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Cia

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  1. Cia
    Here I come again... well, not really. Wildone formatted the post and chris191070 reviewed the story for this blog, but hey, I hit copy and paste and added the title and blog banner. Go team! Now it's your turn to read the review, get intrigued, then read & share some love for the story. 
    Rough Strokes by the Golden Egg
    by Soren Kraft
    Reviewer: chris191070
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 11,116
     
    If you fancy a swim, then jump straight into this story.
    We have an annual swim meat between GWU and Georgetown. There is a huge rivalry as they compete for the Golden Egg. Each University has there own star swimmer. GWU has the charamisratic Austin, who is always happy and Georgetown have Petr, a grumpy Czech.
    These two have been rivals for many years, but this year Austin is determined to find out why Petre is so grumpy.
    What will transpire in and out of the pool for our rivals.
    You will need to join them in the deep end to find out more.
    .  
    Category: Fiction  Genres: Romance Sub-genres: Sports Star Romance, Grumpy, Sunshine Romance  Tags: Young Adult, gay, university, anal, first time, sports, holiday, funny, uplifting, athlete, competition, rivals  Rating: Mature 
  2. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (May 3 - May 10 )

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Well, it's my last week bringing you the Wrap Up! It's been a busy day, as I was up at 4 (normal time) to volunteer at a triathalon today with the hubby. Those people be crazy! Just setting up, doing the busy work, and being out in the sun has me sunburned, wiped out, and ready for bed by 8 PM. At least it wasn't freezing cold or pouring rain on top of it all. And, here I am, scrambling to put together the news because I forgot to set this up earlier. Good thing I set an alarm! That's the other thing my 40s have brought me, besides easy exhaustion, is the need to set reminders and alarms for things I used to easily keep track of. It's not just me, right? 
    Hopefully you all weren't too tired to check out all these blogs this week! 
    This month's CSR feature, brought to you also by me: 
    Did you take the dare to read Myr's Deep Dive of Action/Adventure stories? 
    Valkyrie reminded our site authors of the fun of our upcoming events on Thursday, and check out those below too if you missed it! 
    Friday Valkyrie was back on Friday with a blog post about no showering for 10 days. Seriously? Ew! What member did that one? 
    Did Myr's Word of the Day this week seem to have a theme to you...? Hmm....
    bound, rush, escape, advance, explore, dominion, leverage
    Upcoming Writing Events 
    2026 Secret Author Contest "Forbidden Knowledge" - Due July 15, 2026 -  Find all the information right here. 
    2026 Yearly Anthology "Horizons" & "Unspoken" - Due October 1, 2026 - Find all the information right here.
    Member Participation Blogs - Great way to promote yourself!!
    Ask an Author 3.0 If you have a author you want to get some answers from, write a PM to @astone2292
    Author Guess Who Get our members to guess who you are and also let everyone know who you are. Also write a PM to @astone2292
    Here is the look at the past week's postings on all our Authors and Poets!
    6 Recently Updated 'Signature Author' Stories
    The Cockney Canuck by Dodger Temporary Hold The Vega Vixen by Topher Lydon In Process The Holy Lance of Antioch by Topher Lydon In Process Traditions by Mark Ponyboy Peters In Process TRAVISTY by Mark Arbour In Process Hazardous by CassieQ In Process 1 Recently Updated 'Promising Author' Stories
    Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process 37 Recently Updated 'Author' Stories
    CRUISING by Wombat Bill In Process Noah's Adventure by AquariusGuy In Process Role of a Lifetime by KKirk In Process Bring the Dawn by dragonthusiast In Process Nox Memoriae by Stephen Wormwood Complete Stag by Boy Mercury X In Process Crown of Ashes by mastershakeme In Process The Quiet Between Them by andy cannon In Process Still Alive, Dumbass by Tony S. In Process Morning Wood & Workwear by Soren Kraft In Process Boy Meets Boys by Grayson Rose In Process Hollywood and Vine by Albert1434 In Process A versatile Count by Thomas Lindblad In Process The Curse of Love by Yeoldebard In Process Exile to Érenn by Mark Paren In Process Alex & Neil: Moving On by Robert Hugill In Process The Shore of the Known by E K Stokes Complete Alpha Awakened by Painawakened In Process Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process Monstrum by Laura S. Fox In Process A Jewel in the Dirt by Celian In Process The Burden of Ash and Blood by Mike Carss In Process The Mirror of Dreams by Lupus In Process Aethan's Reign by ValentineDavis21 In Process Seaside Entries by ObicanDecko In Process Arcum Dawns by mastershakeme Complete THROUGH IT ALL by vanalas In Process Knight and Squire by Albert1434 Complete Broken Hate, Broken Heart by Celian In Process A Bullied Boy Breaks by Lee Wilson Complete The Son Who Stayed by ChromedOutCortex In Process At Tempest Island by Grayson Rose In Process Beyond the Veil by Laura S. Fox In Process Ghost In The Guitar by Lee Wilson Complete Sol by Boy Mercury X Complete Kismet - A Story of Fated Collision by E K Stokes Complete turmoil by Paladin In Process Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (Don't forget to Recommend too!)
     
  3. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (Apr. 26 - May 3)

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    I told everyone you'd be seeing a lot from me this week!! Well, if you're not sick and tired of me, or you missed some of the updates from this week, here's the skinny. I won't bore you with a long personal update here, though, because it's warm and sunny in the Pac NW this weekend and my computer has been on my lap for editing all day. I'm hot and tired. Seriously, where's my rain! What's your preference? Cool and cloudy with precip or sun gazing all day? Do you like to stay in and read or write or get out on an adventure and become inspired? Share below! 
    Monday I featured a newer site author. If you haven't tried Cap's story, why not give it a go?
    Tuesday Myr dipped into the boots and chaps genre with Westerns! 
    Back to me again with the announcement for one of our popular writing events! 
     
