I just went back and re-read this, refamiliarizing myself with these wonderful characters and the ongoing tale as a whole. After experiencing (not just reading) "Monster", I just had to go back. In that one, I'd mentioned how far you'd come along since you started. Having re-read this, I wanted to again point out that I in no way meant that your earlier works were anything less than amazing. So, that says a lot about "Monster".
What really strikes me the most about your work in particular is something that is so very dear to my own work. The development of character. Without it, a story...no matter how good, is just that. A telling of events. In a radio interview over the summer (with Robace) I spoke of how my own characters often become like "people I know" during the writing process. How much I miss them when it's over. It's rare that I find that same thing with characters I read about. That another has created.
Greg and Amanda are two of those characters. I feel as if I do know them on some level, and they've become very close to me.
Please continue your most admirable work, JJ. You're a gift to this forum and its creative community.
The closeness of the two characters comes through loud and clear. Excellent job!
