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Cia

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  1. Cia
    Wow, the month is gone already! While the time is flying way too fast for me, it just means that today's the CSR Discussion day for Your Alpha, My Mate by Wolfwriter. If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, don't read down because the comments will likely be spoilers. To kick off today's feature, I have an interview with Wolfwriter. She's also agreed to come back and chat on the blog 'live' from 5 to 7 PM, CST, to talk to readers and answer questions. If you can't make it during that time, please feel free to leave your comments when you can!
     
    Let's start with a bit about you.
     
    So, what do you do in ‘life’?
    I am currently unemployed due to a back injury but take care of a husband with Asperger’s and an anxiety disorder.
     
    Single people tend to write more… so, you single?
    Nope, married for 3 years next month
     
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    Yes, I love fruits and veggies, especially strawberries
     
    Finally, and you must be honest… What are you wearing?
    t-shirt and lounge pants
     
    On to other things, now that we know that, lol!
     
    What brought you to GA?
    Followed Rob Colton and Cia from Literotica
     
    What’s your favorite aspect of the site?
    Have really gotten to love the chat room because I have been able to meet so many new people and make some good friendships
     
    When did you begin writing?
    Did some writing in high school but got serious about it June of last year when I started Your Alpha, My Mate.
     
    Tell us what gave you the idea for Your Alpha, My Mate.
    Have always been into werewolves, hate to say it but really got into them when I watched Twilight.
     
    Do you have a favorite character in the story?
    Jamie is my favorite character because he went through so much.
     
    Where are you at writing the follow up story? Can we get a sneak peek? Or do you have another writing project in the works?
    Bear Down is a spinoff of Your Alpha and the sequel Lonesome Theta. Currently writing Lonesome Theta for Camp NaNo WriMo. I guess you can have a sneak peek at the sequel
     
     
     
    Don't forget to come back between 5-7 CST, if you can, to chat with Wolfwriter!
  2. Cia
    The year keeps marching right along! For April I thought I'd feature one of our newer authors. Wolfwriter recently finished her novel Your Alpha, My Mate. I thought this was the perfect time to feature a paranormal story too! I hope you enjoy the story, then come back at the end of the month for the discussion on April 28th!



    Your Alpha, My Mate


    by Wolfwriter


     
    Description: Jamie has always been picked on and seen as the weakest member of the Cajun Red Pack. He is a seventeen year old werewolf. He is seen as weak because no one has seen his wolf yet so they believe that he is so pathetic that his wolf has abandoned him.
     
    Length: 81,575
     
    A Reader Said: I'm sad this story is done, but hopeful there will be more!!! ~ Gene63
     
    Don't forget to come back for April's Discussion day: Monday, April 28th!
  3. Cia
    Today we begin to replenish the Promising Author ranks with the new promotion of Thorn Wilde! Thorn's first completed novel on GA, Nemesis, is the 2013 RCA winner for a story by a new author and had 179 reviews. Fortunately, for fans of the novel completed last spring, Thorn is also posting a sequel, Soulmates Never Die, that is already over 40k in length. If novels aren't your thing, you can still read one of Thorn's many short stories--from one chapter shorts, to anthologies, to fanfictions.
     
    Of Nemesis Paul.b said: It's a great story
     
    Miles Long's thoughts on Soft: Excellent beginning, thanks.
     
    But don't forget to take the time to congratulate Thorn before you head over to read some of the many stories showcasing just why Thorn was promoted.
     




  4. Cia
    He's back again! K.C.'s taking over the blog this week... but now as our newest Signature Author! As you can see, if you visited Monday's feature of Shepherd's Crook on the CSR Discussion Day, you can see he's definitely earned the promotion from Promising to Signature. If you haven't read it yet, check out his very popular Shepherd's Crook or one of his many other stories!
     
    Maybe you could check out Lone Wolf one of K.C.'s many short stories. Joann414 said: This was great!
     
    Or Chasing the Shadows, one of K.C.'s first stories on GA. Sunsbane said: It was smokin´!
     
    Whatever you don't, don't forget to join us in congratulating K.C. on his promotion to GA's newest Signature Author!




  5. Cia

    Csr Discussion Day: Shepherd's Crook By K.c.

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    For March's CSR book selection we had K.C.'s Shepherd's Crook. If you haven't read it yet, go take a look. The interview could have some spoilers, though, so don't read on if you don't want to ruin the surprise. I hope everyone who has read the story will share their thoughts with K.C. today. Also... He's coming back between 8:00 and 10:00 PM, EST for a live chat!!You can ask him your questions about him, his writing, Shepherd's Crook, his current work or future work. If you can't make it then, feel free to leave your questions here before.
     

    A Little Bit About K.C.
     
    When did you first consider yourself a writer? When I was 8 years old. I wrote a story about my Uncle stealing all of my Grandmother’s peaches from the greenhouse. My Grandmother glued the pages of my story onto construction paper and made it into my first real book. I was so excited, I ran around showing it to everyone.
     
    Do you eat your vegetables? Yes! I absolutely love every kind of vegetable.
     
    If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Can I pick 2?? When I first joined GA, Andrew Q Gordon was amazing to me. He showed me the ropes and taught me a bunch of stuff I was doing wrong and made my writing even better. Andy rocks! Even though Rustle hasn’t written lots of stories, what he has written is very impressive, but his knowledge about everything else is what makes him a great mentor/beta/editor/friend. The dude is a walking encyclopedia! I can go to him with anything and he knows the answer. Also, he’s not afraid to call bullshit on me when I’m being an ass! LOL
     
    What’s your favorite story/eBook/book of all time? ‘The Stand’ by Stephen King
    M-O-O-N …. That spells Promising Author!
     
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    Finding a unique character voice for each story is a real challenge. I’m always worried that the protagonist will be too similar to something else I’ve done before (…or worse… like what someone else has done). Also, I still have issues with head-hopping. I’ve gotten a lot better over the last few years with my character’s POV, but I still struggle with head-hopping in my stories.
     
    When was the last time you made your bed? Last night, before going to bed, LOL. I washed all the sheets/blankets and there’s some kind of law that requires you to make the bed when the sheets are fresh and clean…so you can dirty them up again! Please don’t send the bed police to my house!
     
    Do your characters try to make like bunnies and create ever more convoluted plots for you? Or do you have to coax them out of your characters? Haha! They have plots and plans of their own and usually, I’m the last to know. I try to keep my characters in line, but they have a sneaky way of turning the tables on me so I have to beat them back into line!
     
    Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate! Great, now I want a cookie. (I’m very easily distracted)
     
    A Little About Shepherd’s Crook
     
     
     


    ***Wipe cookie crumbs off face***


     
    So how did you come up with your idea for Shepherd’s Crook? It was a story that I’ve kicked around since I was in college. It’s changed some over the years, but the plot always focused on Gibby and Tanner. It was always going to be a ghost story, which could never have a happy ending. I wanted to show the heartache and pain without obliterating the characters. I hope I pulled it off.
     
    Was it hard writing a story filled with such dramatic elements? Yes! My mom was still alive when I first wrote Shepherd’s Crook. She was so mad at me for killing beloved characters. Mom begged me to change it! Unfortunately, sometimes in real life, the good guys die and the bad guys win. It totally sucks, but it happens! If every story was promised a happy-ever-after, I would give up writing. LOL
     
    Do you have a favorite part of the story? Why? I love the relationship between Gibby and his dad, Jonathan. I never had a dad and I wanted their relationship to feel real and not like some picture perfect Stepford Family story where everything is perfect. Gibby and Jonathan are flawed and damaged people, but they are not broken. They find their strength in each other.
     
    What was the best feedback you received for this story from readers? Wow, there were so many fabulous reviews on this story, I don’t know where to start. I couldn’t believe how much the readers got into the story. They cheered for Gibby and cried when things went wrong. The readers were amazing and that encouraged me to deliver the best story I could.
     
    Is there anything you’d do differently, if you were writing this again? Yes! I always have ideas after the fact and would have loved to worked them in. I’m always like ‘Why didn’t I think of that a month ago?’ LOL This entire story is actually a re-write. It was originally a screenplay I wrote years ago. It did very well in a national screenwriting competition. It didn’t win, but got an honorable mention, so I was really proud. I did make changes as I re-wrote it as a novel. I’m sure the biggest question readers have is…..
     
     
     
     
     

    **Spoiler Alert***






     
    Extra Info We All Need To Know
     
    I know you have your ongoing story, Pour Me Another, but do you have any other projects in the works readers don’t know about? Yep! I have several story ideas that I’m kicking around, but nothing that’s gotten further than the plotlines, yet. I’m not sure if I’m going to jump outside the box with a story about a young male prostitute or do another supernatural story. I really love myth/fantasy creatures. It will be a hard decision.
     
    Okay, most important question ever! Tom or Jerry? Huge Tom fan! I always cheer for him to outsmart that pesky mouse.
     
    Don't forget to come back between 8:00 and 10:00 PM, EST for a live chat with K.C.!
  6. Cia
    Long time staff, and long time author, Graeme has finally been wrangled into the Signature Author group where he belongs! Yay! LOL Whether you are looking for short stories or novels, Graeme has a bit of everything. Slices of life, snapshots of a hilarious event like a visit to a farm or a dramatic turn like an AIDS diagnosis, and more can be found among his many shorts. He also has several novels of varying lengths, mostly featuring the ups and downs everyday people, teens and adults, experience in life and love. There are so many to choose from and more being added all the time!
     
    Check out Graeme's stories here, and then please join me in welcoming Graeme to the Signature Author group!




  7. Cia
    In the two years since Stellar joined GA and began posting his first story, he hasn't post a ton of work. But what he has... whew!! If you like sci-fi, at all, you have to check out his 175k story, Hidden Sunlight. A hugely popular story, Stellar delved into his world bringing a vast array of details to life for his readers. There are tons of unexpected twists and turns as his main character, Shay, tries to come to grips with a series of events he couldn't have imagined in his wildest dreams. This story was followed by 100 different people and garnered a ton of buzz. You can check it out here, along with a short story, and... the currently posting sequel to Hidden Sunlight!
     
    Before you get sucked in, if you haven't read the stories already, make sure you join us in congratulating Stellar on his promotion to Signature Author!




  8. Cia

    Csr Story Selection: Shepherd's Crook

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    This month I thought we'd feature a Promising Author. KC has been on GA for some time, posting stories and taking part in the anthologies and forum fun. One of his early stories, and most popular, was Shepherd's Crook. The story, just shy of 50k, has almost 20,000 views and 423 reviews. Those who've read it can share their thoughts again, and new readers can enjoy this engaging story!


    Shepherd's Crook


    by K.C.


     
    Length: 49,526
    Status: Complete
     

    Description: It’s never easy being the new kid at school, but there are secrets at Shepherd’s Crook and nothing is as it seems.
     
    Okay, enjoy! Make sure you come back to share your thoughts on the story. This month's discussion day will be March 31.
  9. Cia

    Rob Colton, Ga Signature Author!

    By Cia,


    News Archive
    As many of you know, we recently changed our group names for our Promoted authors. Previously Rob was a Premium author, but now he gets to be one of Signature authors! GA is happy to host several of Rob's backlist of stories and his eBooks, as well as some very well received premium content. You can check out his story listing HERE and his eBooks HERE.


    In the meantime, please join us in welcoming Rob to our Signature author group!


     



  10. Cia

    Csr Discussion Day: Totallyy's Shorts!

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Welcome to the CSR Discussion day for Totallyy's shorts. I hope you all enjoyed diving into them this month. I asked Totallyy a few probing questions in an Author interview for his Discussion day feature, and he has also agreed to come do a 'live' Q&A from 9 to 10 PM, Eastern Standard Time. If you can't make it, simply add your questions or comments to the blog comment area and Totallyy will answer them as he can, or during his life chat. If you haven't read any of his stories yet, go check some out through this link. They're several you could read in just a few minutes!
     
    We’ll start with a bit about you…
    So, what do you do in ‘life’?
    I’m in University, finishing off my freshman year. Barely 3 more months till I’m done with my first year and it is freaking me out a little. Yikes.
     
    Single people tend to write more… so, you single?
    Hahahahhaha. I have most recently become attached. So, no, I’m not single for now, though I had been for a long time. Lol. He’s my first real relationship, so I guess we’ll see if my pens start drying up.
     
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    Yes and yes, though I thoroughly believe in having my vegetables cooked first. I can barely stomach salads. I’m trying to cut junk out from my life but sugar-cravings are hard to resist. Fruits and veges help quell the guilt.
     
    So, make your bed or leave it messy?
    Why put in that much effort into tidying up something that’s going to be messed up in a couple hours anyways? Although, I must say that making my bed might deter me from taking as many naps as I do. Lol.
     
    And finally… and you must be honest… What are you wearing?
    My University Hoodie, University sweatpants [YAY! SCHOOL SPIRIT!], my nerdy glasses and fuzzy fuzzy socks. It’s -20degC tonight. Of course, true to form as a gay guy, I’m also wearing the mandatory uniform: cute underwear under all that!
     
