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Cia

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  1. Cia

    Csr: Story Discussion Day For Nowhere Man

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    It's that time again! Can't Stop Reading (CSR) Book Discussion Day! This month we are discussing Nowhere Man by Jwolf. This roughly 45,000 word modern story was published back in 2011 and was nominated on last month's discussion day by Percy. If you haven't read the story yet, please be aware the following review will have several spoilers, and several of the comments most likely will as well.
     
    My review:
     
    I hadn't read this story in a long, long time. So, in preparation for today I read it again. The comment by a reader I highlighted on the day we revealed the chosen story sort of said it all for me. I wasn't quite sure what to think as I read it, and even after I finished it. There were some interesting themes and ideas in the story. The letters left by Travis' father were a very interesting plot device that led to a fundamental theme in Travis' psyche. The statement he most wished to embody, "Protect Love Above All Else".
     
    The story follows Travis' attempts to find love and keep it. The story is completely insane though, and I had to put aside a ton of belief that any rational being would have even considered doing the things Travis did. Tyler, the other lead character, was a completely psychotic character but in that quiet, no one would ever think he'd do that something like that, personality. Wade wasn't any better but the idea of a 'stupid clown' like him as a little humorous and freaky at the same time.
     
    I found Tyler's *ahem* fluid sexuality to be very interesting. It was a major factor in the story that prompted all sorts of things. Travis was gay, and knew it, but he seemed to have no idea what he should actually DO with another man. Not just sexually either, though actual sex scenes were many in the story, but on an emotional level. He was an idealistic idiot, to be truthful. I kept thinking, damn man, you epitomize the too flipping stupid to live character. And he kept shacking up with nut jobs!
     
    At the end, the relationship left was completely out of left field. I couldn't even begin to believe the story as 'real' even though it was modern but it kept me reading. I wanted to see if Travis would end up like that ditzy cheerleader that always goes outside in bad horror flicks. This story had exactly that vibe, and kept me watching for al the same reasons those kitchy b-flicks do. They're great, in their own special, iconic, totally off the beaten path way.
     
    So, all in all, I enjoyed Nowhere Man quite a bit. How about you? Please consider leaving your comments/reviews/thoughts and ratings here in the discussion blog. If not here, think about leaving some in the story too!
     
    Also, I'd like to see some nominations for next month's feature! We need a completed story, between 20-90k. The chosen story will be announced next week! Just post the story you'd like to see here.
  2. Cia

    Writing Prompts #210 & #211

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    TGIF! Thank goodness it's Friday and we all know that means prompts! Check out this week's inspirations from our lovely prompt guru, Comicfan.
     
    Prompt 210:
    As if things didn't go wrong normally, you were killed accidentally this morning when a bus driver swerved on a wet road to avoid a kitten and plowed right into the coffee shop where you were waiting to get your morning coffee. Instead of a trip to heaven or hell, you are met and told you are actually going to work as grim reaper. What is your first day on the job like?
     
    Prompt 211:
    You just won an all access pass to see your favorite singer. Who is it and what is it like?
     
    For our feature, we are showcasing a piece inspired in part off Prompt 208 from last week by Mann Rambling. This was his first stab at using prompts and it seems like he got some pretty good inspiration!
     

    This is just the beginning of his prompt response and there's quite a bit more to read in the story before this was used in a later chapter. Check it out from the beginning here, The Luxorian Fugitive.
  3. Cia

    Csr Book Club Monthly Feature

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Hi again readers! We had some great feedback and thoughts on last books kick off book club selection. I appreciate all of the time readers invested in participating. This month I've picked a selection from the suggestions made by commenters last month. As February is a short month, so the discussion will take place on February 25th. I truly hope we can continue to see success with the book club! Okay, on to this month's selection! Drumroll .........

    Nowhere Man
    by Jwolf

     
     
     

    Length: 44,350  

    Rating: Mature
     
    Description: Travis has given up on finding love. That is until he meets this stranger that leads him everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
     
    Some Thoughts From A Reader: OK, this was interesting and a little weird to read. And I don´t know exactly what to think after I´ve just finished it a couple of minutes ago.
     
