DUEL with the DEVIL
Viewing comments for Chapter 30 "DUEL with the DEVIL - Chapter 30"The problem of creating a non-addictive painkiller
19 total reviews
Comment from Rachelle Allen
This is a fantastic chapter - full of feelings and drama and information about why Brian's plan will not come effectively to fruition. Watching the beast consume him (again) is torturous. "But he's such a nice guy." Yep, it can happen to anyone. That's the point you keep driving home, and it's an important one. Really well done, Jim. xoxo
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
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This is a fantastic chapter - full of feelings and drama and information about why Brian's plan will not come effectively to fruition. Watching the beast consume him (again) is torturous. "But he's such a nice guy." Yep, it can happen to anyone. That's the point you keep driving home, and it's an important one. Really well done, Jim. xoxo
Comment Written 30-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
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I'm so glad you picked up the point that Brian is a nice guy, and that this can happen to anyone. That indeed is the point I'm trying to drive home, and I think sometimes "there but for the grace of God go I." I could see this happening to me much like it's happening to Brian. He's not perfect, and he's not absolved of all culpability, but I think we can cut him some slack.
Raffi's discussion with him back in rehab will take on special significance in Part 2 as Brian responds to his addiction by trying to solve the problem rather than just living with it and being at its mercy.
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Looking forward to reading what's next!
You definitely drove the point home well about "there for the grace..." BUT you did it in a subtle manner, never preachy, which is very wise of you. xoxo
Comment from tfawcus
Brian's internal struggle comes across clearly in this chapter. It's hard not to feel sorry for the lad. He's in an invidious position. I hope this accident doesn't prejudice his place at the school.
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
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Brian's internal struggle comes across clearly in this chapter. It's hard not to feel sorry for the lad. He's in an invidious position. I hope this accident doesn't prejudice his place at the school.
Comment Written 27-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
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While he bears a lot of the responsibility for his troubles, it's tough to be too hard on him. I think those who are inclined to be must not have experienced the type of prolonged, unremitting pain that he has had to endure.
Thanks so much for the great review and the 6 stars, Tony.
Comment from jmdg1954
Oh boy! Brian has backed himself into a corner. Does he lie and continue going down the wrong path he worked so hard steering out of? Or does he confess to the professor what's "been going on" with him?
My guess would be the second scenario. Now what about all his friends and sister?
Many questions ...
I almost missed this post.
John
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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Oh boy! Brian has backed himself into a corner. Does he lie and continue going down the wrong path he worked so hard steering out of? Or does he confess to the professor what's "been going on" with him?
My guess would be the second scenario. Now what about all his friends and sister?
Many questions ...
I almost missed this post.
John
Comment Written 27-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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I enjoyed ending this chapter on a cliffhanger and allowing folks to speculate on which way he would go with the truth. It will take a couple more chapters to learn how this resolves.
Thanks for your continued interest in this story, my friend.
Comment from lancellot
This is a well-built chapter. From the earlier chapters, the reader, not Brian, remembered about building a tolerance to the Oxy.
I won't harp on Kimi taking second degree burns so "nicely" or Daniel's Bible study. I know you like it this way.
Keep it up, you're doing well with this.
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2024
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This is a well-built chapter. From the earlier chapters, the reader, not Brian, remembered about building a tolerance to the Oxy.
I won't harp on Kimi taking second degree burns so "nicely" or Daniel's Bible study. I know you like it this way.
Keep it up, you're doing well with this.
Comment Written 25-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2024
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Thanks very much, Lance.
I've actually begun thinking about a possible sequel to this story that will feature 3 women (all of whom have appeared in this novel and previous ones) who aren't so nice. There will undoubtedly be a few nice characters as well, but I think these 3 will provide the majority of the action.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
"Still, the high was kind of nice." Ugh! That signals a lot in what's to come.
Nice touch with the David & Goliath reference. Indeed, I think that's what we have here, a little pill slaying a big boy.
That's quite the cliffhanger you've left us with, Jim! I think I know Brian well enough to know that he'll choose the high over the truth, believing he can somehow get ahold of the dosing, cut it back, and prevent any more accidents. But I'm sure there are more to come - and I'm hoping those he loves the most aren't harmed by his decision.
The six is for all of the chapters I've read in the last week. It's a good tell, Jim, and I'm enjoying reading it.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
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"Still, the high was kind of nice." Ugh! That signals a lot in what's to come.
