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Cia

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  1. Cia

    August CSR Feature: Electricity by MozLover21

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Welcome to August. Wow, I can't believe we've already made it here. Summer in the northern hemisphere is in full bore, but we can see the end in sight. Change is in the air, and what better way celebrate that than with a tale about personal change? And sports! Football!! Yes it's American football, people, but this is the month for it. Plus, don't forget to congratulate MozLover21 on being a member of GA for a year on August 16th!!
    Electricity
    by @MozLover21
     
    Length: 74,284
    Description: NFL quarterback Andrew Thompson is tired of being blasted in the press for his notorious playboy lifestyle and wild reputation. But just as he's trying to make changes in his life and become a better man, a brand new article by respected journalist Aubrey Miller, goes viral. The author berates Andrew for perpetuating a negative image of gay men in the media and questions his dedication to the community. Initially, the quarterback is furious with Miller, but a chance encounter with the handsome writer leaves him rather conflicted about his feelings.
    A Reader Said: Easily one of my favorite stories. To see how the characters mature was awesome. Definitely looking forward to more stories from Moz.  ~Wesley8890
     
    Don't forget to come back to comment on the discussion day on Monday, August 31st. 
  2. Cia

    September CSR Feature: Thwarted by Renee Stevens

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Happy September, we're in the home stretch of 2021! This month, in honor of Labor Day in the U.S., I'm featuring a story about soldiers. For all those who work with their hands, who build, who labor, thank you! I hope you enjoy reading Renee Stevens' story, Thwarted. Maybe we can lure her back to writing again with some comments! 
    Thwarted
    by @Renee Stevens
    Length: 62,434
    Description: After getting out of the military, Mark is unsure what he wants to do with his life. Then he meets Trey, a current soldier in the US Army. Sometimes it seems like everything is conspiring against them. Can they make it or will they be... thwarted.
    A reader said: Finally managed to read the last chapters. I've enjoyed the story and your great characters, and I like to think they will have a happy life together. A sequel sounds good  ~ Suvitar
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, September 27th!
  3. Cia

