance to really explore other characters. But you've
>definitely done well for the main character. ;)Getting
>back to the part about the amount of information we're
>recieving, after some thought, I think it's running
>pretty well. Every story brings the world a little
>clearer. Admittadly, in the beginning the setting was
>a little confusing for me. I'm just wondering if there
>are some givens you know that the rest of us might be
>picking up. But I can't really bring up any clear
>examples, so I'll just keep reading and commenting,
>and trying to say something useful every once in a
>while.

Everything's useful to hear. Trust me.

>I also noticed that you're now running approxamately
>three plots at once. Soshi teaching Harim, Soshi
>learning about her other mage-self, and Soshi finding
>the truth of her past. Honestly, I'm surprised you're
>managing to keep all of them as well balanced as you
>are. None of them really stand out, though, so if
>there was one that was more important than the other
>two, you might want to emphasise it a bit more. If
>you're simply trying to deliver to us "Chunk o'
>Soshi's Life" then you're doing it perfect.
>Anyway, I hope there was something useful in all that.

I didn't really stop to think about that. You're right -- there's got to be something in it that I'm not seeing (but maybe it's better to keep it in the corner of my eye). I think the three of them are equally important; one doesn't back off so she can deal better with the others. It's probably coming straight out of my mindset right now -- I think I feel like I'm under the assault of the universe, and nothing's relenting.
Sounds a lot more dramatic thatn it really is, honestly.

>
>Later.
>
>And thanks for linking my site. As soon as the Links
>page goes up, I'll return the favor.

My pleasure. Take your time -- I see that you're making updates and changes to your site right now. Keep it going!

Me, whose tagline today is stolen from Steve Martin: "Talking about music is like dancing about architecture."

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