Jashley13

Hey everyone! First of all, I wanna send a special message to JohnnyBanana: I'm glad the news isn't as bad as it could be. I hope the news continues to hold out well and you're still in our prayers. And a special thank-you to everyone else who supported him. This is an awesome community of people and I'm glad that, in my own little way, I can help keep everyone together. Now onto the Reality Check: - For Kayla's reaction, I asked my wife how she would react if she got similar news. I have never actually done anything like that but she and I sat down for a while and hashed out how the emotions would play out. - I did have a buddy in high school who was rather unpopular for a while who decided to run for Student Council. We managed to convince him to hold off for a year to repair his reputation. I won't reveal how it turned out as that would fall under the classification of SPOILERS. - Jack and Kayla's critique from Ms. Locke is identical to many that I got in high school. I'd like to think my teacher was trying to push us but, honestly, I never felt like it was doing much more than pissing me off. - My brother and I fought a few times growing up and the fight between Alan and Jack is a fairly close representation of how they all went down. That's about it. Minor bits and pieces are based on real life as well, but none really worth mentioning. Have started work on Chapter 27 and hopefully it'll go by quickly. Hope everyone is doing well and I'll message soon with progress updates!

Chapter 26 is up Hope everyone enjoys. On a more somber note, everyone please keep JohnnyBanana's father in your prayers. His family has just received some bad news and I'm sure they could use the support right now. He's been a faithful and wonderful part of the forum and I hope things take a turn for the better soon. Only two more chapters left in the Twins Saga. Boy, this one is sure zipping by fast, huh? It seems like two weeks is the new consistent gap between chapters, but I don't want to commit to that, especially since doing so in the past has kind of backfired. It's working for now and I hope it continues to work. Reality Check to come soon. Hope everyone enjoys reading, hope it was worth the wait, and I'll see you all in Chapter 27

@JohnnyBanana I am so, so sorry to hear about that. My prayers and my wife's prayers are with you and your family. I hope everything turns out well and that they are able to stop it quickly. I wish there was more I could do but your family is in our prayers. Also...new chapter tomorrow

Halfway done with a clear shot through to the ending. Hopefully I'll have it up by this weekend fingers crossed

Hey everyone! Reality Check time for Chapters 24 and 25! - Mr. Harrison's grabbing of Jack's neck and words of warning are very similar to how my dad used to keep me in line. - There was a nice, long, boring stretch of high school P.E. where we played nothing bad badminton until we basically revolted and forced the teacher to let us do something different. - Jack's choosing of a play with Kayla was something I did in Theater Class. - Jack's audition is, word-for-word and emotion-for-emotion, exactly how my audition for Seussical went my Sophomore year. - My friends whom Alan and Amanda are based on had a very similar conversation with their dad that Jack has. He used similar reasoning to Mr. Harrison but could not exactly back it up as strongly. Their dad is now...not exactly okay with the relationship but at least tolerant of it (this is not spoilers for later in the story; I have not exactly decided how the saga is going to end) - Jack and Kayla's conversation with Becca is based on a conversation I had with the girlfriend of one of my more sensitive friends, after I had made him feel...let's say depressed (it was with a comment on something I didn't know about and he forgave me; her, not so quickly) - Jack and Kayla's Valentine's Day date was based on a date I had with my wife on Valentine's Day. - The douchebag I knew in high school that Craig was based on (whom I, to my regret, never exactly gave a chance to) also wanted to run for Class President but couldn't even get his name in for consideration. He was that unpopular. Well, that's about all for now. Work on Chapter 26 is coming along well and, unless there is a drastic change, it looks like Chapter 28 may be the end of the saga. And I wanted to send a big thank-you to all the fans, who have been nothing but supportive and (based on the comments) highly entertaining with their theories on where the story is going. I can only hope the actual product lives up to expectations. And it never fails to strike me with a certain level of pride that...well, you don't discuss the characters as if they are characters in a story. You discuss them as if they were actual people, rather than lines on a page that I made up. I don't think there's much greater praise for an author than to know his work is given life by the readers. So thank you all for the vote of confidence and I will continue to do my best to live up to your loyalty.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! <3 As promised, Chapter 25 is finally up Now, just to warn you, it's a long one. Like, a really long one. As in, this may actually be longer than Chapter 15 (the one with the fight with Brad). I'm stunned that it came out that long; it honestly didn't feel like it was that long when I was writing it and, hopefully, it doesn't feel that long when you read it I'm aware I missed the Reality Check for the last part. I will put that one in with the Reality Check for this one. I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day with someone special to you Hope you enjoy this chapter and see you in Chapter 26!

