February Sucks in LW

[NoTalentHack]

Exactly. Linda had to believe she was “the same as always” because the alternative was admitting she torched her marriage for one night of ego-stroking with a walking endorsement deal. That line “I’m back, same as I always was” isn't innocence. It’s self-preservation. If she acknowledged what she really did, she’d have to live with it. So instead, she rewrites the script and expects Jim to act like it’s the same play.

And yes, she feels flat because we only ever see her from the outside. That’s the cost of first-person. We don’t get her inner monologue. But maybe that’s the point. This was never her story. She’s not the protagonist. She’s the catalyst. The earthquake. You don’t interview the tornado. You survive it.

In my take, which starts about a month after the ending of the original February Sucks, I treat the original as Jim relating the events to his therapist. This helps to explain both why he has no insight into Linda, among other things. It helps square why Jim doesn't really understand why Linda did what she did and then what she continues to do afterwards, both because Jim needs help understanding and because he's been in the bubble of a toxic relationship for so long that he can't see it (or her) for what it is. It's only through therapy (along with some sage advice from his personal trainer) that he starts to pick it apart. As a meta bonus, it was also therapy for me, letting me get that damned story out of my head.

 

[WordsIntheWyld]

In my take, which starts about a month after the ending of the original February Sucks, I treat the original as Jim relating the events to his therapist. This helps to explain both why he has no insight into Linda, among other things. It helps square why Jim doesn't really understand why Linda did what she did and then what she continues to do afterwards, both because Jim needs help understanding and because he's been in the bubble of a toxic relationship for so long that he can't see it (or her) for what it is. It's only through therapy (along with some sage advice from his personal trainer) that he starts to pick it apart. As a meta bonus, it was also therapy for me, letting me get that damned story out of my head.

I really like that take. Framing the original as Jim retelling events in therapy explains the limited insight into Linda and why he struggles to understand her. It fits how trauma actually unfolds, messy and incomplete. Having someone fight for Jim matters. For you it was Liz, for me it was Savannah. Different names, same purpose. Someone had to pull him out of the wreckage and remind him he still matters.

Writing it out was therapy for me too. Sometimes the only way out is through the page.

 

[Gamblnluck]

It's only through therapy (along with some sage advice from his personal trainer) that he starts to pick it apart. As a meta bonus, it was also therapy for me, letting me get that damned story out of my head.

As much as the story bothered me (and still haunts), I could never bring myself to write my own sequel/alternate. I chose to sit on the sideline and read others' versions.
There are other stories out there I've read that hit me to my core. I cannot for the life of me see how the MC could do anything but......
That is good writing but at the same time, the author turns the script and lets the MC become a simpleton, accept the humiliation or even fall deeper down the well.
I know I've read your version, but now instead of doing my own work (that I was planning), I gotta go read it again.. Thank you very much. LOL

 

[Gamblnluck]

I really like that take. Framing the original as Jim retelling events in therapy explains the limited insight into Linda and why he struggles to understand her. It fits how trauma actually unfolds, messy and incomplete. Having someone fight for Jim matters. For you it was Liz, for me it was Savannah. Different names, same purpose. Someone had to pull him out of the wreckage and remind him he still matters.

Writing it out was therapy for me too. Sometimes the only way out is through the page.

Your afterword "All it's missing are having all of your teeth falling out and having to take your final exam naked after missing all your classes for the semester." Rang true. I wonder how many students really have that dream. Remembering that you have a class and an exam scheduled and you forgot you were even signed up. I've had other nightmares that were because of my profession. Ten years into retirement and I still have the terror of my screwing up. I can't explain her as it will reveal too much but dreams like that are common. They bore into your very being.

 

[WordsIntheWyld]

If I can make TIoM work, then why the heck can't I get my own Secrets in the Reflection to cooperate? I've never had a story idea make me rage quit before. Seriously, how hard can it be to write about twins swapping places and the emotional wreckage that follows? Apparently, very. Like, throw my notebook across the room and scowl at it kind of rage. I even nicknamed the draft "Fuck you, Blue Stripy Bag." That’s where we’re at. That story is my albatross, and it's winning.

