NaNoWriMo 2008 - chapter 1

[miriam_e]

I have begun my story for NaNoWriMo 2008. It is called Critically Damaged and you can find it at
http://miriam-english.org/stories/critically-damaged/index.html

It is not a science fiction story in the normal sense. It does contain some elements you'd normally think of as science fiction, but it is set in the current day, the technology is not central to the story, and I believe the things mentioned could be built now anyway. Certainly I know a number of groups are working on it.

My description may be too vague, but I'm loathe to give too much away:

It can take years to create an intricate masterwork.
When it is done, what is its value? And who can say?

So far only the short prologue is up there.
1 - prologue

I hope to post another chapter every 3 or 4 days.

I'd appreciate any comments.

Comments

[miriam-e.livejournal.com]

Yes. I must admit I'm swayed by the idea that proportions and grace have some part to play, but those don't explain me going all gooey at the sight of a cat's face.

What is weirder is that I think cats are gorgeous, but one of the few repeated nightmares I have is being pursued through the bush by big cats. I invariably wake dripping with sweat from those dreams because we are utterly defenceless against big cats. They run, climb, even swim, faster than us -- and they are born murderers. Yet I am deeply attracted to them and see them as intensely beautiful. Weird, huh?

Why are trees so beautiful, or the sky, or the land? :) Those are easier to explain. We are wonderful learning machines. As such an incentive to find wonder and enjoyment in the world around us is a perfectly natural survival trait. But yes. I'm sure it's part of the same question.

Probably the big cat I find most beautiful is the cheetah. Those elegant legs and slender body, the teardrop face markings... [sigh]

[dorjejaguar.livejournal.com]

You know, I'm thinking you have a particular kind of orientation to the kitties.
To me they've always felt like kin. Yes they're beautiful and admirable and such, but I don't actually go gooey over em. At least not in the way it sounds that you do. Also I'd never call em "born murderers". That sounds just too human a concept for one and when I think of them, I just don't think that. Even though my kitty would be an incredible huntress if/when she got the chance.
Nor do I have such nightmares.
Which is only to say that we are different.
Which I only point out really because, well I don't think if we could explain humans attraction to em that by explaining that we could explain your orientation to em.
It seems rather particular.
Also some people really don't like cats. Those people seem to be the ones that like dogs more, or so I've noticed.
But in any case I can't explain it even if there does seem to be plenty of reasons.

Were you the woo type person I'd suggest having a dialogue with cheetah. See what she/he wants to tell you. But that's a rather woo idea, I know, so I suspect it won't attract you.

[miriam-e.livejournal.com]

You're right. I do have a soft spot for cats. It is similar to the soft affection I have for all life, particularly animal life. I even find it heart-rending to kill insects. This feels to me to be a very sensible way to be. However a few animals hold special attraction for me, beyond what seems reasonable or logical. Cats are such animals. It is a mystery to me that I could respond so positively to it when I see a well-fed cat hunt, catch, and torment a smaller animal to death. I know they are not responsible for it, but surely that cruelty would cancel out the pleasure I get drinking them in with my eyes, or stroking and playing with a cat. But it doesn't. I adore dogs too, but in a different way. I don't think I've ever met a dog that approaches being as beautiful in appearance or movement that the most ordinary cat is. Dogs give me pleasure through their wonderful minds -- the way they are so amazingly well-fitted to us (or are we fitted to them?).

Heheheh :) I suspect I'm really a "woo" type person, but my science background has largely supplanted it.

I appreciate this conversation. It helps me think this through much more... though I expect never to actually solve it.

[dorjejaguar.livejournal.com]

:)
Yah, well beauty and ferocity aren't mutually exclusive. As you've noticed.
I do think dogs are wonderful in their way, as you do. But yes, I'm much more attracted to the felines as well.
Now my boo, I think he feels the opposite. He favors the canines, even while certain felines have and do hold place in his heart. Though really he likes animals in general far more than he likes humans. He's kind enough not to mention it to most humans though. :)

Hmm, with the woo, I've got so many perspectives on it.
One can always just use the woo type stuff from a psychological Jungian type angle.
Like, one could dialogue with cheetah (or whomever) as an aspect of our own psyches, and see then what we're trying to tell ourselves.

:) I like talking with you too. Thank you.