I totally bought that Nick wouldn't tell anyone about the timers. Maybe it is because I read a lot of middle grade and kid characters often keep a secret that comes back to bite them. Also, we have already lived with Nick in the present and seen the secretive life he leads even though he doesn't seem like a fugitive. This chapter gives us a bit of an answer to why he lives that way. I like that we get that bit right away, rather than drawing it out for too long. As a reader, I find it tedious when there is a BIG SECRET that drags on and on and on.
Thank you for providing the commentary. I am a huge process nerd - I love hearing all about the creative process for anyone who creates art. So happy to subscribe to continue to hear about your process.
Ah, that's great to hear, and thanks for the feedback!
Nick is so smart and logical throughout the whole book, and even in this chapter, that this felt just the tiniest bit out of character for him. BUT he's just had a massive injury, he's 16 (teenagers are awesome, but sometimes lack critical judgment as any parent will tell you :) ) he's likely scared, and once you've made that decision, it just becomes harder and harder to reverse it. He'd have to admit he was deceptive, on top of everything else.
Glad to hear it didn't feel like an author's cheat. :)
I totally bought that Nick wouldn't tell anyone about the timers. Maybe it is because I read a lot of middle grade and kid characters often keep a secret that comes back to bite them. Also, we have already lived with Nick in the present and seen the secretive life he leads even though he doesn't seem like a fugitive. This chapter gives us a bit of an answer to why he lives that way. I like that we get that bit right away, rather than drawing it out for too long. As a reader, I find it tedious when there is a BIG SECRET that drags on and on and on.
Thank you for providing the commentary. I am a huge process nerd - I love hearing all about the creative process for anyone who creates art. So happy to subscribe to continue to hear about your process.
Ah, that's great to hear, and thanks for the feedback!
Nick is so smart and logical throughout the whole book, and even in this chapter, that this felt just the tiniest bit out of character for him. BUT he's just had a massive injury, he's 16 (teenagers are awesome, but sometimes lack critical judgment as any parent will tell you :) ) he's likely scared, and once you've made that decision, it just becomes harder and harder to reverse it. He'd have to admit he was deceptive, on top of everything else.
Glad to hear it didn't feel like an author's cheat. :)