I was delighted to see a new episode of ‘Brae’s meteorite’ in my inbox. This novella still stands out to me as probably the best attempt at live fiction serialization on Substack that I’ve come across so far. I already mentioned several reasons why I think that: your writing, the framing of the translations and, today I realize that also the length of the chapters is very suitable for Substack as a medium. I loved other serialized novels on Substack but I must say that the length of the chapters makes me put off the reading for ‘when I have some time’ and the chapters pile on. Not with Brae though.
And now to the chapter: I knew from the very beginning that this moment will come, still it feels me with sadness to see Brae and Renn part ways. This chapter is hauntingly beautiful.
Gosh, thank you Claudia. You have been here from the start and to hear/see those words means so much. Thank you for being such a constant reader and source of encouragement. As with each entry, I have fretted over the words and paragraphs and emotion. Despite its brevity, this is a crucial place in the story and I want the reader to feel the impending loss, even with Brae having said so few words. If that has come across the page, then I am so pleased.
I think you're right in that length in this medium is something to consider. I also enjoy a longer read, but perhaps with serialisations the shorter pieces are the more optimal. I don't know. Still experimenting I guess, but I really appreciate the feedback on this. Plus, if you wake up at 3am and are struggling to sleep then this is a quick snack of a read 😉
I love this... "She stopped and wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand, then looked up at the bank of trees, as though worried that in these short moments they may have pulled themselves free, to walk away on creaking roots."
Again - you make use of fine pathetic fallacy and the gaze of the eyes so nicely. I love this peace before the storm and the subtlety in the flashback - "mere preface to the image I still see" - so knowingly melancholic.
Oh, Nathan, this was so heartbreaking and gorgeous, and you captured so perfectly the way that time stalls in those moments of such intensity. Also your footnote is absolutely hilarious, and very true! Excellent work. I also echo what Claudia said about your fiction being really accessible, it's the only fiction that I've managed to stick with so far--and that's largely down to how captivating it is, but also as Claudia said it's presented very manageably, so thank you.
I really enjoyed being back in this world again for such a perfect, yet heartbreaking moment. Very much looking forward to what comes next; it certainly feels like we are on a precipice...
So happy to read another entry in this fabulous story, Nathan, even if the ending has left me worried and sad. These are two great characters and their connection has been wonderfully realised throughout this story. Scared of what is to come but still cannot wait for the next entry!
When so many people try and write good fantasy, you make it look effortless. Well done 👍🏼
Thank you, Daniel, that is such a beautiful comment, you've made my day.
I wish it felt effortless 😆 Sometimes I feel the shorter chapters are the hardest.
Also, I feel like there's probably been a fair amount of build-up to what is coming. My biggest fear is that it won't live up to/satisfy/release that tension. But I hope so. We'll see, haha.
And now lettuce continue some more. You can’t end it here. Also, where are those beguiling and intriguing maps? I need maps! 😅 Renn needs a map, and a tankard or two after that momentous moment so prematurely interrupted! I have grown awfully fond of Renn, I must say.
Hehe, well, you might not be waiting all that long. Possibly one incoming this week, depending upon how Renn's feeling about letting me in on his world.
I have not read any of the previous entries, and yet I am in love with this moment! I practically felt the kiss myself. Beautifully written, once again. Almost makes me wish I had red hair 😍
Yessssssssssssssss. They finally kissed. I got chills. And even more chills after "It was a singular, impossible moment before the impossible chaos that would ensue." Yikes!!!
I agree with @Claudia Befu: hauntingly beautiful. I'd also add beautifully haunting. Even though the circs are completely different, this scene reminded me of a parting I had with a girlfriend many years ago, and for whom I still feel a great deal of love
At last a kiss! You really do have a knack for laying on the emotional tension, Nathan - between Brae and Renn, or Jisa and Cloud - it carries so much weight. Claudia is right I think, you have the length of posts just right (oy! do I struggle with that...)
Thanks, Troy, I'm glad this moment has finally come around for Renn, fleeting as it may be ...
And not at all with your post lengths. You're are always a great length. (In fact, I can't say I'd even notice the length, as I'm purely enjoying the words 😉)
I was delighted to see a new episode of ‘Brae’s meteorite’ in my inbox. This novella still stands out to me as probably the best attempt at live fiction serialization on Substack that I’ve come across so far. I already mentioned several reasons why I think that: your writing, the framing of the translations and, today I realize that also the length of the chapters is very suitable for Substack as a medium. I loved other serialized novels on Substack but I must say that the length of the chapters makes me put off the reading for ‘when I have some time’ and the chapters pile on. Not with Brae though.
And now to the chapter: I knew from the very beginning that this moment will come, still it feels me with sadness to see Brae and Renn part ways. This chapter is hauntingly beautiful.
Gosh, thank you Claudia. You have been here from the start and to hear/see those words means so much. Thank you for being such a constant reader and source of encouragement. As with each entry, I have fretted over the words and paragraphs and emotion. Despite its brevity, this is a crucial place in the story and I want the reader to feel the impending loss, even with Brae having said so few words. If that has come across the page, then I am so pleased.
