Jump to content

Cia

Site Administrator
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    16,675

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Blog Entries posted by Cia

  1. Cia

    February C S R Feature: All We Have Now by DavidAB

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    This month we have a lot of focus on love, love, love! But sometimes that doesn't come in the form you think it does, especially when the world is an entirely different place. This month's feature combines moments both light and dark, so I hope you'll enjoy it and come back on Monday, February 26th to share your thoughts! 
     
    All We Have Now
    by David AB
     
    Length: 42,836
     
    Description: It has almost been a year since the world ended. The majority of the population died, came back as mindless and highly aggressive creatures and killed most of the rest. Cody is one of the last survivors. He is small, sensitive, innocent and about to starve to death. While he is desperately trying to find food, he gets attacked and then saved at the last second by Troy, who is a hardened brute. Cody hates him, but knows he is probably his only chance to survive the winter, so he sticks with him.
     
    A Reader Said: Lol so I didn't realize that was the final chapter. I've been waiting and waiting and just now read that was the end for "Part 1." Great story so far! I hope there is more on the way! ~ semaj565
  2. Cia

    December & January CSR: Holiday Stories!

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    The CSR for the last 2 months were completely different from our usual format. Usually we feature a story, do an interview with the author, etc... but we had a few holiday blogs planned on the Mondays the CSR usually happens so we went with holiday stories--and we have a lot on GA! Did you read one over the last 2 months you loved? A feel-good holiday slice of sweetness? Or a bittersweet moment that resonated with you? Maybe it a new story released by the author this year or perhaps one of the flash fiction stories from the White Elephant Gift Prompt Game?  Or an older story that caught your eye, perhaps from one of the many holiday-themed anthologies? Share your thoughts on a story in the comments below!
     
    Some holiday stories you might have missed:

    The Gift by Sam Wyer
    Lucky Kitty said: Oh my goodness! I lost it when Craagen gently squeezed Tligg's bobble! Glad I wasn't drinking coffee, I'd have a mess to clean up. Thanks for this sneak peek into elven culture.
     
    Santa and His Dirty Little Elf by Dahawk
    Okiegrad said: Loved it!!  Made me smile and laugh and was a great way to start my day!

    An Advent Calendar by Aditus, Cole Matthews, and Valkyrie
    Timothy M said of "Christmas Spirit": Like a (reverse) Hans Christian Andersen tale. The innocent child rips the veil from their eyes and brings understanding.

    Mistletoe and Handgrenades by K.C. 
    Kiltie69 said: 
    I have a term I use when I'm blown away, I've used if only once or twice in GA
    Woof. . Loved it.
     
    So do you have a favorite holiday story on Gay Authors?
     
     
     
  3. Cia

    January Classic Author Excerpt: Jake's Hand by Rec

    By Cia,


    Classic Feature
    Did you catch Monday's blog where we featured Rec's story, Jake's Hand? You can also download an image there for your signature if you want to share your enjoyment of the story and promote it to fellow readers! If you haven't read it yet, maybe this excerpt will help you decide to put it on your list! 
     
    Cia says:
      I picked this excerpt because it resonated with because I work with students. I know how many have to overcome the assumptions made about them, and how hard it can be to try and be a mentor at the same time you're a teacher. Also, this scene mentions a very obvious theme in the story in relation to the discrimination rampant in 1969 facing African American students in poorer areas, but that theme is echoed in far more ways through the story in very real and personal ways for Jake and Robbie.
     

     
    To read more, click here. 
  4. Cia

    January Classic Author Feature: Jake's Hand by Rec

    By Cia,


    Classic Feature
    January is a new year, a fresh start, or maybe just another month in the calendar for you... but it's all about time. Jake's Hand is set in 1969, an era far removed from what you would find in the world today. Choices the characters make... well, you'll have to read the story to find out! 
     

     
    Jake's Hand
    by Rec
     
    Length: 80,964
     
    Description: Two college men who have volunteered to tutor black kids for the 1969 summer in the South grow more and more attracted to one another. But the summer ends before they realize the full extent of their love for one another, and they go separate ways—one to get married and have children, the other to join the military and go to Vietnam.
     
    Some Readers Said: 
    charlieocho said: Ah, what luck to stumble upon this masterpiece! It will be difficult not to devour this story...a deep chord is struck already.
     
    LJH said: You are a brilliant writer. Hooked, hell yes from the first sentence. You build the story and you don't let up and that's a point, raising left index finger and stroking the air. You've given Jake a light, airy, adventurous nature, and Rob Ellis beautifully paints his story. But then again, you are passionate about giving your characters soul, your plot a life, and reinventing style. You have steered clear from the stereotypical gay meets gay scenario and made yours different and consuming, I love the way they meet and then reintroduce themselves. They click.
    You rock
     
    If you want to spread the word about Rec'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!

  5. Cia

    December Classic Author Feature: Tyler by Vlista

    By Cia,


    Classic Feature
    This month I picked a Classic Author story to feature that might make for some difficult reading, but the hope inside the story is what I like to focus on. As one of the older stories on the site, you might have missed it before, but I hope everyone will enjoy Vlista's teen drama, Tyler! 
     