    Between all these of course were Myr's Words of the Day where you can learn something new. 
    roam, ascend, charge, navigate, venture, drift, gallop
    Upcoming Writing Events 
    2026 Secret Author Contest "Forbidden Knowledge" - Due July 15, 2026 -  Find all the information right here. 
    2026 Yearly Anthology "Horizons" & "Unspoken" - Due October 1, 2026 - Find all the information right here.
    Member Participation Blogs - Great way to promote yourself!!
    Ask an Author 3.0 If you have a author you want to get some answers from, write a PM to @astone2292
    Author Guess Who Get our members to guess who you are and also let everyone know who you are. Also write a PM to @astone2292
    Here is the look at the past week's postings on all our Authors and Poets!
    8 Recently Updated 'Signature Author' Stories
    The Vega Vixen by Topher Lydon In Process The Holy Lance of Antioch by Topher Lydon In Process TRAVISTY by Mark Arbour In Process Hazardous by CassieQ In Process Something in the Water by Mark Ponyboy Peters Complete tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy In Process Right Then by Topher Lydon Complete Traditions by Mark Ponyboy Peters In Process 1 Recently Updated 'Classic Author' Stories
    Secrets 3: The Road to the Future by Bill W In Process 1 Recently Updated 'Promising Author' Stories
    Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process 39 Recently Updated 'Author' Stories
    Noah's Adventure by AquariusGuy In Process Of Orcs, Humans & Void Beasts by Celian In Process Role of a Lifetime by KKirk In Process Ghost In The Guitar by Lee Wilson In Process Sol by Boy Mercury X In Process Still Alive, Dumbass by Tony S. In Process The Quiet Between Them by andy cannon In Process Arcum Dawns by mastershakeme In Process CRUISING by Wombat Bill In Process IceBerg by J92 In Process The Brotherhood: Awakening Book II by The Writer X In Process Bring the Dawn by dragonthusiast In Process Knight and Squire by Albert1434 In Process The Son Who Stayed by ChromedOutCortex In Process The Curse of Love by Yeoldebard In Process A Jewel in the Dirt by Celian In Process Alex & Neil: Moving On by Robert Hugill In Process Monstrum by Laura S. Fox In Process Schadenfreude by Kileoli In Process Nothing But Fun Happens After Midnight by Ticklishboy30 Complete The Mirror of Dreams by Lupus In Process The Burden of Ash and Blood by Mike Carss In Process The Scandal by FV2112 In Process Exile to Érenn by Mark Paren In Process Aethan's Reign by ValentineDavis21 In Process A versatile Count by Thomas Lindblad In Process Borders and Bribery by Thirdly In Process Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process Alpha Awakened by Painawakened In Process Go Home by Boy Mercury X Complete The smile that changed a life by Stannie In Process Seaside Entries by ObicanDecko In Process Boy Meets Boys by Grayson Rose In Process Another Time by Celian In Process turmoil by Paladin In Process Beyond the Veil by Laura S. Fox In Process Jake's Story by Boy Mercury X Complete Missing by Stannie In Process Nox Memoriae by Stephen Wormwood In Process Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (Don't forget to Recommend too!)
  4. Cia
    2026 GayAuthors Secret Author Contest: Forbidden Knowledge
    This year’s Secret Author contest theme lends itself to rebellion, intrigue, drama, romance, fantasy, mystery and more! What will you come up with and where will you take your ideas?

     It’s not just something that’s hidden; it’s something that shouldn’t be known.  Why? Who or what forbids it? And the most important part… who rebels against that boundary, and what will be the consequences?
    Deadline: July 15, 2026
    2026 Secret Author Contest Information
    Write the story in Word, Docs or preferred editing software. EDIT it first! Then send via email to Cia (cia@gayauthors.org) or PM (please PM Cia if you email or share via Docs to make sure she got it).  Stories will be posted via our Secret Author account.  Games will be played! Guess the Author is a fan favorite where members try to match the authors & the stories. We will also do "Favorite Forbidden Knowledge" this year. Do NOT reveal your Forbidden Knowledge of any authored content!  Yes, authors can play the games. Yes, authors can comment on their own content. Yes, authors can LIE. That is not forbidden! Stories will be returned to the authors and the winners of the Guess the Author (Reader winner) & Favorite Forbidden Knowledge (Author winner) game will be revealed. Authors will then be able to reply to comments & reviews. Story Rules Information
    Stories must be between 1k - 30k in length. Stories will be posted as 1 singular chapter but can be separated with double space breaks/timeline jumps.  Stories must adhere to all of GA's content & editing guidelines. Please plan for appropriate genres, GA tags, rating, and content warnings if needed. Stories must have some use, even tangentially, of the theme "Forbidden Knowledge".  Metadata needed/must be sent in the message/email/manuscript for staff posting:
    Title: 
    Description:
    Story Note: 
    Chapter Note: 
    (Content Warning, if needed):
    Genre(s) (3 Max):
    Audience Rating (Everyone, Teen, Mature): 
    Tags (8 Max): 

  5. Cia
    I often feature older stories that readers might not have seen, but I'm switching it up lately and posting recent content. This story was very popular and garnered quite a few comments and several reviews. What did you think about it? 
    Ghost in the Guitar
    by @Lee Wilson
    Length: 8,546
    Description: A musically based story where a young guitar player takes over for a deceased member of a popular group and is guided by his ghost.
    A reader said: If you like helpful ghost stories then here is a story for you. I would definitely recommend this short story for anyone. It is short and sweet! A different Lee Wilson story! ~ @Sherye Story Reader
     
    Don't forget to come back to comment on the Discussion day, Monday, May 25th!
  6. Cia
    Did you read Cap's story, Parker & Brody: An Alliance? This recent submission has 5 stars, 3 reviews, and several comments on every chapter which is impressive for a new site author! Wonder how Cap writes realistic military men? Hmm... check out this interview! 
     
