Comment from Elizabeth Emerald

Excellent

Congrats on your win, Sandra! Re the different font: I just don't happen to care for the one you chose; I don't suppose others will share my view. I dislike typeface that is designed to look like hand-printed text. Whether mixed fonts would work for me in general I can't say; I'll need to see a sample. Cheers. LIZ

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2020

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reply by the author on 07-Apr-2020

Hi, Elizabeth, thank you so much for the congrats! The fonts aren't different, they are the same but in italics to show the reader when the aqua-beings are speaking. They can't speak verbally but use thought transference. They've adjusted a part of Eric's brain so he can 'talk' this way, too. When Eric is talking verbally, ie to Herbie and Drozig, it's in normal font. You will find that every author uses italics for thoughts, even the most famous and is the one accepted by publishers. Drozig's people also talk this way on his home planet. It's been difficult to decide how to do this, as it makes it hard for me to write Eric's personal thoughts now. But I think I've overcome it. Thank you for reading this part, Elizabeth, I really appreciated your thoughts on this matter. Thank you! :)) Sandra xx

reply by Elizabeth Emerald on 07-Apr-2020

I'm confused--I was responding to your question re experimenting with different fonts vs italics and asking feedback. I assumed that's what you did in the piece I was reading. I use italics myself.

reply by the author on 07-Apr-2020

I've just realised you have reviewed Chapter 6 here, I thought it was the review for Chapter 8 and replied to your review with that!!! LOL, I'm so sorry, Elizabeth, I really can be a wally sometimes. Now I know what you meant, I'm now using Times New Roman, with the italics when the aqua-beings thought transference in Italics. I might change my mind again when it comes to doing the big final edit. Thanks for coming back and letting me know how confused you were, I would have been too had I gave the review! LOL. xxx

Comment from Contests

A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for the recognition this post has received from the FanStory community. While this was not a Contest Committee decision, the committee recognizes this achievement with a seven star review.

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2020

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reply by the author on 06-Apr-2020

Thank you so very much! :))

Comment from alexisleech

Exceptional

I loved the reference Eric made to his granny making up stories. It makes this wonderful book even more believable. As always, this chapter just makes me want to read more - the sign of an excellent and imaginative writer. I eagerly await the next episode!

Alexis xxx

 Comment Written 25-Mar-2020

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reply by the author on 25-Mar-2020

Thank you so very much for the lovely six stars and the wonderful review, my friend. I'm so pleased you liked the 'granny stories' part, LOL. Things are getting a bit heated and Herbie isn't happy. Stay tuned!! Big hugs, my friend, and please stay safe and well. :)) Sandra xxx

Comment from BethShelby

Excellent

You have a great imagination and I know the stories you write have a lot of appeal particularly to young people. I enjoy them too. These being or creatures must be very concerned that something will happen to them so they will no longer exist. I 'm enjoying you story. I think changing the type works nicely.

 Comment Written 25-Mar-2020

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reply by the author on 25-Mar-2020

Thank you, Beth! That is such a nice review. I'm also very pleased you mentioned the change of the font, I'm having a problem getting it right for my grandson. Being dyslexic I have to make sure he can try to read it. Thanks again, my friend, and please stay safe and well. :)) Sandra xx

Comment from wordsfromsue

Excellent

Wow, what a turn of events!

I sense a great threat about to rear its ugly head (and it BETTER NOT look like Jason Mamoa!)

Now you've got me worried for Eric and the rest of us humans. :-(

You've decided to go with the single font... did most readers like that better?

I anxiously await the next chapter. :-)

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2020

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reply by the author on 25-Mar-2020

The single font is still not right. I might carry on with the italics for now, and decide when then talk to Eric's head teacher when school eventually opens up again. thanks, my sweet friend, for another of your lovely review. Sending much love and a big hug. :)) Sandra xxx

Comment from Y. M. Roger

Exceptional

Yeah... what has happened to them?!! ;) LOL! They didn't all turn female and sing the sailors to their deaths.... hmmm... wouldn't that be the feminist story for the ages? :) ;) Okay, so I'm gonna stop now -- can you tell I've been working too much? ugh. Seriously, though, Sandra this was an awesome installment, my lady, with a whole lot going on... not the least of which is Herbie's issue! ;) And why haven't they seen anything else... contemplation that must addressed... yes, oh mistress author lady?!! ;) ;) Thanx for such an intriguing one -- I really am looking forward to the next! ;) :) Yvette

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2020

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reply by the author on 24-Mar-2020

What a lovely review, Yvette, thank you so very much! I had better make sure the next part is good! LOL. Thanks for the golden sixth star, my friend. You've put a smile on my face just as I'm closing up to go to bed! Sending you an extra hug. :)) Sandra xxx

Comment from Pam (respa)

Exceptional

-Great image for the chapter, Sandra.
-This is a good chapter that gives more
insight about the communication between
the aqua-beings and Eric and Herbie.
-Each wants to know a little more about the other.
-Eric gives many good examples to show
the beings how crowded the planet it.
-As they continue, Herbie is concerned
about Eric being blocked, and he didn't
like how he had to tell a few lies here and there.
-That led to even more concern that
he might need to go to his planet for a tune up.
-Good inclusion of the essay, and the ending is startling
for the aqua-beings and certainly doesn't bode well for them.
-It will be interesting to see how the story develops.
-Well done!

