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Because it's part of the journey.
Part of the process. And sometimes we can't just go from A straight to B.
Sometimes, we have to go A to Z to M to C to B.
And the work is better for it.
Often enough?
We see each other and usually shuffle through the same series of questions.
I don't mind it, of course.
This place has a way of getting into people's heads and so a little repetition just is par the course.
I mean! I tried to tell you how you get, but we breezed past that, didn't we?
And that still is just a beloved character I played. :)
But I'm happy to be helpful.
Peanuts are salty!
[ Zane laughs to himself, amused with his little joke, but sure that Alan won't appreciate it as much as him. ]
Anyway, sure some pieces are missed!
It's part of it all.
But so long as you can imagine it, it'll be.
That's the power of this place.
Enough suspension of belief and it'll just be how it always was.
[ Which probably is what is the scariest thing. If they imagine enough, if they write it enough, reality will warp that it really will be how they said it was. Flashbacks can be idealized versions of the past so long as the person is fond and gentle with them. But they can also be vicious mockeries of what has transpired. ]
Because it's part of the journey.
Part of the process. And sometimes we can't just go from A straight to B.
Sometimes, we have to go A to Z to M to C to B.
And the work is better for it.
Often enough?
We see each other and usually shuffle through the same series of questions.
I don't mind it, of course.
This place has a way of getting into people's heads and so a little repetition just is par the course.
I mean! I tried to tell you how you get, but we breezed past that, didn't we?
And that still is just a beloved character I played. :)
But I'm happy to be helpful.
Peanuts are salty!
[ Zane laughs to himself, amused with his little joke, but sure that Alan won't appreciate it as much as him. ]
Anyway, sure some pieces are missed!
It's part of it all.
But so long as you can imagine it, it'll be.
That's the power of this place.
Enough suspension of belief and it'll just be how it always was.
[ Which probably is what is the scariest thing. If they imagine enough, if they write it enough, reality will warp that it really will be how they said it was. Flashbacks can be idealized versions of the past so long as the person is fond and gentle with them. But they can also be vicious mockeries of what has transpired. ]
Edited 2024-02-07 19:47 (UTC)
I know you're making sense but it's so easy to get lost along the way. And I have someone to worry about.
I could start small. Something fun but not too fun.
That explains the deja vu.
As long as you don't mind. That would probably grate at me.
We did...
Not you but also not not you helping then because it's your character so
[ What? ]
There's a string of logic here I'm sure I can make sense of later.
If you say so.
No, no. I don't want to change it up by accident.
I want it exact.
[ The horror of it all was realized, even if it was unknown to the extent of it all. That the world around could distort to fit the words on the page, as if they became law. Writing stays an most terror, despite it being vital. One wrong sentence and something can change in a way that ruins it forever. Or get it killed. ]
I could start small. Something fun but not too fun.
That explains the deja vu.
As long as you don't mind. That would probably grate at me.
We did...
Not you but also not not you helping then because it's your character so
[ What? ]
There's a string of logic here I'm sure I can make sense of later.
If you say so.
No, no. I don't want to change it up by accident.
I want it exact.
[ The horror of it all was realized, even if it was unknown to the extent of it all. That the world around could distort to fit the words on the page, as if they became law. Writing stays an most terror, despite it being vital. One wrong sentence and something can change in a way that ruins it forever. Or get it killed. ]
Right. Alice.
We all need our touches to make the process an enjoyable one.
[ There is a nod that is felt more than anything. ]
I don't!
It's why I always ask you if you know who I am when I call.
I can only imagine how scary that is to hear.
The string is there and it'll fit together nicely.
At the end or later.
Doesn't matter.
It's also beautiful as is.
Right.
To be true instead of leaning a little into a suspension of disbelief.
Guess that's the difference between us!
We all need our touches to make the process an enjoyable one.
[ There is a nod that is felt more than anything. ]
I don't!
It's why I always ask you if you know who I am when I call.
I can only imagine how scary that is to hear.
The string is there and it'll fit together nicely.
At the end or later.
Doesn't matter.
It's also beautiful as is.
Right.
To be true instead of leaning a little into a suspension of disbelief.
Guess that's the difference between us!