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    Yup! I’m an avid fan of fruits—essentially my candy. I currently have some pineapple next to me (I’m told it has many benefits).
    On the veggie front, I do a 'Let’s Go Green' day at least once a week. Soups usually get better the next day, so those often turn into a two-day affair. Plus, if you haven’t tried Japanese okonomiyaki, those cabbage pancakes are great and easy to make.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Hmm… Honestly? My bed with the right kind of music playing. But when the weather permits, my primary research coordinate is my boat. There is something about being on the water that clears the mind. (The second volume taps into that).
    What is something about you readers would be surprised to learn?
    That I have served? Ha—that probably hit everyone's radar long ago.
    Perhaps the real one might be that I actually find the sex scenes the hardest to write. They function as the physical side of the character studies; but keeping the 'what am I trying to say here’ alive and the text relevant is hard. I never thought I’d do text like that, since I don’t personally see the need or point to write about that… personal fantasies or preferences. The narrative is in the third person, the goal is to get inside the characters' heads and reveal something new—not just repeat positions and mechanics. Honestly I thought to cut them all out, not to be prude, but to keep the text fresh and moving. On the other hand then the characters would lose that side and it’s a part of human experience.
    Also... I have a garden that produces a harvest of different berries. It’s my version of maintenance—good for the sweet tooth, cooking, and making jams!
    What brought you to GA?
    The active community. This looked like a site that allows readers to interact with the text more than any other platform, and the engagement seemed right. Witnessing that signal firsthand has made the writing more fun; it makes it much more rewarding to learn from the feedback.
    What’s the first thing you do when you start to write a story?
    I explore the different facets of the possible narrative. I try to ask myself honestly: What am I trying to say about this topic, and what is the most authentic way to deliver it? I look at the overall trajectory and check if it 'feels' narratively hardened. Usually, this is a mix of background research and sketching out outlines. 
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging when you’re writing?
    Feeling the authenticity… sometimes it doesn’t come naturally, and other times it just 'comes out like a rocket'—to quote my favorite writing advice.
    For example: in the first installment, the big breach scene at the Nail. I knew I wanted to include the real part of the culture where bars are just seized for real, but then that took about half a page. Plus the Navy reveal. But those two together are not much of a scene, so… I had the idea that maybe they just sing it all out, but within that culture… errr. Unlikely? Certainly not unheard of, but just a tad bit too camp, perhaps?
    Anyhow, I just rolled with it; brooding men can do stuff other than shooting beer cans as well, so sue me! It happened, and then I got the feedback that some of you read it twice. That was my answer right there.
    Authenticity, as I see it, is a mix of buildup and having the right circumstances—devices—in place, but the really hard part is keeping it true to the characters. I wrote the second installment in a blur; it just came out, and once I read it again, it felt like a thriller with some spice. I wasn’t happy at all, so I did the rewrite and it expanded from five parts to seven.
    And actually… waiting long enough after writing. Before posting, I mean. That’s hard. Plus, writing the sex scenes. Especially the dialogue during them.
    What inspired the military characters/theme in Parker & Brody: An Alliance?
    Originally, it was just supposed to be that one scene in the chow hall. A slice of life and nothing more. It was intended as a character study on how two serious, adult men who were very much boxed into a mold could begin their joint life. Then came the opening scene (I figured we needed some setup, right?)… then the gym. But those needed a bridge. And finally, the narrative had to lead somewhere, since the tension clearly promised a sweaty collision. So I found myself writing the way out of this pickle I created.
    The characters simply wouldn’t leave me alone. I realized I had something to say about men in those environments that force them to be a certain type—to fit the mold. The norms cut them off from things that civilians can approach with more freedom. The environment gives them a level of brotherhood and camaraderie that is bizarre by civilian standards, but that makes everything so much more dangerous if you have 'the illicit taste.' The fear is crippling. One might lose everyone; every touch might come loaded.
    So, I wanted to show a utopia where things don’t have to be that way. Where everyone can give their full self to the service.
    There’s also the aspect that masculine men are often labeled as either performative or toxic. Sure, there are toxic masculine traits, but not all of it is automatically radioactive. Even the brooding guys need a safe hug. And maybe a solid dude to sleep on top of.
    I’ve also witnessed the cost. I’ve seen the absolute ruins of where that path can lead for some men—the ones at the tip of the spear.
    Do you identify more closely with Parker or Brody?
    Parker is crafted from many of my own experiences… Ex-Navy. Survivor of the true horrors of the pasta aisle alone. Uses dry humor to deflect. Loses the ability to speak when facing a mountain of smoking hot capacity…
    Though to be fair, there’s someone else who is more precisely a sort of author's alter ego in the full series.
    Seeing inside Brody’s head is actually fun and challenging at the same time. He could so easily slip into a caricature—flat and one-dimensional. Just the jock, the stud, the meat. But these men have vivid internal lives, just like we all do.
    I also have a weakness for writing Brody as too comical or too vulnerable. Partly because I find it so endearing and straight-up cute when those kinds of guys feel safe enough to drop all their defenses. So, sometimes I need to remind myself to stay true to the character, or as close to it as I can get.
    Do you have a favorite line or scene in the story?
    Should I be picking favorites?
    Now looking only at the 1st part…
    I am quite happy with how the bar 'breach of masks' turned out in its full length male mayhem. The parts involving the silkies—ranger panties—are fun to write. And yeah, I’ll admit it: I'm weak for when Brody uses his brows to communicate with Parker. Like the morning after in Qatar, or the morning after the bar.
    Okay, I’ll do it: it’s the moment when Brian 'vanishes' in bed and Parker diffuses it instantly by calling the PsyOp bluff. That was a very late addition to the script, but I find myself going back to it often. I like the playfulness of it.
    …or the very first sentence ever appeared on the screen: “You smell perfect.” Or the “Bossy” in the shower.
    …or Mack teasing Brody about the walk and ‘the alien.’ See! I can’t decide! 😅
    Can you share something about your current or upcoming work with readers?
    Well, I guess this is the right place to tell you: the duo hasn’t let me be.
    I’ve taken some long walks and found a new aspect to explore. Then a conflict. And now, finally, the thing that I feel needs to be said.
    So, the third part will happen—their story is going to be a trilogy.
    Consider this as your WARNO (Warning Order) being dropped. 😉
     
