I get the impression that some readers think that Bike has got a bit stale, mind you lots of readers have never heard of it though I believe the Kindle version is still bringing something for the site, up to book 24 I think.
So I have added to a story I had on my computer and may do another episode if enough people want me to. So do tell me what you think oh and those who think I only write interminable serials should look at my page, there are a couple of full-length books plus loads of short stories but no one seems to read them now, some of them are quite good even if I say so myself.
https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/book-page/13585/angharads-sto...
Comments
i believe that it is time for you to explore
the different characters of bike. Devote a couple of episodes per character and how they see themselves interacting in Bike With Cathy. Gives an entirely new spin on the story. A few episodes on Danny, then Trish, then maybe Simon?
It will keep you thinking.
Sephrena
Viewpoints
A couple of people on here have said something along the lines of Sephrena's suggestion. My own technique, as I have so often bored people with, is to start with a character, building a solid back story. That back story often demands its own telling, thus:
Sarah's sister in 'Cold Feet' (and her wife) demanded their own stage, so 'Sisters'
Diane in 'Sisters' gave me 'The Job' and 'Dancing To A New Beat'
Debbie in 'Job' gave me 'Lifelines' and 'Broken Wings', and Enfys in 'DTANB' and 'BW' gave me 'Rainbows in the Rock'
Mike in 'RITR' gave me 'Mates' and Neil 'Black and White'
and so on and so on with Sophie Laplace, Phil the taxi man, etc.
It's not just the characters tugging at my skirt for attention, but the chance to take multiple points of view of separate events. Deb, for example, is so busy saying farewell to her parents as she sets them free to dawnsio ar y gwynt that she doesn't see one of her brothers sobbing. Like Bike, I write almost always in first person, which allows me to get the real emotions out, but only of one character. The suggestions in other comments about adopting a different narrator for a separate but intertwined tale(s) is a very good one.
The Interview??
I really really enjoyed the start to the Interview, which I suspect is a story which is the one to which you elude?
Cathy is a wonderful character, but I really liked the way that Jenny seemed to have a different take on the same issues.
Either way, these are dark days, even on this side of the Atlantic, and reading your take on these times really gives me the strength to face the storm load of excrement which our friends in politics like to throw our way.
"Lately it occurs to me..
what a long strange trip its been."
Ah! Missed this!
My comment on The Interview was written without knowing that you were actively soliciting comments on whether you should take the story further. I know some authors get upset when readers push them to keep writing something they regard as complete (for the record — I am not in that category. I may not take such a suggestion, but I generally take it in the spirit offered). So, if you’re actually looking for opinions on whether to continue, I am a strong “yes.” I like your MC. She feels real. I know her.
While I’m pontificating about your story — you did ask — let me get something off my chest I’ve been meaning to say for a while. I have found my writing is a bit like a blockchain, in that each additional word seems to require more and more energy. The more I write, the harder it is to write more. I have heard similar sentiments from several amazingly accomplished writers on this site, so I know this is not just a case of me being weird. Make that, “yet another case of me being weird,” but whatever.
It is in that context that I can only marvel at your accomplishments, Angharad. And not just “Bike,” either. You have, as you point out, written heaps of stories, and as your latest posting demonstrates, your skill is undiminished — even after suffering a stroke. Good Lord above! If we had an Academy, and if it gave out awards, you would be first up for “Lifetime Achievement,” and they’d probably retire the prize thereafter.
Now, you cranky, cantankerous, marvelous woman, go ahead and tell me to put a sock in it — I know you want to! :)
— Emma
Bike
I love Bike! But I understand that some things do change -- even as we change or age! I am not an author but a (happily) retired university teacher quasi-administrator. Perhaps Cathy should explore "Professor emerita" status so she could continue her research and teaching without the hassle of administration, committees, parents, etc. That might allow you to continue Cathy's trials on a reduced basis -- say once a month! In any event, keep on writing!!
OGE
Bike !!!
This epic kept me going in some very tough times. I don't remember when it started. I think at first it was almost an episode every day.
Looking around, it appears that it started around July of 2007. :)
Thank you.
Gwen Brown
I'm Not One Of Those
Telling you to stop 'Bike'. I still enjoy Cathy's rants, adventures, opinions and family. I also enjoy your occasional ventures into unrelated stories, although they are fewer now than they used to be.
I understand that advancing age and disabilities may limit your output (as they do mine) but as long as you want to continue writing I will be happy to read and comment. Two weeks ago I moved into a granny-flat which caused quite a bit of disruption due to the normal vicissitudes of relocation, and that's not finished yet! I am also having problems with internet connectivity in the new apartment but hopefully that is temporary.
So whether to continue is your prerogative but if I get a vote, it's a resounding "YES" and I thank you for all the entertainment you have given me over the years and the support for this site, which has been invaluable.
P.S. I haven't read your latest yet.
Dear Ang,
Dear Ang,
I was checking through the text of 'The Interview' when to my surprise, it stopped! Oh yes, I definitely want to read more of the story. In Dr Jennifer you have invented another strong woman and academic and I definitely want to find out how she handles Fiona's problems, hopefully without giving away too much of her own history. As for 'Bike' I really don't want it to end even though I'm currently proofing chapters in the 1200s ready for Kindle publication and also reading the latest chapters which came about 2000 later when all the children Cathy brought up are now adults. One of these days I'll catch up, hopefully before I drop off the perch!
Bron
Sorry ...
I "bailed out" of Bike at around number 3350.
Far too much sadistic headmaster Murry flashbacks.
Far too little Goddess. And what is Her Grand Plan for Cathy?
And how is it that "scientist" Cathy has not once (in maybe ten years of story time) visited Danni's (name ?) grave, alone and with flowers? All of Cathy's visits that I recall, she was 'dragged' by her family, or bludgeoned by events.
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And yes, Bike was becoming a bit too much of "What I Did On My (Endless) Summer Vacation".
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I don't recall Cathy "showing up" against something like the USA's Big Stupid of "planting fence-line to fence-line". Which automatically exterminates everyone and everything living in the hedgerows. Including dormice.
Or her going up against the badger culls to reduce TB in milk-slave herds.
Before I left, I had not seen 'the penny drop' for Cathy, that animal agriculture is our biggest driver of Climate Destruction.
No Environmentalist eats animals or products from them.
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Your other stories?
I have, or will, enjoy most of them.
Thanks!