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Dear Dee,

I really love how you have strung this tale.  You developed the characters well and drew us right in.

It has now been three months since you left us with Darla being rescued from the car.  The potential directions this can go are just phenomenal.  Please let us know where you are taking us.  The suspence is killing me.  Do you want to be arrested for murder?

Soon, please.

Much love,

Diane

Dear Dee:
Your story is different from the original. But, you did state that in the  beginning.  While I may have liked to see "Darla" remain innocent in my mind, I certainly can separate the 2 stories.  Forget those that don't like the difference, perhaps they have their own ghosts they have to exorcise. Your story was well written. The plot stayed together. It was entertaining to read.  Somehow, these characteristics, to me, seem to put it in a good story category, versus a poor or bad category.  I personally would like to see some more stories from you.   Encouragingly, April

Months ago I found the first 15 chapters Of Texas Gal on the Fictionmania website I think. And what could I say about this story so far? Excellent and left me hungry for more.

And where was the rest of the story by C. Sprite? I couldn't find any reference to Texas Gal or C. Sprite.  And then Dallas Doll by Dee Eon was published. And I thought that it was pretty good also.
While still searching for more stories of Texas Gal, I decided to read the comments about Dallas Doll for some hints of what I could find about C. Sprite and Texas Gal.

BOY!!, was I embarrassed. C. Sprite was Crystal of Crystal's StorySite. But what was all the impassioned controversy about concerning Dee Eon's Dallas Doll?
So I downloaded chapters 16 through 35 and I read them ALL. And what can I say about this story?

I laughed, I cried, I smiled and giggled. I was morose, I was depressed, I was elated and enlightened. (Just some of my feelings.)
And how were you able to incorporate my life into your story?

By reading your story and the comments about it and Dallas Doll, I realized that I was not alone. People don't write these types of comments unless the story plucks and stirs the heart, mind and emotions of themselves. And I found I was one of them!!

I was the quiet one, the loner. The egghead and the rebel. The unnoticed one. And I found I was one of you!! I don't feel as alone anymore.

So where is the rest of Texas Gal?  We all need Darla Anne to continue her adventures. To be strong and determined. To be bold and daring. To be young and innocent. To be sweet and loving.

And now I know why there was such an impassioned controversy about how Dee Eon's Dallas Doll was treating our Darla Anne. Yes! Darla Anne is ours, and we are her in our core.

Now remember, Dee has permission to continue / expand Darla Anne's story.

I think that there are two reasons why people are upset.
One, the change of perspective. We now see Darla as others perceive her, not how or who she actually is.
Two, we will allow NO ONE to hurt Darla.

And Dee has said on numerous times that she would not hurt Darla. And I believe her. She loves her as much as we all do. We just have to give her a chance and see how the story develops and how Darla is treated.

So Crystal we need you to continue with Texas Gal and Darla Anne's remarkable life, who we all love and aspire to be.

And Dee, I for one will continue to look for and read about Darla.

Misty Dawn:

Sorry you disliked my story. You have your perference for the original Darla Anne and I honor that, however I highly disagree with your assertion that I portrayed Darla Anne as a "flamboyant egotist." How? Where?

Also, she was being to fetted to do a pageant, not model. Pageants are a rite for many Texas girls today and was even moreso back then. In her high society circles, Darla Anne would've likely eventually done at least one to charm grandma's memories in her older years.

Dee

Greetings

Some ask why I took the course I did with the take-off of TEXAS GAL.

Because it's different. Sweet and simple.

It's vital to set apart the differences of tones and themes between TEXAS GAL and DALLAS DOLL. While using the same characters, they are two different renderings from two different universes. I _can't_ emphasize this enough! The unwarranted criticism leveled against me accuses me of "kidnapping" and "stealing" TEXAS GAL constantly overlook this.

First off, I got permission to do a take-off. I did it because it was right and gracious. Everyone on the wild wild web knows fanfic stories and plots are regularly "borrowed" without ANY consulting with the original author. This shouldn't be news.

