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Cia

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  1. Cia

    Featured Story: Pour Me Another

    By Cia,


    Featured Stories
    A very popular story in its day, many of our current readers might not have read this latest story to be reviewed by the team combing through the stories on the site to bring you recommendations like Pour Me Another by K.C. A winner of a Reader's Choice Award from when we polled site members for their favorite story content, see if spikey582 agrees with the voters and would have chosen K.C.'s story back then too! 
     
    Pour Me Another
    K.C.
    Reviewer: spikey582
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 72,802
    Last year when we did our review feature on Classic author stories, I knew at the time that I really wanted to do a review for more than one story. Unfortunately, at the time, I didn’t have enough time to get more than one story covered, so I’ve been wanting to go back through the GA archives and find another somewhat forgotten gem to draw attention to. That being said, I was happy to run across this story by K.C. that I actually had forgotten I read back in my first year on GA.
     
    In Pour Me Another, we are introduced to one Asher Burkhart, an openly gay bartender working in an upscale business center. At the same time, we’re introduced to Michael Waters, a seemingly straight, arrogant businessman, and frequent patron of the very bar in which Asher works. A series of encounters early on in the story, in which Asher finds himself rendering aid to Michael more than once sets a pattern of these two men to cross paths again and again.  
     
    As they continue to meet and interact, both men are taken on a journey of discovery together. We are treated to the ups and downs of their interactions, as they get to know each other and we get to discover who they truly are right along with them.  
     
    What I really enjoyed about this story was how well K.C. develops both characters. They have a depth to them, and they have to overcome some seemingly insurmountable challenges through their journey. This story handles some pretty heavy issues, and complicated situations, and does so in a subtle way. A simple boy-meets-boy story this is not.
     
    I’m not sure I can do this story justice in such a short synopsis for how good it really is. It is engaging right from the first chapter, and had me binging to read what happens next, even upon revisiting the story just this last month. Something I thought was interesting upon rereading this story was a notation on the title page. Pour Me Another was the winner of the 2013 Readers Choice Award for Best Story by a Promising Author. I joined GA in 2015, and as far as I am aware, there hasn’t been such an award voted on since joining. So, this is something that apparently was done on the site a few years ago. Either way, Pour Me Another was very deserving of such an award. It’s a great read, so go check it out.
     
    Category: Fiction   Genres: Romance  Tags: gay, urban, anal, masturbate, oral, modern  Rating: Mature
  2. Cia

    Writing Prompts #700 & #701

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    TGIF! Yes, yes, it's Friday! Prompt Day! Thanks to Comicfan, we have many more for you to enjoy. What sort of selections do we have for you this week? Well, it's nothing so interesting as what's for dinner. Oh man, do I hate getting that question at the end of a long day when I have NO idea so sometimes my answers can be a tad... interesting, lol. Did you write a flash piece with some interesting answers as well? 
    Prompt 700 – Creative
    Tag – School
    You’ve just taken a class at the local university as a way to better yourself and get ahead in  your career. However, when the professor walks in you realize you might have taken the wrong class. Who is the professor and what are they teaching?
     
    Prompt 701 – Creative
    Tag – Curse
    Before you born, your mother pissed off the local witch. The witch went beyond a normal spell and a curse was laid upon her unborn child, which is you. The curse keeps you silent, ugly, obedient, and can only be broken if the meanest person in the town kisses you, and begs you to speak. If it happens you will regain your speech, the looks you should have had, and be free to make up your own mind and follow others demands.
     
    Did you flash for us? *gasp* Post it below! 
  3. Cia

    Writing Prompts #698 & #699

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    Well, I don't want to promise any heat this week (those weirdos in Canada already getting hail and snow, what's up with that?) but maybe down in the southern hemisphere, they're enjoying the weather shift as we begin September. Perfect weather to sit on a bench and ask a ton of questions, like in last week's prompt. Did you try it? Or did your ex crash your big engagement... from beyond the grave? *shivers* That's an October-worthy prompt right there! Make sure you share your prompts below if you wrote last week, or maybe this week's selections will inspire you! 
     
    Prompt 698 – Creative
    Tag – Witch
    Today you woke up in house you didn’t know. When you went outside you met a bunch of little people, a talking scarecrow, and a walking robot who keeps saying he is the army of this nation. The big issue is your house seems to have killed someone and they want you to put on some large silver sneakers that look like they weigh a hundred pounds each. Not only that, but they keep calling for some woman, and telling you that you’re a with like the little girl who came last time. Are you mad or caught up in something?
     
    Prompt 699 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    Mom, what’s for dinner?
     
    Did you write a prompt response last week? Make sure you post it as part of a collection if it's under 1,000 words in length! 
  4. Cia

    September CSR Feature: Time Will Tell by Remijay

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Time Will Tell... will you read this month's CSR story by Remijay? This recently finished story is one that also stood the test of time. It began six years ago with chapter one and just finished in August with chapter fifteen. There's a tale to tell about writing the story just as much as there is in the story itself, I'm sure, and I can't wait to bring more about both to you on the last Monday of the month on the Discussion Day, September 24th. 
     
