Cia

Like I said... I was in a weird mood. LOL No idea where the idea came from but the visual was quite funny. Thanks for reading, Wayne.

It's been forever, but I wrote one!

My place. Thanksgiving. Be ready or suffer the consequences. I took back the pen and tucked the notecard in with the flowers. The guy ordering them had asked for hydrangea blossoms the same color as the blue sweater he had on. Not a flower requested every day, but not that unusual. But it was the final item he asked me to put in the gift basket, a turkey dressed in bondage gear, that brought a whole new meaning to the pair of big, blue balls of flowers on either side of the toy. Where the heck

Happy Birthday, KC!!

Would this be misused? Yes. Heck, the very concept was used as a plot device in the X-men movies regarding "curing" mutation. It's not new. Parents, governments, people who just aren't informed... it'd happen. The moral question is also there that so many people are decrying "There's nothing wrong with being gay!" Well, no there isn't. But isn't it okay to not want to be gay? Yes! Life can be difficult, and being different isn't easy. Not everyone comes to terms with themselves. For example, what would this do to the suicide rates attributed to sexuality? For myself? Well, no. Not as a kid, not as a teen, not as an adult. I'm bisexual, and I've never been torn up over it, though I've been with a man for 17 years. Of course, I wasn't open about liking women as well until I became an adult, and even then I've faced idiocy in my family and even some strangers based on their misapprehension of my relationship with my best friend. If I faced something more than just nasty words and looks, I might have a far different answer, which btw, was exactly what zaf said, "Hell no!"

LOL! You made me the mommy of the group.

I read just about anything I can get my hands on. I find, however, that the rising availability of eBooks in the MM genre has spoiled me for online fiction. I want the same level of quality, even though I know that is unrealistic. And unfortunately, I often enjoy the stories I get to read to approve in the mod queue, but just don't have the time on-site to keep up with them once authors are beyond the system. I do have favorited stories and authors on my profile though. Oh, and as for your original question, at this point I really prefer to read on my kindle. It's small, light, and goes everywhere with me.

LOL! You never know, right? I have some twists in mind for this. So I snagged you with gamma waves and you stuck around for the fantastical elements, huh? Don't worry, this will get fun soon. And I'm glad you're starting to like Will. He had reservations about Teddy, too, remember? You'll have to wait to see what they're going to experience and how they survive it, though. No spoilers! Thanks for the review, Faxity!! It's my only comment so far, so I really appreciate it.

“Who do you think he is?” Teddy whispered. I shook my head. “No idea. He’s not completely wild, though. He wasn’t born out here.” Teddy frowned. “How do you know? Oh wait”—he held up one hand—“no one can survive out here, much less a baby.” “Clearly they can, Teddy, or he’d not be here.” Sometimes Teddy’s slower thought processes annoyed me. I found myself explaining a lot to him, which was often frustrating. “He’s seen bread; he knew it was edible. He’s not seen food preserved, hence his ina

It sounds like you do have a very complicated relationship--whatever form that takes--with your friend/lover. The only advice I can really share is communicate. No relationship survives if you can't talk to each other.

November! The weather has definitely shifted for most people--either cold and rainy/snowy or warming up to hot, so you hopefully have plenty of reading time! I thought I'd feature a newer author to GA with the first novel she completed, and recently updated, on GA. Enjoy!! Tears of the Neko by Craftingmom Length: 76,473 Description: A younger brother buys his brother, the Duke and heir to the throne, a surprising gift for his brother's birthday--a young, very skittish neko slave. But ,Damien has no use for a personal slave. But a bet with his two younger brothers has Damien keeping the boy at his side as a matter of pride. When attempts on his life begin, Damien discovers just how protective the cat-like human can be. This month's discussion day will take place on Monday, November 24th, so get reading now! And a twist to the usual, I'd like to ask you guys to share your questions you'd like to see the authors answer each month. I can't guarantee they'll all get answered but I'll add them to my list!

A corrupt government in a steampunk style story? No way! I love the nickname, 'Greaseball', that's great!! *snickers* Thanks for leaving me another review after I didn't reply back to the other one!

Well you got me! Sometimes my twists aren't exactly surprisingly... or so you think. You never know where he came from or what his story is--there are so many directions to go. More next week, though. Thanks for all the reviews, Carlos!

I know, right? Love that when it comes to being the big spoon!

I'm glad you are warming up to Will! He came across as an arrogant snot, but that was just his voice. So much more to come, and hopefully you'll continue to like him!

Okay, back to finally be able to reply to more reviews, lol! What can I say? I like twists. Sometimes I do what everyone else is doing and write a story you think might be run of the mill... but whenever I can, I throw a monkey wrench into things!

Do you remember what the stories were about? Genre? About when they were released? The more information you share with the members, the more likely someone is to pick up on a clue and remember the story.