I think you're right in that length in this medium is something to consider. I also enjoy a longer read, but perhaps with serialisations the shorter pieces are the more optimal. I don't know. Still experimenting I guess, but I really appreciate the feedback on this. Plus, if you wake up at 3am and are struggling to sleep then this is a quick snack of a read 😉
I love this... "She stopped and wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand, then looked up at the bank of trees, as though worried that in these short moments they may have pulled themselves free, to walk away on creaking roots."
Thanks Ben. I like the imagery here, too.
And thanks for jumping in on this one. I'm not sure if you've read any of the previous entries. If not, a big thanks for taking the dive 😊
Short, yes, but sweet and powerful.
Again - you make use of fine pathetic fallacy and the gaze of the eyes so nicely. I love this peace before the storm and the subtlety in the flashback - "mere preface to the image I still see" - so knowingly melancholic.
'lettuce' cracked me up
Hehe, glad to hear it.
Thanks Kate, I really like that term ever since you introduced me to it. I thought of it again whilst writing this so I'm happy you mentioned it.
Oh, Nathan, this was so heartbreaking and gorgeous, and you captured so perfectly the way that time stalls in those moments of such intensity. Also your footnote is absolutely hilarious, and very true! Excellent work. I also echo what Claudia said about your fiction being really accessible, it's the only fiction that I've managed to stick with so far--and that's largely down to how captivating it is, but also as Claudia said it's presented very manageably, so thank you.
🤗
All the hugs.
Thank you, Chloe. Your ever-presence is fuel to keep me writing. I'm honoured if this is the fiction you've been able to stick with.
And I'm glad we're in the same page regarding the footnote 😉
Commuters, people, the moon ... these things are always watching.
I really enjoyed being back in this world again for such a perfect, yet heartbreaking moment. Very much looking forward to what comes next; it certainly feels like we are on a precipice...
Ser Jaime in the comments! What a delight.
Thank you for reading, as always.
I shall do my best to follow through with the next chapter soon! That precipice won't hold the weight of the story forever.
Beautiful writing. When I read I often have to work hard to visualize the scene. But it’s very easy with your work! Kudos!
Thanks so much, Brian.
I also struggle/have to work hard to visualise when reading, so maybe there's been some subconscious influence on my writing.
“Parting is such sweet sorrow”
So happy to read another entry in this fabulous story, Nathan, even if the ending has left me worried and sad. These are two great characters and their connection has been wonderfully realised throughout this story. Scared of what is to come but still cannot wait for the next entry!
When so many people try and write good fantasy, you make it look effortless. Well done 👍🏼
Thank you, Daniel, that is such a beautiful comment, you've made my day.
I wish it felt effortless 😆 Sometimes I feel the shorter chapters are the hardest.
Also, I feel like there's probably been a fair amount of build-up to what is coming. My biggest fear is that it won't live up to/satisfy/release that tension. But I hope so. We'll see, haha.
Thank you for being here, it means a lot.
And now lettuce continue some more. You can’t end it here. Also, where are those beguiling and intriguing maps? I need maps! 😅 Renn needs a map, and a tankard or two after that momentous moment so prematurely interrupted! I have grown awfully fond of Renn, I must say.
Ah yes, the maps. I need to work out how to sketch those out in my own hand. Yes, that's my excuse. ...
Thank you, I'm so glad you're fond of hapless Renn. Seems Brae had taken a shine to him in the end, too.
More to come, soon, I promise.
Excuses! I use them all the time, damn those hands, they won't sketch! Well, one day, one day soon... let there be maps.
Is it just me or is it getting warm in here? Three chapters to go and I am all caught up! Loving it.
🤗😉
BOOM! What a way to end what was in any case another wonderful chapter. Ignore what I commented on Issue 7, how can I be expected to wait now? Damn.
🤩
Hehe, well, you might not be waiting all that long. Possibly one incoming this week, depending upon how Renn's feeling about letting me in on his world.
Time stretched. It yawned into a void bereft of anything but the sensation of Brae’s hand that remained against my cheek.
excellent
Thanks, Appleton!
I have not read any of the previous entries, and yet I am in love with this moment! I practically felt the kiss myself. Beautifully written, once again. Almost makes me wish I had red hair 😍
I love that you felt that even from coming in not having read the previous entries! Thanks so much, Renee.
Yessssssssssssssss. They finally kissed. I got chills. And even more chills after "It was a singular, impossible moment before the impossible chaos that would ensue." Yikes!!!
Mission accomplished if chills induced 😅
Thanks Nadia. Great to see you!
Hahaha. Happy to see you, my mate, Nate!
I agree with @Claudia Befu: hauntingly beautiful. I'd also add beautifully haunting. Even though the circs are completely different, this scene reminded me of a parting I had with a girlfriend many years ago, and for whom I still feel a great deal of love
Thank you, Terry. That's very nice to hear. It's always good to hear when partings aren't a complete disaster (have had a few of the latter myself 😅).
Haven't we all 😂
At last a kiss! You really do have a knack for laying on the emotional tension, Nathan - between Brae and Renn, or Jisa and Cloud - it carries so much weight. Claudia is right I think, you have the length of posts just right (oy! do I struggle with that...)
Thanks, Troy, I'm glad this moment has finally come around for Renn, fleeting as it may be ...
And not at all with your post lengths. You're are always a great length. (In fact, I can't say I'd even notice the length, as I'm purely enjoying the words 😉)
Captured me.
🙏 thanks you, Mary! Lovely to have you here and I appreciate the feedback.