Get There

[John Doe]

Hey guys. Welcome to this forum. Here you can talk about anything about my story Get There. We can have a discussion and yeah just basically talk and go over the topics, characters, and relationships in my story. Voice your opinion and we'll expand on them. Be constructive and be honest. Thanks guys. Oh and I got my first negative review and I am hoping to see why that reader thinks my story is manipulative. Anyone else feels so?

[Terry P]

I don't know what your critique said, or why he thinks your story is manipulative. Maybe some of the characters are though.

 

I do like the story. All of the characters are flawed in some way or another. Beau for example is being unnecessarily jealous of Kan and is really getting carried away with it. It is probably the reason why Kan has reacted to him the way he has. He has taken longer than necessary to tell Kan how he feels about him and that is costing him dearly. I'm starting to like James more - although I don't want him and Kan to get together - just become good friends. When (I I don't say if) Kan admits how he feels about Beau and they do become a couple it would be good if James could be friends with them.

 

Kan is dealing with a lot of emotions right now. Having never dealt with his mother's death and his conflicting feelings about how is father is dealing with his own loss, along with his conflictions about his sexuality - and the added diabetes issue are a lot for anybody to keep to them selves, let alone a young person like Kan. I think if he was to open up to Beau and let him it would help him a lot.

 

I look forward to further chapters. - and Thanks.

[John Doe]

It's good to hear that what I am trying to get aross is there. I was worried. As to the comment. I'm not sure the reader felt that way, but I am sure there is a reason. He hasn't reached me about it and he'll probabaly (if he didn't already) stopped reading the story. Kan does have a lot on his plate. Because of that that's why he isn't as kind to Beau as he should be. I know if I was in that situation I would be Kan. It's selfish. Yeah but when you are in the dump like that it happens. Plus I also beleive a part of you don't realize that you are acting selfish in some ways. Then culturally, dealing with personal problems are personal. It's rude to let others hear about your issues because you're imposing your life, feelings, emotions, etc on others which is then making their burden heavier (why suicide is high in Asia, like Japan). That's also an important detail that I haven't let shown upon in the story yet.

 

Feel free to join in anytime guys. State what you will. Ask about what other post, including me, or even challenge them. Make your own assesments and put it on the forum. Let us know. Let's talk about things.

 

 

[Conner]

Excellent drama in chapter 11. I'm specifically refering to the barn party. That was just something else. It was just missing a good cat fight.

 

You definitely capture teenage angst very realistically.

 

I was so disappointed with Kan's reaction when Beau finally told him of his feelings. I wonder how long Kan's going to keep this up - the backpedalling.

 

James is an interesting character. He can be persistent. :2hands:

 

I'm not always sure when Kan's ethnicity is affecting his behaviour or judgement - like his strong need for privacy. Obviously his mother's death and his father's behaviour since then come into play as well.

 

Looking forward to future chapters.

[John Doe]

 

I'm not always sure when Kan's ethnicity is affecting his behaviour or judgement - like his strong need for privacy. Obviously his mother's death and his father's behaviour since then come into play as well.

 

Looking forward to future chapters.

 

 

Kan is many ways like me. I have a very strong need for privacy and though my friends opinions differ as to why I have that strong need I believe it is partially due to my cultural background. We don't involve others in our personal turmoils. It's not polite for someone to carry your burden and in a way if you tell others about your troubles you are in a sense giving them a part to carry (as they may have concerns for you). Though I believe Kan attitude does concern a bit of that, he has a lot to deal with and has been dealing with them by himself at a young age, it in a sense for him it's normal. Of course that's what I think. Who knows? As I am 5 or 6 chapters form the end we will find out when the times comes, or make our own opinions. The characters are writing their own story not me.

[Former Member]

Howdy,

 

 

I love this story so much and have been following it avidly. I do have some understanding of those who want Kan to quit being so HARSH and OBTUSE but I guess that's life.

