[carton253]

Okay, by taking out all explanations, the first chapter is reduced considerably. Now, what I need to do is go over my description with a fine tooth comb adding the sensual stuff you recommend. There is a lot of it in there already. I just need to see if there is anything more I can add to bring the scene alive. For, really, we are talking...what three minutes in time.

Please do not get tired of being an "instructor". I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it.

[squarebarb]

It's great that I was of some help!

I was thumbing through Nicholas Nickleby for some examples of Dicken's incredible gift with lively description. Will also search through Tale of Two Cities.

We have just come out of a two-year drought here, with two good rains over the last week or so. I got so tired of that crisp dry smell, and of the endless blue days and the weatherless weather. Now things smell damp, and soft, and the colors of all things are so much brighter. I pray the rains keep coming.