New Memoirs of a Lady Thread (spoilers inside -- BEWARE)

[Mickie]

Hello! I thought perhaps a new thread might attract the attention of the rest of the authors who’ve committed to doing a chapter of Memoirs of a Lady. I’m at the end, so I thought I might help get things moving again. We seem to be stalled. Those that have quit, reneged on the agreement, or simply not submitted their chapters have put us without a new one for far too long.

Let’s get moving! The public awaits!

MunchinMark - July 14 -- has your story been submitted? If so, I apoligize for bugging you. If not, are you going to submit it, and when?

SteamyChik - July 21 -- Your due date is coming up. Are you still with us?

RisiaSkye - July 28 -- Are you still with us?

Judo - Aug. 4 - has been recently active on WhisperSecret’s thread, so there’s no doubt about that.

And of course me. Aug. 11.

If anyone else wants to bow out, please let us know. We might frown at you, but at least honesty would allow us to continue on in a more timely manner. Obviously, bulld is not planning on submitting. The rest have at least informed us of their choice.

And, for my own benefit -- is anyone else going to use Suzette in their chapter? If so, could you drop me a hint as to how? (Thanks, Judo, for helping me out with that in the other thread.) And, if there’s anything else you want me to wrap up in the last chapter, please let me know.

Thanks!
Mickie

 

[KillerMuffin]

Wooohoooo!

Let's go people. *clapping sissily*

 

[RisiaSkye]

Yes, I'm still here.

No, no Suzette, except in passing.

I posted a plot outline, and I'm sticking with it. I should have no problem getting it in on time.

No reneging here. Nope, nope.

I really gotta cut down on the espresso.

 

[cymbidia]

JUST back from vacation today...

... and i was not planning on posting here at all cuz i have to do all that mountain of vacation laundry first, and put away all the odds and ends of toiletries and toys and books and etcetera that always straggles into the house after all time away. I know you know what i mean.

HOWEVER
I have Judo's chapter sitting in my Word files right now and it's GOOD.

Just thought the rest of you might like to know that.

 

[JUDO]

Ready for Another Go?

No, not the famous British gentleman's phrase, but how about more Erica?

I really had a fun time with the character, particularly trying my damndest to emulate the wonderful work that has posted up until now. Jesus! Talk about raising the bar!

What do you guys think about giving ol' Erica another go? Perhaps at a little later time in her life. She's gone back to work after her time of review Memoirs 1 and now she's at it again. More Memoirs of...?

I'm all for it. RS has said she'd be game. Anyone else want in the pool? Can we, as authors, just decide such a thing? Or do we need permission from L?

- Judo

PS - Thanks, Cym. Looking forward to the notes. KM, what's with the limp wrist?

 

[Mickie]

Emails sent...

to both MunchinMark and Steamychik. Thanks, RisiaSkye, for letting us know you're still in the running! *wiping brow in relief* And thanks, Cym and KM, for the support and continued interest. I, too, have Judo's chapter sitting on my desktop, waiting for me give it a read, which I'll do as soon as I finish up here.

RisiaSkye - what are the chances that you'll be finished up with yours soon? Just in case we don't receive answers from either MM or SC by this weekend. I'm hoping we will, but the experience of this chain story tells me it's a distinct possibility they won't, or that they will bow out.

Judo - another chain concerning Erica? Oh my. We seem to be having a bit of trouble finishing this one up, let alone starting another. When the last chapter is posted, then let's discuss it and see if we can drum up some interest. We could do something along the lines of leaving it an open series, and let people through the ages contribute.

But, I'm off to read.
Mickie

 

[SteamyChik]

Ok, I posted this on the older thread and I'll post it here too in case...

Mickie, thanks for the email reminding me to return to the fold!

I'm here and have read all the chapters and the entire forum and will now write my chapter due on July 21. It is still July 21? That's this Saturday. Good thing I write best when in panic mode.

