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Cia

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  1. 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!
  2. Cia
    Well, I don't know about you, but I absorbed this entire story is one sitting. I loved the dog shifter aspect, but the alpha/omega dynamics had a bit of a fresh twist too. What did you enjoy? Don't forget to share your thoughts below in the comments, but first, my interview with Thirdly! 
    What brought you to GA?
    Robin introduced me to the site around 2014, if I’m not mistaken. The GA community is welcoming, diverse, and absolutely amazing. 
    If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
    The Least Violent Angel of War.
    Is there a literary character (in the whole universe of fiction) that you’ve read who you really identified with?
    Of all the characters...Mogget the cat from Sabriel.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    Drawing. I’m in the process of finishing the last season of the pg-13 comic version of Crossing the Moon as we speak.
    What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
    Criticism? That would have been Robin’s input on one of the first stories I ever completed. She found it difficult to read through a story that jumped from one perspective to the next, and I am still working on overcoming the challenge of sticking to one character’s perspective from beginning to end to this day (and to keep it all engaging and entertaining). The best compliment? That’s even more difficult to narrow down. I feel the best whenever readers consider my writing to feel balanced in terms of the serious moments versus the comedy that I always try to sneak in. I’m not at the level I want to be when it comes to storytelling, but I feel like I keep getting a little bit closer to it.
    My Faceless Bus Stalker has a shifter culture that encompasses canine species… but are there other shifter species in your world, maybe in another city or continent? Or just canines?
    The story was inspired by an amusing camaraderie between our family pet and the neighbor’s German Shepherd (that passed away a few years ago). I envisioned them in a world full of canine shifters of all species. I imagine an alternate world full of feline shifters (and other species) exists, but the world of  that particular story only had the canines.
    You use a few recessive traits to individualize some characters. How/why did you pick the ones you used (personal experience, interesting research, a random inspiration…?)
    Though inspired by a common Yorkie and a common German Shepherd, I couldn’t bring myself to write about them as they were (I wouldn’t be able to look our family yorkie in the eye if I did...it would be as if Shaggy would judge me harshly). Instead, I searched about different yorkies and came across the image that sparked up the idea of Avion. It became a bit of a deep dive into research after that and, soon after, I came across the image that became the inspiration for Lexus.
    Do you identify more with Avion or Lexus?
    I adore Avion, but I identify more with Lexus (though definitely not in terms of wealth...if only!) He was moved around a lot and didn’t have the opportunity to make close friends until later on in life. Lex also had to go against his parents’ wishes on more than one ocassion and I know what it’s like to try to forge a better life without familial support.
    What is your favorite scene or line in the story?
    I enjoyed Morgan teasing Avi’s budding relationship with Lex. They have a lovely friendship.
    I also enjoyed the handshake between Avion and Nestor. They both needed it, even if on a subconscious level.  
    Can you share any of your current or upcoming work (published/unpublished/in planning stages) with readers?
    I am currently working on finishing up a story that involves wyverns that also happen to be shifters with alpha, omega, and beta dynamics. The world these wyverns inhabit is quite different from that of Avion's. But, I feel I’ve chosen the best character to provide the introduction. Robin and I are also inching ever so slowly towards Lust and Propriety’s conclusion.
  3. Cia
    Welcome to April! It's spring, love is in the air... so why not a story about a stalker alpha? How could that possibly go wrong? LOL
    My Faceless Bus Stalker Alpha
    by @Thirdly
     
    Length: 38,016
    Description: As if it wasn't bad enough that Avion was a Yorkshire Terrier shifter with albinism, he also had to deal with his impending birthday and a crazy Alpha.  
    A reader said: I missed my sassy doggos. Can't wait to see what you put out next ~Hellsheild
     