Secondly, there are lots of people who've somehow fixed it in their heads that DALLAS DOLL is an extension of TEXAS GAL. It is not!! I've never implied nor made such a claim yet people _still_  assume so! DALLAS DOLL is a parallel universe that branched off at TEXAS GAL Chapter 35! There's no tie or influence between the two series after that. You won't be missing anything from Crystal's universe! Nothing in her universe has been touched or besmirched! In fact, you don't have to read DALLAS DOLL at all! If you wish to "preserve" your TEXAS GAL image of Darla Anne, why would you??

Thirdly, I hear "You're disrespecting TEXAS GAL's theme!"
This is insulting to me. Who remembers when CASINO ROYALE came out in the movies? It was a "Bond" film, derived from an exciting Ian Fleming novel, but some big studio brain decided to make it "mod" and "camp." That idea alone was a mass letdown to true Bond fans, never mind it turned out a total farce. (Granted, after THUNDERBALL, the movies had virtually no semblance to the books). True Bond fans saw CASINO ROYALE as an absolute abomination of a Bond novel. DALLAS DOLL is _not_ TEXAS GAL's "CASINO ROYAL."

Fourth, "why 'rip' TEXAS GAL" anyway?"
I got permission -- and besides it's one excellent read with intriguing and daring TG characters. I can even commiserate with the jealous baddies. Like the LIVING DAYLIGHTS being a non-Ian Fleming Bond film, the premise was just too juicy to pass on to an "unknown" character. Now, admittedly, beyond a matter of style, one of my reasons for writing DALLAS DOLL beyond the excruciating wait for Chapter 36 was that TEXAS GAL (in my highest regarding deference to Crystal, own humble opinion) was ironically starting to "forget" Darla Anne's TG roots in an oddly becoming way. After Chapter 22 or so, except for clinical interludes, her TG fact was no longer a conscious issue for her. We could've been reading a fine novel about a business whiz-kid with no TG history at all (it could stand on its own just like that.) Now, I know there are those who say "Yea, that's the whole point! It's a story about a TG finally achieving the full role of genetic girl! Her male past's just God's mistake put behind her! It doesn't matter, like being "color blind!" Okay, that's well and good and very valid if you wish to go that route, but once you achieve "success", all her unique TG perspectives and cautions and idosyncracies disappear and we're just dealing with another genetic girl. As a sheltered rich girl free from threats to her true nature, I suppose it's possible for Darla Anne to "miss" and downplay her TG-hood as merely a 'birth defect,' but I decided on a different take; to rudely "remind" Darla Anne of her "TG-ness" in the most perilous and dangerous way.

Again, this is a matter of different creative styles and themes between the writers. My series always takes a back seat to anything mentioned or acted out on the original series. In other words, Crystal's Darla Anne and characters are always more authentic and "legit" than my rendering. Whatever fortunes or misfortunes Darla Anne experiences in TEXAS GAL is always disconnected and unrelated to her parallel universe self in DALLAS DOLL, which takes a what-if approach in the fortunes of Darla Anne Drake. Here, Darla Anne is vulnerable and fallible, her sheltered 'superior' intellect exposed and cut to size by jealous zealous foes. Is their method my sneaky may of 'tearing down an angel'? Hardly.

Steve Forbes and Ross Perot and Bloomberg and Princess Stefanie and Britney Spears will tell you the depths that media and competitors will repeatedly plunge to get the 'goods' to topple or embarrass them. In a way, Darla Anne has been getting off extremely light with only one relatively lame hick 'investigation' into her past. I assure you, that wouldn't be so in real life, especially what her net worth, notoriety, and the roster of ill will she's racked up getting there. In Darla Anne's era of Watergate, a plot against her and her fortune is credible.

Fifth; "Why are you doing what you're doing to Darla Anne?"
Again, this is "my" Darla Anne, not Crystal's Darla Anne. Accept that she has bitter enemies. We all know that if you've been reading TEXAS GAL. Some would probably murder her quietly if they could get away with it. You can't fight Darla Anne's acumen in the business arena; you have to undercut her by way of the sewer. At least my villains have ulterior motives. I dare say in the real world, had her bitter enemies lured her from the safety of her mansion, they would gang-humped the hell out of her then left her in the gutter. I could be that graphic -- and it wouldn't be out of character for some of her enemies. I'm not doing that.