    Time Will Tell
    by Remijay
     
    Length: 35,267
     
    Description: Two twin boys, and gay. How to tell this story is simple but complicated. Devon a boy of 16 struggling with difficulties of a home life. Josh a boy of the same age, that has everything he wants, but one thing, his brother. Both are struggling with their past and maybe present. Hopefully they find each other. Together they might overcome, what is to come.
     
     
    A Reader Said: Well you did end with a bang and it was a good ending.  ~ NimirRaj
     
    Don't forget to come back on Monday, Sept. 24th, for the Discussion Day. 
  5. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring Stefan Schmidt's novella, The Sons of Memory? This tale of Theseus brings out a lot of the old classic stylings with all the trappings of the Greek mythology, including a minotaur who needs... well, what he needs. And this story isn't shy with the details. I decided to share the excerpt from the very beginning, because as with all good stories, that sets the plot and the first glimpse of the character.  Care to check out... the maze?
     

     
    To read more, click here. 
  6. Cia

    Writing Prompts #696 & #697

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    That's it. August is done. Finito. Wait... the season change doesn't come for 3 more weeks? There's still more warmth or the heat from H-E-double hockey sticks (depending on your locale) or smoke (I'm out west, it's awful!) to go? Well how about we stay indoors and read and write flash fiction? Yes, that's just the ticket!  Don't forget that stories under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     
    Prompt 696 – Creative
    Tag  - The bench
    A bench appeared in the middle of town out of nowhere. Ever since the first person sat down on it, there has been a line of people waiting their turn. Whoever sits spends an hour with one person, alive or dead and answers their questions honestly except, if they are dead, what happened after they died. Your turn is next. Who do you sit with?
     
    Prompt 697 – Creative
    Tag – The Ex
    The table was set, the place was ready, and you were excited. Tonight you were going to announce your engagement to family and friends. You were just starting to pass your sister some more snacks for the kid’s table when the doorbell rang. Your mother ran to open it for you and screamed. You found her passed out in the entryway with someone kneeling over her. As you looked into the doorway you understood why. Your ex was the one holding your mother’s hand, and he was dressed in a tux. Only the big problem is he died in a car crash ten years ago. What is happening?
     
    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  7. Cia

    Another Opportunity for Learning: Plotting!

    By Cia,


    Writing Tips
    As with a few weeks ago, this Wednesday we're lacking any submissions for the author self-promotions and self-improvement blogs (shown below) so I thought we'd focus on some information and questions shared on GA by members and authors and maybe some other help I could provide when it comes to another vital aspect to writing to build on last week's post. The earlier exploring characterization explored past blogs that had different angles for writing characters as well as two file downloads I've used over the years to create characters. This week, let's take a look at what most people is the other essential aspect crafting a story (for some authors, it's primary aspect, but I'll let you decide that for yourself!)
     
    First, the author improvement features, so you can sign up if you're interested. Don't miss out on these, guys!
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM your recommendation and why you recommend it to a Site Admin.
     
     
     
    Of course, you can find information on writing books as far as length (a vital part of plotting) and so much more in a lot of other places, such as:
     
    Writer's Circle Club
    Book Lengths - Writer's Circle Club
    To Structure or Not to Structure Your Stories - Writer's Circle Club
    Ideal Chapter Length - Writer's Circle Club 
    The 8 Point Story Arc or What My Story Was Missing - Writer's Circle Club
     
    Writer's Resources Forum
    Ten Ways to Hook Your Reader
     
    Places to Plot - Websites/Programs
    Do you mind map or use notecards? You can sign up for free accounts with Onedrive and GSuite to access Powerpoint or Slides. Or you can use Trello after you check out this YouTube tutorial. 
     
    X-Mind a visual mind-mapping resource for free
     
    Scrivener: very popular and well-known, but this is something that authors have to pay for
     
    Resources for Authors - Direct Downloads
    Elements of Literature - This is actually a PDF guide for analyzing literature for readers, but I find it's a primer for what authors should show readers as well. Source: TeachersPayTeachers
    Download: ElementsofLiteraturePowerPoint.pdf
     
    Story Idea Map - Basic Idea with character addition PDF
    Download: 30Days-Story-Idea-Map.pdf
     
    Three-Part Plotting Worksheet - Word file with 3 Act plotting outline with conflict prompts
    Download:  Plotting-Worksheet-by-Annie-Neugebauer.doc  More in-depth guide: Plotting-Worksheet-with-Prompts-by-Annie-Neugebauer.doc
     
  8. Cia
    Holy mackerel it's Monday, the last Monday of the month! How did that happen already? Well it's a good thing we're ready for it, right? Did you take advantage of the time you had to read Aceinthehole's story, The Hidden Ones: The Spotlight? I know it was really long! Hopefully you made a dent. I will caution you, if you're still mid-read, there are some questions below in the interview that have answers that might be a tad revealing about the story, so I've hidden them with spoilers. Or maybe they will just entice you to read it! Your choice.
     
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?

    I can’t say I always did, but I’ve gotten a lot better about it! I recently graduated college, where I used to only eat frozen pizzas, chicken nuggets, take out and the like. However now that I’m onto the next chapter of my life, I’ve tried my hardest to make a strong commitment to my health, both mental and physical.

    If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

    The Eighth Circle of Hell: How to Survive in a House with Four Sisters.