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, April 26th!
  4. Cia

    March CSR Discussion Day: The Elf's Hunt by Yeoldebard

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Is your March coming in like a lion? Or how about an Elf Hunt? Because that was the story I featured this month, The Elf's Hunt by Yeoldebard. We went from space to soul searching fantasy. What did you think about the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below, but first! A Q & A for your enjoyment.
    Chocolate or Vanilla?
    It depends on the characters. The Elf's Hunt sticks to the vanilla, but doesn't really have much material to go off of.
    What brought you to GA?
    I was looking for an audience that would be likely to enjoy the type of stories I like to tell. Originally that was romance and fantasy, but I am constantly growing as a writer.
    What is one location you would like to go to research for a story?
    Oh, this is a tough one. My heart calls me to Germany, as it was the original birthplace of two of my characters. however, a trip to Greece would be amazing for cultural inspiration on the Egaro species.
    What is the best part of being an author?
    Honestly, being able to entertain myself with the stories I write down. my mind is constantly filled with what ifs about various stories. Having readers who enjoy the stories I write is just a hefty layer of icing on the cake.
    If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be?
    The biggest piece of advice would be to never be afraid to write what you want. You never know who else out there shares your view of the universe, and could be taking enjoyment or even inspiration from your work.
    You write all sorts of paranormal and fantasy characters, but which is your favorite?
    That is another tough question. Sticking with the theme of the Elf's Hunt, I would have to go with elves. We have our own ideas of what elves are, often influenced by classics such as The Lord of the Rings. Sometimes it is fun to subvert those ideas, and give elves their own flaws.
    What is your favorite story that you have written and why?
    I'm going to have to go with The Neko's Tail. It was my first foray into true science fiction, and it gave birth to a universe with a myriad of beings that each have their own ways of thinking.
    Do you identify more with Elluin or Hope in The Elf's Hunt?
    Both characters carry a bit of me in them, from Elluin's aloofness to Hope's sass. However, if I had to choose, I would have to go with Hope, because I, too, am a huge pain in the butt to deal with.
    What is the best line or scene in the book?
    Can you share anything special about your current or upcoming works with readers?
    I can't say exactly what it is, but there will be a rather painful twist in Egaran Stars. Here's hoping it won't be too painful.
  5. Cia

    March CSR Feature: Yeoldebard's The Elf Hunt

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Welcome to March. Wow, the seasons are changing already. Well, I hope they are. And this story is about changing perceptions... are those you think bad really bad? Hmm Well, let's see. Have you read Yeoldebard's story The Elf's Hunt? Why not give it a shot this month, then come back on the discussion day to share your thoughts!
    The Elf's Hunt
    by @Yeoldebard
    Length: 37,827
    Description: Hope is a rogue. But that doesn't mean he's bad. Not that the world cares. All they see is a demon trying to corrupt the world. But behind that is a gentle soul who cares about his family.
    Elliun doesn't care if a tiefling has a soul. A demon is a demon, as far as he's concerned. But when a palace he has been hired to protect is burglarized, he soon finds that not every demon is a monster.
    A Reader said: The writing really was good, and the adventures were interesting.  I can recommend the story to those that enjoy this genre.  Was left wondering if this was either a sequel to a previous story or the start of a series. ~centexhairysub
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, March 29th!
  6. Cia

    June CSR Feature: Misunderstood by Marty

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Happy Pride Month! You know I like to theme stories sometimes to holidays or special events, and what could be better than a coming out story for Pride month? We know this time of the year is a great one to reflect on what our personal identity on the spectrum of the rainbow can mean to us and how that has affected our lives... and the stories we read no less! I hope you will enjoy June's bite-size selection for the CSR!
    Misunderstood
    by @Marty
    Length: 3,120
    Description: Simon flees to the mountains after telling his best friend how he really feels about him. But what is his friend going to do with the news?
    A reader said: Coming out is like the parting of the clouds after eons of darkness as our companion. This was a sweet story that relayed Simon's desperation, his hope, and ultimately his path to happiness. Thanks you, Marty... cheers... Gary.... ~headstall
     
