It seems that things seem to be finally going Jack's way. He manages to convince the mountie that the Agnes Maud is actually his. This infuriates Luther and Freeman to the point where Luther makes plans to kill Jack.
We see the point that Dr. Lacey referred to earlier when he mentioned how important the spelling of Jack's name was...but Jack is not out of danger yet...
a) When Luther is chasing after Jack to kill him, Freeman tells Luther that he won't take part in murdering Jack. Luther reminds him that he was already involved in murder by being involved in the shipwrecks. Why do you think Freeman didn't have a problem with killing people by wrecking ships, but won't get involved in directly killing Jack?
b) We see a "trickier" side of Jack. First he lies about not signing the paper (despite the fact that it was done under duress) and then he kicks Luther. Is this out of character for Jack?
c) The mountie tells Jack that "...even if the law demands proof, sometimes justice doesn't". What does he mean by this?
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Author's Comments # 7
Some of my comments are long, but that's because the questions are only simple if you just look on the surface; they are much more detailed in the depths. Please bear with me.
a. This is a complex book with many characters and a multitude of subplots. Initially I was trying to identify the main settings and introduce you to the main characters. The scenes were longer, often a whole chapter because that was needed to paint the word pictures that would establish the story.
Now in the mid part of the book, you have a feel for the characters, the good guys and the bad girls, the setting and the activities; so the scenes can be shorter, just portraying the important events and character development. This also generates excitement.
As the book nears the end, and subplots begin to intertwine, more of the characters will begin to show up in scenes together. As some of you have guessed, maybe there will be an explosive ending where a lot of things get decided all at once. It took a lot of thought for me to devise a way to try to bring all the characters and plots together at the same time.
b. Catcher, the respected elder statesman of the fishers, and Everett, the young man who gave so much of himself, are working side by side with Jack. This can only show others that Jack is a fellow to be trusted and respected. Perhaps tentatively at first, but eventually others come to see Jack through the eyes of Catcher and Everett.
c. Jack, Catcher and Everett love the sea and the fishing as so many of you mentioned, but there is more. All three have had great losses. Everett his leg and part of his independance, Catcher his ability to fish, and Jack his reputation and his family. The losses are as important as the fishing. Together they have rescued each other from their losses and this has bound them to each other. They are also very giving people: Catcher has given his beloved boat, Everett has given his friendship to Jack the outcast, and Jack has reciprocated that to Everett... also don't forget the way that Jack treated the dog who needed help. These people have fished, sacrificed and given to each other.
Kyle B, you mentioned some of that in your answer... well done.
Josh B, You mentioned almost the same thing when you said that they had frustrations in their life and were just having to handle them differently.
Brett S, I really liked your analogy about changing from channel to channel to watch three shows. In the case of the book, you can rely on the author to make sure that you still get all the important parts. You identified three subplots in the book and these are some of the major ones, but in fact there are many more; some that resolve as we go through the book, and some that need the ending to reveal the final outcomes.
Kayleigh K, I like the way that you mentioned that the story was more interesting when you see the action through the eyes of different people. This is called point of view. Flu Shot had a single point of view, that of York. Two Island light has multiple points of view, and I think is more interesting but also more difficult to craft.
Some of you mentioned that you thought the story was coming to an end. It will eventually, but there are lots of plots yet to resolve, and the best action yet to come.
a. This is a complex book with many characters and a multitude of subplots. Initially I was trying to identify the main settings and introduce you to the main characters. The scenes were longer, often a whole chapter because that was needed to paint the word pictures that would establish the story.
Now in the mid part of the book, you have a feel for the characters, the good guys and the bad girls, the setting and the activities; so the scenes can be shorter, just portraying the important events and character development. This also generates excitement.
As the book nears the end, and subplots begin to intertwine, more of the characters will begin to show up in scenes together. As some of you have guessed, maybe there will be an explosive ending where a lot of things get decided all at once. It took a lot of thought for me to devise a way to try to bring all the characters and plots together at the same time.
b. Catcher, the respected elder statesman of the fishers, and Everett, the young man who gave so much of himself, are working side by side with Jack. This can only show others that Jack is a fellow to be trusted and respected. Perhaps tentatively at first, but eventually others come to see Jack through the eyes of Catcher and Everett.
c. Jack, Catcher and Everett love the sea and the fishing as so many of you mentioned, but there is more. All three have had great losses. Everett his leg and part of his independance, Catcher his ability to fish, and Jack his reputation and his family. The losses are as important as the fishing. Together they have rescued each other from their losses and this has bound them to each other. They are also very giving people: Catcher has given his beloved boat, Everett has given his friendship to Jack the outcast, and Jack has reciprocated that to Everett... also don't forget the way that Jack treated the dog who needed help. These people have fished, sacrificed and given to each other.
