Reviewer: Silvertayl (Signed) · Date: 30/01/10 06:26 PM · On: Just Keep Swimming
Hi again Kate I have just finished reading The Killing Moon, after re-reading The Woods first. Wow both were fantastic, excelently written, fast paced and addictive; leaving me wanting more. Because you left a few things up in the air such as Lee, my nephew's name by the way, being still out there and what happened to Missy she's still out there somewhere as well, I'm hoping you are planning another story to make this a trilogy? Please say you are? I love the way you have written Kathleen, you give her character depth and make her come to life. Brilliant!!! Sorry this review is so long coming but trying to juggle reading, writing and RL is time consuming. Keep up the good work, thanks for the entertainment and the escape from the hum drum of RL. Cheers for now, hoping to read more soon? Elaine (Silvertayl)
Author's Response: Oooh, I just popped back here on the offchance and here you are. I'm so glad you liked the stories! What an epic tale they both are, huh? ;-) I'm so pleased you like KH... it's tough to get an OFC past this fandom! I did my best not to turn her into some wilting damsel in distress. You might be interested to know that a fanfic buddy of mine, cerridwen7777 [she doesn't post here] is doing a story in this verse over on FF.net right now - if you search fr her profile page you'll find it. I am partway through writing another story that picks up the verse in S4 post-Hell so it isn't a direct follow-on. No spoilers, but I think you will like it... ;-) I've completed nine chapters and want to get it pretty much finished so I can then polish it up as I post. I hope to start that maybe early March, so I hope to see you then!
Reviewer: lkapp (Signed) · Date: 11/01/10 10:55 PM · On: Just Keep Swimming
I really liked this and the first story. well done. well thought out. characters are developed. I thought how could there be so many chapters, but was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I hope there are more.
Author's Response: Cackles... funny thing is that for both stories I originally planned 10-12 chapters. They just seemed to grow! I'm so glad you enjoyed them and I really appreciate you letting me know... ;-) I am working on another story that will update the 'verse to S4 post-Hell, so sit tight...
Reviewer: lkapp (Signed) · Date: 11/01/10 09:25 PM · On: The Beast in the Cellar
oh my god, the "Dude, just throw her out if she won't shut up..." I was laughing my butt off. Great story. I'll review at the end...
Author's Response: Thanks muchly... tho must confess it was totally a last-minute save because I figured out it was anatomically impossible for her to swing up using just a foot of rope... ;-)
Reviewer: Shannondoah (Signed) · Date: 09/01/10 07:47 PM · On: Just Keep Swimming
Shit! What a nasty ending! Over but with an ominous what if hanging over our heads. "so her kindness cuts into his heart like condolences" A very interesting and emotional statement. I've never heard it expressed like this before but there are times when professional kindness barely masks pity. "He knows his voice is small, afraid, pathetic, because it's his eight-year-old voice talking about his twelve-year-old brother lying there all broken in pieces and defenseless." Funny, how we revert to different times in our lives during tragedies. Taking Sam back to the first time he saw his brother in a hospital was a powerful memory. Clever technique counting the number of Dean's breaths to measure time. Very ingenious! When Dean asks who he is I started to panic. And when Sam laughed like an idiot I still didn't get it. My brain finally clued in when Sam told Dean that he was John Denver. Whew! what a rush of humor and relief. "He's careful, picks his way through the sentence like he's hopping from rock to rock across a stream." You paint very vivid word pictures to help us see and feel what is happening. A fabulous story!!! Take a well deserved break then back to the grind. I'm eager for the next thrilling story your creative and evil mind plots.
Author's Response: Hey hon! Great to see you. Just popped here on the offchance and found some reviews! Glad you liked and you are smart to spot that stylistic device of using the breaths to indicate time passing! I hate using things as mundane as 'two days later'! I'm not getting too much of a break... already have seven chapters of the next one written, so look out for it... ;-)
Reviewer: dom28if (Signed) · Date: 20/12/09 12:54 PM · On: Mr Brightside
I have to say just read your stories and they were great. I loved the first one but your sequel to it was awesome. I can't wait to see more and I love a story with Dean and Bobby interaction maybe bring John in :) Again great job!
