Author Topic: Quicksilver (Read 24825 times)

fernly · « **on:** April 19, 2006, 03:16:17 pm »

My stories and drabbles mostly come (so far) from some of 'them things we don't know' that I got to wondering about....
The stories are mostly canon so far, and connect into one large story that's eventually going AU.

"Quicksilver" is about Jack's life away from Ennis after their first summer. First nine chapters are posted.
"Dead Horse Road" is a short (one-shot) prequel about Ennis and his parents, very sad, no Jack.
"Wind Rivers" is my take on their last camping trip before the divorce. It's longer (still a one-shot), there's a lot of joy along with shadows, there's whiskey and springs, there're birds (blue and otherwise), there's lots and lots of Jack.

http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/

I sure appreciate your comments.
Fern

RouxB · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2006, 08:36:20 pm »

Thanks Fernly!

i can't wait to get home to read it.

RouxB · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2006, 12:49:33 am »

Fernly-

Just finished The Wind Rivers and am so emotional I can barely understand it. I didn't know whether to PM you or just spill-as you see, I am opting to just spill it. I have been feeling so lonesome for Brokeback Mountain, or more correctly, what it has been for me these past few months. Everyday is a challenge not to breakdown worrying about my father and how much longer I'll have him. The movie gave me something beautiful to focus on but also the sadness gave me an outlet for feelings so intense I worry what would have happened to me had I not been able to express them. The theater experience was a "get away" that the DVD can't replace and now that is gone. When we started to lose Chez Tremblay-a haven I had just discovered-I was disconsolate. The family and shared experience just gave me one more life preserver in a time when I needed all help I could get. Then joy of joys Phillip took us in and my joy was restored. BUT, the move kinda changed the tone of the board-everyone was relieved and excited but connection to the movie sorted dissipated. I know that was bound to happen but I just felt like I was losing everything and everyone that had meant so much over the past few months.

Then, here you come with these stories and once again I am back on Brokeback, able to escape my worries for just another few moments.

Thank you so much-I just can't tell you...

fernly · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2006, 01:49:59 am »

RouxB,
I know what you mean about "feeling lonesome for Brokeback Mountain...what it has been for me these past few months." I wrote these stories in part to hold on to that world for a while longer, and am moved beyond the expressing of it that they have in any way been a momentary distraction from the burdens you're carrying. Thank you so very much for what you wrote.
Fern

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2006, 12:21:26 am »

Fernly,

"Dead Horse Road" is powerful. And, sadly, all too plausible, knowing what we know of Ennis's father.

Great piece of story-telling. Thanks for pointing it out/posting the link!

Jeff

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2006, 10:44:49 pm »

Fernly,

I just came back from reading "The Wind Rivers" over at fanfiction.net. Absolutely beautiful! I left you a review.

Jeff

fernly · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2006, 03:19:25 pm »

Jeff,
These are long overdue public thanks for your ideas and support.

Fern

tamarack · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2006, 07:12:06 pm »

Hi, Fernly - I just read Dead Horse Road and really enjoyed it, even the crying. It was good of you to tackle something that others haven't. (At least I don't think they have - I haven't been reading the fan fiction for too long but now that's all I am reading.) I hope that Ennis' life wasn't that hurtful but it certainly is possible, and I think a lot of us have some pretty negative thoughts about his father because of the whole Earl thing.

I haven't figured out how to read several of these at a time and not get them mixed up - I went for Dead Horse Road because it was short - but I am putting your others on my list of must reads.

Thanks.