Yes. Alice.
I just need to think of something fun.
[ Why is that easier said than done? Maybe a musical number? Nah... ]
You could actually tell me right away when I don't know, you know. Save some time.
Or did you try that and I didn't believe you? Shit.
It's not great.
I liked the visual.
The diver bathed in light.
Are you calling me uncreative?
I just need to think of something fun.
[ Why is that easier said than done? Maybe a musical number? Nah... ]
You could actually tell me right away when I don't know, you know. Save some time.
Or did you try that and I didn't believe you? Shit.
It's not great.
I liked the visual.
The diver bathed in light.
Are you calling me uncreative?
:P
That's the spirit. Maybe a night of drinking!
It doesn't save that much time.
You get it, Alan. I've tried it.
There are certain topics I know I have to ease into talking about with you, too.
I went too fast one time and we ended up almost enemies.
That was a sad run.
[ Certain topics like how he's dealing with Scratch.
That had ended very poorly, but it usually does. ]
It's a good one, right? :)
One of my favorites.
Not at all, my friend!
With film, you can give in to certain lies.
But you don't enjoy lying to your audience.
However, sometimes with my films, there have to be a few lies here and there to make it compelling. Not a mystery but a deliberate ruse put in so the audience is surprised and maybe even scandalized later.
That's the spirit. Maybe a night of drinking!
It doesn't save that much time.
You get it, Alan. I've tried it.
There are certain topics I know I have to ease into talking about with you, too.
I went too fast one time and we ended up almost enemies.
That was a sad run.
[ Certain topics like how he's dealing with Scratch.
That had ended very poorly, but it usually does. ]
It's a good one, right? :)
One of my favorites.
Not at all, my friend!
With film, you can give in to certain lies.
But you don't enjoy lying to your audience.
However, sometimes with my films, there have to be a few lies here and there to make it compelling. Not a mystery but a deliberate ruse put in so the audience is surprised and maybe even scandalized later.
Ha.
Want to go on a bender with me?
And you’re not going to tell me any of these topics if I ask, are you?
I never liked Groundhog Day all that much.
The character was a little too cryptic with me though.
Visual media is a whole different thing.
The mystery is what I was doing.
I mean, I need
I WANT the reader to have that moment with a reveal where they realize they could’ve cracked the entire case wide open with all the clues dropped along the way.
The subtle bread crumbs. A few red herrings because it can’t be too easy to make it boring. But nothing that makes it unsolvable.
The “twist” wasn’t a blindsided move. The pages never lied. It was right under their nose the entire time.
Want to go on a bender with me?
And you’re not going to tell me any of these topics if I ask, are you?
I never liked Groundhog Day all that much.
The character was a little too cryptic with me though.
Visual media is a whole different thing.
The mystery is what I was doing.
I mean, I need
I WANT the reader to have that moment with a reveal where they realize they could’ve cracked the entire case wide open with all the clues dropped along the way.
The subtle bread crumbs. A few red herrings because it can’t be too easy to make it boring. But nothing that makes it unsolvable.
The “twist” wasn’t a blindsided move. The pages never lied. It was right under their nose the entire time.
Absolutely.
It's the best way to conjure up ideas!
Nope. I've learned my lesson. :)
Wish I could be more helpful but I can only help this much.
Doing more or less tends to backfire on us.
[ He might get the sensation - like a flash of Tom in the apartment - bobbing his head side-to-side as he agrees that the diver may have been too cryptic. But he flashes a smile to show that he still loves the character. ]
And that is why you're my favorite author.
I hope I can be your favorite auteur.
Even if my medium does have some lies in it.
[ More than some, but eh... ]
It's the best way to conjure up ideas!
Nope. I've learned my lesson. :)
Wish I could be more helpful but I can only help this much.
Doing more or less tends to backfire on us.
[ He might get the sensation - like a flash of Tom in the apartment - bobbing his head side-to-side as he agrees that the diver may have been too cryptic. But he flashes a smile to show that he still loves the character. ]
And that is why you're my favorite author.
I hope I can be your favorite auteur.
Even if my medium does have some lies in it.
[ More than some, but eh... ]
I don’t know about that but I certainly was writing on them in the past.