 

I love Beau now more than Kan (whom I considered my favorite originally). It is clear that Kans need for secrecy (just as much as privacy) is overcoming his natural ethnic trait of politeness to the point where he is marginalizing himself from the one who loves him best (and also from some of the readers by the looks of it)

 

I don't know if redemption will be a theme of this story's latter stages but if so I hope it occurrs before perceptions of Kan become unsalvagable.

 

 

My kindest regards~

 

 

Joey~

[John Doe]

 

I love this story so much and have been following it avidly. I do have some understanding of those who want Kan to quit being so HARSH and OBTUSE but I guess that's life...but if so I hope it occurrs before perceptions of Kan become unsalvagable.

 

 

 

This story is a coming of age story and so I'll let you take that as you will. But I do hope people do get a sense of understanding. The fact is, it IS life. Someone's life. The position Kan finds himself, many people I know have been in. And for Kan and those people I know, to make a seemingly simple decision has either torn the person apart (ie family shunned them, ignoring them completely... or worst) or they find that they have understanding people in their lives. I'm in that position and I have not made that choice that Kan faces. I guess what I am trying to say is... it's easy for someone to read or watch someone in Kan's position and get irratated or angry or annoyed but place yourself in his position and try to imagine what he's going through. He doesn't know how'll people will react and he has to decide whether or not to take that chance. It's a big decision because it's going to change his life drastically and when a decision that's seems small can cause such a huge wave in one's life, it's not an easy decision to make. That is what I'm trying to portray and if it annoys you then great, that's the story's job, but if you stop reading the story then I can only ask that you pick it back up and read (if you liked it to begin with) because like Joey said it's life and a life cannot be taken for granted.

[Young Sage]

I originally read this story on Nifty and was surprised to see it here. Then again, I'm new here so every story I see on here that I've read before is a surprise to me. I like how complex the story is without feeling the need to compromise it with obligatory sex scenes in every chapter (Nifty has ruined me). The characters feel real; they're flawed. Decisions vary in intensity depending on the person making them. I can see how people might be upset with Kan's behavior as of late, but they also need to realize that just because the main character is the main character, doesn't mean that they also have to be a model citizen with no flaws or negative aspects to them whatsoever. I feared for my own main character when I purposely made him "less than desirable." People saw themselves in him, so it turned out alright, I guess. But back to the topic, yeah, I think this story is awesome and you should totally continue with it. Kan/Beau for the win, man!

[John Doe]

I originally read this story on Nifty and was surprised to see it here. Then again, I'm new here so every story I see on here that I've read before is a surprise to me. I like how complex the story is without feeling the need to compromise it with obligatory sex scenes in every chapter (Nifty has ruined me). The characters feel real; they're flawed. Decisions vary in intensity depending on the person making them. I can see how people might be upset with Kan's behavior as of late, but they also need to realize that just because the main character is the main character, doesn't mean that they also have to be a model citizen with no flaws or negative aspects to them whatsoever. I feared for my own main character when I purposely made him "less than desirable." People saw themselves in him, so it turned out alright, I guess. But back to the topic, yeah, I think this story is awesome and you should totally continue with it. Kan/Beau for the win, man!

 

Yes! Someone (though I know there are others, probs most of my voiceless readers who can't type but can seem to be able to read and navigate the net.... ) understands. Or least is saying something. I like stories where it is hard to like the main character but you stick it out to learn something in the end. Whether it be a understanding from the main character or the consqeunce of the character's actions. Now I won't comment how the story ends but that's my frame of thought behind stories like these.

[John Doe]

Okay so Nephy made a comment that I feel like I have to address here. I know she was speaking relatively and I know she's not taking the subject lightly. It's depressing for those so many in Kan's shoes as I am still in his shoes. Love vs. Honor and respect. As a American and an American with an Asian cultural background (first generation born in the US) I know the issue well. When it comes to the two love is most always rated second and the others come first. What are your thoughts on this subject? Anyone wanna share their experience? Or your opinions? I did make a reply to Nephy's comment and you guys can read the comment here. Read the two comments (and the others if you like ) and bring your thoughts here. What say you?