    Don't forget to leave your thoughts on this interview or Cap's writing below! 
  7. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (Apr. 19 - Apr. 26)

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Well, you're getting a lot of me these next few weeks! I had a few features this week, I'm doing the Wrap Ups for a bit, and next week I'm doing a few more blogs too. Pay attention, there's a special event announcement coming this week. Speaking of special, did you catch the return of this week's featured Signature Author? 📣🎊Check out those posts below. 
    We also need to thank @Valkyrie for ALL her hard work on the Poetry Anthology. She's the one who takes charge on those events, managing every aspect (it's a LOT!) That's wrapped up, so it felt appropriate to do it here. So, thank you so much to her, her proofing team, the poets, readers, and reviewers. We can't do events like the Anthologies and other special events without you! 
     
    Monday was Bossy Nanny by Mrsgnomie. I scanned this story again to do the ad graphic, or intended to. Hours later, I hit The End, having done a full read. LOL
    Tuesday Myr featured the Thriller/Suspense genre. Are you on the edge of your seat? 
    Wednesday I found a tantalizing tidbit from the story that was probably about when I became hooked into a reread. How about you?
    Thursday was the 2026 Poetry Anthology Wrap Up by Valkyrie, giving you all the deets on the event! 
     
    So you've seen the Daily Blogs, but Myr also shared the Words of the Day:
    secure, traverse, surge, vault, plunge, pursuit, sprint
     
    Upcoming Writing Events 
    2026 Secret Author Contest "Theme TBA Thursday!!!" - Due July 15, 2026 - Look for this week's blog! 
    2026 Yearly Anthology "Horizons" & "Unspoken" - Due October 1, 2026 - Find all the information right here.
    Member Participation Blogs - Great way to promote yourself!!
    Ask an Author 3.0 If you have a author you want to get some answers from, write a PM to @astone2292
    Author Guess Who Get our members to guess who you are and also let everyone know who you are. Also write a PM to @astone2292
     
    Here is the look at the past week's postings on all our Authors and Poets!
    8 Recently Updated 'Signature Author' Stories
    Right Then by Topher Lydon In Process The Vega Vixen by Topher Lydon In Process tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy In Process TRAVISTY by Mark Arbour In Process Charlie vs the Demon Ex by Topher Lydon Complete Hazardous by CassieQ In Process Traditions by Mark Ponyboy Peters In Process Peace of Amiens by Mark Arbour In Process 1 Recently Updated 'Classic Author' Stories
    Secrets 3: The Road to the Future by Bill W In Process 1 Recently Updated 'Promising Author' Stories
    Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process 34 Recently Updated 'Author' Stories
    Uncut Control - Taming the Spanish Bull by Soren Kraft Complete Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process Jake's Story by Boy Mercury X In Process A versatile Count by Thomas Lindblad In Process Still Alive, Dumbass by Tony S. In Process The Son Who Stayed by ChromedOutCortex In Process Bring the Dawn by dragonthusiast In Process Exile to Érenn by Mark Paren In Process Pigsty by Jack Poignet In Process The Quiet Between Them by andy cannon In Process There Goes Reality by PhillMakracken Temporary Hold Role of a Lifetime by KKirk In Process Arcum Dawns by mastershakeme In Process Ghost In The Guitar by Lee Wilson In Process Knight and Squire by Albert1434 In Process A Change of Worlds by Josh Aterovis In Process Boy Meets Boys by Grayson Rose In Process The Curse of Love by Yeoldebard In Process Alex & Neil: Moving On by Robert Hugill In Process Aethan's Reign by ValentineDavis21 In Process Alpha Awakened by Painawakened In Process Monstrum by Laura S. Fox In Process The Burden of Ash and Blood by Mike Carss In Process The Mirror of Dreams by Lupus In Process Ruin The Friendship by irivera In Process Broken Hate, Broken Heart by Celian In Process Look, But Don't Look, Look by Lee Wilson Complete A Jewel in the Dirt by Celian In Process Out Of The Closet by RichardWrites Complete A Two Man Job by Boy Mercury X Complete Taurus by Kileoli In Process The Art of Living by Robert Hugill Complete Beyond the Veil by Laura S. Fox In Process turmoil by Paladin In Process Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (Don't forget to Recommend too!)
  8. Cia
    Another month, another author and great story for readers to enjoy. This story was posted a few years back, so newer readers might have missed it. Let's get some new likes, comments, and reviews for @Mrsgnomie story, Boss Nanny! 

    Length: 118,545
    Description: It's college. Matt should be worrying about classes, friends, and parties. Not a baby. At least his supervisor is cool when he shows up to work with his infant brother in tow. The owner on the other hand? Matt's sure he'll be an issue. Except, Seamus helps Matt more than anyone.
    A reader said: These are characters you can wrap your heart around and fall in love right along with them. Adorable child, college student who has serious and unexpected life changes, successful businessman with an intriguing backstory, professional athletes, good coffee, great laughs, hot sex... what's not to check out? This story is well paced and the dialogue will have you hooked. ~84Mags
     
    If you want to spread the word about Mrsgnomie's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!