    Ooh, la la! On to other things, now that we know that, lol!
     
    What brought you to GA?
    I started reading later than most, when I was about 10. I really got into fiction and I’ve never stopped since. But somewhere in my teens, I started to feel a disconnect with the stories I was reading because of my burgeoning sexual awareness. I craved to be validated and assured that “people like me” could be protagonists of our own stories instead of the odd supporting character. I started looking, at first in bookstores, then on the Internet and finally arrived here. It did take me 7 years before I joined as a member though and put up my own work. Hahahhaha.
     
    What’s your favorite part of the site?
    I think it’s the accessibility. There are literally no barriers to entry. Its simplicity makes it easy for tech-idiots [Can I say idiot?] like me to start posting. I did survey some other places when I started getting interested in putting up my work. Needless to say, laziness is my greatest hurdle.
    Also, I doubt I would have written as much as I have if not for the great feedback from the community of readers and fellow authors. I’ve never had so many people read my work and to have heard only genuinely sincere and constructive feedback is probably one of the most heartwarming things I’ve ever experienced.
     
    When did you begin writing?
    I started writing when I was 13/14, I think, if you can count horribly sappy poems as real writing. It was an outlet. I coded my very potent emotions into labyrinths of words and rhyme, which only those whom I chose to give the cipher to could decode. Looking back, it was my way of coping, of rebelling quietly against the pressures that told me I had to keep my sexuality a secret. The voices that told me I couldn’t run around proclaiming the schoolboy crushes I had and drooling openly over f-abs-ulous guys. Hahahahah.
     
    So, why short stories?
    I like capturing moments in time. We read stories; novels, shorts, whatever you will, to feel connected to other people. Perhaps it is to relate to another person, to not feel so alone, maybe it is to experience a life we would never be able to live, or explore the crossroads of what-ifs we’ve left behind somewhere. But I find that I most often feel pangs of recognition at certain moments, seldom lasting more than a page, in which I feel kinship with the characters. I believe that these moments are universal, and can stand alone with neither introduction nor resolution, because they’re about common human experience. So, I try my best to write about them.
    Also, did I mention I was a lazy college student? The time-commitment required for something of novel length that I was satisfied with enough to put up will consume my life. Besides, some of the works I’ve posted have been with great hesitation because it didn’t really feel ready. Hahahahahah.
     
    Do you have a favorite? Why?
    Oh gosh, this is hard. I had to go back and look at all the things I wrote for this one. I couldn’t pick one favourite but I will say which few I’ve gone back and read over and over again.
    First Snow makes me feel dreamy and pensive. This Is How I Speak is essentially my fear, that my constant fumbling with words and thoughts will ruin the beautiful things in my life, crystallising.
    The “essay” Growth from Feelings I Don’t Know How to Say Otherwise is probably one that I turn over and over again in my mind quite often. The funniest part about that one though, is that I literally started typing it up after a conversation with the person who inspired it. It was special even though it was really short. The person is a friend that was and is of great importance in my life.
    Oh wow, this is harder than I thought it would be. Looking at my writing, I feel like I’ve littered pieces of myself in the spaces between the words. It’s so painful to choose! I Am Fine, Tomorrow, I Promise & Wedding Jitters probably come close to being next.
     
    Okay, now for the most important question of all… it’s vital that we know this answer… Tom or Jerry?
    Tom! Tom! Tom! I’ve never understood the Jerry-sympathisers. In my opinion, Jerry’s kind of an ass, constantly gloating and making life difficult for the poor cat. As if life isn’t hard enough without the fact that you’re a big failure in your niche being rubbed in your face constantly.
     
    I guess we know which you’d root for, the coyote or the roadrunner! LOL Thanks so much for taking part in the interview, Totallyy!
     
    Okay, now it's time for you to share your thoughts! Do you want to share a review you left or wanted to leave? Do you have a favorite? Don't forget to come back for Totallyy's live chat from 9-10 PM, EST!
  11. Cia

    January Csr Book Club Selection: Totallyy's Shorts

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    What's that? We're going to feature Totallyy's shorts? Yeppers! The short ones, the shorter ones... even the teeny tiny ones! His short stories, that is! Pick any number of Totallyy's short stories, as much as you like reading this month. Then let us know what you read, what you thought, and if you read more than one, pick your favorite.
     


    Totallyy's Short Stories


    Are We More Than Just Friends 1,012 words



    Don't Cross the Threshold 1,176 words



    Feelings I Don't Know How to Say Otherwise 1,449 words



    First Snow 1,020 words



    Giving Back 1,048 words



    I Am Fine 3,743 words



    Love Letters to Nobody 1,457 words



    My Intern 3,299 words



    She Watches 1,082 words



    This is How I Speak 2,302 words



    Tomorrow, I Promise 1,108 words



    Wedding Jitters 1,638 words



    Will Our Love Run Dry 2,375 words


     
     
     
    As always, I'd love to hear what you think about the CSR Book Club. If you have any ideas on things to do this year, changes, new twists to pick stories or share feedback, discussion day features... speak up! Post it here, PM me, shoot me an email at cia@gayauthors.org


    We will discuss Totallyy's shorts on Monday, January 27th!


     

    

  12. Cia

    Csr Discussion Day

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Happy end of December! As 2013 comes to a close we have one of my stories for the Can't Stop Reading book club. You can read Bonds Unbroken, the first story in my Carthera Takeover trilogy in Stories if you haven't already. Renee was kind enough to interview me for the blog, so we'll go straight into that!
     

    First a few more general questions:
     
    If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
    Hmm… I don’t know if I have a mentor about writing. Nephy gave me some amazing tips when I first began to write. Julie Hayes guided me through publishing and helped me learn how to market. That’s the great thing about the community. Authors working in the MM genre are very connected, and I’ve had a lot of really great experiences with many of them reaching out to help me.
     
    Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
    Hmm… I have so little time to keep up with serial stories on the site anymore. If I have to pick one I’ve enjoyed recently it was Finding Everything by Redsunshine. My fav eBook author from recent months would have to be Eden Winters. She wrote a hilarious shifter story about opossums that had me in stitches.
     
    Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
    An ‘entity’ leaves it open for so much interpretation. LOL. Could little people really be running my mind and inspiring me? (One of my Dribbles talks about this, lol). This sounds sappy as hell, but I have to credit this site. I’ve received encouragement from so many people that I can’t pinpoint any one without needing to mention a ton of others. I’ve grown as an author due to the encouragement and help I’ve found on GA.
     
