Story A Bunch of Wild Thyme

And you can think that. But she put herself through hell a while back when she had what, six or eight stories unfinished? She herself said she hated it and felt terrible about. So she set about finishing them. Almost made it too.

Then does it again. Dropped all her current stories and then started a new one.

Don't get me wrong, I think she is an exceptional writer. Actually, she is one of the very few female writers I will read. For me (as a man) she puts too much emotion in her stories which is what I usually dislike about most all female writers. But she writes soooooo well that I continue to read her work. And I'm subscribed to every story that she hasn't finished 'cause I wanna read 'em!

I love her as a writer. Doesn't mean she hasn't flaked out on us; she has. Did you think she was a saint and perfect in every way? I promise she knows better than that and so do I.

The story in this thread is (IMO) one of her best. I love it. Every time it emails me with a response and it's not her posting a new chapter breaks my heart. But there you go, that's life.


Cat
 
See, I don't think Kathy has flaked out on us. I think she has a family, a business and then writes when she can.

As a writer I get where she's coming from. Unless you sit your butt in a chair for 8 hours straight, the writing you do is going to ebb and flow. Many writers have multiple works in progress. I currently have two WIP shelved, one I'm working on and notes/research for two others. I often hit a wall with one and move to another one to let the one bothering me simmer for a while until my brain is ready to pick it back up.

One of the WIP I have would fit into this forum, but I wouldn't even think of posting it here until it was totally finished because I know my life has a way of entering chaos often. I'd hate to think that because I have a family, homeschool my kids, take care of my elderly parents and freelance for income that not posting updates to my story would get me labeled a flake.
 
Hope you will be finishing this Kathy. I found this a few days ago and have been reading constantly. I was a little surprised when it ended.
You are a hell of a writer, if you are wanting to sell it onlline, let me know, I would be willing to buy it.
 
Just a note to one of our favorite authors... Kathy, we'll be here when you find time and the right mood to finish this captivating story!

My apologies to everyone that ran over thinking this post was a new chapter :( . I just didn't want this story thread to get too far down the list.

~Sportsman
 
Thanks Sportsman, I don't want it to sink either. I love, love, love this story ...in fact, finished or not, I'm going to start it over tonight :^)
 
Ahhhh, CGTech! You made me look!!

So, as long as I'm here............

Kathy, where are you??? We're waiting............................................
 
Genevieve said:
lol nope just know when to fold em and walk away lol

it's a pattern you see........*wink*
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I don't often say this to someone, but you keep posting things negatively about how Kathy writes. What she does or doesn't finish really isn't any of your business. She isn't your personal entertainer, and you are incredibly rude. What she does is free. How many other authors that don't finish do you post negatively about on their story lines? So if she loses interest in a story and moves on, we will move along with her . If she has 10 stories going, I count myself lucky to have gotten to read them whether they are 2 chapters or 50. The problem is you like them so much you get upset when she doesn't finish, and you really need to check that. If it bothers you so much, don't read them. People have told you that you are rude before for doing this, but you just keep doing it. Shes a mother a business owner, and when she feels like writing something she shares it, but that doesn't mean she has to, or that she has to work on or finish any story. I would bet you she has a couple stories going on right now that she hasn't posted because of comments like these. You post things like this and make her feel bad or unhappy and yeah.. I bet she just really wants to jump onto the keyboard and give you more to complain about. ugh..
 
Mysty said:
I don't often say this to someone, but you keep posting things negatively about how Kathy writes. What she does or doesn't finish really isn't any of your business. She isn't your personal entertainer, and you are incredibly rude. What she does is free. How many other authors that don't finish do you post negatively about on their story lines? So if she loses interest in a story and moves on, we will move along with her . If she has 10 stories going, I count myself lucky to have gotten to read them whether they are 2 chapters or 50. The problem is you like them so much you get upset when she doesn't finish, and you really need to check that. If it bothers you so much, don't read them. People have told you that you are rude before for doing this, but you just keep doing it. Shes a mother a business owner, and when she feels like writing something she shares it, but that doesn't mean she has to, or that she has to work on or finish any story. I would bet you she has a couple stories going on right now that she hasn't posted because of comments like these. You post things like this and make her feel bad or unhappy and yeah.. I bet she just really wants to jump onto the keyboard and give you more to complain about. ugh..
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^^^^THIS, IN SPADES ^^^^^

If you want a completed story - write one.

If you don't like what or how much these authors freely give to us -- don't enter the room.

