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Cia

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Blog Entries posted by Cia

  1. Cia
    As the year speeds up, seasons change, and my own kids grow and continue to make me older (so not nice of them!) I often find myself pulled toward stories that feature parents. But not every story is always sweetness and light and happy--and life is truly represented in this tale that will tug at your heart and maybe make you reach for a tissue or two as well. One of Bill's many anthology entries, you will have missed out if you haven't read Consolation Parents before. 
     

     
    Length: 5,161
    Description: Scott Fisher received an unexpected phone call early one morning, which ended up changing his and his boyfriend's lives. Although they didn't realize it beforehand, they were vital clogs in a contingency plan that had far reaching consequences.
    A Reader said: Very touching story. Never like tragedy, but happy when things turn out as positively as it did. ~ Quiet Man
     
    If you want to spread the word about Bill W'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!

  2. Cia

    CSR Feature: The Heart of Oskar Prinz by Mike Arram

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Well, well, well, happy August everyone! This month we MUST stay indoors and beat whatever awful weather is destroying the outside, so what better way to do that than with a nice, loooong story? And, even better, it's part of a series! A looooooooonger series, at that! Mike Arram is an established author who came to share his work with us from other well-known gay fiction sites, so you might have already seen his name, or read his stories, or maybe this is all new to you. Either way, this month you're in for a treat! As always, don't forget to come back on the Discussion day with your thoughts ready to share in the blog comments. 
     
    The Heart of Oskar Prinz, Rothenian Tales #1
    by Mike Arram
    Length: 76,374
    Description: Will Vincent, schoolteacher, exits the closet and finds it leads him to very strange places, for almost out of the door he encounters the beautiful Oskar, cynic and porn star, who is not at all what he seems.
    A reader said: Thanks for posting this excellent story. I enjoyed it several years ago on crvboy, and very much enjoyed this improved version here.  ~vonfoto
     
    Don't forget to come back on Monday, August 26th, for the Discussion Day! 
  3. Cia
    Welcome to the CSR discussion day for July with Love is Blind by Nick Brady! Did you have a chance to read this story? Nick was kind enough to do an interview for me and share some of his thoughts on what he learned while writing Love is Blind. He also filled in a few thoughts on his favorite cartoon hijinks character, tall or small, and his hobbies outside of writing! So enjoy learning more about Nick, and then share your thoughts on his story in the comments below. 
    Who do you like best, Jerry or Tom?

    Probably Jerry because he always outsmarts Tom the cat.

    If you had to choose between being eight feet tall or four feet tall, which would you choose and why?

    I might choose to be 4 feet tall because little guys get away with more.

    What do you like to do in your free time at home when you’re not writing?

    I like to read and work in my garden. I'm also an amateur photographer.

    What brought you to GA?

    I read a few stories here quite a long time ago and posted one of my first stories with you. GA is a very professionally managed and I appreciate having my stories hosted on your site.

    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story, in modern time or the past?

    California during the gold rush. There were a great number of men there all trying to strike it rich with little constraints on their behavior. There has to be a good story in there somewhere.

    If you had to try method writing (like method acting) for research on a story, what type of plot or character research would you like to do?

    I have always been drawn to characters who seem to be very different then discover that they have a great deal in common. I find relationships between people of different ages, abilities, backgrounds, and races to be interesting.

    Can you sum up Love is Blind in one sentence?

    What begins as a casual friendship between a blind and a sighted college student evolves into a lifetime commitment.

    What is the most interesting “I never would have thought about it like that” thing you learned from your research from others who faced similar challenges as your characters?

    Sometimes what appears to be the weaker of a pair turns out to be the strongest.

    What was your favorite scene in Love is Blind?

    That's hard to choose, but I will say that the episode in Chapter 5 where Ian and Andrew try their hand at home brewing was fun to write. It was easy because it really happened to me when I was in college. You might say it was a learning experience.

    Can you share a little of your current/future work you plan to post on GA with us?

    I make mental notes of various characters and situations that accumulate in my head until they form the basis of a new story. Sometimes they come from my own experience but more often from observation. The erotic parts are almost always fictional. My life has not been nearly as interesting as my characters. I'm working on several new ideas. Stay tuned.

  4. Cia
    So one of the major aspects of Mellicat's story, Dare, is family. We're all born into a family even if we don't know them, or we lose them, in one way or the other. The adults and children and relationships we see and know or wish we had are how we model our own future selves in our minds. And that shapes who we become and the choices we make in our entire life... for good or ill. In Dare, the choices the characters make are based on the men in their lives and the roles they all grew into. In some ways, those roles have been locked in since they were children and the choices they all make are based on the same choices and images of each other they've always held. But are those choices what's best for each of them and what they wants out of life or just in kneejerk reaction to what they think they have to do and be based on their childhood? And can they all come together as adults when something bad happens and learn that what they thought they knew about each other maybe isn't the whole picture?
    In this feature, I stuck with one chapter, but I picked two sections that really highlighted the brothers and their roles and their connections to each other and their families as well. 
    Want to read more, click here. 
  5. Cia
    Can you believe over half the year has passed and we are closer to out of the twenty-teens and into the twenty twenties than before? The future is coming fast, years passing, and before we know it, the twilight of the year will be here! And that can be true in stories too, you start and don't even realize you're reading faster and faster, desperate to know if the character will be able to find that happy ever after. In this short story by Mellicat, you can't help but be sucked in to the sense of time and the story that is created. Have you read it?