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, June 28th!
  7. Cia

    February CSR Discussion Day: Warlords by Sasha Distan

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    February and we go on! This time we're back in space because... well, I can go to space if I want to two months in a row. Hopefully you enjoyed the scifi fest with me! What did you think about Sasha's story? Share your thoughts below after you enjoy this great interview!
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    Is this a trick question? I am a wolf!
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    The Arctic circle. I want to see the Great Spirits and sit in the snow.
    What books have most influenced you as a writer?
    I mean the obvious answer is ‘everything I have ever read’…. But for sure the entire series of the Anne McCaffrey DragonRiders of Pern series, which was very formative for me, and Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, which remains the pinnacle of comedic satire and no one will ever change me mind on this.
    Special shoutouts to The Godeaters by Jessie Hajicek and The Man Who Fell In Love With The Moon by Tom Spanbauer.
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    I loathe writing dialogue and dialogue tags. Working out where to break up speech will always be my most hated thing.
    Is your writing process a daily word count goal or more of a burst of inspiration writing flurry?
    Writing every day. For me it’s the only way. We try for 2k a day, minimum 1600. mostly it goes well.
    What is your favorite story that you’ve written and why?
    Recently? Latent Heat (another sheith fic) which is set in omegaverse (a free-to-use, communal AU idea where humans have a secondary gender which marks them as either an Alpha, Beta, or Omega. The specifics of what that means varies from writer to writer though) and deals with Keith having his secondary gender change unexpectedly from a Beta to an Omega. This obviously has unforeseen repercussions on his personal life.

    It’s a favourite partly because of how well it resonated with people, and partly because I loved the dynamic I created between Keith and Shiro for this AU. Though it bears no relation to the canon universe, I think the friendship between them is the most true to the actual IP and I’m very proud of that.

    Also the sex is hot, and lengthy, and the angst hits really good.
    Is science fiction harder to write than fantasy/paranormal stories?
    Yes, if only because I tend to want to make the lore more compact before beginning. Fantasy is easier for me personally, but usually because each time I write I’m setting it in the same world, and therefore none of the lore is new to me. For instance I’ve been writing The Best Circle of Hell series on and off since 2003, so each time I go there I’m just adding to it, not reinventing anything.
    How did you get inspired to write Warlords?
    So someone said on twitter that “enemies to lovers wasn’t REAL enemies to lovers unless one of them had tried to kill the other” and there as lot of discourse about how most enemies-to-lovers plot lines were at best rivals-to-lovers or just actually disagreements which meant nothing in the larger story line.
    And I, being me, took that as a challenge.
     
    There’s very little enemies-to-lovers in the sheith fandom, mostly because we all want to see our boys happy and in love and stuff, and I anted something sharp and visceral and who doesn’t love clash of cultures and an arranged marriage between two guys who have literally tried to murder each other ove the past six years?
     
    There was a fandom event – the Big Bang in which artists get paired with writers – coming up and it just seemed like the perfect opportunity. You have to wrote 20K or more to be eligible, and it just all flowed out. My artist was great and we spent a lot of time talking about wardrobe and Keith’s lack of decent attire and Shiro’s unseen gay panic because of it.
    Do you have a favorite line or scene in the story?
    ALL the fight scenes. But especially the third one where Keith ends up pinning Shiro to the grass and then breaking down when he can’t deal anymore with the fact that he doesn’t want to kill his husband.
    Can you share anything special about your new or upcoming works with readers?
    So we have lots of events in the fandom, and the next one is sheithletines. Everyone (artists and writers) puts in a wishlist and a ‘no’ list and mods match people up. Everyone gets something and gives something. It’s great fun.

    We got our wishlist assignments from the mods recently and mine is exactly my kind of thing. It’s a secret, but since none of you are in the fandom it’s pretty safe to share. I get to write a story with Shiro and Keith in a established relationship, but one of them in a werewolf and hiding it. I’m going to work a bit of praise and petplay kinks in there too and it’s going to be so much fun! (story posts to AO3 in Feb 14th, GA shortly after)
  8. Cia

    February CSR Feature: Warlords by Sasha Distan

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    How about something a little different but very well-received if the read count numbers are anything to go by! This month our CSR read is Sasha Distan's Warlords. It looks like a lot of you might have already read it, but now's your chance for a second glance through so you are ready to come back and share your thoughts on the discussion day! 
    Warlords
    by @Sasha Distan
    Length: 30,041
    Description: Keith, the Warlord Prince of Marmora, will do anything to save his people from an unwinnable war against the rest of the solar system. Anything, even if it means the end of the only life he’s ever known, moving to a planet where he will be the only member of his species. Even if it means marrying a man sent against him in battle, someone who he has tried to kill.
    Admiral Shirogane is willing to accept the marriage for the sake of the Coalition and the peace treaty which will bring an end to the bloodshed, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Especially not if the Second Prince of the Galra still seems intent on fighting him at every turn.
    A Reader said: Incredible, a superbly crafted story, wordsmithing at it's best. Fascinating cast of characters and well worth the time to read. This tale deserves a series of sequels! ~drsawzall
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on the CSR Discussion day, Monday February 22nd. 
  9. Cia