DM
 
Genevieve said:
lol nope just know when to fold em and walk away lol

it's a pattern you see........*wink*
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Amazing how upset people get because of this comment. Sure the stories are free. That doesn't make it any easier to admit to yourself that a story you really enjoy might never be finished. I wouldn't go to my local bookstore and get free "half books" from my favorite authors. I understand completely that life happens, and you have to abandon your writing for a while. But if there isn't time to finish a story, there also shouldn't be time to start two new ones. I believe that is where the frustration comes from. I enjoy the writers here very much, and would (and have) pay for the privilege of reading their stories. Completed stories.
 
I think if Kathy was a lousy writer and her stories less engaging the frustration would be less. The problem is that she is a VERY good writer with characters that draw one in to the story and storylines that leave the readers waiting at the edge of their seats for more. Without fail the stories Kathy starts on this forum and elsewhere have been a delight to read up until the very last word--and sadly that last word available sometimes leaves the characters (and readers) hanging, usually at the edge of a much bemoaned "cliff".

I think Genevieve is expressing frustration with feeling as though she (and others) have been "left hanging". I can relate, and have sworn off starting new Kathy stories till they are finished for that reason. I've read and followed ALL of her stories before she ever started posting here, and more than half are currently without an ending. If the characters didn't come to life so fully, or the story was less enthralling then it might be easier to handle; the readers would have less of the ICU waiting room feeling as they breathlessly wait to see if their favorite character(s) survive.

I understand that Kathy has a life and kids and business to run, and that responsibilities take priority. Intellectually I can handle the concepts of writer's block and time restraints. But it's the emotional bonds that readers form with her characters and stories that make her such a gifted writer, and those same emotional bonds lead to distress when the story lacks closure. Will Sissy escape the zombies? Will Del and Mark ever get married? And what about poor Leah? Lots of unanswered questions about people who the reader cares about, even though they are fictitious.

I'm not saying Kathy is a flake, or irresponsible, or any of the other comments that have been thrown about in fits of pique and disappointment; contrarily she is a woman with great amounts of responsibility on her plate and she tends to become overloaded as so many of us often do. As her readers we just have to accept that her writing is lower on the priority list than real life, and then deal with it. Start her stories knowing that they may hang in limbo, or don't start them.

But don't be the sheep shushing the child who says "the emperor has no clothes" as he struts naked down the street. Incredible talent and ability aside, after 5 years of unfinished stories it begins to look like a trend.

ETA: And yes, when I finish one of my many started stories I WILL post it. But not till then.
 
This frustrates me to no end. So much judgement over stories. The last time I saw this happen, she left the site. I wish people could just enjoy whats freely given without all negative comments and pressure to be what you think she should be. If she does go somewhere else to post stories, I hope she pops me and others who love her stories finished or not an email to follow. Anyone whose complained because they feel they are left hanging because she finished a few books instead of ten, you need a reality check. Go down the list of stories on this site or any site and take a good look at how many are actually finished. Her finish rate is equal to anyone's if you look at her blog and higher than most , she just happens to have a lot of wonderful extra starts as well.

A few years ago I used to get frustrated when authors took too long to post a chapter, or never finished then I realized I was being a big whiny baby and stopped my entitlement attitude as soon as I realized what I was thinking.
(Although I never expressed displeasure aloud.. I can't imagine hurting someone that way over a story) And guess what? She has feelings even if she doesn't tell you you're hurting them. She is a Tuff woman from what Iv seen, but I for one would really appreciate it if people would stop picking at her. If it makes me feel bad, its got to be hurting her as well.

If I need to finish a story, I go buy one. IMO.. anyone that complains about freebies should be blocked from them.. seriously.. because ya ruin it for the rest of us. I hope shes laughing about this instead of taking it to heart because there are a lot more of us here that appreciate her efforts than condemn her for not posting endings or popping out chapters like a bunny having babies. And if anyone complaining is a Christian.. ugh... Stop it. Im done :(

one more thing.. this is just like mole.. please stop it
 
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Kathy I hope you don't let the few who believe you owe than a completed story keep you from writing and posting for us. This entitlement attitude that they are showing sickens my hart and is one of this country's greatest down falls. You owe us nothing, most of us feel blessed that you take time form your life to share your gift of story telling with us. Weather you ever finish any of your story's past, present, or future I and most will still read every post you share with us and never berate you to finish. Having been self-employed for near 40 years I know what hand life can deal you. I won't go into speculation on the lives of those that feel cheated out of something that they were never asked to partake of and were never asked to contribute to the sustaining of. Kathy we love you and always will my prayers go out out to your and yours for strength and the peace that passes all understanding please don't let the few keep you for sharing with the many.
Wayne
 
I hope no one here thinks that I in any way believe that Kathy "owes" me or anyone else her stories, the fruits of her labors. Believing that would be a mistake, I can't say it any more clearly than that. Kathy is a wonderful and talented writer whose work I have enjoyed greatly.