     
    Length: 24,539
    Description: Family can bring out the best and the worst in us.
    A Reader said: Wow. With all its anger and resentment, its past and present, this was a delicious, full flavored slice of life.  I was deeply touched by this story and still reluctant to give Thomas a pass, lol.  
     
    If you want to spread the word about Mellicat'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!

     
  6. Cia

    CSR Feature: Love is Blind by Nick Brady

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Happy July! Can you believe the year is halfway over already? We've featured a lot of stories over the year, but here's one more you might not have read yet... Love is Blind! This story, inspired by a figure from the author's past, was also helped along by several other GA members. That's just what the site is here for! I can't wait to hear what @Nick Brady has to say in his interview this month, which will be on the last Monday of the month, July 29th. 
     
    Love is Blind
    by Nick Brady
    Length: 39,873
    Description: Andrew and Ian are college friends. One is sighted and one is blind. They have much to learn from each other.
    A Reader said: thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us. you have picked the perfect spot to end it though I am sad this is it and that no more chapters will be coming.  ~ mayday
    Enjoy this month's CSR selection, but don't forget to be ready to come back and share your thoughts and comment on the Discussion day on Monday, July 29th!
  7. Cia
    Well, the end is near! The end of June, that is! Did you check out this simple short story... or is it as simple as it seemed? Exit to Redemption introduced readers to characters who could be the driver in the next car, the man in the next office, or the jerk at the next table disturbing your dinner. Learning about Valkyrie is a lot more simple than the choices and changes faced by the characters in her story! Check out my interview with her and then share your thoughts about that or her story in the comments below! 
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?

    No and yes.  I don’t like a lot of fruit and it’s also too sugary for me.  While there aren’t a ton of veggies I actually like, I do eat a lot of the ones I do like.  I also sub cauliflower for a lot of starches, so I get my fill of veggies that way.  

    If you were an animal, what would you be?

    Being a dragon would be pretty cool, but I’d probably be something more mundane like a cat.  I could get into sleeping 90% of the time and eating and randomly spazzing out the other 10%. 

    If you had 30 minutes of free time, what would you do?

    Probably play Candy Crush or watch something mindless on TV.  Absolutely nothing productive. 

    Has your writing evolved over the years and changed in any way?

    Yes, it’s definitely evolved.  I’ve worked hard to hone my descriptions and convey the emotions of my characters.  I think my stories have also grown in their complexity.  Penguin is pretty straightforward, while The Hollow Hills is much more nuanced. 

    Do you prefer to write short stories for a reason beyond time constraints?

    I like using short stories to explore questions I’ve asked myself.  For example, I wondered about why people react differently to adversity and tragedy, and the result was my anthology story April’s Fool.  I also asked myself what would happen if someone with a disability reached beyond the special ed classroom and tried to be friends with someone in mainstream education—like Peter from Downhearted.  The flexibility of short stories allows me to capture a moment in time or create character sketches without following the traditional story format of beginning/middle/end.  I’ve also used them to experiment with descriptions or writing in a different point of view.  When I first started writing, I was more comfortable writing in first person, so I challenged myself to write some anthology stories in third person.  Now I’m pretty comfortable using either.  Sometimes I use short stories as jumping off points.  For example Faeries Anonymous and Igneous are both slated to become longer works.

    Just how many of your stories interconnect?

    Good question!  I had to go look because I wasn’t sure.  A lot of my early prompt stories are based off peripheral characters from The Hollow Hills.  There’s also a connection between THH and Alex’s Legacy.  Quite a few of my prompt responses build off each other.  One of the projects on my list is to take some of those multi-prompt serials and post them as their own stories, like I did with Thanksgiving Knight.  And of course, there’s the Max and Elliot stories, with Exit to Redemption as a spin-off.

    Have you ever experienced a moment like Henry did with Pete at the start of the story or was that just made up?

    I’ve seen my share of rude jerks, but that scene was made up. 

    Change… Redemption… is it possible, or more of a romance story construct?

    Yes, I do think it’s possible to change and redemption isn’t just a fictional construct.  However, true change is difficult at best, and redemption is even harder to achieve. Sometimes we have to change habits to improve our health, which can be easy or not, based on motivation level or certain diagnoses. Changing things more ingrained to our nature is difficult, if not impossible.  Learned behavior can be unlearned, but personality disorders such as sociopathy or narcissism can’t be changed. 