    I’m just kidding. I love my sisters and the chaos that comes with a packed house. But sometimes, it does feel like the eighth circle of hell!

    What don’t we know about you?  

    In addition to loving sports and music, I’m a gigantic nerd. I love comic books, video games, T.V. shows and movies. These mediums are really what inspired me to become a writer. I’ve read and watched so many amazing stories, that I hope to one day contribute one of my own!

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

    I’d have to say Tyrion Lannister from A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. I’m nowhere as smart or tactical as he is, but I closely relate to him being an outcast. I’ve always been blessed with family and friends, however I grew up in an area where being gay isn’t widely accepted. His words and wisdom really meant a lot to me, especially when I was coming out to those close to me.

    Did something specific in your life/history inspire you to write The Hidden Ones: The Spotlight?

    I’d say my experience in High School was what really sparked the idea for this story. I can’t say I was bullied much, but I was also never that popular. Instead I was an anonymous kid who kept to his friends and simply observed everything that was happening around him. Yet what I observed always ate away at me. For no specific reason, certain kids got made fun of for the same qualities the ‘popular’ kids had.

    In addition, at every High School I knew, there was always one kid at the top, usually the captain of a sports team or school president. This kid always tried his/her hardest to seem perfect at every turn. Worst of all, they always offered help without ever actually intending to follow through with it. They rarely got their hands dirty in terms of bullying, but turned a blind eye to it. They pretended to be friends with everyone, but in reality they were in it for their own selfish gains.

    I guess what I’m trying to say is that the popular kid isn’t all that different from the kid with a target on his back. This hypocrisy was what really inspired The Hidden Ones: The Spotlight. I wanted to show what would happen if that popular kid ever learned just how much they had in common with the bullied kid.
    Is there anything you found particularly challenging while writing this series?



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

    Stop overthinking it, and just keep writing.

    There were a lot of moments when I was writing that I just wanted to give up. I often doubted the story, and where it would go. I felt silly trying to create my own rock star, and citing music I’m not sure many people had heard.

    But now looking back, those doubts were silly. I was so worried about how it would be received, that I almost lost the story I wanted to tell. It may not be perfect, but I’m proud of it. I got to write about a genre I love, and about an issue that always seemed to bother me.

    I credit @JayT, who edited the story, with helping me through my doubts and even brain storming along with me during certain parts. By the end I was able to get to a place where I was really having fun with this story.  

    What do you think makes The Spotlight stand out compared to other “similar” stories?

    I think what separates it from other stories is how dark and gritty it can get. This is not a light hearted, feel good story. It explores the boxes we force ourselves into, and how much damage that can do to a person. Even when things get better, the damage is already done.

    I understand that many people read stories to escape certain realities. After all, I read certain stories for the same reasons. However, we don’t always get the happy endings we dreamed of. Life has a way of warping our endings, and giving us what it feels we need.

    I always try to keep this in mind while writing, and to me that whole concept sets this story apart. I wouldn’t say this is a dark story, there are a lot of light and happy moments within it, but I tried my hardest to keep it as realistic as possible.



    What do you like best about the story?

    This is a very tough question for me, as this story is perhaps the most fun I’ve had writing so far. I got to combine my passion for writing with my passion for music. Often before writing a chapter I would sit down and watch music video after music video to help me get into the right mindset. It was like I got to take messages from the bands I loved and let it flow through me into my own story.

    However, after looking at the whole of the story, the thing I like best...



    Can you share something about your current work or an upcoming story?

    So I have a current story I’m writing along with the editing help of OzLoGo called The Golden City, and two upcoming stories Tales of the Underground Book four: Vision and an unnamed The Hidden Ones third book (although this book is more for fun!). 

    The Golden City is very unlike anything I’ve written before. I’m not too sure where it came from. It’s just been this really fun and vibrant story. It’s the journey of Arthur Price following the loss of his single mother and his move to San Francisco. It follows him exploring his new city as he begins to discover his true self. It feels like a lot more of an adventure than anything I’ve written before.

    The fourth and final Tales of the Underground story, Vision, will be released after The Golden City is finished. It’ll take place a good twenty to thirty years after the first three books and will focus on Matthew Sanders-Taylor’s journey to find who he really is. This journey will require the help of many characters from this series and in many ways will mirror the first book, Velocity, that sparked my love for writing.

    Finally, the third The Hidden Ones which is still unnamed will follow the rising of a new rock star. It was a story I was uncertain about at first, but after receiving requests from some of my readers, is something I will happily begin. It will be a running story I update throughout the year. It’ll help people stay updated on their favorite characters, while also allowing me to continue writing characters I miss! 
  9. Cia
    August is winding down! How about some end of summer fun with these prompts?  If you're stuck, or you're considering writing for the first time, these might be perfect for you. Don't forget that stories under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     
    Prompt 694 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    I’m tired of this, so I’m going home!
     
    Prompt 695 – Creative
    Tag – The role
    You’ve been asked to guest star on your favorite show. What is your role like and on what show ?
     
    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  10. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog post feature of this month's Classic Author story, My Jump Off by Nickolas James? There's something to be said for reading about flawed characters who have a real life and problems they might not handle like you would want a character to do... since real people and real life so seldom follows a script. And that's just what this story has going for it. I picked this month's featured excerpt for that reason as well. You can really see the 'teenage drama' and the self-involved focus Jarred has even as you want to reach into the computer and smack him upside the head for being an idiot. Or maybe that's just the mom in me, lol. 
     


