I am envious as hell and filled with pride for you and disappointed for you because you aren't writing the pretender novels...and I'm not buying those. I'm holding out for your novel. I am a patient man of 17 years and I know what I want and what I like and what is good and worthy of my money. I want a Mirage novel. I hope you do not mind that I share your fics. I didn't find you thru twitter but many of my friends did because I share the links. I love where this story is going and how close Parker is to Jarod now. They are coming together...it is enevitable. I want to say now that I hope you aren't angry with me. It's just that when I read your words, I am filled with excitement and I want to show your words to everyone because they are so well written....it is like eating something delicious and wanting to share it with someone you love. You know what I mean if it is true that you are still with your childhood sweetheart? Only William Blake has made me feel this way. You are the reason I come here. Don't leave us. If it comes to down to me not sharing your stories and you leaving I will stop sharing but please don't let it come to that. Please don't ever stop writing. Miss Parker might not have been genius material but you are!!
Author's Response:
Aw, now, "Tyger", don't be envious, proud, or disappointed. I'm not disappointed. Just FYI: you might be holding out for an awful long time. No, no, I'm not going to be angry if you share my fics, however, I'd rather you didn't. I absolutely understand how it feels to want to share something with someone. I suppose I'm still wrapping my head around the idea that anyone would ever want to share anything I'm involved with, and yes, it is true that I'm still with my childhood sweetheart (and he is a sweet heart). William Blake? Those are awfully large shoes. No, I won't issue ultimatums, and I'm not sure that I can stop writing. I am not genius material, but that's terribly sweet of you. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Gunner.
Reviewer: Gunner Signed
[Report This]Date: 23/08/15 02:19 am
"Shh, it's okay, it's okay. I'm going to take you to your mother">>>> Jarod knew before the tests that Cate was Parker's. OMG> Mirage. That is some amazing really completely amazing writing. Ohhh! Give me more and don't ever stop writing. I LOVE THIS.
Author's Response:
Hi, Jen. It's strange how Jarod knows these things (creeps me out every time). You shall have more. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Jen Signed [Report This]Date: 20/08/15 03:37 am
I didn't know and I shared you before I read your request. I'm sorry but I also don't think it's a good idea for you to dismiss us and dismiss twitter and facebook...please don't get mad with me or anything but think about how many new fans you've attracted to the fanmily. Social networking is good for all of us. I guess I dont' agree with you and I hope that doesn't make you mad and I hope you won't stop writing and sharing with us. I love your writing and I think it's good to spread the TP spirit around. You have that spirit. TP is your soul. No one writes these characters as well as you do Mirage.
Author's Response:
Hello, Jarod (No, this isn't weird at all). I'm not angry with you, or with anyone else. I simply- well, it's complicated. I don't agree you with you either, but I suppose I'll live. Thanks for the sweet words. I'm afraid the Muses won't let me stop writing. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Jarod Anonymous [Report This]Date: 19/08/15 11:21 pm
There are non P-J shippers? :) She IS to good for him but she is too good for Xander as well. Anyone really. I can understand your aversion to social media but surely we can wax poetic about you on THIS site!?
I've said it before but I'll say it again: YOU are the only reason I come on this site and I believe you are the BEST writer of Pretender fan fiction that there is, has been or will be. I would rather read ANYTHING you write then ANYTHING by ANYONE else. And at this point that includes Craig and Steven.
It's the way you flesh out all your characters bringing them to life and making me remember how much I loved the show. Not to mention your wit ('certainly within a years time, sometime before our daughter marries'). It's why I read and enjoy each one of your stories!
Author's Response:
Haha. I'm sure that 'non P-J shippers' are entirely mythical. Indeed, Parker is too good for Jarod, and absolutely too good for Xander. I agree with you. Oh, thank you for understanding, Twisted. No one else seems to understand; yes, of course, I'm completely comfortable here at missing pieces in regards to discussions/comments/reviews. I can't control what people do with my fics, ultimately. That's scary. *speechless* I don't know how to respond to that. I thank you for your sweet words. I hope you do enjoy the fics. I certainly enjoy the reviews. Thank you for reading for reviewing, Twisted.