    January CSR Discussion Day: All Wet Series by Myr

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    I hope you weren't intimidated by the word series! It's just a little over 10k in length for all the short stories in the series, but boy are they fun to read. What did you think about Myr's scifi psionic storylines? Share your thoughts below! But first, of course, enjoy my interview with him!
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
    I make the bed once per week to avoid wear and tear on the sheets.
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    I tend to be pretty quiet and laid back most of the time, but when pushed can turn into a raging bull that has been let loose in a china shop.  Keeping my center and staying calm has been a lifelong pursuit.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    In those times where I am not working or doing something for the site, I’m most often busy reading.  Sometimes it is for pleasure and other times is it is to build or improve my skillset.  When completely away from the computer, I also do construction work.  I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few years renovating various things.  Building a dedicated office space is on the agenda for this spring, so I can once again separate my work from my entertainment. 
    I am also a gamer almost exclusively focused on single-player experiences.  I do not have the time to dedicate to being good enough at any multiplayer game.   It is not fun to play the role of cannon fodder to a twelve-year-old who can spend their life mastering the game.
    What’s your favorite room in your house? Do you plot or write there?
    My favorite room in the house is the family room, which has 3 sides full of windows.  I keep my laptop there and work on things, including world-building.  It is charming in the spring and fall when the windows can be open, and fresh air flows through.
    When you get a story idea, do you use any particular method, app, program, etc… to expand it before you begin writing?
    Since my stories exist in worlds I create, I have to do a fair bit of world-building.  This requires me to keep track of a lot of metadata so that I keep the world consistent.  I use World Anvil to create and track my World information.  I use DungeonFog to make maps.  I use Hero Forge to create character portraits (mostly as inspiration). 
    I tend to visualize characters, plots, and scenes in my head as I fall asleep and run different versions until something clicks for me, and then I write that down.
    What is your favorite story that you’ve written, and why?
    I don’t have a favorite story per se.  This series, and WET, in particular, is probably my favorite.
    What character trait do you think best describes Bill from All WET?
    Cheeky.
    How would you handle having psionic powers?
    I’d probably jump in a spaceship and fly away from the rest of humanity as fast as the ship could go.
    What is your favorite line or scene from the All WET series?
    I think my favorite scene is the opening of A Bad Way to Wake up WET Part 1.  In the various writing books, they tell you to start your scene in the middle of the action and I tend to go hyperbolic at times.  This part of the story starts off with a bit of a bang and I had fun with it.
    Can you share future plans for All WET stories with readers?
    I am currently working on the plot and world building to turn All WET into a full-length novel.  It is currently titled “Burn the Sky”.  I’m not sure if it will stay that way, but that’s what it is for now.  I have no time estimates for when this will be done.  I’m horrible at those and life tends to throw surprises.
  11. Cia
    Welcome to 2021 and a new series of Classic Author features. A lot of these stories are older ones you might not have read before, since many of our Classic Authors aren't active on the site anymore. Enjoy this year's features starting with Gabriel Morgan's short story, Days of Farewell, as we say farewell (and good riddance! to 2020). It's all about the goodbye. 

     
    Length: 705 words
    Description: A Short Story. Thanks to John Mellencamp for the title and story prompt.
    A Reader said: It maybe a short, but it is a fantastic story. A snippet of a memory if you will. Excellently written. ~ Brayon
    If you want to spread the word about Gabriel Morgan'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!

  12. Cia

    December CSR Discussion Day: Triple Holiday Feature

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Wow, it's the last CSR Discussion day of 2020! Hopefully everyone has had a great holiday season, and enjoyed the stories featured. I asked a few questions of the authors featured this month the same questions. Enjoy the answers I got back, then share any thoughts you had as you read their ficlets in a comment below!
     