     
    Length: 86,934
     
    Description: Tyler’s a foster kid, after being abused by his parents and mistreated in foster care he’s angry with the world and all but given up on finding true happiness, until he meets Connor, but is he too angry to let himself be happy?
     
    Some Readers Said: 
     
     
     
     
    If you want to spread the word about Vlista'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

    December Classic Author Excerpt: Tyler by Vlista

    By Cia,


    Classic Feature
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring Vlista's teen drama, Tyler? Make sure you check it out and download your copy of the signature graphic at the bottom if you want to share your love for the story. Or, if you haven't read the story before or checked it out yet, enjoy this excerpt below! 
     
    Cia said: 
    Vlista's stories can be quite graphic and dark, but Tyler is more about the life after the worst a teen has faced than the negative experiences that shaped him. I really like the sense of hope in the story as the characters look forward and not back, refusing to let the darkness take away the chance of a happy future. I also really liked the way this one section offers so many glimpses into the major characters in the story.
     
    To read more, check out the rest of the story here.
  7. Cia

    December & January C S R Feature

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    That's right! Your eyes have not deceived you. This month the last Monday is Christmas, and New Year's is a Monday as well. There are other posts we're going to feature those days, so I thought I'd do something a little different these two months for our Can't Stop Reading selection(s). There are so many stories, there's sure to be a favorite for everyone to choose and share with each other! 

    In honor of the holidays, you can use the Advanced Search to find any story with "Christmas" or "Holiday" in the title for your reading enjoyment. Or five. Or five pages... totally up to you! I'd like you to pick 1 (just one) story to write a review of 1-3 sentences. You love it, you want others to read it... now why? On Monday, January 29th, I'll share a blog post with all the great stories our members loved over the holiday season. 
     
    Sounds like fun, right? 
     
    Not sure how Advanced Search works? Follow these 5 super easy steps!
     
    1. Click on the Stories tab
    2. Click on the Advanced Search option in the right sidebar Browse box. 
    3. Type in Christmas or Holiday into the title field
    4. Scroll down and click Search
    5. Enjoy the stories! 
  8. Cia

    November C S R Discussion Day: Street Life by Graeme

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Did you have a chance to read Graeme's short story, Street Life? This was originally posted as part of the 2008 spring anthology, and it's an emotional journey of surprisingly short length but with great impact. Make sure you share your thoughts below, but of course, first we have my interview with Graeme!
     