Good news! There will be a Valentine's Day gift for you all

Hey guys! Well over halfway at this point Don't want to nail down a date just yet but I'm hoping to have a Valentine's Day gift for you all

Update time! About a third of the way through with two days off coming up to get more writing done A quick lament, though, for my complete lack of artistic talent in the drawing category. As much as I like to think I'm a good writer (your support and comments help) I am terrible at drawing. Like, my stick figures are to normal stick figures as stick figures are to Picasso. That bad. I bring this up because I was struck with the idea the other day to draw character portraits for all the characters in my story, just to give a visual representation for how I think they would look in real life. This was, of course, thought of in those few moments between waking up and full consciousness, where anything can happen (including kissing a girl you don't realize is your cousin). I thought it would be a really cool idea, especially if I could somehow get it posted on my page on the site, but, sadly, lack of artistic talent means it will not come to pass. Sorry. Anyway, plowing through Chapter 25, which is looking to be slightly longer than a normal chapter, even though it is less plot-driven and more character-driven. See you soon!

Hey everyone! Not an update-on-chapter post (just started) but more kind of a thinking one. About an hour ago I received a very angry message from a reader who claimed that they had posted a review of the story but could not see it anymore. Their immediate conclusion was that I had taken it down because it was less than kindly. They then proceeded to slice apart the story, bringing up how Jack was too perfect, stuff like this doesn't happen, incest is unnatural and immoral, the story has plateaued and become completely predictable, etc. etc. etc. You guys know me; I'm never going to tell someone that their opinion is wrong, even if I disagree with it. But it got me thinking...the way I write is probably very, very different than how most people write. Not trying to set myself apart or anything, like I'm some sort of one-in-a-million gift or anything, but I am aware that I don't follow set 'rules' of writing. I remember, a few months ago, someone posted a comment basically telling me I had to follow the stringent outline of writing, i.e. exposition, rising action, etc. This seems to tie into people who believe that the story has not flowed like most stories thus far. On the one hand, that's kind of what I'm going for. I loathe being tied down to rules of writing; I've never found that they help me. I recall in college (Jack will go through a similar experience), I was in a script-writing course and I decide to write my one-act play in a very different style than everyone else. The main criticism of it? It wasn't like everyone else's. The problem I had with that criticism? It failed to acknowledge the fact that everyone else's scripts were, basically, the exact same script, just with different character names. Now, I don't mean this as a smack-down of other stories. Hell, even back on xnxx (which seemed to have a million of the same exact story) my favorite authors were the ones who broke boundaries and defied the rules. See, the 'outline' of a basic story doesn't fit into my story because I'm writing as a slice-of-life sort of tale, not a 'this is a story for the sake of a story'. Life doesn't follow a stringent outline of exposition, rising action, climax, etc. I'm aware that this is not how most writers write, but I take that as a compliment. I don't want to be like most writers. I want to be my own author with my own story. And I've always been drawn to stories that defy the conventions of storytelling. Hell, look at anything Tarantino's ever made; he prides himself on flaunting basic 'writing rules'. My favorite film of last year, Boyhood, didn't follow any structure aside from the structure you'd have to find in a person's life. Hell, one of my favorite films of all time, Tree of Life, isn't a story in the general sense but an experience of lives and time and space. Does it have a story structure? Probably, but not in the basic, according-to-Hoyle sense. Ramble, ramble, ramble, I think my point is that, if it seems like I'm making deviations from form, it's because I am. If I need to break rules in order to tell the story or to serve the characters, I will. I find it more honest and more believable, at least from my perspective. Do you have to feel the same way? Of course not. Trust me, I learn more from criticism than from praise (but I love praise too, if I can allow one moment of immodesty). One last thing I noticed from the message: the author seemed to believe that Jack was 'too perfect' because he didn't cheat. In fact, I've noticed that almost every person who has ever called Jack 'too perfect' has basically demanded that he cheat because 'that's what teenagers do'. I was not perfect in high school and yet I had two girlfriends and I never once considered cheating on them. I'd like to think others have done the same. Anyway, just thought I'd share a bit of my mind with all of you. If this has been too long, I apologize but I like to go at a topic like this in-depth, so you know that I'm taking it seriously. If you guys love the story, trust me, I am so very very grateful to you all. Every praise brings a smile to my face and every time I post, I pray that it lives up to your expectations. You are all the best audience an author like me could hope for...way more than I deserve. And I am working my hardest to stay worthy of your praise and attention. So, in short...love you guys and I hope the next chapter is worth whatever wait you have to go through