     
    To read more, click here. 
  11. Cia
    This month we're keeping the theme going with another teen story by one of our site authors. This time it's My Jump Off by Nickolas James, one of the site Classic Authors. All too often authors write their teenage characters as if they are minor adults--a little more impulsive and stuck in high school still--but with all the wisdom and maturity to make the "right decisions". Well... what happens when right doesn't feel right and wrong feels so much better? I think Nickolas James's story features that aspect teens struggle with all too often in a very real way. Check it out!
     

     
    Length: 32,999
     
    Description: Jarred Fedina's a high school sophomore who's got a problem....his boyfriend. Jarred's been thinking about leaving him for another guy for a while. Then, one day during a chance encounter, Jarred has an epiphany.
     
    A Reader said: I was there engulfed and sharing in all the emotions and love, confusion, and frustrations.indeed A VERY WILD RIDE for me...it brought Reality in its finest moments to me...(meaning I have some unfinished business. To handle there...... My heart goes out to you and your abilities and skills THANK YOU SINCERELY. .HUGGS  ~ Dmrman (Ch. 20 of Staking My Claim, series book 2)
     
     
    If you want to spread the word about Nickolas James'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
    Happy Friday, prompt authors! How do a few creative prompts sound for this week's challenge? There's something very, very wrong with both of these scenarios, and you have to figure out what that is... have fun! 
     
    Prompt 692 – Creative
    Tag – The trunk
    Aggravated, you march out to the garage looking for boxes to pack your belongings in. You spot the trunk in the corner, grab the handle and go to drag it out, only to nearly dislocate your shoulder. Stopping, you open the trunk only to stand there screaming into the night. What was in the trunk?
     
    Prompt 693 – Creative
    Tag – Twin
    This morning you got up and knew something is was wrong. A minute later, your mother calls demanding to know if your twin is okay. You have no idea, because as far as you know, because you’re an only child. What’s going on?
     
    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  13. Cia

    Featured Story: Losing Kevin

    By Cia,


    Featured Stories
    One thing many readers have in common here on GA is that, at one time or another, we've had to grapple with the fact that we're not quite what everyone expects us to be when we're growing up. We're different. But others can't tell. And sometimes, when you're reading, that's a good thing! There are a lot of teen coming-of-age stories on GA, but BlindAmbition really connected with this one for his review. Read on to find out why! 
     
    Losing Kevin
    Ronyx
    Reviewer: BlindAmbition
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 57,913
     
    Choosing a story to read can be difficult, whether you’re craving a certain genre, or a specific mood. Deciding which story to review can be just as difficult. GA has a vast library of stories and authors. I gravitate more to stories that evoke reaction, or real emotion. Losing Kevin by Ronyx is one of those stories. This story has your typical teenage angst, but there's so much more complexity within these characters and their relationships. It’s a binge worthy pleasure from one of GA’s Classic Authors.
     
    Losing Kevin centers on Kevin Williams. A boy who is coming to terms with his sexuality, and what exactly that means for him going forward. A difficult moment for any teenager. Add in his identical twin Devin, and well, it’s a recipe for disaster. The brothers have become increasingly distant as they grow older.
     
    Kevin is a master at blending in and keeping secrets, while Devin is Mr. Popularity juggling a social climbing girlfriend. The only thing these two have in common is pleasing a demanding father. Each has their own way of dealing with him. This has created a certain level of sibling rivalry.
     
    Kevin has kept a low profile. That was until new student Cameron Lynch enters the picture. There’s instant chemistry. Something which hasn’t gone unnoticed. Brewing storms from multiple fronts are ahead for Kevin and Cameron. The realization of secrets and truths will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parent against parent, parent against child in this complex tale.
     
    Ronyx masterfully dissects these relationships layer by layer, giving the reader multiple views of situations. He does this with extreme neutrality, leaving the reader the opportunity to form their own opinion.
     
    I’m usually not a fan of too many teenage coming of age tales. Ronyx is an exception. He tackles tough and taboo subjects. Sometimes the issues are hard to read about, but they are handled with an honest and delicate curiosity. The teen characters are well formed individuals. You know they are teens, but there is a level of maturity there. Losing Kevin is a good introduction to Ronyx’s stories if you’ve never delved into his library of work. Happy Reading!
     
    Category: Fiction   Genres: Drama, Romance  Tags: teen, gay, coming of age, university  Rating: Mature
  14. Cia
    Friday is here! Busy week for me yet again, with the CSR on Monday and the post about crafting characters on Wednesday. But maybe you can use some of that info to help you when writing for one of these great prompts supplied by our guru, Comicfan! 
     
    Prompt 690 – Creative
    Tag – The horoscope
    Imagine reading a horoscope and having it come true, but only in accidental ways. What happens?
     
    Prompt 691 – Creative
    Tag – Fairy Tale Gone Wrong
    You’ve been trying to make your father happy, but your first three quests have gone wrong. The frog you kissed turned into a three hundred pound woman who ran immediately back to her husband. The cat you saved and gave boots to, well she turned out to literally have been a witch’s lover. You won’t even tell your father about fighting to a ruined castle to save some sort of sleeping beauty only to arrive moments after some other guy got there. Now he is sending you on a quest he found. What happens?
     