    August CSR Discussion Day: Still You Want Me by Mrsgnomie

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    It's been a long month, but this month's feature was a long read for you to enjoy! Did you read Mrsgnomie's Still You Want Me? Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments below, but first, enjoy this interview with her! 
    Have you ever gone out in public, realized your shirt is on backwards, and just don’t care?
    Backwards, inside out, see through with black bra (not on purpose like the current trend). I wouldn’t say I’m a hot mess, but I’ve had my moments. I tend to embrace them. Life is too short to fret over trivial things like this, plus, it might bring a smile to someone’s day!
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    Traveling. 100%. I never left Oregon until I was 24. Never went on a flight until I was 26. I’ve spent the last 10 years making up for lost time. The value we gain from visiting other cultures is paramount. I’ve grown more in the last 10 years then I did the 26 before that. I want travelling to be so normal for my kids that they take it for granted.
    If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
    From Acorn to Oak Tree.
    What brought you to GA?
    I published Still You Want Me on a different site. It got pretty good feedback. Some of the best feedback. Someone emailed, we became friends, then she directed me to GA and told me to post here. I admit, the feedback on GA wasn’t nearly as good as the other site. Looking back, I didn’t know GA well enough and the learning curve was a little harsh. I almost didn’t post my second story, Three Strikes, but I thought, why not? What do I have to lose? I’m glad I did. Now GA is my go-to and the other site is an afterthought.
    What’s the best part of being an author? The hardest part?
    Best part and the hardest part of being an author is the readers. The best because they are awesome, encouraging, and insightful. They’ve made my stories better because of their comments and foresight. They keep me accountable, they keep me writing, they keep motivated. Knowing they enjoy something I crafted from scratch is a high like no other. But it’s a double edge sword, because they can be brutal. I got a email a few months ago from a reader who RAILED me because I depicted Seamus’s family as being trailer-trashy. Well, let me tell you, this reader had some things to say (1k+ words) about that! Evidentially, because of Covid and the negative effects it had on people, this depiction was heartless, cold, and alienated my readers. It wasn’t Seamus’ family’s fault for needing to be on assistance. A) covid is not referenced in my story. His family is generational white trash, by choice. Needless to say, they were beyond offended and “will no longer be reading any of my stories”.
    But yeah, it can be hard to read negative feedback even if it is part of the process.
    Did something specific inspire you to write Still You Want Me?
    I guess, my own reading desire inspired me to write. I was enjoying (insert the many tropes you’ll find in SYWM) but I was running into a brick wall finding similar stories. I decided to take a stab at it myself. What you can’t find, you write. I’d read some pretty terrible stories, so the bar was kind of low.
    The story has Drama, Comedy, and Romance as the genres. Do you feel one dominates the plot?
    I was going to say, no, I think they’re evenly distributed. But then I was like, who am I kidding? Drama. Definitely drama.
    Do you identify with either Colin or Charles more, and if so, why?
    This is a big fat neither. Don’t get me wrong, each character has something about them that was taken from me (Colin’s love of tea. Charles’ love of eating out and being the best hostess) but overall, both Colin and Charles are so different from me. Probably why I wanted to write them. But, if my hands were tied and a gun was pointed to my head, I’d say I most identify with the second-half-of-the-story Charles. Once you strip away his ego, money, and status, Charles is extremely thoughtful and kind…just like me.
    What is your favorite quote or scene from Still You Want Me and why?
    Okay, first of all, this is rude. I haven’t re-read this story since I posted it back in 2018, so I had to go back to find a quote. Now I’m eating brownies and cringing. It is clearly my FIRST ever attempt. That much is obvious. Like, could I have used more exclamation points? *shudders*
    I think my favorite scene is when they go to the gym. Colin is still in denial about his feelings but seeing another guy hitting on Charles sends him for a loop. He gets territorial and the claws come out. It’s all very out of character for Colin. Plus, Colin’s nicknames for his competition crack me up. Shorty McDouchebag, Short McFlirt, Shorty McUglyface, etc. The un-beknownst-to-Colin jealousy amuses me.
    This line from Colin to Charlie: “Can you try to focus on me instead of Shorty McFlirt over there? I don’t want the weights to fall and crush me because you’re too busy ogling some twink with a bad haircut.”
    Can you share a little of your current and/or future work with readers?
    Absolutely. I’m currently 4 chapters deep on a spin off from Boss Nanny. Jay Petermeyer is the first football player to be drafted as out and proud. He’s been playing professionally for 10 years and in that time, he’s built a stellar reputation. You can’t find a smudge to his name. You also can’t find a shirtless photo. It’s not that he’s prude, he just believes that some things should be private—that the world isn’t entitled to every piece of him. Loren, on the other hand, is one of the biggest social media influencers, period. He started as a pre-teen playing video games in his friend’s room. A decade-and-a-half later, he’s got over 20 million followers.
    Loren is a wild horse.
    Jay is the patient trainer who can see what lies beneath.
    The other story I’m working on is called All the Kings Men. It’s not fully worked out but it’s about a group of friends, they’re close. The type of closeness that forms from childhood trauma. A rags-to-riches situation, in a sense. As adults, they’re the it group. The friend group that everyone wants to be a part of. They’re social and outgoing, but at the end of the day, they’re not accepting new members. In the middle of this group is James King. After a toxic relationship isolates him from his friends for five years, they’re finally reunited. Not only are they ecstatic to have their friend back, they’re now insanely protective of him, too. They almost lost him once…
    Trevor has a the best one-night-stand of his life while visiting family in Denver and before heading on the road to do a few Keynote speaking events for work. As one of the top commercial real estate agents on the west coast, he’s a hot commodity. When he finally gets back home, he goes for a drink with his friends. That’s when he sees the super-fun-one-night-stand guy. He’s not big on relationships but he won’t lie and say he’s not a little interested in James. He’s also familiar with James’s friends. At once point, he wanted to be in their circle because it was the place to be. Now he wanted in their circle because getting to James will never happen without the approval of the King’s Men.  
  4. Cia
    So picking an excerpt for this story was a little hard. There's a lot of interesting information about Buddhism, this spiritual retreat, and the main characters. The story has a bit of romance, some drama (they are teens, after all) and a lot of struggling to the end. Will it be a happy ending? Well, the story is short so I hope you'll give it a chance. To help you decide, I've picked an excerpt that gives you both a taste of the characters and the world they are immersed in for the week. 
    Want more? Click here. 
  5. Cia
    This month I'm sure we're all a little stressed and can use some peace. How about checking out this short Classic Author read?

    Length: 12,151
    Description: Nicky goes to a Zen meditation retreat, searching for enlightenment, but what will he find?
    A reader said: This was really great! I was so happy to read a story that is so different from the norm! ~ CassieQ
    If you want to spread the word about Little BuddhaTW'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!