    Mikiesboy with The Christmas Cracker
    How do you celebrate the Holidays?    Usually we have a large reunion in early December with the whole family from around Toronto and Niagara Falls. Then we meet with Michael's parents, and his brother on Christmas Day. It's a pretty traditional Christmas.  This year is Christmas under lock down. So, just me and my Husband and a zoom get together with everyone else. I'm cooking our traditional meal, only smaller for the pair of us.
    What is a favorite holiday memory you'd like to share?   I don't really have a favourite memory. I look forward to Christmas annually. It always fills me with a sense of wonder and fellowship.
    Do you have a favourite line or scene in The Christmas Cracker.  This part makes me hold my breath for a second, it's among my favourites:
    What is your favorite Holiday Story:  Well my favourite is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  On GA my favourite is this wonderful, naughty version:
     
    Bill W with A Gay Christmas Carol
     
    How do you celebrate the holidays?  This has changed over the years.  When the kids were younger and we lived closer to our other relatives, we used to throw a big dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and invite the entire extended family.  Sometimes we'd be like the Currie family from The Castaway Hotel series and have up to 30 people at our house for those meals.  Now that I'm older and many of those relatives have died and the kids live a long way away from me and each other, I merely chat with them using all of these marvelous new technologies.  
    What is a favorite holiday memory you'd like to share?  It's another idea I stole and used in The Castaway Hotel series.  On Christmas Eve when the kids were younger, one of the adults would dress up in a Santa suit and then go outside to peek in the picture window so the kids could see him.  We would rotate who played Santa so the kids wouldn't figure it out, and some of the women even took a turn doing this.  After Santa appeared, we'd use that to urge the kids that they had to go to bed so Santa could leave his presents and this ended a lot of hassles about them wanting to stay up longer.   
    Do you have a favorite line or scene in A Gay Christmas Carol?
     
    What is your favorite holiday story?   Every Christmas I have to watch at least one version of A Christmas Carol or I don't feel right.  My favorite is the 1951version staring Allistair Sims, but I also like the 1984 version with George C. Scott and the 1999 version staring Patrick Stuart.  I also enjoy 1970 musical version, Scrooge, so I guess you can tell why I wrote A Gay Christmas Carol.   
  13. Cia

    January CSR Feature: All Wet Series by Myr

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Welcome to 2021! In honor of the new year, hopefully to be a fun, fast one, I'm featuring several short stories in the All Wet series by Myr. These start off with A Bad Day to be WET... but it's never a bad day to enjoy a story from Myr's Terran Confederation Spaceforce world! Follow Bill's adventure's in all 3 stories for the most enjoyment. Then come back to share your thoughts and enjoy my interview with Myr on our Discussion Day! 
    All Wet Series
    by @Myr
    Length: 11,720
    Description: William Elijah Thomas, WET, callsign Jammer, is one of the foremost pilots in the entire Terran Confederation.  He is an empath, but more importantly a Jumper.  Jumpers are the extremely rare humans that can plot a path through jump space and program shipboard A.I.'s to be able to do jumps without the need for a jumper.
    A Reader Said: A great Sci-Fi story set in a world that the Author has invented. It is one that I would love to read more about. ~Brayon
     
    Don't forget to come back to share your comments on the CSR Discussion day on Monday, January 25th! 
  14. Cia

    Happy New Year 2021: Member Contest Here!

    By Cia,


    Fun Stuff
    Members, we have a New Year's prize for you! Will you win?
    Did you catch our Thank You and Happy New Year message? We want to thank you for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts with GA's authors, writing nearly 50,000 story and chapter comments and hundreds of story reviews! 