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2020

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reply by the author on 24-Mar-2020

Thank you so very much for this lovely, in depth review, Pam, and all those lovely stars. I'm delighted you enjoyed this part. It is very worrying that the Atlanteans are blocking Eric and Herbie. Herbie is not impressed! I really appreciated all your remarks, my friend, thank you so much. :)) Big hugs! :)) Sandra xxx

reply by Pam (respa) on 24-Mar-2020

You are very welcome and deserving of the stars and review, Sandra. As I think about it, there's worry on both sides. The impact of hearing you don't exist in the future is pretty heavy, and the blocking is curious, too. Time will tell, I'm sure!

Comment from tfawcus

Exceptional

As far as I can see, there's no need for the two different fonts. It's pretty obvious from the way you've written the dialogue when thought transference is taking place. I understand why you're not using italics for Eric, but I'd just stick to the one font and not try to differentiate the thoughts from the spoken dialogue.
I enjoyed this chapter with its probing for information. You are keeping the suspense going well, doling out the odd tidbit to maintain the interest!

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2020

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reply by the author on 24-Mar-2020

Bless you, Tony! Why the heck didn't I do that in the first place? Well done, I'm going to do that, it's been a nightmare trying to get it right. I'm so pleased you popped in!
Thank you, big time, for the 6 stars, and for this lovely, very helpful review. :)) Big hugs, (virtual as we're not allowed to the other way!! Lol.) Sandra xxx

What is it like in Australia? Has the virus caught on there? We are now in lock down, which I've been for 2 weeks now. Stay safe, my friend.

Comment from l.raven

Exceptional

HI Sandra, I'm not to sure about these people...or whatever...they came on as friendly...now their cutting of everyone's thoughts...if they didn't have nothing to hide...why stop the thoughts???...get a message to Eric and Herbie...watch out for these sea beings...the hair on the back of my neck is going up..that can't be good...or I found your nits...this is one of your best chapters beautiful girl...and I love this picture...mystical...very well written my talented, amazing friend...sooooo much love Linda xxoo

how are you doing sweet girl???...anyone you know with this virus???...I hope not...my son told me he and my granddaughter had it...and his step son was sent home from work coughing...not to come back until it stops...my son called the ER...told them he had a high fever...and was coughing...and his body aches and pains...they told him not to come in unless he is having trouble breathing...
stay home 14 days...and stay away from everyone...

we haven't had it here yet...around us...but not here...mom isn't aloud to go out for nothing...and she isn't happy about it...we go out for food...and my brother can work...he's a roofer...and theirs no one up there but him...you all take care...and say hi to Ian for me...love xxoo

 Comment Written 23-Mar-2020

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reply by the author on 23-Mar-2020

OMG! Linda, you must be so worried! I'm so sorry it's hit your family. I can't believe how this is spreading around the whole world, there doesn't seem to be any stopping it. All I can say it, the survival rate of this is extremely high, and your son and granddaughter are young and strong, and if they are anything like their mom/grandma, they will get through this. I will keep you all in my prayers, my dear friend. Please let me know how they get on. You really aren't having a good time of it at the moment my friend. I could cry for you.
We are fine here, Graham and I are in isolation, we're not allowed out for anything, we have our groceries delivered and our medication. Ian is the same, he daren't risk it, he is very high risk. I hate this virus. I think the world is going to be a different place when it's over. For the better, I hope. You take care, dear friend. I don't want you catching it.

Thank you so much for reading this part, with all your worries, you're amazing to even think of reading and reviewing. And thank you for the six stars. You're right, something has to happen, Herbie is never wrong. Love you so much, my friend, please, please take care of yourself. Give Noah my love and tell him the book will soon be ready. Biggest hugs, and let me know how you all go on. xxxxxx Sandra xxx

reply by l.raven on 23-Mar-2020

Hi Sandra, I am doing fine...and the kids are pretty much over it...his stepson may still have it...but he is doing ok Michael said...I just hope and pray this passes soon...my heart goes out to all who have passed...you and Graham please take care..I worry so much for you both...and Ian needs to stay put...I worry about him as will...

and you my wonderful friend...are always so welcome...God Be with you all...biggerest hugs to you...xxxxxxxxxxxxxooooooooooo

Comment from susand3022

Excellent

Are they in the Jurassic period by any chance? Or possibly even before it? That would certainly explain it. Well, if the fishes are there, the rest of the animals must be as well. When could they be? Where could they be that they aren't seeing any animal life on the land?

 Comment Written 23-Mar-2020

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reply by the author on 23-Mar-2020

Probably just passed it, but before the earth was populated with humans. Now Eric has given the Atlanteans something to think about. Thank you so much for another lovely review, Susan, I appreciate your continued support a lot. Stay safe and well, my friend. :) Sandra xxx