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Cia

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  1. 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! 
  2. 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…
  3. 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. 
     
     
  4. 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! 
     
  5. 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...
     
  6. 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. 
  7. 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!

     
     
  8. 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! 
  9. 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)
  10. 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!
  11. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring this month's Classic Author ad choice, Endings & Beginnings, selected by Valkyrie? 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 Viv's story. We had a couple of reviews from fans on Monday's blog, but Valkyrie has her thoughts on Viv's story and also got to pick an excerpt to share. Read on to find out what she picked and why!
     
    Valkyrie said: Viv's writing is clear, descriptive, and left me salivating for more.  The story I picked, Endings and Beginnings, is the first in a five part series titled Underneath this Big Ol' Sky.  I chose this excerpt because it's a good introduction to the series, and drew me in immediately when I first read it.  Just a word of warning if you read all five stories... you will want more.  Viv left room for the story to continue, and can only hope that one day she does.  
     


     
    To read more, check out the rest of the story here. 
  12. Cia
    This month's feature was chosen by Valkyrie, and she picked Viv's Endings & Beginnings! This contemporary short story is one of our older stories, all the way from back in 2007, but she wanted to share this gem with newer readers on the site, so I hope you'll enjoy this month's feature!
     

     
    Length: 10,069 words
     
    Description: Endings & Beginnings is the first short story written as part of an anthology series. This one began the storyline with the theme "Fairy Tales" and continued with the next anthology 
     
    Some Readers Said: 
    Joann414 said ~ So glad they featured your story so I found this. Loving it. Can't wait to read more!
     
    Lisa said ~ Viv, I just found your stories a few months ago and I can't help devour each new one I come across.
    I love the way you write. (other text removed for spoilers) Anyway, I'm going to start the next installment of this hella awesome story.
     
    If you want to spread the word about Viv's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!
    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt Valkyrie chose to share!

     
  13. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (July 9th - July 15th)

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Another week, another weekly update for you to catch on the news you might have missed this week. And no, your eyes aren't deceiving you, Renee isn't doing the blog this week so hopefully I won't screw it up. By the way, did you notice it was her birthday this week? Make sure you don't miss the chance to wish her a belated birthday if you haven't already! Now, on to the highlights of the week. 
     
    And don't miss Myr's update with some info about the site on his personal blog:
     
    Premium Updates:
    Negative Splits by Cia *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    Down a Darkened Path by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    A Man in a Room, and other poems by AC Benus; Book 6 of Verse
    Mine! by Cia
    Poetry by Renee by Renee Stevens
    The Castaway Hotel: Next Generation Book 2 by Bill W; Book 11 of The Castaway Hotel
    The Hollow Hills by Valkyrie
     
    Promising Updates:
    Cards on the Table by Headstall
    Choices by LitLover
    Cozy Contemplations by Headstall
    Drifts by Puppilull; Book 3 of Hot and cold
    timmy's poetry by Mikiesboy
  14. Cia

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

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    This month's CSR announcement was slightly delayed so I could post it live so Renee wouldn't find out it was happening since she's the lead blogger... but Monday has arrived so I can let everyone know this month's featured story is Reece's Choice by Renee Stevens! Woo hoo! This is a nice contemporary novella, an easy read at just 25k, so make sure you've read it and are ready to discuss the story on Monday, July 31st!
     
    Reece's Choice
    by Renee Stevens
     
    Length: 25,483
    Description: When confronted with his family’s bigotry, Reece is faced with the first of many choices. He can continue to tolerate the caustic atmosphere or he can walk away and finally focus on making himself happy. His cousin’s friend Dave unintentionally becomes the catalyst that forces Reece to make a choice. He can only hope it's the right one.
     
    A Reader Said: Thanks Renee for a wonderful story. I'm happy it ended here. Maybe there can be future adventures the boys will get into, but it's certainly not necessary. The title actually says it all. Reece's choice. He made a good one! ~ skinnydragon
     
    Don't forget this month's Discussion Day will be Monday, July 31st!
  15. Cia

    June C S R Discussion Day: The Others by Stannie

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Did you have a chance to check out this month's CSR story, The Others by Stannie? I hope you did and you're ready to share your thoughts, but first you can enjoy all his answers to my probing questions, including what he plans on posting next!!
     
    Chocolate or Vanilla?
    I don’t really like sweet food, so I’m going for chocolate. Real bitter pure chocolate!
     