    What’s the best part of living in Australia?
    Checks to see if Tourism Australia has sent me a cheque for advertising. Hmm…nothing so far…
    Definitely the people and culture. While Australia is by no means perfect, I’ve generally found people across the country to be friendly and helpful (though there are always exceptions). Culturally, Australians are very diverse and generally tolerant (though, again, there are exceptions). As a result, while there is definitely racism, homophobia and religious intolerance here, I find it to be much less than it could be. As an example, it’s rare for the media to report the sexual orientation of a person, even when that person is a public figure (such as the head of a political party, or the president of a major professional body). In Australia, the sexual orientation of a person isn’t a big deal (unless you’re trying to date them).
    Oh, and would this be a good time to let everyone know that Melbourne has been name as the world’s most livable city by the Economist magazine for the seventh time in a row? Not that I’m boasting....
    You’re very busy. How do you find time to write?
    At times, I struggle. If I’m working from home, I can sometimes squeeze in an hour or two of writing during my working day, but if I’m travelling it can be a chore. I work best first thing in the morning, but if I’m not working from home I lose that time. I generally don’t write at night as I often struggle with motivation at that time of the day.
    Do you plot out a story or write as it comes to you?
    It’s a little of both. For many years now, I won’t start a story unless I know roughly how it’ll end. That gives me a goal to write to, and I then fill in the gap with a number of possible events along the way. Once I have done that, I start writing and often find new things along the way that I didn’t original plan. I like my characters to drive the story, rather than have them being puppets to the plot, so while there is some control over what happens to ensure I get to the ending I’ve planned, I give the characters a lot of leeway. As an example, in Leopard Spots, one of the characters shows up unexpectedly at someone’s house. That had been planned from the beginning, but when I first plotted the story, it was a different person’s house to what appeared in the final story. The character interactions that arose during the writing changed the details of whose house it would be from what was originally planned.
    If you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you like to do?
    Read. Either on my tablet, browsing the Internet, or I’ll pick up one of my print novels and start re-reading a story. It’s always re-reading, though, because if I have a new novel, the reading time is never just 30 minutes….
    Is there a literary character you’ve read (in all fiction) that you really identified with?
    That’s a tough one. I always like to put myself into a story when I’m reading, imagining what it would be like to be part of that universe. Since I like reading science fiction and fantasy, that means I’m often putting myself in the shoes of someone with special abilities, which is always fun. So, I don’t have a specific character I identify with, but I like to associate myself with lots of characters in different worlds.
    What are you currently reading?
    I’m currently re-reading some of L.E.Modesitt Jr’s Recluce series. The exact one I’m reading at the moment is Magi’i of Cyador. I’ve always liked the complex worlds that L.E.Modesitt Jr creates, and how he doesn’t make groups black or white. In the book that started the series, it was easy for the reader to think that those who followed Chaos were always going to be the bad guys, but then he wrote several stories, including the one I’m currently reading, where a Chaos-wielder is the champion of the story.
    You’re not shy about delving into serious topics in your writing, but do you remember what prompted you to write Street Life?
    Absolutely. Most people who have read both Street Life and New Brother will be aware that Street Life is a spin-off of the scene at the end of chapter 8 of New Brother. What’s less well known, though I’ve mentioned it before, is that scene is the very first scene I wrote before I decided to start posting my works online. I wrote that scene to see if I could portray the emotions I wanted. I was sufficiently happy with the result that I wrote New Brother. During the early stages, whenever I got stuck, I would go back to that first scene I wrote and tweak it, until it was time to drop it into the story. That is why it’s one of the strongest scenes in the story; it had a lot of work put into it!
    Since I had put some much effort into that scene, I always wanted to write Craig’s tale as its own story. That task languished for a long time, partly-written but not completed, until the Living in the Shadows anthology came along. That theme fitted the Street Life so well that it motivated me to complete the story and post it online.
    As for the original inspiration, the basic setup was from newspaper reports from that era. That area of St. Kilda was well known at the time for street sex workers, though most were female. However, I read an article in one of Melbourne’s newspapers about some streets where the sex workers were young men. That article also mentioned how the locals gave what support they could to the kids living on the streets and surviving by selling their bodies, and that was how Mrs. K ended up in the story.
    AIDS has changed so much since the years this story is set in. Have you written about someone facing the disease in more modern years in your works?
    Just one other short story: Bad News. I still don’t know for sure but I suspect I wrote that story as a warning to myself about the dangers of straying. As most readers will be aware, I’m a married man who came out to his wife over ten years ago. She stayed with me, and I’ve stayed with her…but I know that I can’t afford to do what the protagonist in Bad News did.
    I have AIDS as a major part of another story which was originally written as a Valentine’s Day story, but that’s more about how love doesn’t care about things like AIDS, rather than someone facing the disease in more recent years.
    Despite the tough scenes readers experience in Street Life, you managed to end the story on a note of hope. How important was it to show that scene rather than just let readers imagine it?
    It was important because the story summary had already been published in New Brother. I had to get from where I started to a place where the events told in New Brother were a logical extension. That, plus the fact that I don’t generally prefer dark endings, meant I couldn’t leave things with Craig in despair. I’m happier if a story ends on an up note, even if life isn’t perfect, and that’s what I did here.
    How about you share something readers might like to know about your current or upcoming work?
    I’m currently working on a fourth novel in the Leopards series that follows on from the end of Leopards Leap. Unfortunately, the work has been going slowly (I’ve been working on it for over a year and haven’t gotten very far) but I’m still hopeful that I’ll be able to finish it. Originally, the story was going to concentrate on the group in Sydney, but I’ve expanded it so the story will encompass both the Sydney and Melbourne groups. I hope I haven’t bitten off too much with what I’m attempting....
     
  9. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring Comicfan's story, The Life of Seeon, as this month's Signature Feature? If not, go check it out and then download a copy of the graphic to share in your signature if you want to show your love for his story. If Monday's blog wasn't enough to move this story to the top of your TBR list, maybe today's excerpt will! 
     
    Comicfan said:
    I picked it because it sets up the whole tale. Right from the start you know Seeon is seen as the lesser of the princes. The world he is used to, first two sons are important, then daughters so power can be gain by marriage.  A third boy isn't needed and this excerpt shows that.
     
     
     
    To read more, check out the rest of the story here. 
     
     
  10. Cia
    This month we're changing it up a little and doing a feature for one of our Signature authors--and resident prompt guru--Comicfan. The story he chose to be featured was The Life of Seeon. Make sure you check it out (I bet those reviews will help you decide to read it sooner rather than later!) and then download the signature graphic below if you want to share you love for Comicfan's story. 

     
    Length: 31,995
     
    Description: Seeon Toleran is the fifth child of the ruling royal family. His life was one of study and devotion to his Gods. Then war came and the world Seeon knew ended. There were decisions that were made for him which drastically altered the direction of his life. Suddenly the world of the priesthood is gone as an option in Seeon's life. Instead he is made Ma' Nee. What will this mean to a youth who has known neither love nor choice? Will this end his world or open new vistas? Time will tell.
     
    Some Readers Said:
     
     
     
    If you want to spread the word about Comicfan's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!
    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt he chose to share!

     
  11. Cia

    November's C S R Feature: Street Life by Graeme

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    November is here, and this month I wanted to feature something different. There are a lot of stories on the site with themes that involve some heavy subjects that can really make you think, but one of the best of those is an older story that many current readers probably haven't found since it was posted for a 2008 anthology themed "Living in the Shadows".
     