[doesnt know jack]

Okay so Nephy made a comment that I feel like I have to address here. I know she was speaking relatively and I know she's not taking the subject lightly. It's depressing for those so many in Kan's shoes as I am still in his shoes. Love vs. Honor and respect. As a American and an American with an Asian cultural background (first generation born in the US) I know the issue well. When it comes to the two love is most always rated second and the others come first. What are your thoughts on this subject? Anyone wanna share their experience? Or your opinions? I did make a reply to Nephy's comment and you guys can read the comment here. Read the two comments (and the others if you like ) and bring your thoughts here. What say you?

 

Okay, so I'd thought I'd chime in. Should I do the whole intro thing...reading for awhile, really like the story, yada-yada-yada...or should I just jump in? Yeah, I think I'll just jump in.....

 

Before I do say anything though, I feel that I should say I have absolutely no direct experience whatsoever about what it is I'm actually going to be commenting on. I'm not Asian, my family (including friends-yes that reference is significant) have always been accepting of whatever I do, and I've never been in-or even close to-in an intimate, romantic relationship. I'll be the first to admit that what I'm about to say mostly comes from my academic escapades in mental masturbation and sitting quietly on the sidelines than anything else.

 

That said, the subject of "love" is something that I've grown quite passionate about-more specifically, how people "love." Perhaps one of the big issues here (maybe why people here are being so hard on Kan???) is that the US definition of love, and the rest of the world's definition of love are so different. We have this image that "love conquers all"- but what kind of love are we talking about? Honestly, when we look at it, more often than not, it's a very small, very perverted kind of love-it's the kind that always needs to be reassured, the kind that is defined and boxed in and ignores any other possibility of definition. It's a kind that static and doesn't bend-the kind that causes someone to wake up next to their partner of thirty years and make that absurd statement, "You're not the person I fell in love with."

 

And I'm not saying that in this culture there is only that type of love, I'm just saying that of the infinate expressions and possiblities of love, the above is one model that is prevelant. In other words, just as Kan comes from a culture where honor, respect and tradition mean everything, so, too does he live in a country where love is seen as this static force that doesn't allow for the expression of anything else (family love, tradition love, for instance). What about a version of love that turns things around, that is built upon knowing, and being, where love is a verb instead of a noun, changing always. Where every moment is new and fresh and the possibilities are endless. Where I can love you without needed for you to love me back, where I can love you because of who you are and where you come from, not in spite of it. Where the importance of love doesn't have to be in tandem with that of breathing, but instead can be a compliment to living.

 

Sorry, got a little off topic there....back to point: I thought Kan made himself very clear on where he stands, the problem is, as I think was covered nicely in the story, Beau can't relate. In this culture, LOVE is put above all else. (And, if you ask me, it's a slightly skewed version of what that term could potentially encompass.) How could he possibly understand the implications of what Kan is going through if all he's ever seen/been told is that if you only have love than you have everything. The rest of the world just doesn't operate like that-nor do I think it should, quite frankly. Nothing is guaranteed, nothing is forever, least of all romantic "love" - at least the way it's seen in this culture, the "I-love-you-if-you-love-me-together-forever." But if you think about it, things like tradition and family, albeit subject to the same laws of change, at least hold the illusion of being there always; especially if you come from a background where the above kind of love really doesn't exist (or, if it does, it plays a secondary role). (And that's to use an example that is shallow at best.) The implications of family and tradition run so much deeper than that.

