Cia

Okay, so anyone who has read my works, gay or straight stories, can tell that I like a hefty dose of fantasy, magical and paranormal, with my reality. I like to create things that cannot be in this world, yet set my story in this world. I consider this to be 'Modern Fantasy'. That has become a very popular subset of fantasy, with Harry Potter, Twilight (yes, haters be quiet, it is still a contribution to the genre), Black Dagger Brotherhood, New Species Organization ... just to name a few. Now, a lot of people think with fantasy that anything goes. Well, to some extent, that is true. You can create the fantastical, like a whole new world contained within speck that a talking elephant rescues, or you can take a scientific phenomenon like a black hole and turn it into a space surfing route for humans to travel the galaxy. That's the beauty of it! The interesting part comes when you mix it in with the world as people know it today. How does it fit? How do you explain it? Is it a shock to everyone, like werewolves suddenly admitting they exist to the world at large, or have they evolved along side people and everyone has always known? Is it still a secret from the world at large but the main characters, and the reader, get to be the privileged few that find out about the magic hidden away from prying eyes? That's the question you really have to figure out; how do you make the implausible become plausible? How do you make the unrealistic come alive in the reader's mind? It's not easy, I guarantee it! I once had a reader tell me that they loved one of my series, simply because the characters, who really aren't human, are people they can see. They have otherworldly characteristics but I made it so believable and it worked so well in the modern world I created that they felt like real people they wanted to meet and get to know. That was a compliment of the highest order, because that is EXACTLY what I think a writer of modern fantasy should strive for. However, there are some rules, or perhaps you might call it a formula, to create a 'modern fantasy' story, imo. 1. Your main plot event MUST be something that isn't possible in our world, as we know it. 2. The setting should be Earth, as we know it, or as close to as we know it as possible. 3. The special characters should seem human, but make them your own special twist. They don't have to look human, per se, but give them that something that makes them seem like a neighbor, or a person on the bus, or in the grocery store that you could walk up to and say hello. They should be both ordinary and extraordinary. 4. The solution that overcomes the plot obstacle can often be something magical, or fantastical, as it were. A few examples of ideas I've bandied about: Spoof the Iditarod: Have a human racing through freezing black holes in space with the help of a space person/animal that is like a sled dog guide, in order to find some magical cure for a deadly plague on Earth. The cure might not be magical on whatever alternate Earth they'd find it on, but it could be on Earth they come from. The main plot event is finding the cure in space, the setting is earth-both alternate and 'real' and 1 character could be human, and another human like but with fantastical powers. Obviously, the cure would seem magical on the Earth the character is trying to save. Gift a person with the ability to control their body down to a cellular level. Then say they were captured by the government and forced to produce stem cells that were being grown into embryos or even children that were being used as experiments. But... if that person had the ability to control their cells... would they destroy the embryos and children if they found out what was going on? How would they not know about it, unless they were being kept in stasis? Would they have say, a psychic type link, to any 'body' created by the cells if they were aware of them? A story like that could go in many directions. So as you can see, it is relatively easy to take something that is 'modern and real' and make it into 'modern and fantastical'. If that's a genre you're interested in, try it out! I'd love to see your stories, so if you do, link it here!

Thanks so much Bandage! I'm really glad you enjoyed the story. I didn't want to overwhelm readers with the ending being all technical, but I couldn't resist adding a few extra details to finish out the story.

Wow Pat! Thanks so much! I really do like to hear from my readers and see what they think about my stories; good or bad. Your review was awesome, total enjoyment. Thanks again. I'm glad you enjoyed the Carthera world. I do love to mix modern and fantasy and the Carthera let me do that. Thanks for reading, Pat!

I tried to make it palatable, so that the science was part of the story and understandable to anyone. I really like to involve science in my magic, when I can it makes it fun. Not sure if Isiah and Ahsran will get a story; I don't have plans for them at this time. They might pop up in later stories though.

I was so reluctant to end this story as well, but it was time. Isiah and Ahsran deserve some happiness as well, and this was a way to give it to them. I'm glad you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoye writing it. Thanks unlikelyu!

Awww, thanks avidreadr! I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. Benny's story is definitely one I want to write as well. Thanks for reading.

I leave it up to you to imagine that way! Glad you liked it, thanks for the review Cyn!

Endings are so hard, aren't they? I really do appreciate all your comments on my blog and GA and Lit on this story. Thanks for taking the time to read it, M!!

