Wizard Required

[Ortho the Frank]

Thumbs-up? Thumbs-down? Questions? Comments? Critiques? Put it here!

[Batchman]

This one threw me ... I was going to ask if it had been posted in the wrong place. Then I noticed, Edward, not Christopher.

I enjoyed this one. It was short, simple, but enjoyable. I haven't read any of the Wizard in Rhyme books in a few years, but it sounds like the characters fit.

Now I'm wondering about what happens next ... perhaps it is already known, if I'd just read the books more recently. Anyway, I enjoyed this one, and thank you for posting it.

[Albigensia]

I saw this story in many iterations, so I feel I can only speak to the end of the story, but I liked it. I liked the setup for the next story and the evolution of Ortho as a character. Keep it up!

[Ortho the Frank]

Thanks, guys! Glad you liked it!

No, there's no mention of Ortho being accused of sorcery in the Wizard in Rhyme books. This was my own fan fiction idea - to take an otherwise minor character and build a story around them. I do, however, run the rough drafts past Chris to make sure they're compatible with the Wizard in Rhyme cannon, and that the characterization is accurate.

Yes, there is more to come. I thought this would be a three-part series, but it might go to four now - I have a problem with overwriting, as Albegensia will attest to. With luck, the next part will be out tomorrow.

Thanks again!

[kf6eml]

More.

I want more!

Is it a new book, or will it be a series of posts?

Will there be a whole story line? Drama? Intrigue? Murder most foul?

You seem to be pretty good at this... Are you going to take up the mantle after the good... Ummm... Is CS actually a doctor? Well, whatever. After he retires his pen?

[Ortho the Frank]

Thanks for the kind words!

To be honest, the main reason I wrote this was just so that we'd have SOMETHING in the Fan Fiction area. I thought it would be a series of three short stories, but now I'm estimating five... so I guess it'll end up being a novella.

It's my first attempt at writing a mystery, and I didn't realize how complex mystery plot structures were, or how long it takes to tell a mystery story right.

Yes, Chris is Dr. Stasheff - or "Doc," as his students used to call him.

As for "taking up the mantle," although I have no problem playing around in the worlds he created, I balk somewhat at writing his characters - they're his, y'know? So for example. if I ever did a Warlock story, I'd set it in Gramarye but use new characters, with the Gallowglasses being on the periphery. Does that makes sense?

Anyway, glad you like it, and keep reading. You will find out what happened to the murdered priest eventually.

[kf6eml]

So far, so good. Nice balance of information with story progression. Personalities are subtle, believable, and distinct. Keep up the good work!

[puddley]

Ok! You've got me hooked. Now you have to write more.

Seriously, you've got Chris' style of hooking the reader down pat.

[Ortho the Frank]

Thanks! That's quite a compliment!

Unfortunately, this is turning out to be the Never-Ending Short Story. I'm currently estimating six parts instead of the original three. More of a novella, really. With luck, it should be done by the end of September, or sooner. Keep reading!

[kf6eml]

I'm sure the Good Doctor would not object to your writing an entire book based in his universe. Even if you made a profit from it.

I know his fans wouldn't object.

It's off to a good start, now shift into second and get it moving!