Munchin Mark are you submitting a chapter? Is it Chapter 8 still? So mine will be Chapter 9? ARGH! Maybe the Chapters should be labled like dates: Chapter 5-12-2001, Chapter 5-19-2001, etc.... That way the actual number wouldn't matter and everyone could still read them in order by date.

I've started my story and nothing I have in mind will conflict with anyone elses that I'm aware of.

 

[Mickie]

SteamyChik

Glad to know you're still with us!

As for chapter numbers, I still haven't heard from MunchinMark, so if that chapter isn't up by the time you submit, label yours chapter eight. If MM submits after, then hers can be chapter nine. If not, we aren't missing anything.

Thanks!
Mickie

 

[SteamyChik]

Just for reference, my chapter will be a vignette from her earlier years but not too innocent. Can't figure out the exact stardate, so I'm not even going to try!

It involves steamy nights in the deserts of Saudi Arabia with a Sultan, a silk abaaya, a blue vase and a belled ankle bracelet.

 

[JUDO]

Arabia?

SC-
Sounds yummy! I want to go. A little sand, a little silk. Textures, textures...you know Erica and that "touch" thing she's got going.

- Judo

 

[RisiaSkye]

Hi all..

Glad to know we're still rolling. Sorry that I've been a little quiet--but today was my anniversary, and I've been busy...very busy.
But, it all makes good inspiration for finishing my little chapter of Erica's saga.

Mickie--I hope to finish by Saturday night. It should be Sunday at the latest. I've already told JUDO I'll send an advance copy ASAP. Should I forward it to you also? I'd be delighted to have your input, or just check in to make sure our stories won't derail each other in any way, although I don't think there's much chance of major conflicts between them.

Actually, that's totally open to anyone who might want to take a look...though I'm not sure why you would, and I'm not trying to take undo advantage of anyone for either editing or ego gratification. But, I'm happy to share with anyone.

I won't be around a lot the next few days--I want to get the story finished, and I tend to get distracted reading the BB and/or stories. But, don't think I've disappeared.

On that note, one final thing: This has been a really fun project to follow and feel like part of. The warmth and acceptance with which everyone has worked together, the variety of styles and voices, and the way they all inform each other and come together to form the complex whole--all of that has been really...inspiring, for lack of a more concise and less cliched word. So, thank you all for you outstanding work, for setting the bar high, and for letting me play right along with you. It continues to be an adventure.

Risia

 

[Mickie]

Send away RisiaSkye. I'm always open to reading and commenting on stories if the author requests. Plus, I'm still only half-finished on mine, and I'd like to finish reading the rest before continuing.

I agree that this project has been worthwhile and fun. Despite the problem areas, the good far outweighs the bad, in my opinion. I'm looking forward to posting my own contribution.

Thanks, everyone, for making this a good and fun effort!
Mickie

 

[cymbidia]

It's been wonderful, indeed. I feel fortunate to have been a part of it.

I wonder, does anyone know if those who wrote in the previous two Chain Stories worked together as we have? It may be something kinda unique to this sort of endeavor.

 

[SteamyChik]

Just a note. I uploaded my story to Laurel as Chapter 8. If it's not chapter 8 then I asked Laurel to make it whatever chapter is next. Whew!

If anyone wants to read it before it's posted, send me an email. And I apologize in advance! It's not near as good as the stuff I've read so far but I tried. And I realized after I had written it that I wrote it in 3rd person and had to go back and change it all to 1st person.

I have enjoyed this challenge though and the interaction with others online. Thanks!

 

[Mickie]

Chapter 8

In my not so humble opinion, you've done a great job, SteamyChik! The chapter is up and it reads fantastic.

RisiaSkye, you're next in the line up! Are you chewing your nails yet?

Come on, all! Add to the feedback thread on the feedback forum and let's tell the rest of the readers what they're missing if they haven't read this yet!

Rah! Rah! Sis boom bah! (I shoulda been a cheerleader instead of a smart ass in school. )

Mickie

 

[SteamyChik]

Thanks Mickie

I'm breathing a sigh of relief about getting it in on deadline. God I hate deadlines! LOL

 

[JUDO]

Sands burned my bare buns...