Never enough time, never enough.

fernly · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2006, 08:59:33 pm »

Hey Tam,
You're welcome, and thank you very much for your kind comments.
(People keep tellin' me about the cryin', but really, I'm not settin' out to cause that on purpose.)
For now, "Wind Rivers" is a happier story...and one of these days,(actually months), I'll be writing flat-out joyous, and that will be on purpose.
Fern

tamarack · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2006, 09:26:16 pm »

As far as the crying goes, I think it comes with the territory, don't you? For me the saddest day will come when I can read about, or think about, Jack and Ennis and not cry any more. They've touched something in me that has been buried pretty deeply for a while, and I'm glad to be getting it back again. Your story is just so sad in that Ennis' mother knew that she was losing him and that the biggest gift she could give to her son was to get his father out of the way. And then she dies holding "Ennis" in her arms...

JennyC · « **Reply #10 on:** July 06, 2006, 06:57:50 pm »

Ruby recommended your story. I just finished "Dead Horse Road" and am totally blown away by the powerful writing. The story fits perfectly into the structure of Brokeback Mountain, and you did a fantastic job explaining how Ennis was who he was. Have to say that it's not a good thing that I read it while still at work.

fernly · « **Reply #11 on:** July 07, 2006, 04:24:52 pm »

Jenny,
Thank you so much for your kind words about my story. You made my day!

Ruby,
Thank you so much for recommending it.

Fern
p.s. I sure enjoyed meeting you both at the Castro last month.

Marge_Innavera · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2006, 10:08:22 am »

You're the one who wrote "Dead Horse Road"! That was one of the first pieces I read over on fanfiction.net.

Very good, believable description of the tension in a household ruled by an abusive parent: the spouse constantly watchful, trying to deflect or defuse the explosion this time, all the kids impacted in one way or another, and the immediate death threats and violence when the wife says she's going to leave. And the description of Ennis in the very first paragraph is quite consistent with the hunched-over, closed-in body language of the film in particular.

This is one of the plot elements just mentioned in both the movie and the original story that fanfiction writers haven't explored enough: how there could be "one curve in the road and they miss it."

ednbarby · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2006, 10:38:01 am »

Lynn, I just read "Dead Horse Road" and "Quicksilver." As Jeff said, both are powerful stuff. I love how you made Ennis' mom like Jack in her hatred of the cold - was that by accident or design? I'm thinking the latter. And I agree that you understand what it is to live in an abusive household. My stepmother did for many years before she finally got out in one piece and thankfully met my father who wouldn't hurt a fly, and she's told me many stories of trying to keep the peace and protect her children that are eerily similar. I'm looking forward to "The Wind Rivers," but judging from Ruby's response to it, think I'd better wait until I'm somewhere where uncontrollable weeping isn't frowned upon to read it.

fernly · « **Reply #14 on:** July 25, 2006, 05:02:51 pm »

Barb and Marge,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m very glad you both found “Dead Horse” believable since I wanted to do right by Ennis’ mother.
We know how Ennis and Jack can possess us. Ennis’ mother did the same thing, when she ‘showed up’ to answer the question I’d wondered about from my first time reading “Brokeback Mountain”.
And I felt that this answer was consistent with what we know from the story and film about what her son carried, and how those burdens – not just the memory of that horrific walk with his father’s hand pressing on his neck, but all the days before and after with a father who could commit such acts – would affect Ennis’ choices and reactions even after his father was dead.

Marge, I saw on the new moderators thread that you’re writing. I do hope you post a link soon.

Barb, yes, the detail about her hating the cold was by design, if I can call it that. Writing this story felt more like listening and observing than deliberately creating.
I’m so happy that your step-mother made a new life with your father. It’s wonderful to hear a real-life story that ends happily.

fernly · « **Reply #15 on:** August 29, 2006, 10:13:54 pm »

bumping for the new chapter

Rachel · « **Reply #16 on:** November 18, 2006, 06:55:21 pm »

In spite of the ever-imporving fanfiction (practice makes perfect),

You are still the best of all. Just re-read "The Wind Rivers." I took "Dead Horse Road" to Chicago with me, thinking I might get a chance to read it aloud (I had no way of asking you---and how fruitless would THAT have been!)

You're never going to forgive me?

This will be my only post.