    In your mental story after the story, are Henry and Pete living happily ever after now?

    I’d like to think they are.   I can’t say Pete doesn’t still have his moments, but I’m guessing Henry’s influence is enough to keep him in check. 

    How about sharing some of your upcoming writing adventures with readers… what’s in your pipeline?!

    I have a few exciting things in the works.  I’m currently working on a novella/novel length story based in the Igneous universe.  I’ve wanted to write this story for years and finally have a working outline and a couple of chapters in the first draft stage.  I’m going to finish it before posting, so it will be a while before it’s done.  In the meantime, I’ll have at least one story for the fall anthology.  Right now, I’m planning on writing a story based on Taylor from my Pride and Premium story, Deal or No Deal.  I guess I can’t resist interconnecting my stories!  I’ll have some prompt stories and also an upcoming collaboration to tide my readers over.  And my biggest news… drumroll… is the future release of my Premium novella A Leg to Stand On as an e-book. 
  8. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring David McLeod's story, Pilots? This novella-length contemporary story has such a wide variety of characters and short stories within the storyline that you are learning new things about them all the time, which is a great way of catching the readers' interest when the theme is a newly started community GSA. Of course, it won't go smooth for them because when in life--or fiction--does that happen when such a varied group comes together? Case in point....
    Want to read more? Click here! 
  9. Cia
    Happy June and Pride Month! One of the big themes this month is always coming out, or being out and proud, or just being out and not having to be afraid. A big part of that in many places is the GSA, because it's not always easy. Pilots takes a look at how that might play out in a wider setting than just a high school or college, and there's a real cast of characters to get to know in each chapter who will draw you in. Check out this older story if you haven't read it before! 

     
    Pilots
    by David McLeod
    Length: 37,674
    Description: Jacksonville, WY isn't the first place you'd look for an LGBT Alliance. Will it work? Follow the lives of the boys and girls who try to promote tolerance, and of those who attempt to stop them
    A Reader said: Having read PILOTS, I hope to enjoy this story as much. ~ Gene63 (of Pilots II)
     
    If you want to spread the word about David McLeod'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!

  10. Cia

    CSR Feature: Exit to Redemption by Valkyrie

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Welcome to June! Can you believe this month marks halfway through 2019? June is often a month of vacation, trips, and time off beginning for many! This month we're featuring a story by a well-known GA author and the past anthology, Road Trip, with the short story, Exit to Redemption by @Valkyrie And, with this being a short story, you should have plenty of time to read the story before the discussion day... of course, Valkyrie tends to connect a lot of her tales, so you might just get sucked in to reading more and more! 
    Exit to Redemption
    by Valkyrie
    Length: 5,361
    Description:  Pete meets Henry at a conference and can't get him out of his mind. He doesn't understand why Henry won't give him the time of day. Pete needs to decide if Henry is worth changing his behavior for, and figure out if redemption is possible.
    Those of you familiar with my Max and Elliot stories will recognize Pete as Elliot's arrogant ex-boyfriend.  It's not necessary to read those stories first, however.  This story reads fine as a stand-alone piece. 

    A reader said: In some ways, Pete is a more interesting character than Elliott. You want to dislike him and even kick his ass, but he almost seems lost... ~ Cole Matthews
     
    Enjoy this month's CSR selection, but don't forget to be ready to come back and share your thoughts and comment on the Discussion day on Monday, June 24th!
  11. Cia
    Well, how has May treated you? Are you ready for Pride next month? This month we had a great double feature of @comicfan's story, The Strange Life of Jonas Marks, which included Coming Out, some fun fantasy, a romance, and so much more!! Did you read Puppilull's review or enjoy the story yourself? I hope you did! First, of course, is my interview with Comicfan, then you can share your thoughts on his story in the comments below!
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

    I usually like to make the bed. My mother was always one to say, “Wayne, god forbid you leave your bedroom door open, you don’t want people to think you’re a slob.” If people look into my room they’ll never think I’m a slob, just a book whore.

    If you were an animal, what would you be?

    I’d say a dog. Faithful to one family/person, loved, sleep a lot, belly rubs, taken for walks, and get to bark at those you don’t like … I’d say that works for me

    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?

    I have a collection of Smurfs.

    What’s the best part of being an author?

    All those crazy ideas in my head, I get to put down on paper, then type up, and share with other people. The incredible part is some people actually like my crazy ideas.

    If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be?

    Write and be fearless. Never be afraid to make mistakes. Things can be edited later, but if you don’t write you can’t share. No idea should be abandoned until you attempt it. But the best thing I could tell myself is to remember not every story will be a hit with everyone, so keep your head up and keep trying.

    Is fantasy your preferred genre to read and write?