Thanks so much Bookjunky! I'm sad to see it end as well, but I just have to think of the time it will leave me to start new works! Benny's story might send me into a few teary episodes myself, the story playing out in my head as I write out my ideas definitely pulls on the heartstrings. Thanks so much for the review!

Oh no, it's not over yet! Thanks for the comments hun, there will be more to come, lots more! I'm glad you liked the chapter; it was full of action. I like to throw those tension filled ones out there every so often. More out soon!

"So do you think we can have a meeting with Velaku that doesn't contain mayhem?" I asked Dav on the drive over to the eyrie. We'd left after I called into Dr. Bakier's office and made an early afternoon appointment. "I hope so. We've caught or killed everyone we knew was involved in the takeover attempt; what could happen?" I laughed. "I don't think you should say that, seems like it's just inviting trouble." Dav squeezed my thigh. "I'm pretty sure I can handle it." “Mmhmm,” Ellis murmured.

Unfounded. Right.

Wow, that does seem like a very strange premise twisted in a new way. I'll have to see if I can get it for my kindle or borrow it from the library.

Ahhh... he's alive! I just spoke to this question to another person who is coming back to writing after a break. Honestly, I have to agree; you can't just go right back to where you were, especially if you've become a better writer. You weren't a slouch in the writing department before, so that's great. I would love to see an edited and re-created world for Cody! Glad to hear you're still breathing, and even better, considering writing more for us to read.

Hmm... I think my experiences, good and bad, made me who I am today. I'd like to be a less crippled version of myself, though, so maybe: Dear 19 year old Cia, Don't return movies at 11:30 at night; a late fee isn't that big of a deal. Don't drive by that bar, don't take that risk; avoid the drunk and just go home. Oh, and don't forget to mail out those wedding gift thank you cards! From, gimpy 30 year old Cia

I believe it is more extortion. As an author, CJ has an obligation to provide his fans with the completed chapters without demanding they provide him with public perjury against the honesty all readers should uphold. Witholding the chapters for such a thing is simply criminal behavior. For SHAME!

*shrugs* My kids, 8 and 5, love books and reading. We read to them 5 nights a week, and they each either read to us (my boy is just learning) or to themselves every day as well. They love a trip to the used bookstore just as much as a trip to the toy store and we do the library every 3 weeks and have been doing the summer reading program since they were toddlers. They still play video and computer games, but it is all about moderation. You're right though, it takes dedicated parenting to give your children a love of books. My husband doesn't read anything beyond magazines but I'm a self-confessed book-a-holic. I'd rather be reading than doing damn near anything else 99% of the time. Reading got me through my childhood and provided an escape in a small town where there weren't a lot of options; I want my kids to have the same adventures I did as I was transported to Arrakis, Pern, medieval England, space, alternative earths and futures! My kids take books to the dr. waiting room or on car trips, even in this day and age of video games (which they own too). I have copies of LoTR, Dune, Little House on the Prairie, HP, Eragon, Anne of Green Gables, the Pern-dragonrider series, Lemony Snickets... just waiting for them.

That was cute Comicfan, I could almost hear the little girl freaking out about her dog. Kids really do mumble like that when they're freaking out too. I will say 1 spot seemed a little this, then that, then this... and didn't flow very naturally for me; it was where you had Allen get up to get the drinks for dinner. I'd like a bit more there about it all. You could have added a shiver to him reaching into the ice, or shaking the cold water from the melted ice off his hands to break that sequence of actions up and add a sensory element to it. Otherwise, I thought it was great for a very short piece.

Galen Rowell. Hands down. My question would be... teach me? This is why.