Reviewer: twisted Anonymous [Report This]Date: 19/08/15 05:32 am
Wow. The detail you write with, the picture you draw with words...Mirage I am amazed. That Jarod was the one who deemed Parker's "simulation" a failure is just so monstrous of the Centre but their lives and secrets are always tied to each other's and it just makes perfect sense. That Mr. Parker tossed his daughter to the wolves in such a simulation also is so fitting. Anything to get ahead, to have power. He's the man who had Brigitte impregnated with ...according to you and I believe it... Jarod and Parker's combined DNA to create little baby Parker..and then he plotted to have his daughter kill Brigitte but Brigitte died during childbirth. I think Mr. Parker would do anything short of killing Parker to be the Centre's top dog...tossing a bone.. his own daughter is the bone. It makes so much sense. You always kill me with those brilliant endings...she can't be human but Jarod doesn't seem to care about that..and even if she is a clone she is human. I'm glad Parker and Sydney worked things out. I would miss their heart to hearts from the tv show but I don't have to because you always supply that and I like that Parker is warming to Jarod's mother. Julian concerns me. Him being younger Jarod and he obviously has a crush on Parker. I want to see Jarod and Parker end up together. I'm just putting that out there for you. Thanks for writing as always. You do it so wonderfully Mirage.
Author's Response:
Hello, Melinda, and thank you for reading and reviewing. I know! I was rather displeased that the Muses demanded it be Jarod to deem Parker a failure. I don't like him in control, pulling stings, manipulating. I can't defy the Muses. I suppose you are correct, and it does make sense and still, I am not pleased. And Jarod won't be either when and/or if he discovers his role in the whole sordid mess. Julian concerns me as well. He looks exactly like Jarod. God knows that one Jarod is more than enough haha. The Muses will consider your desires. Thanks again.
Reviewer: Melinda Signed [Report This]Date: 19/08/15 02:53 am
So...someone else mentioned the title but forgot that no strings also could be how Cate doesn't have ties to trauma, isn't tied up or imprisoned by past trauma. I love all the ways you string things together and no other author does it as well. As a die hard Jarod/Parker shipper, you make my heart thump a little faster. I read your stories for the quality of writing, entertainment and plausibilty and I try no to expect romance or Jarod/Parker smut... ohhhhhh but Mirage when you dazzle me with precious moments between Jarod and Parker it is so special. You aren't a Jarod/Parker shipper but you are still my favorite Jarod/Parker shipper author...if that makes sense. You should be writing the Pretender novels. I won't buy them until you are writing them. Please don't make us wait to long for more.
Author's Response:
Hi, Christoph. True. You're right about the title, I suppose. I love it when others draw their own conclusions/interpretations. I have no opinion of it; I just write and try not to think about it too much. Well, that's truly sweet. I never intended to sail the NS Parker-Jarod, or any other ship. I prefer the SS Parker-Thomas, however- I don't know. Shipping always has to involve sex for some reason, and I'm a bit inept and always feel that I fall short in sex/smut writing. All that practice has yet to make perfect. Ah, well. No. I won't make you wait too long. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Christoph Signed [Report This]Date: 18/08/15 10:13 pm
I love the update and your chapter titles are always most fitting Mirage. No strings. No real attachments. No promises. It looks like Miss Parker isn't tied (by strings) to Xander and then Jarod...oh my dear lord. He's on his best behavior and so charming. He did a perfect thing by saying "no strings" to her. The candy was in no way a plot or quid pro quo I give you candy and you spill your guts for me. She usually has to give up something to get something with him... during the television series. This was so sweet...but you can get away with this and not many authors can. It wasn't syrupy so don't worry but it was really beautiful to see Jarod so well behaved and so tender with her. More of this please.
Author's Response:
Thank you, Chloe. You know, it seems that Jarod is truly on his best behavior (no one is more appalled than I). More of this? I'll try. I have plenty of evilJarod unraveling in the other fic presently (an outlet for evilJarod's rage). The only monsters in this fic will be the ones haunting their minds, the past, the ones we can't kill, or avenge, the ones that we have to learn to live with
or die with.