    What can you win?
    Prize 1: 3 months free Premium membership Prize 2: 1 month free Premium membership How can you enter to win? It's simple! Just do BOTH of the items below: 
    Follow the GA News Blog (Click on the follow button in the blog banner above the post if you don't already follow it) Respond to this blog post. A couple of ideas on what you should comment on could be: What was your favorite story you commented or reviewed on in 2020? What stories do you hope to read in 2021? Do you have thoughts on new goals?  How will winners be selected? 
    All GA News Blog followers who also comment on this blog will have their names entered in a random.org drawing. 2 winners will be selected and shared on Sunday, January 9th. 
  15. Cia
    Authors, you have been... so let us reward you! 
    Did you read our Thank You and Happy New Year message? Don't miss it! In 2020, you published 319 new stories and over 4,000 chapter updates. You have worked hard, and we want to recognize those amazing accomplishments. Let's keep the writing flowing with some inspiration reads, perhaps, with these prizes you could !
    What can you win?
    Prize 1: 3 months free Premium membership Prize 2: 1 month free Premium membership How can you enter to win? It's simple! Just do BOTH of the items below: 
    Follow the GA Writing Tips blog (Click on the follow button in the blog banner above the post if you don't already follow it) Respond to this blog post. A couple of ideas on what you should comment on could be: What inspired you to write in 2020? Do you have any project you can't wait to write in 2021? Do you have thoughts on new GA Stories goals?  How will winners be selected? 
    All GA Writing Tips followers who also comment on this blog will have their names entered in a random.org drawing. 2 winners will be selected and shared on Sunday, January 9th. 
  16. Cia
    So half the world celebrates the holidays in the heat. So while this story isn't a holiday tale, I couldn't help but pick a story that features a group of friends and some summer-time fun. This snack-sized tidbit is just right for this busy time of year for readers to enjoy too!

    Length: 5,064
    Description: Mark always takes a dare.
    A Reader said: This was just a wonderful story, written very well. And I loved the ending!  You are really really good at this. ~ Toast
     
    If you want to spread the word about Sara Alva'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!

  17. Cia

    December CSR Triple Feature: Holiday Sprinkles

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    That's right, this month we have a holiday triple feature! These Christmas stories are like sprinkles of joy you can use to brighten your day and hearts. Just the right length for a short read, please enjoy these stories brought to you from 2 of our Signature Authors and 1 of our Classic Authors. 

     
    The Christmas Cracker
    by @Mikiesboy
    Length: 1,528
    Description: Hawken picked up the red Christmas Cracker and offered the other end to Lori-Anne. She grasped it. They pulled. It snapped with a satisfying bang. Hawk carefully pulled out the contents. The others had received little gifts ... but his was different. He looked at Harish, who smiled ...
    A Reader said: This story was a sweet bit of Christmas magic. ~ dughlas
    Bear in Winter
    by @comicfan
    Length: 4,181
    Description: William Watthews runs the local recreation center. Most people call him, Will or Bear, but it seems someone has other plans for him. Just what is going on at the rec center and what will it mean to Bear?
    A Reader said: I have to come back to like this, but I loved the story.. It was absolutely sweet and wonderful and full of heart. ~ Defiance19
    A Gay Christmas Carol
    by @Bill W
    Length: 9,495
    Description: Scrooge becomes a religious zealot named Franklin Phelps.  He has some troubling beliefs about gays and on Christmas Eve he first encounters the spirit of his former associate, Patsy Falwell, followed by three ghosts that attempt to help him redefine his position, but will they succeed?
    A Reader said: lol well i like the « revised » gay xmas carol 😉 ~ Danilo Syrtis
     
    Don't forget to come back and share your thoughts on the CSR Discussion day, Monday, December 28th. 
  18. Cia
    Monday I featured Sara Alva's short story, Dare. Did you read it? It's just 5k, a story of friends, fun... what more could you want to take a break from your life right now? A holiday time out, a reminder of summer to come if the cold is sapping you, or even just because those memories of carefree days can be so fun to head back to. 
    And that's just why I picked this excerpt. Did you ever play Truth or Dare? The swing is one thing... but were you ever this dumb? 
    Want to know what happens next? Click here!
  19. Cia

