KT, your story made me smile.  I have a daughter with dyslexia, she had the same kind of a ha! moment when she discovered books on tape. 

In regards to the Dresden Files in particular, James Marsters does such an excellent job with the acting that you can close your eyes and see it all happen behind your lids like you were really there.  All it's missing is the sound track.

As to your being in the National Guard, thank you for serving our country in this way. 

Eb will forever be, at least in my mind, Wilford Brimley.

If he can be fierce, he would be entirely acceptable.  He's closer to Uncle Jesse in looks - but I'm not at all frightened of Wilford.  Can he truly be the black staff? 

I just posted this same idea on Facebook, going to see if I can stir up interest in the novels among my ordinary friends.  (making you all extraordinary of course)

So, I have a character I want to play for Butters. Ryan Cartwrighthttp://www.idigbonestv.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ryan-Cartwright-Alphas.jpg

Have you seen his range and timing? 

Okay, I stalled on writing this because I wanted to write something with action and adventure!  I wanted daring do! 

Instead, this other idea sprung to mind.  It's not action (again!)  But some of you tell me that it doesn't always have to be in order to be effective.

Anyway, this story idea lodged there, refusing to let me put it aside.  I couldn't write anything else til it was done and out of the chute. 

Maybe this will be the prologue (back story) that lets me go into an uban fantasy genre where spiritual warfare is played out against fallen predators.  It's world building told through a conversation.

For the moment though, it's a stand alone scene of around 1,500 words.  It honestly won't take you long if you would like to read it and give me feedback.  Send me the email addy you want me to use in Private Message here on the board today and I'll send you a copy.  Each of you will get various versions as I'll send the one that is most polished when you ping me.

Ask yourself those qualifying questions that we've been discussing and tell me if my passive character is compelling enough to hold your attention.  Do I hook you in the beginning?  Are my characters believable?  Does it feel satisfying for an ending?

In advance I'll say thank you to all who contributed to this thread, and an even bigger thank you with sloppy kisses  to all who read and comment for me!

_{(It never feels real to me until someone else reads it...)}

Always happy to give my two cents on what you write if you want

Thanks for the willingness to read.  I have an idea, I'll be writing it today.  Look for me to ping you for a addy to send it within the next few days.

Okay, NoteBored has a timed writing challenge up for the next few days.  It's trigger is "wishes".   I'm gonna write a flash story.  (1,000 words or so) with wishes as the trigger, AND my main character ... will.  Be.  Active!

Anyone interested in reading it when I'm done and giving me feedback?

Then, maybe I have internalized it too much.  It's one of those classic cases of "any strength pushed to the extreme becomes a weakness" sorts of things then.  Having an intimate writer's group is good for being able to have a core of people who are always on your side and wanting to help you be better.  But there is also the weakness of wanting to please them and write to them instead of to what pleases yourself. 

Thanks for the comments guys, you've given me something to think about.