Kyle B, you mentioned some of that in your answer... well done.
Josh B, You mentioned almost the same thing when you said that they had frustrations in their life and were just having to handle them differently.
Brett S, I really liked your analogy about changing from channel to channel to watch three shows. In the case of the book, you can rely on the author to make sure that you still get all the important parts. You identified three subplots in the book and these are some of the major ones, but in fact there are many more; some that resolve as we go through the book, and some that need the ending to reveal the final outcomes.
Kayleigh K, I like the way that you mentioned that the story was more interesting when you see the action through the eyes of different people. This is called point of view. Flu Shot had a single point of view, that of York. Two Island light has multiple points of view, and I think is more interesting but also more difficult to craft.
Some of you mentioned that you thought the story was coming to an end. It will eventually, but there are lots of plots yet to resolve, and the best action yet to come.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Post # 7; Chapters 25-29, "Finally Fishin'"
Jack finally gets to go fishing! Under the watchful eye of Catcher, Jack begins to learn the basics of the fishing business. Catcher seems to enjoy his opportunity to tutor Jack, and adding Everett to the trio seems to make a great team.
Luther and Freeman miss an opportunity to plunder another ship when it sinks after crashing into the rocks at Southern Head. Meanwhile, Jack convinces Catcher to go for a visit to Two Island - where Jack's property is - and they stumble upon some strange constructions, as well as a stray dog that Jack nurses back to health. While they seem suspicious, are they beginning to piece the plans of Luther and Freeman together?
We catch yet another glimpse of Nurse Jenny, being rescued from a torpedoed hospital ship in the Mediterranean. Yet Jack seems to still be enamoured with Elizabeth. Has he given up on Jenny?
a) The pace of the action is beginning to pick up and the structure of the book is changing. The chapters are becoming shorter and scenes switch back and forth more quickly. Why do you think the author has done this?
b) A dozen neighbors help Jack and Catcher get the boat into the water. A while back Jack was an outcast. How do you think his growing friendships / partnerships with Catcher and Everett - obviously well-respected members of the community - has affected how other people view Jack?
Luther and Freeman miss an opportunity to plunder another ship when it sinks after crashing into the rocks at Southern Head. Meanwhile, Jack convinces Catcher to go for a visit to Two Island - where Jack's property is - and they stumble upon some strange constructions, as well as a stray dog that Jack nurses back to health. While they seem suspicious, are they beginning to piece the plans of Luther and Freeman together?
We catch yet another glimpse of Nurse Jenny, being rescued from a torpedoed hospital ship in the Mediterranean. Yet Jack seems to still be enamoured with Elizabeth. Has he given up on Jenny?
a) The pace of the action is beginning to pick up and the structure of the book is changing. The chapters are becoming shorter and scenes switch back and forth more quickly. Why do you think the author has done this?
b) A dozen neighbors help Jack and Catcher get the boat into the water. A while back Jack was an outcast. How do you think his growing friendships / partnerships with Catcher and Everett - obviously well-respected members of the community - has affected how other people view Jack?
c) What is it that draws Jack, Catcher and Freeman together? What traits do they share? How are they different? (Note: This was supposed to read Jack, Catcher and Everett...sorry. Nasis students and GM students who haven't blogged as of Monday morning, compare these three.)
AUTHOR'S COMMENTS # 6
A couple of fairly straight forward questions this time. The first is speculation, at least until you get to the later chapters in the book. The second is a question about human nature, as reflected in the characters of the story.
1. You have lots of ideas about what causes the downfall of the bad guys: Luther's big mouth, a falling out, Jack catching them in the act, and lots more. These are all good ideas; who knows what will be the final plot events?
2. Jack is distrusted because he has a criminal record, he is a convict on parole. He is also "a stranger from away". Newcomers to a group are always at risk of being distrusted, and he is not a native Grand Mananer. Most of the people on Grand Manan are very friendly, open, caring, and helpful, but human nature puts a newcomer at risk of misunderstanding.
Bessie sees the goodness in Jack and just knows that he is not a thief. Jack is not going anywhere; his dream of fishing is too strong.
So lets see how this all plays out. There is all sorts of excitement to come.
1. You have lots of ideas about what causes the downfall of the bad guys: Luther's big mouth, a falling out, Jack catching them in the act, and lots more. These are all good ideas; who knows what will be the final plot events?
2. Jack is distrusted because he has a criminal record, he is a convict on parole. He is also "a stranger from away". Newcomers to a group are always at risk of being distrusted, and he is not a native Grand Mananer. Most of the people on Grand Manan are very friendly, open, caring, and helpful, but human nature puts a newcomer at risk of misunderstanding.
