cj CJ By Carlos Hazday - Series Discussion

[FormerMember4]

2 hours ago, Carlos Hazday said:

 

Thank you.

 

Your thoughts on the effect of the software update echo mine. Not sure if I mentioned it to anybody at the time but I felt the story discussion threads would see less activity once we could chat back and forth in the chapter comments. It's happened. I try to post tidbits in here on a regular basis but so far I've failed to entice more than a few followers to participate. Maybe it's because I provide so much detail there's no need to speculate? I tried to do something about it but readers complain when I leave too many unanswered questions in short scenes.

 

Or maybe it's because of the way I reply to comments. But whatever keeps readers away from these threads (aside from the ones used to bs and chat) it's not only this one seeing less activity. Until you posted yesterday, Michael's comment from last Sunday was shown as the latest entry on the forums' page tab for promising authors. I realize there's fewer of us and hopefully that will change when @Parker Owens publishes his next story.

 

Wish I had an answer, Spikey. And I'm sure management does too. Myr has tried to build a community for authors and readers to interact, but the response has been less than enthusiastic at times. I mean, the last CJ book had over a hundred followers but the largest number of reactions has never climbed into the 80s. And the 70s are rare for me. I wish I knew how to increase that without resorting to too many sappy scenes like CJ's proposal. I know I tackle controversial topics and sometimes my personal beliefs bleed through but for the most part I try to use a balanced approach hoping to start conversations. Aside from upsetting some readers whenever CJ and his gun make an appearance, that hasn't worked either. LOL

There is nothing wrong with the way you interact papi. I think one of the issues is all the things that are posted every week. Ask an author, and so many other things. I personally love those things, but that all takes time. A long with time to read your favorite stories. With limited time, they choose what’s most important to them. You shouldn’t take it personal. It’s not you.

[Carlos Hazday]

1 minute ago, BlindAmbition said:

There is nothing wrong with the way you interact papi. I think one of the issues is all the things that are posted every week. Ask an author, and so many other things. I personally love those things, but that all takes time. A long with time to read your favorite stories. With limited time, they choose what’s most important to them. You shouldn’t take it personal. It’s not you.

 

You're on to something. I do spend time writing, revising, beta reading, and editing and it takes away from my reading. Some serial-posted stories I've had to put on hold and some I know I won't get to until they're complete. But I'm trying to read a bit more these days and I'm leaving reviews on most of what I do read. Those will hopefully help inspire other people to do the same.

[Mikiesboy]

1 minute ago, Carlos Hazday said:

 

I think you're correct. Like with the upcoming wedding. I've planned a bachelor party, a rehearsal dinner, a ceremony, the reception, and the honeymoon. And I won't even mention the tons of proposed menus I read. But this has been in planning since CJ and Owen met so I've had time. And of course, some of it allowed me to foreshadow a few things a couple of readers picked up on. That's always fun. 

i get you ... i needed a place in Canada.. somewhere special... i found it near Wells-Gray National Park in BC... never even knew the place existed.  There is so much that goes into a story that most people will never know about, but it lets the author build the world they are writing about.

 

CJ is a great character ... i don't always like him, but that's part of why he is great because he is real.  You've worked hard to make him right, and it shows. This is a massive project C.  And you should be rightfully proud of it ... but i will be watching for whatever you decide to write after CJ and Owen finally go on with their lives without us following them.  

[Mikiesboy]

6 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

 

You're on to something. I do spend time writing, revising, beta reading, and editing and it takes away from my reading. Some serial-posted stories I've had to put on hold and some I know I won't get to until they're complete. But I'm trying to read a bit more these days and I'm leaving reviews on most of what I do read. Those will hopefully help inspire other people to do the same.

You know what Stephen King and other successful authors say..READ READ and READ some more. Squeeze it in....because you can't write successfully unless you READ.  Makes me laff when authors say 'oh i dont have time to read'  I make time.. i read everyday. Maybe not for hours, but i do read everyday. 

[spike382]

22 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

 

I loaded in next month's AAA this week and thought of you. I'm doing an all-out blitz for questions after it goes live. I still have a few in inventory but they're all for authors I've already featured at least once. I want variety and the chance to promote different writers.