    Fantasy has always been a mainstay in my reading. Fantasy can take many forms and I’ve always been a voracious reader. The nickname name Comicfan isn’t because of anything other than I love comics as well. From newspaper comics like Peanuts, Cathy, and Garfield, or comic books like Superman and Wonder Woman I read and loved them all. My mother got me hooked on mysteries and I have all of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Horror author Stephen King is well represented as is Edgar Allen Poe. Then again you’ll find all of Kalayna Price’s Grave Witch series, Neil Gaiman’s American Gods and more, Rick Riordan, Patricia Briggs, and JK Rowling to name but a few. I admit to being a book whore.

    You posted a new chapter to The Strange Life of Jonas Marks after a long break. Did something reinspire you?

    Can you consider major surgery inspiration? I feared if something happened to me, Jonas and other stories that I’d had to put aside while dealing with life would never be completed. I focused on completing everything I had so readers would never have to wonder what happened.

    How did you decide what kind of fantasy characters to have come through the door in Jonas’s office?

    As I admit willingly to, I have always read a lot. I never go anywhere without a book. When the time came to choose characters I had to do little more than glance at my library. Hobbits? Check. Fairies? Check. Orcs, Dryads, and more? Check. If I felt there could be someone who wanted to date an angel, well then it was safe to bring one in, because the only who could see through the glamours was Jonas.

    Do you plan to write more in this setting, either for the other characters or Jonas?

    When I finish a story, for me that is usually goodbye to that world. However, some characters like to come back. I’ve learned to never say I won’t go back, but just don’t expect it to be any time soon.

    How about any other projects you would like to share with readers?

    Seeon has a new story. Couldn’t quite get it done for the spring anthology, but with just a few tweaks it will fit one of the fall topics. I am also trying to finish two short pieces for other projects on site as well as a longer one I’m calling Next Chapter. Hopefully, it all gets done.
  12. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog sharing the ad and feature of this month's Classic author story, The Confrontation by Adam Phillips? This was another story chosen to go along with the Coming Out theme to kick off our promotion of Pride month, which is often what so many LGBT community members are thinking about when this time of year rolls around. How did it go in this story? Well...
    I chose this excerpt because it shows that first crucial moment and then the second... but you're left wondering if the third time is the charm or the time the decision will be ripped out of his hands and everything the character might face is too little too late. 
    Want to read more? Click here. 
  13. Cia
    This week we've begun featuring the site's new Premium features, which are stories featuring coming out themes. I thought I'd keep that going with a twist that is kind of interesting. What happens when two people meet online, maybe through a site like... GA? And they're not out, or one of them isn't? The story plays out in fiction and real life all too often, but let's see how @Adam Phillips did it with his short story! 

    The Confrontation
    by Adam Phillips
    Length: 4,219
    Description: A couple of online friends have a falling-out; one of them caves and makes a drastic decision.
    A Reader Said: I love a story that leaves me wondering, especially one with dynamic characters embroiled in romantic angst. Nice job on both, thanks. ~ Miles Long
     
    If you want to spread the word about Adam Phillip'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!

  14. Cia
    Well happy May to everyone! Is it moderate and beautiful where you are? The year is moving faster and faster, but and we're approaching Pride month next month. Did you catch the feature call for the Premium short stories themed with coming out stories? It's something many gay authors face, no matter what orientation we claim (and can't that be interesting to explain?!) and it's no surprise it's often the subject of teen fiction as well. Let's take a look at another long-time favorite GA author's take on the subject with this month's CSR feature! 
    The Strange Life of Jonas Marks
    by @comicfan
    Length: 57,189
    Description:  Jonas Marks has just graduated high school when he tells his father he is gay. The end result is that Jonas is tossed out of his home. With no money, no job, and no place to call home he ends up on his friend Jenny's couch till he starts working at Kroger's. Then his life just gets strange. 
    A/N: This story originally began as a short story in the Anthology Walk on the Wild Side. I had a number of people comment on how it really needed to be expanded. The end result is what you are now looking at. For those who read and comment, this is for you. Thank you for your vote of confidence and I hope this lives up to what you expect of me.
    A Reader Said: What a surprise to suddenly find an epilogue here! It suits your story quite well.
    The story arc developed nicely and I like the end. I'm glad it's not a major cliffhanger but interestingly a sequel might be possible, who knows
    Anyway, thank you for this great story, I enjoyed it a lot.  ~ Zenobia
     
    So enjoy this month's CSR selection, but don't forget to be ready to come back and share your thoughts and comment on the Discussion day on Monday, May 27th!
  15. Cia
    How'd you enjoy The Assassin? I know when I read it that I couldn't stop. I just had to know what was going to happen next, what sort of plan was unfolding, who was coming after the guys, who they might turn to... so many twists and turns in the story evolution. I enjoyed it, and I hope you did too, so make sure you share your comments below. But first...! My interview with Lilansui is below, so you get to know all the deep details of the writing journey before you comment. 
    Have you ever gone out in public, realized your shirt is on backwards, and just don’t care?

