In reply to david wolf.

Well, that thing about the girls was supposed to be this story/chapter’s major revelation. The bicycle thing is just Marvin’s sense of humor–consider the audience he’s writing for, and the way the story ends. Sure, it’s clunky, but it’s for a Marvin-compatible reason. He’s just like that. {8’>

Y’know, all but one of the “weekly challenge” stories are available here on the blog. You should be able to find the blog entries from the story description page. Only “You Sleigh Me” is missing, ’cause it’s exclusive to Amazon for a bit.

-D

In reply to John.

Thanks! There’s definitely more to do here… {8’>

Personally I loved this addition, especially the bicycle parts! Looking forward to more.

David–I had not read the first Marvin story, so I had a bit of catching up to do on his Art. This piece definitely has the voice and the heft for a novel. Not sure if I can access that first story, though I definitely would like to! By way of crit: Not sure the longish rant on bicycles belongs in a short story, but it would not be a problem in a novel. In fact, I’d consider starting this story after the first *** break, when Marvin meets Mr. Sumner. The part before that feels like throat-clearing. IMHO. What I very much like is all the unresolved issues Marvin faces. This begs to become a novel–or at a minimum, a connected series of “episodes.” I see a series, one of those lucrative franchises that morphs from books to a TV series. (Hey–I just noticed that Chrissie and Tina are two parts of one name–so does that mean we’re seeing two sides of one girl??)

David–I had not read the first Marvin story, so I had a bit of catching up to do on his Art. This piece definitely has the voice and the heft for a novel. Not sure if I can access that first story, though I definitely would like to! By way of crit: Not sure the longish rant on bicycles belongs in a short story, but it would not be a problem in a novel. In fact, I’d consider starting this story after the first *** break, when Marvin meets Mr. Sumner. The part before that feels like throat-clearing. IMHO. What I very much like is all the unresolved issues Marvin faces. This begs to become a novel–or at a minimum, a connected series of “episodes.” I see a series, one of those lucrative franchises that morphs from books to a TV series.

Just gave Marvin the respect he deserves. Read the story at a leisurely pace and enjoyed every minute of it. Questions answered and more questions appear. I absolutely love it! And I’m with you on the whole happy ending for Columbus! I also believe your writer’s soul really did have a meaning in mind for “mnemonic dressage”. I have a memory a horse with polka dots from a previous story 😀 Marvin is a fascinating person and I can’t wait for more of his story! Critique-wise I have to say again your way with words and plot setting is extremely entertaining! Keep up the good work!

In reply to Shelley Bricker.

Yep, he’s a goofball. Glad you like reading his stuff–I plan to write lots more. {8’>

First read through was fast…I have bowling…but…I was enjoying every minute. Will read through again tonight while enjoying every single word. Marvin is fun!!!