    Street Life
    by Graeme
     
    Length: 16,661
     
    Description: *Reader warning* This story does contain mature themes & references to underage prostitution and suicide. 
     
    A Reader said: That was depressing and uplifting at the same time. I've read New Brother, and I can remember the main charater (whom I despised utterly in spite of your heroic and brilliant effort to make him understandable and redeemable) being told Craig's story. It was one of the better moments in New Brother and I'm glad I finally managed to read Craig's story, even though it made me sad. ~ Timothy M
     
    Please come back for our Discussion Day on Monday, November 27th.
  12. Cia

    October C S R Discussion Day: Mr. Brightside by Mitchelll

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    How fast these months go! Is it nearly Halloween where you live? Are you ready for some tricks or treats? Or maybe you celebrate All Hallow's Eve another way? Or... maybe the whole thing freaks you out, and you'd rather read a story set firmly in the present? Maybe a little second-chance? If so, I hope you enjoyed Mitchelll's Mr. Brightside! Don't forget to share your thoughts in a comment below, but my first we have my interview with him!
     
    What brought you to Gay Authors?
    I liked the interaction between the users with the forums and the commenting on the stories.  I also liked that the stories focused more on storytelling rather than on sex.  I had read stories at Nifty for years, and always found their lack of story description and ability to search for specific stories problematic.  There are definitely gems there, but it can be a slog to find something I really enjoy reading.
     
    If you could give yourself advice when you first started writing, what would it be?
    To just get started.  To just sit down and write.  When I decided to try writing, I spent literally years thinking about writing, creating characters and plotting stories in my head before I finally managed to sit down at a computer and try to put those ideas on paper.
     
    Do you have any writing rituals?
    Not really.  I always write at a certain place, my grandmother’s table in the breakfast room, but other than that it varies.  My favorite time to write is very early in the morning while drinking coffee, but I haven’t been able to turn that into a real habit.
     
    What do you struggle with most when you are writing a story?
    Actually putting it down on the page.  I have entire stories plotted out in my head, huge swathes of dialogue, etc.  And I write a lot while doing other tasks like walking the dog or working, or at least think about my stories, but when it comes time to sit down and actually transfer it from my brain to a page, I find it incredibly difficult.  I think it was Truman Capote who said something like “I like to have written.  I hate writing.”  That pretty much sums up my feelings.
     
    How long did it take you to write Mr. Brightside?
    I’m not actually sure, but I know that it was more than a year.
     
    How did you come up with the title?
    I had started the story, which had already evolved a lot from its beginning.  I was thinking about a title when I happened to see the video for Mr. Brightside again, and I realized that the lyrics about jealousy, the feeling of the video, so much of it reflected my story.  In fact, I pictured Jason as looking very much like Brandon Flowers, and Viktor as looking like Eric Roberts.
     
    What prompted you to set the story in New Orleans?
    As a writing novice, at this point, I’m sticking to the old advice of writing about what you know.  I’ve lived here for almost twenty years, and I love it.  And I have, unfortunately, seen paths like Shane and Corey.  It’s a beautiful, fascinating city with a very, very dark side. 
     
    Did you have to do a lot of research for Mr. Brightside? What’s your preferred method?
    Honestly, no.  There were a few things I looked up online and verified.  Like luxury VIP hospital wings are a very real thing.  And Louisiana involuntary commitment laws, though not quite as easy to get around in real life, are in fact among the most lax in the nation.
     
    Can you sum up the story in one sentence?
    I think for me the main theme would be contained in Jason’s story arc:  When you refuse to be true to yourself and life authentically, it can lead to tragedy, both for yourself and the others around you.
     
    When can readers expect more?
    I am currently working on a follow up to Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It.  It’s not a direct sequel, and its main focus is on new characters, but Jason and Shane do play a role.
  13. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (Oct 10/15 - 10/21)

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Renee's off enjoying herself at GRL 2017, so you get me today! Good thing it's been a quiet week! If you hold an Author title, take a second to go check out the first round of voting for next year's anthologies. You can find them here. Voting will end in just 3 days on October 25th, so make sure to get your vote in soon! Also, don't forget the Halloween Contest voting has ended, so hopefully you had the chance to vote. Be looking for the contest winners to be announced coming up on Halloween! Now, let's see what happened this week in the various GA blogs.
     
     
     
     
    Contests
    2017 Halloween Short Story Contest - Voting Closed! 2018 Summer Novella Anthology - Due April 15th, 2018  
    Anthology Announcements:
    ***NOTE: All Deadlines are for submission to the Anthology Proof Team***
    2017 Fall Anthology: The Fall Out / Secret Spaces - Due November 15th, 2017 Anthology Theme Selection - Part 1: Voting Open!  
    Premium Updates:
    Angel's Heart by Nephylim *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    Brittle as a Bird by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    Cozy Contemplations by Headstall
    Denied by Cia
    Poetry by Renee by Renee Stevens
    Rivers of the Dead by Cynus
    So Weeps the Willow by Cole Matthews
    Translation Trashbin by AC Benus; Book 7 of Verse
     
    Promising Updates:
    Cider Press by Parker Owens
    timmy's poetry by Mikiesboy
  14. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog about this month's Classic Author feature, Don H's Working It Out? Don't miss out on some of the reviews and download your copy of the signature graphic so you can share your love of the story. If you did read Monday's blog but aren't quite convinced, maybe Myr's reasons for sharing this story and excerpt will sway you into reading it right away! And don't forget to leave a star rating and story review when you're done!!
     