    Something close, it was inside out and not backwards.  My workplace was running a conference.  I woke up late, so I dressed fast in a black top and jeans, rushed out of my house to collect supplies from my office, and then drive to the conference hall.

    At the venue, I worked for a solid hour until one of the ladies I work with took me by the hand and led me into a small office.  She’s like, ‘Your top is inside out.’  It should have mortified me, but I just laughed, changed and continued as if nothing happened.  Thinking of it now, was it to happen in my starting out days, that would have mortified me, but not anymore.

    If you were an animal, what would you be?

    A cat.  I have one and she just sleeps and eats without a care in the world.  All she has to do is cute poses and I’m done for…hahaha.

    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?

    Istanbul, Turkey.  The carpets, the architecture, the history…so much.  I can just imagine it already.

    What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

    The toughest criticism: - I have had criticisms, lots of them, from ‘your work needs more research’, ‘bad grammar’, ‘huge plot holes’ to ‘I don’t understand what you’re trying to say with this one’.  I take them, love them and learn more.

    Best Compliment: - Came in a personal message sent to me on social from someone who thanked me for writing an Asian character in Kiss Me to Spring Time who found love in a gay story.  He said it gave him hope, hope and more hope and to keep creating more such characters.  He made me cry.

    Is there a literary character (in the whole universe of fiction) that you’ve read who you really identified with?

    There is a manga named Nana by Yazawa Ai.  It’s about two girls with the same name, Nana, moving to Tokyo for a fresh start.  When I first read it, and I was around twenty or so, I swear, I fell in love with Nana the rock star.  Her ambition made her so awesome, that I wanted the best for her always, plus she was in love with a guitarist, and she built her own table.  She was soo cool.  I collected all the books in this manga series.  For a while, I thought I would only ever wear Vivienne Westwood knuckle rings and listen to punk rock, hahaha.  Nana inspired me to find courage in my own life.  Up to this day, I find great pleasure in rereading her story.  I loved that she had a dream, and decided to make it come true on her own terms.  I loved, and still love her style of doing things.  She’s a get-it-done kind of girl, and I strive to be that too.

    There was this assassin… and a milkshake at the mall. Seriously, where did those two ideas come from and how did they get paired together?

    When I was in high school, my friends and I were in different schools and we would have to wait for each other at the food court in the mall, so that we could do whatever we had planned for the afternoon.  Whoever made it first would buy a milkshake, as they waited.  I figured Kian would try one out if he ever went to the mall.  He likes the strawberry one, lol.

    A lot of your stories have eastern influences. Is it easy or hard to mesh cultures when writing fiction?

    When I first started writing, it was hard.  I worried a lot about mixing characters with different ideals, and such different backgrounds, putting them together and going like, dear readers, here you are, believe this can happen.  It was hard, and I needed to do a lot of research, I even thought this might be a crazy idea, better stop.

    Then one day I decided to stop worrying and just write what I wanted to express.  From personal experience at work and life, I meet people from all types of cultures.  I’m comfortable thinking of Diwali, the lunar year or going to an Indian festival of colors, the same way I invite people to my house for Chuseok, thanksgiving or Christmas, that it now seems commonplace to have meshed cultures.   I can’t be the only one who has this happening.  So, I decided to jump in and bring my characters to life in a similar way.

    I think communities as they exist today are very diverse in nature.  There is no place in the world you’ll go and find only one kind of person, in terms of culture, or any other category you might choose, unless the community itself is living in a kind of vacuum.  We’ve all become a global village of sorts. Thinking of it this way, writing meshed cultures has gotten so much easier and I don’t struggle as much as I did when I first started.

    Did you connect with Daven or Kian more as a character as you wrote The Assassin? Why?

    I connected with Kian the most, as his life unfolded for me from when he was quite young.  He was someone who had lived a life without love, or comfort at home.  He had a lot of hardship and a very warped sense of what things are right or wrong.  By the time he’s meeting Daven, he has met the world, and it has given him love, (in Taewon), then forced him to give it up to protect it.  He’s not confident in himself and does not even think of seeing the future.  I wondered how I would ever get Daven to like him. Hahaha.

    Daven came to me in a situational sequence; I had to spend a lot more time getting to know him.  He came out stronger than I expected, and it was fun getting him to rescue Kian at some point.  He was a great hero to create.

    In this story the characters jet around the world to quite a few locations. Have you visited any that were mentioned in the storyline?

    I had a work exchange a few years ago that had me in France for a week.  My host family had a charming apartment in the city.  Their daughter, Hye Sung, who turned into my very good friend, took me to café du trocadero when she got out of work, or very early in the morning for breakfast when we could.  My stay with them was very short, but very inspiring experience.  I had to give Paris a mention.

    What’s your favorite part of The Assassin? Why?