Okay, so here's mine. My elements were: A new mom in a library after a big meal, and someone has had their pride injured. Heather rubbed her eyes but the words on the pages stayed a blurred mess. She pushed the psychology book away and rested her head on the worn table. Her hands dangled at her sides; her body heavy and limp. She felt like an overcooked noodle. A hand on her shoulder startled Heather from the light doze she'd fallen into. "Hey sis, what are you doing here so late?" Heather rubbed at her eyes. "Why not? Jake kept me up most of last night; I figured tonight would be the same. Who knew a two month old could be that loud?" Zeke laughed and they both looked at the baby sleeping peacefully in the car seat. His shock of black hair stood straight up and he kept sucking his little lips in a soft flutter. "He looks pretty happy to me," Zeke said. Heather rolled her eyes and then covered a big yawn. "Of course he does. We're out in public where I can't sleep. I just needed to get some studying done, so I gave him a big bottle and he zonked right out. Last night at home I fed him and he got gas. He screamed forever until he finally fell asleep." Zeke snorted. "Well, give him those gas drops. They worked wonders for Shay." "I did. I'm not completely inept you know. That's what finally got him to sleep." She stared up at Zeke, taking in his jeans and hoodie. "I still can't believe my little brother, who happens to be gay, is giving me advice on how to take care of my baby." Zeke's body stiffened, and his hands clenched into fists. "Being gay doesn't mean I never wanted kids. I love Shay, and I'm a good daddy." He ran his hands through his hair. "Look, I just came to get a new toddler food cookbook and then I was going to head home to watch a movie with Carey. I guess I'll see you around." Heather clapped a hand over her mouth and then jumped up. "Oh god, Zeke, that's not what I meant." Before he could walk away, she reached out and pulled him into a tight hug. She kept her arms around him as she leaned back to stare up into his dark blue eyes. His lips were still tight, and he wasn't hugging her back. "I know you're a good daddy. I guess I didn't expect you to fall in love with a guy that had a little girl and suddenly become a family man when you were only twenty. You're my little brother; I'm supposed to be the one giving you advice." "I didn't expect to fall for someone who was just as confused as I was and expecting a little girl to boot. I was scared, but I loved Carey more. When I got to hold Shay for the first time, I just knew she was supposed to be ours and we were a family. I know that sounds corny, but it's true. I know it was weird for everyone. Mom and Dad don't really accept it, but I thought you were different." Shay buried her face in his chest. "I am, I swear. I don't care that you and Carey are together and Shay's mom lives in the apartment next door. It works for you guys and you're happy. I like seeing you happy. You really weren't as a teenager." Zeke's arms closed around Heather. "I am happy now, because Carey and I learned we had to be okay with ourselves, and our life, before anyone else could. I'm sorry I got upset with you; I know you didn't mean to say that how it sounded. I guess I'm just a bit sensitive since Christmas." Heather shuddered. She'd just had had Jake and their parents had fawned over him and basically ignored Shay. As much as she loved them, Heather had backed up Zeke when he'd taken them aside and told them that they could either treat both kids the same or not see Shay at all. She hadn't hesitated to chime in that it went for Jake too. The babies might not notice it at their age but Shay was almost a toddler. It wasn't fair to the kids to be stuck in the middle of their grandparent's intolerance. "Since Mom and Dad moved to Arizona you're my only family here. You know I don't care if you're gay or have a baby with your boyfriend; it's just weird to get advice from you. I wouldn't have said it like that if I had gotten any sleep at all and I wasn't so stressed." Heather let Zeke go and sat back down at the table. He leaned against the edge with one hip. "When does your hubby get home from his convention?" "Not until Friday." She rubbed her eyes again and yawned. "My test is on Tuesday though," she sighed. "My last final. I can't believe it's finally time to graduate, but I need a good score on this test first." "You're going to be a great counselor." She smiled up at him. "Yeah, as long as I get a lot of sleep before any appointments so I don't say the wrong thing." Zeke snorted. "No kidding." Whatever he would have said next was interrupted when Jake stretched and let out a godawful sound . . . and smell. His little nose wrinkled and Heather and Zeke burst out laughing. When his chuckles slowed down, Zeke leaned down and started stuffing her books and pens into her backpack. "Look, why don't you go clean him up while I'm getting my book. Then you can come over to our place. Shay's in a toddler bed but we still have the travel bassinet in her room. You can stay over to study, and I'll corral the little stink pot." "You sure that'll be okay with Carey?" "Sure, he likes you and he loves babies. Shay seems so big nowadays; it'll be a treat to snuggle a little baby for a while. Besides, we both have tomorrow off." Heather stood up and hugged him again. "Thanks Zeke. I love you." "Love you too, sis."

I know the worry for Ellis getting kidnapped or killed was really led with the last chapter, but I didn't want to go into a huge life and death drama issue yet again, so I tried to go into another direction. I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for the review Elezbed.

Awww, too bad there wasn't any sound for the Howdy Doody one but omg are those cute! Great outlet for him too!

Well someone did once tell me I was sick and sadistic

Sometimes people die Sorryz!

Our indomitable, sometimes irascible, leader turns 35 today! Somehow, I get the honor of starting his Happy B-day topic, so yay!