Cia

Today was breakfast for dinner. Eggs, sausage, and homemade muffins. These are 3 berry fruit muffins that I *messed with*. I added blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, replaced the oil with applesauce (except for 2 Tbsp to activate the gluten), cut the sugar down to a cup and a half, and replaced one cup of the flour with wheat bran. The recipe makes a few dozen depending on how deep your muffin tins are.They're actually pretty healthy (for a muffin, lol) but the family said they weren't sweet enough. Ingrates! Recipe can be downloaded here:

Robert says it so well! Except for the length of time, and the partner thing of course. I don't think many of the folks on here swing my way! Still, I have a much richer life and finally told my family I'm bi, sold some stories, made a ton of friends I'd otherwise never have known... all because my voracious appetite for something to read led to me trying something new, MM fiction. Who knew what would happen from clicking one tiny link?

August already! Summer, at least summer here in the Northern hemisphere, has been flying by. I'm sure those of you still in winter are ready for a bit of warmth and a new season too. But first, we have August to get though. Reading this month's CSR Book Club selection just might pass a bit of time for you. Don't Shout by Sasha Distan Length: 52,675 Rating: Mature Description: Cole is fascinated by a boy who won't talk to him and has no idea how to be gay in a world in which a man's worth is measured by his skill in working the land and riding quad bikes. Jared thinks he's happy with his secret lover but when a boy who can't communicate with him puts in the effort to try realises that secret sex-friends might not be enough and even good boys get love too. What a Reader Said: I really like this story, especially how you have taken the time to develop Cole's character and led us all to the discovery of Jared's deafness. Cole is such a sweet hot tough guy. He has fallen hard, but will be the most true friend Jared ever had if he lets him. I can't wait to read more. ~ From JohnnyJon1 Okay, readers, have fun with this story! It's the first one I read of this author's, though I found it off-site before Sasha came here, and I was glad to see it posted on GA. Make sure you come back for the CSR Discussion day on August 26th!

LMAO Mann! I hope you enjoy it Jo Ann!!

Welcome to the world of married folks. Duh dun dun!!

Happy Birthday!!

LOL. The both of you... tsk tsk objectifying poor David that way! I'm sure he's horrifi(delight)ed.

Apple Polisher by Heidi Belleau My rating: 4 of 5 stars Apple Polisher surprised me. It was an interesting name for an interesting book. I thought it would be full of cliches, and in a way it was. We had the classic character tropes, but many of them had hidden qualities that made them more human than their basic first impressions. Christian was anal retentive and uptight ... but he had so many reasons for being that way and he didn't like being that way--though from the synopsis I really thought he was an upright prig through and through. Max's secrets were varied. I was really surprised by the dual natures he exhibited from his very *ahem* interesting job and his volunteering. As a couple, Christian and Max worked really well together. They were opposites, but more alike under the surface than I originally assumed. The sub-plot existing with the romance plot was all about family, and the things we do to try to help each other out. I really liked Christian's aunt. I loved the progression he went through from blushing prude to blase flirt. Though, being the germaphobe that I am, the sex scene in the video store just about had me cringing away from my eReader. All in all, this was an entertaining story. I came into it expecting to be a little bored, but in the end, really enjoyed the characters. The story was a little predictable, and one scene ... we'll call it the computer scene, to avoid spoilers, was just too far out of character for Christian for me to believe. I really liked the climactic moment it relayed between him and Max, but it was just so beyond what I'd learned of Christian's comfort zones that I couldn't really believe it. I'd definitely recommend this eBook if you're looking for a sweet, if a bit turbulent, contemporary romance with a lot of chuckles. The humorous moments were definitely a big plus for this eBook, making my hubby send me numerous raised eyebrows. View all my reviews

LOL. As a fellow ginger, I find Dylan's quibble with his hair color to be funny. I liked that line for the way it let us picture his appearance a bit more completely. You really wove into the story his physical traits, in a way I really appreciated. I like to see the characters as a picture that is increased layer by layer as we get to know them through the story. The setting, in an area with poor job markets, is sad but a realistic picture of our economy today. Dylan's quandary as he lay in the dark also showed off a lot of his inner character. He's pretty starved for affection but he has the 'been there, done that' moment and makes the right choice. I felt so bad for him during his walk of shame time though. Good start, and I really hope you continue to post your story here.