Chapter 24 is up (yaaaaaaay!) I finished it at work tonight and was planning on posting it when I got up but, honestly, I didn't want to make you guys wait any longer. Hope you all enjoy! I'm going to take a day or so off before I start Chapter 25 but I will do my best to get through that one quicker Hope 24 was worth the wait. See you guys again soon!

Happy birthday jc1138!!! So sorry it won't be ready on your birthday but, like you said, it can be a belated birthday gift

So...good news and bad news. The bad news is...no new chapter today (booooooo!) The good news is...brand new chapter tomorrow (yayyyyyy!)

Hey everyone! Update time! So, this is tentative, but I am aiming for the next chapter coming out on Saturday or Sunday. I'm not exactly close to the end (maybe 2/3 of the way through), but I know the next couple of scenes, which helps me a lot since the dialogue kind of writes itself if I know the set-up. I will let you know a definite date when I know it but this weekend is the target. And, since I hate having updates just be 'this is when it will come out', I'll give you a couple of 'teasers' on Chapter 24: - First, no sex in this chapter. Again, it would feel out-of-place and I hate trying to force a sex scene into the story. I think I've realized, since moving here from xnxx, that I am writing not a 'sex story' but a story that happens to have sex in it, since it's a big part of the characters' lives. So this next chapter will be more story. Apologies if that annoys anyone but that's why I wanted to let you know beforehand. - Second, as I mentioned, Jack's dad is going to explain why he is against the twins' relationship in this upcoming chapter. There has been some speculation as to why he is against it and...no one's come up with the right answer yet. Trust me, I'm not going to go completely off-the-rails with it but...it's probably a bit different than you think it is. I won't say more than that. Next time I post will be with a definite date for the next chapter so stay tuned

YNP_Refugee, I will never ask you to leave. Even if what you said utterly offended me, I would not ask you to leave. Your input and opinions are just as important as everyone else's.

