Rather than answer specific posts, which would take too long, (even for me) but having read all of the foregoing, I will give the following comments. First, let me say that I don't believe an author needs to experience something in order to write a work of fiction which includes those particular subjects. [Method acting is great but great actors don't all follow the method]. If it was the case, Frankenstein, Dracula & King Kong, to name just three classic tales, would never have been set down in print, before becoming long-running film franchises. I do, however, believe that some knowledge &/or research can make fiction more involving. [Charles Dicken's characters & events were all grounded in reality]. L&P can, at times, write really well, IMO & the length of this thread is a testament to that effect. [He can also write badly but can't we all?]. It's obvious that he does conduct some research.
There are two key elements pertinent to AWAM, however, which could stand some re-examination, IMO. Both concern the projection of a veneer of realism. There's the issue of middle-age &/or it's rapid onset. I understand the Dev to be in his mid-30s, so he can't possibly have direct experience of what this is like & being a man, well you can guess the rest. My point is simply to wonder if any research has been done. Now, of course, every person, middle-aged, or not, is different but I still sometimes find it hard to accept that when Sophia acts, or reacts to various things in AWAM, that we are dealing with a mature mother & highly intelligent career woman of 38.
Secondly, there's the circumstances regarding what it takes for a person in a long-term relationship to have a one-night-stand, or conduct a long-term, extra-curricular love affair. We've had information that something wild for PD19 is planned, so what I'm about to say could be wrong. (I hope it is). Most individuals, unless they're specifically attempting to have "a dirty weekend," don't set out one day, thinking that they'll meet someone with whom they'll have a sexual relationship outside of their current living arrangements. They don't interact with someone, over a period of time, in a manner so sexually charged that they build up 'filthy points'. Even if something happens with a person they've known a long time, when it happens it will not be planned. People having an affair are usually acting outside of their normal patterns of behaviour. They are taking decisions about stuff they would not usually consider.
Sophia needs to act out of character, as would be the case in RL. Sex with someone other than Liam, by this token, could have already happened. Some affairs may well have a slow build up but I contend that they more usually resemble an onrushing express train. There's not so much time for the inner thought process, or lip-biting & there's no room at all for cock-blockers of any description. Emotions & thoughts involve guilt, lots of it, confusion, worry & guilt & wondering what happens next. Some of this could speed up AWAM overnight. Whether or not some fans would find it all a bit of an anti-climax, is surely not the issue. That's going to happen whatever occurs. Time to get a move on....?