    What are your current projects?
    Well I just finished a final proof on The Experiment, which publishes soon, and I’m working up marketing plans and materials for a novella that began as my flash piece, One Night, that publishes Jan. 10th. I’ve failed completely at keeping up with my sequel novel to The Experiment I’ve been posting for free. Adverse Effects is close to done, if I can just FINISH it. Then I’ve had a ton of requests for Benny’s story, more set in the world from Heated Blood, continuing Coupled in Synchronicity, writing Nicklaus’ story from The Experiment world… As you can see, I always have a ton of work projects to write, but actually doing them. Ughs.
     
    Can you share a little of your current work with us?
    Not really. My writing is really limited anymore. Mostly my flash and editing for publishing. Anyone care to share any dedication with me? I’d make it my New Year’s resolution if I actually ever completed any of those.
     
    What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
    Meh, I don’t find criticism that tough. Either the people have a point and I appreciate it, or they flamers and I roll my eyes and ignore it. I once had someone tell me they went from sobbing to stroking reading one of my stories. I probably blushed ten shades of red, but hey, I’ll take it. LOL
     
    Chocolate or Vanilla?
    Vanilla with a scoop of peanut butter! Yum.
     
    Now, lets get into the nitty gritty questions about Bonds Unbroken
     
    Your Carthera tales are definitely different, how did you come up with the idea for the Carthera characters and why do you call them Carthera?
    I have a cat that loves to snuggle. One day he was laying on my shoulder and I was rubbing his head, watching his ears flick. I thought it would be such a cute mannerism on a ‘person’ but I didn’t want to do the run of the mill shifter types. I read, a lot, so it just took me a few hours of going over books I'd read to pinpoint how I wanted my shifter trope to develop. To be honest, the name just sorta came to me. It doesn’t signify anything in particular in the ‘real world’.
     
    How do you decide what “animal” each of your characters is going to represent?
    Well, first I decide which animal needs to be in the story based on the characteristics and events. Then I start building the character around those traits. I often do character bio sheets to pinpoint how old they are, their hometown and history, likes, dislikes, etc… so that I can visualize their response no matter what situation I throw at them. I know it’s not a very organic way to write but I’m a planner through and through.
     
    If your book were made into a movie, who do you picture playing each characters part?
    I can never answer this question. I don’t see my characters as any particular actor. They are so vivid in my head that they’re already a ‘person’. Real people just don’t fit that visual.
     
    Is there something about “Bonds Unbroken” that you wish you had done differently?
    Oh yeah. The story is pretty simplistic. I could expand it easily and more fully immerse the reader in the Carthera world beyond Velaku and Natham’s story.
     
    Which character in “Bonds Unbroken” is your favorite and why?
    I loved Natham’s character. He’s been so abused but he’s still strong. The bond or not, he’s protective of Velaku, and I adore that alpha male type.
     
    Do you plan to write more stories in the Carthera series and if so, do you have a timeline for when we can expect the next story?
    I still have Benny’s story (Character from third story, Hypnotic) written down bare bones, so I guess that would be next. It’ll stand alone like his brother’s story, Inside of You. I don’t have a timeline on that. I also have a 2nd trilogy planned out that’ll bring a lot of the other shifters introduced in the third story. Bears, whales, other birds… lots to work with!
     

    Thanks for reading through my interview! Feel free to leave your thoughts on the story, good and bad, though remember... flamers will be laughed at! Also, please let me know if you have any story suggestions to begin 2014's CSR Book Club.
  13. Cia

    Csr Discussion Day: The House Always Wins By Andr0Gene

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Wow... the next to last CSR for 2013. I can't say how much I've appreciated the readers who stuck with our book club and have helped keep it going this year. This month we have a great review from Renee Stevens about And0grene's story, The House Always Wins. Share your thoughts about the story.
     
    Don't forget to suggest a story for December!!


    The House Always Wins



    by Andr0gene


     

    Review by Renee Stevens


     

    Before I became a beta reader for Andr0gene, I first read his story The House Always Wins. While I have read all of his stories since then, this story remains my favorite. Though, “Colorado Games” and his “Confounded” series remain a close second! When “The House Always Wins” was chosen for the CSR’s November story, I decided it was high time I re-read the story, for probably the tenth time.
     
    The story “The House Always Wins” follows Jason Carter, or JJ, in the days after he has been kicked out of his home for no other reason than he was gay and was caught in a very compromising situation by his ultra-religious step-father. With very little money and nowhere to go, he points at a map and catches a bus to wherever his finger points to, Las Vegas.
     
    After being accidentally injured just outside of a casino, JJ finds himself a guest of the hotel and casino. He’s given time to mend, but eventually he has to be on his way. Before leaving, he decides to try his luck with the slot machines, only to find himself much worse off than he was when his journey began. Now, not only is he homeless, but he’s also completely broke. An unfortunate string of events leads up to an offer that is just too good for JJ to refuse.
     
    Michael Black, the owner of the casino that JJ has been staying at, has found himself in a peculiar situation. He needs a boyfriend, yet had neither the time nor the inclination to find one. He proposes a business deal that sounds too good to be true; pretend to be his boyfriend for a month and JJ will walk away with a cool twenty thousand. JJ quickly accepts, after all, he doesn’t really have any other options at the moment. Besides, how hard can it be to pretend?
     
    Actually a lot harder than he thought. The story follows the month that JJ spends with Michael. When Michael’s nosy mother shows up, JJ has to make sure she believes that he’s in love with Michael and Michael is in love with him, which includes sharing a bed with the man he’s supposed to love. Lines become blurred to the point where it can be difficult to distinguish exactly what is the truth and what is the lie.
     
    “The House Always Wins” in an interesting story and I quickly became engrossed in JJ’s plight. Andr0gene shows his skill with this story in that he hooked me from the start and refused to let go until I finished reading, as evidenced by how many times I have re-read this story. It has quickly become one of my go to stories when I want something that I just know I’m going to enjoy.
     

    Thanks for the review, Renee!! Okay guys, share your thoughts AND include your suggestion for next month's CSR!
  14. Cia
    Happy November to everyone! The seasons just keep on marching along and soon it will be winter, with all the indoor snuggling time the cold brings. For you southern hemisphere folks, you can just beat the heat by staying in the AC too, lol! Either way, you can have a great time reading this month's CSR Book Club selection, The House Always Wins by Andr0gene.
     
    The House Always Wins
    by Andr0gene
     
    Length: 51,963
     
    Description: $20,000, 1 month, 1 lie.
     
