Cia

You'll find different kinds of artists here on GA. Some draw, some do photography, some graphic work, but by and far the largest number of 'artists' on this site are authors. Not how most people think of it, I know, but it's definitely a craft and one that you have to work at to create something beautiful. A word can paint a picture, too.

I married the first guy I 'officially' dated at 16, so I don't have experience with this either. I recently had the guy I'd 'unofficially' dated before that find me on Facebook and that was weird enough. I guess, as many folks have said in this topic, it all depends on how and why you broke up.

Welcome to the site, Mattster! I hope you continue to enjoy the stories authors work hard to post on the site.

Thank you for sharing this with us, Rush.

Thanks, Miles! This story was all about the non-angst. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

It’s blank.” Teddy frowned down at the metal square inside the box. “What good is that?” I smirked. “You think? Touch it, but just on the corner.” Teddy reached inside and slid his pinkie along the edge of the metal sheet nestled inside the box. “It’s oily.” He sniffed his finger. “And it stinks.” “Here, hold this for me.” I handed Teddy the lantern. The light dimmed, but I didn’t want it bright for this anyway. “Watch.” I reached inside the pocket where I’d hid the box and pulled out a very

It's a rerun! Due to the sudden alert of stories being rated incorrectly and Google being a PiTA, (read more here) we preempted a lot of the blog last week. So, to be fair, Renee gets her feature day back again! Something a little different this week for the review for Renee Steven's featured story, cause I like being different, lol. Most of the time a reader would be the one to do the review, but this time, I'm going to do it. I had the great pleasure to be a beta reader/editor for this story, so I got an inside view to Renee's creation. Of course, I had great fun while it was being posted teasing everyone I knew what happened ahead of time. Joined by Blood by Renee Stevens Reviewer: Cia Length: 82,036 Status: Complete Joined by Blood is a vampire novel... and who doesn't like vampires! Well, I certainly do, so I was super excited when Renee told me she was writing this story. There are so many different elements--a prophecy, a turning or two, evil and magic, love and loss... and so much more! And there are so many dichotomies in the story--like how vampires are so powerful and ancient, yet hide from humans. In the woods and caves of all places! When so many authors are willing to bring vampires into the modern times, Renee seemed to set hers back. The setting helped give the story its gritty, desperate vibe--and damn, were they desperate. Vik--the prince of his people--has a vampire who wants him dead. That same vampire who stole Damian's sister's innocence and turned her evil. But after seeing that, how is Damian supposed to trust Vik and his men, including the head of his guards and Vik's best friend, Dante? They're guys, so of course communication isn't their strong suit. There is a lot of posturing and a lot of misunderstandings, but fate's taken a big ole interest in the course of their lives, so they have to figure it out. Renee writes a lot like I do--she gets an idea and starts writing it. Then the story changes. There were so many times we sat on the computer and bandied about ideas. If Damian's sister did this... wouldn't it mean that? Does this line in the prophecy really mean what we think it does? It was almost like going along in the story with the characters! I love that about working with Renee. I remember once telling her she might have one scene changing so Dante could do something... and it was so funny, because it was actually 'normal' for her to tell me, "Dante just wouldn't do that!" and for me to smack my forehead and go, "Well, duh, of course he wouldn't!". Why? Cause Renee's characters certainly live in her head. She had firm ideas on who each of the guys were, what their stories and histories were like, and how badly she was going to torture them before they got their happily ever after... if they got it. Sometimes, with her, you're just not sure! I think that's why her story was so popular--with such vivid and alive characters, who couldn't be drawn into Joined by Blood?! Others had definite feelings about the characters too! For instance: Daithi said: And we all know how much of a walking trouble magnet Damian is lol. CW Price said: Damian also seems to have a bit of an anger problem as well. He seems to like to fly off the handle, like a little drama queen Rosenkrantz said: Dante is my favorite character in this. He's the only one who seems to retain any common sense when it comes to the technicalities. cogito_ergo_sum1666 said: love damian for being so hot to have two sexy vampires wrapped around his fingers, love VIK *swoons* for being a possessive boyfriend and when he's being a jerk? he is still sexy and never annoying!!! Oh and Dante? can i keep him? lol i mean this is like a fantasy lol. So there, see? i told you i love all of them Conner said: I don't know if you intended it, but I find Damian to be so obstinate and stubborn to the point where it makes him thick-headed. Frostina said: BOOOO! @ becca! That Bitch! she's... she's... she's.. PURE evil! Comicfan said: Vic needs to decide how he is going to handle Damian. Sometimes he is so sweet and tender and the next he is the caveman carrying his clubbed mate back to the room so he can ravish him. lol. So what about you? Did you have any feelings about the story or the characters? Were there any scenes where you just wanted to butt in and let them have it? Share your thoughts below! Also, make sure you head over the Signature Background feature blog to download your copies of the background. (There are hot guys on it... who doesn't want to stare at hot guys?!!)

Crushes are hard because being with that person causes such a rush of adrenaline, that when you're away from them it can be a chemical crash. You know, crushing on someone doesn't just happen to gay men with straight men. A lot of people face it--regardless of sexuality--so you're not alone. It's not always logical, either. Just... try not to let your hormones get the best of you. Stay friends, enjoy his company, and stay open to possibilities. Not all best friends to lovers stories are possible, but it's not impossible, either.