Sixth; "you're 'dragging Darla Anne through the mud!" or "I'm distressed/dismayed/appalled that you're making a man move on Darla Anne!"
I'm bemused. Are critics missing the plot? The baddies are using "Mission Impossible" tactics to crash the Drake's party. There's no "kid glove" here. They are out for blood. I could've had them just put a contract out on Darla Anne's head, but's hardly profitable -- or males for a long series. Darla Anne has a target on her back -- and an overlooked Achilles Heel, so naturally they'd exploit it. How's Swainer supposed to rouse Darla Anne's deep interest and confidence -- by playing Monopoly? Would the Mission Impossible team?

Seven; "I don't care for the sex scenes/content."
Respectfully, but what "sex" scenes? The petting scenes I described could've been straight out of the 80's teen flicks broadcast on TV to millions of pre-teen kids.

Eight; "I don't like you making Darla Anne 'weak' over another man!"
You know, there's also another aspect here some won't admit; to them, Darla Anne is a nun. Unmoved by any sexual thoughts or impulses or the look of a ogling junior jock. She's frigid as an iceberg. So, is Darla Anne a true TG or just a brilliant boy in drag? I won't get into an argument or speculation of Darla's romantic life vis-a-vis TEXAS GAL; I will state that critics are grossly overlooking a critical fact in DALLAS DOLL; Darla Anne is _not_ 'naturally' falling into a crush; she's being manipulated by pros. Also, let me state that under the right 'inducements', almost any pubescent male -can- be seduced by a man. Those in NYC and LA who are keen of the ways of professional 'chicken hawks' are familiar with this. Darla Anne would by true-TG nature be even -more- susceptible to a suave hunk's overtures. I don't understand those who say she wouldn't be. Most TG teens aren't anywhere near as sexually aloof about their femininity as Darla Anne is, not even in 'strutting' it. I assume she's too busy slaying corporate dragons to bother.

Ninth; "You can't wait to set pristine Darla Anne up to get royally fucked, can't you?"
This is the zinger criticism. Can you respect Darla Anne the same way in the morning?  Now, I will do something most fiction writers won't do; spoil their reader's suspense by boxing themselves in. No, Darla Anne's not going to have sex or lose her virginity. That wasn't in the cards anyway, but stating that now removes a lot of the titillation that's kept many of you on. I've removed a peril of suspense. Are my detractors happy now?

I hope everyone enjoys the show.

Dee Eon

My dear Dee,

Dammit!  Darn it!  And a double Phooey!

If you are going to rip apart Darla, you could at least study her enough to know she is not the flamboyant egotist that you are describing her.  Ghad, Darla would laugh that joker right out of the story if he came on to her with such a proposition.  Darla is not a show off and would never agree to modeling!  I am very sorry, but I will return to the couch and wait for the Darla I know and love so well to return.

Misty Dawn ... misty@bonbon.org

> People are already assuming that the WORST will come to Darla Anne <
> and shutting the story out! Give it a chance! Don't bail out of a rough <
> ride! Yes, she's getting roughed up now, but don't don't let your fears <
> exaggerate it! <

I'm not scared of or fear any stories! People don't seeing heros abused that's all. Darla Anne's like a daughter and a model for us. You don't seem none too sensitive about that. You only seem to want to tear her down and other TG's too. We waited too damn long for a Darla Ann story to come but to have her very soul hijacked like this for some cheap thrills is wrong and insensitive. You want fair. I'll be fair. The writing's interesting if it was about some one else, not Darla Anne.  I'll give you >>some<< slack because < so far >  the sex you've laying on Darla Anne's is around like how Gina and Maria sisters and that boy did tying her up in the barn in chapter   . But if Darla Anne loses her virginity then you're out of here and Crystal should ban any story of hers from being hijacked and twisted around like this.

Greetings!

(why don't my positive e-mailers ever speak up?) I am not writing to piss people off. Please, I reinerate; this is a different spin of "Texas Gal."