Bessie sees the goodness in Jack and just knows that he is not a thief. Jack is not going anywhere; his dream of fishing is too strong.
So lets see how this all plays out. There is all sorts of excitement to come.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Post # 6; Chapters 19-24; "Trouble is Back"
Just when Jack seems to have things going his way, he is accused of theft and trying to steal a boat. Unfortunately, most of the people on Grand Manan believe that he did steal from Bessie...except Bessie herself, that is!a) The sinister deeds of Luther and Freeman are beginning to be revealed. Working in cohort with the lightkeeper at Southern Head, they have created a lucrative enterprise by misleading ships and then salvaging the cargo when they crash upon the rocks. They sometimes even have to take the life of the crews by their own hands. The plan seems foolproof, but what do you think will be their downfall?
b) Jack must be discouraged by the lack of trust he is feeling from some people on the Island, especially the mountie. What is it about Jack that causes people not to believe in him? What does Bessie see in Jack that others do not? Why doesn't Jack simply pack up and leave?
Sunday, June 3, 2007
AUTHOR'S COMMENTS # 5
1. The boat was by far the most important to Jack. As so many of you mentioned, he was consumed by the desire to go boating and fishing. The boat was his dream.
2. Jack and Everett hit it off so quickly for a couple of reasons. First of all, as some of you mentioned, they are both just nice people. But also there was an attitude thing. Jack saw beyond the injuries that Everett had. He didn't see Everett as an amputee, but rather as a PERSON, who just didn't have both legs. Everett saw beyond his injuries as well. He was looking forward to the future, making plans, and willing to embrace life as he was able to live it. They were both nice guys, with hopeful attitudes, and they seemed to mesh.
Now for some of your questions:
Josh B, You had asked earlier about how long it took me to write the book. It took about six months, mostly nights and weekends.
Mike, You had asked earlier why I had set the book on Grand Manan( and surrounding areas). I like the area, the interesting challenges for the characters, the different knowledge base that is fishing and boating. It just seemed like the right thing to do.
So, everything looks good for Jack; he has his boat and can now live his dream. No problems. Right?
Well read on; maybe there's more here than meets the eye.
2. Jack and Everett hit it off so quickly for a couple of reasons. First of all, as some of you mentioned, they are both just nice people. But also there was an attitude thing. Jack saw beyond the injuries that Everett had. He didn't see Everett as an amputee, but rather as a PERSON, who just didn't have both legs. Everett saw beyond his injuries as well. He was looking forward to the future, making plans, and willing to embrace life as he was able to live it. They were both nice guys, with hopeful attitudes, and they seemed to mesh.
Now for some of your questions:
Josh B, You had asked earlier about how long it took me to write the book. It took about six months, mostly nights and weekends.
Mike, You had asked earlier why I had set the book on Grand Manan( and surrounding areas). I like the area, the interesting challenges for the characters, the different knowledge base that is fishing and boating. It just seemed like the right thing to do.
So, everything looks good for Jack; he has his boat and can now live his dream. No problems. Right?
Well read on; maybe there's more here than meets the eye.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Post # 5, Chapters 16, 17, 18 - "Rebound"
Quite a change in events! After pondering suicide in the last chapters, Jack is now a proud landowner - on Grand Manan! On top of that, he also owns a fishing boat! This is everything Jack has been dreaming of. Now, as he returns to Grand Manan, what wonderful thoughts must be racing through his head.
a) Albert Roach left Jack his estate, which turned out to be much more than Jack would have guessed. Five hundered dollars was a lot of money in 1940. On top of that, he left Jack land on Two Island and Grand Manan and a fishing boat! Which of these (money, land, boat) would Jack have valued more? Which would he have valued least? Why?
b) As Jack returns to Grand Manan on the ferry from Saint John, he meets Everett Ferguson, a wounded war veteran returning home. Given his friends death in the war and his own attempts to join the army, what must he have been thinking when faced with this reality of combat? Why do you think he and Everett seemed to hit it off so easily?
a) Albert Roach left Jack his estate, which turned out to be much more than Jack would have guessed. Five hundered dollars was a lot of money in 1940. On top of that, he left Jack land on Two Island and Grand Manan and a fishing boat! Which of these (money, land, boat) would Jack have valued more? Which would he have valued least? Why?
b) As Jack returns to Grand Manan on the ferry from Saint John, he meets Everett Ferguson, a wounded war veteran returning home. Given his friends death in the war and his own attempts to join the army, what must he have been thinking when faced with this reality of combat? Why do you think he and Everett seemed to hit it off so easily?(left; the old Grand Manan Ferry)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