  6. Cia

    August CSR Discussion Day: Electricity by MozLover21

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Whew, a long month and a long story! At least they went together, right? I hope you enjoyed the Electricity (and welcomed back football!) this month. Now how about my interview with MozLover21? My questions weren't so easy, so make sure you read the thoughtful answers before you comment with your thoughts on the story below!
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    I love horror movies. They’re my guilty pleasure. But somehow my fondness for this genre always becomes an issue in my friendships and relationships, because nobody that I know enjoys watching them. And their usual assertion that the movies are “too scary” is baffling to me, because I find reality far more terrifying than any horror.
    If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
    “Know Yourself”—I’ve recently become interested in ancient Greek mythology, where the principle of knowing yourself is an important theme, and one of the mottoes carved on the temple of Apollo. It sounds simple enough, but knowing yourself comes with a good dose of eating humble pie, because it requires examining your flaws and limitations. But if you continually go through that process, you can end up improving and refining yourself into the best version you can be. And that doesn’t mean a perfect human, but it does mean someone who is better equipped to deal with the suffering that living often entails.
    What brought you to GayAuthors?
    When I first published “Electricity” on another website, one of the readers recommended that I try publishing on GayAuthors for a more targeted audience that preferred a unique storyline over an entirely love/lust driven plot. It was a great suggestion as I find the readers on GayAuthors profoundly helpful in providing useful feedback. They also truly commit themselves and become emotionally invested in the stories they enjoy. It makes it a more rewarding experience for me to interact with an enthusiastic group of readers.
    What’s the first thing you do before you start to write a story?
    My writing process is something I’m always actively seeking to fine-tune. Ideally I would be the type of writer who could make a detailed outline and diligently work on it chapter by chapter. Unfortunately for me, that’s never how it happens. First of all, my ideas pop into my head during the most inopportune times, like when I’m driving on the freeway or heading into a meeting and unable to write them down. And typically, the scene I’ll have in my head isn’t the beginning of the story, but a fragment somewhere in the middle or towards the end. So then I have to work my way back and untangle what happened before, and slowly put the puzzle pieces together. My first draft is always a wreck, and it’s a painstaking process, but the moment when it all finally clicks into place and I can see the bigger picture, is a moment of great satisfaction.
    Do you like other stimulus around when you write or do you need a quiet environment?
    I’m not someone who can write in the middle of a crowded coffee shop. I typically need a peaceful environment. At times I can listen to specific music that contributes to the vibes of a particular chapter. For example, at the moment I’m working on a story where one of the characters is a famous rapper, and it’s been useful for me to blast some Drake, some J.Cole, or some Kendrick while I write those scenes. But for the most part, I need silence. I’m particular about my visual stimulus as well. I can’t write if there’s things scattered on my table. The only objects allowed are a cup of coffee, a notebook with a pen, and the current books I’m reading.
    Sports and Journalism… Why those themes? Any personal experience with them?
    I have some experience with both. I was a writer for my high school newspaper and I’ve published a few articles in the past six years. I also played basketball in school. Aside from simply admiring the commitment and determination it takes to be the best in either one of these areas, for me, the two are also greatly intertwined. I believe journalists are an integral part of what transforms an ordinary human being with great athletic ability, to an otherworldly entity. For example, respected sports journalists can make or break the public image of an athlete, and shape the way in which they’re viewed by the world. An athletic feat happens fast and then it’s gone, it can only be replayed on TV, it can’t ever be relived. But writing is frozen in time, and if your moments of glory and your character are written about with admiration, you’re immortalized.
    When writing “Electricity” I knew right away that Andrew’s character would be a pro athlete. Then when I started brainstorming Aubrey, I wanted him to be the person capable of becoming Andrew’s biggest nemesis or his greatest strength, and I quickly realized that it couldn’t be a fan, or a fashion designer, or an Instagram model, but that it had to be a journalist. It had to be someone with the power to bring him down so that he could rise from his ashes and become a better man.
    How did you come up with the title for “Electricity”?
    It was inspired by a scene from the movie Billy Elliot—which, for those who don’t know, is about a working-class boy in England who uncovers his passion for ballet, and has to overcome his father’s objections as well as the stigma associated with male ballet dancers—where Billy explains what he feels when he’s dancing. He compares it to a feeling of electricity.
    What’s funny is that I didn’t think anyone would ever make that association, but one of my readers actually emailed me asking whether that was the inspiration for the title. I have incredibly astute readers, nothing gets past them.
    My idea behind the connection between Aubrey and Andrew was a natural electric current that charges both of them up, and helps transform them into better people. And that was also the danger factor in the story, because with electricity there needs to be a fine balance, otherwise you can get a short circuit and burn everything down. I’m intrigued by ideas that contain duality, and this was a major theme for me in “Electricity”. Andrew and Aubrey could work together and create this wonderful form of revolutionizing energy, or they could potentially destroy each other.
    Do you have a favorite scene in the story?
    The story has many scenes that are dear to me, but one that comes to mind in this particular moment takes place in chapter 16, when Andrew is reminiscing about his college football coach’s speech regarding failure, and how the worst failure is never trying at all. I think having a mentor is so crucial to our development as humans, and unfortunately many of us grew up without a good mentor. If we were lucky enough we encountered a “Coach Dean” in our lives to help guide us along the way and shield us from falling into dysfunctional patterns. This is another crucial theme for Andrew, who has a cordial, yet somewhat distant, relationship with his father, and who ends up falling into a very unhealthy mode of living. And it can be difficult to rewire yourself once you’re steeped in your ways. That’s also where the idea of “electricity” comes in—an electric bolt to jolt Andrew out of his toxic behavior.
    This is why that scene holds weight with me, because I respect the idea of an individual being able to get their life together. In this case, Andrew rising out of his alcoholic stupor and deciding to actively pursue this slim chance at love, rather than giving into disenchantment and bitterness. At the end of the day I truly believe that if you’re committed to something, you’ll find a way.
    If your story were made into a movie, who could you picture playing Andrew’s and Aubrey’s parts?
    In my fantasy universe, I could see Tom Hardy as Andrew. As for Aubrey, I think Wentworth Miller during The Human Stain period would have made a good choice. As a side note, I was watching a lot of basketball in-between working on “Electricity”, and both Aaron Gordon and Klay Thompson influenced Aubrey’s looks.
    Would you like to share anything about your current or upcoming work with readers?
    I’m working on a couple different projects at the moment. I recently started a Patreon (www.patreon.com/mstories) and I have a new story on there titled “You Don’t See Me”, which has a darker theme than my previous work. I’m also working on my other story “Where Does Crimson Flow” here on GayAuthors. And I’m halfway through finishing my first book, a thriller about a father searching for his son’s killer. Last but not least, I’m toying with the idea of writing a horror screenplay that my friends and loved ones can finally enjoy
  7. Cia

