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Sharron Bassano's avatar

"This is what college is about, Jude. The endless and bountiful pursuit of life.” Whoa! Sounds more like the endless and bountiful pursuit of altered consciousness. As for "body shots", I guess I really missed out when pursuing my MA. Rats! Great chapter, Clancy. The charitable gardening was an excellent piece for showing the humanity still remaining in our Tommy.

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Clancy Steadwell's avatar

thanks Sharron, as ever. Tommy, I think, quite frequently confuses the two. I'm so surprised you never did body shots!!! as for the gardening, as I said to peter--I almost cut that. but kept it for the reason you mentioned. so glad that was your takeaway.

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Peter Shull's avatar

I love the juxtaposition of the afternoon and the night, here. The afternoon on mushrooms--really great scene, interesting auxiliary character, and great characterization for our two boys. Great chapter!

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Clancy Steadwell's avatar

thanks Peter! the scene had one of my nearest cuts. i agonized over leaving the part with the old lady but ultimately thought it really showed what Tommy was all about. he has a good heart

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Peter Shull's avatar

I’m glad you didn’t cut it. I can see how it might almost fall out of the ‘line’ of the novel, but I think life is messy and good novels shouldn’t be too too ‘neat.’

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𝐂𝐁 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧's avatar

A T&C van?? Quite the ride for a college boy.

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Caroline Osella's avatar

Legacy ...? Uh-oh.

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