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #17 on:** November 28, 2006, 08:47:04 pm »

Bump, because Fernly's stories are so good they should be required reading for any new "Brokies."

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #18 on:** December 04, 2006, 07:34:44 pm »

Bump.

Adiabatic · « **Reply #19 on:** December 08, 2006, 10:58:21 pm »

I’ll second your bump, Jeff!

fernly’s stories are absorbing and easy-to-read. That’s not to say that they’re simplistic—in fact, they’re rich with detail in the characters’ feelings, their surroundings. But there’s an unassuming honesty that envelops you and makes you feel as if you’re actually there, watching and listening. There’s warmth and love interwoven with the troubles and heartache.

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #20 on:** December 09, 2006, 07:24:51 pm »

Quote from: goadra on December 08, 2006, 10:58:21 pm

I’ll second your bump, Jeff!

fernly’s stories are absorbing and easy-to-read. That’s not to say that they’re simplistic—in fact, they’re rich with detail in the characters’ feelings, their surroundings. But there’s an unassuming honesty that envelopes you and makes you feel as if you’re actually there, watching and listening. There’s warmth and love interwoven with the troubles and heartache.

To which I can but add a humble and heartfelt "Amen"--and, incidentally, bump the thread.

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #21 on:** December 11, 2006, 11:37:51 pm »

Bump for anyone looking for "Dead Horse Road" from the "Backstories" thread over on the Open Forum.

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #22 on:** December 18, 2006, 10:32:00 am »

Bumping in honor of my personal one-year anniversary of seeing the film, because "The Wind Rivers" is the definitive fill-in "little fishin' trip" story.

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #23 on:** December 22, 2006, 12:20:18 pm »

Bump.

fernly · « **Reply #24 on:** December 28, 2006, 02:53:36 pm »

bumping for the new chapter of Quicksilver
(I sure picked the wrong title, considerin' how not-quick I've been posting this one..... Oh, well, the next chapter's about done and should be up next week.)

Jeff and goadra - Thank you both, hope you know how much, 'cause it's more than words can begin to say.

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #25 on:** December 28, 2006, 06:43:26 pm »

Quote from: fernly on December 28, 2006, 02:53:36 pm

Jeff and goadra - Thank you both, hope you know how much, 'cause it's more than words can begin to say.

Pleasure's mine, Little Darlin'. I'm honored, in fact.

fernly · « **Reply #26 on:** January 06, 2007, 03:25:14 pm »

bumping for chp.5

MaineWriter · « **Reply #27 on:** January 06, 2007, 07:22:57 pm »

Quote from: fernly on January 06, 2007, 03:25:14 pm

bumping for chp.5

Fernly, want to give us all a link?

L

fernly · « **Reply #28 on:** January 06, 2007, 07:54:39 pm »

Quote from: MaineWriter

Fernly, want to give us all a link?

L

Here ya go.

http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1008332/

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #29 on:** January 15, 2007, 12:15:30 am »

Time for a bump.

Adiabatic · « **Reply #30 on:** January 24, 2007, 10:58:50 pm »

Fast ~~or slow~~, I just like the direction you’re bumping.

Perhaps it will serve to ~~prod~~ encourage the author to scribble more quickly.

fernly · « **Reply #31 on:** February 22, 2007, 09:45:45 pm »

Quote from: goadra on January 24, 2007, 10:58:50 pm

Fast ~~or slow~~, I just like the direction you’re bumping.

Perhaps it will serve to ~~prod~~ encourage the author to scribble more quickly.

Well, it sure wasn't quick, but the new chapter's here.
http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/

Hope you enjoy it

coffeecat33 · « **Reply #32 on:** March 17, 2007, 11:47:12 am »

Bump

- because it's worth it.

mariez · « **Reply #33 on:** March 18, 2007, 09:23:06 am »

Quote from: coffeecat33 on March 17, 2007, 11:47:12 am

Bump

- because it's worth it.