    August's CSR Feature: Still You Want Me by MrsGnomie

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    In honor of her recent promotion to GA Signature Author, I am featuring MrsGnomie's first submission to GA posted back in 2018! Can you believe it's been that long? Now, the story is also longer than most of our CSR reads, but I know many get sucked right into her stories and can't put them down which fits right into our Can't Stop Reading-CSR theme! Please enjoy. 
    Still You Want Me
    by @Mrsgnomie
    Length: 115,768
    Description: Colin begins a new job and befriends Charles, a socialite who represents everything Colin despises. Despite fundamental life differences, they begin to build a deep friendship. Unbeknownst to Colin, Charles is falling in love with him, only to watch Colin fall in love with—and begin to build a life with another man. Colin must reconcile the deeply rooted expectations he’s created for himself against the reality; that desires of the heart never play by the rules.
    A Reader said: This was my first introduction to @Mrsgnomie's storytelling.  It's still my absolute favorite, but every story she publishes since definitely makes it a contest to see if it'll topple this one.  These characters and their lack of communication (and stupidity) have you cheering each one on at different times.  Definitely worth your time to read! ~mfa607
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, August 30th!
  8. Cia
    Well, this month was a little different with an anthology of sorts by a single author, giving you the chance to pick and choose among the stories if you weren't up to reading all of them. Make sure you share your thoughts in the comments below, but first, enjoy this interview where Drew spills all (including what story he cameos in... can you guess which one before you read it?)
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    Yes, I try to get my five portions a day. What’s a good meal without vegetables?
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Paris or Berlin, because both are amazing cities with so much in them that inspires my imagination. They are cities that have such varied neighbourhoods. But with all the travel restrictions, I’ll choose the British Library because I can research whatever I want there, and their café is nice.
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    I have a model railway.
    What’s the best part of being an author?
    I can explore the themes and issues that are important to me, but emotionally nothing compares to when something I write touches/moves a reader
    What’s the greatest challenge of being an author?
    Not enough time. I have so many ideas and not enough time to write them. After that is the challenge of promoting my own writing. GA has given me a great platform to find readers but I’ve recently self-published a collection of stories and promoting it, so I can find readers for it, is such hard work.
    If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be?
    Recently I have been re-reading stories I wrote back in my twenties. Some are good, some are okay and some are plain awful. I would tell my younger self to write about the things that were happening around me (They were certainly interesting times), the things that were happening to you, rather than my wish fulfilment over what I wanted to happen. I would tell myself to stop over-writing and learn to type.
    I would also tell myself to have confidence in my writing and to send it out to publishers and magazines (I didn’t start doing that until well into my thirties).
    And lastly, I’d say to join a writing group because honest feedback can really benefit my writing, and meeting with other writers is so helpful.
    What’s your favorite story in Stories Written on Lined Paper?
    Out of the Valley. This story is based (Though very loosely based) on the breakup with my first boyfriend. I took a painful experience and worked through it by writing about it. It was one of the first stories I wrote about being gay.
    I came back to it twenties years after writing it and did a big rewrite to it, especially changing the ending. But I kept the central character and the structure of it. It showed me that I could understand these situations and people, even back then.
    Is there a particular character you most identify with, and how so?
    Davie, the nurse, in The Longest Day Must Have an End (Found in Stories Written on Lined Paper).
    He is a minor character but he is the first time I put myself fully into a story, he is a cameo appearance by me (Like Alfred Hitchcock did in his films). His job, on that ward, was my first job after qualifying, he has my hairstyle from then, he has my attitude and manner from then, and he is shagging a senior colleague which I did in that job. I don’t make cameos in my writing much, if at all, and this was the first time I did it. I liked making my own experience a minor story line.
    Over how many years have you written these stories? Have you found your craft has changed in that time?
    I started writing prose when I was twenty and started writing about being gay when I was twenty-two. I’m fifty-five next week.
    I have been writing all that time and practice has improved my writing, but also so has reading. Learning from the best authors and learning what not to do from the bad ones. I have also learnt from honest/good feedback. The feedback that has helped me to improve my writing, though I’ve had to learn what is good feedback and what is bad, and should be just ignored.
    I’ve learnt not to over-write, to keep my style readable, using three words when one could do can easily put off readers. I’ve learnt to use my experience of people and my knowledge in my writing, if I make my writing more real then readers can relate to it, even when writing fantasy. I have also learnt to trust my instincts and knowledge on where a story should go.
    Can you share something about your current or future work with readers?
    I am writing a story about a young man just released from prison. The story looks at what led him to prison and what happened to him while he was there. I hope to start posting it, chapter by chapter, soon. Then I really need to finish the other two stories in the series I started with A Walk Along the Promenade.
    I am looking at self-publishing more. I am working on a collection of stories about people facing life-changing experiences.
  9. Cia
    I've featured long reads, stories to take you to other times or places.... so how about we do another snippet of a week in the snow in the sunny heat of July in this bite-sized feature "Almost Home" by Shadowgod. 

