Behind the Scenes of
2. A Sparrow's Providence
Louise,
Thanks for reviewing my sequel to the Chandra and Ed story. Here are my comments.
Chapter 1 – I am so glad that you found the opening scene so poignant! It came to me full-blown like that, so I’m not sure I can take all the credit for how romantic and touching it is. And ‘beautiful’? Well. You’ll have me blushing in a minute. And yes, Chandra is ‘lucky’ to be able to fall into his arms!
Straker is a man who worries a great deal about those he cares for, and it shows here in his concern for her when she ‘travels.’ And he raises a valid point, while giving the reader a glimpse into what’s going to happen later on in the story. Chandra is quick to see his side of it, and he shows his relief in a kiss that quickly becomes something more.
And I guess I do spoil you a bit by giving you another scene in the bedroom. And a peek into Chandra’s background when she tells about visiting her father. Since I think Shakespeare’s awesome, I suppose it’s easy for me to see him as a great dad. I’m not sure if he was; history actually knows very little about him (which is why he’s perfect for this storyline!) I’m pleased that you find the introduction of Straker’s father into the plot interesting. And I agree that their relationship adds dimension to our main character, even though to me it’s not an unexpected one. I’ve found that most men have an antagonistic relationship with their fathers. And I find that sad. Don’t you find that sad?
And of course, then we see that he does not intend to let Chandra ‘fix’ it for him. As you pointed out, at this time we’re still not sure where the final scene of the last story plays into our storyline. So it’s only on the second reading that we realize something Straker doesn’t at this point: that Chandra has already interfered in his life. Go, Chandra!
Then of course, we go to Alec – who is being very Alec and complaining! I took into account Alec’s build for this part of the story, keeping in mind that a man with a fighter’s build probably wouldn’t find a tuxedo very comfortable. I’ve commented on Alec and tuxes in other stories as well. He just seems the perfect person to resent all that prettying up!
I’m sorry that your mind got fried trying to wrap itself around the introduction of John into the storyline. But I had to slide him in as though he were a ‘normal’ element – because in this universe, he is. Time travel paradoxes are so fun! Anyway, the reader should be made aware by the discussion of John that we are now entering a scenario that’s different from what they know of the series. Anything goes now!
And yes, becoming Shakespeare’s son-in-law would be a mindfry all by itself!
Chapter 2 – I really let myself go with Virginia in this saga. In the Conover Saga, I wanted to be politically correct and make her someone who was loveable, and that worked out since I married her off eventually. But in this series of stories, I have no such plans for her, so I felt it was time to show Ginny as the series portrayed her – no holds barred! She’s not awful; she’s just jealous. And that will consistently color her view of Chandra. Which is fun to play with, by the way!
The scene where Ed picks John up for his visit was quite enjoyable to write – for several reasons. First of all, it was great to show how dead his feelings for Mary were now that Chandra is back in his life. Second, it was fun to show him nervous about telling John about getting married again. Third, it was so very enjoyable to sit in on a father-son talk between them! And fourth, it was quite a kick to me to discuss how Straker perceived his ability to carry on without his son when the reader is well aware that he did indeed have to do this. You know how I love to mess with your head!
Sorry about making you hungry with the decadent brownie reference. Um, the recipe is actually very easy. You just add chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking, and they come out really decadent and delicious! Now you know my secret! But I raised two boys, and I know how to win their hearts. Food! And it was fun to have John ask about Chandra’s age in relation to his father. This will be a running joke throughout the saga, but I hope to finally let the reader know her actual age soon. Maybe in the sixth story, which I’m writing now.
And I’m glad that you enjoyed it when Ginny ground her teeth. It’s funny that what she’s imagining isn’t even close to what is taking place. But that’s what the green-eyed monster will do to you.
Chapter 3 – I had a good time with Straker’s thoughts about how fast John was growing. Every parent deals with this at one time or another. And I thought it fit in well with seeing his son in a tux. Yeah, I just had to flash back to the hospital scene in CCAOK, because it’s one of my favorite scenes from the show. When he waved to John, it showed all of us watching what a wonderful father he would be. So sad that he never got the chance. Well, Chandra has her uses, and we finally get the opportunity to see him as that wonderful father. I think that more than anything else makes this an enjoyable series to write.
It’s fun to contrast these sweet moments with Ginny being hard at work in the next scene. And you should be getting intrigued by what’s going on at HQ. Because the aliens are up to something! I just had to make the comment about sitting in Straker’s chair. Because it’s how I would feel in her shoes. Wouldn’t you?
Yes, I know. Then we’re eating again! Sorry to make you hungry so often in this story! I think I must have been hungry when I wrote it. *grin* But family dynamics are easier to portray around a meal, so that’s how this scene came to be. And later, when Chandra is teasing Alec in the lab, I wanted to show how differently they each viewed this jump. Of course, he’s worried. It’s what he does best, after all! Yeah, the kiss was a cute way for her to thank him for his concern. And his last words? Oh, yeah. Definitely setting up chapter 4!
Chapter 4 – I’m pleased that you liked the thought of John slamming the textbook shut. It’s what every kid does when they’re done with homework, isn’t it? Freedom! Woo-hoo! But then I bring Chandra home, only not in the best of conditions. Were you really worried about whether she would survive? Wow! Thanks! I’ll take that as a compliment. Unlike certain recent tv shows, I don’t kill off my major characters in my stories. (Well, okay. I did once. But it was important that time so that he’d get ‘promoted’!)
Of course, Straker had to call his good friend Alec! First of all, he was supposed to be overseeing this jump, so it was important to let him know something went wrong. And second, he trusted Alec to come to the rescue. That’s Straker for you: two birds, one stone. And it was also fun to have John bewildered by his choice of who to call!
It was difficult to write this scene where he’s trying to save her life, not because I didn’t know what to say, but because I wasn’t able to stretch out the emotion for very long. And I wanted to portray the ‘every second becoming an hour’ feel that occurs in a crisis situation. I don’t know how well I did it here, or even if it’s even discernable that I was trying for it. But I was. Although I’m glad that you liked it when he yanked his emotions back. That’s our guy, isn’t it? Repressed to the max!
The hospital scenes to me were necessary, but not my favorite part to write. However, I did manage to have a bit of fun with Straker glaring at Schroeder, and Alec’s comment about women crying over gifts. Why Chandra cries at the sight of the flowers is never explained, but hopefully on a second read-through it makes sense once you know what she saw in the future. And yeah, it’s always a treat to get to cry on Straker’s chest! *wink*
Chapter 5 – And John realizes that he’s met Chandra before! Oops! Now Ed knows something is up, and is not pleased because he just had this discussion with Chandra. I just had to have his expression making her worried. If it had been me, I’d have been shaking in my boots! (But then, you know I’m a coward!)
The scene at HQ explains everything – the alien plot, why Chandra died, why she ended up at the house, etc. And although the conversation leaves Ginny confused, I hope it clears everything up for the reader. Straker deals with the problem, and all is right with the world again.
Epilogue – And we end the story back where it began – in bed! And I sincerely hope you were drooling when he pulled her close. It was supposed to be sizzling, after all! Glad it worked! *grin*
Then of course, the bombshell. Chandra saved John’s life. I’m glad Straker’s reactions came across as believable here. It wasn’t an easy situation to relate. I mean, how often have you had someone tell you something like that? But it helps that the reader already knew what had happened, and how much it changed everything.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this story! It was such a treat to write, and it feels really good to know that others feel the same way as I do about it. And just think, there are more Chandra tales yet to be told!
Love,
Denise