Reviewer: Chloe Signed [Report This]Date: 18/08/15 05:27 am
Hey! Incredibly awesome update and wow that is one hell of a way to leave us hanging. The characterizations were accurate and the dialogue was beautiful. The story is seamless and timeless. MORE. I'm going so crazy to know what happens next. Please update soon.
Author's Response:
Thank you for reading and reviewing, Miss Shannon. I'm working on it right now.
Reviewer: Miss Shannon Anonymous [Report This]Date: 18/08/15 01:26 am
Ooooh! and Fata morgan....is a Mirage?! How cool!
Author's Response:
Correct. An unusual Mirage. Oo. Haha. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Leslie.
Reviewer: Leslie Signed [Report This]Date: 17/08/15 09:12 pm
loled at your chapter end note. You are brilliant. ok it's official Mirage. I love you! That was so tender and SHE made the move first! I love that! GOdd! You write THE best Jarod -Parker hookups and you aren't even a Jarod-Parker shipper! But I guess that makes sense. You don't like smut but you write THE best smut. You are easily the most versatile author. I'm trying to respect your wishes and not go on twitter but Mirage you need to be shared. You need to be writing the Pretender novels. It's not fair to you or to me that you aren't. I'm gonna share you because I love your work! I discovered you through facebook posts about your work and wasn't really a fan of The Pretender at the time and I still love that facebook user. This is personal so please understand. I can't stand to think that I might not have discovered you. Thanks for sharing with us!
Author's Response:
I'm not brilliant, but that's really sweet. Aw, and I love you too. She- well, she sort of made the first move. Someone had to make the first move. Oh. Not the smut. I like to "pretend" I didn't write smut. Or Circles of Hell. Or Forces of Nature. Or anything. I'm not going to comment about the novels or the creators or other authors. I think we should be positive and kind. Life is too short to waste on the negative. I get the gist of your review, I'm not angry if you share me. Thank you for reading and reviewing, Leslie.
Reviewer: Leslie Signed [Report This]Date: 17/08/15 09:09 pm
You are not inept Mirage and that's the first thing I wanted to say and I started this review before I read the chapter just to respond to the author chapter note you wrote.
Best lines in the world- "Subfusc and somewhat pretentious, the crumbling Gothic Revival number was the ultimate open-floor experience"
"Had there been any uncertainty—or vestiges of hope—remaining in Jarod's mind prior to the exclamation, Sydney had obliterated it with those few words."
"a trait that, in spite of her, himself, the Centre, and the insane world they occupied, he somehow found endearing, and not at all maddening, and he couldn't recall at what point, precisely, she'd become a dear friend and confidant, and not someone he had to exercise every ounce of restraint he owned to not strangle to death, and he couldn't reconcile that, couldn't reconcile this creature with the one he'd run from, and couldn't reconcile any incarnation of her with his childhood friend. And he couldn't help but to be afraid of it all, afraid of what it might mean to feel so much for her again."
"Some fools never learn, regardless of things such as mental acuity, IQ, common sense."
That last one seems to come from personal experience? I hope not? Love is a pain tho.
I love Jarod's explanation to Xander, "putting things in their proper context"...most excellent Mirage. I love love love how Jarod knows Parker so well. It kills me that she is in so much pain and won't turn to him. I know it hurts him too. They are both so d@$( stubborn. I know you will put them where they need to be and put her on the path to healing.
You are a rock star author!
I was crying about Sydney's experiences. They never really show the PTSD and issues that he, even if he IS a shrink, must struggle with and what a wonderful plot you wrote that includes how he was put into a position to feel like a prisoner of the camps again. There is nothing to improve on. I didn't even see any typos at all this time and wouldn't care if I did. Even published novels have those, so who cares about it? I love your writing. You are such an inspiration. Keep up the hard work. I know it's hard but you do it so well and it's special contribution to this fandom. Thank you Thank You Thank YOu Mirage!
Author's Response:
Thank you, Jarod (three words I don't type often). I'm still inept, just for the record. I easily have at least two hundred ideas for Sydney fics. There is much to explore. I'm glad you like this. Oh I have to disagree: there is plenty to improve on. There is always room for improvement. Writing is a practice and I shall continue to practice. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Ah, and no, that wasn't from personal experience, that line you inquired about. It was something the Muses thought up.