First, it slipped by me to search/replace Darla Anne for Donna Anne proir uploading due several factors over here, but that said...

Were "Texas Gal" a TV show, it doubtlessly would've come to pass that a "return" round with those whom Darla Anne/Donna May's crossed will come to haunt her. Even good heroines get bumped around eventually. You can't name anyone, even Snow White, that hasn't. As one of you stated; 'Darla Anne's reaped nothing but kudos and rewards and riches so far; why not throw a few potholes on her highway to success?' Or put it this way; wouldn't you like to see those she put away come back to bite her -- or don't you like updated or sequel films?

People are already assuming that the WORST will come to Darla Anne and shutting the story out! Give it a chance! Don't bail out of a rough ride! Yes, she's getting roughed up now, but don't don't let your fears exaggerate it!

I haven't changed Darla Anne's character! Those accusing me of that please explain!!

The parasitic success thing; there are lots of stories begging to be "capped" or given new endings or alternative ones or spin offs. This is going to be the future of a lot of fiction; recycling old themes and stories with new faces like many computer game are. It's already happening with many cable movies. The last Bond film was never conceived by Ian Fleming, but the premise of the story was too juicy to have some other "Mr. Agent X" star in it -- and lots of people agreed. Put it this way; do you think it unfair and unworthy of her talents and wits to show Darla Anne's mettle tested in novel ways against truly formidable foes? Tell me!

I ask readers to please stay the course and ride this out. I am not abusing Crystal's character. Those who believe I am, then instead of being a hit-and-run critic, tell me _specifically_ what bites you! If it's lousy writing, tell me how in my face!  If I've smeared Darla Anne's name, tell me exactly how! I'll respectfully consider your words.

Darla Anne _will_ thriumph, I promise you. Just stay the course.

Hugs All,

Dee

I am sorry to have wasted my time on this story....I enjoy the story authored by Crystal.  I find this a farce at best, the character assasination is unacceptable.  I have never found the Character of Darla Anne be anything but a loving caring gal who might be smarter than the average bear, but she is always caring and thoughtful of others...even if she is "fictional".  I will label this story as a "fubar".....miltary saying...look up if needed....

I wish I had read your statement below sooner.  If the following is your philosophy, then I know that I will not be reading any of your stories in the future.

==============================
Lastly, and this might get me in trouble here, but it needs to be said; virtually no on-line fiction is "protected". Yes, it's intellectual property, but saying it's automatically "protected" just by existing doesn't make it so!  (please read last paragraph). I technically _didn't_ need Crystal's permission to do a take-off her story (or any one else's). I could even take it upon myself to say that I am formally resuming ("hijacking") someone's story on my own. What's an on-line author or fanzine writer going to do -- sue me? I'm not saying this with any glee; we all KNOW the reality. No, what I did was to first ask Crystal Sprite for her good graces and acknowledgment of my treatment and she graciously blessed it.  Starhawk did the same when he wrote the splendid and sensitive sequels to my LEFT FIELD (I don't know why he stopped writing!). It's all a courtesy thing, which is way better than a bitter malicious "he stole my idea!" ego thing. Look, had Starhawk went ahead and did a LEFT FIELD take-off without asking me, I wouldn't have thrown a tantrum. Sure, maybe written him to request my blessings, but get hot and bothered and try to "shut him down" if he refuses? Naw. That'd been pointless and futile. I mean is my story THAT super and priceless? Is Britney going be the lead when it's ripped and hits the big screen?? Com'on!... The future of on-line story sequels and continuations of abandoned tales is getting the blessings or acknowledgment of the original author to make it "legit" otherwise other unendorsed versions are just "pirates," like gypsy cabs in New York City. They and Yellow Cabs both get you to the same place, but you just feel better riding in a authorized one, right? If someone rips your story, just shrug or do them one better. Really, how much damage can an unauthorized take-off or sequel of a public domain story do? Will you lose your fans? I doubt it. (BTW, this is NOT the same as those who "create" web pages by directly ripping off other pages without any unique intellectual or creative input on their side. Such home page parasites like "TVTome" are true scum and ought be squashed, but I digress...) Blessing's a concept's just as good as a copyright in my book. Speaking of....  

