 yumeko-yosei 2009-02-15 . chapter 1I have to say, this is an interesting piece, partly due to the wording and language used, and partly because what it discusses. The best way to sum it up would probably be "insanity is in the eye of the beholder"...in other words, what seems strange or even distasteful to one is completely normal - even crucial to existence - to another. (Not that I'm saying that there's no such thing as actual insanity; it's more that people throw the word around to describe anything that seems exceptionally weird -to them-, even if there's no disabling mental processes going on in the other person's head.)
When it comes to the technicals, the flow of words is very smooth - no major errors or grammatical issues to interfere with the concept itself. At least not that I noticed on a first read, so whatever might be wrong is relatively small, not enough to be jarring. Your use of description is very good and one of the things that really stands out here. Without it, this would be rather confusing, to say the least! Instead it gets the reader inside of your head rather nicely. And the fact that nearly everything is explained, but there's no feeling of information overload, is much appreciated too!
As for the content...it's surprisingly easy for me to relate to, despite not having any personal experience that is/was exactly the same. (I'm sure that won't apply to everyone, so this is all subjective.) The overall impression I get is of inner fire - the same sort of inspiration-bordering-obsession that I imagine burns in the great artists, scientists, and religious figures over the course of history. There's a saying: "Every betterment has a detriment"...basically, for any good thing that comes along, there are negatives to balance it. I can personally see that at play in this story. Rather like the mathematician who pushes on long into the night to try and solve a formula that's haunted them, sometimes one has to give up things that are good for them - like sleep - in order to do what they love. I liked your description of "giving away just enough sanity" to make it work. It makes me wonder if perhaps there are examples of those who gave up too much, and wound up losing something essential to daily functioning in exchange. That could be the source of the idea that geniuses are often seen as insane by the society they're born to...
But I'll leave that line of thought there, because I will get off topic if I let myself. Some of the description you used - particularly just before the interruption lines - give off a strong feel of 'spiritual experience' that I find very interesting. It reminds me of stories about ancient cultures and ritual dancing or drumming techniques used to put a person's mind in another state. (and not just because you mentioned an ancient deity, though it's very fitting!) How much the experience, and the completion of an 'offering', means to you is clear. Everyone should have something like that in their life, and I'm glad it happens to be writing for you! Though I have to admit to a touch of envy simply for personal reasons. Finding that 'inner fire' can be tough.
The only unfortunate point that stands out to me is the lack of acceptance from family. I've gotten the "Why are you up? Go to sleep!" lecture before, but that was due to mucking about on the internet long past my bedtime. For someone to respond similarly towards something more important to another person shows a lack of understanding. Yet at the same time, I can imagine that you probably were up too late, and probably did need to go to bed, so the chiding in this story wasn't necessarily wrong. Just poorly delivered by the parent. (Just to be clear, I don't mean that in the sense of it being a writing flaw. I know from experience that there are ways to give someone advice or reprimands that are better than others!)
Also...people who threaten to throw perfectly good laptops into lakes should be thrown into lakes and see how -they- like it. *inner tech-fan mutters rude comments about computer abusers*
*cough* Anyway, I think this piece does what you set out for it to do, so good job. I definitely enjoyed it! (: |
 Roman C Lee 2008-03-31 . chapter 1This is VERY good; I never feel like that when i'm writing, i feel exactly like my characters do. Amazing description--if someone else had written down the events you did, it would be boring, but you made it an adventure. I can't wait to read your other work and I hope to hear more about Tammy; she's a fantastic character. ^_^ |
 Mosaic Stains 2007-07-24 . chapter 1 If that's not the first full story with extra description in a short that I've read, it's got to be one of the good ones I've read. I really like the descriptions and how you give them. I honestly can't see how you got the idea from my paper cramp.
Another thing I like is the connection she has with Seshat. It has a quiet intimacy of heart and soul. I also like the words chosen and the way the words are put together.
Like the part here:
As though hearing her thoughts, the goddess smiled as she gently tucked a loose lock of red-gold hair back behind her priestess’s ear. “I am well pleased with you my little Kakra.” Seshat seemed amused when Tammy blushed, for the Egyptian name that she had just given her young priestess meant ‘twin’. “Indeed, you have been a very faithful and the most pleasing of my priestesses. You have my favor. Now it is time that I give you a very special gift my dear one…”
Nice ending. |
 angels and effects 2007-06-26 . chapter 1Wow, interesting use of Writing as a literal person. Or in this case, goddess. :) Intruiguing how it gives her life - the use of metaphors here is prevalent, I see XD The way you described Tammy's motions, feelings and what happened was nice and intricate enough, and you used appropriate words to tell the readers how Tammy felt half-empty when Seshat wasn't there anymore. Powerful! I like it that this piece is relatively short (for me, seeing how my chapters usually range in the 10-18 page long category) but the point is still firmly put across. Well done. :) |