I think conflict doesn't have to be overt, and for short stories I often worry more about the figuring out the desires of the characters than writing action fueled drama. Thwarted desire can really drive a plot. Desire motivates everyone, from what they want to eat, do for the day, their goal in life... and more. Consider this plot: A man is up late due to a work project his immediate boss is requiring him to do last minute when the boss dropped the ball. He missed out on the game he had tickets for, because his job isn't something he can blow off. He's already upset from missing his game, and being forced to work during his time off. Then he overslept. He stops for coffee at a drive thru, just needing a burst of caffeine to make it through the presentation, then he's going to take the rest of the day off. He pulls out, taking a sip of his coffee, and gets pissed--it's wrong! Incensed beyond what he'd normally be by his existing agitation, he slams the cup down while cussing. The top pops off and soaks his sleeve and burns his hand. Distracted by the pain, and his extreme anger, he fails to notice the car backing out. It slams into his door, pinning him in the car and injuring his left side. He misses the meeting and his boss fires him. Walking out of the building with a box of his personal items under his good arm he .... All of that drama is fueled by thwarted desire, even the boss firing him due to his thwarted desire to get someone else to do his work to get him off the hook for failing. Keeping the character's desires in mind, and focusing on how you can use those, can help move your plot along as well.

This is a good beginning; I like cowboy stories with authentic action! I can't wait to see more. If I could make one suggestion it would be to check out the punctuating dialogue topic in our Writer's Corner. It is pinned near the top of the forum and has all sorts of easy to understand rules and discussion on properly punctuating dialogue and narration depending on what you're writing.

I can! To contact Louis or Jo Ann: PM LJH PM Joann414 Sorry Louis, I've been there but with portable computers and a lot of wifi in the area, I tend to be okay on internet on those brief spells I must leave home to connect. At least you have the phone, so you don't go completely incommunicado.

Welcome to the CSR Discussion Day for July! This month we featured The Degan Incident by Rob Colton. His first story here on GA was immensely popular and we were lucky enough to get him to share a little about himself, his thoughts regarding his story, and his upcoming story as well for our discussion! I hope you enjoy this interview with Rob Colton! *Staff note for those who like to favorite stories and chapters: We've increased your daily likes, so now you can show your appreciation even more! As I always like to start … time to share all about you. Or just one or two things. No need for an autobiography, but tell the readers a few things they might not know. I grew up in Michigan, so many of my early stories are set there. I got married to my partner in June of this year, on the day of our ten year anniversary. Do you eat your fruits and vegetables? I love fruits, but I have to admit, I’m not big on vegetables. (At least the ones that are good for you.) Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate, definitely! When did you first consider yourself a writer? I think it really hit me when I received the contract for my first novella, "The Ranch Foreman." It is to be published by Dreamspinner Press this fall. How did you get inspired for the foray into sci-fi after your many contemporary stories? I love Sci-Fi! It’s one of my favorite genres of movie/TV. Even though this story is sci-fi, it still incorporates elements that make it a "RobCub/Rob Colton" story. How did you come up with your title? The original working filename was “Space Beast”. Obviously, that wasn’t a very good title! When Dashel arrives to rescue Devin, he says something about causing an interstellar incident. As soon as I wrote that line, it clicked and I immediately knew the title. I think the title has a very "sci-fi" feel to it. What’s your favorite part of The Degan Incident? I think my favorite parts are the scenes with Devin and Bastian's father, Dashel. I also have a fondness for Bastian's pet banti, Mishu. You received a lot of feedback for the story; was there any one review you really treasured? I love all of the feedback I get. My favorites are the ones where people who normally wouldn't read a story like this (sci-fi, m/m, mpreg, etc.) gave it a shot and were pulled in and ended up enjoying it. I know you’ve went on to write a second story in this series that we get to share here on GA with our Premium supporters. How about a short blurb to whet their appetites for more? "The Cassini Mission" features a character from "The Degan Incident", exobiologist Aron Adler. Not strictly a sequel, "Cassini" features new characters and builds on the events from the first book. Dr. Aron Adler is ordered to take part in a rescue mission to a research colony located on an uninhabited planet in the outer rim. He is to immediately report to the U.S.C. Cassini, which will take Aron, two other scientists, and a unit of Union Marines to the colony. Once there, they are to assess the situation and retrieve any data or specimens. Formerly a scientist in the Union Navy, Aron was dishonorably discharged following a court-martial for failing to obey orders. Stepping foot on the Cassini brings up old feelings he would rather forget. Shunned by the crew of the Cassini, Aron finds comfort in the arms—and bed—of Marine sergeant Kane Robertson. Upon reaching the colony, it becomes apparent that not everything is as it seems. Once again, Aron is faced with a difficult decision: follow orders or follow his heart. Okay, final question … you are planning on writing a third story in this series, right? The epilogue of “The Cassini Mission” sets up a third story quite nicely, don't you think? I already have a title in mind and I’ve also outlined the plot… Now I just need lots of extra time to write it all down! I do think the epilogue sets up the next story quite well! Having had the privilege of reading both stories, I know I cannot wait to find out what else you have to share! And congratulations on your upcoming published eBook and marriage; those are both wonderful events to celebrate! Thank you so much for participating in this month's CSR event and for taking the time to share a bit of yourself with our readers! Okay everyone, now let's hear from you! What did you think of the The Degan Incident? What are you hoping to see in the next story? Don't forget to suggest a story you'd like to see featured for August!

