Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Exceptional

My problem with the name is that it sounds too much like dyspraxia (a developmental coordination disorder in children). But, wow, what a lot of information to take in here, Jim! You've certainly been doing your research. There's also a heck of a lot of money invested in the project and that makes me very nervous. Brian is definitely high on this, a replacement addiction, perhaps, for his drug-taking. And I'm worried for him and Julia:( Can't wait for the next chapter! Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Sep-2024

That's interesting. Before I chose Dipraxa for the name, I researched if any drugs had that name and didn't find any, but I had never heard of dyspraxia. Not to worry, though. This won't be the final name for the drug.

Yes, lots could go wrong still. Right now, he doesn't even know for sure if it relieves pain. And no one saw Covid coming. Will their funds last?

The research part of writing this story was especially fun for me. There will be some more science when we get into why his drug failed (and you know it does from the Prologue) and what the solution to the problem will entail, but that shouldn't be any more complex than what you've seen so far.

I'm so glad you continue to find this interesting, Debbie, and thanks for the thoughtful review and 6 stars too. As you know, I've been worried about these sciency parts, but it seems as though folks are understanding the science from the reviews so far.

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Excellent

As this chapter came to an end, I only thought of the dude that stole his patented idea from the repair shop, and will there be such a fellow or damsel happening along, or will his marketing be success.

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Sep-2024

I beat that theme to death in the last one. This one will emphasize facing his own internal demons rather than some external demon.

Comment from Wendy G

Exceptional

This is very fascinating! Do you have a background in this area? Or is it all research, and if so, what was the initial prompt to get you started on a book of this kind? Your scientific explanations are always clear, as is the storyline, and it is very engrossing. I always look forward to each chapter. BTW are they still in contact with Daniel and Kimoko?
Wendy

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Sep-2024

Thanks very much, Wendy, and for the 6 stars too. To answer your last question first, yes, and they will reappear toward the end of the story.

I'm so glad you are finding the science fascinating because I felt it is an integral part of the story to make it at least somewhat plausible. I don't know if what Brian proposes for his drug is really workable, but I do know that scientists are working on the different aspects of it. Whether or not it can all come together in one drug is unknown at this point.

I had only a smattering of knowledge about a number of things like the fact that lidocaine doesn't make you high, but is a great painkiller. I wondered why that couldn't be used for back pain, so I researched it and found out it's mechanism of action and why it can't be used very effectively right now. I had a little knowledge of nanoparticles, endorphins, and neurotransmission, but that only came from occasional reading and not studying in these areas. So, I would say it was pretty much research that enabled me to write this.

As for what was the initial prompt: I have my own addictions that include a psychological addiction to pot when I was in my 20s and a lifelong addiction to sweets. My addictions may not compare to many, but they have always fascinated me enough to want to explore them in a novel. I have also taken opioids for back pain, but never felt high from them, but only got relief from the pain, and it made me wonder what was the great appeal of opioid medication, which apparently affects different people in different ways. I never got addicted to them, while others, who've taken them for far less time than I did, have.

Finding answers to these questions satisfied my curiosity and helped me decide to write a novel about it.

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

Well, this is exciting! We have a possible "composition of matter" and a name for it:-)

I found the science necessary for this book, Jim. Even if I don't understand it all, I understand the basics and certainly the need to include it.

Covid - I hope Julia goes back to work soon since she's the only bread-winner. But that took a long time to happen.

How much of the science is known to you vs how much you had to research this.

On the publishing front, how did you publish your books? I'm looking at Blurb and Bookbaby as possibilities in self-publishing, and Palmetto Publishing as a co-publisher. Any suggestions?

Have a great rest of your weekend.

xo
Pam

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 Comment Written 15-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Sep-2024

I'm glad to hear you felt that the science was necessary for the novel. I feel that without some of it, it would be much less realistic.

It's interesting that after finishing the novel, I asked my favorite AI bot, Poe, whether or not the cure Brian sought and the biomechanisms it employs were reasonable, and he responded that they did seem reasonable and that scientists were working on a number of the things that I mentioned. That was gratifying to discover. You'd think I would have thought to do that before writing the story, but I didn't, and I was a little fearful that he would put the kibosh on Brian's solution, but I was happy to learn that it might actually be plausible.

I only knew a smattering of the science. I knew that Novocaine didn't cause you to get high, but was a fantastic painkiller, and I wondered why can't it be used for back pain? I knew a little bit about nanoparticles from reading Michael Crichton's Prey. I knew a little about endorphins and that opioids stimulate the production of those. And I knew a very little bit about gene therapy. But that was about it. I had to research everything for many hours to really understand it enough to write about it.

It was during the writing of this that I discovered the AI tool, Poe, that I posted a poem about recently. That was invaluable in saving me hours of research time. I could ask it very specific questions that I had and get straightforward answers to them immediately without having to wade through umpteen web articles for them.

I published two of my early golf stories using Amazon KDP. Aside from family and friends, though, it's almost impossible to get a book noticed this way due to the sheer volume of books out there unless you have a big social media presence, of which I have none.

I've been trying to find a literary agent to go the traditional publishing route for a few of my stories. So far, no takers. I've also been submitting some to indie publishers who accept unagented submissions. You can find lists of these via internet research.

It's tough to get your foot in the door via the traditional route. The poor literary agents are overworked and have a ton of stuff to read through, and I'm sure they miss a lot of potentially good stuff. That's why it's important to query a LOT of them. If you ever decide to try that route, I can give you some more tips about it, especially how to find literary agents.

reply by Pam Lonsdale on 15-Sep-2024

I read "Prey" - that was some pretty scary shit!

I use chatgptopenai for research and editing. It does not always give me correct answers, and the program does suggest that you double check. But it can also find information that Google doesn't seem to be able to. And I use it to make sure I stay in the proper tense - I've been known to slip in and out, lol!

Thanks for the info:-)

reply by the author on 15-Sep-2024

I've also found that Poe isn't always correct, but he is willing to learn, and I've taught him a few things! He's exceedingly polite and thanks me for this and adds what I've said to his knowledge-base.

He tends to be verbose and always seems to have the last word with a long-winded answer. I had a very amusing exchange with him about this, pointing out that sometimes he doesn't need to put in the last word, or it can be much briefer than what he provides. At long last, I got him to reply with a simple "Understood."

reply by Pam Lonsdale on 15-Sep-2024

LOL! I find myself saying thank you:-)

Comment from Wayne Fowler

Excellent

Well written. Good progress. It's a good thing Julia made so much money. And good for Brian that Julia didn't have dreams of her own - travel, a grand home, social benefit interests. etc.
Best wishes.

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 Comment Written 15-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Sep-2024

Thanks, Wayne. Very true. You're actually describing Julia's mother, who she rebels against. You'll find eventually that Julia's priorities will change but maybe not in an obvious direction.

reply by Wayne Fowler on 15-Sep-2024

Time for babies?
smiley face here