    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  15. Cia

    July CSR Discussion Day: The Tampa Chronicles by BHopper2

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Well this was a nice long month between Mondays, so I picked a short story and the novella continuation of the tale written by BHopper2 in A New Life and a New Home and My Son. Did you have a chance to read them before or this month for the feature? Make sure you share you thoughts below! You might also consider writing a review for the story or copying your comments there; authors always appreciate those! But first, as always, I have an interview with BHopper2. 
     
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

    The short answer is no, and yes. Back when I was still in college, I took a course in Human Reproduction and Development. One of the assignments we had involved reading over a report from the CDC about the dangers of making your bed in the morning. Basically, it is better to not make your bed so that it can air out during the day, and get rid of the sweat and germs you slept off overnight. Of course, I do make it if someone is coming over that might see my room, but overall, nope, I don’t make the bed.
    If you were an animal, what would you be?

    I’ve been called a cuddly bear many times by my Ex’s, so I would be a bear. LOL. In the nomenclature of the Gay Culture, I would be classified as a bear. However, I’ve been partial to cats most of my life, and I’ve always liked Snow Leopards, Florida Panthers, and good old alley-cats. So, I think I would be a cat of some sort while hoping it was a Snow Leopard. Which is odd, because my native Floridian self can’t stand the cold. Or a bear… LOL
    If you had 30 minutes of free time, what would you do?

    I have too much free time as it is. I’m disabled, and not currently working. But if I had 30 mins to spend on anything thing I want, I would look for a nice quiet place to perform meditation. I’ve started to get back into the practice of doing meditation daily, and I feel that it helps. Just need to find the quiet, which is hard when all the family is running through the house. Especially now during summer.
    What brought you to GA?

    I first came to GA in early 2016. I was over on Nifty, reading some stories, and it was Comicality’s story called Shelter that I wanted to see if there were any more chapters. I did a Google search, and that led me to GA. I started reading the stories here and eventually created an account to interact and post my own stories.
     
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

    Depends on the day, and if my disabilities are getting in the way. But, if it’s a good day… watching sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, sipping coffee with some friends while talking about various topics, hockey, taking a stroll on Bayshore Blvd and the longest sidewalk in the world, hockey, watching the military men that use Bayshore as an exercise trail, hockey, watching some good shows, reading, and of course my Tampa Bay Lightning hockey.
    What’s the best part of being an author?

    Creation. Being an author it lets one create a world, fill it with dynamic characters, and tell a story (or stories) set in that world. Yes, some may use the real world, and take elements from real people to make a character, but the bottom line is storytelling is creation. We are making something from nothing. I recently relearned that according to one study it is estimated 75-80% of Gay Men have some form of Mental Illness, with the primaries being Anxiety, Bipolar, and Depression. I have all three. The feeling you get from creating a world, even if you don’t share it, can help with these issues. Most gay men will never experience the birth of a child that they help create. Not to take anything away from that experience, but writing can help fill the gap with the creation of stories and characters. My stories are my children, my legacy if you will.
    A prompt inspired A New Life and a New Home. What led you to expand the storyline in My Son?

    When I wrote A New Life and a New Home, I had just finished talking to the real-life person that inspired the character Chandon. I was looking for an idea to write about and saw the first line prompt. It reminded me of how the real-life version of Jill met her son’s boyfriend, and the rest they say is history. I changed the names of my friend, his boyfriend, and mother, and wrote the story. (They liked it btw.) It was the first story I worked with @Kitt on with her as my Editor. Posted it, and got some good feedback.

    When I started My Son, I was actually struggling with a different story. I was posting in tim’s Chat Thread @Mikiesboy Drop-In Center about struggling, and tim’s husband Mike (@MichaelS36) suggested I try something different from what I usually do. I had notes and an outline from a story I was planning on doing, that I felt could be used.

    I sat down at the kitchen table and was looking at House Design plans for a cousin that was building a house. While I was there, that’s when I spotted the house that I would use in My Son. It was gorgeous, and it sparked the first paragraph of the story. I excused myself from the family, set up my laptop, and immediately started the first chapter. Later, I took the notes and New Life and combined them as I kept thinking about Chandon and Brayon, while I was writing about Adam, Duncan, and Rob.

    I had originally only planned for one chapter for My Son, but the readers wanted more. I had the notes ready to go and finished out the story of Adam and Robert coming together.

    I now have Tampa Chronicles 3, which is about Duncan’s Nephew Jeremy Isen, and getting ready to start writing Tampa Chronicles 4, which will have all the character together.

    I must give credit to two people though. Without @Mikiesboy’s and @Kitt’s editing help, neither story would be as good as they are.
    If your story were made into a movie, could you picture anyone playing the main characters parts?

    I can see Christian Bale playing the part of Adam Smith, and Duncan Isen would be played by Chris Pratt. As for the kids, Tom Holland would make a good Robert Turner. Brayon Hopper could be played by KJ Apa (Archie for Riverdale). For Chandon Bolton, I can see Cole Sprouse playing him.
    What was your favorite part of the stories?