    Myr said: 
    Don Haratty's "Working it Out" has long been a favorite of mine.  It started in 1999 and was going strong when I started Gay Authors, so he was one of the first authors I recruited here.  In reviewing the text for the blurb, I once again got sucked into the story.  I'm not really sure what it is.  The quirky humor? The appeal to a better nature?  The vivid physicality of the writing?  The Faith?
     
    I guess in the end for me it has to be that feeling of striving to be better that the characters exhibit.  There is a religious element in the story too, that should, at least, provoke thought and that is something that appeals to my inner nerd.  It has been my experience in life that everyone needs to embrace a concept that is bigger than oneself.  For many years and in many places, people have embraced religion.  Gays in general seem to have wholesale rejected this aspect, but it may not be necessarily so.  This story does a good job of showing that without being preachy about it. 
     
    This story hooked me right from the get go.  Read a chapter or two and see if it does the same for you.


     
    To read more, check out the rest of the story here:
  15. Cia
    For October, the Classic Author feature is another oldie but goodie, Working it Out by Don H. This story was actually what drew me to the site, and I have to echo a lot of Myr's sentiments on why he chose Don's story to feature! And if those endorsements aren't enough, check out some other reviews left by fans in the feature below. And don't forget to download the smaller graphic for your personal signature if you want to show your love of Don H's work!
     

     
    Length: 120,993
     
    Description: Mike Berman, a swimmer, and Matt Broman, a wrestler, are college roommates. Mike is gay and Matt finds out. They live life and face the ups and downs and above all, they work things out.
     
    Some Readers Said: 
     
     
     
     
    If you want to spread the word about Don's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!
    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt Myr chose to share!

  16. Cia

    October C S R Feature: Mr. Brightside by mitchelll

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    October is here! Can you feel the seasons changing? Year after year, the seasons change and some things stay the same... but not everything has to. Sometimes you get a second chance, and this month's feature is all about that. So enjoy this thrilling contemporary novel, and make sure you're ready for the Discussion day at the end of the month. 
     
    Mr. Brightside
    by mitchelll
     
    Length: 76,407
     
    Description: Four years ago as a college sophomore, Jason betrayed his best friend and roommate. Now he has a second chance...will he have the courage to take it?
     
    A Reader Said: What a ride! So glad that Shane and Jason got their happy ending. Thanks for a wonderful story Mitchelll. I'm a little sad to see it end though. ~ Defiance19
     
    Don't forget this month's Discussion Day will take place on Monday, October 30th! 
  17. Cia

    September C S R Discussion Day: My Last Day Without You by QuinnDK

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    This month's story is all about a day... My Last Day Without You by QuinnDK. This was announced on the first Monday of the month, so I hope you had a chance to read it? Don't be shy, share your thoughts below! But first, enjoy this interview with Quinn. 
     