 

[NoTalentHack]

If I can make TIoM work, then why the heck can't I get my own Secrets in the Reflection to cooperate? I've never had a story idea make me rage quit before. Seriously, how hard can it be to write about twins swapping places and the emotional wreckage that follows? Apparently, very. Like, throw my notebook across the room and scowl at it kind of rage. I even nicknamed the draft "Fuck you, Blue Stripy Bag." That’s where we’re at. That story is my albatross, and it's winning.

Keep at it. Hall Past just about killed my desire to write for months, but I finally managed to push through after like a dozen rewrites.

 

[Oatmeal1969]

Keep at it. Hall Past just about killed my desire to write for months, but I finally managed to push through after like a dozen rewrites.

I can see that, reading it caused an intense reaction in me. it was a great story.

 

[WordsIntheWyld]

February Sucks stories should never leave Literotica. It’s like they’re protected by ancient runes, break the seal, and we’re all doomed. The only other place reckless enough to contain that chaos? Lifetime TV. And even they’d probably ask for hazard pay.

 

[lovecraft68]

February Sucks stories should never leave Literotica. It’s like they’re protected by ancient runes, break the seal, and we’re all doomed. The only other place reckless enough to contain that chaos? Lifetime TV. And even they’d probably ask for hazard pay.

This is the only site with a base that would support rewriting other people's work because they didn't like the ending.

 

[NoTalentHack]

This is the only site with a base that would support rewriting other people's work because they didn't like the ending.

*laughs in AO3*

 

[Oatmeal1969]

February Sucks stories should never leave Literotica. It’s like they’re protected by ancient runes, break the seal, and we’re all doomed. The only other place reckless enough to contain that chaos? Lifetime TV. And even they’d probably ask for hazard pay.

There are a few versions on Stories Online.

• Lemonade by AMP
• "Betrayal", "Admission and Reparation...", "Retribution" parts 1 and 2 by traddis.

 

[WordsIntheWyld]

There are a few versions on Stories Online.

• Lemonade by AMP
• "Betrayal", "Admission and Reparation...", "Retribution" parts 1 and 2 by traddis.

Yikes.

 

[Oatmeal1969]

Yikes.

I've kept track of the stories and have noted around 254 works broken down over 205 stories written by 153 authors (multi-part stories or multiple stories)

 

[WordsIntheWyld]

I've kept track of the stories and have noted around 254 works broken down over 205 stories written by 153 authors (multi-part stories or multiple stories)

I'm piling it on with a sequel to my version. I am just waiting for the questionnaire to be returned, as I know nothing about step-parent and kids' dynamics.

 

[drunkwombat]

To quote The Newsroom: "Valentines Day is the bully of holidays. It forces love on the unloved". People are going to react negatively and they're going to get it out somehow, somewhere. Not all efforts will be quality work.

 

[WordsIntheWyld]

I took the same approach and had a few members read what I have so far for the sequel. Hearing that it matches the original in tone and quality is exactly what I like to hear. The only difference is that I use dual POV for Jim and Savannah.

 

[WordsIntheWyld]

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more. I’ve finished the sequel to The Ides of March, More than Enough. More Savannah, Jim, and others have returned.

As much as I wanted to step on the gas and have FS in the rearview mirror for this sequel, it’s the two little ones that keep Jim anchored to that mess. Poor bastard. Not because of the kids, because Linda is their mom.

Sorry, Jim isn’t a member of Seal Team Delta Tango, and there’s no Mexican whorehouse in this version. Just life, love, and the chaos that comes with it.

 

[NoTalentHack]

Sorry, Jim isn’t a member of Seal Team Delta Tango, and there’s no Mexican whorehouse in this version.

Really, are you even trying then? Disgraceful!

 

[lovecraft68]

This just in, because I didn't like the ending to I am Legend, I have written my own version.
I'm also close to finishing my version of No Country for Old Men so something actually happens in it
I'm also changing the ending to every one of those damn peanuts cartoons so Charlie actually kicks the ball.

When I'm approached by people who hold the rights I will explain that my moral indignation allows me the right to redo their work to my taste and also because I can't write my own stories.

ETA The ending to the novel I am Legend really is trash

 

[B_Couric]

Wow, never heard of that story, just read it. Pretty good! Not even an erotic story, but it's interesting. And many can relate.

 

[WordsIntheWyld]

I was going to include what’s going on with Dee in 'More than Enough', but I think I’m going to let her marinate for a while. As for Marc (and yes, it pisses me off that I have to type my own name for that a-hole), it’s going to be death by a thousand cuts for him.