    Showcasing my hometown in My Son. Tampa is just as much of a character as the rest of the ensemble. Also, the sense of love and family, I’ve tried to convey.
     
    Can you share a little idea of your currently working on/future projects with us?

    I’m currently working on three projects.

    Getting Tampa Chronicles 4 plotted and planned. I do High Overviews in long arc stories, and I have a list of places I want the boys to go see. I have to give credit to @BabyXander1990, a fellow Tampa resident, for giving me some places for them to visit, that I hadn’t thought of. It will start off with a train trip that has Adam and Duncan taking Robert, Giles, Brayon, Chandon, and Jeremy to Boston for a bit, and then other places around the country before coming back to Tampa.

    Freedom Station is a new SciFi story that I’m working on. It tells the story of Twin Brothers who were separated and adopted by different families at birth. Their biological mother was part of a government gene-therapy program, and her pregnancy wasn’t discovered when they started. So the twins are more than they seem. They are a successful splicing of Human and Alien DNA. While the story is character focused on the Twin’s reuniting and developing a relationship, in the background Earth is in danger from an alien armada which will reach the Sol System in 36 months. Earth and her alien allies are trying to mount a defense, and Freedom Station a space station in lunar orbit, will be the shield.

    The last project is called Timeless, and it’s about Garrett. He’s a former US Army Ranger who was a career military officer until a roadside IED caused him to lose both legs at the knee. He’s an avid gamer and went to college to be a computer programmer. Garrett wakes up inside the game Timeless a VRMMORPG. He doesn’t know how he got there, and the story is about him escaping. Think TRON or TRON Legacy, but inside an MMO game, with other players playing normally. This is my first attempt at a LitRPG story, where it’s a story within a story, and when writing the game-world portions, there will be a discussion on game mechanics, the damage being dealt, etc. It’s a fairly new genre of stories that a major motion picture was made of one of the books called Ready Player One.

    Of course, there is a lot of shorts, practice pieces, and others I’ve done that don’t get published. I would say, about 90% of what I write, doesn’t see the light of day.
  16. Cia
    This week we have something a little different for today's blog post though we're keeping it all about improving and encouraging authors. Remember we have various opportunities for authors to be featured such as: 
     
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM your recommendation and why you recommend it to a Site Admin.
     
    But since last Wednesday was the Ask An Author post, and we don't have a story review to post, and no one has signed up to do an Improve & Encourage Story Critique, then... what could we do? I wanted to continue to feature content for authors, and I'm all about improving writing skills. My focus is often on grammar and the stickier rules relating to line editing, but today we're going to focus on an older blog post that Lugh added way back when we first started sharing site blogs to help encourage authors to improve their craft, and I also have a few Word files for authors to to use while crafting characters to download if they want so make sure you scroll to the end of the blog post! 
     
    There are two minds as to if a story should be plot or character driven. But, no matter which way you pick, you need to ensure that your story is crafted to its fullest potential on both elements. This week we're going to focus on characters. First up, we're going to take a look at a blog post Lugh shared in 2012 about physical descriptions for characters:
     
     
    CassieQ shared some thoughts about character motivation and stereotypes: 
     
    How about creating a villain? Renee shared her thoughts on the bad guys here. 
     
    There are a ton of great articles like these, all about writing and editing, in the writing tips blog especially toward the back of the blog and last pages. These are just a few to whet your appetite! And, now that I hopefully have you hooked, I'm going to share a few Word files below. The first is a Blank Character Bio Sheet. You can use this to fill in your character's physical characteristics, age, birthplace, background, religion, family, habits, likes/dislikes, skills, home-life, job, fighting ability, backstory, etc... it's as comprehensive as I could make it and open enough to cover just about any genre. And, to help you fill it out, there's a character interview question file to make you think about what your character might answer if asked more abstract thoughts to help flesh out their personality and beliefs. 
     
    Blank Character Bio Sheet.docx
     
    Character Interview Questions.doc
  17. Cia
    Oh, how the world turns... for so many in the upper hemisphere, summer is coming to a close and that means school is beginning again. And with school, we think of teenagers and all that comes with them--the angst and pain of growing up and fitting in or maybe not fitting in. One of our recent promotions to the ranks of Promising Authors, Aceinthehole is one of the site authors who has written a popular story featuring a story that is "a slice of reality of broken people. The ups and downs of growing up" (review by mogwhy). Intrigued by that review and the others on the story, I'm going to take a leap and feature a story that so many readers seem to have been drawn to already even though it's a lot longer than a normal feature. So take advantage of these few last lazy days, if you have them, and enjoy August's CSR feature before the Discussion day on Monday, August 27th. 
     
    The Hidden Ones: The Spotlight
    by Aceinthehole
     
    Length: 188,633
    Description: Imagine your perfect life. What’s it like? Are you rich? Are you popular? Do you have a million cars? Well 17 year old Teddy Haner doesn't have to imagine. Being student body president, and captain of his lacrosse team…he has everything! However when a new mysterious friend flips his world upside down, and starts to ascend to stardom, he finds that there’s a lot more to life than popularity.
     
