You Turned the Page, Didn’t You?

Introduction

In the novel I’m writing, boundaries are porous.

The Reader is not a passive observer, but a participant. The story doesn’t merely unfold; it listens, responds, and questions its own existence. At key moments, I employ what I call Meetings of the Minds—conversations between characters, but also with the Reader, whose voice becomes entangled in the exchange.

What follows is one such excerpt. Afterward, instead of offering a traditional self-critique, I continue the dialog. The critique becomes part of the meeting, where voices blur and the Reader’s role is anything but passive.

Excerpt: Meeting of Minds

(Cassandra):

"Seems the three of us are here. Again."

(Stéphane):

"Yeah. It seems so. Will we finish it this time?"

(Cassandra):

"Come on. You know if I told you, you would not believe me anyway. Why don't you ask them instead?"

Silence.

(Stéphane):

"Because they never reply. They cannot." (sighs) "Or maybe we just can't hear them."

(Cassandra):

"Well, that's not the same, right? It's not because we don't hear them that they don't answer. What matters is that we ask. Why don't you try?"

...

Seconds passed. An uncomfortable absence of words.

(Stéphane):

"Ok... Let's try. Again. But you know I'm tired. If we do not finish it this time, I fear I'll never finish it... Sorry Cass', not functioning at my highest level these days."

(Cassandra):

"We’ve started so many times, Stéphane. And yet, for me, it always ends here... We don't have a choice. Without them we don't exist."

(Stéphane):

"All right, fine. Let’s just... address the elephant in the room, or wherever they’re sitting."

(takes a deep breath)

"Mademoiselle, monsieur? Non-binary entity? Machine learning algorithm or cosmic horror from beyond the veil... Whatever you are, YOU ARE. And you are reading those lines. So, from now on we'll call you 'Reader.' Do you copy?"

...

Silence.

(Your voice):

"Wait, did I just say 'silence'?"

...

“Echo. Am I reading my own thoughts? It’s my mental voice that speaks them. Wait! Let me reread this.”

You repeatedly read and said, savoring the sound of your voice. At some point another voice interrupted you—Stéphane, exulting:

(Stéphane):

"Wooooohooo! Finally! Who needs volition when we can put words in their mouths?!"

(Cassandra):

"Yes, Reader! Whatever is written here is pronounced in your mind. And some of the stuff you mentally say seems to be what we write."

(Stéphane):

"Quite the mind-fuck if you ask me... and you are just getting started. Want to try some more?"

(Your voice):

"Wait! It cannot be me speaking to them? Those are not my words... Not my ideas!"

(Cassandra):

"You will need some time. It's OK, don't overthink it. Eventually you will understand. We are glad to have you here with us, Reader!"

(Stéphane):

"Oh yes! This one will be a fun ride! Can't wait to explore yet another schizoid abyss together! Maybe you'll even dare to finish the book this time?! Will you?!"

(Cassandra):

"Stéphane... I'm so sorry for you. Please, don't blame it on them? We were all Reader once. You, me, everyone. It is not easy to become a Writer."

(Stéphane):

"You are right, Cass'… Sorry Reader. Welcome to our world. Pardon the crazy vibe. It's just that we need you... and sleep. Please stick with us."

(Your voice):

"What did I just read? Should I keep reading this?"

You ask yourself, carefully listening to the sound of this silent voice in your head. Hesitant, you turn another page.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Self-Critique (Continued Meeting of Minds)

(Cassandra):

"So, this is the part where we dissect ourselves, isn't it?"

(Stéphane):

"Seems appropriate. We’ve broken enough conventions already—might as well break the critique too."

(Cassandra):

"Let’s begin with structure. You insisted on labeling us: Reader, Cassandra, Stéphane. Clarity over chaos."

(Stéphane):

"Right. Give the Reader handrails. It feels safer—until we kick them away."

(Your My voice):

"Wait, so this is the critique now? Am I part of it too?"

(Cassandra):

"Of course. You’ve always been part of it. Noticed how we just made it more explicit in the label?"

(Stéphane):

"See, Reader, that was the gamble. Giving you actual lines. Letting you read yourself doubting, questioning. It’s invasive, isn’t it? Like we’re puppeteering your inner voice."

(Cassandra):

"Some might find it manipulative. Others might lean in."

(My voice):

"I’m not sure which I am yet."

(Stéphane):

"Exactly. That's the tension we wanted. Discomfort without pushing you away."

(My voice):

...

... ...

... ... ...

(Cassandra):

"And the silences—we left space for you there. Gaps you filled without realizing."

(Stéphane):

"But maybe we should have asked—"

(Cassandra):

"Should we have asked?"

...

(My voice):

"... Now you ask for my permission? I can always choose to stop."

...

(Stéphane):

"Look at that. They’re speaking. Thinking. Choosing. Which, frankly, is the scariest part. What if they decide to stop?"

(Cassandra):

"Or worse. What if they decide to write back?"

(My voice):

"Maybe I already am. I'll be judging you, remember?"

...

(Cassandra):

"So. Shall we stop here?"

(My voice):

"I’m still reading, aren’t I?"

(Stéphane):

"Seems we’ve already continued. Our ideas infected your mind..."

(My voice):

I...