So many people equate gay fiction with gay romance. And to be truthful, it's very much part of the eBook world because romance does sell. But there are a lot of people out there who write stories without a lick of romance, much less sex, and still have their work sell--with gay characters. Your stories are what you make them. Don't write it if you don't feel comfortable, but don't let not 'knowing' something necessarily stop you. I'm a woman. Kinda a given that I don't have first hand experience of 2 men having sex and living as couple. Of course, not everything in my life is unrelated, but hell, I met my husband at 16, so I don't even have adult dating experience! But I do have readers and editors who know more than me, and I've taken their advice and ideas with my writing. I can observe the world around me. I read. So I write what I like. What I like is sci-fi, too. I know I've never met an alien, or piloted a star ship, lived through an apocalypse or crashed on a strange new world. Yet I'm able to write it because I just gave it a go and honed my world building skills. So, just write! Give a chance. You may not write everything perfect at first, but then, no one does.

Thank you. I might... sometime, though he hasn't really stuck out in my mind with a story. But you never know! Thanks for the review, Llina!

Happy Birthday, hun!!

Happy Birthday!

Thanks, ninecila! I like to make my characters act as regular people, even if they're the 'hero' of the story, and some regular people are annoying. I hope you'll continue to enjoy the story!

Gamma isn't actually higher when you consider we're talking about the brain. I will have to figure out a way to indicate the actual science of their rankings into the story without telling instead of showing it. Hmm... I'm glad you're already liking it Faxity.

He is a cocky little shit, isn't he? Then again, being raised as a 'second class' citizen in a rigid social rung society yet acknowledged as the smartest person due to his brain wave capabilities, and therefore unique, would probably give anyone a chip on their shoulder... just saying. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Valkyrie!

Will’s an aberration—the only beta to be born in 100 years. The city used to be powered by a machine invented by the last known beta, Schvesla. The monarchy has employed countless craftsmen for a century, but no one can make it run. The city relies on steam power, but now Will has reached his full potential there's a chance he might be the one to return the city to the golden era. He's smarter than any other person alive, but will that be enough?

“The lantern changed.” “Noted. Your point being?” I continued deeper into the cavern, my lantern held high above my head to ensure I did not fall prey to any holes. The last thing I needed was a turned ankle. My boots were already hampering me enough. Pride does go before a fall—one of my mother’s favorite sayings. Heels were not conducive to my explorations. “A flame turning blue usually means a ghost is about.” I scoffed at Theodore. “You are being superstitious. Ghosts? Have you been chat

When the parents can't, or choose not to, be there for their kids, it often falls upon educators. Go you for doing the best you can to get in on the ground floor when you might make a difference before they face some really hard choices as they grow older. It sounds like you have a LOT on your plate, though, so try to slow down when you can. Burning out is easy to do when you work that much.

In honor of the season, I thought this month we'd do something a little different! Anthologies are a great chance to sample authors' writing. It's also fun to see how they twist the themes into original pieces. For this October CSR, I thought I'd feature some of the creatures we often imagine lurking about the shadows. Vampires! Pandora's Box: Rise of the Serpent by Celetheiel Description: A group of friends find more than riches when they set out to explore an abandoned house. ~ 3,050 words Witchery! The Back-up Plan: Magic in the Air by Andy78 Description: Angus asks his supposed boyfriend Jason to the school formal. Not being ready to publically come out, Jason turns him down. Angus, in need of someone to go with, decides to magic himself up a date. ~ 5,039 words Were-Creatures! Cracks in Time Poetry: Midnight by Mark92 Description: A poem about a werewolf. ~ 186 words Mutants! Recipe for Disaster: Ones and Zeroes by Mann Ramblings 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. ~ 9,668 words Ghosts! Ghosts: The Harpsichordist by Carl Holiday Description: Michael’s partner of nine years cheated on him a couple months ago and, although he forgave Jerry, Michael is desperate to love Jerry again, even though there is a big hole in his heart. ~ 4109 words Okay, so you have your spookies! Check out these stories, and don't forget to come back and share what flavor of freaky had you hiding under the covers the most on the CSR Discussion day! It'll take place the last Monday of the month, October 27th!

I sometimes use images for prompts, or if I buy model images I really like I'll use them for my character's descriptions. That's easier than making a cover and finding models that match after the fact, lol. Beyond that, I've used pictures I've really enjoyed for settings. It's not something I seek out or do deliberately every time I write, though.

Happy Birthday, MJ!!

Welcome to GA, vonfoto and W.E_Rosenthal!

I had a falling out with my best friend once. We didn't talk for a long, long time. It was ugly. But if you care about him and he cares about you, it might work out in the long run. Your feelings are another story, though. Gay for you is a trope that I find in many eBooks, and unfortunately, you can't change him any more than he can change you. It sucks to hear that, and I'm sorry, but if he was attracted to you, you'd know. It might hurt, but eventually you are going to have to deal with that.

Thanks, impunity! I love getting everyone's thoughts, and input to fix mistakes. I'm still considering what I'll do for this next week, so check out my updates next Wednesday to see what happens.

Ahh, you picked up on that! LOL I was wondering who would remember Yuri's brother. Thanks for the review,Nlaudenslager!