Kokomo, I went through the same thing recently after three different critiquers said my main character wasn't sympathetic enough in his first couple chapters--which really bugged me since I had strived not to make him too goody-goody. Maybe I overdid it. Maybe I have to give him a stronger reason to pick on the professor. Anyroad, I e-mailed my brother and told him I was down in the dumps and to give me a good word. He did. For your blues benefit, let me share his answer with you:
"So, you are 'Down in the Dumps.' Welcome. For your moping pleasure we will issue you your own pass code and Membership Card. Now, when you come here, you will earn points for valuable prizes.
"For instance, after 3 trips you get a used clip board and instructions on how to walk real fast and look concerned.
"Ten trips to the 'Dumps' and you can get a month's supply of those red, wax lips with directions on how to turn them over so you look mad all of the time. However, you have to promise to chew them when you're done and swallow them. Constipation is a Dumps Bonus.
"The big stuff comes after 20 trips. At that point you're eligible for the Dumps hit CD, 'Yani Plays the Baghdad Top Ten.' That dude can really wail.
"Drive safely, and remember our motto, 'When you're Down In The Dumps remember Heidi Klum still needs deodorant, and we have the empties to prove it.'
Your friends at,
The Dumps
BTW. Your pass code is *#@!%*#!* or, just blow your horn and yell, 'Open the gate stupid!'"
Anyway, it worked for me.
P.S. Of course I didn't give you MY pass code.
[This message has been edited by Kolona (edited April 06, 2003).]