Jashley13

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!

I really love when my initial predictions for release dates turn out to be correct

Hey guys! Sorry for the silence but it's been a hectic few days. Good news though! Chapter 22 is almost finished! Yay! It will be out some time this week. Hopefully, I should be able to put it out around Wednesday or so but I will give you an exact date when I'm able to judge it more accurately. So sorry about the wait but hopefully it will be worth it

A very happy new year to everyone! Halfway point! Should be up soon. Hope everyone enjoys a wonderful new year and I can promise more adventures with Jack and Kayla

Hey everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates. Been very busy recently. Unfortunately, still no ETA on Chapter 22 but I am working hard on it. Usual reasons: work, sleep, blah blah blah. You know what I'm going to say. Sorry for the wait but I think I've found a way to work on the story at work. I'll probably just have to exclude sex scenes when I'm writing, just in case someone peaks over my shoulder and wonders what the hell I'm doing. Should be up soon! *fingers crossed*

Hey everyone! Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! It's been a huge year for me: taking a new job, setting up for my and my wife's future and, of course, starting this story. However, since Christmas is a time to be thankful, I'm not going to toot my own horn. Instead, I'm going to thank all of you. You're all been such fantastic, loyal readers, far more than I ever expected or deserve. You've helped transform this little story I wrote one day into something greater than I could have ever imagined it would be. I am so honored and humbled to have your support and I can tell you that it means the world to me every time I come on the forum and see a new comment, whether it is praise or not, because I know someone at least took something from my story that they felt was worth commenting on. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and spend it with your loved ones. Love, Joe

Hey everyone! BashfulScribe (whom those of you from xnxx will remember) has started posting on AFF. Please go and support him. It's been a rough couple of months for him and I think it would be great for him to get a warm reception here. For those of you who don't know who he is, his story is called Being More Social. If you like my story, you will love his (he is a far more talented writer than I am). Go check it out. You won't be disappointed!

Chapter 21 is up! So sorry this one took a while. Usual excuses: life, work, etc. But this chapter in particular...it struck me kinda close to the heart. Not just for story content but for what it made me remember. I'm going to continue to have this story reflect what's happened to me in my life, no matter what, but some things are more painful than others. Particularly here. I warned you that this wasn't exactly a happy chapter. Just to prepare you. In further news, I have switched shifts at work so my original 0800-1600 shift is now 2200-0600. That's right...overnight. Now, this actually may be a good thing because I'm finding myself with a bit more time during the day to write. Hopefully, this will mean chapters will come out quicker. Don't want to promise anything but the past couple of days I've been on this shift, I've had a bit more time on my hands. I would love to get the next Chapter out by Christmas but I will keep you updated with progress and whatnot. Hope you all enjoy! Hope it was worth the wait! And talk to you all again soon

Good news, everyone! Yadsendew no detsop eb lliw retpahc txen eht!

Hey guys. So...not really an update but I just got through writing a section in this chapter (two-thirds of the way done, btw) and it had me in tears by the end of it and I actually had to step away from the story for a little while because it brought back some really painfully memories (not with my wife but other stuff in my life) and it was so painfully I actually had to convince myself to come back to the story because I knew it needed to get done. Why did I come back? Well, two reasons. First of all, this is my story and I damn well need to see it through. Second...is you guys. You guys are all fantastic. Those of you who came from xnxx or those who just started reading the story here...you're all amazing fans and amazing readers and every comment you leave, whether praise or not, means a lot to me. It helps get me through the rough patches and carry on. So, yeah, this part I'm at really kinda tears me up a bit inside but you guys are worth it and I want you to know that I am plowing ahead through the chapter and I hope to have it up in the next couple of days. Thank you all so much for being so supportive and giving me more support, praise, and encouragement than I ever thought I deserved. Love, Joe