    Have fun reading, and don't forget, the discussion date for this story is February 25th!
  4. Cia

    Writing Prompts #206 & #207

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    "It's me again, Margaret!" No, I'm not quite that old but my Dad controlled the TV growing up. For you young'uns, maybe this will prompt you to google it; the man was funny! Okay, so this week I'm bringing you two more great prompts from our resident flash fiction guru man, Comicfan and a prompt selection from a new GA Author, Wicked Witch!
     
    First, our dose of weekly inspiration:
     
    Prompt 206 – Creative
    Tag – The Dance
    There is a long standing story that if any of the fairy folk ask you to dance, never say yes. Unfortunately you never liked to listen to people and you said yes. What happens when you are finally done with the dance?
     
    Prompt 207 – Creative
    Tag – The Fixer
    They say for everything there is an opposite. So what is the opposite of those tricky jinns who have people make terrible wishes that end up destroying their lives totally? Meet a fixer. What do they do?
     
    Now, on to our weekly highlight of prompt creativity! Wicked Witch posted his very first story here on GA using prompt #201 as inspiration for the first chapter in his new serial story, Dancing With Fate.
  5. Cia

    Writing Prompts #204 & #205

    By Cia,


    Prompts
    Well, Robert's off freezing his bits at the capital and internet gremlins have struck at Renee's, so you get a weekly prompt blog from yours truly! As always, our very own inspiring prompt guru, Comicfan has 2 interesting scenarios to intrigue you. Don't forget, if you decide to try one of these out, share it with the rest of us in the Writing Prompt Forum!!
     
    Prompt 204 – Creative
    Tag – The Monster Hunter
    You always thought you were the only one. You hunted down the dark and the evil, until they showed up. Their skills nearly matched your own, but where your stuff cobbled together theirs is the best money can buy. Who is this Monster Hunter, and are they there to help you or to replace you?
     
    Prompt 205 – Challenge
    Tag – The Best Day Ever
    Take the opposite sort of character from what you usually write and now create the perfect day for them. Example: You write about sex crazed teenagers, now write about the perfect day for an eighty year old nun, or your specialty is creating kickass zombie slayers, so maybe you have a male nurse who works in a hospital natal ward.
     
    Last week we shared a prompt by Joann414 with you that incorporated 2 prompts. Dolores must have taken some inspiration of sorts from that when she came up with the impressive piece we chose to feature this week.
     
     
     

    TBC in Dolores' GA Writing Prompt collection, with not just these 2 prompts incorporated, but 7 in total! Follow this link to read all of The Magic of Fire.
  6. Cia

    Featured Story: When I Fall Asleep / Rexer

    By Cia,


    Featured Stories
    What? Cia is posting the blog? That's right! Straight from reading a Promising Story, to reviewing it, to posting the blog. I don't know how Trebs and Renee and all their helpers keep doing this! So readers, help us out! We constantly need volunteers to help review stories for our Authors, Promising Authors, and Hosted Authors for our weekly features.
     
    We know we have great readers on this site, the numbers Trebs posted last week for the reviews in GA. Stories was staggering. All it takes is one little pm to Renee or Trebs to find out what to do if you're not sure. So, since we know you're enjoying the stories on here, grab your courage (and keyboard) with both hands and write a review!
     
    Now, without further ado, on to this week's reviews!!
     
     
     
     
     


    When I Fall Asleep


    By Razor


     

    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 7,145
    Review by: Cia
     
    So, it’s been a very long time since I joined GA and read my way through the Hosted and Promising. Back then I was always looking for the novel, and tended to avoid reading the short stories, which was a real shame because there are some great ones. This review is for an old anthology story, written and posted before I joined GA.
     
    Now, anyone I’ve talked to knows that I don’t normally like to read teen stories. The graphic nature that some authors use tends to put me off. But this coming of age story by Razor was perfect for me in terms of that content. In it we follow the growing up of a pair of friends, two boys who meet in the first grade and find out that they’re a lot alike.
     