    What a Reader Had to Say: Two things 1) perfect ending to the story, I am glad it didn't change 2) you are an awesome writer but more chapters and more stories hehe. I read you stories, they suckered me write in then boom they are all done. I can't wait for the next story!!! ~ Daithi
     

    Happy Reading, and don't forget, the CSR Discussion Day for this story will be on Nov. 25th.
  15. Cia

    Csr Book Club Selection: Bonds Unbroken By Cia

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Wow, last month of 2013! This month our book club selection is one of my stories. Thank you Renee, Mann, Jo Ann. I hope you enjoy this story. It is part of a contemporary paranormal series that can each be read alone, but they are interconnected so they read the best in order. So, this month you can read the first, and shortest, of my Carthera Takeover Tales, which is handy with the holiday and all.



    Bonds Unbroken


    By Cia


     
    Word Count: 37,760
     
    Description: The Carthera are a violent race, never failing to respond to battle, they nevertheless are a proud and honorable people. Except for the ferals. Battles for territory, fighting persecution from the humans, for the right to rule, have echoed down through the ages. In these modern times things are different, easier. Laws are made--and enforced--and peace, of a sorts, is possible. Some seek to end that.
     
    What a Reader Said: It was a beatiful story, it makes me want my boyfriend, and makes me wish humans had a bond like the Carthera. Also makes me want a kitty boy. ~ Celethiel
     
    Our discussion day will be Monday, December 30th. **I am open to ANY and all comments. This story was written a few years ago, and I am constantly learning. I'm not easily offended, so really feel free to tell me what you think about the writing and the story.**
  16. Cia

    Wacky Wednesday: Interview With Totallyy

    By Cia,


    Author Interviews
    You might know Totallyy from chat or *coughs* his very colorful gallery pictures, but today's blog is all about his author side! Read on to learn what Ashi found out motivates one of GA's newer authors.


    Interview with Totallyy


     
    Interviewer: Ashi
     
    Totallyy is one of my favorite authors on GA. His writing is concise, and each of his word delivers a lot of punch than its initial impression. Some use of words are very poetic, and may require some deeper work on readers' part, but a couple read-throughs will pay off. I certainly feel I could connect with his writing. I hope you guys will, too.
     
    So here are some of the questions I asked of my favorite author.
     
    What inspired you to write?
     
    I started writing because I didn't like how ugly my feelings were and I wanted to make them into something beautiful.
     
    Hmmm.... Interesting. Ugly feelings.... Could you elaborate on that?
     
    I struggled with a lot of my emotions when I was a teen. I was sad a lot, and I didn't like that it always manifested so negatively. Writing helped me focus on something else other than how horrible I felt about myself.
     
    Feelings I Don't Know How to Say Otherwise, when you wrote that, what was on your mind?
     
    Basically, the title expresses the pieces exactly. I was listening to someone talking and it suddenly hit me: this overwhelming wave of emotional fluctuations. Writing has been my coping mechanism for a real long time, so I channeled those feelings into words. So the piece is just that, me, coping.
     
    As a reader, I find your writing style very lyrical and raw on emotion.
     
    Hahaha. That's the way I usually am.
     
    What/who was your inspiration of that style, if there is any?
     
    Honestly, people tell me my style is descriptive but that's just the way my emotions translate most wholly. A lot of fiction like to describe things, and places and people and those are really important. But I personally enjoy describing feelings more, the noise inside your body, instead of of the details outside. I find [them] more interesting, more universal.
     
    Interesting. On that vein, would you consider yourself more of an introspective person or do you seek experience outside of yourself?
     
    I'm usually introspective. I often dwell inside my mind.
     
    Totallyy's works can be found on GA. Please check his works out!
     

    Thank you Ashi and Totallyy for coming on today's blog!!
  17. Cia

    Csr Discussion Day: Wrangler Butts By Reddirtwriter

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    A story with Butts in the title? Where can you go wrong? LOL Check out this month's interview with the author of Wrangler Butts and share your thoughts about his story. Don't forget to vote for next month's story too! Without further ado... I bring you: RedDirtWriter.
     
    I love to get to know a bit more about our authors, so how about we start this interview with a little bit about you? What don’t we know?
    Okay, let me think. I’m not too unique, or at least I don’t think I am. I guess I’d say that I’m a reader first and foremost. I was that kid in grade school that when the public library had their summer reading challenge, I read that many books during the first week. I was the guy in junior high whose dad would yell “Get your damn nose out of those books and get outside and do something useful.” That’s me. I’m perfectly happy to be lost in a world of my own imagination.
     
    Okay, a very important question… Vanilla or Chocolate?
    Oh, that’s an easy one. Vanilla. The stronger the vanilla flavor the better.
     
    Now that we have that out of the way, when did you first begin writing?
    I started writing fiction pretty recently. Wrangler Butt was actually the first fiction I’ve written. Maybe something in the dim recesses of high school, but nothing I can remember. I’d been a long time follower of on-line sites like GA and the stories with rural characters weren’t the way I wanted them to be, so I finally decided either shut up or give it a shot. So I did. Man, my writing has improved since I started, but now the challenge is not to lose my voice behind all the rules. Like everything, it takes practice. But it’s still about the story, and I’ve been making up stories and telling them to anyone who’d listen since I was three or four.
    Apparently long before I could read, I would flip through the books and make up my own tale based on the illustrations.
     
    Who supports you the most? A reader that became a friend, family, fellow authors?
    I have several loyal readers who keep in touch and are so supportive. Also the person who works with me on the on-line stuff is great to bounce ideas off and see what he thinks. But I was terrified when I sent my first submission. I think it took three days for me to get enough courage to send it. I just knew I’d be shredded, but that’s not what happened at all. I got a few, very gentle, suggestions that I should have someone proof read for me.  Mostly I got great emails that have continued since where my readers share their appreciation of the stories. I’ve actually gotten that email saying “I’m hard and crying, now what do I do?”
     
    Definitely reader support has kept me doing it. I’m always a little disappointed when a posting doesn’t get much response.
     
    When did you get the idea for Wrangler Butts?
    Well the name came from a friend of mine in college. She drove a pickup and had a bumper sticker that said “Wrangler Butts Drive Me Nuts” I always thought it was hilarious. But then she also did mud wrestling, so she was a bit of a unique personality.
     
    The story itself was total discovery writing. The initial Darrin and Mitch are based on people I knew when I was much younger. Well, more like a combination of several people. But as the stories have evolved, the characters have developed personalities that are uniquely their own. I’ve been writing them now for a couple of years and they’re like old friends. It’s so comfortable to write about them. They have a cameo in a new novel I’m working on, and it was such a nice familiar feeling to be writing about them again. But the little dickens, they still throw me a curve ball from time to time.
     