 

This is probably the wrong question to ask, cause I know you don't want to say too much until you post, but is there a way we can know the list, so I can try to think of an author that hasn't been featured in a while?

 

[Carlos Hazday]

1 minute ago, Mikiesboy said:

You know what Stephen King and other successful authors say..READ READ and READ some more. Squeeze it in....because you can't write successfully unless you READ.  Makes me laff when authors say 'oh i dont have time to read'  I make time.. i read everyday. Maybe not for hours, but i do read everyday. 

 

I'm with you. I'm in the middle of reading an older GA story and it does help me. It shows me mistakes to avoid and good things to emulate. As for life after CJ, I have a few things outlined but each time I try to work on them, ideas for CJ and the future pop out of nowhere.

 

Some prompt responses may be the way to ease me out of CJ's world. Although I have such a large diverse cast a few stand-alone stories focusing on individual supporting characters may be the way to go. I do have one outlined with a couple of small chapters written. It features Chipper right after college graduation, takes place in LA, and has cameos by CJ and Owen but otherwise it'll be a new cast.

[Carlos Hazday]

Just now, spikey582 said:

 

This is probably the wrong question to ask, cause I know you don't want to say too much until you post, but is there a way we can know the list, so I can try to think of an author that hasn't been featured in a while?

 

I have it scribbled on a piece of paper somewhere. Will look for it and transcribe it for you.

[Carlos Hazday]

13 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

CJ is a great character ... i don't always like him, but that's part of why he is great because he is real.  You've worked hard to make him right, and it shows. This is a massive project C.  And you should be rightfully proud of it ... but i will be watching for whatever you decide to write after CJ and Owen finally go on with their lives without us following them.

 

Thank you. He's a walking cliche. The wealthy, good-looking, gay kid. I've tried to portray him as self-aware as possible. I dislike it when similar characters are oblivious to who they are. Hell, I even had CJ put himself down when he acknowledged he was a spoiled brat during the trip to Israel.

[Mikiesboy]

1 minute ago, Carlos Hazday said:

 

I'm with you. I'm in the middle of reading an older GA story and it does help me. It shows me mistakes to avoid and good things to emulate. As for life after CJ, I have a few things outlined but each time I try to work on them, ideas for CJ and the future pop out of nowhere.

 

Some prompt responses may be the way to ease me out of CJ's world. Although I have such a large diverse cast a few stand-alone stories focusing on individual supporting characters may be the way to go. I do have one outlined with a couple of small chapters written. It features Chipper right after college graduation, takes place in LA, and has cameos by CJ and Owen but otherwise it'll be a new cast.

It is interesting talking about these things. I find it interesting that you could write this much about these people, and that you can write about them and other characters, going forward.

 

I think my fav characters have been Don and Louis from Changes. People seemed to like them a lot too. I worked hard on that story, yet even though I liked them I don't know that i could ever write about them again. The only characters i've written about more than once were Faris and James. 

 

I know people want more Changes ... i've wondered if i could go there again. I also wonder why when the story is done..I am done with them? LOL

[spike382]

27 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

 

LOL

 

I have little choice here. CJ's taken over my life. Who else spends time looking at pink flamingo wallpaper for a main floor powder room in an imaginary house? And it may never make it to the page or if it does it won't be more than a line of dialogue or narration? #nolifewithoutCJ

 

So, I know you've mentioned recently about life after CJ... 

 

Just out of curiosity, since you like so many different genres, have you considered writing a sci fi story or something along those lines.  Maybe as a change of pace.  I'm probably the wrong person to ask when it comes to which "market" to write in.  I read a ton of different stories here on GA and I have a variety of reading interests.  When tim posted Changes, I loved it.  When tim posted After the Past before that, I loved it.  I'm a huge CJ fan, and I've read all of those books.  and yet, most of these stories are hugely different.  So maybe I can't tell you what will be the next super popular thing to read, but I can tell you, simply because once I find an author I like, I'll pretty much read anything they post.    