Well, things on here have escalated quickly, so I guess I should make a comment or two: First of all, halfway done on the next chapter. Should be up soon hopefully *fingers crossed* Second, I am aware that I haven't been posting that many updates, for which I apologize. Flat out exhaustion has basically kept me sleeping and working so I don't have much time for other stuff (last Thursday I spent most of the day in bed). I am also aware that there is some debate going on about the nature of incest and its place in our society. If either my lack of updates or the subjects in my story have rubbed anyone the wrong way or led to the less-than-pleasant discussions on this forum, I sincerely apologize. It was never my intention to cause strife between readers over the 'meaning' of this story. I assure you; I'm not trying to make any sweeping statement with this story about sensitive topics. Frankly, hot-button topics don't bother me as much as they do other people so I am very aware that my 'straightforward' method of the story might seem somewhat...plain (Jack makes the arguments on behalf of his siblings, not me). I know there are strong viewpoints on either side and it's not my place to declare one side more right than the other, mainly because I don't particularly side with one side over the other. I'm telling this story to tell the story, not to stand on a soapbox and declare for one side or another about the topic of incest. The story involves incest; it's not about incest. However, since a viewpoint seems to be required of me to help settle some...let's call them 'debates' in the forum, here's my two cents on incest: I don't care. Honestly, it's none of my business what two people do, so long as they are consenting. If they want it and it hurts no one, then it's fine by me. I'm not interested in it; given the opportunity to do it, I probably would not take it. Because it's not my thing; I'm not interested that way in any of my relatives. However, I do know at least two couples who are related, one of whom I am fairly close with. Do you know what I think when I think about them? Him- He can get me laughing quicker than anyone I've ever known. Her- She's got a fantastic singing voice and can hold her breath longer than anyone I've ever met. The fact that they are related bothers me not at all. Now, why did I include incest in the story? Frankly, because I thought it would add in some interesting dynamics, both to the character and story. I'll admit, a small part of me did want to kind of explore the whole 'incest is wrong!' side of society and see whether or not I could figure out exactly what about it pushes people's buttons...something I have not yet figured out. However, that was only a small part of the reason to include it. It's given me some fantastic character moments and, not to spoil anything, it will lead to some interesting developments down the road. Why does Jack's dad have a problem with incest? He will say why in the next chapter. Again, I apologize if this issue or my lack of updates has caused any strife. I will attempt to post more, hopefully not an endless slew of 'Almost done!' posts. I hope no one is driven off this forum, whether they like the story or not. Honestly, I'd welcome any criticism of the story, because lord knows I got plenty of hate back on xnxx (95% of which had nothing to do with the content of the story at all) so Lord knows I can deal with someone pointing out flaws. It doesn't bug me, honestly. Long post over, hopefully I will be posting again soon with a specific date

A third of the way through Chapter 24. Sorry this isn't as quick as the last one but I've been exhausted this whole week. I'm basically running on ten hours of sleep the entire week so far. The problem is, once I'm awake, I'm awake for the day; it's really hard for me to take naps since I'm always thinking about the stuff I have to take care of. Weird OCD like that. Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone for the posts of your favorite parts of the story so far. Honestly, I figured it would be specific chapters or something like that (which it was in some cases) but I was stunned by how many posts there were about individual favorite parts. That honestly surprised me. I usually enjoy the parts as much as the whole (sometimes more) and to hear that I was able to create individual moments that stuck out to you guys...makes me feel good and lets me know I'm doing a good job. At least to you guys...wouldn't do to start giving myself a big head. I'm writing right now and hopefully I should be able to get Chapter 24 out next week

Hey guys! So, time for Reality Check: - The New Years' celebration is a pretty much perfect mirror of how we celebrate the New Year - Jack's discussions with and about Craig as similar to ones I had about a friend of mine who was going through a tough time (had to do with parental separation rather than suicide but you couldn't tell based on his attitude) - The musical my sophomore year of high school was, in fact, Seussical and my limited singing ability was more than enough for my teacher to basically announce to the rest of the school that I was not going to get a role - It was about sophomore year that I started taking an interest in other peoples' relationships and what made them work, since I had my first actual relationship that year (did not work out, thankfully, but that's another story) Slowly but surely moving into Chapter 24. I've had about three hours of sleep the past two days because of work and house-hunting but I will be resting up soon and that should get the creative juices flowing. Also, because I am very curious, what would everyone say has been their favorite part of the story so far? I'm not trying to fluff myself up or anything; I'm just genuinely interested in which part of this story you guys respond to most/most favorably. Consider it part of my pursuit of higher intellect lol See you guys soon!