    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt I chose to share!
  9. Cia
    This month I'm featuring a cute family story... because I can! Not to say there isn't a good bit of drama, hanky panky, and some intrigue in there... because there is! But come on, squishy baby thighs. So cute! (as long as no one leaves the baby at my house either  ) Did you catch Monday's feature ad? Check that out or this excerpt if you haven't read Mrsgnomie's story, Boss Nanny! 
    Want to read more? Click here
  11. Cia
    We've already hit one quarter of the year down! How time flies. How about a story about two men who found their time once they found each other? Read this first story posted by a newer site author @Cap recently. Don't forget the interview & Discussion day at the end of the month where you can share additional thoughts you don't add to the comments/reviews! 
    Parker & Brody: An Alliance
    by @Cap
    Length: 61,671
    Description: The exploits of the P&B duo; 1st story. 
    Parker: the ex-officer turned contractor/fixer. 
    Brody: the Tier-1 operator who holds the line.
    Both men built for impact, with zero tolerance for games. Brothers in arms, partners, and solitary souls searching for a forever home. 
    A military alliance of two against a rotten world.
    A reader said: A deep and thought provoking tale of two men living somewhat shallow and unfulfilling lives in the military, men who meet by chance and soon realise they have found what they thought they never would -  being seen by another, becoming important in the life of another, being a safe haven for another and mind-blowing, wholly satisfying, sex.
    A brilliant debut @Cap. ~Summerabbacat
     
    Don't forget to come back to comment on the Discussion day, Monday, April 27th!
  12. Cia
    Did you read this month's featured CSR story, Break the Day, by dragonenthusiast? Share your thoughts on the story below, but first of course, is my interview with this GA author who just passed their first year mark a few months ago! 
    Have you ever gone out in public, realized your shirt is on backwards, and just don’t care?
    That actually happened to me just last week. I was sitting at my PC working and then realized something was scratching me on my collarbone, found the shirt tag, and then shrugged. If I didn’t notice it, I’m sure no one else did either. And if they did, oh well.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    I’m not really the type to travel, so I never really considered this before, but I think I’d like to go somewhere truly unfamiliar to open my mind more for inspiration when it comes to writing distinct cultures. I struggle with making them distinct. I can’t keep making pseudo slavic nations and calling it a day.
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    I’d say that I’m Czech as a fun fact, but that might not exactly be a surprise, so instead I’ll say that in my day job I work for a graphics studio, mostly making promo material for a local supermarket chain. Sounds thrilling, I know, but I enjoy it.
    What’s your favorite animal, real or fantasy, BESIDES dragons?
    Bunnies! I have one, his name is Buttons, he’s a little menace, I love him so. Keeps trying to eat plastic for reasons that elude me. I call him a bandit because every time he’s near he will try to shake me down for treats.
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    I always struggle with descriptions, and it’s something I try to work on. I can write dialogue all day, but describing places or people never comes entirely naturally. I have to say, I’ve gotten a lot better at it over the years though.
    What’s the best part of being an author?
    Being able to get the stories and characters that keep manifesting in my brain out of it. They won’t leave me alone. My second favorite is sharing the silly nonsense I write (complimentary) with the world.
    All your stories on GA are based in Fantasy. Is that your favorite genre to both write & read?
    At this point in time, definitely. The first series I wrote is more of a sci-fi fantasy, though, and I fully intend to return to sci-fi sometime soon. I just have to slog through some of my unfinished series before I take the plunge into making another one.
    What character trait do you think best describes Fennrin? What about Ainreth?
    In many ways they’re opposites of each other. In that vein I’d describe Fenn as cautious, careful, and guarded, while Ainreth is more willing to take risks, is more open at least on the surface, and doesn’t bother how he feel. But when it comes down to it, I think both of their big character trait is loyalty, and caring for those they love, even if some take a while to figure things out.
    Do you have a favorite line or scene in the story?
    I don’t really have a favorite line, but I think my favorite scene from book 1 has to be the one where Fenn meets Ain’s parents. It’s just very sweet and a little chaotic, and while it was difficult to write given that there’s so many of them, it’s dear to my heart. No matter what happens later on, the way they accept Fenn is just very sweet.
    Can you share anything about your current or upcoming work with GA readers?
    After Raze the Night is posted in its entirety (45 chapter + an epilogue + a bonus chapter), I’ll be posting the third and last book in the Nightstar series, Bring the Dawn. After that, I’m not sure what I’ll post next. Maybe I can share another one of my standalones before going into another series. I have one about an asexual merman librarian that could be perfect for some variety.
  13. Cia
    I'm keeping up with the fantasy theme this month with the Signature feature but again, not going with those rainbows and golden coins! Nope, you get to visit another fantasy genre with Mikiesboy's Anthology entry last year. Did you enjoy this story then? Why not now, if you missed it! 

    Length: 4,402
    Description: Every cedar holds a spirit. Every spirit longs for home. 
    When a young Japanese cedar sapling is transported to a Canadian zoo for a new “Trees of the World” exhibit, no one realizes it carries with it a kodama—an ancient tree spirit torn from its home. As the cedar begins to wither, strange phenomena ripple through the zoo, and a girl named Maureen O’Neil decides to find out why. With her mother's support, Maureen challenges the botanist who brought the tree overseas. A violent storm reveals the truth so, together, child, mother, and scientist undertake a journey to restore nature's balance. 
    A reader said: What a gorgeous, rich, mentally stunning story. Many of us hold trees in high regard and I will never touch another without remembering the last lines of this wonderfully written story. Thank you for this one, tim.  xo ~MichaelS36
     
    If you want to spread the word about Mikiesboy's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!