I want to make this point as a manuscript writer on the side. The arguments on-line this and many chatrooms all over the web about fanzine or on-line literature "copyrights" is bogus. Totally, and utterly. Your work is NOT protected or sacred just because you say so or throw an ampersand on the tail of a title. If it's not registered with the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress, it's NOT copyrighted. Go to their web site or drop by the Writers Guild web site for a splash of cold water in the face about this. Case closed. That dumps 99.99997% of so called "copyrighted" freelance material on-line. I've always thought the pretense silly and utterly unnecessary to begin with. If your story is obviously mainstream and has a ghost of a chance of being published, then DON'T post it on-line! Copyright it for real and start peddling it to an agent! (and good expensive luck to you!)

Maybe Crystal was a little too quick to give permission to use the characters names from "Texas Gal" in this story.  The character Darla Anne in Dee's story is nothing like the character in "Texas Gal."  Therefore, why not just write your story with your own names for the characters.  There is nothing wrong with you having a character that is young and in control of some corporation and who just happens to be TG.  I feel that you were trying to capitalize off of the success of "Texas Gal" to get readers to read your story.  After part two, I am not sure if I will be reading any more parts.  

> However, I agree with lo. Just how did these felons get out of prison? There is a big void even
> before this chapter begins.
> Barabra Lynn Terry

Thanks for replying Barb!

As Dr. Perry cited in the first chapter, that explanation's forthcoming. Can't give everything away in the series debut! ;-)

XXX
Dee Eon

Greetings All!

A PUBLIC LETTER TO ALL TEXAS GAL FANS:

I am doing the finishing touches on DALLAS DOLL II, however,  ever since DALLAS DOLL was first posted I've been indulged with irate e-mail from TEXAS GAL fans citing me for abusing Darla Ann and "grave robbing" and even "stealing" the story from Crystal Sprite.

Firstly, the currently posted DALLAS DOLL is not the most recent corrected version, so you might wish to come back and check this out.

Secondly, Crystal Sprite graciously allowed me to use the character names of her story. Initially, DALLAS DOLL had completely different character names because I didn't want any author hassles or hassling from disillusioned TEXAS GAL fans. Crystal's premise and characters were so intriguing that I couldn't help but continue on her saga in a parallel universe.

DALLAS DOLL is _NOT_ intended or meant to replace nor usurp TEXAS GAL! It is its own parallel universe! I am not in 'competition' or rivalry with Crystal's unique hand! That's not to say it has no relationship with Crystal's fine story; it does share the same roots. My version just takes a left turn on the fork of fate at Chapter Thirty-Six, that's all. I don't know what Crystal has in mind for Darla Anne's future and I don't know how she'll treat Darla Anne in various situations, and I shouldn't try to second guess. DALLAS DOLL is for those curious to see their favorite heroine in a another stripe. It's called "diversity," something we can all be a little more tolerant about.

Thirdly; I was NOT out to trash or cut-up or sully or rout Darla Anne. There is no "R" rated or beyond version of any story with her in my head. That said, I DO want to take the liberty of being at least _slightly_ racy and titillating in my writing of the character and her universe. I think many of you would've enjoyed the trials and travails I had in store for Darla Anne. It won't be anything near as gross or crass as what kids see in the movies today. For you to understand where I'm coming from, remember all those romantic paperbacks with buccaneer and Victorian heroines in them? All the tough times and challenges those vestal heroines mug through while keeping their "honor"? That's the kind of mood of perils and plights that "my" Darla Anne's going to go through. If these books are mild enough for millions of housewives to read, then you'll like the DALLAS DOLL series.

Unfortunately too many just can't see this and have unwarranted fears that I'll somehow sully or besmirch Darla Anne's good name and character. Since I think that this is still not going to effectively sink into many heads, I've decided to re-do DALLAS DOLL in its initial incarnation; Darla Anne Drake will be "Donna May Swan" and so on. If you're a TEXAS GAL fan it will be relatively easy to shift your perspective and enjoy. If you don't want to see Darla Ann cloned in another universe then just pass DALLAS DOLL up. Simple.