    Length: 2,782
    Description: There was nothing Bryson and James wanted more than to get away from the stress of college, and once Bryson had convinced him, James was sure that this ski trip was the perfect way to do just that. Their week together in the snow would turn out to be something James would never forget, or the test that interrupted it, and the phone call he gets that night when Bryson was almost home.
    A reader said: A well thought out and written story with a surprise ending. Excellent read. ~ Brayon
    If you want to spread the word about Shadowgod'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!

  10. Cia
    How is July treating you? Sweltering in a swimsuit or swimming in wool to stay warm depending on your hemisphere? We've passed the midway mark for the year but we're still in the thick of 2021. How about slowing down when you need a break and enjoying something a little different... An anthology of sorts. You can pick any of Drew Payne's "Stories Written on Lined Paper" to read (or all of them on different days) and share your thoughts on the discussion day! 
    Stories Written on Lined Paper
    by @Drew Payne
    Length: 61,060
    Description: When I first started writing I wrote in long-hand, and wrote my stories on pads of lined white paper.
    I now mostly write straight onto my computer or laptop, but I still have found memories of filling up those empty white pages with my sprawling handwriting and tales of other people’s lives. So happy reading, I hope.
    A Reader said: I've enjoyed all of your stories in this collection.  Your writing keeps me entertained and thoughtful.  I notice that this is number twenty and the last of this series so that means I must have missed one 'cause the last I remember is "Boxing Day."  I'll have to catch up by reading "Another One of Those Family Photographs" now but I couldn't get to that before sending you my accolades for a series well written.  Thank you! ~ James Baxter
     