    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt I chose to share!
  14. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring Mark's story, The Yacht Club, from last year's Secret Author contest? There will be another one of those coming up later this year, so I hope you will both enjoy this story (if you missed it) and the upcoming event this summer. Make sure you check out this excerpt and the story if you want to remember that fun or read it now! As always, like, comment, and review! 
    Want to read more? Click here.
  15. Cia
    Well, as we have a bit more time this month, I thought I'd share a longer story. No, not gold coins, rainbows, and lucky charms themed... but we do have fantasy! Take a peek at this story if you haven't already, as well the ongoing sequel! 
    Break the Day
    by @dragonthusiast
     
    Length: 91,498
    Description: Fennrin is a shadowforger, a type of az-ari who have mastery over shadows. But all it's ever brought him is misery. People are afraid of the power that he himself barely understands, seeing his shadows as omens of bad luck and death. 
    Fennrin's life takes a turn when he is approached by Ainreth, a lightweaver and famous general, asking him to come with him to the royal court to be trained.
    Thrust into a world of politics, Fennrin quickly learns how powerful he could become, while starting to fall for Ainreth. However, unwelcome feelings are only the start of his problems as the neighboring, tyrannical monarchy is preparing for war. 
    A reader said: An intriguing start and we have yet to meet our hapless protagonist. This looks to be a good one. ~drpaladin
    Don't forget to come back to comment on the Discussion day, Monday, March 30th!
  16. Cia
    Did you read this month's CSR story? I love a good country story, as I grew up on and around farms, horses, cattle, sheep, and can spot who wears their boots in the saddle versus who wears their boots to be fancy (and yes, we did make fun of those visitors at fair!). I love asking what's something personal about you that people might be surprised to know and getting all sorts of answers to my interview questions to share with GA members about our authors, and getting to read more about a fellow country soul! Read on to find out more about @Griz and his story, Spring and a Ring! Make sure you share your comments below. 🤠
    Chocolate or Vanilla?
    Hmmm.....Chocolate, I think. Vanilla is integral to good chocolate, so really, I get both with each and every bite.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Wojtowa, Poland. It's a small village now, but before WWII, was larger and very much like Lewistown, Montana: an agricultural railroad town. The Nazis reduced the town to mostly rubble, but my remaining Polish relatives and many, many others restored it as much as possible. I have this idea for a story about my (young) great-great-great uncle on a boat out of Gdansk, Poland, bound for the States. He and another traveling immigrant meet, a young Dane from Copenhagen, when the boat stops there on the way West. The end might be predictable, but the details will focus on both Denmark's big city and Poland's little village, and the challenges in a new country the two young men are truly not prepared for. I want at least two weeks in Wojtowa to research around 100 years of history and geography.
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    I was born and raised in Lewistown, Fergus County, Montana. I returned here after years away for college and working for a larger international company which focuses on farm commodity shipping and receiving. The folks here have no idea I write gay romance stories (with some nookie included, of course), and the readers of the stories have no idea I'm a real farmer with a real farm and real livestock. No, really.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    As with many aspects of Life, one thing leads to another, and then returns home. I take my horse out and ride around the property, checking the fences. I get most of my story ideas, including dialogue, on horseback. Generally, a ride results in stuff for a story, and the stories seem to include horses (and nookie). Same happens if I'm cooking; I get an idea while standing at the stove, and write stuff down. Sometimes in the margins of cookbooks.
    If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be?
    Write everything down when ideas come to mind. They might not be used, but it's a good bank of ideas for plot, characters and dialogue. Some of them will never come back to mind, once forgotten.
    How did you come up with the title?
    I was trying to think of a title that conveys personal and professional growth. Spring is the beginning of agricultural growth, and traditionally, a ring is the beginning of personal and interpersonal growth. This is a traditional community, and the seven or nine other gay farm guys we know give each other rings (or if it's necessary to be discreet) or nicer wrist watches, when we want to have physical connection with each other by proxy. Screw the 'patriarchal heteronormative' drivel we hear when we are in bigger cities and folks see our rings; farm boys are not hung up on labels from the very people who insist we should not live by labels. One of these days, I'll work on a story about our own tribe's selective, near-militant hypocrisy. It'll depend on which acre my horse takes me for checking the fences, I guess.
    Do you relate more to one character or the other, Sal or Tim?
    I relate more to Tim, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, behaviorally and physically. I am 6'5", 235 pounds and furry. Due to a badly-timed investment in equipment a few years ago, I wound up in Tim's boots-----in bankruptcy. It took a long time to dig out of the nightmare, and I didn't have my own Sal del Vecchio to save my sorry butt. Sal, though, is a re-named (straight) friend in real life, and in real Walpole, Massachusetts, who said he'd try to find me a rich sugar daddy. That's its own can of worms I'd rather leave unopened, although.....I'd like my own version of Sal. Not that he needs to resemble the character, but just be a good man, smaller than myself, who likes horses, cows and crops, and thinks snow is the very best crop a Montana farmer can grow. (I love cold weather and snow. And the best candy in the world is heated maple syrup with a little cinnamon added, then drizzled in a snowbank, which is Winter thing only.)
    Did something specific inspire you to use the setting for Spring and a Ring?
    Well, yeah, actually; Sal's farm and log house, which in real life is my property and house, and my favorite little town, Winnett, Montana. My property and its precise location is the setting for another agro love story, "Harvard Comes To Montana". Longer than "Spring And A Ring", and not yet complete. My farm has been in our family for five generations, and my veterinarian nephew and his boyfriend will take it into the sixth and beyond. I'm solidly planted here, just like the wheat, oats, rye and Black Angus and Scottish Highlander cattle I grow.
    Do you have a favorite line or scene in the story?
    Those were my nephew's boyfriend's idea, when he read the story as I was working on it. That guy is the funniest, most romantic, knuckle-dragging redneck I've ever met. I told him I want to collaborate on a full story with him sometime. I hope sincerely that will happen.
    Can you share any of your current or future story you’re working on with readers?
    I kinda already did, or a specific story: "Harvard Comes To Montana". High school graduate farm boy, sixth generation on Polish immigrant family farm, meets visiting Harvard professor. Twelve years apart in age. They have a lot to teach each other about challenges, compromises, family, career and (of course) love. Oh-----and food. Seems to be a regular topic in stories I write. Everything 'food' I've written about is stuff I've actually prepared. It's on nifty.org, and once I get the next chapter written, I'll publish the whole thing on GA, too. One of my readers is a professor at Barnard College. I am, he says, his 'personal favorite gay mushy-trashy novel author'. That's an honor, as far as I'm concerned. There's another one-chapter short story on nifty.org: "On Eggs And Kinsey". I want to submit that to GA, as well. Just need to get my lazy butt in gear.
  17. Cia
    This month I thought I'd feature a romantic... or is it? cruise story by @Mark Arbour. This was part of the Secret Author contest in 2024, which I hope readers enjoyed, but if you missed it, check it out now!! 