Now having said that, I also wish to point out that both sides of this back-and-forth are very emotionally charged.
On one side those who stepped out of the crowd and were a little vociferous in their call for more story and their objections to the lack of same.
On the other side those who for whatever reason object to the objections.

Additionally, on both sides seem to be some lacks of comprehension--be they in reading or perception of others' intent due to the well-known inability of internet communication to fully foster understanding of what once were face-to-face communications. No tones of voice, facial expressions or body language and hand gestures.

But (switching into more informal mode)--

C'mon people! I think Kathy is a big girl enough and been around the net enough to not just pick up her toys and go away because someone said something to someone else! The hurt feelings and somebody goes away mad drama crap is sooo junior high. So is the pile on someone who steps out of line bit. If they bother you, ignore them.

I try to be rational and clear thinking in whatever I post for anyone to read, anywhere. A rational analysis of an issue is not a judgement, it is not a taking of sides. I could argue the point that Kathy owes a finish to her stories simply upon the merits of the old adage "Finish what you start". That would not mean that I don't understand or even sympathize with all the things she has in her life, and accept without rancor (Ill will, malice) the stories she has given. It would just be another perspective, another angle. It wouldn't mean I or anyone else was entitled to more story; I personally would like to know that she finished them for her own sake just to get the shreds of all those people out of her head!

I can see both sides of this issue. Is that wrong? More and more I fear it is.

.
 
Mysty said:
I wish people could just enjoy whats freely given without all negative comments and pressure to be what you think she should be. If she does go somewhere else to post stories, I hope she pops me and others who love her stories finished or not an email to follow. Anyone whose complained because they feel they are left hanging because she finished a few books instead of ten, you need a reality check. Go down the list of stories on this site or any site and take a good look at how many are actually finished. Her finish rate is equal to anyone's if you look at her blog and higher than most , she just happens to have a lot of wonderful extra starts as well.
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This is exactly how I feel. I just enjoy what is there. I will re read things and hope for more, but just enjoy whatever there is. I love Kathy's writing style and her characters are.....so real. I do get on and beg for more in hopes that she will take it as a compliment and understand how much I get out of her stories, but never to make her feel bad for not writing. She freely admits that a lot of these stories are a way for her to vent feelings...some happy, and some not. That is not a promise to finish anything.
 
I think Kathy is a great author with an incredible talent. She can pull emotions with her writing, along with the best of them. I would recommend her blog to her fans, because you can see which stories are in progress, which are completed, and make your choices accordingly.
 
Kaij ... where's that naked, dancing smiley? I think folks need a little distraction.

I haven't read all the posts. I haven't had time. My life has been almost painfully full and hectic. I'm sorry that I haven't been able to post more story. I really, really am. But the financial health and well being of my family must be my priority. My husband is under a lot of strain, he needs me to help with our business. And quite frankly I need to help him. I'd be a poor excuse for a wife if I didn't. I love him. I don't want to lose him.

As soon as I can squeeze some time I will make some additions. I can't give you a time line, all I can tell you is that it is my desire to finish this story as well as the other ones.
 
When ever you are ready Kathy --- I know how hard it is to write with a frazzled multitasking Muse yelling in your ear.

DM
 
did someone say "nekkid"??? I do have my tennies on...
smiley-running.jpg
 
Life has a habit of tripping us up and then kicking us when we are down. I love your stories Kathy and am more than happy to wait for the next installment of whichever story you choose to continue.
 
Kathy, sorry that life is getting in the way.
Family always comes first. Any extra is gravy.
Anyone want to bit*h about it tell'em to KYA. ;-)
 
Kathy I'v said it before and I stand by it, YOU are one of the most gifted writers I have ever read. I love your store's and will continue to pray that GOD gives you and yours health, strength, wisdom, and peace where ever you are at. Thanks for all of your story's.
Wayne
 
Oh Yes Lady Kathy!

Family and daily life must take priority!

I hope it all settles down for you soon, we will be patiently waiting...

On again, Thank You so very much.
 
:popcorn1::popcorn1::popcorn1::popcorn1::popcorn1:
Ah the drama!

Thanks Kathy for all your efforts, hoping all is well with you and yours.

Sis

Another writer overworked and not able to quite finish my story.
 
Kathy

I have read most of your stories,some over and over :) Thank you for sharing them with us.

This is one of my favs, I really love the characters and the story itself. Hopefully someday you will get back to it and tie it all up somehow.

But if you don't, that's ok too. If some new story takes your fancy then that's great too. I am grateful for you sharing the stories
that are in your head with us. I have enjoyed all of them.

Thank you
 
Thank you, Kathy. I'm enjoying The Linder Legacy, and I admire your ability to write fiction and juggle all the other responsibilities you have.
 
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