You can say that again. Thanks for the bump that brought this to my attention.

fernly, I read "Quicksilver" late last night - was enthralled from the first word and couldn't stop reading. I haven't read any other story that covers this time period or perspective and you've done it perfectly. Your prose is exquisite - a pure joy to read. Looking forward to more!

Thank you,
Marie

fernly · « **Reply #34 on:** March 18, 2007, 02:37:13 pm »

Leslie (coffeecat) and Marie,

Thank you so much for your very kind words. I'm really glad you're enjoying the stories.
The next chapter is taking shape (though, as always, slowly...)

Fern

coffeecat33 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 18, 2007, 09:44:26 pm »

Quote from: mariez on March 18, 2007, 09:23:06 am

I haven't read any other story that covers this time period or perspective and you've done it perfectly. Your prose is exquisite - a pure joy to read. Looking forward to more! Thank you, Marie

With the amount of detail you include, I'm not surprised your chapters take shape slowly. I really liked Dead Horse Road and The Wind Rivers but Quicksilver is - as Marie said - exquisite. -Leslie

here's a couple photos of our Jack

coffeecat33 · « **Reply #36 on:** March 18, 2007, 09:46:57 pm »

Fern,
Did you say you titled your story "Quicksilver" because of a remark by Annie P. re: Jake as Jack? If so, what was that reference?
Leslie.

fernly · « **Reply #37 on:** March 18, 2007, 10:14:28 pm »

Quote from: coffeecat33

Fern,
Did you say you titled your story "Quicksilver" because of a remark by Annie P. re: Jake as Jack? If so, what was that reference?
Leslie.

It was in her wonderful interview with a public radio station, KCRW. Here's the link: http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/bw/bw060119annie_proulx

I thought the word fit Jack, and Jake in the role, so perfectly. And the scene where Lureen sees Jack at the window and sees him as quicksilver, well, that was the first clear image/metaphor I had of the story, and I was writing toward it for a very long time.

Thank you for the pictures

and your generous comments. The details come from a lot of research (including going to rodeos and taking riding lessons - oh, the sacrifices we fic writers have to make

)

coffeecat33 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 22, 2007, 07:44:53 pm »

Quote from: fernly on March 18, 2007, 10:14:28 pm

It was in her wonderful interview with a public radio station, KCRW. Here's the link: http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/bw/bw060119annie_proulx

I thought the word fit Jack, and Jake in the role, so perfectly. And the scene where Lureen sees Jack at the window and sees him as quicksilver, well, that was the first clear image/metaphor I had of the story, and I was writing toward it for a very long time.

Thank you for the pictures and your generous comments. The details come from a lot of research (including going to rodeos and taking riding lessons - oh, the sacrifices we fic writers have to make )

I just listened to this interview for the first time today. It was really interesting! I wrote down what she said.

"Jake made his own Jack Twist and a very excellent Jack Twist it is, too." She goes on to describe Jake's Jack Twist as complex, quicksilver, beautiful, hungry, bitterly disappointed again and again, love, electricity, and inchoate longing.

I just read ch. 6 of Quicksilver. The description of Jack as quicksilver and how Lureen sees him at the window I think is poetic and true.

Hope ch. 7 is coming along for you. - Leslie K.

mariez · « **Reply #39 on:** April 13, 2007, 11:39:28 am »

Oh, look what I found - Chapter 7 in two parts. Here's a link - the story, the writing, the insights - all too good for anyone to miss:

http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/4818.html#cutid1

Thanks, Fern
Marie

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #40 on:** April 13, 2007, 03:13:25 pm »

Quote from: mariez on April 13, 2007, 11:39:28 am

Oh, look what I found - Chapter 7 in two parts. Here's a link - the story, the writing, the insights - all too good for anyone to miss:

http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/4818.html#cutid1

Thanks, Fern
Marie

Sure enough, it's not to be missed!

mariez · « **Reply #41 on:** June 17, 2007, 08:28:46 pm »

Chapter 8 "Good Enough", Parts 1 and 2 are up!

http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/5318.html

Run! - don't walk - to read this story!