    Length: 10,473
    Description: Two daddies and two twinks go on a cruise. Devon and his boyfriend Roger plan a cruise to get away and enjoy some time together.  While boarding they meet Keller, who is traveling with his estranged boyfriend Jason.  While on board they discover the true strengths and weaknesses of their relationships. 
    A reader said: Yacht Club is a compelling, well-writtem short story. Perfect for a lazy summer afternoon, you will be drawn into the dual love stories of our 4 main characters, rooting for them as they discover what they mean to each other. 
    A great read. ~ Doha
     
    If you want to spread the word about Mark Arbour's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!

    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt I chose to share!
  18. Cia

    February 2026 CSR Feature: Spring and a Ring by Grizz

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    It's February, and thoughts turn to the changing of the seasons, Valentine's Day, love, and romance! So, here we go with a short story featuring love in a little tale that you might have missed! Please give it a read, like, comment, or review and come back for the interview on the Discussion day at the end of the month. 
    Spring and a Ring
    by @Griz
    Length: 8,231
    Description: Two young farmers in rural central Montana meet as Winter turns to Spring, and everything frozen begins to thaw and prepares to bloom.
    A reader said:  A lovely, tranquil low-angst story about two men in Montana combining their lives. Some nice passages about food give a unique spin to the tale. ~andy cannon
    Don't forget to come back to comment on the Discussion day, Monday, February 23rd!
  19. Cia
    Welcome to our first 2026 CSR Discussion day, and our first twofer! I thought, why not give you an extra treat. First, I gave you all a SHORT story because I know you're busy recovering from the holidays, and we all just need a short, sweet treat. Second, you get two interviews for one blog! Learn all about these co-authors and how they both answer the same questions. Hmm, wonder how that turned out? Read on! And don't forget to comment below.
    First up, chris191070: 
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    Yes, to both. My favorite fruit would have to be bananas or plums. My favourite vegetable is Asparagus
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    An Eagle, you have the freedom to fly and explore.
    What’s something about you that would surprise people?
    I hate horror films, but I am quite happy to read some horror stories.
    What brought you to GA? 
    I was after a site that provided proper gay fiction. That provided stories that were not just about the sex.
    If you had to pick your favorite book or story you’ve ever read, what is it and why?
    The Harry Potter Series. It conjured up all sorts of things that you wish you could do yourself, especially flying on broomsticks or using a spell to shut people up.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Australia
    How did your story collaboration come into being? What is the best part? Hardest challenge?
    We had collaborated before this story and enjoyed working together. The best part is me having weird ideas and Ben transforming them into something readable. I don't think we have hit a hard challenge just yet,  we have always agreed on where we want the story to go.
    Where did the idea for Raven’s Secret Crush come from? 
    My weird imagination, after watching something on television. 
    Do you have a favorite line or scene in the story? 
    A tense silence hung in the air. Deep down, Raven wished his older brother would be more honest with himself and others. He'd idolized him back when they were kids, but had he ever seen the real Altair behind all of the walls he'd built around himself?
    Can you tell readers anything about your current or upcoming work? 
    Me and Ben have just started posting our latest collaboration - The Fantastic Eight and Their February Surprise.
    It brings together some of the characters we have featured in our previous collaborations.
    Now for Bendtedwreath! 
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    Ben: Yes. My favorite vegetables are squash and pumpkin. My favorite fruits are kiwi and blackberries.
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    Ben: I’d likely be a red panda, as I’m solitary, shy, and mostly nocturnal. My favorite animal, however, is the sea turtle.
    What’s something about you that would surprise people?
    Ben: Though I’m fairly straight-laced, my friends are not. I am very punctual, but none of my other friends are.
    What brought you to GA?
    Ben: A friend who was my roommate at the time.
    If you had to pick your favorite book or story you’ve ever read, what is it and why?
    Ben: That’s a difficult choice. The Dresden Files perhaps.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Ben: I’d have to learn Japanese to then head over to Japan and retrieve more details about Yokai.
    How did your story collab come into being? What is the best part? Hardest challenge?
    Ben: I reached out to Chris for one collaboration, and we had fun with it and continued from there.
    Where did the idea for Raven’s Secret Crush come from?
    Ben: We were given a genre from a prompt event, Romance/Contemporary Romance. Chris then brought up a “jock x nerd” theme with characters that weren’t too stereotypically “jockish” or “nerdish.”Then, we went on from there.
    Do you have a favorite line or scene in the story?
    Ben: Mine is "I've been busting my butt to collect every OneSlice comic book ever released. I've got 110 out of 113. Not that I'm obsessed or anything." because OneSlice is a play on OnePiece, and I’ve a friend that enjoys the series so much that they read the manga before watching the episodes just to note the differences in the colors used.
    Can you tell readers anything about your current or upcoming work?
    Ben: We began posting a collab story that is five chapters long to not only tie all our collab characters together, but to give them an ending of sorts. I’ve also been personally working on a long-chaptered vampire and incubus-themed story which I’ve asked many GA members for help with over the past year and a half that I hope to finish so that I can begin sharing that one, as well.
  20. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's feature of Mann Rambling's story, Ones and Zeros? It was part of an anthology featuring all sorts of disasters, but it certainly wasn't! What did you think of the story? If you didn't read it back in 2013, or I haven't intrigued you with it yet, check out the excerpt below! 
    Want to read more? Click here!
  21. Cia
    This month we are featuring both an older story and an older anthology! @Mann Ramblings posted Ones and Zeros to the 2013 Recipe for Disaster Anthology. Check it out and some of the other stories if you are looking for a great read or some inspiration to write your own anthology submission for this year's later event. 