Author's Response: Thanks so much! I’m really pleased you enjoyed them and I so appreciate you letting me know! ;-)
Reviewer: moira4eku (Signed) · Date: 19/12/09 01:01 PM · On: Just Keep Swimming
Lordy, lordy, lordy....I can't believe this ending, I was shocked as Sam. This chapter had everything in it, I was sadden, thrilled, shocked, and laughed my head off. The whole unicorn, eunich thing made me spit out my drink!! Absolutely loved this story. I assume a sequel is in the works?? Please, purty please???
Author's Response: Hey there! I’, so glad you liked it – comments like yours and those from everyone else who reviewed make it all worth the effort. There will be another story in the ’verse, although it won’t follow on directly – it will update the ’verse to S4 post-Hell. I reckon it’ll be a challenge to write the boys’ much more tense relationship so it’ll be pretty dark! Hope to see you once it starts posting. Hav a great holiday season and thanks so much for your support and encouragement! ;-0
Reviewer: rbliss1969 (Signed) · Date: 19/12/09 11:18 AM · On: Just Keep Swimming
Kate, OMG; Frickin Awesome story. Bender not really gone.............maybe a part 3 later on down the road.
had me on the edge of my seat, in tears at times and laughing at other times. seriously great job! loved the sponge bath scene had me rolling. and Sam & Bobby watching over Dean. my favorite had to be his goodbye with Kathleen. i love how you made him able to tell her anything and she accepted him 100%. again great great job and hope another story will be up and running soon. Happy Holidays
Renee
Author's Response: Thanks muchly Renee… yup, Missy cut off Lee’s hand in The Woods, so the skelington [as my son says!] Sam burned wasn’t complete. Cackles… the nurses in this are actually one of my sweetest reviewers over on FF, MasonDixon: a birthday gift for her. She uses chocolate jello for fingerpainting with her kids but now says she will never be able to do so without imagining herself licking it off the beauteous Mr Ackles! Over on FF, I actually posted an alternate final chapter as well as this one, with a less shippy resolution than this. I hadn’t ever really intended pairing Dean and Kathleen, but got pestered to do it and gave in. I like them together but I think the story would have worked without it too. Anyhoo I did have some pretty faithful readers over there who were non-shippers, so I did the alternate version for them. I’m working on the next story – it won’t follow on directly from this but will update the ’verse to S4 post-Hell. My plan is pretty twisty-turny, as you’d expect! It should start posting here maybe mid to end-Feb, so I hope to see you then. In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday season! ;-)
Reviewer: darkhunter (Signed) · Date: 16/12/09 03:54 PM · On: Just Keep Swimming
A great ending to what has being an excellent story, really outstanding writing, i've loved every part of it, are you going to write another one?
Author's Response: Hey there: thanks so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed it... a lot of thought and planning went into it and the great feedback I have gotten here and elsewhere does go to making the effort worthwhile! There will be another story in the 'verse, updating it to S4 post-Hell, so that will be a real challenge given the brothers' fractured relationship! It'll probably start posting mid to late February, so I hope to see you then! ;-)
Reviewer: sunsetlover (Signed) · Date: 15/12/09 01:12 AM · On: Just Keep Swimming
What a storyline! This is one of those fics I really would like to see on TV. You understand so well how to play with the characters and their feelings. Congratulations for your talent! I always waited for the next chapter, so what shall I do now? Perhaps add a wish on my letter to Santa: Please, let her write a sequel SOON! Happy Christmas! Claudia
Author's Response: I've been inundated with PMs over on FF from bereft readers! I felt bereft myself Sunday night, sitting there with nothing to do... but last night I started work on my next story in the 'verse, so am feeling much calmer today. Hope to post it sometime in the New Year. My buddy Cerridwen7777, who is on FF, is writing a story in the 'verse and has just uploaded the first chapter on FF so R&R it if you get a chance... Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it! I really appreciate that since I don't get many reviews here! ;-)
Reviewer: Micaiah (Signed) · Date: 14/12/09 09:47 PM · On: Just Keep Swimming
I was so excited to see you had posted the last chapter! You did an awesome job with this. Even better than the first and I can't wait for the next one......there is a next one, right??