    Can you share a bit about your current work with us? Anything coming up real soon for readers?
    Oh wow, lots of stuff actually. I tend to have several things going so I can switch around if I need a break from one of them. I’m continuing to work on my current online project “Lariats and Lacrosse Sticks” about two college roommates who fall for each other. My first published piece “Heart of the Pines” is coming out on December 1 under the pen name of Jon Keys as part of DreamSpinner Press’s 2013 Advent Calendar. I also am now one of the “Wednesday Briefs” group and posted the first chapter of a new serial titled “Controller” last week. It’s a story about the ups and downs of someone who’s new to college, and still working on the whole relationship thing.
     
    I have another novella “Home Grown” submitted to a publisher and should hear back in December. Fingers crossed. It’s a romance between one of the venders at the farmer’s market and a hard-core foodie who is one of his regular customers and how they’re dealing with baggage that each of them have. A little further out I’m finishing a new story called “Rekindling” that I’m submitting for DreamSpinner Press’s Open Call “Juicy Bits”. I’m also working through the edits on a new contemporary western called “Drawing the Devil”. Set in the homophobic world of rodeo, it’s a story about an up and coming bullrider and one of the rodeo bullfighters (rodeo clowns).
     
    Hmm, let’s see. Oh, I recently finished the rough draft on my first M/M/F story. “Three is Just Enough” is about a young polyamorous trio who are working out the intricacies of a relationship between three people. And, in a final fit of insanity, I’m doing NaNoWriMo starting November 1st. “Obsidian Sun” is a story that I’ve been planning for a long time and I’m excited for it to see the light of day. It’s one of those that everyone has, the one you keep back until you’re good enough to do it justice. But I’ve decided to just “Let ‘em buck” as Mitch would say. This will be a first for me, an alternative history fantasy with a cool magic system based on weaving.
     
    Wow, it’s a little daunting to see it all written out. I’m really not as crazy as that list looks. There are other plot bunnies, but new ones at this point get put in the plot bunny pasture where they can all play together and keep each other entertained until I need them.
     
    One last question. The final question. One you must answer with all honesty… What are you wearing?
    It’s a lazy cold weekend and I’m taking full advantage of it. I have on a tee, sweatshirt and pants from UnderArmour. Maybe wearing athletic clothes will inspire me to work out. Nah, probably not.
     

    LOL! Thanks for the great interview! Okay folks, you know the drill. Share the story love and share you thoughts on the story. Check out the options below for the stories for next month, and don't forget to vote!
     
    Hello, My Name Is... by Naptowngirl
    Attraction by meanderingsNmusings
    Messy Business by Myiege
    The House Always Wins by Androgene
  18. Cia
    Illumination by Rowan Speedwell
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    Illumination was a fascinating eBook. I was worried the subject matter would revolve around the day in and day out of a rock star. While it did matter, quite a bit, Adam wasn't really the focus of this eBook.
     
    Miles is, by far, the driving character behind the story, though we don't meet him first. He is complex, and has a personality behind the personality. I don't want to give away any of the lovely complexities in this story via spoilers... but what you think you know about him gets completely turned around as the story progresses. Rowan's multi-layered character must be acknowledged as a superior example of how to write a person in a story that feels completely real.
     
    I loved the damage the characters have, and the challenges they face, and the strength it takes for them to overcome. There's a lot of external drama, and internal, between Miles and Adam. I dislike the lack of communication being a pivotal point between characters, but in Illumination that was actually a part of their personalities that made perfect sense. It wasn't just to drive the conflict to new heights, there were understandable reasons why the romance devolves.
     
    Now, I won't get more explicit than that. There's angst, and drama, and some heart-break, emotional flaws, anger... and art. I can't forget about the art. I'm in love with the visuals Rowan created for the illuminations Miles did, so much so that I wanted one. I wish the cover could have shown that aspect of the story better. It felt like a color by number marker painting, not an intricate, custom illumination around a page of script.
     
    So, all in all, to sum up... great characters, good drama, and a satisfying ending that I won't spoil, lol.

    View all my reviews
  19. Cia
    Light by Nathan Burgoine
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    Light surprised me. I was expecting something a bit more intellectual, technical, I guess you might say. The cover was very 80s-esque, but the plot is very much within the current trend toward superhero fiction. The blurb really plays up the story's overall plot, and the style, so I wasn't disappointed, just a little surprised at the contrast between the cover and actual story.
     
    I'm not going to go over the plot. It's covered really well in the blurb. The characters were great. I absolutely loved Kieran's snark when he was judging guys he's dating or 'forced to date' by his meddlesome best friend. The power element seemed to be well described and the author stuck to the 'rules' they'd come up with through the whole story.
     
    So, the best friend is pretty much the cut from the same cloth gay man best friend type of character, but hey... I liked the coffee swilling woman anyway. I wasn't impressed or easily understood the element of the Miracle Woman, other than to explain the 'Hide' part that led to Kieran keeping his secrets hidden.
     
    Sebastian was pretty cool and HOT! He seemed pretty real, and I liked his interactions with Kieran. I love, love, loved his dog. I had the big, dumb dog myself until last year, so I totally got that and the reaction to Kieran was freaking hilarious. 'Play!'
     
    Okay, the bad guy and the bad guy behind the bad guy were completely and totally transparent. So, while I enjoyed the story... they felt way too two dimensional for me to really feel the tension after the first scene during the flag raising at the start of Pride week.
     
    Plot... pretty solid. Ease of reading and dialogue/narration flow was excellent and made this a very easy read. The characters were well described, and I could easily 'see' each of them, which was good because there were enough in the story that it could have been confusing if they weren't so distinctly fleshed out.
     
    Overall, not quite the story I was expecting, but very good nonetheless. Definite recommend if you like contemporary with a bit of 'extra' thrown in. The world was complex enough with some openings for follow ups, so it'll be interesting if the author comes back and writes more psi stories in this world.

    View all my reviews
  20. Cia
    October already! Really? Wow! This year is flying by, right? Well this month, for your reading enjoyment, we have a story about something any cowgirl or cowboy can appreciate ... Wrangler butts!


    Wrangler Butts


    by Reddirtwriter


     
    Length: 85,286
     
    Description: Darrin has had a difficult time, but has resigned himself to academia and solitude. But his new office mate arrives, and he is Darrin's living wet dream. A dark haired masculine cowboy with a little bit of attitude, Mitch is going to shake up Darrin's life. But neither of them knows the highs, and lows, ahead of them.
     