    But the pains and perils of getting older can sometimes outweigh all the good things teens know about their friends and sometimes, when they don’t know any better, they make the wrong choices. Those can spiral beyond their control, but eventually, kids grow up because of the things they experience.
     
    This story doesn’t end in the usual unhappy way for the main character, which was a twist I wasn’t expecting. Since I’m a sucker for a happy ending, I find that in my mind, I’m still wondering about what else could happen afterward for both boys. I love stories that make me feel that way. The writing flow was smooth and since I'm a mom of a young boy I was alternately amused, and horrified, and then reminding myself to put a better lock on the doors in my house in the next few years, LOL! All in all, a good entertaining story that left me with a smile.
     
     
     


    Rexer


    by Zolia Lily


    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 13,332
    Review by: Andy021278
     

    This is a lovely story written by Zolia Lily that I came across back in January. It’s her only story currently available, and looking back now, I can’t actually remember why I started reading it; but I’m glad I did.
     
    The two main characters are Paul Rexer and Jake Preston, who are co-workers. The story starts out with the two of them seemingly having bumped into each other quite by accident in the street; they have lunch, and they unexpectedly hit it off. Lunch leads to dinner, and then they spend the night at Jake’s apartment.
     
    All good so far, except it seems that Jake may well be a stalker. After their night of passion, Paul picks up a telephone message from Jake’s mum asking him to “let us know about Rex, ok? None of us can wait to meet him.” Paul now starts wondering just how casual that meeting outside his favourite coffee shop, on his regular Saturday morning stop really was. Had Jake already told his parents that they were having a relationship?
     
    Jake is the quiet, cute, unassuming guy at work, who makes plans, and lists and worries about the tiniest of details; hardly surprising since he has OCD. Surely, Jake couldn’t have engineered their little lunch time meeting, could he? Paul begins seeing quiet little Jake as a male version of Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, so he hightails it from Jake’s apartment, whilst his stalker is still asleep in bed.
     
    The next day at work, everything seems all right, that is until Paul accidentally receives some personal correspondence in the office mail that is addressed to Jake; except it also has Paul’s name on it as well. Just why is Jake having personal mail sent to him with both his and Paul’s name on it?
     
    Though what will happen when Paul has it out with his bunny-boiling stalker? Just how much of a stalker is Jake? Is he really as scary as all the mounting evidence suggests? You’ll have to read to find out.
     
    The story is beautifully crafted overall and she has created a wonderful and believable character in Jake; most likely a result of her familiarity with OCD. My only criticism of the story is a purely technical point in that there are issues with the punctuation of speech tags; but certainly, it does not detract in any way from what is a very enjoyable read.
     


    ***


    I hope you enjoyed these reviews. Remember, our authors don't get paid, so leave them a comment or two in appreciation for their stories!
  7. Cia
    Yep, I'm pre-empting Blast From the Past this week to inform members of a story that's been stolen from GA then put up for sale on Amazon. The story stolen was Chasing the Shadows by K.C. Grim and it was posted under Embraced by Shadows by K.J. Fleur back in May. We only found this out when a concerned reader emailed the admin account to find out if the story was stolen and posted on GA. That proved to have happened in the reverse, and KC had his story ripped off.
     
    All this author did was change the names in the story and the title. They even used the same description!
     
    Earlier this year, I was alerted to the fact that several authors on Amazon had copied multiple stories from authors on Literotica. Of course, I checked to see if this K.J. Fleur had copied other stories from GA. but they don't appear to have any other stories in their author account. That doesn't mean your stories are safe online though!
     
    Now, I'm not a techie, so I might not be going about this the right way but I performed a search on a part of the description that didn't have any names. I found that you need to type in the phrase you search on Google, not copy it from any site online. When I did it with copied text from GA, I found GA results to KC's story. When I copied the phrase from Amazon, I found results on the story on Amazon. When I typed in the description by hand, I found both.
     
