Date: 16 Nov 2014 00:22 Title: Turning the Tables
I agree; Peter would be deeply troubled by everything that happened on Deneva. This is another good illustration of the relationship between this boy and his grandmother.
Date: 28 Sep 2013 16:13 Title: Turning the Tables
For a young child, trauma and fear are often smack dab in the middle of dreams. They may not have the tools to handle things and face them head on in their conscious lives, but their unconscious minds can do so. And they end up with nightmares, but it's a part of the process of healing.
Well done, particularly how it takes a while for Peter to believe that the dream isn't real.
Author's Response:
Thanks, jespah. You're right--kids have very few things in their arsenal to help them cope with trauma and tragedy. Sometimes the love and support of a good family can go a long way to providing them with the skills they need to manage it. And Winona is wise in that way. Who do you think was instrumental in helping a young Jimmy come to grips with what happened on Tarsus IV?
Glad Peter came off as believable. Writing for kids, particularly those with issues, can be tricky.
Date: 21 Jul 2013 11:27 Title: Turning the Tables
I remember reading this not too long ago as a free write. I love how you acknowledge Peter, and his trauma, and I absolutely love how you characterize Winona here, too. She handles that poor kid's heartbreak and terror with gentleness and wisdom, and it's heartwarming. I'd someday love to see you write a series of letters between Peter and his uncle, because it's such a rarely tapped piece of Jim's life, and you'd pull it off beautifully.
Well done, and well-crafted and, naturally, very well written.
Author's Response:
Thanks, Steff. Another instance where the series swept things under the rug and went merrily on its way. Peter, Winona and Jim were sure to have struggled with the events in this episode for years to come.
As for the writing, I have to attribute that to a good, patient and knowledgeable instructor/cheerleader when I started this journey four years ago. :-)
Date: 15 Jul 2013 13:43 Title: Turning the Tables
Wise grandma, that one.
Not only did she tell a terrified young kid exactly what he needed to hear, it also rung extremely true. She didn't sugarcoat it either. Yes, people will fight and die to protect others, but in the end that's human nature. And a necessary one at that.
Almost too heavy of a concept for a ten year old.
Regardless, great story.
Author's Response:
Thanks, CeJay, glad to know it rang true. Yep, she couldn't sugarcoat it - Peter had been one of the people infected by the parasites, and he knew both of his parents had died as a result of their trying to resist the parasites' demands. Very heavy concept, indeed, but one he had witnessed firsthand. He would neither have respected nor believed Grandma Kirk if she had tried to play down the significance and danger of the creatures, and of the ingenuity and sacrifice it took to ultimately defeat them.
Date: 11 Jul 2013 09:57 Title: Turning the Tables
LBD, I love this POV...it was clear who it was, and I was relieved it was just a dream! You're so good at following these loose threads and showing us where they lead--it's what I love about your stories. Thank you for this follow-up on what happened to Peter--I loved it!
Author's Response:
Glad it worked for you. I always thought he'd have a hard time coming to grips with what happened, but that in true Kirkian fashion he'd be able to put it behind him and move on. This might beg some following up, as we see where his path ultimately leads him down the road apiece.
Date: 04 Jul 2013 00:25 Title: Turning the Tables
Got to say this was a good piece as DEITDJW on the weekly challenge, I think the minor editing and extra bits with Grandma but this into the great story category.
I like how you build on what wasn't said in the episode and made a heart felt story. I always wonder what did become of Peter Kirk.
Author's Response:
Thank you, FalseBill. Glad you enjoyed it. It seemed to me he would have no choice but to struggle emotionally with how things played out. I just ran with that idea. Good to know it rang true, and added depth and understanding to the episode.