One of those Night Springs episodes was honestly nothing but cocaine but apparently everyone loved it so…
Couldn’t hurt.
Unless I’ve been looping a hangover this entire time.
[ . . . has he?
Anyway. ]
What’s your poison?
Glad to know I wasn’t doing it in vain.
I’ll have to watch more of your films to return the compliment but I can overlook a lie or two if it pays off.
One of those Night Springs episodes was honestly nothing but cocaine but apparently everyone loved it so…
Couldn’t hurt.
Unless I’ve been looping a hangover this entire time.
[ . . . has he?
Anyway. ]
What’s your poison?
Glad to know I wasn’t doing it in vain.
I’ll have to watch more of your films to return the compliment but I can overlook a lie or two if it pays off.
Now THAT sounds like a real party.
A jump-cut here and there; you'll never even feel that hangover.
[ ANYWAY! ]
Cocktails.
I'm a sucker for them.
They're too tasty for their own good.
You weren't. I felt there was always meaning in what you did.
AND! I'll hold you to that, Alan!
A jump-cut here and there; you'll never even feel that hangover.
[ ANYWAY! ]
Cocktails.
I'm a sucker for them.
They're too tasty for their own good.
You weren't. I felt there was always meaning in what you did.
AND! I'll hold you to that, Alan!
You're invited to my next one. Not that I plan on doing lines anytime soon.
You can edit that out? Neat.
Just don't skip too hard that I don't remember it happening at all.
That's becoming too big of an issue.
Yeah? Classy.
I've always just ended up drinking straight out of a bottle somehow.
Actually, have you ever mixed bourbon and coffee together before? Not bad.
Maybe I could invent a cocktail.
Thanks.
You can edit that out? Neat.
Just don't skip too hard that I don't remember it happening at all.
That's becoming too big of an issue.
Yeah? Classy.
I've always just ended up drinking straight out of a bottle somehow.
Actually, have you ever mixed bourbon and coffee together before? Not bad.
Maybe I could invent a cocktail.
Thanks.
Aw.
More for me, I guess. (^_^)bbb
To take a page out of your book, if it isn't enhancing the story or adding to a scene I'm planning on, no reason to keep it in.
But if you want to have some of it, we can have some of it.
I'm flexible with making sure my collaborators are happy!
I've mixed a lot of stuff over the years.
That's a pretty good one, too.
But! If you made a cocktail, what would you name it?
:)
More for me, I guess. (^_^)bbb
To take a page out of your book, if it isn't enhancing the story or adding to a scene I'm planning on, no reason to keep it in.
But if you want to have some of it, we can have some of it.
I'm flexible with making sure my collaborators are happy!
I've mixed a lot of stuff over the years.
That's a pretty good one, too.
But! If you made a cocktail, what would you name it?
:)
I’m strung out too much for it right now.
Lol. Who taught you emojis?
Fair enough.
I don’t want the headache and I don’t miss them at all.
A short montage of aftermath. Can you do that? Just to keep my ducks in a row.
Bet you have some wild stories.
“Metaphor” and it would knock you on your ass.
Lol. Who taught you emojis?
Fair enough.
I don’t want the headache and I don’t miss them at all.
A short montage of aftermath. Can you do that? Just to keep my ducks in a row.
Bet you have some wild stories.
“Metaphor” and it would knock you on your ass.
But anyway!
I can do that!
Something like that's pretty easy.
Dunno if I want to be part of it, but I'll humor the idea!
They're kind of lonely since for a long time just me.
I think it's less a party when you're alone.
More like a solo bender.
The metaphor! That sounds great!!
I'm excited to try it!
I can do that!
Something like that's pretty easy.
Dunno if I want to be part of it, but I'll humor the idea!
They're kind of lonely since for a long time just me.
I think it's less a party when you're alone.
More like a solo bender.
The metaphor! That sounds great!!
I'm excited to try it!
[ Flashes on the TV. Following what happened to Hartmann. Hearing new music.
Echos from the other side.
Zane could’ve learned this way. Checks out. ]
Right.
You can spare yourself the headache. I’m just a stickler for having all the details right now.
Been there.
