The resounding silence

[deborahjross]

you hear in this topic is Deborah finishing the penultimate, climactic chapter of Hastur Lord! Began the wrap-up chapter, fell over. Next is a serious go-through-tidy-up and then off to the MZB Literary Trust for approval.

Carry on, all!

Comments

[imhilien.livejournal.com]

Hooray! Hope it will get approved. :-)

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Thank you! It's been a challenging piece, partly because I've been working from a partial ms. that Marion wrote when she was very ill, partly because it definitely will get people upset. And cause others to stand up and cheer. I have to set aside all that and focus on a story that is strong and true.

[imhilien.livejournal.com]

It sounds intriguing...

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

HASTUR LORD takes place between WORLD WRECKERS and EXILE'S SONG. The central character is Regis Hastur -- so right there, I can guarantee that some readers will insist that their version of him is the right one. This book answers the question (among other things): How did Regis, Danilo, and Linnea work out their relationships? [glyph of more upset and happy readers]

Remember, I'm working from what Marion wrote, what she intended, and she was very ill when she wrote it. So I'm also piecing together concepts and values from the many long discussions we had over the years. Even in these days, or perhaps -- given California's Prop 8 -- especially in these days, the issues of bisexuality and polyamory, sympathetically portrayed, are "on the edge." But Marion always did like to push that particular envelope. I rather think she's grinning in delight as she reads over my shoulder.

[imhilien.livejournal.com]

I think you will always get some readers thinking only they know how certain characters are, or will act.

But I also think it's important for books to show different societies / ways of relating to each other, otherwise we only end up listening to authority figures saying 'there's only one way'.

It's a pity Marion isn't physically around anymore, but I'm sure you will do OK with this book. :)

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

yep, and mostly I'm fine with that. Every once in a while, however, it gets to me. To each his own taste, after all, and I try to behave professionally and courteously to all. I don't often vent in public places.

Hopefully, I have done more than "okay" but have taken what was best in the ms and fleshed it out into a satisfying and thought-provoking novel "for our times." California Prop 8 passed while I was finishing it; I can imagine what Marion would have said about that.