    My favorite part is Kian and Daven’s date in Amsterdam, although Kian leaves Daven at the end of it, I think it was the first time he truly did something he wanted without fear.  I thought it beautiful.
  16. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's featured ad sharing Underthehoodter's story, First Encounters? The story takes you back to those early days when the world was a different place and romance was something new and scary and amazing... and you need to read the story find out more! If you weren't intrigued before, how about after reading this excerpt? 
    This moment is that first conversation, that first interaction... that WHAM! You all remember it, right? When you felt the stomach churn and the other... parts that locked on to another person and made you a complete idiot when you tried to talk to them? Yeah, that's in the story, and Underthehoodster captured it perfectly, imo. Read on! LOL 
    To read more, click here. 
  17. Cia
    Happy April and welcome to this month's Classic Author Feature! These blogs are all about bringing some of the older stories from our inactive authors that were once some of our most popular promoted authors that newer readers might have missed. Last month's story took you a bit forward, and this month's story takes you back. Revisit those early teen years and the crush you might have missed out on in @underthehoodster's First Encounters.

     
    Length:  51,634
    Description: Perry (A fairly rich kid who always seems to be in some sort of trouble) and Jesse (A poor kid who is a blackbelt and has a bad past reguarding his previous schools and his father) find love for each other after Jesse moves to Perry's school from another city.
    A Reader Said: I enjoyed this fully. It was a true and amazing record of a new loving relationship between two teenagers. This was so well written and a pleasure to read. Now on to the ‘Discoveries ‘.  ~ Cinnamon
    If you want to spread the word about Underthehoodster'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!

  18. Cia

    April CSR Feature: The Assassin by Lilansui

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    No April Fools, we're really featuring The Assassin by Lilansui this month for the CSR story! Darkish, lightish, twisted, different, definitely what you don't expect... what more could you ask for? Read the description and check out the review from one of the readers who thought he'd just give it a quick glance... then make sure you're ready come back and share your thoughts on the Discussion Day on Monday, April 29th! 
     
    The Assassin
    by @lilansui
     
    Length: 71,240
    Description:  Kian spills his strawberry milkshake on Daven at a Mall Food Court. Daven is caught between irritation and fear when Kian follows him to the men's bathroom. In mere minutes, Dr. Daven Noland meets Kian Raja, an Assassin with a warped sense of humor, and a valid contract with Daven's name.
     
    A Reader Said:  On a whim, I decided to read this story last night. It was 10 p.m. and I figured I would read the first couple of chapters before I went to bed...The time read 5 a.m. by the time I read the final word of The Assassin.
     
    I lost a night's worth of sleep, so, the question is, was it worth it? Oh, who am I kidding, of course it was worth it! This story kept me on the edge of my seat, my heart racing at every moment of danger, and me swooning at each and every romantic moment.
     
    This is one of those stories that I know I'll reread and never get tired of it. ~ @Drew Espinosa
     
     
    Don't forget to come back and comment on the Discussion Day on Monday, April 29th! 
  19. Cia
    Have you taken a second look at @MericCotton's completed story if you read Second Chances once before? Or was this your first time reading it? Either way, this month's CSR selection was something a little different than the usual teen or twenties or even thirties fair. Sometimes life passes before we know it (How is it almost April already?) and things happen.... Make sure you share your thoughts about the story in the comments, but first, as always, my interview with the author first! 
     
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
    ** I make the bed when it absolutely must be made – usually after the sheets have pooled on the floor…
    If you had 30 minutes of free time, what would you do?
    ** Walk the dog … take a short horse-back ride … or maybe just play piano – though all of those are better for at least an hour J
    What brought you to the site?
    ** I was searching for somewhere to share my writing that often touches on gay/straight issues.  Mostly somewhere with other writers sharing the same.  Somewhere to grow my skill by interchange with other like-minded people. 
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    ** As mentioned couple questions ago – spend time with the puppy.  Actually full grown, just loves to act like a puppy – reminds me to think young.  Can spend hours at the piano.  Right now recovering from shoulder surgery – so puppy gets most of my attention.
    What’s the first thing you do when you start to write a story?
    ** Hardest part for me seems to be that opening hook.  How to say enough without saying too much.  I’m sure I’ll anger my past English professors – but I almost never do an outline other than mentally.
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging when it comes to writing?
    ** Opening and closing.  Whether the book or chapters.  If there’s a break inside a chapter, that’s always been a challenge.
    Did something specific inspire you to write Second Chances?
    ** I lost my partner to cancer a few years ago.   I was actually thinking of a long “chapter story” kind of thing – not sure what got me to go with a married man in a straight relationship – but it seems to have worked.
    Did the characters or the plot come to you first?
    ** Story idea came first along with the main character.  Not really the full plot.  Certainly didn’t know where it would end when I started.  That came like half way into it.
    What do you think makes Second Changes stand out compared to similar contemporary stories?
    ** Awkward question … I read a lot of historical fiction or SciFi.  The thing that comes to mind might be the story deals with both straight and gay relationships for one character.
    Can you sum up this story in one sentence?
    ** A recent widower learns to follow his heart while keeping his mind and soul open to what life presents to him.
  20. Cia
    How's your schedule? Spring break looming for you? Or are you just looking to crash from all the harsh winter or summer weather and need a good reason to take a break? Well, once again we have another Classic Author feature to tickle your interest and catch your eye in case you missed this early author from GA's beginning days! 
     
