Heart aching for Ivy. I have this horrible premonition that if and when Georg and she talk about what's happened, and the state of their marriage, that we're going to see some world class "poor me" crap coming out of his mouth...
I sense you've encountered this type before. Shame you there's not such a character to warn her! Happy you're connecting to the characters. Thanks for reading 🤎
OK I have to write this before it leaves my brain (midway through reading). I love the way you introduce characters from Ivy's POV. There's a name, and then a description, but it's playful, informative and clever and doesn't feel forced, and then more info can drip through as the piece continues. I think that's not an easy skill to master, but it's done very well through all of these posts, Kate. Just wanted to drop that here before I forgot to say it 🧡
Thanks for this great observation, Nathan. I wasn’t really aware of that. I do try to say just enough with characters - think about introducing them like I would ask my students to in class I.e. add a quirky thing perhaps. That’s both a very kind and useful comment ☺️
Thanks, that means a lot, Jeffrey! Really great to have a few HK readers. The environment and culture are so difficult to capture, but something I really wanted to attempt.
The fact that there's almost to zero empathy for her loss tells me everything of the trajectory the relationship is heading--nowhere good. You wrote about it so realistically, authentically.
FFS Georg, notice what your wife is going through!! Though, as Troy notes, that could well end up with him pulling some shit that will leave Ivy questioning her own hurt and maybe even feeling guilty for it.
Thanks Nathan. It’s good if the feels are working. Starting to see how really drafting whilst serialising is useful! Lots of new ideas of where to go with Georg & Ivy, or important tweaks at least.
Not sure I could work on a deadline from scratch though! Have an idea to play around next with rough “sketches” before moving to a more complete form. You’re giving me a lot to think about. 🤗🖤
I read something recently where an author is refusing to look at comments on his serialisation because he doesn't want to be influenced in any way. Whilst I understand that, at the same time I think if serialising on here then it's interesting and potentially useful to see reactions and read thoughts. I think one still have to maintain one's own process, but the real-time nature of it is something different and exciting and could potentially help some aspects.
Completely agree. Even just seeing what aspects or sentences resonate with readers can help. Once you publish a book, even a critic will not give you feedback on that level. And yeah, you don’t need to agree with the comments and that’s fine!
Maybe this person was also feeling a bit unsure as we all do 😜 but I’m not sure serialisation is right in that case. Interesting reflection...
Ivy takes on even more dimension in this chapter. It’s bad enough to have to pretend and suck it up during painful happy hours at work but it’s quite another to have to do the same with your husband.
Heart aching for Ivy. I have this horrible premonition that if and when Georg and she talk about what's happened, and the state of their marriage, that we're going to see some world class "poor me" crap coming out of his mouth...
I sense you've encountered this type before. Shame you there's not such a character to warn her! Happy you're connecting to the characters. Thanks for reading 🤎
Such melancholy, another great character piece, Kate. Indifferent George, we can't feel sorry for him.
Ah the favorite emotion of the Parisians 🖤
😅
Having never travelled to Hong Kong I now feel like I should. Great pieces.
Thank so much, Jon! No doubt you should take a visit someday :)
OK I have to write this before it leaves my brain (midway through reading). I love the way you introduce characters from Ivy's POV. There's a name, and then a description, but it's playful, informative and clever and doesn't feel forced, and then more info can drip through as the piece continues. I think that's not an easy skill to master, but it's done very well through all of these posts, Kate. Just wanted to drop that here before I forgot to say it 🧡
Thanks for this great observation, Nathan. I wasn’t really aware of that. I do try to say just enough with characters - think about introducing them like I would ask my students to in class I.e. add a quirky thing perhaps. That’s both a very kind and useful comment ☺️
So enjoying this, not just the story and the characters, but also the lovely glimpses of Hong Kong, bringing back so many memories. Thank you !
Thanks, that means a lot, Jeffrey! Really great to have a few HK readers. The environment and culture are so difficult to capture, but something I really wanted to attempt.
What part did you live in?
Star Street, nice!
Tin Hau. How about you?
That’s a great area. Ivy goes there later...
I did live in Quarry Bay but very briefly in a serviced flat. Otherwise I was in Star Street district a while and Sai Ying Pun.
This is so glorious!!
Thanks so much, Matt! 🤗
Just realized the loneliness-factor and its connection to your work.
You’re welcome ☺️
The fact that there's almost to zero empathy for her loss tells me everything of the trajectory the relationship is heading--nowhere good. You wrote about it so realistically, authentically.
Thank you, Nadia 💙
Feeling for Ivy so much.
FFS Georg, notice what your wife is going through!! Though, as Troy notes, that could well end up with him pulling some shit that will leave Ivy questioning her own hurt and maybe even feeling guilty for it.
Thanks Nathan. It’s good if the feels are working. Starting to see how really drafting whilst serialising is useful! Lots of new ideas of where to go with Georg & Ivy, or important tweaks at least.
Not sure I could work on a deadline from scratch though! Have an idea to play around next with rough “sketches” before moving to a more complete form. You’re giving me a lot to think about. 🤗🖤
I read something recently where an author is refusing to look at comments on his serialisation because he doesn't want to be influenced in any way. Whilst I understand that, at the same time I think if serialising on here then it's interesting and potentially useful to see reactions and read thoughts. I think one still have to maintain one's own process, but the real-time nature of it is something different and exciting and could potentially help some aspects.
Completely agree. Even just seeing what aspects or sentences resonate with readers can help. Once you publish a book, even a critic will not give you feedback on that level. And yeah, you don’t need to agree with the comments and that’s fine!
Maybe this person was also feeling a bit unsure as we all do 😜 but I’m not sure serialisation is right in that case. Interesting reflection...
Totally agree!
Ivy takes on even more dimension in this chapter. It’s bad enough to have to pretend and suck it up during painful happy hours at work but it’s quite another to have to do the same with your husband.