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, July 26th!
  11. Cia

    June CSR Discussion Day: Misunderstood by Marty

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Are you dying in the weather where you are? It's well over 100 here, so I'm hiding indoors. What better way to beat the heat than enjoy my interview with Marty and discuss his story, Misunderstood, featured in this month's CSR? I could use some cold, even if it's just reading about it!  
    Chocolate or Vanilla?
    I'm going to assume you are referring to ice cream here. So, if that's the only choice I am being given, I would have to choose vanilla (although raspberry would be my first preference).
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    Apart from being a member of the animal species Homo sapiens? That's a difficult one, if only because it's something I've never really thought about before. I have no idea why, but I'm going to choose a unicorn as my answer to this question.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    I'm an avid reader and also really enjoying gardening. I think both of those have helped me keep sane during the past sixteen months or so of extended lockdowns due to Covid-19.
    I am also a keen amateur photographer, and love hill-walking and mountaineering. Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions, I haven't been able to get out on the hills and mountains  much during the pandemic.
    Another of my favourite things is travel, particularly foreign travel, and that is something I am really looking forward to being able to do again as the restrictions start to ease.
    What’s the best part of being an author?
    That moment when characters suddenly take on a life of their own, and the words just seem to flow.
    Which is your favourite story that you’ve written?
    If you check my stories on GA you will see that I have very few actual completed stories to choose from. If I were forced to choose a favourite from all of them, I think I would have to choose my flash piece I Could Manage The Days from my story collection entitled: Marty's Shorts and Flashes. Part of the reason for choosing this is the fact that it came to me as a sudden flash of inspiration, and took less than fifteen minutes to actually write. Another thing I like about it is that the fact it is written from the first person singular POV, which leaves many readers wondering just what really happened right at the end.
    If I am allowed to include my poetry in my list of stories here on GA, my answer to this question would likely have been To All The Boys I've Loved from my poetry collection. This is one I struggled with for quite a while, mainly because the format I was originally trying just didn't seem to be working out. I was writing it for another online site that had a poetry anthology with the theme Lost Love, and I was originally trying to come up with a gay version of And A Bang On The Ear by The Waterboys. After many false starts, and finding myself getting absolutely nowhere apart from having lots of ideas for the various verses, I gave up on the Waterboys, and suddenly the poem seemed to write itself.
    What appeals to you most about the friends to lovers genre?
    I wouldn't say that I have any particular attraction to the friends to lovers theme, apart from the fact that it seems to be a common trope in a lot of gay fiction.
    How did you pick the setting for Misunderstood?
    The second level school that I taught in, in the North of England back in the 1970s and 80s, had an Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Snowdonia. Hence  the location for the story, and partially the time period chosen.
    However, I also chose that time period to explain at least part of the reason why Simon was having difficulty coming out. Homosexuality had only been decriminalised in England and Wales for five years at that time, the law that decriminalised it still imposed lots of restrictions, and there was still a lot of misunderstanding, misinformation, and homophobia about at the time.
    The main reason for choosing a snowstorm as part of the setting of the story was simply because I wrote the story whilst confined to the house for seven days back in December 2009, due to an unusual (for where I live in Ireland) heavy fall of snow that had left the country road I lived on at the time completely impassable.
    Do you identify more with, Simon or Andy?
    Simon. Which I suppose is the reason that not only was the story written from Simon's POV, but it was written in the first person singular.
    Is there any theme or plot you’d never write in a story?
    To be honest, I'm not sure about this. I'll just say: Never say never.
    What’s your favorite line or scene in the story?
    It would have to be the conversation between Simon and Andy right at the end of the story as they are driving up to the Centre, where Simon realised that he had completely misunderstood what Andy had said to him the previous evening.
    Can you share something about your current or upcoming work with readers?
    As will be evident from the fact that most of my stories on GA are marked as being on Temporary Hold, I am currently finding the writing process difficult. I think the current pandemic probably has a lot to do with this. Just about the only new stuff I have come up with recently has been a poetry series in the haiku format, although purists would perhaps argue that most of them are actually senryu rather than haiku. The pandemic has become a theme in a number of them.
  12. Cia
    June is Pride month! We often see stories of coming out or teenage coming of age stories that are very popular during this month. They are read as inspiration, a reminder, a hope... whatever the reason, they exist because we still struggle this battle. So how about a Classic to remember? 

    Length: 80,483
    Description: Justin's a fish out of water no matter where he goes, and never more so than when this Boston kid has to move to rural Georgia. Sometimes things don't work out the way he expects, which isn't a bad thing.
    A Reader said: I'm so impressed with this awesome story. The portrait of the social disabilities of an Asperger teenager is absolutely spot on, very well described and with both compassion and humor. Just brilliant - and let's you see all the silly high school drama and strange behavior of teens in a new way.
    The ending may not be what you expect, but I find it realistic, considering the silly expectations of bigots who cling to stereotypes. But I admit an epilogue letting us know how Justin went on from there, would have been perfect. ~Timothy M
    If you want to spread the word about The Zot'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
    February means love, romance, sex... um, the unintended consequences of that sometimes? Okay, I admit I love stories that include the educational field since I work in it and like to see different authors take on the world I live in. This story, on the surface, seems like a simple day in the life of a couple of HS seniors... 

    Length: 4,348
    Description: 2010 Spring Anthology Michael Thomas George, known as Trey by his friends, has to participate in his high school’s annual spring heritage carnival although he is very much against it, or he does not graduate. The morning of April 16th is bright and clear and all the tables are brightly decorated, except one…
    A Reader said: I like the fact that you launched right into the story without preamble. The portrayal of high school seniors as opionated and aggrieved, righteously indignant young adults was respectful and insightful. Their audacity made me laugh. The acceptance these young people enjoy is heartwarming.
     
    If you want to spread the word about Lugh'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!