    If you had 30 minutes of free time, what would you do?
    Watching, just looking around. When the sun is shining I’d go sit on my balcony with a cup of coffee, just to watch the people outside. I watch the children play, the elderly going for a walk, or the adults rushing towards their work.
     
    What do you like best about being part of the GA community?
    Motivation, to me, has always been a problem. Whether it’s at school, when working or when doing things I really like doing, I regularly can’t seem to get motivated enough. When writing for GA and getting feedback on what I write or getting messages when I didn’t upload for a while, it gets me motivated to do what I like best: writing. So, I think that means I like the support I get.
     
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    Writing in English. I think I mastered English well enough to have normal conversation, et cetera, but when writing a story you want something beyond that. I noticed I lack the ability to get something literary on paper, especially when it isn’t anything physical, like describing emotions. I don’t know many sayings or proverbs to illustrate what I want to say.
     
    How did it feel to finish posting your first novel on GA?
    Well, that was a little confusing, I’d say, as I never planned on finishing the story with this. Originally the story was way longer (and it still is), but I just decided to make a sequel. That was something I had thought about for a long time, because I normally don’t like stories being split into sections. With this story, however, I felt like the next part was a whole new story, a new part of Adam’s life, so that’s why I chose for it.
     
    Your character, Adam, has a taste for older movies (Monty Python) most contemporary teens probably don’t watch. Did you invent that for his character or is it modeled after your own preferences?
    I’m just a “teen” myself, so if I didn’t know those movies, I couldn’t have made Adam like them, so it’s kind of modeled after my own preference. It’s also based on someone else I met who is around my age, but listens to old music and watches old movies a lot, so I guess he had something to do with it as well.
     
    Do you believe people are inherently selfish or was that just Adam’s take for his blog?
    Yes, I truly do. I’ve had many discussions about this with people and every time I don’t get it why they don’t feel the same way about it. I challenge them to show me a situation in which someone isn’t inherently selfish, only to counter it by explaining what the selfish part was. It always works, unconditionally, unless it has something to do with having children. I haven’t been able to explain why people do certain things for children even when it doesn’t make them necessarily happier or something, so I guess that’s the exception to the rule.
     
    Sam says she likes, “The happy you” in chapter 6. Do you think that mood lift from the release of writing the blog that made Adam seem happier, or the knowledge of his Anonymous Reader’s identity and his feelings about him?
    Ah, that’s funny, because I actually talked about this today with someone. I stated that happiness without an obvious reason to it, is the best kind of happiness. It makes you feel like it doesn’t matter what happens around you, you can always be happy. I think Adam had the same thing here, as he thought to himself right after Sam said she like the “happy Adam”. He asked, being surprised: “I’m acting different?”
     
    Maybe it’s because it just feels right, you know? When you realise everything is okay, your life is going at a bearable pace and you found your position in the world in correspondence to the people around you. It feels right, and you are happy it does so.
     
    If you could sum up the theme of The Others, what would it be?
    I find that very difficult. When I started the story I just wrote 1 chapter and uploaded it. By then I wanted Adam to be a person with this secret second life, and I meant the story to be an interaction between those lives. It didn’t really work out (that’s why there is so much time between the first and second upload), so I decided the theme to be a book with a main character who isn’t necessarily likeable. I noticed that many stories have protagonists we sympathise, we feel sorry for, or just like a lot. Very plain feelings, in general, though when we think about ourselves and when we try to feel something about ourselves, it’s never this simplistic. We are complex organisms, and I wanted that in this story, so I made up Adam: a person who you can’t understand all the time (he doesn’t even do that himself) and switches between being liked to being hated. Not much for a summary, is it?
     
    What do you plan on posting next on GA?
    Of course, that’s the sequel of the Others, which will be about the travels of Adam.
  16. Cia

    June Classic Author Excerpt: Goon by dkstories

    By Cia,


    Classic Feature
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring this month's Classic Author ad choice, Goon by dkstories, selected by Timothy M? 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 dk's story. Monday's blog shared several reviews from fans, but Timothy also got to pick an excerpt to share. Read on to find out what he picked and why!
     
    Timothy M said: Most of us have wished, at some point or another, that we could go back and change the past. Make another decision at a crucial moment in time, which perhaps would have changed the direction of our lives. Goon is a story built on this concept, and it's even better on a second or third read.
     