    Length: 9,015
    Description: In the future, all para-humans are 2nd class citizens under constant control and supervision. Poll's sponsor is a securities specialist, specifically the man responsible for designing all tech the maintains the balance of human superiority. Poll accepts his world, he's well treated, until the disappearance of his twin brother Costa shatters his world view and forces him to decide where he stands.
    A reader said:  What a great story Mann. A personal disaster leading to a worlwide one, I could see everything in my head like a movie. Seeing how this world worked something like this had to happen some day.
    A well written and constructed story which interpreted disaster as it should be, inexorable. Wow. @Aditus
    If you want to spread the word about Mann Ramblings' story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!

    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt I chose to share!
  22. Cia

    December Signature Excerpt: Elias by Krista

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    Did you catch Monday's feature? Have you read Krista's story? Raven1 said it wasn't spooky... but like many of Krista's readers, thinks her writing itself is enthralling. Is it her characters? The way she writes the scenes? What do you think? Read on and decide? (and share your thoughts!!) 
    Want to read more? Click here
  23. Cia
    Well, no great announcements about 2026 from me... Except the start of CSR! I thought I'd do something a little fun, a twofer! That's right, this month's feature was written by 2 GA Authors! That means double the fun on the Discussion day. 
    Raven's Secret Crush
    by @BendtedWreath and @chris191070
     
    Length: 5,301
    Description: Raven Bran always feels stuck behind his brother, in basketball, at school, and even with friends. But when he meets someone who truly understands him, everything starts to look different. Sometimes, the right person is all it takes to finally feel seen.
    A reader said:  Well done indeed, @BendtedWreath and @chris191070. I would like to give this story six stars, but the system will only let me assign five stars. This story is put together well and easily enjoyed. I recommend it. ~ ReaderPaul
    Don't forget to come back to comment on the Discussion day, Monday, January 26th!
  24. Cia

    December CSR Discussion Day: The Darkest Days by Jack Poignet

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Please forgive my tardiness, I lost track of the days of the week! The bliss of holiday vacation. My darkest days? Next week, when I go back to work with all the kiddos who also wish we were still on vacation!! So what did you think of this month's story feature? Share your thoughts on that and the interview with Jack below! 
    Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla. Unless we’re not talking about ice cream here…?
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know? I hold a Master’s degree in Physics, though I’ve drifted far from that field professionally. On a less academic note, I am an enthusiastic Karaoke singer.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing? I love to travel, write songs, and—far too rarely—contemplate the universe. This year I published an AI-assisted music album, and last year I indulged my physics background by uploading a personal “Theory of Everything” paper online. It keeps the other side of my brain active!
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story? Japan. 
    What brought you to the GA? I discovered GA ages ago as a reader hunting for good shifter stories, and the site is a goldmine for them. When I finally took the plunge into writing, it felt like the natural home for my work. I do write erotica as well, though I usually reserve the explicit stuff for Nifty or my Patreon (Bob and the Biker being the exception).
    You’ve added a variety of stories in different sub-genres to GA. Do you have a favorite one to write? Definitely (Dark) Fantasy.
    What inspired you to write Darkest Days? It was early December here in Munich. A radio segment about the local “Perchtenlauf” (a traditional alpine parade) sparked my interest. That sent me down a Wikipedia rabbit hole regarding the “Wild Hunt,” and I just had to write about it. Fun fact: some of the icy imagery is a nod to Hemingway’s A Day’s Wait. I’m certainly not comparing my prose to his, but the atmosphere of that story has stuck with me for decades.
    Do you have a favorite line or scene in the story? Not a favorite, but there is one line that sticks out: “…you mustn’t leave your washing hanging or the Wild Hunt could get caught up in it.” It’s a specific bit of local folklore here in Bavaria. It’s practically an inside joke that shouldn't be in a serious story, but I couldn't resist including it.
    What other mythic lore have you considered writing into a story in the future? The list is endless. I’ve been brewing an epic with strong religious themes featuring a Biblical figure who is famous in name, but whose actual story is quite obscure. I also dream of writing a Roman history epic with wolf-shifters, though the sheer volume of research required is daunting! Greek gods are also top of the list.
    Can you share something about your current or upcoming work with readers? I’ve resumed Hungry for Gains—it deserves a proper ending. I’m also prepping the second Lightbringer book (Histoire de Noir series) and work on redrafting/editing BigPaws for Amazon publication (likely under a new pen name to keep it separate from my Jack Poignet erotica titles).
    As for something brand new: I’m planning a mash-up of Arthurian legend, The Ring of the Nibelung, and other myths and legends. Think swords, dragons, and lots of action. It is loosely based on an AI narrated (no-one wants to hear a German accent, right?) short story I did for a rather under-utilized YouTube channel I run–or rather don’t really run. I’ve figured I can’t do everything at once. Shocking, right?
  25. Cia

    December Signature Feature: Elias by Krista

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    Today's Signature Feature is our last one for the 2025, and it just so happened to line up with Krista! One of GA's longest posting authors, no matter what kind of content you want to read, you'll probably find it in her author listing! I decided to slip back a bit from the happy holidays to a bit of a spook factor. Who doesn't like visiting gravestones in a ghost town during tinsel time???

    Length: 39,193
    Description: What else is there to do when your friends are having premarital sex in your car, then to visit the gravesite of a witch in an abandoned ghost town. What if ghost town wasn't actually a cliché?
    A reader said: Elias is a well written mystery and ghost story. It isn't a sad or scary story, but a very compelling tale that keeps you  engaged.  The characters are lovable and often fun.  The ending will leave you hopeful and wanting to visit again. ~raven1
    If you want to spread the word about Krista's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!

    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt I chose to share!
     
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