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    I really love washing dishes and doing the laundry – for some reason it’s a huge stress reliever for me. Yes, gentlemen, I’m single.
    Did you like to write as a kid in school?
    I did! When I was about 10 years old my mom took a screenwriting class and I would stay up at night reading through her course materials and books. So I actually got my start as a kid writing these terrible little movie scripts, and I eventually moved on to write terrible fanfiction as a teenager. No amount of money in the world will make me share it, by the way. 
    What brought you to Gay Authors?
    I wasn’t all that satisfied with the content I found in mainstream fiction writing sites (such as FictionPress, Wattpad, or AO3) and started searching for a writing community that had an LGBT focus but also a sizeable and active reader base. To my astonishment, I found just that with Gay Authors!
    What book(s) or author have most influenced your personal writing style?
    Romance novelists such as Lori Foster, Linda Lael Miller, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Diana Gabaldon inspired me the most, I love that their styles range from lyrical and sweet to smutty and hot. I aspire to have that same range for my own stories.
    I also drawn inspiration from literary writers like Michael Chabon, humorists like David Sedaris, and quirky chick-lit authors like Helen Fielding. If I can become some combination of those three, I’ll be a very happy writer.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Reykjavik! An adventurous tourist and a hunky Icelandic local, plus those steamy geo-thermal spas… that sounds like the start of a very hot story to me.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    When I’m not writing, or working, or studying for school, I either have my nose in a book or my eyes glued to a videogame. And I go to the gym, but that’s only because I’m always testing out new cookie recipes.
    Your characters have great, distinctive names: Ezra & Henrik. How did you come up with those?
    Oh gosh, naming my characters has always been a laborious process for me. I think main characters with unique names that you don’t necessarily hear or see every day stick out in your mind more vividly. And I like having names that sound different from each other, too. I could never write a romance about a Matt and a Mitch.
    It’s important to me that names reflect their characters. Henrik has such a strong, solid, Scandinavian connotation, while Ezra sounds more ethereal and artistic.
    One of your main characters, Ezra, likes to draw. Is that a personal hobby of yours too?
    I’m a terrible drawer! I’m actually terrible at anything artistic. But I knew I wanted to give Ezra a hobby he was passionate about. He already worked as a writer in his day job and I thought drawing would contrast that very well. The fact that he’s so good at it but is constantly second-guessing himself was inspired by an interview I read with someone who used to draw Batgirl for DC Comics.
    Do you have a favorite scene in My Last Day Without You?
    The epilogue where Henrik surprises Ezra in the courtyard is probably my favourite. There’s no more tension or deadlines or pressure, they’re just two men allowed to enjoy the moment and each other. It’s just such a pure and sweet romantic moment.
    The scene before that with Ezra on the phone with Marvel was also very fun to write, I liked turning the story into a screwball comedy after so many chapters of drama and angst.
    What’s next? Is there a sequel for these or other characters coming?
    A sequel is planned, though it probably won’t be a full blown novel-length story. I’m thinking of writing it as a novella. Some readers have said they really enjoyed Xavier, so I might explore something with him as well.
    Two stories that I’m writing concurrently on Gay Authors, ‘Fire and Icing’ and ‘Safeguard’, feature different characters but they take place in the same narrative universe and my fictionalized version of Toronto. So, you never know who might show up and where…
  18. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's feature announcing with Classic Author & story we are highlighting this month? If not, go check the reviews from some big fans of Dabeagle's story, Things We Lost, as well as downloading a graphic for your signature if you want to share your love of Dabeagle's story. In the meantime, check out why Timothy chose this story and excerpt to share with other readers!
     
    Timothy M. said: 
    Ehren has lost most of the things many of us take for granted: loving parents, a home, the chance to have friends, go to school, have enough to eat, clean clothes and a shower s needed. Living on the streets is a hard life, but he’s clever and resourceful. On the day we meet him, he makes a snap decision to help a girl in need, in spite of being scared of the potential consequences. The ripples from this first stone are complicated further when Ehren flings another daring missile, and life as he knows it unravels around him.
    I’ve chosen the moment when Ehren is confronted with the desperate plight of a stranger. How would you react in his stead?
     


     
    To read more, check out the rest of the story here. 
     
     
  19. Cia

    September C S R Feature: My Last Day Without You by QuinnDK

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    September is upon us! Can you believe it? The year has been flowing by so fast. So how about another feature this month for your reading enjoyment? This month's pick has hockey, romance, and some comedy... what are you waiting for?
     
    My Last Day Without You
    by QuinnDK
     
    Length: 57,445
     
    Description: Henrik Ford is the hottest hockey captain in the NHL. Ezra Grayson is a young artist trapped in a frustrating day job. Neither man has romance on their minds, but when a chance encounter brings them together, their undeniable chemistry is off the charts.

    The problem? Henrik is only in town for one day. Ezra has a rule against long distance dating. Can Henrik convince him they have something worth fighting for before he has to leave town?

    A lot can happen in just one day...
     
    A Reader Said: What a delightful epilogue! Thanks for one more peek at these guys. You have finished this story nicely, but don't let it stop you from thinking about writing another story about Henrik and Ezra. ~JeffreyL
     
    Remember, this month's Discussion Day will be Monday, September 25th! 
     
  20. Cia

    August C S R Discussion Day: The Transporters by Israfil

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Did you have a chance to read this month's CSR selection, The Transporters, by Israfil? This short story was a quick and easy read, so I hope we had a lot of takers trying something new this month! Share your thoughts about the story below, but first enjoy this interview where Israfil asks all my probing questions! 
     
    Have you ever gone out in public, realized your shirt is on backwards, and just don’t care?
    Nope. I've definitely put my shirt on the wrong way but I don't think I could ever make it out the door without noticing.  It just feels weird, you know?
     
    If you had 30 minutes of free time, what would you do?
    Nothing productive, that's for sure (as much as I'd like to say otherwise).  Probably play a computer game, watch some YouTube videos (just discovered a bunch of awesome sketch artists so I'm binge watching those) or read a book.  Thrilling, to be sure.
     
    What brought you to the Gay Authors?
    A friend referral.  I initially started posting The Transporters on another site and a fellow writer suggested Gay Authors might be a good platform.  I'd heard about the site before and realized it was solid advice now that I was actually writing online.  I'm happy I did - not just to post my writing but all the great authors and stories I've discovered here. It's a really fun community. 
     
    When you get a story idea, do you use any particular method, app, program, etc… to expand it before you begin writing? Or do you just open up a document and start typing?
    Sometimes.  I tend to get stuck on details so for a while I used Microsoft OneNote to organize my ideas by making a flow chart of sorts - mapping out what would happen from A to B to C.  Other times I just start writing and seeing what happens but it's not long before I get stuck on a point and can't go on until I resolve it.  Maybe I should go back to flow charts, now that I think on it...
     
