Welcome to the final episode of Jack & Tollers: Festival of Heroes! I hope you've enjoyed the adventure. It has certainly roamed far outside my normal style, and has become the quirkiest and weirdest story I've ever written. I don't think I've ever laughed so much while writing one of my stories, and I hope you laughed too!

Would you do me a favor and leave a review of Jack & Tollers when you've finished the story? Just click on the link at the end of this episode, and write a few sentences describing what you think about Jack & Tollers, what you liked most about it, and what would be better for the next story. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

This week, I'm doing something fun. When you get to the end of this episode... YOU get to suggest options for Jack to choose from, and I'll pick the one that I like the best. I know you're creative--so go ahead. Wow me!

Ever since Donkey-Hero tossed his long blond hair and started making jibes about the deficient physical appearance of the others in the Festival of Heroes, he's been the snooty background character that tweaks Jack's nerves. Now, he's about to be... Jack's partner in the Second Trial.

This week, Jack faces the third and final part of the First Trial. Should he attempt to rescue someone from the Sirens' island, or should he sail on by? When things go horribly wrong, will his wit be enough to save not only himself but his teammates?

If you're enjoying Jack and Tollers, spread the word! Find one or two friends who you think will enjoy a quirky adventure and let them know. It's fun, free, and fantasy, so why not?

Last week, Elizabeth asked: "What do you think of a dog showing up and Jack expects it to be able to herd the sheep, but the dog is definitely NOT of the sheepherding variety?"

I loved it! There were so many ways that I could take that idea (which most of the other voters seemed to like the best of the options) and it took a while for me to decide how, exactly, I wanted to implement it. I wanted to do something that no one had suggested or thought of yet (including me), but still keep the humorous undertone. And then I thought of...

​Well, you'll see.

Last week, the votes on Episode 2 (read it here) were pretty unanimous that Option 3 was the best choice. One commenter (MK) added this:

Right! So I decided to add MK's idea into this episode. Bear in mind that if you come up with awesome ideas, do feel free to share them with me. I can't have all the awesomeness, can I?

Welcome to Episode 2 of the interactive serial fantasy story, Jack & Tollers. If you missed Episode 1, don't worry! Read it here. Then vote on this episode's options. Voting for Episode 2 closes on Monday, June 20th, 2016, so I can write Episode 3.

Recap: Jack has chosen his supernatural ability (aka "skill") and none too soon, for the place where the ship is taking Jack offers a challenge that will test Jack's wit and abilities.

Warning: Don't read if you dislike puns, wordplay, and whimsical humor.

Welcome to my newest interactive serial story, Jack & Tollers. (Extra points if you know why I chose those names!) Read the episode, choose option 1, 2, or 3, and I'll write the next episode based on the most popular choice.

A summary of what you should expect with Jack & Tollers: 

Jack has volunteered to be the main character in the book of his best friend, Tollers. As Jack maneuvers his way through the unfamiliar world that Tollers has created, he must mollify the wrath of the Editor, survive plot holes, avoid cliches, and strive to reach the climax successfully. Even with Tollers' help, none of that is easy...

My favorite part of the testing scene in Men in Black (1997) is the moment when 2nd Lt. Jake Jenson looks at Jay like, "Take that, you moron." But you know that Jenson is the moron.

One memorable scene can make an entire story unforgettable. As a reader, you likely have a "memory bank" of such scenes, that moment when you realized that, just for that one scene and the emotional response it evoked, you will forever be a fan of the story.

So let's take a look at the test scene (the scene I call "the best of the best" for multiple reasons) and see what it does for the story.

When Speculative Faith held its annual winter short story contest recently, I decided to add my own entry to the array of imaginative and fascinating 250-word stories that the prompt engendered. I didn't get the majority of the votes, but I had a lot fun and, best of all, I got some useful feedback. Here is my story, here are the responses, and here is your chance to give me feedback too!