    November CSR Discussion: Amafi Coast by CLJobe

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Holy cannoli! November is over! The holiday season is upon us, but first we must enjoy and discuss this month's featured story, Amafi Coast by CLJobe. Did you get a chance to read it? Share your thoughts below, or just enjoy my interview with this month's featured author! 
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
    Since I am in bed, 100 percent of the time, I have a care giver who helps to change my bed.
    What is something most people don’t know about you?
    Besides being an old man, I have a degree in Chemical Engineering and I am a Registered Engineer. I owned my own company when I retired which allowed me to travel in Europe
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Ireland, I fell in love with that country and the people I interacted with.
    What brought you to GA?
    I had been reading a lot of stories and by chance found GA.
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    I’ve based my writing on my experiences, traveling and meeting different people. There is a little of myself in all of my writings.
    Did you need to research any of the legal information about wills or adoption for the story?
    No, I make assumptions and since my stories are fiction, there is no need tone 100 percent accurate.
    How did you decide on the setting for Amalfi Coast?
    I traveled in Italy, being of Italian descendent, I found that area of Italy very enticing. And I did spell it wrong, my readers corrected me.
    Who is your favorite character in the story? Do you relate more to Thomas or Geno?
    I think at my age I would relate more to Thomas, although I found Geno a loving young man.
    What is your favorite scene in Amalfi Coast? 
    Would you like to share some of your current or upcoming work with readers?
    Yes, I am currently working on a story about a young man with a goal of providing sanctuary for boys and girls. Similar to my current story.
  20. Cia
    Did you catch the blog feature on Libby Drew's story, The Art of Walking in Snow, on Monday? Go download the banner if you want to share you love for this short story. If you haven't read it yet, well, why not? I'm featuring this excerpt because it reminds me SO much of all the years we took our kids out to cut down our own tree. The cold, the cocoa, the fun of picking just the right one... it's definitely Christmas! But this story goes so much deeper than that, so much more into what the season can truly mean if we open our hearts to those around us. 
    Want to read more? Click here
  21. Cia
    Okay, I admit it... the holidays finally have me. It's not quite tree time, but we're sooooo close. So why not enjoy a little early holiday heartwarming with Libby Drew's amazing short story, The Art of Walking in Snow? 

     
    Length: 10,023
    Description: Jamie doesn't let people get close, but his new employer refuses to play by those rules. Maybe this is the year Jamie will banish the ghosts of Christmases past.
    A Reader said:  What a wonderful tale as we approach Christmas. There is so much said and unsaid between Jamie and John that weaves this tale into something more than just a story. It's a fable about the forces of nature: the winter snow, Jamie, and John. Bravo, Libby!
    I'm going to email the link to my friends so they can enjoy and appreciate The Art of Walking in Snow as much as I have. ~Colinian
     
     
    If you want to spread the word about Libby Drew'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!

  22. Cia

    November CSR Feature: Amafi Coast by CLJobe

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Well, spooky October is over and now we have November up. Heading into the holiday season, what better time to enjoy stories about compassion, family, and love? So please enjoy this month's selection!
    Amafi Coast
    by @CLJobe
    Length: 12,971
    Description: A story of compassion.
    A Reader said: Awesome chapter, Sad thoughtfull and joyful, and a great end to get another awesome story. Thanks ~ mikedup
     
    Enjoy this month's ready, and don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on the Discussion day on Monday, November 30th! 
  23. Cia