Reviewer: Jarod Anonymous [Report This]Date: 16/05/15 04:04 am
A jealous Jarod! I love his internal dialouge and that he could appreciate the other man's concern for Parker. You really capture every character exceptionally well Mirage and your original characters are always a nice fit too. More please?
Author's Response:
He's not isanely jealous. Insanely jealous is bad. Jarod is only midlly irritated-jealous. More is on the way. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Con-O.
Reviewer: Con-O Signed [Report This]Date: 15/05/15 10:27 pm
I love your wit, your professionalism, and the fact that you write multiple epic works all at the same time. You must be pretender? A genius! You skillfully interweave entertainment, action humor, and a profound, original plot, with unpredictable turns and intrigue. Your sharp turns keep me on the edge of my seat. One other thing I love about a Mirage story is the well chosen dialogue! I can't believe that you are not writing the Pretender novels. You would be my first pick for what's it worth. Please continue..
Author's Response:
Thank you, Contessa. I'm not a genius- this is for certain. I think we all pretend, however, and choose masks according to specific peers/situations. Thank you, and aw, thank you. I will continue.
Reviewer: Contessa Signed [Report This]Date: 14/05/15 02:34 am
I love your inclusion of Sydney and Broots and... all the characters really! I'm reading my way thru your fics and I've never been more impressed with a story, and never have I been impressed with fanfic and I've read them all. Your stories could be post-isle continuations easily and would fit with the show dynamic. You capture the characters' essence like no other. The dialogue is plausible, sometimes big words, but I don't mind learning new words. I don't know how you think up original plots in such an unoriginal fandom and when people have been writing fics for so long. You do it well! I always feel chills when I read you. You have the Pretender spirit! A perfect combination would be Mirage writing with the Steve and Craig team. You might do just fine without them tho if you get my meaning. Keep writing and I will keep reading.
Love Sophie. <3 :)
Author's Response:
Thank you, Sophie (beautiful name), for reading and for the lovely review.
Reviewer: Sophie Anonymous [Report This]Date: 13/05/15 04:34 am
**@*@*! Mirage! You gotta put Jarod and Miss Parker together! oh goddd! You are such an amazing author. The way he is with her....he's so tender. I wasn't sure you pull that off, or that you would even try. he's always so much like a rascal and jerk like he is in the show when you write him..in some of your fics. BUt I love this. More please. Side note...I'm holding out for a Mirage novel and saving all my money until it happens!!
Author's Response:
Aw, do I have to? I'm actually not amazing, but I do appreciate you for saying so. I know he's a jerk. He's a jerk when I watch my dvds too. "I know the truth about what makes you sad"- if that's not a jerk-ish thing to say I don't know what is. He was mean, he was sometimes cruel and I think he enjoyed himself. I wanted Parker to shoot him. You might be holding out for a Mirage pretender novel for an eternity- my response to your side note. Sorry. You can read Mirage fanfic, however, any time you want. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Sally Anonymous [Report This]Date: 11/05/15 09:12 pm
Awesome update Mirage as always. It's a shame you are writing the Pretender novels. steve and Craig's and our loss! Thanks for staying true. Much love.
Author's Response:
Thank you, Jules, for reading and reviewing. Much love right back to you.
Reviewer: Jules Anonymous [Report This]Date: 10/05/15 03:39 am
Mirage, Mirage, Mirage. Each time I think I'm finished with this fandom, you yank me back. You have your hooks in me deeply. I believe Jarod and Parker are growing closer, and I love that she couldn't walk away from him when he found her with the punching bag. One part of me wants her to tell him everything. The other part understands why no one would want to have that conversation with anyone and especially a man. I hope you will post more soon.
Author's Response:
Hi, Imogen. I think they have grown close enough now that it would be difficult to walk away from him. I can understand not wanting to have that conversation with anyone, and especially him- although he knows all about that sort of thing and has had the conversation a time or two (or three) with other women. It's a bit complicated. I'm sure I'll make it more complicated before I'm done. Ha. The ugly truth always outs itself eventually, however (I'll put that off for as long as I can). I will post more as soon as I can. Thank you for reading and reviewing, Imogen.