    Kombat Kids is set in a place very familiar to me... the Pacific Northwest. Not far from the Columbia River, this is a region with a lot of rich plant-life, varied animals of all shapes and sizes, and so many outdoor activities you don't ever have to go inside if you don't want to! The perfect setting for this story. Add in the stellar snippet of the review from Myr on Monday's feature, which you can read here if you didn't see it, and I am happy to also get to share an excerpt of this story with you to showcase just what you're missing out on if you haven't read it yet. You can also download a copy of the graphic to add to your signature if you want to share how much you enjoyed the story! 
     
     
    To read more, click here. 
  21. Cia
    This time of year, I'm always hoping for some spring to warm things here in the north, and I'm sure the south is getting ready for some relief from their heat. Either way, the extreme swings and highs and lows are starting to level out... usually. Washington is a great place to enjoy this time of year, and if you read GhostRyder's Kombat Kids, you'll get a great glimpse at the wonderful settings his story has to share as he takes readers on a journey along with his characters as they learn to overcome problems facing them. 
     

     
    Length: 278,295
    Description: The Kombat Kids belong to Unit One. Unit One was Started by James and Matt Bateman to give the local boys an option to the mostly homophobic Church run youth groups and the scouting programs. The Unit is located near the Columbia river in the South East Corner of Washington State and is made up of mostly gay boys and men. Members learn to cope with their own fears and problems during the first year and a half of the Units existence.
     
    A reader said: Kombat Kids is an emotional rollercoaster of a story.  Tons of funny one liners.  A lot of deep dark emotional pits to fall in.  You'll laugh.  You'll cry.  You'll cringe.  You'll swear.  You'll grumble about some grammar issues.  But chances are good if you start reading it, you'll keep reading it.  ~ Myr
     
     
    If you want to spread the word about GhostRyder15'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

    March CSR Feature: Second Chances by Meric Cotton

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Holy moly, it's already March! How's the weather where you are? We all know we'd rather be reading, no matter if it's warm or hot or cool or cold, so how about we enjoy this month's CSR featured story instead of worrying about all that outdoor junk. LOL This month there's something about the sadder side of love that called to me, and I couldn't help but think of @MericCotton's story, Second Chances. Give it a read! 
     
    Second Chances
    by Meric Cotton
     
    Length: 23,552
     
    Description: Can life start again after losing the person you expected to be your partner for life?
     
    A Reader Said: Loved this story!!  I did not expect this ending at all!  I’m not sure what I thought would happen, but I’m glad he’s taking a chance to find happiness for a second time!  Thank you! ~mfa607
     
    Don't forget to come back with your thoughts during the CSR Discussion Day on Monday, March 25th! 
  23. Cia

    February CSR Discussion Day: Down a Darkened Path by Ronyx

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    This month's story announcement for the CSR Book Club was Down a Darkened path by Ronyx. An experienced hand at writing, this GA Classic Author knows how to write a story that sucks in readers and keeps them reading as you can tell through many of Ronyx's works. This story was no different, based on the thoughts a lot of readers' thoughts. I know I enjoyed this story despite the sometimes troubling events and sad scenes, the redemptions and ending held true to my hopes for the characters.  But what did you think? Make sure you share your thoughts at the end of the interview! 
     
    Who do you like best, Jerry or Tom? 
    Jerry. I’m extremely allergic to cats. LOL. Besides, Jerry was the smart one.
     
    If you had 30 minutes of free time, what would you do?
    I would take, Shadow, my twelve-year-old flat-coat retriever for a walk. Because of his advancing age, I know he won’t be with us too much longer, and I love to spend time with him.
     
    What's your favorite room in your house? Do you plot or write there?
    My den (or as some would say- my man cave.) Everything I need is here. I have a large screen television, a computer desk and a comfortable leather sofa. It is where I do all my writing.
     
    Do you have a favorite quote about writing or reading?
    My favorite quote deals with education (which involves writing and reading.) At the end of my story, Reggie’s Journal, after Reggie struggles for months to complete a weekly journal, the teacher rewards him for doing an excellent job. He also writes the comment: The purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. Very insightful comment about growing up and seeing the world through a different perspective.
     