Author's Response: Thanks hon, and for all your great feedback and encouragement - I don't get that many reviews here, which means every one is treasured! The majority of people who've read both have said they think this one is better which is wonderful since I never thought I would outdo Woods. I think it's better too: I feel I really found my wings with this, in terms of writing style and characterization. Yes there will be another one! I started it last night, actually, though it probably won't post until the New Year. I like to get the majority of it all down before I start posting so that I can update regularly. In the meantime, Cerridwen7777 over on FF, is writng a story in the 'verse, so do check that out - Hudak will be in it and I'm sure Cerridwen would love it if you R&Rd. Take care! ;-)
Reviewer: eeyore (Signed) · Date: 14/12/09 07:55 PM · On: Just Keep Swimming
Bah!!! I thought it was gone, is it Bender or the Wendigo? It must be Bender because Dean killed the wendigo, right? Or are you just trying to throw us off track again? Thank you for mentioning that Dean killed the wendigo by using his ring, I must have missed that and was confused. Everyone seems to still be on the emotional rollercoaster to some extent, but I'm glad Dean finally went to see Kathleen, it would have seemed wrong if he hadn't. Poor Sam needs to bleach for what he walked in on with Dean and the nurse. You did an amazing job with this story and with Woods. You did an excellent job portraying their emotions, interactions, etc. and you painted a complete picture. Everything flowed nicely and you always made me count the days to Sunday. Thanks for sharing with us and I'll be waiting (im)patiently for the next story.
Author's Response: It's Lee alright! Just picking up a little plotpoint from Woods: Missy cut off Lee's hand. .. So the skeleton Sam burned wasn't complete! Thanks so much for being such a faithful and regular reviewer, I really appreciate it as I don't get that much feedback over here. Hope you'll be happy to hear there is another story in the works - it'll update the 'verse to S4 post-Hell. In the meantime, my buddy Cerridwen7777, who posts on FF, is just now writing a story in the 'verse and has just uploaded the first chapter over on FF if you want more Hudak. I'm sure she'd love it if you R&R-ed. Have a great holiday season! ;-)
Reviewer: Amberdreams (Signed) · Date: 14/12/09 04:40 PM · On: Just Keep Swimming
Feel the love, eh? Love Bobby in this - how he is so strong, how the deep affection for the boys runs through everything he does for them, especially for dean. Love Kathleen and so glad you didn't kill her off!! I was concerned you might at one point. I had to try and read Ch 21 & 22 slower as you lost me a few times as I got confused as to who was narrating (but I am notoriously bad at reading carefully when a plot is racing, I want to race too). Anyhow, I think I need to read the whole thing from start to finish as reading in pieces at the end was disruptive. Really enjoyed it, thanks for the ride!
Author's Response: Well, thanks muchly! Kathleen is definitely safe... in fact my buddy over on FF, cerridwen7777 is writing a story in the verse that includes her and she will also be in my next story in the verse, which updates it to S4 post-Hell... got the usual tangled plot and I started it last night. Should post sometime next year... thanks for your support and encouragement! I really appreciate it! It's amazing how many people have told me Woods is the only story they have ever printed out and read almost as a 'novel' - one reader over on FF tells me she even had it ringbound and designed a cover for it! She's going to do the same with this one. Isn't that awesome?! :-D
Reviewer: Primary_Feather (Signed) · Date: 14/12/09 09:42 AM · On: Just Keep Swimming
Fantastic story. It's an honour and a pleasure to read your stuff. Well paced, hugs the curves every time the story twists and leavened by healthy doses of both suspense and action. Your characterizations are genius! In depth, believable, motivations that are consistent and easy to follow, dialogue flowing naturally between them. Overall a great story. I like the misdirection between the end of Woods and this one. After the last scene with Missy, I kept waiting for her to show up in one form or another for the sequel. All in all, you've done a fantastic job, and it was a wonderful read. Keep up the great work!