Lastly, and this might get me in trouble here, but it needs to be said; virtually no on-line fiction is "protected". Yes, it's intellectual property, but saying it's automatically "protected" just by existing doesn't make it so!  (please read last paragraph). I technically _didn't_ need Crystal's permission to do a take-off her story (or any one else's). I could even take it upon myself to say that I am formally resuming ("hijacking") someone's story on my own. What's an on-line author or fanzine writer going to do -- sue me? I'm not saying this with any glee; we all KNOW the reality. No, what I did was to first ask Crystal Sprite for her good graces and acknowledgment of my treatment and she graciously blessed it.  Starhawk did the same when he wrote the splendid and sensitive sequels to my LEFT FIELD (I don't know why he stopped writing!). It's all a courtesy thing, which is way better than a bitter malicious "he stole my idea!" ego thing. Look, had Starhawk went ahead and did a LEFT FIELD take-off without asking me, I wouldn't have thrown a tantrum. Sure, maybe written him to request my blessings, but get hot and bothered and try to "shut him down" if he refuses? Naw. That'd been pointless and futile. I mean is my story THAT super and priceless? Is Britney going be the lead when it's ripped and hits the big screen?? Com'on!... The future of on-line story sequels and continuations of abandoned tales is getting the blessings or acknowledgment of the original author to make it "legit" otherwise other unendorsed versions are just "pirates," like gypsy cabs in New York City. They and Yellow Cabs both get you to the same place, but you just feel better riding in a authorized one, right? If someone rips your story, just shrug or do them one better. Really, how much damage can an unauthorized take-off or sequel of a public domain story do? Will you lose your fans? I doubt it. (BTW, this is NOT the same as those who "create" web pages by directly ripping off other pages without any unique intellectual or creative input on their side. Such home page parasites like "TVTome" are true scum and ought be squashed, but I digress...) Blessing's a concept's just as good as a copyright in my book. Speaking of....  

I want to make this point as a manuscript writer on the side. The arguments on-line this and many chatrooms all over the web about fanzine or on-line literature "copyrights" is bogus. Totally, and utterly. Your work is NOT protected or sacred just because you say so or throw an ampersand on the tail of a title. If it's not registered with the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress, it's NOT copyrighted. Go to their web site or drop by the Writers Guild web site for a splash of cold water in the face about this. Case closed. That dumps 99.99997% of so called "copyrighted" freelance material on-line. I've always thought the pretense silly and utterly unnecessary to begin with. If your story is obviously mainstream and has a ghost of a chance of being published, then DON'T post it on-line! Copyright it for real and start peddling it to an agent! (and good expensive luck to you!)

Since it'll be a cold day in hell when TG fan-fiction is regularly raided by movie moguls, you just as well content yourself writing to a more local and caring audience.

Hugs All,

Dee Eon

Dee, I agree with lo. Please do not abuse the integrity of Darla Anne Drake's character. Instead, let the tables be turned on these felonious conspirators. Being felons, no one will take their credibility serious. Make it so Darla Anne gets the upper hand on this would be Cassnova, who was hired to woo Darla Anne.

We have waited too long for a Darla Anne Drake story to surface.

However, I agree with lo. Just how did these felons get out of prison? There is a big void even before this chapter begins. I, like the rest of the readers of this story is an admirer of Darla Anne Drake's character. I, as well as the other readers, do not want to see it run through the mud and the muck.

Darla Anne Drake MUST FIND OUT that this Cassanova was hired to "sweep her off of her feet" in order to prove what?

Keep your chapters in the same manner as Crystal has, with Darla Anne getting the upper hand as she always has when she bought all those companies. '

Let this adventure be just like investigating a company for take over, and let Darla Anne prevail.

Barbara Lynn Terry

Dee Eon -

Interesting and unique variation on Crystal's flagship tale except for a few mistitled terms and misnamed characters from her original story, Texas Gal. Like Mabel and the paper company. You also left out about just how the evil guys got out of prison on major felonies. But the basic concept is intriguing and I look forward to the sequel so long as you don't abuse Darla Anne's character.

Io