Yep! It was that good, SC (you have more mail, BTW).

And Mickie! Come on. You did wear the big sweater and tight skirts while shaking your pom-poms by yourself at home, didn't you? Admit it.

~Well, it's a nice picture in my head.~

- Judo

 

[cymbidia]

Re: Sands burned my bare buns...

I am so impressed by how good this colloborative effort is turning out to be. It's not only been fun to be a part of, but the work is wonderful, too. The other authors associated with the Memoirs are, for the most part, an decidedly dedicated, responsible, inventive, and accomplished a group of people.

I'll be sorry when this is over.

Ahem. Isn't anyone else going to include my Damask roses in their chapter? What about elements from other, earlier chapters? Remember the whole "tying chapters together" effort we're making?

 

[RisiaSkye]

SteamyChik, great chapter!

Cym, I've mentioned your roses.

Also mentioned Etienne, Suzette, Enrique, dropped a few hints about Cristoforo.

But, it's still not done! I'm beginning to drive myself crazy.
That, however, is a good thing.

I've never missed a deadline. I won't start now.

I'm off to work...

Risia

 

[Mickie]

And Mickie! Come on. You did wear the big sweater and tight skirts while shaking your pom-poms by yourself at home, didn't you? Admit it.

I'll never tell!

However, I did make a microphone out of tin foil when I was ten, and sang my heart out in front of a mirror. Does that count?

Mick

 

[JUDO]

Ha ha ha...

--- from Mickie --------------------------------
However, I did make a microphone out of tin foil when I was ten, and sang my heart out in front of a mirror. Does that count?
------------------------------------------------

I knew it! I knew it!

- Judo

PS - Figured I better include this over here as well:

I think we look like this now to complete:

Steamychik.MOAL8...July 21 - posted
RisaSkye.....MOAL9...July 28 - workin' on it
Judo...........MOAL10..Aug 04 - workin' on it
Mickie.........MOAL11..Aug 11 - workin' on it


It doesn't seem like there is any room for another author to release until it's over, unless we arrange for midweek releases with Lit or something.

Also, please note the change in chapter numbering from the last post of this schedule.

 

[RisiaSkye]

*pant, pant, pant*

Well, my draft is finished. I've sent it along to those of you who expressed interest in seeing an advance copy. I've got a bit more tweaking to do, and I'll take any feedback or suggestions you have. Then, it's a done deal.

*sigh* That was tough! I'm pretty sure I'm not living up to the high standards set so far, but I'm just excited to have finished.

I'm off to celebrate.

Take care,
Risia

 

[MunchinMark]

A Note

I am sorry that I have been called away the week before I was supposed to post. There was a death in the family and I considered being there for my relatives more important than any story.

There is a chapter though, which can be submitted if you wish.

And Mickie, I'm a boy . But thanks for your effort anyway.

 

[JUDO]

Send it to Laurel!

MM-

Glad to see you're back, but really sorry to hear of your sad event.

Please send your completed story to Laurel. Perhaps she won't mind releasing two in one week?

Or perhaps we can push the last two weeks of chapter releases from me and Mickie back a week each?

I don't know how this can work, but you should definitely be able to get this in and/or worked-out before the final submissions. After all that effort...Jeeze!

You know how to email her, right? I would say to let her try and work out the schedule for how yours is to fit in. Point her to this thread and its schedule, then you and she can decide from there.

I'm happy to send my chapter anytime that she wants it, but I believe that mine and Mickie's are a little tied together (my ending sets up his beginning).

- Judo

 

[cymbidia]

... or there's the email-discussed solution:


The schedual would look like this:

author chapter due date status
------ ------- -------- ------
SteamyChik MOAL9 July 21 posted
RisiaSkye MOAL10 July 28 she is in "polish" mode
MunchinMark MOAL11 Aug 4 ready to go?
Judo MOAL11 Aug 11 I am finished writing
Mickie MOAL12 Aug 18 he is working on finishing