Chapter 23, the beginning of the Twins Saga, is posted Wow, this one came out quickly. I would love to promise that this is how it will be from now on but, as someone else said, I don't want to promise something like that and then have something come up that cuts into the time table. Being able to write at work has been a great boon, especially since stuff at home has gotten pretty hectic (we're going to be moving into a house soon). But I promise I will write as fast as I can, without sacrificing quality of course. Hope you guys enjoy and I'll be posting a Reality Check in a little while, once people have gotten a chance to read the chapter. See you in Chapter 24

Tomorrow Sorry there's no clever, pretentious way of saying it. I'm just freaking stunned that I was able to write it this fast O.O hopefully this is a start as I mean to go on. So check back tomorrow (For those of you wondering, I'm on Eastern Standard Time, so my definition of 'tomorrow' might be a bit different than yours)

More than halfway done

Hey everyone! Noticed the comments on the lack of a Reality Check for the past couple of chapters. This was party intentional; since Chapters 20-22 kind of ran together story-wise, I figured doing a Reality Check for each one might accidentally give away plot points so I held off. That being said, I had planned to do one for Chapter 22 but...I don't know, I guess it just slipped my mind. Anyway, here it is: return of the Reality Check. - When my friend killed himself, my reactions were very similar to Jack's, especially in what he was thinking about afterwards. I didn't see it happen but it still affected me as strongly, since I had spoken to him just hours before it happened. - Jack and Kayla's falling out and the reason for it was based on something that happened with a previous girlfriend. I, however, was unable to get over to it and it led to our split. This, of course, led me to my wife but I always felt bad about handling it the way I did. So...what Jack did is not a vindication of myself but rather how I would have handled it were I a better person. - Their Christmas was very much based around how my family celebrates Christmas, including some of the gifts given. - I've been to a psychologist before (for reasons probably best left unsaid) and the meeting was very similar to Jack's meeting with Fitzsimmons (kudos to the reader who got the reference). - I borrowed the setup and consequences of the suggested threesome from something that happened to a buddy of mine. It was something he and I discussed for a very long time, the pros and cons and whatnot. It was a big back-and-forth with me on which path to take but all I had to do was think about how I would react (whether it was my cousin or not) and the story fell into place from there. I'll probably be doing these for every chapter from now on, very different than xnxx where I could just put it in the chapter but...this is the better website. See you guys in Chapter 23, which should hopefully be up soon!

Hey everyone! Quick update. I'm about a third of the way through Chapter 23 (*gasp* it's not gonna take another month?!) Being able to work on it during down-time at work has really helped so I'm breezing through it pretty well. Just a heads-up; this is going to be less of an 'event' chapter and more of an establishing chapter, so if you've gotten used to a lot of stuff happening in previous chapters...well, stuff happens in this chapter but it's more laying the foundations for future stuff. Just thought you should know in case you go wondering, "Why does this all seem like it's moving slower?" Also, just came up for a name for the next series of chapters: The Twins Saga. See you guys soon!

Hey everyone! Couple of quick items. First of all, I finally figured out who I would cast as the parents if this series ever became a movie: Mr. Harrison- Christopher Meloni Mrs. Harrison- Vera Farmiga Mr. Hannigan- Michael Chiklis Mrs. Hannigan- Sarah Paulson Second, I've seen quite a few posts, and received even more messages, asking me if Chapter 22 is the last chapter. Absolutely not. Since the Sagas are considered 'chapters' in the overall story that is the series, it would be a poor choice to end it after only three chapters. Besides, Jack's got the rest of his life open to him and it's not like there aren't a million possibilities there. Which leads me to the final bit of business. There are only a few more chapters until the end of Jack's school year and then it will be summer. Now, quick opinion from everyone, somewhere in the vein of the ending of Chapter 21: would everyone like me to continue the story through Jack's Junior and Senior years or would they prefer for me to skip right to graduation and college? I have stories for both school years but they will be (thankfully) shorter than this one (look for Sophomore year to end around Chapter 27...maybe). What does everyone think? I can go with either choice but I would love to know what you all think.

Hey everyone! Chapter 22 is up! YAY! Hope you all enjoy it! I've been able to start writing at work as well so that she be a nice boost in terms of the time it takes to finish these chapters. I don't want to make any promises since, well, life has a habit of getting in the way but this one ended up being finished much sooner than I thought because of it You guys are awesome and I hope you enjoy this chapter, the end of the Tara Saga. All comments are welcome, as always, and I'll see you guys in Chapter 23!