Prelude to Remembrance

 

---

 

 

 

 

Written by:	Tony Vahl
Edited by:	Tony Vahl
Date:
Full Story Available:	The Velvet Mask

Plot

 

Prelude to Remembrance is the Dream Seeker's origin story -- how Dace Senoit discovered his ability to help others remember a dream that will change their lives for the better.  It's also a coming-of-age story.

 

The first time he discovers his ability is during a conversation with his best friend, Freddie McGee, during lunch break at High School.  From there, a powerful Icon known as the Realtor tries to recruit Dace for his organization.  In his first real test, Dace turns down the request, deciding to figure out on his own how best to use his newfound abilities.

 

Along the way, Dace meets Edith, who will offer sage advice to him on the nature of Icons and reality ... and Alyson asks him to the Prom after he accidently helps her remember a dream involving her grandmother.

 

 

Creators' Comments

 

TONY SAYS:

 

"Originally, I was aiming to do a novella that could be submitted to agents and publishers for the young adult fiction market.  I was inspired by the Star Wars novellas involving the young Anakin and his mentor, Obi-Wan.

 

Of all the stories I've written for the DSU, this is the one I've been most uncomfortable with.  It's so different from the other stories -- it sets up what's to come, and gives some background for the main character.  However, there's very little action.  It's more of a coming-of-age tale.

 

I also wanted to explore some of the awkwardness that I went through as a teenager.  I find that I didn't relate to a lot of teen shows and books growing up.  About the only book I did relate to was Catcher in the Rye, and that was a lot darker than my experiences.  I believe many people will see a little bit of themselves in the decisions Dace made, the fears he overcame, as well as the actions of Alyson and Freddie.

 

And, of course, let's not forget the Realtor.  He represents the 'it's too good to be true' offer that we get bombarded with on a daily basis, via advertising, word of mouth, and other means.  He offers Dace something he's always wanted -- a chance to know his father better.  It was the hardest thing in the world to turn that down, but Dace understood that there had to be catch.  The deal had hidden strings attached.  Nothing is given to you without earning it -- and Dace realized he could still know his father without potentially selling his soul to the Realtor."

 

DAMIAN SAYS:

 

"Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the story that garners the most criticism from readers, who site the long and ponderous dialogue to be immature, unrealistic, and the characters to be cardboard superheroes. What these critics fail to realize is that Tony wrote this origin story from the point of view as a teenager, who have a very simplistic view of the world, even though their angst makes the world seem so complicated. Most readers are used to have the first chapter in a book be very action-orientated, like Hollywood movies. It seems as if readers just don't get it, and tend to judge the entire Dream Seeker Universe based on the opening story which is set when all the characters are younger and stupider; many readers simply don't have the patience to continue on, and believe that the DSU is about stiff, gullible characters with over-the-top Stan Leesque dialogue. Looking back, we probably shouldn't have lead off with the story from the sales standpoint, but Tony and I did so for a few reasons- 1) We wanted to show Dace at his infancy, and his origin; 2) Tony had improved as a writer with each story he wrote, so he probably wouldn't want to put his "worst" one later on in the book, i.e. he wanted to show how the quality of his work improved with each story. I just think it's a crying shame that readers think the teenage awkwardness and melodramatic dialogue is an example of poor writing; the truth is that Tony is so good, even in his "worst" story, that the simplest DSU story is still over the readers' heads!"

 

 

Memorable Quotes

 

"Wow.  That's weird.  You just reminded me of a dream."- Freddie McGee

 

"Manipulate?  Ha!  I don't know the meaning of the word!"- The Realtor

 

"'Goodbye, World.'"- Dace Senoit, quoting from Freddie's dream

 

"Tell me, Dace -- do you ever dream?" - Edith

 

 

Character Appearances

 

Dace Senoit

Freddie McGee (first)

Alyson (first)

Eloise McGee(first)

Principal Kaufman (first)

Gail (first)

Edith (first)

The Realtor

Agent 81 (first)

Jerry (first)

Vanessa (first)

 

Trivia

 

Tony moved to Florida when he was 16 years old, and attended Plantation H.S. during his Senior year.

 

The condo complex Dace lives in is loosely based on a complex where Damian Hospital's mother and grandmother live.

 

The neighborhood where Freddie lived in is an area where the author resided when he first moved to Florida.

 

Freddie McGee's experience with his teeth is semi-autobiographical for the author -- he, too, freaked out when he discovered his gums were receding during high school.  The author also cut classes for two months his Junior year of High School, much to the chagrin of his parents!