This is intriguing. I’m glad you made it a larger chunk than usual; sometimes, you just can't cut things off in the middle of a series of natural thoughts that must go together. Plus, 'A natural path is never linear' -- I loved this; it goes so well with everything else, and with life. I'm continuing to really enjoy this, Kate. And Salzburg evokes so many memories. Awesome chapter!
Thanks a lot, Silvio, and thanks for saying the length made sense to you. It’s always tricky on this medium, and I have edited some parts as such but likewise enjoy occasionally large chunks when warranted on other fiction-newsletters.
"I love those morning hours in European cities when only a few people inhabit the place. During those moments, I am able to notice more: the other denizens, the stones, the doorways."
Such a great chapter. A joy to read. A nice way to send Marie off to do some sleuthing on her own with lots of great details, esp. the waiter's mannerisms, so well observed! The double foreshadowing, intrigue and virus weigh heavy, Must read on!
This felt delightfully meta: "For our readers though, I add these elements into my story to explain the way I felt as if I were in a novel or a spy thriller."
Spy thriller indeed. Felt like we would be embarking on a Da Vinci Code adventure hunting for the Klimt! 😀
Love the dark mystery of Marija's words, plus I also really like how you've woven in the onset of COVID-19 without it feeling forced. It's happening there in the background and Marie's thoughts and apprehensions are as many of us felt in those early early days.
Great work tying Marie’s continued sense of isolation and her desire to feel foregrounded in social and cultural context with her marginalized role as an interpreter and her lack of class status with the foreshadowed isolation of the virus. As a reader, looking backwards the impending sensation is mirroring the sense most began to feel and is really heightening the tension. Also the willingness to be wiped out by poison gas for acknowledgment and fame, or her staring of the ledge of the building down into the abyss becomes a type of depression that many who experienced the trauma and isolation of Covid can really identify. Kudos DKW in getting another chapter where your proto gets renewed sympathy rather than apathy while trudging towards her role as a super sleuth! Keep it up!!
I think you are the ideal reader, Brian! Thanks so much. You push some of the ideas in ways that make me want to add tiny edits to enhance them further.
Hundertwasser! Loving these references. I remember having a big fight with my husband in Salzburg over who got to hold the map (it was long ago). 😂 The building sense of ominous events seems to be increasing. So many loose ends for Marie to hold!
This is intriguing. I’m glad you made it a larger chunk than usual; sometimes, you just can't cut things off in the middle of a series of natural thoughts that must go together. Plus, 'A natural path is never linear' -- I loved this; it goes so well with everything else, and with life. I'm continuing to really enjoy this, Kate. And Salzburg evokes so many memories. Awesome chapter!
Thanks a lot, Silvio, and thanks for saying the length made sense to you. It’s always tricky on this medium, and I have edited some parts as such but likewise enjoy occasionally large chunks when warranted on other fiction-newsletters.
"I love those morning hours in European cities when only a few people inhabit the place. During those moments, I am able to notice more: the other denizens, the stones, the doorways."
Me too!
Thanks Jules! Isn't that the best time?
The way you weave Marie's personal reflections with the suspense of uncovering hidden secrets keeps me on edge this week. Your pace is just spot-on.
Thanks Jon! That’s super to hear.
Oh I'm so up for a trip underground - lead the way, Kate! :)
Fun times, make it an experience 🗺️
Such a great chapter. A joy to read. A nice way to send Marie off to do some sleuthing on her own with lots of great details, esp. the waiter's mannerisms, so well observed! The double foreshadowing, intrigue and virus weigh heavy, Must read on!
Thanks a lot, Alexander!
"Of course, this had all been set up by the hotel staff. It felt like a conspiracy." Marie's paranoia is growing! A brilliant chapter, Kate.
Thank you, Jeffrey!
Delicious meaty chapter, Kate.
This felt delightfully meta: "For our readers though, I add these elements into my story to explain the way I felt as if I were in a novel or a spy thriller."
Spy thriller indeed. Felt like we would be embarking on a Da Vinci Code adventure hunting for the Klimt! 😀
Love the dark mystery of Marija's words, plus I also really like how you've woven in the onset of COVID-19 without it feeling forced. It's happening there in the background and Marie's thoughts and apprehensions are as many of us felt in those early early days.
So weird looking back on those days, right? Like we were all alone together.
Thanks Nathan!
Definitely.
PS sorry for being so late to this one. My reading (and writing!) has had a big hit this last week and hoping to be back on track from now.
Please don’t apologise! I’m in the same boat at the moment. Hope all is well with you ☺️
😊
Yeah, just busy and a bit bogged down. Too many deadlines and things that make me feel bllurrgghh and not so creative.
Gotcha. That’s a good reason! Hope you’re feeling more like yourself soon. :) No doubt a bit wine and that winter air might help.
Here, I would say it’s my move and a recent trip but mostly it’s just too hot to think.
🫣
Hehe. Hope all of the move is going well/has gone well!
Yeah, some warm weather over in Europe! We've had a few 20C days here the last few days, which has been amazing. I'm so ready for spring!
Great work tying Marie’s continued sense of isolation and her desire to feel foregrounded in social and cultural context with her marginalized role as an interpreter and her lack of class status with the foreshadowed isolation of the virus. As a reader, looking backwards the impending sensation is mirroring the sense most began to feel and is really heightening the tension. Also the willingness to be wiped out by poison gas for acknowledgment and fame, or her staring of the ledge of the building down into the abyss becomes a type of depression that many who experienced the trauma and isolation of Covid can really identify. Kudos DKW in getting another chapter where your proto gets renewed sympathy rather than apathy while trudging towards her role as a super sleuth! Keep it up!!
I think you are the ideal reader, Brian! Thanks so much. You push some of the ideas in ways that make me want to add tiny edits to enhance them further.
Hundertwasser! Loving these references. I remember having a big fight with my husband in Salzburg over who got to hold the map (it was long ago). 😂 The building sense of ominous events seems to be increasing. So many loose ends for Marie to hold!
So happy to have your passion for architecture here as a reader, Julie! Thanks a lot. Cool that you were in Salzburg. It’s a great little city.