    If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be?
    Keep writing!  Don't  sweat the details and try to make every bit perfect on the first draft.  You can always edit it later.  Otherwise, you'll just exhaust yourself and end up not writing at all.  That I took such a long break from serious writing because of this is a pretty big regret of mine. 
     
    Do you have a favorite mythological creature?
    I think it's safe to say dragons will always have a special place in my heart.  I've loved them since I was a kid.  The creature itself, and how the idea can manifest in so many different ways - dragons show up in some form or the other in cultures the world over but they're always unmistakable.  My personal favorite is the idea of wisdom and age combined with the raw power - something about that is very compelling. 

    I'd always be rooting for the dragon in any medieval fantasy and I was very disappointed when Smaug died at the end of The Hobbit.  Even more so in the movie - Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Smaug is what inspired me to start on the Deadwood series in fact.
     
    What kind of magic would you like to have out of the types that Parker, Jenson, and Evan have?
    Probably Evan's.  I like nature and wish I was more outdoorsy than I am, so controlling plants and the earth would certainly help with that.  Of the three, his magic seems to have the least drawbacks.  Jenson's traps and intricate spells are appealing in their subtly but the lack of control would be a problem.  As for Parker, I can't deny that throwing lightning bolts and stealing magic would fun, but being a warlock comes with certain baggage as I'm sure he would attest.   
     
    Is this going to be a high fantasy/magic story or do you plan to toss some romance into the future plot?
    Relationships of any kind are a key part of what makes us human - they governs our feelings, interactions and...yeah, it's important.  If you want your characters (even if they aren't all exactly human) to be compelling then you have to explore how they relate to each other, be it platonic or romantic.  Depending on how you look at it, there actually has been a little already.  Anshar and Mithras have a history - I've always been interested in writing about the aftermath or results of a relationship as opposed to the beginning of one.  In this case, that includes a assassination, coup and civil war.  Talk about your bad break-ups.

    Parker will also have to deal with his romantic past a little too - suffice to say it will be awkward for all involved.
          
    Dragons can do spells and they’re elemental… do they have any other cool hidden powers you haven’t shared with readers yet?
    There are more than a few types of dragons and many have their own unique abilities, and that's not even including an individual dragon's own personal talents.  So yes, they do. 

    Oh, you wanted an example?  Well, they wouldn't exactly be hidden if I did that but I can give you one, though it may not come as a surprise:  dragons possess a degree of mind control over lesser creatures.  Which includes humans.
     
    What’s next? When can we expect part two of The Deadwood Chronicles?
    Working on it!  I'm doing a slightly different set up for part two, Magefall.  The goal is to make each chapter something of a short story in itself so readers are left a little more satisfied between updates - which of course means longer chapters.  Now that I've started writing again, the first chapter of part two should be ready soon.  I'm pretty excited about it.  Ah, so many things are going to go boom...
     
  21. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring this month's Classic Author ad choice, K.C.'s Pour Me Another, selected by JayT? If not, go check it out and get your copy of a small graphic that you can use for your personal signature if you want to share the love for K.C.'s story. With well over a thousand comments on the story, it was hard to pick just 3 to feature, but today's feature also shares JayT's favorite excerpt from the story and why he picked it. Read on to find out what it is!
     
    JayT said: This story is about love overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles, such as the person who is in love with you is straight. Or at least he thought so, and that is why I love this story. This excerpt takes place after Michael, the straight man, realizes he has feelings for Asher, the gay man. After showing up at Asher's in the middle of the night, he finally kisses Asher, only to discover that Asher was not alone when a naked man walks out of the bedroom. A heartbroken Michael then turns and runs away. This part of the story shows us how lost and hopeless Michael's life became after he decided to cut Asher out. When Michael learns that Asher was possibly shot, he drops everything and leaves work to seek out answers. Hopefully, he will find Asher alive and safe. 
     
    This story shows that anyone can fall in love with anyone. It's the person we fall for, not their sex.
     
     
    To read more, check out the rest of the story here. 
  22. Cia
    This month's Classic Author feature, Pour Me Another by K.C., was chosen for readers by JayT. Have you read this popular story that was chosen as one of the Reader's Choice Awards in 2013?
     

     
    Length: 72,802
     
    Description: ***Winner of the 2013 Readers Choice Awards for the Best Story by a Promising Author *** The city is full of all kinds of people. Being a bartender, Asher Burkhart has seen them all. Atleast he thinks has until Michael Waters shows up.
     
    Some Readers Said: 
     
     
     
    If you want to spread the word about K.C.'s story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!
    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt JayT chose to share!

     
     
  23. Cia

    August's C S R Feature: The Transporters by Israfil

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    August is upon us, and this month is the end of a season--most of us are looking forward to a reversal of our local weather (I know I'm desperate for some cooling!) but, meanwhile, we can all enjoy a good story for the featured CSR blog! This month I've chosen Israfil's short story, The Transporters. At just 16.5k, everyone should be able to finish it. 
     