Nice touch with the David & Goliath reference. Indeed, I think that's what we have here, a little pill slaying a big boy.
That's quite the cliffhanger you've left us with, Jim! I think I know Brian well enough to know that he'll choose the high over the truth, believing he can somehow get ahold of the dosing, cut it back, and prevent any more accidents. But I'm sure there are more to come - and I'm hoping those he loves the most aren't harmed by his decision.
The six is for all of the chapters I've read in the last week. It's a good tell, Jim, and I'm enjoying reading it.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 25-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
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You picked up on a very salient line, with your first remark, Pam. Great prediction about the cliffhanger too and the fact that he thinks he can somehow moderate his use. That's tough to do when his tolerance for it is increasing.
I really appreciate your insightful reviews and the 6 stars too.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
We humans don't like to suffer pain and yet pain is also a sign of healing and reminds us we are alive. Practicing mind over matter can also lessen the pain we suffer in life. I think Brian's carelessness is exacerbated by his drug use. Another fine chapter in this lengthy story Jim, much enjoyed, love Dolly x x x
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
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We humans don't like to suffer pain and yet pain is also a sign of healing and reminds us we are alive. Practicing mind over matter can also lessen the pain we suffer in life. I think Brian's carelessness is exacerbated by his drug use. Another fine chapter in this lengthy story Jim, much enjoyed, love Dolly x x x
Comment Written 25-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
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Thanks, Dolly. I hope this will turn out to be the ultimate of mind over matter when he uses his mind to create a drug that will put him out of his pain in a non-destructive way. That's the goal, anyway.
We are about 65% of the way through the story now.
Comment from lyenochka
I sure hope that Brian confesses to getting back on the Oxy. Hopefully, the professor will know how to help him get off the drug and also get some other way to deal with the pain. Maybe he has to actually take off a term in order to get the device for the pain first? I'm sure you already have the next chapter written - if not the whole book!
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
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I sure hope that Brian confesses to getting back on the Oxy. Hopefully, the professor will know how to help him get off the drug and also get some other way to deal with the pain. Maybe he has to actually take off a term in order to get the device for the pain first? I'm sure you already have the next chapter written - if not the whole book!
Comment Written 24-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
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Actually, I just finished writing the book last week. Your predictions are quite good, Helen. Very close to how I wrote it.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
This is not a good day for Brian. His overdosing on oxy, to ease his pain, was the reason Kimi was injured. Having my own back problem gives me a lot of sympathy for him. Is he going to confess?
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
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This is not a good day for Brian. His overdosing on oxy, to ease his pain, was the reason Kimi was injured. Having my own back problem gives me a lot of sympathy for him. Is he going to confess?
Comment Written 24-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
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Definitely not a good day for Brian, and it gets even worse. I'll say this about your question: If you guess yes or no, you won't be wrong.
Comment from Pearl Edwards
I like the reference on David and Goliath, particularly Brian's reference to his own beast, the beast that has flared up and results in Kimi's burns. The 10 second pause while Brian decides was a great place to finish.
cheers
valda
reply by the author on 24-Aug-2024
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I like the reference on David and Goliath, particularly Brian's reference to his own beast, the beast that has flared up and results in Kimi's burns. The 10 second pause while Brian decides was a great place to finish.
cheers
valda
Comment Written 24-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 24-Aug-2024
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Thanks, valda. So, do you think Brian will level with him or make up a story?
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I'm not sure, but i'm thinking he's not ready to admit it yet.
Comment from royowen
I recognise the Brian weakness which is taking the easier option of solving a weakness, the route that will bring disaster sooner or later, and it looks like sooner is giving a merciful warning, Where to from here?, detox again? , beautifully written, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 24-Aug-2024
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I recognise the Brian weakness which is taking the easier option of solving a weakness, the route that will bring disaster sooner or later, and it looks like sooner is giving a merciful warning, Where to from here?, detox again? , beautifully written, blessings Roy
Comment Written 24-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 24-Aug-2024
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Yeah, he's spiraling out of control now, and his decisions haven't proved to be very good. That's where that darned feeling of being high messes up the painkilling aspect. And you can't help the tolerance your body builds for the drug, requiring you to take more and more of it for the same effect. It's a tough situation.
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An interesting writing dilemma Jim
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I had to think of a plausible-sounding way to solve the problem. I don't know if it will really work, but hopefully it sounds convincing when we get there in Part 2.
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Well done
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Like being drunk