[mollyhousemouse]

3 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

 

I think my fav characters have been Don and Louis from Changes. People seemed to like them a lot too. I worked hard on that story, yet even though I liked them I don't know that i could ever write about them again. The only characters i've written about more than once were Faris and James. 

 

I know people want more Changes ... i've wondered if i could go there again. I also wonder why when the story is done..I am done with them? LOL

oh that's an easy one tim

they've become friends

we've had breakfast with them, went through hell with them, and as friends, we miss them and want to see them again

want to catch up what's been going on in their lives "since last we saw them"

[Carlos Hazday]

1 minute ago, Mikiesboy said:

It is interesting talking about these things. I find it interesting that you could write this much about these people, and that you can write about them and other characters, going forward.

 

I like Faris and James!

 

The CJ series has around 250 named characters. If I can't find interesting ones to spin-off I may as well pack it in. LOL

 

One thing I try to avoid is repetition. I've had a few deaths and each has been different. Same with injuries to people who survive. I hate it when a writer kills off everyone in car accidents or through cancer. How about a little variety?

 

Oh, Harley, Ritchie, Brad, Patrick, and Thiago all have at least a one paragraph treatment for potential stories. I may have a little extra drama coming up in the near future which will help inspire details of those stories if I ever go there.

[Carlos Hazday]

2 minutes ago, spikey582 said:

 

So, I know you've mentioned recently about life after CJ... 

 

Just out of curiosity, since you like so many different genres, have you considered writing a sci fi story or something along those lines.  Maybe as a change of pace.  I'm probably the wrong person to ask when it comes to which "market" to write in.  I read a ton of different stories here on GA and I have a variety of reading interests.  When tim posted Changes, I loved it.  When tim posted After the Past before that, I loved it.  I'm a huge CJ fan, and I've read all of those books.  and yet, most of these stories are hugely different.  So maybe I can't tell you what will be the next super popular thing to read, but I can tell you, simply because once I find an author I like, I'll pretty much read anything they post.    

 

Funny you mention SciFi. I have two outlines I'd like to develop. On as a farce short and another one maybe for an anthology. I tried SF and Fantasy before but I realize I didn't know what I was doing. I'd love to revisit the shifters I created but it'll require a full rewrite of what I've already posted.

 

If you read one of my previous comments you'll notice I dislike repetition so that's why each CJ book has it's own mood/theme/flavor. The last two, and the next two, I consider being one book with four distinct sections following CJ's years in college. When I decided what CJ would study, I had to imagine what his life after graduation would be like so I have all that to build a story if I want to. Of course, politics could ruin everything. I'm writing about a lefty who wants to work at the State Department. That's troublesome these days LOL

[Mikiesboy]

4 minutes ago, spikey582 said:

 

So, I know you've mentioned recently about life after CJ... 

 

Just out of curiosity, since you like so many different genres, have you considered writing a sci fi story or something along those lines.  Maybe as a change of pace.  I'm probably the wrong person to ask when it comes to which "market" to write in.  I read a ton of different stories here on GA and I have a variety of reading interests.  When tim posted Changes, I loved it.  When tim posted After the Past before that, I loved it.  I'm a huge CJ fan, and I've read all of those books.  and yet, most of these stories are hugely different.  So maybe I can't tell you what will be the next super popular thing to read, but I can tell you, simply because once I find an author I like, I'll pretty much read anything they post.    

i like and fear you Spikey ..because you tell it like it is ... but i appreciate you as well.  You haven't liked all my characters.. one you called a douche i think..LOL.. but it's all good. I dont read things because i love everyone.  I enjoy hearing what you have to say.

[dughlas]

46 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

 

LOL

 

I have little choice here. CJ's taken over my life. Who else spends time looking at pink flamingo wallpaper for a main floor powder room in an imaginary house? And it may never make it to the page or if it does it won't be more than a line of dialogue or narration? #nolifewithoutCJ

Well now that we know about it, I expect to read about it too. Aligning the seams so the butt feathers match up ...

[Carlos Hazday]

@spikey582 has always been one of the readers I look forward to hearing from. He challenges me when he finds something he questions and I like that.