At least we can spare you the sad solo drinking now. Even if it’s not me, you can get Ahti a drink. He seems like he’d enjoy one. Nice guy.
Glad to hear it!
I have no idea what’s in it.
Echos from the other side.
Zane could’ve learned this way. Checks out. ]
Right.
You can spare yourself the headache. I’m just a stickler for having all the details right now.
Been there.
At least we can spare you the sad solo drinking now. Even if it’s not me, you can get Ahti a drink. He seems like he’d enjoy one. Nice guy.
Glad to hear it!
I have no idea what’s in it.
I'll do what I can to help.
You know you.
If you forget, how should I reach out to you?
[ He almost writes "next time." Best not rub salt into an open wound. ]
I wonder why he does that.
Well, we do look quite alike.
Must be a bit confused.
Hooray!
Let's see, gotta think of a good base...
Dark rum, maybe?
Not as popular these days but I think we could bring it back.
You know you.
If you forget, how should I reach out to you?
[ He almost writes "next time." Best not rub salt into an open wound. ]
I wonder why he does that.
Well, we do look quite alike.
Must be a bit confused.
Hooray!
Let's see, gotta think of a good base...
Dark rum, maybe?
Not as popular these days but I think we could bring it back.
With a phone call.
[ The hindsight in the immediate answer I give to the question makes me feel weary down to my bones. I sigh all the air out of my lungs. ]
Let me try to think of something.
Give me a minute.
You'd think the facial hair would help but you've been here long enough that you've probably tried some different looks, huh?
Rum's great. I don't know why it would lose its luster.
[ The hindsight in the immediate answer I give to the question makes me feel weary down to my bones. I sigh all the air out of my lungs. ]
Let me try to think of something.
Give me a minute.
You'd think the facial hair would help but you've been here long enough that you've probably tried some different looks, huh?
Rum's great. I don't know why it would lose its luster.
[ The fact that Tom makes that immediate answer cannot be put into words. Perhaps, it is simply due to a mixture of things. Knowledge, amusement, and a hint of wariness dance over his face.
And all he thinks is: It's good that Alan can't see it. It'd kill the vibes! ]
Of course.
Don't feel rushed at all, my friend.
More than my fair share.
But I like the one I have right now the most.
I dunno.
Too strong for some folks?
And all he thinks is: It's good that Alan can't see it. It'd kill the vibes! ]
Of course.
Don't feel rushed at all, my friend.
More than my fair share.
But I like the one I have right now the most.
I dunno.
Too strong for some folks?
Right.
I just feel like I'm running out of time somehow.
[ What if you- No, that wouldn't work. I'd freak. ]
It looks comfortable, despite the leather.
Are leather pants comfortable?
I've obviously never tried those.
Cowards.
Okay. Dark rum. I'm picturing like an old fashioned but
Chocolate bitters?
I just feel like I'm running out of time somehow.
[ What if you- No, that wouldn't work. I'd freak. ]
It looks comfortable, despite the leather.
Are leather pants comfortable?
I've obviously never tried those.
Cowards.
Okay. Dark rum. I'm picturing like an old fashioned but
Chocolate bitters?
You always feel that way.
Sorry.
Just go with the flow.
The answers will come to you.
They are!
They're all broken in so it's quite comfy.
If you want some, I can lend you a pair.
That's more fun than just deciding on a new outfit, right?
Mmm... that I like that a lot.
The taste already feels like it'd be deep.
Sorry.
Just go with the flow.
The answers will come to you.
They are!
They're all broken in so it's quite comfy.
If you want some, I can lend you a pair.
That's more fun than just deciding on a new outfit, right?
Mmm... that I like that a lot.
The taste already feels like it'd be deep.
Always?
Fuck me. Now I really want a drink.
If you say so.
No kidding?
Uh. I'll try them if they're good for running.
Are we the same size too? Guess I could just go through your closet.
All I have are sunglasses and tweed, mostly.
It's a really deep metaphor.
Fuck me. Now I really want a drink.
If you say so.
No kidding?
Uh. I'll try them if they're good for running.
Are we the same size too? Guess I could just go through your closet.
All I have are sunglasses and tweed, mostly.
It's a really deep metaphor.
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