    Micah gets the chance to apply the knowledge and skills of his older self to an important period in his youth. I've chosen the moment where he first takes the alternate path and stops denying his feelings for the love of his life, even though he's unaware this is what's happening, and what the dangerous consequences will be.
     


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

    June Classic Author Feature: Goon by dkstories

    By Cia,


    Classic Feature
    Another oldie but very popular in its day goodie, Goon by dkstories, was nominated for a Classic Author feature by Timothy M. Originally a Premium story, this has been made available to everyone on the site. Have you ever wondered what life might be like if you had a chance to go back and fix something? A single moment, a day, a lifetime? The idea is intriguing, isn't it? Check out dkstories' take on the idea with Goon!
     

    nominated by: Timothy M.
     
    Length: 94,608
    Description: Micah was a goon. He knew it and everyone else knew it. But he had connections and it put him in the wrong place at the wrong time.
     
    Miles Long said ~ This is another fun, creative tale full of political intrigue and fantasy. It's pace was a bit clumsier than other dkstories stories, but the character dynamics were so rich and the relationship between our hero and his lover were so solid, small things can be easily overlooked. If anyone on this site hasn't read this yet...stop, sit and read.
    Many thanks for sharing dkstories!
     
    Stephen said ~  THEY WON !
    How brilliant... It all seems so simple now.
    But it's not, or has been so easy, has it?
    The second time reality was better when played out.
    If only...
     
    Thanks for the wonderful story, you can do that every day.
    -But then I'd get spoiled.
     
    Rebelghost85 said ~ I really admire your ability to stop a story at a good ending point, leaving room for a sequel or for the reader's imagination to finish the storyline. It allows you to cut your stories into manageable chunks and we get to clamor for sequels.
     
    Ron said ~ I can understand why this was a premium content story. That was one heck of a ride what with one unexpected thing after another happening. Highly unbelievable, highly fantastic and highly entertaining. Bravo!
     
     
    If you want to spread the word about dkstories' story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature!
    Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt Timothy M chose to share!

  18. Cia

    Writing Prompts #586 & #587

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    Sorry this is late. Totally spaced it being a Friday and that I needed to check and see if the prompts were posted. Whoops! These prompts were supplied by our prompt guru, Comicfan. Just a reminder, and for those who haven't worked with the prompts before: prompt responses under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection. Hopefully you'll find something in this weeks prompts to spark an idea and get you writing!
     

    Prompt 586 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    Where are you planning to get the money for that vacation?
     
    Prompt 587 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story - a kilt, a coat rack, a video game, a flower, and a cat

     
    Jason Rimbaud - Prompt 584 Creative "List of Words"
    I gave myself five minutes to use the following words in this weeks prompt.
     
    Use these words; lunch box, wooden table, a white horse, menu, and a needle.
     
    I put my lunch box on the wooden picnic table and stared at the days lunch menu all the other kids were enjoying at Rex Harrison Middle School.  It wasn’t that we were poor, it was just normal in my family that I wear my older brothers clothes after he outgrew them.  That’s why I was adept with needle and thread. Everyone around me was laughing and joking with friends.  For once the entire class was ignoring me.  I pushed the menu away and opened my lunch box and removed my cheese sandwich.  As I absently bite into the stale bread, I opened my notebook and looked at the doodle that happened in last period.  I don’t care what the teacher thinks, it was a white horse, not a zebra.
  19. Cia

    June C S R Feature: The Others by Stannie

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    And just this fast, June is upon us and the year is half over. But the CSR event is still going strong, and I have a new story chosen for you guys to read this month. June's selection is by an author who's been on the site for a while but just completed posting his first novel. Let's all take a look at The Others by @Stannie and share some thoughts and comments on the site on the discussion day on the last Monday of the month, June 26th!
     
    The Others
    by Stannie
    Length: 74,750
     
    Description: While pretending to be cool when he is with his friends and trying to be intelligent when he is editing his popular weblog, Adam actually is going through a lot. He is able to ignore his own problems by running from reality. It works, until someone in the real world becomes interesting enough to stay for.
     
    A Reader said: Looking forward to the next book, great job Stannie! ~ Scary
     
    Don't forget to come back and comment on the story on the discussion day set for Monday, June 26th!
     
  20. Cia

    May C S R Discussion Day: Unison Island by Caz Pedroso

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Okay, you've had two months to read Caz Pedroso's Unison Island series. Did you like it? Maybe leave a few comments? Well here's your chance to share your thoughts and talk about your favorite parts of the stories. First, enjoy this interview I did with Caz!
     