Marie

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #42 on:** June 19, 2007, 09:47:48 am »

Very touching scene of Jack back home in Lightning Flat. ...

And, tell you what, I'm really liking Lureen. ...

cwby30 · « **Reply #43 on:** June 20, 2007, 01:23:00 pm »

Mornin'.

Well, have been reading this on LJ from the beginning, and have liked it a lot. Always amazes me how writers can fill in the blanks of the story, and yet still keep Jack and Ennis as themselves in the OS. The imagery of the rodeos, and the hard work Jack puts in to learn his new trade, and their honeymoon with Jack at the window, and the thoughts Jack has of Ennis always, really bring home Jack's loneliness in the midst of a crowd. No wonder he decides to reach out after four years.

I also like Lureen in this one, as I have in others. She fell in love, and married him even after hearing the rumors. And, she stayed with him in spite of her own family, and hearing more rumors. And then, she sacrificed her own dreams to keep him safe with her, not really knowing that she was actually keeping him safe for Ennis. She had determination of her own, maybe a combination of some of LD's stubbornness along with compassion and true passion.

This is "canon" for now, and I'm looking forward to when this goes the promised AU, and how this Lureen will take the changes.

Thanks.

fernly · « **Reply #44 on:** August 14, 2007, 07:25:50 am »

Marie, Jeff, and Cwby30,

Long overdue, heartfelt thanks for your kind words about the last chapter.
I'm really glad you've been enjoying the story.

Fern

coffeecat33 · « **Reply #45 on:** August 18, 2007, 11:38:48 pm »

Chapter 9 is a two-parter !!

"Widening Water"

Chapter 9 part 1
http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/5649.html#cutid1

Chapter 9 part 2
http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/5957.html

this was so great, Fern - just wonderful

fernly · « **Reply #46 on:** August 18, 2007, 11:49:25 pm »

I'm really glad you liked it, Leslie, thank you, so much!

mariez · « **Reply #47 on:** August 20, 2007, 12:29:13 pm »

Thanks for another wonderful chapter, Fern. Always such a pleasure to read.

Marie

fernly · « **Reply #48 on:** August 21, 2007, 08:17:29 am »

Thank you so much, Marie. Means a lot to me that you're enjoying it.

Fern

mariez · « **Reply #49 on:** May 27, 2008, 06:38:56 pm »

Chapter 10 is up in two parts:

http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/10875.html#cutid1

http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/11055.html#cutid1

I love this story. Even when it hurts, it's a joy to read.

Marie

fernly · « **Reply #50 on:** July 07, 2008, 10:01:09 pm »

Chp. 11 is posted. http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/

Thank you, Marie, for your kind words.

And thank you, Jeff, for the first-hand info about Lightning Flat.

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #51 on:** July 08, 2008, 09:23:41 am »

Quote from: fernly on July 07, 2008, 10:01:09 pm

Chp. 11 is posted. http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/

Yeehaw! Another chapter!

Quote

And thank you, Jeff, for the first-hand info about Lightning Flat.

Aww. ... It wasn't anything.

fernly · « **Reply #52 on:** April 13, 2009, 10:06:24 am »

Story is completed. 14 chapters, with prequels and epilogue

http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/

mariez · « **Reply #53 on:** April 13, 2009, 12:58:18 pm »

Quote from: fernly on April 13, 2009, 10:06:24 am

Story is completed. 14 chapters, with prequels and epilogue

http://jtsbar.livejournal.com/

I'm so glad you posted this here, Fern. Congratulations!

I strongly recommend that anyone who hasn't read this yet do so - it's exquisitely written and wonderfully original.

News:

Author Topic: Quicksilver (Read 24825 times)

Marge_Innavera

Rachel