  15. Cia
    Well, the title of this story is quite deceiving... and exactly describes it at the same time. I will say it drew me in and made me want to know more. Was it describing a character? The setting? Something else...? WHAT or WHO is the Cajun Asian? Hopefully this feature will help intrigue you too. 

    Length: 24,414
    Description: Seth and Asher are two boys growing up on New York's Lower East Side. Nearly finished with their first year at Stuyvesant, one of New York's elite public specialty high schools, they’ve become inseparable as boyfriends. Asher dreams of opening a restaurant and looks forward to helping his father open a new Cajun place. As the son of a politician, Seth helps to find a prize location for the restaurant nearby that they can afford. When tragedy strikes and faced with the possibility of it closing before it even opens, the young teens take over and manage the restaurant by themselves.
    A reader said: What a great story! I always enjoy checking in with these young men! They certainly stepped up to the plate, literally! Thank you! ~mfa607
     
    If you want to spread the word about Altimexis'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!

  16. Cia
    This scene is what inspired the banner. It's a rare moment of simple enjoyment in Kevin's life, but you can see he's hesitant to burst the bubble. Why? What has taught this youth to be so thankful for a day with his dad? Well, that's explored before this scene and more comes after. Read on and see what you think!
     Want to read more? Click here
  17. Cia
    This isn't an easy story to read, but sometimes that's what we need. Live the ups and downs with Kevin as he struggles to learn how to come to terms with life and all the uncertainty it can throw at a person, no matter what their age. 
     

    Length: 114,942
    Description: Kevin has always had turbulence in his life, but things when suddenly go from bad to worse and he has no where to turn, he sets off to return to the one place where he was able to build good memories in his young life.
    A reader said: Thanks for a really heart-warming in depth exploration of a young man coming to terms with himself. Quite an amazing story really. ~ Jaro_423
    If you want to spread the word about NickolasJames'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
    Hopefully you caught Monday's blog announcing this month's Classic Author feature is Altimexis' story, The Cajun Asian. Okay, so I don't do this often, but this section of the story just SMACKS for the title that grabbed my attention when I was picking a story to feature for Altimexis.  Usually I do an excerpt that has a big more of a vague aspect, something to just highlight a character or special scene. ⚠️ Just a warning... there's a bit of a spoiler about the characters if you're looking to read this but haven't yet. ⚠️
    Want to read more? Click here (I think you should... just what do YOU think the results of that review will be?!) 
  19. Cia
    May is here, and with it another Classic Author banner and story feature. Do you take the time to search out these older stories? Well, if you don't, never fear, we'll bring them to you with our monthly features! I don't know about you, but the past year plus has been crazy, so I thought... let's turn the feature on its ear and do a Christmas season story in May. 

    Length: 160,370
    Description: Nicholas is a young street painter in Berlin and full of painful memories until he meets Marcus Weidenbruch, who turns his life up side down. He could be happy if but for Marcus' selfishness and his old friend Sebastian coming from Rome to celebrate Christmas plus Nicholas first exhibition. Marcus doesn't realize that Nicholas is in danger - with his heart because Sebastian is a big temptation - and with his body, for an old friend of Marcus has turned friendship into hate.
    A reader said: Thank you for a very satisfying story, full of interesting details and complicated situations; romantic, emotional but realistic too. ~ Jaro423
    If you want to spread the word about Stefan Schmidt'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!

  23. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (May 2nd-May 8th)

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Surprise!
    No, we didn't go back in time, and it's not an April Fool's week joke. But I am bringing you this week's Wrap Up, so buckle your seat belts... it may be a bumpy ride! It's been a while since I did a Wrap Up, so I hope I don't forget anything.  What's the bumpiest ride or scariest ride you've ever been on? For me, it was an old wooden rollercoaster. I thought my brains would rattle out! 🥴Oh, and FYI it's the final few weeks before the anthology submission. 🕚 Get that writing done, fast and furious, so your story is ready! 
     
     
     
    Monday started off with the feature of another staff member's writing work, @Graeme Read this short story and revisit the Discussion blog on Monday, May 🗓️!
    Wednesday saw my Carthera trilogy featured in Ask An Author. 😊 Thank you to my questioner, readers, commenters, and @astone2292 for doing this fun blog for GA readers to enjoy!
    This Friday @comicfan brought us 2 more prompts. Which prompt will you choose? First Line or a Magic Kingdom....
    How did our authors and readers do this week? SO close on a few goals, but we didn't quite meet any. Let's get those goals this week!!

