Cia

Lovely start. You really brought the emotions home with your characters, and that's a big part of the battle of writing. Readers must identify with the people in your story, or it just doesn't work. If you're interested in some editing tips, please PM me!

Without a $0.10 discount, I paid $2.04 a gallon at one of the cheaper stations. I went from so empty my gas light was on to full for $35.55.

With kids, the issue is balance. They do need to know technology, because they start young. At my kids' school in kindergarten, kids have computer lab time with learning games. By 2nd grade, they have them doing Power Point presentations. They also have 2 mobile labs with ipad minis the kids do video projects on, too. By fifth grade, the standardized tests involve typing on the computer--with time limits--so they have to be able to type quickly and well to get good scores.So they need exposure outside school to keep up, imo. But they also need time to be creative with their hands, engaging their brains and eyes in non-electronic screens, and exercise. My kids have time limits for computers after school, and before they can get on the internet on our desktop they have to do a qwerty typing lesson. Before they get on the G pads we got with our phones, they have to do a math lesson. This way they're getting a small dose of learning in as well as having fun (and I don't have to sit there and hold up flash cards, lol).

Wildman scrambled to his feet, but his arm was locked to the corner of his bed. I narrowed my eyes; seeing him held captive that way pissed me off. So the forest wasn’t safe. What right had they to take away his freedom? Anna might have the best of intentions, but that didn’t excuse her actions. For all her vaunted superiority to the leaders of the city, she was just as bad. If we’d proven as able to escape as Wildman, I bet she would’ve locked us away, too. “Teddy, see if the guard has keys.

This is what GA is for! We were all newbies once, right? Seriously, The Price of Honor is my first story and I didn't have an editor either. Ughs. Train wreck, I swear. The enduring lesson I've taken from my experiences here on GA is that we all have something to learn, and who better to help out than fellow authors and editors? I was happy to feature your story, Robert!

This month I thought I'd feature one of our newer authors, Robert Rex, and his story Joe the Welder. So how about some contemporary romance to kick off the new year? Joe the Welder by Robert Rex Length: 28,206 Rating: Mature Description: A gritty story of a casual meeting that turns into more than you might expect. You'll meet Rex, a real estate agent, Joe, a new-to-town out of work welder, and watch as people and events occur that shape their lives. You'll have a first row seat to a story that reflects adult situations, adult language, sex--and personal development--as well as a fun approach to life. A Reader Said: You are a gifted storyteller. ~ Charlieocho This month's discussion day will be Monday, January 26th.

Thanks so much, Gary, for reading and sharing your enjoyment of the story. It wasn't always an easy read, but I definitely wanted readers to be left with a lot of love and happy feelings by the end. I'm so glad you persevered through the bad parts to get to this point.

Aww! Yes, Dane and Tap really love each other--no matter what the cost. And Tap's folks are definitely the complete opposite of Dane's dad. They needed that support and the happy ending.

Right?!

Alan is definitely irrational, to say the least. Things are really coming to a head in this chapter.

I didn't want Dane to be a weak character, so it was very important he show growth in taking control of his life.

I didn't want Dane to be a weak character, so it was very important he show growth in taking control of his life.

I am so, so glad you two met and were able to make a relationship work for the long years before you could be together. It sounds like your life is coming together in a great way, professionally and personally, and that's wonderful. Just stay healthy as you crest that hill and start coasting down!

A tie!!

No, I'm not sharing my own advice for writing--I'm sharing one of the sources I use to explore and research various aspects of the business from figuring out those pesky grammar and punctuation rules to questions about publishing you might not know you need to ask. Writer's Digest. Seriously, if you're an author, but you're not hooked up with this site and getting their free newsletters via email--you're missing out on a valuable free resource you should be using! Today, they've put out what they view as their top 50 articles from last year, so go check it out. Then sign up!!! Writer's Digest: 50 Articles on Writing to Help You in 2015

Welcome to the site, Mater!

The fear of a situation is often worse than the situation itself--but, unfortunately, that's impossible to tell.

Yes, yes there is!

It very well may be! I'll never tell.

It very well may be! I'll never tell.

Thanks!

Well... you do know me!

Well... you do know me!

It did take a long way through the story, but this was definitely their moment. I'm so glad you persevered to get to this point!