    What’s the hardest thing for you, as an author, and what do you love best about writing?
    The hardest thing is finding time. Trying to balance my volunteer work, my family, my housework, and my writing. Then, of course, I would like to find some time for myself in there somewhere 😊
     
    What brought you to GA and made you decide to post stories here?
    You did, Cia. I read one of your stories on kindle (by recommendation after I finished another story) and then found the Wednesday Briefs group through your blog and decided to join in. That led me here. (Very cool, I actually didn't know that was the path!!)  
     
    Unison Island is set in an ‘exotic’ locale, but is there a real place would you love to visit to research for a story?
    Maybe Discworld by Terry Pratchett. It's the first one to come to mind. That world is so fantastic, I could spend years exploring it.
     
    If you have thirty minutes of spare time, and you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
    Housework!!!! Not really LOL, I read. I always have a lot of books/stories on my To Be Read list.
     
    Okay, I have to ask this one… just how could the witches make just their island rotate different from the rest of the planet to get a constant equinox?
    A good friend said to me once, when I was moaning about something I wanted to write not being possible, ‘Anything, is possible if you make it magic’. I try to keep things at least slightly realistic, but I do like to use the magic angle to create the world I want. Including controlling the weather, think of it like a dome or force-field being over the island and inside the dome is weather controlled.
     
    Out of the creatures you created (witches, vampires, weres, etc…) for Unison island, which is your favorite?
    I really don’t have a favorite. I created each race as I wanted them. Taking the bits of myth and legend I wanted and making up the rest. So, they’re all my favorites.
     
    How did you plan out the series? Did you figure out all the information you share in Welcome to Unison Island before you started, or did that evolve as you wrote and you shared it with readers later?
    Book one was written as I went. And book two was written, finished and published, before book was one finished. The rest of the stories were planned out a bit better. But, the information I needed readers to know couldn’t really be incorporated so late in the series. So, that led to me writing the introduction so things would make a bit more sense.
     
    With witches and other creatures, how did you decide which holidays and other ‘special days’ of the year based on their alternate history?
    I didn’t. I just write different pieces when I have time, and if that time coincides with a holiday – Christmas, Easter, etc. Then that gets added in as well.
     
    Do you have a favorite character in the series?
    I love Jamie from book one. He loves to play pranks, but still takes his job very seriously. He’s also loyal and fiercely protective of his friends and family.
     
    Would you ever go back to the series, maybe write flash pieces for secondary characters readers really liked?
    There may be a few things on my To Be Written list…but, I’m not saying 😉  I am also trying to re-edit when I have time, but something always seems to come up.
  21. Cia

    Writing Prompts #580 & #581

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    Let's keep the prompt love going with some new inspiration this week from prompt guru, Comicfan, and have fun with these two options! What could a pink umbrella and a classic car have in common? Or are you more inclined to roam the wilds of space in a desperate expedition? Read on, figure it out, and share your story with readers!
     
     
     
    Prompt 580 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story – swimsuit, pink umbrella, a gumball, a classic car, and a cell phone.
     
    Prompt 581 – Creative
    Tag – The Ship
    You have been chosen to take part in a very exclusive expedition into space. Years of ignoring the climate change and massive over population has brought the earth to the brink of collapse and the world is sending some of its best and brightest into space in hopes of finding a new home. The ship trained for the trip. The trip is expected to take a minimum of forty years. Who do you take as your mate and what is the training like?
     
     
    Let's see... today's prompt features responses to Prompt #579 "How can you be so sure?"
     


    Want to know how Eric answers that question? Read more here!
  22. Cia

    Why We Write Flash Fiction

    By Cia,


    Writing Tips
    How do you write flash fiction? Well, there’s really only one requirement: Keep it short! How short depends on the game, or prompt, or you… but the difference is you write the story planning to make it as concise as possible without sacrificing the image and scene you’re trying to convey. It’s a challenge to write something that pulls in readers without having a lot of time to do backstory or a long adventure.
     
    So why do people like writing flash fiction? For me, it’s a different kind of challenge from my usual novels. It reminds me to not repeat words or visuals, which I struggle with. I asked several other authors who are playing with the Pick Two noun game why they like writing flash fiction, and here’s what they had to say:
     
    Dolores Esteban says: I think it's an interesting feature to get your creative juices flowing.
     
    Aditus says: Flash fiction: no lengthy introduction, no elaborate plot line, no sophisticated ending. Just quick and dirty. What's not to like?
     