Author's Response: Wow: I feel honored to get such a wonderful review and I sure do appreciate you reading this very long story and hanging on in there for the resolution! I take this way more seriously than I should, I guess, so this kind of review, with its little nods to my plotting, characterization and dialogue, is like the best kind of gift! I have a new story in the works that will update the 'verse to S4, post-Hell, and it'll be a real challenge to write the brothers' fractured relationship. I have a pretty good plotbunny, though, and I really hope I can do it justice.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write! :-)
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 14/12/09 06:25 AM · On: The Hole in the Ground Gang
Enjoyed this chapter much more than the last. Had no problem reading it from start to finish and its managed to re-ignite my thirst for this story. Like the quiet reflective moments between Sam and Bobby, the discussion of how Dean dealt with Sam going to college and vice versa. Things don't seem to be getting better but at least they are all back together. PS. I really did like Dean's full metal jacket in the previous chapter, it was definitely the highlight for me. Probably still is, since my brain is enjoying picturing where it goes, in, through and around - great description.
Reviewer: Midge (Signed) · Date: 11/12/09 01:00 PM · On: Dueling Banjos
OK, I have to admit it's taken me half a dozen attempts to make it to the end of that chapter. Found it extremely confusing and the action slow. Won't stop me reading the rest but I won't be tempted to reread this chapter. Sorry.
Author's Response: I think I can stand one bad review among the 1500+ good ones here and elsewhere!
Reviewer: bitnblue (Signed) · Date: 08/12/09 10:35 PM · On: And Miles to Go
looking quite grim... the minions are restless. keep it up, it's great so far.
Author's Response: I'm riding them hard and putting them away wet, that's fer shure! But they will all come through in one piece! ;-)
Reviewer: Shannondoah (Signed) · Date: 06/12/09 02:06 PM · On: And Miles to Go
Not Kathleen! She's gotta be okay. She has to show Dean her Pretty Woman boots. *wink* And model them for him. Wonderful chapter! I'm glad that there's one more to go. I love getting to the wind up of a story but I hate that it has to end. :-( The comparison of the eerie tranquility of the woods and the peace of the Civil War battlefields was beautifully poignant. It made me pause. It was a touching passage. "the kind of woman his brother would clamber over a dozen vacuous bikini-clad bimbos waving condoms at him becasue older women Sammy, steamin' hot they know positions that are fuckin' illegal in all fiftty states." Hell Yeah! There's something to be said for the more experienced woman.
Author's Response: Hey Shannon! Hmmmm, the boots! We'll have to see. I'm actually doing alternate final chapters of the story for my LJ and FF, because although the vast majority of my readers on those sites liked the D/K, a few really faithful ones really didn't want me to go there. So I feel I owe them. I doubt if I will post both versions here though. I've been to those battlefields as well as Culloden, in Scotland, and they do have that strange eerie tranquility that is undercut by this pall of violence and sadness. Peaceful - but creepy to know you are walking where so many died. Hah! Dr McNeill is a callout to my lovely fanfic buddy SuzMC over on FF - she has been so supportive of me in writing these stories and has helped me hammer out a lot of plot details. A couple of my other buddies also will have a guest spot in the final chapter... ;-) And I *so* think Dean would appreciate older women... hell yeah!
Reviewer: moira4eku (Signed) · Date: 06/12/09 12:28 PM · On: And Miles to Go
Poor Dean, he is really in bad shape. Yikes, tetnus, a really nasty illness. Hopefully, he will pull through without side effects. I hope Hudack makes it. I really liked her character. I can't wait to see what happens next. Absolutely love your story.
Author's Response: Thanks sugah! Yup, it occurred to me that one of those boys should have had it by now given they probably aren't up to date with those shots! And don't worry: KH will definitely make it... ;-)
Reviewer: eeyore (Signed) · Date: 05/12/09 10:22 PM · On: And Miles to Go
oh gosh, Dean in a bad way I expected, but you hurt Kathleen that badly? You better not kill her, I'll be really sad. I thought you did really well conveying the varying emotions in this chapter, especially Sam and Bobby's worridness (sp?) and Sam and Kathleen's confusion and detachment. Awesome chapter as always. Only one more chapter? Please tell me you're going to write a sequel?