Back when I was young, and skinny, and prone to wearing loose jeans that hung on my hips with midriff baring tops, which still only showed maybe 2-3 inches, I can recall walking home one evening, in a tiny town, along the highway. A car of older guys, 20s most likely (I was 16) drove by calling out to me and suggesting I let them take me for 'a ride'. When they looped a block and came back again to do the same, I took off running. Knowing you're not as strong as most men your size, or bigger, even if you know how to fight, is something women just have to deal with. It's a disgusting fact of life that some men are crude jerks, too and take advantage of the fact that most women will try to ignore or avoid rather than confront them on their stupidity. That's why I carry pepper spray now, and sometimes even a gun (though that's usually for four legged predators on hikes, not the 2 legged variety).

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Bee!!

LOL! I'm glad you liked him, Carlos. Not many did. Teddy is pretty sweet and a bit naive, though. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for the reviews.

“Psst, Will. Did you hear that?” I groaned. Teddy kept waking me up, insisting he heard something. He’d maybe slept an hour before it started. “Teddy, go to sleep. It’s nothing. The wind, maybe, but we are far too close to the city for any big creatures that can eat you.” “We’re going where creatures can eat us?” Teddy squeaked and grabbed my arm over him, digging his nails into my flesh. “I hate the dark!” “Ouch! Teddy, would you please calm yourself? You’re acting like a nelly!” “Will….”

It's a Halloween week feature for those who like to get into the season! I hope these anthology stories got you in the mood this month. Did you read the stories and poem? Did you have a favorite? Change your mind on some of the featured spookies? To kick off today's discussion, I asked the authors to answer a few questions about their stories and Halloween! Ghosts: The Harpsichordist by Carl Holiday Why did you use ghosts as a character in your story/poem? Why did I use a ghost (actually 3 ghosts) in my story (The Harpsichordist)? I think I was thinking of an old house on a bluff above the ocean. Old houses seem to be a place where you can definitely find ghosts. Having three in the same house, well, why not. Two little kids and the title character provided the protagonists with a medium where their recovery from a personal tragedy could have a happy ending. Do you have a favorite Halloween memory? Favorite Halloween Memory: this occurred back when kids could roam freely throughout the neighbor with out any danger of some think like this: there was a weirdo driving around trying to run over kids; it came to a happy ending, though; seems this kid was out in his cowboy suit and for some reason he put his hat on top of a fire plug; from a distance or with drug/alcohol influence, it looked like a kid with a cowboy hat that wasn't running away. Recipe for Disaster: Ones and Zeroes by Mann Ramblings Do you have a favorite Halloween memory? I wouldn't call it a favorite, but it is my most memorable. In third grade, I wanted to be a vampire for Halloween. I had the fangs, the cape and the makeup, but at the last minute I let my mother know I needed to have my hair slicked back, because that's how they looked, you know? We didn't have any hair products that could do the job and she wasn't about to run to the store at the eleventh hour so she made do with Vaseline. I kid you not... Vaseline. Did you know it took three weeks to wash that crap out of my hair? We used shampoo, laundry detergent and a few other things I've forgotten about. We probably should have just shaved my head, but I liked my hair too much for that. I'm surprised it didn't all fall out after all the abuse we heaped on it that year. Do you have a favorite Halloween legend? I have to admit I'm pretty partial to Sleepy Hollow and the Headless Horseman. I saw the Disney version every season as a kid and it was exciting, creepy and utterly fascinating even back in those days. I even loved the Tim Burton film starring Johnny Depp and bought the DVD when that came out. I like to watch it at least once during October. Pandora's Box: Rise of the Serpent by Celetheiel Do you have a favorite Halloween memory? I was 7 and looking at my moms home-made costume that i was going to wear... I was a little Indian boy... I was really wowed that my mom made that costume, herself for me.... Afterwards we had enough candy that it lasted us half-a-year. Mom and dad would put it all in a big old glass jar and it would sit there...and if say it wasn't wrapped all melt together in a big...pile of sugar... Do you have a favorite Halloween legend? Not really, the only real Halloween legend i remember is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, doesn't help that it plays every year at Halloween. Why did you use a vampire as a character in your story/poem. The simple answer would be... because it fit... It fit with the Theme... It's actually based in the same universe with my big Vampire Story, A Crimson Frost, and I felt like it was a good tale to tell. What's your favorite treat for Halloween? Candy Corn, I believe I like the most. The Back-up Plan: Magic in the Air by Andy78 Do you have a favorite Halloween legend? Aside from the traditional Bloody Mary, The Thirteen Floor is one of my favourites. The Thirteenth Floor (which I think originates from Pennsylvania) is about people who enter a haunted house on Halloween and try to reach the thirteenth floor. Each floor tried to scare them from going up to the next floor. The only people who survived were those who fled before reaching the thirteenth floor. What's your favorite treat for Halloween? Anything with sugar and nothing with granola I'm very partial to toffee apples (candy apples) this time of year, but they're not really Halloween specific. Okay, so what did you think of this month's choices? Enjoy them? Don't like creepy crawlies so you were hiding behind your hand as you read? Want to share your fav Halloween memory?

