Jude, I think you're right; writing outside one's comfort zone is bound to bring something good -- not necessarily a good story, but certainly that great feeling of achievement and confidence once the story is finished. I've been thinking how my stories are getting too repetitive to my liking, so maybe a challenge is just what I need. Since your and Giorgia's enthusiasm for FCG challenges is contagious and since the story I'm working on (the first one I'm going to finish before I post the first chapter) isn't going too well, maybe I'll give the next challenge a go.

Giorgia, thanks so much for the welcome! I'm always happy as a clam when I meet another Crossing Jordan fan. When it comes to CSI: Miami, you're just like my cousin. He does that (laughing, I mean, and -- in his case -- impersonating) all the time, which irritates his mom (another fan of Horatio ) to no end.