    The Transporters
    by Israfil
     
    Length: 16,565
     
    Description: When two dragons transporting a war criminal drop in for dinner, three wizard college drop-outs find themselves caught in the crossfire of a supernatural power struggle.
     
    A reader said: I do enjoy this story as well, keep it up.  ~ Anubis Lichlore
     
    This month's discussion day will take place on Monday, August 28th. Be ready with your comments and questions for Israfil! 
  24. Cia

    July C S R Discussion Day: Reece's Choice by Renee Stevens

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Did you have a chance to read this month's CSR feature, Reece's Choice, by our very own blog queen herself, Renee Stevens? I hope so, because she has some questions for you! Ahh, didn't know there was going to be a quiz this month, did you? Muahaha, I hope you're prepared!! Of course, I asked her a few question first. 
     
    How do you approach creating goals for yourself as a writer? Do they help you?
    Honestly, I’ve tried doing the goals thing, and in most cases they don’t work for me. I try to tell myself on a daily basis that I’ll write 1,000 words that day, and at least lately, the majority of the time I don’t make it. I might not even make half of that. Now, if I have a set in stone deadline not of my own making, I can usually make them. For some reason they make the creativity flow a bit better. I think it’s because they force me to really focus on what I’m working on.
     
    On average, how long does it take you to write a story? Is it easier or harder to write different lengths?
    Wow. That’s actually a harder one to answer than you might think as it’s really hard to average the huge differences in time it takes me to write something. I have stories sitting in my folders that are partially done, but were started five or more years ago. Then I have stories that I can crank out within a couple weeks. It just depends on how focused I am.
     
    As for different lengths of stories, it’s hard to say because it depends on the stories. There are some short stories that I can crank out really fast, and others that it takes me months, if not longer, to get a first draft out. And the same goes for longer stories.
     
    What is one thing you would give up to become a better writer? Caffeine? Chocolate? TV? Or…?
    I thought about this one for a bit, but the answer is in the ones provided. I could give up caffeine. I’ve done it before, and actually gave up all soda for a few months. If it would make me a better writer, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If it would even help me write, I’d give it up.
     
    Does your reading taste reflect itself in the genre and style you prefer to write?
    Not really. My taste in stories varies depending on what I’m feeling like that day. Sure, I read some stuff similar to what I write, but that’s just a percentage of what I read overall. I read everything from fluffy romance, to sci-fi, to BDSM, to angsty stories. If you’ve read many of my stories, you’ll know that I tend to put my characters through hell. Some of the stories I read do that, but some of them have very little conflict.
     
    Where do you see yourself in 5 years as a writer?
    I’ve been struggling a lot to write lately. My focus has been shot, but in 5 years, I’m hoping to have a few more published stories under my belt and still be writing. In five years, I’d like to have completed my Jagged Edges novel that’s been sitting on my computer, half complete, since 2008, and the rest of the stories that are there. Of course, that means there would probably be a whole new list. I’d also like to see Reece’s Choice and Joined by Blood published in eBook format. And I’m working toward those goals right now.
     
     
    Hey y’all, Renee here. Cia was nice enough to let me ask some of my own questions. As you see up above, I’m hoping to eBook Reece’s Choice and I have been working on revising it. But I’m a little bit stuck and can use some help, so I have a few questions for you all, if you don’t mind. I can’t guarantee I can use all the suggestions, but I want to know your thoughts: the good, the bad, and the ugly!
     
    1.      What was your favorite scene in Reece’s Choice and why? Could it be improved?
    2.      What, if anything, did you feel Reece’s Choice was lacking?
    3.      Did you like the starting point of the story, or do you think it would have been better to start before that point, possibly seeing the scene of Josh trying to set Reece up with Dave before the ambush at dinner?
    4.      Would you have liked to see some of the adults coming around and their treatment of Reece improving? Possibly even backing him up? (I have some thoughts here, but am curious as to what my readers think). 
    5.      Was there anything in Reece's Choice you absolutely detested or saw no point to and felt it didn't add to the story?
    6.      If you were to rate Reece’s Choice, as is, what rating would you give between 1 & 5, and if lower than 5, what would have made you rate it 5? (And let me say now, no blasting anyone for their rating. If you’re uncomfortable giving your rating here, you can PM it to me)
  25. Cia

    Writing Prompts #594 & #595

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    Who's been hankering for a reason to write? Are you blocked on your current stories? Just want to play around with something different? Well, then the prompts (brought to you by prompt guru, Comicfan!) are a great way to do just that! Oh, and if you're interested in getting a short piece featured in the site newsletter, check out the Household Items game. There's still time to play!
     
    Prompt 594 – Creative
    Tag – Western
    Write a story with a western theme. Cowboys, horses, and whatever you need to make it come alive.
     
    Prompt 595 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Write a story using the following story – superhero, a mouse, a wallet, an overstuffed pillow, and a boot.
     
     
    So did you write a flash fiction piece this week? Share it in the comments below!
×
×
  • Create New...