Lark Rise to Candleford Fic: A Life Worth Living, Chapter 4

[mrstater]

Title: A Life Worth Living, Chapter 4: Assets
Author: MrsTater
Fandom: Lark Rise to Candleford
Characters/Pairings: James Dowland, Sidney Dowland, Queenie Turrill, Pearl Pratt, Ruby Pratt, Minnie, Dorcas Lane, Clara Thompson (original character); James/Clara, past James/Dorcas
Rating: PG for innuendo
Format & Word Count: WIP, this chapter weighs in

Comments

[tdu000]

Whoot! Whoot! I've finally had time to read this. Wonderful!

[mrstater]

Aw, I'm happy you had a chance to read and found it a good read. Thanks for commenting. :)

[gilpin25]

You know, I was in the mood for a lovely evening read, and I just happened to chance upon this one! ;) Actually, I read it first thing this morning, and the good thing about not having time to leave a review then was that I got to enjoy it all over again just now.

I'm sure if Dorcas had seen this James, we certainly wouldn't have had to sit through the last few episodes of the series as she'd probably have locked him in the post office for safe-keeping, lol. But then the whole point is that she didn't, and you've really show us here why she couldn't - which he's finally come to realise, most gloriously, for himself. In a way I think Dorcas brought out the worst in him: she almost became a prize to be obtained like his hotels and his wealth, and so he was always acting, always trying to impress, and always on edge with her. Yet with the bluntly honest Clara there's no need, he can be as straight-talking in return. There's no greater contrast than in the way he can tell her he loves her without prevarication, and she responds in a

[mrstater]

I'm so happy this provided the morning/evening reads you were looking for (and even happier it was enjoyable twice

[gilpin25]

Do you think if I sent this to the BBC they'd take it into consideration for the Christmas special? ;)

Seeing how contradictory the last three episodes of the series turned out to be, I would think they could use all the help they could get, and would be only too delighted to have this - most satisfying - way out of the pickle they got themselves into! And at least if he doesn't come back, we'll all know what his story was afterwards. ;)

[mrstater]

I'm just thinking it would be such a shame for James to go the way of Mr. Delafield, leave all sadly and never be heard from again! Especially since James was in an entire season and not just one episode! And left his kiddo behind! (Maybe he'll show up as a guest star in some episode with a young wifey to make Dorcas green-eyed. Hee.)

Okay, so tell me where to send my fic!

[shimotsuki]

Aw, a lovely Christmas scene for a first kiss! I'm enjoying this story very much, especially watching James unfold and find himself.

I think I've seen you say somewhere that you are thinking about the use of descriptive language as you write this. If so, I wanted to say that it's working really well. The scene with the Christmas tree, in particular, is just stunning -- that's a lovely use of concrete, scene-setting details indeed.

[mrstater]

You know, it's funny, whatever fandom I'm writing, I always seem to end up writing romance happening at Christmas -- even when it's not Christmastime. It's just such a romantic time, don't you think? I'm so happy you're continuing to enjoy watching this love story unfold as James finds himself.

And thank you SO much for your encouragement about the description. (Yes, I did mention that being a goal with this piece. :)) I took some more novel time off this week because I felt like writing this was helping me get a grasp on some narrative issues I was having, and it's really good to know that work's paying off. :)

[nell_aria]

Finally found time to read chapter 4. And what a treat it was! So glad I saved it so I could savour it. :)

Gilpin made some wonderful comments which I would like to second, as she has verbalised exactly what I feel, the way I respond to your story and the love you created for James:
Gilpin: In a way I think Dorcas brought out the worst in him: she almost became a prize to be obtained like his hotels and his wealth, and so he was always acting, always trying to impress, and always on edge with her. Yet with the bluntly honest Clara there's no need, he can be as straight-talking in return. There's no greater contrast than in the way he can tell her he loves her without prevarication, and she responds in a way Dorcas would never have done.I wholeheartedly agree with these observations. I mean, watching the series, I desperately wanted Dorcas to give in to James - for Dorcas's sake chiefly. But when she didn't, and he was so distraught, I wanted him to find a more suitable lover, one who could put him more in touch with himself, with the

[mrstater]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter when you finally got a chance to read. And I'm even happier that you think I've given James the right sort of woman here. I really appreciate your comments, and especially those lovely thoughts that have got me consciously thinking of Clara in a pastoral sense who brings James literally closer to his roots.

I've been bitten by Star Trek bunnies, but I do have the final chapter of this all planned out and will hopefully return to finish it soon!

Thanks so much for reading and commenting. :)

[nell_aria]

Well I will hopefully see Star Trek this weekend and then I will no doubt join you aboard the Enterprise for some Spock lovin'!
x Helen

[mrstater]

Hee! Tis a merry ship, and you shall be welcome aboard!

I think that sounded a bit more pirate than spaceship...