 

Kan has much more to loose, so much more at stake than I think Beau (or any of us who've grown up with images of prince charmings and happily ever after burned into our subconsciousness) could ever understand. Even if Beau was in a situation where his family disowned him, it wouldn't cup as deeply as Kan's loss. Yes, I understand what I'm implying (and I don't want to be little that experience for everyone), but there's a difference between loosing family and loosing family. Again it really comes down to a difference in definition and where the value is placed. I don't think any of us have to look very far to see that, at least in the US, honor and respect is way low on the totem pole-forget coming in second-especially when it comes to family. (Take this rant for example, how many paragraphs have I spent on the subject of "love"? Just sayn' is all...) Here our families are created and extended out and blood holds little meaning any more. I don't really think we get what it means to have "family" threatened-how can we?

 

So I just took a breath and realized that I've rambled (or rather regurgitated) on for quite awhile. I'm really not even sure if any of this makes any sense. I think the bottom line of what I'm trying to say is that what Kan's doing with Beau isn't personal, it isn't giving false hope, it isn't stringing along-how can it be? And I've think you've conveyed that beautifully and even, dare I go there, tragically. There are a lot of things that are depressing in this world-one of the forefront in my opinion is the inability to see out of any other lens than the one's you've been given. In any case, thanks for giving me the opportunity to rant and rave. And thank you for your courage and for your story.

[John Doe]

doesn't know jack...

 

wow your whole thing does makes sense. And I think you are mostly right. We have become and enamor ourselves with the thought of one love... the soulmate, and forget that there are other types of love out there. I must say I have never thought of it that way before and it does make sense and could be applied. What Kan is facing is a love of identity and culture. He only hates it because it conflicts with his love (partner, soulmate, etc). But yes I agree with everything that you say. You have put into words what I have been trying to say with a novel. Haha. But it doesn't mean that Americans do not understand what an is going through or that there are none (not that you were implying that all but as a generality and I just want to clarify). I'm sure out there are many American young women and men, grown men and women who do not have a "strong" ethnic, cultural (I couldn't find the right word, but you get my drift) background who are in situations much like Kan's due to different circumstances and family values.

 

I first wrote this story to get feelings off my chest and to have a complete story and thanks to readers like you all I am getting close to what I hoped to accomplish. The end is coming soon and I hope you all are prepared.

 

Read on people, and enjoy.

[Young Sage]

I feel a little bad for not posting anything here, considering that I've been following the story since forever. However, I was following it on Nifty, so there ya go. I might be a little more vocal once the chapter count here surpasses the one on Nifty (if that happens). If not, I'll start being vocal on Ch. 20, since I've already read Ch. 19. It's a good story and whether people review or not, I'm sure they can still tell that it is very well written and evokes all the emotions you set out to stimulate. BTW, tell me if/when you get a random back rub (it's a long story).

[doesnt know jack]

doesn't know jack...

 

wow your whole thing does makes sense. And I think you are mostly right. We have become and enamor ourselves with the thought of one love... the soulmate, and forget that there are other types of love out there. I must say I have never thought of it that way before and it does make sense and could be applied. What Kan is facing is a love of identity and culture. He only hates it because it conflicts with his love (partner, soulmate, etc). But yes I agree with everything that you say. You have put into words what I have been trying to say with a novel. Haha. But it doesn't mean that Americans do not understand what an is going through or that there are none (not that you were implying that all but as a generality and I just want to clarify). I'm sure out there are many American young women and men, grown men and women who do not have a "strong" ethnic, cultural (I couldn't find the right word, but you get my drift) background who are in situations much like Kan's due to different circumstances and family values.

 

I first wrote this story to get feelings off my chest and to have a complete story and thanks to readers like you all I am getting close to what I hoped to accomplish. The end is coming soon and I hope you all are prepared.

 

Read on people, and enjoy.

 

Okay, so first off I want to thank you for calling me out on stereotyping (my word there), and, in all honesty whether you intended to or not, challenged me to better articulate what I wanted to say. Most people who know me know that I don

[Drewbie]

I been reading this thread and I just read a bit of chapter one which im liking so far I read some chapters since I last wrote this, Im enjoying it more keep up the good work.