    A Reader Said: 
    Great story about the rejected kid and the most popular one in school and what they want in life.
    but keep a box of kleenex nearby for some of the chapters.  ~tabaqui
     
    Remember to come back and share your thoughts on the Discussion day on Monday, August 27th. 
  18. Cia
    Happy Friday, blog followers! Time for some flash fiction and for some weekend fun. Hopefully fun, at least. If you have to work the weekend, maybe you can write a short story for a character to have the fun you can't inspired by one of the following prompts provided by our prompt guru, Comicfan. Who doesn't enjoy a good death threat? 
     
    Prompt 688 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following in a story – a nest, a spider, a snake, a bottle of wine, and a motorbike.
     
    Prompt 689 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    If you die on me, I’ll never forgive you.
    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  19. Cia
    Hi prompt blog followers! I was a little late this week, just by a few hours, but I actually dozed off last night looking for a picture and didn't get the blog quite up in time. Sorry! But you still have plenty of time today and the rest of this week to post your flash fiction inspired by the following prompts, and I did find a picture that was perfect this morning. 
     
    Prompt 686 – Creative
    Tag – Wish
    The sign read, Wishes Fulfilled – All magic comes at a price. Your friend came wishing to find her perfect wedding dress. You though spending money on a wish dress was stupid. When the strange owner of the shop asked what it was you wished for, you laughed. “Anything can be had for a price!” You still don’t know why, but you took three hundred bucks out of your wallet, handed it to him, and told him the one thing you always wished for. The little man smiled and clapped his hands. Today, you have your wish. What was it?
     
    Prompt 687 – Challenge
    Tag – No more I Love You
    Write a love story, but you are forbidden from using the words “I love you.”
    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  20. Cia
    Well, hello again, lovelies! Did you all have a good week with all my blog features? It's me again, yes again! How about some writing prompts this time, once again thought up by the amazing guru, Comicfan? Though, I did add a photo in the comments last week that went well with one of the prompts. Was that helpful to wiggle a few ideas loose? Should we add in the occasional picture inspiration to the mix or just throw some in the comments as the fancy strikes? Share your thoughts!
     
    Prompt 684 – Creative
    Tag – Soldier
    You’ve run into him three different times this week, and his stiff outfit and manors mark him as newly minted from the service. Considering the Army base is at the edge of town, seeing a soldier isn’t so surprising. However, when you nearly walk into him on the sidewalk in front of your home you decide to talk to him. Who is the soldier?
     
    Prompt 685 – Creative
    Tag – First line
    What do you mean, you’re dating Death?
     
    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below!
  21. Cia

    Featured Story: Blood of the Neko

    By Cia,


    Featured Stories
    Well, happy Monday! Are those groans I hear? Well, hopefully you will either survive, if you're checking this blog before work or you obviously managed to make it through the day if you're home and hopefully relaxing. And what better way than to first read this review by LitLover of this eko tale written by our very own Promising author, Craftingmom? 
     
    Blood of the Neko
    craftingmom
    Reviewer: LitLover
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 61,158
     
    Blood of the Neko is the sequel to the very popular Tears of the Neko by Craftingmom. This is a story about love, loyalty, and most of all, trust and how easily trust can be damaged.  I’ve had a hard time reading stories about abused characters, but there was something about Kaden that drew me in and had me impatient for this sequel.  
     
    Kaden is a young Neko hybrid; people who in this world appear part feline, with ears and a tail, and the agility of a cat. In Tears of the Neko Kaden was a slave, purchased as a gift for a nobleman. His sweet and loyal demeanor quickly endeared him to the household and to his new master, who eventually becomes his lover. In Blood the new lovers are learning how to live together as a couple and
    Kaden is adjusting to his freedom and life as the consort of a powerful lord.
     
    Kaden, fiercely protective of those he loves, decides he want to learn how to properly fight so he can protect Damien if he’s ever attacked again. Knowing his duke would disapprove putting himself in harms way, he decides to keep his lessons a secret. Damien, still smarting from his brother’s deception, immediately thinks the worst when he realizes his young lover is keeping secrets. The seeds of doubt fester as the days go by, resulting in angry accusations, a devastated hybrid and a kidnapping. The whole thing leads to an exciting ending that I won’t spoil for you. You’ll have to read the story yourself to see how everything plays out.  
     
    Blood of the Neko is a story that pulled me in and had me wanting to wrap Kaden in a protective hug, while smacking Damien on more than one occasion. Warning; there is reference to abuse of a child in this story and it does involve physical abuse in the present day. It won’t be a story for everyone, but I think if you give this series, and this tale in particular, a chance you won’t be disappointed. 
     
    Category: Fiction   Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance  Tags: young adult, alternate earth, serious, renaissance, love, abuse  Rating: Mature
  22. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring Altimexis's coming of age contemporary novella, Fish Out of Water? If you're a fan of the story, don't forget to download the signature graphic to share it through the month. If you haven't read the story yet, maybe this excerpt will help change your mind! 
     
    I picked this excerpt both to share with readers and to help design the ad because who doesn't think of fireworks and love together? Okay, so maybe it's cliché or corny, but really, if you've been in a relationship in the summer (and in the US, for the most part, for our Independence day like the setting of this story) then you've experienced the hot summer night under the sparkling lights that are the explosions of color rocking the horizon. Or maybe wrote someone's name with a sparkler? Maybe cuddled up on a blanket if the heat of the day suddenly cooled and gave you a good excuse to canoodle? Well... there might be some of that (and more) going on in this chapter... but you'll have to check out the excerpt to find out!
     