It made me cry, Dave! And in only 5k, that's a true example of exemplary characterization.

The likes issue, and the mod queue, is flexible for authors who have proven they can post properly, as in actually read the faq and follow it, and have been proven not to be a plagiarizer already. If a member is affected by the adjusted levels, they can contact me via PM.

I liked it Totallyy. It felt more historical than fantastical so far, but you set the backstory and have quite a bit to go on with that curse, so it'd be interesting to see more, imo.

Along with dancing, and tea parties, and spa days, and dinners, and more dancing, and bubble gum volcanoes, glitter, faeries, a very special surprise baddie drama... Oh yeah. It's all smut. No world building, no character progression, no romance and emotional healing. Nope, none of that.

Closed-minded people often lash out with verbal attacks. It's a true shame. My kids are too young to teach about this sort of issue but I am always trying to instill acceptance for other's choices in them. We saw a woman heavily covered in tattoos last week and of course they stared. Now a lot of people in my family have tattoos, including my hubby and me, but this was pretty extreme. When we got to the car my kids asked why she looked like that and my reply was that she liked it and it was her body. I'd at least taught them not to be judgmental about other's appearance but to ask me in private. Of course they both said it was 'weird', but hey, weird can be good, right? I laud that 14 year old's parents. She's being taught not only to stand up for what she believes is right, whether it affects her or not, but the harsh reality that can often come from doing that. I'm glad she has people standing up with her, including her parents. Too many people say, 'This is bad, but it's not happening to me so who cares?' That apathy is ruining our communities. We should all be reaching out to help our fellow man--or woman in this case. Don't judge, don't try to impose your own version of morality on others, and certainly don't be a hypocrite.

Thank you Celethiel! This story, while I tried to incorporate a few surprises, really wasn't one where I tried to throw in a lot of twists. Each tale for this trilogy stands alone, yet intertwine. I hope you'll enjoy the other two stories as well. There is a lot more to this first story going on than meets the eye ... though you don't find that out til later. Thanks so much for the review, hun!

Lugh repeatedly said this story was pure smut as he wrote and edited it, and when he waffled on posting it as he tried to decide if it was good enough beyond those elements. I challenged that and always replied, "besides, I like smut!" Bernat and Eron's relationship might have started out with anonymous (and holy smokes HOT sex), but the heat and attraction between them was perfect for a planet where dreams are supposed to come true.

Very poetic. You use some lovely descriptions; they were quite varied, but the visuals were hard to 'see' because things were disjointed. I had no idea if this was taking place at a house or a coffee shop or what and couldn't really picture the characters as a whole. Oh, and to learn how to punctuate dialogue you can check out a pinned topic in the writer's corner on the forum page. That is a writing basic I took forever to learn until I found the cheat sheet that is posted in the first post. Nice job for your first post!

Hi GA authors and readers!! We have a great blog topic running right now, Wacky Wednesday: Using Tags in GA Stories, to explain to authors how to ensure stories are accessible to those who want to read them. What keywords do you want to search by and can't find as a reader? As an author, is there a tag you always want to use for your stories but we don't have? Well suggest them here! We'll go over all the member input and add as much as feasibly possible. As always, thank you for taking the time to share your input; it helps immensely to get community feedback.

Classic BBP's in the US. (Blood born pathogens) Specifically they test for: Hep B and C, HTLV (causes cancer), T Cruzi (a nasty little parasitic infection that can lead to heart failure) West Nile, and HIV 1 and 1/2. They also donor screen for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, CMV (herpes). This is all regulated by the FDA.

I do want to write this story, I just have a few things to write first!