    Special Feature! If you recommend a story in May, and share the story title with your reason in this topic, you could win a free month of Premium!
    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Extended to May 31st, 2021 Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Crossroads: Tales from the Heartland by Altimexis
    Do Over Redux by dkstories
    What You Leave Behind by Dabeagle
    Signature Updates:
    After Practice by Comicality
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Demon Dream by AC Benus
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Flight of the Dodo by CarlHoliday
    Foolproofed by aditus
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    GFD: Sins Of The Father by Comicality
    My One True Weakness by Comicality
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (and Recommend with a share to the forum topic!) 
  24. Cia

    May CSR Discussion Day: Torn in Two by Graeme

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Well how did this month treat you? I cannot believe it's already finished, but I am so glad it's done! Here comes June, Pride month! Who has something planned? I know it's a time for many to reflect on our community, coming out, and so much more. I think Graeme's story reflected that quite well, but what do you think? Share in the comments below, but first my interview with him!
     
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    I have an idea for a story set in the pacific during World War II. I would love to visit one of the islands used by the allies to watch for axis attacks during that period.
    What's your favorite room in your house? Do you plot or write there?
    My favourite room is the lounge room because it’s spacious with wonderfully comfortable couches. However, I do my writing in my office because that’s where my computer is located. Most of my plotting is done mentally and that can be done anywhere as long as I don’t have to concentrate on what I’m doing.
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    I like to include a degree of accuracy in my stories. Sometimes that means a lot of online research into whatever it is I need to check. That can be challenging at time when I don’t always know the right wording to use for my searches.
    What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
    The toughest criticism has been when I had my heart set on doing something in a story but one of my early readers tells me that it just doesn’t work. As with any parent, I don’t like being told that my ‘baby’ isn’t quite right…
    As for the best compliment, it’s when I’ve been told that my story has made a difference to someone. That always gives me a warm buzz.
    What do you think makes up a good story?
    A good story has to engage with the reader. That’s tough because readers don’t all expect the same things. In addition, not only does the reader need to become engaged, but the writing has to be such that it carries the reader along with them with a minimal (hopefully no) hurdles.
    That’s not saying that the story can’t have hurdles. It’s the immersion that needs to be without hurdles. A good story will keep the reader immersed in what’s going on without anything that jars the reader out of the suspension of disbelief required.
    Young love, looking to make its mark on the world… what draws you to this trope?
    I’m a romantic at heart. My youth was fairly barren in that respect – I was a loner with not much social interaction with others. In many ways, my stories are me living a life that I didn’t have when I was younger as I explore what could’ve been.
    Would you identify more with Rory or Scott’s feelings about the proposal?
    Definitely Scott. Even today, I have to balance my responsibilities with my desires. Life isn’t black-and-white, it’s full of shades between those two extremes. Rory’s life is simpler than Scott’s. Apart from the question of Scott himself, Rory can start a new life. Scott has more challenges at the moment than Rory, and I identify with that.
    “Sometimes there’s just no right answer” is a concept that isn’t shared often in fiction. Is it hard to write that reality when readers are looking for happily ever afters?
    It can be challenging, and as a romantic I try my best to find a solution for the protagonists, but if I want to reflect reality, sometimes that doesn’t happen. Tragedies exist, and sometimes they’re powerful, even if I would prefer it if everything has a happy ending.
    Torn in Two combines themes of small town life, romance, homophobia, generational influences… did you plan out each element or did they flow together as you wrote the story?
    I didn’t plan out each element, per se, but it’s more I created an environment in which the story could evolve. I wanted to combine a number of factors, including the experiences of a World War II veteran, and this is the story that came out of those things.
    Can you share anything about your current or upcoming work with readers?
    Sadly, I’m on a hiatus at the moment. I don’t want to be, but I’m struggling to find motivation to write. I’ve gone through this once before so I’m confident I’ll get past it, but I don’t know when. I will re-iterate, though, that I definitely want to finish Leopard Hunt. Once I’ve done that, maybe one or more of the story ideas I have in my mind will take fruition and I’ll start writing in earnest again.
  25. Cia

    May CSR Feature: Torn in Two by Graeme

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Wow, can you believe by the time you read this story and come back to share read my interview with Graeme... the year will be almost half over? I can't either! Yes, it's May! And with May comes this "tearjerker" because sometimes I can't resist a story recommendation like that. Join me in enjoying this short story and come back to share your thoughts at the end of the month! 
    Torn in Two
    by @Graeme
    Length: 9,024
    Description: Scott's heart is torn in two directions. He wants to leave Greenwood to be with his boyfriend, but he can't leave his grandfather, who needs him.
    A Reader said:  This is a beautiful story about devotion and love,- and obligation. Hypocrisy and bias figure large, as well as does sacrifice. Oppression is something we are all
    familiar with, and how it can shape our lives and maybe even ruin them. Mostly it's about love though, courage, and family. Love rules! ~ Stephen
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, May 31st!
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