Reviewer: Imogen Anonymous [Report This]Date: 07/05/15 11:40 pm
I'm still reading but I have been away. I love this series so much. Each chapter is so lovely and is plausible. You muse is on a roll. I can't wait to read your other fics. How you write one amazing fic is beyond me, but to write so many and write them at once. You are a genius. post more soon. I'm dying to know how it continues.
Author's Response:
Thank you for reading and reviewing, JarodadnParker4ever. You're not really dying, I hope. I'm glad you like the fic.
Reviewer: JarodandParker4ever Anonymous [Report This]Date: 07/05/15 09:06 pm
You fics KICK ass I meant. OH gawdddd. lol! I suck.
Author's Response:
No, no, I think you had it right the first time. Haha. You don't suck. No worries, Dark one.
Reviewer: TheDarkAngel Signed [Report This]Date: 06/05/15 07:52 pm
I fucking love this! Your fics kiss ass. Miss Parker is always kick ass even if sometimes vulnerable! You are Queen of this fandom Mirage and the only reason I still call myself a Pretender fan. I'm a Mirage fan now! I don't care who is awarded/chosen by steve and Craig to write the Pretender novels. I won't buy any of those novels! You are the best Pretender author...I'd go all the way here and say you are probs my favorite author of all time!! Don't leave me hanging too long for more.
Author's Response:
Thank you, Dark one. I'm going to cherry pick your review, and that doesn't leave much to respond to. I'll try not to leave you hanging too long. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: TheDarkAngel Signed [Report This]Date: 06/05/15 07:52 pm
You always leave us wanting more and more Mirage. Update soon!
Author's Response:
Thank you for reading and reviewing, Rachel. I will update as soon as I can.
Reviewer: rachel Anonymous [Report This]Date: 05/05/15 11:43 pm
Please don't ever stop writing. Oh, I wish you were writing the Pretender novels. But you will always be THE official Pretender writer and always canon to me! And a whole bunch of other people too!! :) ;)
Author's Response:
Hi, Jamie. I can't stop writing. Aw. But I'm not. I'm not.
Okay then. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Jamie Anonymous [Report This]Date: 05/05/15 06:58 pm
Mirage! Do you want to contact Steve and Craig for you to beg on your behalf? I will do it. I'd buy the novels if they were as well written as your fiction. <3 I love this. Please keep sharing your genius talent with us.
Author's Response:
NO! No, Christoph, I don't want you to contact anyone on my behalf. I appreciate the offer. I'm sure you mean well. I'm glad you like this and I will continue to write. If I can. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Reviewer: Christoph Signed [Report This]Date: 04/05/15 01:15 am
Still a pretty boy...
Ah, Mirage I do so love your keen wit and prose. Please don't ever stop writing! I would rather read your stories then most published authors. And that includes Craig and Steven.
I marvel at your ability to juggle several stories at once. If I'm not mistaken half the 'recently added"stories on here are by you.
Jarod jealous... who knew! :). Xander seems like a decent guy (for a pretty boy). Parker could (and has) do worse. But I'm hoping they end up together.
Thanks as always for sharing your imagination with us!
Author's Response:
Haha, thank you, Twisted, for reading and reviewing. Oh, I can't comment about that, however, I consider it a huge compliement. Now: which two do you "hope end up together"? Parker and Xander or Parker and Jarod? I hope the Muses won't disappoint you. Thanks again.
Reviewer: twisted Anonymous [Report This]Date: 04/05/15 01:13 am
Exquisite Mirage. I never believed that you hated Jarod, but it was sweet of you to clarify that. Clever writing. Top notch and perfect characterizations. I hope she will confide in Jarod. In your own time. :)
Author's Response:
Thank you, Michael, for reading and reviewing. No, I don't hate Jarod. He is sometimes cruel, manipulative, infuriating, but I don't hate him. I don't hate anyone. I'm not sure if she will confide in Jarod. We shall see.
Reviewer: Michael Anonymous [Report This]Date: 03/05/15 01:51 am