 

as for family, and tradition, my mom would with someone who comes from a culture where you have an arranged marriage she didn't want that she wanted to marry the one she loved, and it pained her father, she told him if you make me get married you will make two very unhappy people be separated, and hurt another, he did allow her though to marry the one she loves, I do agree with don't know jack about what we think of love, people expect to meet the first person they fall in love to marry and have kids etc, where it might take you really a few people to find that person.

 

but for me when it comes to family I think the parents should love their kids no matter what, if they are gay or straight, want to make job decision or whatever they want to, and not disown the m or to make them feel wanted cause of what they envisioned.

 

and please read and respond to my pm john

 

take care guys and gals.

Edited March 8, 2010 by Drewbie

[John Doe]

I feel a little bad for not posting anything here, considering that I've been following the story since forever. However, I was following it on Nifty, so there ya go. I might be a little more vocal once the chapter count here surpasses the one on Nifty (if that happens). If not, I'll start being vocal on Ch. 20, since I've already read Ch. 19. It's a good story and whether people review or not, I'm sure they can still tell that it is very well written and evokes all the emotions you set out to stimulate. BTW, tell me if/when you get a random back rub (it's a long story).

 

 

Heh I am trying to have GA catch up with Nifty. So thus chapter 20 will be posted on GA and nifty at the same time and all chapters following will be the same, not that there will be much. (Yay... my first FINISHED story)

 

Doesn't know Jack...

 

It seems like you do know what you are talking about. I wasn't trying to make you explain or fault you. But indeed your "lecture" had clarify your intentions. Haha. Well done sir.

 

Drewbie...

 

I have sent a reply. Heh.

 

And for the rest of my readers out there...

 

Feel free to join in anytime. You can say or mention anything you want. Whether if you like a certain character (or dislike), the plot or storyline comments or questions... or curiosity about the author. Open forum here. I'm watching.

 

Thanks for reading everyone.

[Drewbie]

The relationship with beau seems to really getting to him I hope this talk with james will help him or gently let beau down.

[John Doe]

Yeah ... it's difficult. The time is coming when Kan has to ake a choice. Really make a choice. Not a maybe or a possibly. The end is near. We will see what happen.

[Guest Wyndham]

Like many of the reviewers and posters here, I have found Kan to be a little frustrating.

 

I want to understand his reluctance and am trying to be sympathetic, but I also want to give him a good shake and tell him to get on with it. The signs are that he will with Beau's help so that is good.

 

Thank you for sharing this tale with us, I hope it achieved all you want. It's not easy to share something so personal, so 'hat's off' to you

 

Best wishes.

[John Doe]

Like many of the reviewers and posters here, I have found Kan to be a little frustrating.

 

I want to understand his reluctance and am trying to be sympathetic, but I also want to give him a good shake and tell him to get on with it. The signs are that he will with Beau's help so that is good.

 

Thank you for sharing this tale with us, I hope it achieved all you want. It's not easy to share something so personal, so 'hat's off' to you

 

Best wishes.

 

Yeah but decisions are hard for people, heh. Thank you for writing a post!!! And thanks for reading!

[emsel]

Kan is many ways like me. I have a very strong need for privacy and though my friends opinions differ as to why I have that strong need I believe it is partially due to my cultural background. We don't involve others in our personal turmoils. It's not polite for someone to carry your burden and in a way if you tell others about your troubles you are in a sense giving them a part to carry (as they may have concerns for you). Though I believe Kan attitude does concern a bit of that, he has a lot to deal with and has been dealing with them by himself at a young age, it in a sense for him it's normal. Of course that's what I think. Who knows? As I am 5 or 6 chapters form the end we will find out when the times comes, or make our own opinions. The characters are writing their own story not me.