    What a Reader Had to Say: I don't understand why there are not a ton of reviews here. This is such hot writing and so very good in all aspects. The story is riveting as are the sex scenes. I am blown away by it all. ~ Jaro_423
     

    This story by Reddirtwriter comes with bonuses... sequels!! This first story in the Wrangler Butts series was just the beginning. If you love what you read, keep going and see what happens in the two following stories: Maverick Cattle Company and Growing Josh. That might be a bit much for a book club month, lol, but you are free to fall in love with the stories and keep reading.
     
    Our Discussion day will be October 28th, so get started reading now!
  21. Cia

    Csr Discussion Day: Accidents Happen By Comicfan

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    This month's book club selection featured Accidents Happen by Comicfan. The story is a bit longer than our usual, but with 5 weeks to read it, I hope that everyone is ready to discuss! The most votes for our feature today was for an interview with Comicfan, so I hope you all enjoy learning a bit more about our resident prompt guru and Hosted author!
     
    First, the hard stuff!
     
    Who do you like best, Jerry or Tom?
    I’m always rooting for Jerry.
     
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
    I need a nice neat bed. I make it every day and clean those sheets too.
     
    Chocolate or Vanilla?
    Oh God, of course chocolate. (my kinda man! lol)
     
    What are you wearing?
    A pair of blue shorts and an old grey shirt with the front cover of Superman from issue number one on it.
     
    With a nickname like Comicfan, which comics are your favorite?
    From the comic strips it is comics like Peanuts, Ziggy, and Garfield. If you are talking comic books well it is more like Justice League, Teen Titans, Flash, and of course Wonder Woman. (Ahh, now the shirt makes sense, lol Makes me wonder though... is he wearing shorts in the US sense or the British, )
     
    Let's talk a bit about writing!
     
    Do you have any writing rituals?
    I like to get into comfortable clothes, put in some nice music and start to write. I can’t create though in silence. I need to be comfortable and relaxed.
     
    Do your characters try to make like bunnies and create ever more convoluted plots for you? Or do you have to coax them out of your characters?
    Okay, most of the time the stories are convoluted enough. I mean I don’t have space ships landing in the middle of an everyday story, but there are enough problems swirling around them to keep the story interesting and moving along. I never have to coax them, although I have tried to gag them to keep them quiet every now and then.
     
    What sort of coffee would your characters order? Simple coffee, complicated soy-non-fat-extra-espresso-half-caff-nightmare?
    Most of my characters are pretty straight forward. Light and sweet would be the drink choice. I rarely have a diva amongst mine.
     
    Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
    I have a very close knit group of friends that I met in college. They have supported me and offered another set of eyes on some of my projects over the years. It is basically because of that support I felt comfortable enough with my own work to begin to look for outlets for it. Thus, I finally began posting on GA.
     
    If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
    I’ve been lucky to work with some really great people on the site. I am always open to learning from all of them, but I have worked most often with Renee Stevens. She has shown me a few things when writing.
     
    Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
    Considering I work on the prompts and help with the anthologies, I see a lot of new writers. Sometimes the prompts entice someone to finally venture forth and put out their first piece of writing here. I’ve enjoyed the works of Myiege, Joann, Kitt, and Never Surrender as they have all been active participants in the prompts. Hopefully people will read their work and encourage them to keep writing.
     
    What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
    Like anyone else you will have people love and hate your work. I don’t know if I am rare or not, but I do post an email for people to contact me if they wish to. Knowing that others will not see a comment offers the reviewer a sense of privacy and sometimes they take advantage. I’ve been told by one person after they read End in the Beginning for an anthology that I write sentimental crap, with unbelievable dialogue, and I should consider just leaving the work to those who could write.
     
    My response to that was The Escape of John Doe. It seemed to end the idea that I am just not able to write. I’ve also had someone write to me telling me that they enjoyed my stories and share them with their friends. Knowing my work is appreciated and shared makes writing them worth the rewrites, aggravation, and problems any writer faces when looking at a blank sheet of paper or screen.
     
    What inspired you to write Accidents Happen?
    Like the main character, Charlie, I was going through a lot of changes in my own life. I had just lost my mother the year before, while she was having heart surgery. My father’s health had taken a nose dive and I had just moved back to Long Island. I had found Gay Authors and been reading the works of many authors, but finally decided to I wanted to comment so I joined. After talking to some people in chat, I figured if I wanted to write again, this seemed to be a fairly supportive environment to do it.
     
    So I began to think consider the last time my life had gone through so many changes and realized it was just as I was getting out of college. Within just a few minutes Charlie was born and I then wrote out a character sheet for Charlie and all the main characters. Wasn’t much longer till it began to appear each week and while not perfect, at least it was well accepted by those here at GA.
     

    Whew! Comicfan answered a lot of questions. Thank you so much! I appreciate you letting us in and telling us more about yourself. Now let's share some of that feedback all authors love so much. If you enjoyed reading Accident's Happen, let him know. Share you thoughts, a review, or questions for Comicfan.
     
    If you haven't had a chance to read the story yet, check it out here.
     
    Options for October:
    In the Shadow of the Dragon
    Skeletons of the Future
    Marcus and the Slave
    Wrangler Butts
    Don't forget to vote for your reading choice!
  22. Cia
    Scorpion by Aleksandr Voinov
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    I'm not a big fan of historical work, but sometimes I can't help but pick up one that sounds sooo good. Scorpion lived up to my expectations too! There were many elements of this story that made it read more like a fantasy than a historical book, likely because the time was set so far into the past.
     
    The contrast of the gritty soldier's POV to the far reaching and political landscape that made up the plot was refreshing. A simple person myself, I appreciated seeing it from the outside. I'd not have been nearly as involved in the story had I been reading it from another viewpoint, the Leader's, for example.
     
    I've recently found myself enjoying MM military stories outside of contemporary fiction plots, and this story fit right into that. We saw all the orders, special missions, rank maneuvering, FUBAR moments and victories. Kendras' role in so many vastly important moments intrigued me. The author managed to make it all plausible that this one person, this ex-street rat turned soldier on the eve of his death, could do everything he did.
     
    I will say this, if gritty scenes of pain, sex, or pain and sex, bother you, don't pick up this book. There are many instances of non-con and dub-con that show up. It fits with the time period and the character's lives though, so if you're not easily spooked by dark content matter, I would definitely recommend Scorpion. It has put Aleksandr Voinov onto my radar, and I will certainly be looking for more of his eBooks to read in the future.
     
    Edit to add: I just exchanged some comments with the author and was told... nope, fantasy not historical. Perhaps it was the 'real' feel to the story that made me put this in the wrong genre, but either style you like, fantasy or history, this story could work for you.
    View all my reviews
  23. Cia

    Csr Book Club Selection: Accidents Happen By Comicfan

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    It's September already! I'm off on the last summer hurrah, a family camping weekend, but I've managed to bring the September selection to you for your reading enjoyment! Per your voting (thank you to everyone who did the poll!) this month's selection is ....