Halfway point update! And...just wow, guys. I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time reading all the 'theories' on where the story might be headed. Like...jeez, now I feel distinctly uncreative. I mean...wow. Thank you guys. This is fantastic stuff! Although, to be honest, bits and pieces from several of the posts, mixed together (I'm not going to say which ones), actually kind of, sort of might point in the direction the next chapter is headed. Again, not going to say which ones, but no fair you guys guessing stuff

Hey everyone! Sorry for the lack of an update on Chapter 21 but things have been really hectic, what with Thanksgiving and having to shift to Christmas-mode so I've been really busy so here's a quick update! The chapter is coming along. I'm almost halfway done with it and I think the second half will go quicker (I will elaborate in a little). As to the actors I thought would be good for film roles of this story, it's all purely subjective. You are free to see who you want in the roles but, as someone pointed out, I chose them more for personality than body-match. I think Emma Watson is not only beautiful but she's also got a very good tough and vulnerable side that I've seen in her performances that matches very well with how I think Kayla is. Specifically, her performance in The Perks of Being a Wallflower is very much how I see Kayla acting once she is a Senior. There's also this great sense I get from watching her act that she has a lot of patience and understanding but isn't completely fooled when someone is just yanking her chain which, again, is how I see Kayla. Do their boobs match? Honestly, I don't know. I haven't been looking at Emma Watson's breasts. Honestly, it's all personality and acting but if you see someone else in the role, fantastic. Now, on a little sobering note regarding the next chapter...it's not necessarily going to be a happy one. I'm not going to reveal yet which decision Jack goes with but, either way, it's not going to be a light-hearted chapter. Just wanted to warn you guys in case you were caught off-guard. That's all I'm going to say about it but let's just say I've had a few tears writing the parts I've written so far. Are they happy tears? Sad tears? You'll have to find out but it's going to be a little more morose than you guys might be used to. I'll post as the chapter comes closer to completion but just figured you guys deserved an update

Hey guys I'm a little tipsy right now so I'm not sure why I'm posting but I wanted to let you guys know that you are all fantastic fans and it means the world to me to have you read and support my story. I'm a little ways into Chapter 21 since Thanksgiving kind of derailed a few plans, but I'm working really hard on it right now and I'll hopefully have it up soon coz you guys are awesome

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you all spend it with someone special.

So, I see a few questions out in the field, so I figure I'll address them really quick. First off, I would love to have a set release schedule but, at this point, I'm not sure that's entirely feasible. My job takes up most of my day and requires me to get to bed fairly early so, during weekdays, I only have a short amount of time to write. I can promise that I will continue to give updates but that's about all I can promise. Second, something that I've wanted to address for a little bit but I figure would be a good time now, I've noticed a lot of people wondering why Jack is so perfect and 'vanilla'. It's a perfectly valid opinion if you think this and I would never be so arrogant as to say someone's interpretation of my work is incorrect, but I would ask this question: is Jack really perfect? Another very important question...who is telling the story? Am I telling the story or is Jack telling the story, from his point of view? I've had a lot of people send me messages, telling me that they can see that Jack is nowhere near perfect, it's just how he sees and justifies his actions that makes him seem perfect. Now, do you have to have this view as well? Absolutely not. Like I said, you interpret it as you will. But take a step out of Jack's head and look at what he does from an outsider's perspective, who doesn't know Jack. Is he a white knight, pure of heart, or is he more along the lines of, say, a control freak who needs everything just so? I've heard a lot of different theories and interpretations and they're all very fun. I've also had a surprising number of people ask me who I would cast in the roles were this story made into a movie. I would certainly love to see the cast that other people come up with but here are the actors I see in the roles, as they are now: Jack- Kodi Smit-Mcphee Kayla- Emma Watson Amanda- Chloe Grace Moretz Alan- Asa Butterfield Joe- Frankie Muniz (later Malcolm in the Middle years) Craig- Jackie Gleeson Brad- Evan Peters Belle- Rachel Hurd-Wood Becca- Sophie Turner Tara- Emma Roberts Unfortunately, I don't have many ideas for the adults but I'd love to hear what other people think. I've gotten a couple pages into Chapter 21 so I better get back