Author's Response: Thanks dude! I was really going for a disconnect between them all in this chapter because they are all very deeply shocked but of course don't realize or acknowledge it... they only show it by their actions, which are pretty ooc: Kathleen not admitting how badly she's hurt, Bobby snapping at her, Sam panicking. Yup: only one more to come I'm afraid! There will be another story in the 'verse... I don't want to say too much for certain 'political' reasons but it should start uploading round February or March after I take a breather and catch up on some sleep! ;-)
Reviewer: Micaiah (Signed) · Date: 05/12/09 09:51 PM · On: And Miles to Go
I really hope Kathleen doesn't die. Awesome story. I know I keep repeating myself but I mean, what else can I say but awesome??
Author's Response: Hon, you can keep saying awesome! That's good enough for me! :-D
Reviewer: darkhunter (Signed) · Date: 02/12/09 12:25 PM · On: Last Man Standing
Yay,glad that they got rid of the two nasties, now i need to find out whats wrong with Dean.
Author's Response: Got the final chapter in the works... it'll be a long one!
Reviewer: rbliss1969 (Signed) · Date: 01/12/09 08:38 PM · On: Last Man Standing
Kate, another great chapter. Lee and the Bendigo gone at last. Can't wait to see how they all get out of the woods.
hope the next chapter won't be to long of a wait. Renee
Author's Response: Hey Renee... yup, thought it was time to kick those guys to the curb. I'm currently at 5000 words or so with C22: looks like it will be a long one as I need to close this out now and get onto the next story in the 'verse... hope to post the final chapter sometime this weekend. ;-)
Reviewer: Glitterbelle (Signed) · Date: 29/11/09 04:49 PM · On: The Beast in the Cellar
Sorry its taken me a while to write a review, had a busy couple of weeks and just got a new laptop, so getting used to it. Another brilliant chapter. I particularly liked Bobby comforting Dean I thought that was nicely described and worked better for me than Sam doing it. While I love the brothers relationship and interactions with each, I also like to see their other relationships too, and I think Bobby and Dean's is quite special. It was funny, that Dean thought Bobby was joking about where they were, it really added to the concept of how annoying it is that they had been trying to find the things hideout and it was right under their noses the whole time. Sam is pretty amazing, he really wants his brother out of there and safe, doesn't he? I love protective, proactive Sam, he can be just like Dean when he wants to be. Oh and they way you gave Sam a taster of how it must of felt for Dean at the mercy of Lee. I think you have definitely opened up some new understanding for Sam about what his brother went through, but its horrible that he even got that glimpse. And how horrible of Sam to have to chose to let Bobby go into the hands of the Bendigo to save his brother, such a heartbreaking thing for him to have to go through. I am so worried for Bobby, my heart was pounding, while reading about him getting tossed around by the Bendigo, I hope he will be alright. Very clever way to get Kathleen up top, I liked that Dean still has a brain, under all that pain(hey that rhymed, lol) and managed to create a way for them to get out of this situation by manipulating the bendigo. Very nice. I can't wait to read the next chapter. Good stuff so far. Gem :o) xxx
Author's Response: Hey Gem: glad you liked! I thought I would be closing it out with this chapter but there is still some story left to tell so C22 will be the last. Sam does rock in this one, huh? In fact, with his sheer ruthlessness in this chapter, the title is sort of a reference to him and not necessarily the wendigo...
Reviewer: Amberdreams (Signed) · Date: 29/11/09 01:52 PM · On: Last Man Standing
Maintaining the suspense - and I was anticipating an ending - aaargh! You are a cruel woman!
Author's Response: I know... I'm awful. But I knew I was in trouble when I got to 5000 words and they were still in the pit. Hope you don't hate me too much! So I will close with C22, which is nice symmetry with the first story. I never thought either would exceed 12 chapters so I am obviously a damned poor judge at how long it takes me to spin a yarn. But I'd rather do it properly than dash it out and waste it! ;-)
Reviewer: moira4eku (Signed) · Date: 29/11/09 10:01 AM · On: Last Man Standing
What is wrong with Dean? Please don't kill him after all of this! I just wouldn't be able to stand it if he dies!!! This was one gripping chapter, I was biting my nails the whole time I was reading and then was able to finally breath, but then, whammy! You end it it with that bit!!! Please don't take too long to update. Great chapter.
Author's Response: Thanks hon – believe me, I won’t be killing Dean! With some passage of time in the mix, he’ll be on his feet and healthy by the end of the next [final] chapter… ;-)
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