    Accidents Happen


    by Comicfan


     
    Length: 93,993
     
    Description: Charlie's whole life has been a series of accidents. He often joked that if it wasn't for bad luck he wouldn't be here. But now that everything is changing again in his life what will this accident bring to him?
     

    What a Reader Had to Say: I started reading this story right before I saw people nominating it for the Reader's Choice Awards. I've been reading it on an off ever since. I finally finished.
     
    It was such a wonderful story. It made me cry, made me laugh, made me cry again. ~ From Lisa
     

    Okay, come back for the discussion day on September 30th, which gives you plenty of time to make it through this novel. Also, don't forget to check out the poll, so you can help pick out the post for that day.
  24. Cia
    Sweet Young Thang by Anne Tenino
    My rating: 3 of 5 stars
     
    Things go wrong ... again, and again. Beware, this review has a whole bunch of spoilers. Overall, I liked the story but felt that it was rather mediocre in my reading experience. That has nothing to do with the drama in the book, but more of my own perceptions.
     
     
     
     
    If you like college fiction, or stories with fireman paramedics, romance and a lot of drama... this story could be for you. I might be a bit picky about preferring the plot a bit less transparent, so if you don't mind early on knowing who your baddie is ... well, then sure, I'd recommend the story!

    View all my reviews
  25. Cia

    Csr Discussion Day: Don't Shout By Sasha Distan

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Welcome back to another Discussion day with the Can't Stop Reading Blog Book Club. Whew, is that a mouthful. What isn't a mouthful is the story that is the subject of today's discussion. Quite a bit of the problem we're introduced to right away is that fact that one character doesn't talk at all, at least not out loud. I hope everyone is ready to discuss their thoughts about Don't Shout by Sasha Distan. First, though, we're going to learn a bit more about Sasha, who I subjected to another one of my interviews!
     

    When did you first consider yourself a writer?
    2007, the year I turned 20. I’d been writing since I was like 9, and writing online for all the world to see since I was 16. But 2007 was the year I wrote my first book. I entered NanoWriMo because my Godfather, who gave me most of my writing advice asked me to for his birthday. I entered, and I won. That was the point when writing stopped becoming just a hobby and started becoming something I defined myself by too.
     
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    Mostly, allowing my brain to finish a sentence before my hands catch up. I tend to get overexcited, then you get lots of errors, especially continuity ones. I make no secret that I write quickly, as some people will know, I wrote the whole of Don’t Shout in something like 28 days flat. It took up half of February and half of March, which is why the weather that Cole experiences on the farm is so awful. Anyone in my part of England may recall that those were the two months where it basically rained every day.
     
    The writing is fine, it’s the not writing which I find challenging. I don’t really think up my characters, they just show. If they don’t show, I don’t write. I hate not writing.
     
    Do your characters try to make like bunnies and create ever more convoluted plots for you? Or do you have to coax them out of your characters?
    No, they pretty much run with the story and I try to keep up and not burn my fingers. There were a couple of scenes that never made in into Don’t Shout (an awesome Cole-is-thick cinema moment and some riding-instruction stuff that was going to be building between Cole and his little sister) because by the time I’d gotten to the keyboard, the boys had moved on and there was something else to write down furiously.
     
    So how did you come up with your idea for Don’t Shout?
    The inspiration for Don’t Shout…. Is sort of tricky to explain. I was reading a story on another site (I didn’t know about GA then and I hadn’t found my new family here) which featured a boy who for some unexplained reason didn’t talk. It was appallingly written and I didn’t read more than two short chapters in which nothing of note happened but the apparent shy and mute boy had sex with his friend a lot. The whole thing was nonsense. I went to bed thinking “Wouldn’t it be interesting to write about a couple who maybe couldn’t communicate easily?”
     
    And then there they were. The story, both the boys, Wilton and his (fabulous) guitar, Jared’s over protective twin sister, all laid out for my with about the first two pages, verbatim, of the first chapter, in my head. Then Cole turns and looks at me and goes “Well, get on with it.” So I did. I met a friend during NanoWriMo who signed, and she’d taught us a few bits. Let me tell you, she, and various deaf-signing YouTube videos, got a lot of attention that month. I bought a book on BSL and studied up. The kids (I teach) thought I was amazing and nuts. Sometimes we sign to each other in class, mostly emotions and stuff. They seem to think I rock.
     

    What is your favorite part of Don’t Shout?
    I have a couple of favorite moments. I love the end of Chapter 5, where the boys are riding Dune on Blackrock Farm, and the sun comes over the lake. I love that moment because I was there, Blackrock farm exists, under another name, and I have ridden my horse into that sunset. It’s a great moment to be in. The photos of Cole and Jared though are my favourite things though, the way they keep the boys going when they are physically apart. I can see that picture of Cole, in love, in his truck in the moonlight, so clearly I’m surprised sometimes that it doesn’t exist.
     
    How did you find your way to Gay Authors?
    Cannd. I was referred by a user who got in contact with me through a lesser site that shall remain nameless. GA came highly recommended and when I started branching out, I decided I wanted an actually community to branch out to. I like it here *sits* I think I’ll stay.
     
    Okay, now a bit about you! I know you recently got married, congrats! Does your spouse read your stories?
    Thank you, married life rocks.
     
    Short answer, no. Long answer, he promises that he will read something I wrote… one day. He’s a proper geek, and it’s not really his sort of thing. I don’t write in code.
     
    Where do you do most of your writing?
    The biggest chunk of my writing is done on the sofa. I write on a little 10 inch netbook, and I have an ordinary sized PC playing music, movies, or episodes of old TV shows. I do quite a lot of writing on the train, at school at lunch times, and sometimes in the pub. The best place I wrote in was at The Workshop where I trained as a jeweler, lots of other people being quietly creative, good music in the background and whirr of dentist drills. The weirdest place I ever wrote was in the tattoo studio while getting tattooed.
     
    Do you eat your vegetables?
    Yes. I eat everything. But if a meal doesn’t have meat in it, I will lay back my ears and get stubborn.
     
    And oh so very important … Chocolate or Vanilla?.
    Vanilla with chocolate ganache sauce. But I’d rather have lemon sorbet with a key lime pie.
     

    Thank you Sasha, for putting up with my questions! Okay... now I'm going to open up the floor to readers to discuss the story. Don't forget to check out the poll above and vote on your choice for September's CSR story selection.

    Accidents Happen be Comicfan Colorado Game by Androgene The Paladin by David McLeod

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