This is the last chapter before the finale. There are two chapters left to be written, but I will have to write both at the same time, just as you will need to read them both at the same time. I apologize if it takes an extra day or two for them to be completed.

It looks like I’m well on my way to a 10k word story, so I consider that an accomplishment. Technically a monkey and a keyboard could make a 10k word story, but hopefully mine has had slightly more coherency. Then again I’ve never read a monkey’s story, so I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, but I digress. Enjoy.

Yesterday on our day off we tried to see The Price is Right. A group from school had fixed to go, but we ran into problems. People backed out and there was terrible traffic. Long story short, we didn’t get in. It was still an interesting experience though.

The people on the show that look super excited to be there are real. The crowd was yelling and screaming while they waited in line…3 hours before the taping! Some of these crazy people showed up at 7 am for a 1:30 pm taping. Sorry Bob, but I don’t like you that much.

After finding out we couldn’t get in, we walked around at The Grove for a bit. It was pretty cool for being crowded by a huge metropolis all around. I really don’t like downtown areas at all.

Oh well.

I broke my “every two days” commitment, but here is the new installment. Things are getting complicated, and that makes telling the story a little more challenging. That’s not a good or bad thing, just a new exercise. I have three more chapters planned. Hope you enjoy.

Today brings my total days without caffeine to 5. Today my legs have been real achy feeling, but whether this is because of the caffeine halt I’m not sure. Overall I think my energy level has gone up, or at least become more consistent. Instead of being super energized during the school day and beat at night, I feel like my energy level is about the same all day. This has cut down on how often I feel tired.

It’s a little after 10pm and I’m quite tired and ready for bed. It all feels just a little more natural, not to mention I’ve cut an easy 500 calories out of my daily diet. I’ve only written two chapters on the no-caffeine routine, but I think the words flowed better. My axons must have been firing better. Or my myelin sheath is more sheathy than normal (props to Paddy).

I’ve got an idea for a recurring series of blog stories that are more sitcom like and less serial. I want to write something of a decent size length like the Mike story, but shorter than a novel. Eventually I’m sure you just have to jump in, regardless of how ready you are, and just create that huge story that fills hundreds of pages. Right now that end of the pool still seems awfully deep.

Have a great Friday!

If you haven’t seen it yet, Kevin has the first chapter of his new story up at his site. Give him a visit, it’s quite amusing.

I think my dendrites were firing a little more effectively for this chapter. You can be the judge.

   “No, it’s fine,” Monica assured him. “Besides, I know where you live.” She winked playfully.
    Mike smiled. He exhaled for what seemed like the first time all night.
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While writing my last story it seemed hard to concentrate, and I’m curious what effect my daily caffeine was having. Today is my second day in a row without caffeine. I don’t think it’s the devil like some people do, but I want to see how different I feel.

Yesterday I was tired, and had a headache. Could have been caffeine withdrawls, or could have been the staying up until midnight.

Today I’m running on a lot more sleep and feel better. A little headache still, and I’m a bit tired, but the heat isn’t helping.

It should be interesting to see if there are any other benefits to curbing my caffeine intake.

I think caffeine blocks the creative areas of my brain. It’s like when you’re trying to sleep, but there is a constant activity in your mind keeping you awake. It’s not that you’re thinking about anything in particular, but like you’ve got a light bulb on that you can’t turn off. It could be that I’m just not a very adept writer yet, but it sure seemed like the caffeine wasn’t aiding my writing.

Regardless of any excuses, here is the next chapter. You’ll be glad to know that the next chapter is also started, so it should follow quickly.

    After about an hour of staring at Monica’s phone number, Mike found the courage to pick up the phone and dial. The conversation was brief, and for this Mike was grateful. Monica said the plan was to meet at The Coffee Hut at around 7 pm tomorrow. The Coffee Hut was a local coffee shop in town that hosted different musicians on the weekend. Usually they were unsigned bands or solo acts that had yet to be discovered. It was popular to grab a cup of coffee and sit for a few hours and listen to music on a Friday or Saturday night. Monica said her friend Jen was coming, and Mike was welcome to bring some friends. He gave a cheery “Sounds great! See ya then,” and hung up before she changed her mind.

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