    If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be?
    I wish I would have started writing sooner. I had thought about writing in my teens, but I lacked self-confidence. When I was about sixteen, I wrote the first few chapters of a story, and it still remains hidden in the bottom of a drawer. It wasn’t until many years later that I threw caution to the wind and attempted to do what had always been a dream. I’m forever grateful that I did. It was the beginning of an amazing journey. I’ve made so many wonderful friends over the past twelve years through the Mustard Jar, Codey’s World and Gay Authors.
     
    How much research did you need to do for Down a Darkened Path?
    I didn’t need much research. I had never considered writing a story with a blind main character. One night I received an email from a college student who told me he was blind. He asked me if I would write a story about a blind person. At first, I told him I didn’t think I could because I had never known anyone who was blind. However, a few months earlier, my nephew was involved in a serious car accident. He was a passenger when the driver lost control and plowed into a bridge abutment. He almost died. He was in the hospital in critical condition for days, and after a month he was moved into a nursing home for rehabilitation. As a result of the accident, he lost his left eye. Several months after he returned home, he was attacked outside his apartment by two men who tried to rob him. He also was engaged to be married, and his fiancée decided she couldn’t handle the situation and left him. For those who have read Down a Darkened Path, you can see the similarities of incidences in the story and my nephew’s life. I was able to take a tragic personal event and incorporate it into the story. My nephew is happy today, and he has adjusted well to the loss of his sight. In the story, I wanted Troy to accept what happened to him and live a happy and fulfilling life with Jayden.
     
    You wrote a scene where the characters tried to learn some empathy for your main character by experiencing sensory loss in a public place. Was that something you did for your writing process?
    Not directly. When I was in college, I took many psychology classes. In one of the classes we did a trust exercise where we were blindfolded and led around the campus for an hour by another student. We were required to do several sensory experiments. I used that learning experience and applied it to the story.
     
    This story has several very emotional scenes. How did you handle writing those?
    As I discussed earlier, this story was written from a personal experience. Probably the most difficult was writing the hospital scene directly after the accident. Tony (my husband- it was his nephew) rushed to the hospital when we received a late-night phone call. At first, he was not expected to live. The engine of the car was pushed into the passenger’s side, and his lower body was crushed. He also hit the windshield which resulted in the loss of his eye. He was in intensive care for a week, and he managed to show improvement after several weeks. The sorrow that night was very intense and emotional. We also visited him in the nursing home when he was recovering, and he talked about some of the depression he was experiencing. It was difficult because he was only twenty-two at the time, and he had such a bright future ahead of him. Today, he still suffers from bouts of depression.
     
    Do you have a favorite scene in the Down a Darkened Path?
    I love the ending! I think it is one of my best. I admit tears flowed down my face when I wrote about Troy singing, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” What better inspiration than to end a story: “When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high. And don’t be afraid of the dark.”
     
    What is one thing you would like to share with us about your current or upcoming stories?
    I took a hiatus from writing for three years. In 2015, I lost my twin sister. She was in intensive care in three hospitals for ulcerative colitis. I visited her for three months as her health continued to deteriorate. She passed away two days before our birthday. Fortunately, I had just finished my last story, Other Sinful Things. After her death, I lost my passion for writing, and I stopped. I never intended to write again. I had also written twenty-two full-length stories, numerous short stories and a two-act play (which has never been published.) I was literally burned out. During the past three years, my readers have been wonderful. They have waited patiently for me to write again. Occasionally, someone will email me with words of encouragement. Two years ago, an administrator wrote and asked me if I would consider posting my stories here. Interaction with the wonderful GA members has also helped motivate me. Last year, I attempted a new story, Dancing on a Star. It has been difficult trying to write again. Several times I even considered deleting the story. It’s been a struggle, but I am beginning to approach the end. I’m not posting regularly because I don’t know when I might experience a slump. However, I have always promised my readers that I will complete any story I start. Dancing with a Star will be completed. I hope that it contains the quality of writing my readers have come to expect. If not, I hope they understand.
  24. Cia
    This week's feature is a much older story but one I hope more interest in will prompt Myr into writing more. Who wants to join me in getting some more psi-corps? The banner feature was on Monday if you want to download and put the banner in your signature to share the story as one of your favorites! 
     
    Myr's story is a short one, but I still chose a longer excerpt. There's a good glimpse into Jerry's character here, but it doesn't really give anything away about the story's events to come. Myr does share some tantalizing tidbits about just what might happen in the future. 
     
    If you want to read more, click here. 
  25. Cia
    February is a short month, and I've picked a short story to go along with it. This is actually one of my favorites of Myr's stories, so I hope getting a bunch of new eyes on it will help get him to write more. Jerry is an interesting character, and there's a lot more to be told of his story! 
     

     
    Length: 7,832
     
    Description: Jeremiah Declan Samuels has been in the Terran Confederation Spaceforce since his unusual birth. Those years of training are about to pay off as he leaves Earth to go to Europa to learn Jumping.
     
    If you want to spread the word about Myr'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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