    Lyssa says: I`d like to write this, because it is fun, keeps my brain busy and I never did something like this in English and I really cherish a new challenge
     
    Puppilull says: When I go through patches where my brain isn’t cooperating and the flow just isn’t there, it feels good to write something, anything. Lately, I’ve also tried to challenge myself to write shorter pieces, so I have to work on being to the point. Flash fiction is the thing for that.
     
    Mikiesboy says: I like to write flash fiction because it's a challenge. You have to measure what you're saying, and select words carefully. Where i used to post, they often had ultra short fiction challenges -  a story in 20 words… those were fun!!  Anything like this, forces you to think and step out of your comfort zone! 
     
    Valkyrie says: I like to write flash fiction because I find it helps me get my mojo back when I'm stuck in a rut.  It's also fun to see where the story leads.  I never plan out flash pieces, but rather let the characters drive the action.  I will also sometimes use flash pieces to work on a particular skill.  Such as working on writing in third person, descriptions of characters or settings, or technical exercises such as writing in first person without using the pronoun "I".  I never know where flash pieces will take me, and sometimes they lead to longer works.
     
    BHopper2 says: Most of the flash fiction I've written has not be published. It's little stories I've written about my Role-playing Characters over the years. I do it for a couple of reasons.
    1. To fill in the gaps of what my Characters do "off-stage."
    2. For practice, in getting my writing skills better.
    3. I love it.
     So far on GA, I've only done two flash stories from prompts, this game, and a little intro to my main story. I hope to publish more soon.
     
    Want to check out some of these authors’ flash fiction? We have a Writing Prompts forum dedicated to the site prompts which are shared weekly. There’s always something new to enjoy in there! If you want to try your hand at writing some flash, give it a shot. There’s a ton of prompts to choose from, or keep an eye out for more games coming in the future like the past Grid & Dice Game and the current Pick Two noun game. Players in those games have their stories in site newsletter features
  23. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (May 14 - May 20)

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Yes, it is the undercover Cia, yet again donning the mask of Renee to bring you this week's happenings on GA. I've actually done all this week's blogs while Renee enjoys a few well-earned days off. Did you miss something vital happening on the site? A favorite story update? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Another way to get the news is to sign up and have it delivered straight to your inbox with Gay Author's weekly newsletter which goes out every Sunday.
     
     
     
    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  
    Premium Updates:
    Negative Splits by Cia *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    Reggie's Journal by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    April Musings by Valkyrie
    Mine! by Cia
    The Castaway Hotel: Next Generation Book 2 by Bill W; Book 11 of The Castaway Hotel
    The Secret Life Of Billy Chase 9 by Comicality; Book 9 of The Secret Life Of Billy Chase
     
    Promising Updates:
    Buy One, Get Two and Three... by Caz Pedroso
    Choices by LitLover
    Cozy Contemplations by Headstall
    Headstall's Reflections by Headstall
    Ripped by craftingmom
    Slocked Affections by AC Benus
    timmy's poetry by Mikiesboy
    Walls by Carlos Hazday; Book 6 of CJ
  24. Cia

    Writing Prompts #578 & #579

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    Writing Prompts from Cia... wait... no... Of course these are from our prompt guru, Comicfan! I'm just filling in for Renee, but I swear I thought it was Thursday so these are just a smidge late. Sorry about that. I hope you will have fun writing something for these prompts, though, and for first-timers, remember all responses under 1k must be posted as part of a 'collection' of short stories/flash fiction/poetry. More info on that in the FAQ through the Help tab you need it.
     
     
    Prompt 578 – Creative
    Tag – list of words
    Use the following words in a story – woods, a crow, a pair of glasses, a new ball, and a cookie.
     
    Prompt 579 - Creative
    Tag – First Line
    How can you be so sure?
     
     
    And this older prompt has garnered some newer responses, so I thought I'd feature them all
     
  25. Cia
    Did you check out the banner from Monday's blog for this month's Classic Author Feature? Drew Espinosa chose Tiff's story, The Price of Revelation. This teen story is full of angst and romance, with a few life lessons tossed in. I asked Drew why he picked this story and excerpt to share, and this is what he had to say:
     
    Drew said: With those opening words, I was immediately sucked in. For me, I had to know what happened. What caused the breakdown of Sean's dad? What did Sean do? I had set out to read the rest of the story to find out, and along the way, I fell in love with the story and its characters.
     


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