    CSR Discussion Day: Fairyfly by ObicanDecko

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Well it's almost over for October, and it's nearly November! How quickly the time does fly. Get it, fly? Like Fairfly, this month's CSR feature by ObicanDecko! Did you read it? Make sure you share your thoughts on the story below! But first, as always, my interview with the author for readers to enjoy! 
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    Yes! I love my fruits (watermelon, peach, strawberry, you name it) and veggies – I could eat broccoli and spinach every day.
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    I’d either be a house cat, so I can sleep all day, or a squirrel, so I can live in the trees and look fabulous with a big fluffy tail.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    My story ‘The Island of Poa’ was partly inspired by the Easter Island, so I would have loved to have been able to go there (maybe one day). That’s the number one place on my travel list. I would also love to visit the old Aztec/Maya/Inca sites in Central and South America. I’m sure that would inspire a story or two! Anything to do with history.
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    For me, the most challenging part is writing about topics or places I know little or nothing about. It requires a lot of research. For example, I’d love to write a story set in space, but I wouldn’t know where to begin. I’d have to do a lot of reading beforehand.
    That’s why writing fantasy is good – you get to create your own rules and no one can say they’re wrong!
    What’s the best part of being an author?
    In my opinion, the best part of being an author is being able to create your own worlds and characters and get lost in them. Sometimes I’ll get an idea about a story I would love to read about, and if I can’t find a book like that, I can try and write it myself. My writing is definitely a bit self-indulgent – I write about things that I personally want to read about. But if others like it too, that’s amazing!
    If you were a sorcerer, what kind would you be? Good, evil, indifferent?
    Hmm… I’d like to say good, but magic powers could tempt me to do all kinds of things, so who knows? I’d probably be eccentric and weird, so people would leave me alone instead of trying to use me for my powers.
    Okay, where do all the conjured items come from in Fairyfly? Do you define your rules of magic before you write or let it come organically?
    Good question! It’s funny because a friend of mine likes to tease me about the scene where Esthor turns the royal sorcerers’ magic wands into snakes. He says how the poor snakes must have an existential crisis, having been created so suddenly.
    I have to admit, I didn’t create any rules of magic before writing this story. It’s never explained where exactly magic comes from, and I think it’ll remain that way. Magic is simply a part of that world. I did introduce some limitations later on (especially in Book of Venoms). For example, Esthor is very powerful and versatile, but his main ‘branch’ of magic is conjuring/elemental magic. Sawyer’s specialty is nature magic, while Macarius’ is illusions and teleportation.
    Who is your favorite character in the story and why?
    Esthor, the main character, is by far my favorite in Fairyfly. Fantasy stories usually have a powerful sorcerer as the villain, while the heroes are weak/ordinary humans who have to grow in power or unite in order to defeat the bad guy. So, I wanted to switch it up and make the mighty wizard the protagonist and see what kind of trouble he could get into. Esthor is vain and a bit of a know-it-all, but his heart is always in the right place.
    What do you think is the pivotal scene in the Fairyfly?
    Ooh that’s a tough question! I’d say... (SPOILER ALERT)
    Do you want to share a little about your current or future stories with readers?
    I’d love to – without spoiling too much or making any definitive promises (plans always change!). So, ‘Charttoppers’ is now fully released and I’ve been having a lot of fun writing it, so I can probably see myself doing a sequel at some point in the future. I already have some potential storylines in mind, so we’ll see.
    I’m currently writing a medieval fantasy book about a man who makes a pact with a demon in order to find his missing friend. It will probably be the next to be released, but it’s still early in the writing stages.
    I’ve also been brainstorming sequels to ‘Fairyfly’ and ‘Book of Venoms’. I’m not sure if they will be two separate books or combined into one, but they will be coming!
    I’m very grateful for every single person who has been reading and commenting on my stories and sending me lovely messages asking for sequels. Please be patient!
  24. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's feature with Jack Scribe's Life's a Grind banner? Why exactly IS there a mask on it? Hmm... answer in the comments if you know! Or share what you thought of the story if you've read it. 
     
    I picked this section of the story, a few chapters in, because it gives you a good sense of Jeremy's character. He's pretty smart for a teen, certainly responsible, but wowsers... the curveballs life's bringing his way could be interesting. Well, if you're into that sort of thing. 😜 You might think you know from this snip, but oh, there's so much more to the opportunity he's considering....
    To read more, click here. 
  25. Cia
    Happy October! Thanksgiving for our Canadian friends, Halloween for just about everyone, or all sorts of festival fun if you're not a follower of the candy trick-or-treats theme. The year is passing by so fast, and we're almost done with 2020 (whew!). I thought the title of this month's feature was apt for how many of us probably feel about this year.... Enjoy!

    Length: 97,474
    Description: Jeremy and his group of friends are seniors at a Chicago high school. He juggles a part-time job (to help pay expenses at home) with the academic challenges and school activities of his final school year. His life reaches a watershed moment when he is offered a very unique job at the same time questions about sexual orientation are tested and answered.
    A Reader said (Chapter 1): Wow... what a valuable, but unsteady childhood for Jeremy. I am glad that Winston and Karl had given him the good, bad, and ugly on everything before they passed on. Most children who are exposed to the fact that someone they knew died of AIDS make them subtly reinforce the "deviant" excuse of how people contract the disease. It's pretty sad, but I'm glad Jeremy got to learn everything and had positive role models in lieu of a proper father figure. ~ J.T. 
     
    If you want to spread the word about Jack Scribe'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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