 

I think I understand the ethnic conflicts that is effecting Kan's behavior, but his ethnicity isn't the only factor that shut out his inate desire to embrace his feelings and desires. I wrote a note earlier in which I explain I understand the cultural inhibitions, as my partner is from an Asian background that is similiar to Kan's and we have discussed the cultural inhibitions that he suffered during his younger years, before he came out to himself.

From my own experience, growing up in the 40's and 50's (yes,I'm pushing 80), when American society didn't have room for gay activities, in fact, I thought I was the only one who experienced such feelings. I spent (wasted?)years denying my inate sexuality to myself. If I did accosionally have an encounter, I would spend the next months hating myself for submitting to my inner desires. I was convinced homosexuality was wrong.

In your story, it seems that neither Kan nor Beau nor James suffer from any pressures from current culture, which is an indicator of the progress made in this country. ( I must admit, I'm somewhat jealous, if only I had grown up today). Nevertheless, it seems there has to be some doubts that young people feel as they reach sexual maturity and becoming an adult.

[Drewbie]

I don't see this ending well for beau or Kan, and not sure if kan will ever talk to beau again now.

[John Doe]

I think I understand the ethnic conflicts that is effecting Kan's behavior, but his ethnicity isn't the only factor that shut out his inate desire to embrace his feelings and desires. I wrote a note earlier in which I explain I understand the cultural inhibitions, as my partner is from an Asian background that is similiar to Kan's and we have discussed the cultural inhibitions that he suffered during his younger years, before he came out to himself.

From my own experience, growing up in the 40's and 50's (yes,I'm pushing 80), when American society didn't have room for gay activities, in fact, I thought I was the only one who experienced such feelings. I spent (wasted?)years denying my inate sexuality to myself. If I did accosionally have an encounter, I would spend the next months hating myself for submitting to my inner desires. I was convinced homosexuality was wrong.

In your story, it seems that neither Kan nor Beau nor James suffer from any pressures from current culture, which is an indicator of the progress made in this country. ( I must admit, I'm somewhat jealous, if only I had grown up today). Nevertheless, it seems there has to be some doubts that young people feel as they reach sexual maturity and becoming an adult.

 

80!!!!!!! And you are on the internet, browsing and crusing through a forum! You are more tech-literate than my parents who are in their 40's or more so than most of my readers who haven't ever posted a comment or post. (yes I am talking about you who is reading this and then goes on without saying anything...drop a line... just say hi.... anything )

 

The pressures of the current culture is there, I'm just not choosing to reflect that side as it's not a focal point of my story. I am picking and choosing the details I want to show. Susan and Kyle (in the story) are some of the current figures representing those current pressures... but I only give readers a glimpse to shape my written world. But you are right... your time period of growing up is a lot harsher and curel than now. In an age where gay folks like us have NO equality of any kind must have been hard. Heck black folks then had no rights. I can't even fathom the life in that age. But because of people like you who has lived this long and is telling us seach details makes me feel a bit better. Even now when we fight for our rights, I can hope that it will get better, even if not in my time era but those who come after me, as they have changed for you.

 

I don't see this ending well for beau or Kan, and not sure if kan will ever talk to beau again now.

 

Hope! Do not give up hope. Hope is all we have left. *ahem* We can only wish for the best. Yes I know, some of us at times are looking for stories to make us forget about the world we live in, but some stories are meant to give us a glimpse of a world we will (or may, may be a better word) never see. I know we want happy endings, but to learn something from a story and to see a change in a character from beginning to end (growth) that in itself gives me a sense of accomplishment. This is a coming of age story and I keep stating that... and sometimes an "unhappy" ending is the lesson learnt for the future. So with that being said... I'm not saying what kind of ending this story will have, but I urge you to continue to read and find out.

[Drewbie]

I do hope for a happy ending in it, but with this one im not to sure.

[Drewbie]

 

Poor kan, now it seems he regrets being with beau cause of his dad,

 

wondering if beau can move on, cause I don't think kan will not go against what his dad has asked of him.

 

Edited May 17, 2010 by Drewbie