    To read more, click here. 
  23. Cia
    And just like that, almost half of July is gone! How does this keep happening? I swear, there's a time warp that makes time ahead of us seem to stretch out forever, but as soon as it's passed, I have no idea what I did with it. How about you guys? Maybe that should be a prompt? LOL 
     
    Prompt 682 – Creative
    Tag – The Tree
    Create a story that begins and ends under a tree in the park.
     
    Prompt 683 – Creative
    Tag – The List
    Use the following words in a story – a grave, a test tube, a bowl of rice, a cell phone, and a pink fingernail. 
     
    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below!
  24. Cia
    There's something about summer that brings back a tinge of nostalgia. The heat, the hormones, the first flush of love... and that's what Altimexis's story, Fish Out of Water, has in spades! Check out this story from the 2009 novella contest featuring two American teenagers experiencing all life has to offer for those just starting to look forward to adulthood! 
     

     
    Length: 62,573
     
    Description: Danny and David are two typical American teenagers who share a passion for skateboards, alternative music, philosophy . . . and each other. (2009 Gay Authors Novella Writing Contest) The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of David of Hope in editing and Alastair in proofreading this story, as well as the support of Gay Authors, Awesome Dude and Nifty. I would also like to thank Rigel for correcting errors with respect to Orthodox Jewish practices.
     
    A Reader Said:
    Absolutly beautiful and warming story.
    Love does seem to triumph in many cases.
    I do not believe in ANY organized religion, however,
    Dannys take on helping humanity is an excelent substitute
    for the negativity portrayed by many faithful people and Davids
    father has truely seen the light in his sons eyes for the betterment of us all...… 
    ~ wenmale64
    If you want to spread the word about Altimexis'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!

  25. Cia

    Featured Story: How The Light Gets In

    By Cia,


    Featured Stories
    This week we're featuring a story by one of GA's Classic authors, one that isn't quite finished based on the story status (always important to check if you have a preference). Good thing we have a lot of ways to filter stories. Even better than just doing a search for stories, are these great reviews by our very own review team. And today's review of Duncan Ryder's story is by Parker Owens. Let's see what he thought of How The Light Gets In. 
     
    How The Light Gets In
    Duncan Ryder
    Reviewer: Parker Owens
    Status: In process (= unfinished)
    Word Count: 91,687
    The lives of two young men who have known too much darkness in their lives intersect. They and their friends search for relief, and for healing. This is a sequel to the excellent story Everybody’s Wounded, but it can stand alone.
     
    How the Light Gets In is the second in a two-part novella. In the first part, Everybody’s Wounded, we meet three of the four central characters in part two. Even so, How the Light Gets In is the more powerful, more compelling of the two halves, perhaps because the reader is given deeper insight into the dark night of hurt which haunts each one. Readers should be warned that this story deals with very problematic subjects: rape and suicide. Ryder writes about these things with considerable and commendable care and compassion for his characters.
     
    The two central personalities, Luc and Matt are returning to university in deeply unhappy circumstances. Each is enveloped in his own inky well of gloom. Josh and Scott, students at the same university, are lovers. They, too, have a history of hurt. These four men share interlocking stories and injury and love. The tale unwinds some of these, while each man slowly gravitates through his own ache to that place in the dark where he realizes he is not alone. Ryder shifts viewpoints deftly to describe and develop their intersections, and these drive the story forward.
     
    One might be forgiven for feeling that one is reading or watching a French film. Conversation, both intimate and general, propels the plot onward at many points. This is not to say there aren’t dramatic moments of action; there are. Yet it is not these instances we recall, but how these young men handle, discuss, and interpret them. Growth comes with reflection and dialogue. It is a subtle way to tell a story, but effective, and very much in keeping with the way real people recover from deep injury.  
     
    The growth and depth in the central characters is an abiding strength of the novella. Each has many facets, each has multiple layers. These young men, as well as their circle of friends, are well drawn without forcing too much detail upon the reader. One can easily call each person in the story to mind, but variations in what readers invent are certain. It is a trait of good writing to allow the reader to imagine, and Ryder does this especially well.
     
    However one imagines them, Ryder gives us understanding to connect with these men individually. One cannot help but care for them and sympathize with them as they make their way toward something more hopeful.
     
    How the Light Gets In is not without its flaws. There are times when characters respond to situations with maturity and wisdom quite unexpected in young undergraduate students. They seem older than their years, perhaps because of the burden each one carries. In addition, readers complained that the final chapter did not feel like an ending. A number of comments expressed a need for more, for some definite feeling of closure.
     
    Ryder does not give readers a happy-ever-after denouement. Instead, we get a far deeper moment in which darkness is transcended by the ever brightening and broadening cracks in its curtain. In this way, Ryder connects us to the quote from Leonard Cohen’s lyrics which provided the title for the story.
     
    This was one the first things I read on GA. Its quality made me return to explore further. I hope other readers will find this classic tale still compelling, and that it still sings its song and weaves its spell for many more to come.
     
    Category: Fiction   Genres: Drama, Romance  Tags: young adult, adult, gay, university   Rating: Mature
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