[spike382]

11 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

i like and fear you Spikey ..because you tell it like it is ... but i appreciate you as well.  You haven't liked all my characters.. one you called a douche i think..LOL.. but it's all good. I dont read things because i love everyone.  I enjoy hearing what you have to say.

 

Hey, that dude from the fairy story was kind of a douche, or at least he seemed like it.  He walked out on his boyfriend and broke up with him with a note.  I'm like, what if my guy found somebody better and sent a text to tell me he was gone.  I tend to internalize stuff when I read it.  Ever since I first started posting reactions to stories, I've had my share of rants to reactions of character behavior.  But, I've really tried hard not to make any author on here feel like I'm tearing them down.  I've been reading and critiquing stories for a long time, and when I know someone is new to writing, I will always try to be encouraging and constructive.  

 

But, I have tried to temper my reactions somewhat since skinnydragon told me I was sometimes brutal in my comments.  Cause the thing is, I don't want anyone to be afraid to post on here, or to feel like their efforts aren't liked and appreciated.  I know I've never posted a story on here, but I do have experience writing, I don't do it as much anymore, but I know the work that goes into stories.  So, I want you guys to feel encouraged when you post.  So, please don't fear me tim, ya know I love ya buddy.   

Edited March 31, 2018 by spikey582

[Carlos Hazday]

@spikey582

 

Feel free to be brutal with me. One of my kinks.

[FormerMember4]

33 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

It is interesting talking about these things. I find it interesting that you could write this much about these people, and that you can write about them and other characters, going forward.

 

I think my fav characters have been Don and Louis from Changes. People seemed to like them a lot too. I worked hard on that story, yet even though I liked them I don't know that i could ever write about them again. The only characters i've written about more than once were Faris and James. 

 

I know people want more Changes ... i've wondered if i could go there again. I also wonder why when the story is done..I am done with them? LOL

Maybe you need something personal from those characters. Once they satisfy it, then you let go.

[Mikiesboy]

14 minutes ago, spikey582 said:

 

Hey, that dude from the fairy story was kind of a douche, or at least he seemed like it.  He walked out on his boyfriend and broke up with him with a note.  I'm like, what if my guy found somebody better and sent a text to tell me he was gone.  I tend to internalize stuff when I read it.  Ever since I first started posting reactions to stories, I've had my share of rants to reactions of character behavior.  But, I've really tried hard not to make any author on here feel like I'm tearing them down.  I've been reading and critiquing stories for a long time, and when I know someone is new to writing, I will always try to be encouraging and constructive.  

 

But, I have tried to temper my reactions somewhat since skinnydragon told me I was sometimes brutal in my comments.  Cause the thing is, I don't want anyone to be afraid to post on here, or to feel like their efforts aren't liked and appreciated.  I know I've never posted a story on here, but I do have experience writing, I don't do it as much anymore, but I know the work that goes into stories.  So, I want you guys to feel encouraged when you post.  So, please don't fear me tim, ya know I love ya buddy.   

You're fine as you are ... i never felt angry or upset about it, i like your honesty. 

[spike382]

15 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

@spikey582

 

Feel free to be brutal with me. One of my kinks.

 

Oh don’t worry papi Carlos, I’m willing to accommodate  

[Mikiesboy]

41 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

Maybe you need something personal from those characters. Once they satisfy it, then you let go.

Possibily jp ... i dont know.

[Mikiesboy]

42 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

@spikey582

 

Feel free to be brutal with me. One of my kinks.

we gonna talk about kinks now??

[Daddydavek]

Today's discussion has been the best forum discussion in quite a while.  I too miss the great forum posts of the past and I think it's not only the fact that we can post and discuss more in the comments on the chapters, but also the fact that so much goes on in chat now.  I've avoided the chat because I don't react that spontaneously and usually try to think before I actually respond.  In chat, when you wait, the moment has passed and it's no longer relevant. 

[Carlos Hazday]

6 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

we gonna talk about kinks now??

We can always discuss those 9" pies you were talking bout yesterday...