In honor of this month's creepy critters theme, we featured Renee Stevens' story, Joined by Blood, with our October Signature Background. Who doesn't like vampires, right? If you like your vampires bad... this story has them! If you like your vampires good... this story has them! But figuring out which is which...? Maybe not so easy! If you haven't read it yet, you really should, but first, read this interview with Renee where you can learn some more about Interview: Renee Stevens on Joined By Blood Do you eat your fruits and vegetables? Some, not all. Some fruits and vegetables I really like, some I absolutely detest and you couldn’t pay me enough to eat them. What are you wearing (and no fibbing!)? Jeans and a t-shirt… and my camo slippers. Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point? Lately I try to at least throw the blankets so they somewhat cover the bed; otherwise I end up with dog hair all over the sheets. What brought you to the site? Mainly, I was looking for a new place to start posting my work. I found GA, became a member right away, and started posting in the old eFiction. I just never left and am now coming up on my 5 year GA Anniversary. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Sometimes it’s just finding the motivation to write, especially lately. It seems like there’s just one thing after another happening that makes me lose my focus. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? The toughest criticism is hard, but I think it would have to be the one when I was simple told that a story I wrote was “boring beyond belief” and had absolutely no plot. The thing was, the story in question was simply a look inside the lives of two characters. There wasn’t supposed to be a major set-up with them. Luckily, no one else agreed with the person who said it. The best compliment… I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on my writing. With that being said, I think it’s a toss-up between two things. One of which is those readers that continue to follow me and read my work. I’ve heard from a few readers that they’ll read anything I write and honestly, I don’t think you can get a much better compliment than that. The other compliment is similar, in those readers who will wait for chapters, no matter how long it may take me to get them out. I’ve had stories get stalled because of life happening(a couple have been stalled for years), and yet, when I manage to finally get a chapter out of them, I get a review (or comment) from someone saying that they are so happy I’m working on the story again. Do you have any writing rituals? If I’m determined to write, then I turn music on. Other than that, only if I’m stuck. If I’m stuck, then I turn music on and grab a pen and paper. Here’s the thing though, it can’t be just any pen and paper. If I am truly stuck, it has to be a new pen and a new notebook. I actually have a stack of single subject notebooks and a stash of never used pens that when I get really stuck on a story, I grab a new set and start working through my thoughts. Once in a while, even that’s not enough to get me through the block, but most the time it works. How did you come up with the title for Joined by Blood? I always have a really hard time coming up with titles for stories. Generally, I run title options past Cia, and sometimes we go through numerous title options before settling on one that we both like. If I remember right, I thought of “Joined by Blood” because of the simple reasoning of, all of the bonds in the story are blood bonds and require the ingestion of each other’s blood. I ran the thought by Cia (probably Lugh, Nephylim, and Frostina as well) and it was agreed to be the perfect title. Why vampires? I’ve always been fascinated with vampires. When I wrote “Joined by Blood” I had already written a couple of shorter vampire stories, but I wanted to try my hand at something longer. I also always wondered as to what made a vampire good or bad, writing “Joined by Blood” gave me the chance to explore that. At what point did you realize that Dante, Damian, and Vik were destined to be a triumvirate? Was that the initial idea that came to you, or did it evolve as you wrote the story? Honestly, that was NOT in the original plans at all. The original plan for the story was simply a Vik/Damian pairing, but the further I got into the story, the more I realized that Dante was playing a more important role than originally planned. He had a bond with both Vik and Damian that just begged to be explored. I wouldn’t say there was a “moment” that I just “knew” they were destined to be a triumvirate though, I think it was just a gradual realization. Little things started to come together until there was no other conclusion I could come to. What was your favorite part of the story? That is a tough question. There were so many parts to this story that just beg to become my favorite, but I think one part manages to edge the others out, just a little. In Chapter 6, both the reader and Damian learn of the true relationship between Jarrod and Vik. It’s a bit of an eye opener for everyone, but especially for Damian and it’s a bit of a turning point in the story. Have you considered writing a sequel to Joined by Blood? When I first completed “Joined by Blood”, I considered the story complete. Since then, I’ve done some thinking and considering and there just might be a sequel after all. It’s not really even in the planning stages right now because I have so many other stories in the works, but I do have a few thoughts and plans for if/when I get some of my other projects done. However, there is no timeline for when I might start work on it or when it might come out.

“We’re going to sleep in there? It looks quite small.” “It’s small apurpose. Our packs can only hold so much without weighing us down. Besides, it will keep us warm when the air chills at night.” I unlaced the top of my bag and pulled out a small brazier nestled into a fireproof box. “Care for some tea?” We’d had nothing but cold water in our flasks since that morning. “Will. I need to use the necessary.” “Now see, that’s a problem.” I snorted. I waved my hand at the trees around us. “Just pi