    The problem also lies in the fact that thieves might not be quite a stupid as this 'K.J. Fleur' and write up their own description. So how do you look to see if your story has been stolen? I couldn't find any simple way to search by a phrase from the story to search for other plagiarized content stolen from GA. If any readers of this blog are better at this than me, please let us know how to do it.
     
    If for some reason you do discover your story on Amazon, there is recourse. KC has already contacted Amazon and has been told that they would have a resolution quickly, within a few days. I found this page, Kindle Direct Publishing Terms and Conditions, with the exact language for anyone who feels their story has been stolen and the steps to take to correct it. The relevant paragraph is # 5.7:
     

    I also found this:
     

    I'm sure every author on GA would be horrified to discover their story had been stolen, especially those who are attempting to break into the publishing world. I truly hope this has not happened to anyone else from GA. A big thank you goes to the concerned reader who contacted us. Without that information, this might have gone unnoticed.
  8. Cia

    Feature Story: The Third Fire

    By Cia,


    Featured Stories
    Looking for a read last night, I came across this story. One of the many thousands on the site, I wanted a quick read and this fit perfectly. Enjoy!
     


    The Third Fire


    by Lugh


     

    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 1,450
    Reviewed by: Cia
     
    Did you ever feel in the mood for just a tidbit of a story? Our Hosted Authors aren't good just for long, serial stories. Quite a few also provide us with great quick reads just right for that fifteen minutes you have on the bus, train, or those short times when you aren't expected to be doing whatever you are responsible for in life. For me that was between putting the chicken in the oven, nagging the kids to clean their rooms, and when I had to have dinner on the table. For my reading pleasure, I chose Lugh's short story called The Third Fire, one he wrote before my tenure as one of his betas.
     
    The tags were interesting, including coming of age, religion, and mages. They piqued my interest, wondering how they could possibly mix together. A short time later I knew.
     
    The story is a great mix of finding that moment when you leave childhood behind and become that person who moves ahead in life knowing who and what you are - what you're supposed to be doing. For Azrael, that came one night as he is claimed by a goddess, and a man, all at the same time.
     
    I loved the uncertain nature of Azrael's thoughts up to that moment of realization. The story was told from his point of view and we get a sense of his confusion, uncertainity and then ... BAM. His moment came. Literally, lol.
     
    Lugh's ability to create a picture in few words is one of my favorite things about him as an author. He creates intricate worlds and characters, but he can keep it simple and still enthrall me every time. I've read most of his stories and can't think of a single one I haven't found myself enjoying. That isn't to say his writing is perfect. As usual, he forgot the rules about when mom and dad become Mom and Dad, and there were a few missteps in the story I'd have called him on if I'd been a beta for the story.
     
    However, none of that took anything away from my enjoyment of the story. I love fantasy, and I love when it makes me think. I liked the fire symbolism in the story too.
     
    So, if you don't have the time to start reading one of the many serial stories by our Hosted Authors, pick one of the many short stories available. Start with this one if you like fantasy, or coming of age stories, you won't regret it! Don't forget to a leave a few reviews as well.
     
    Happy Reading!
  9. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up 2/27-3/3

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    A look back at this week on GA!
     
    This week started off with a review of Tiff's No Fairy Tale World by yours truly! A great story, follow the link if you'd like to see the review if you missed it the first time around. You'll also find a link to the story.
     
    We had member reviews of two stories by site authors, Cassie Q and In the mind of Sunshine. Another feature this week was a prompt 114 response story by Andy021278. This weeks prompts, 116 and 117 were both creative cues. One gives you the basic plot and the other was a starting line prompt. Check them out here!
     
    A big event on GA this week was the reveal of the Reader's Choice Award winners! CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who was up for nomination and those who won. Every story involved deserved the recognition. CJ, of course, won the King of Cliffhangers award. Everyone needs to make sure they don't let him forget the high honor he so obviously deserves!
     
    Thanks to Wildone and Lugh, we also got to see a list of the award winners from the last 5 years in this week's Blast from the Past. It was interesting to see the names of authors move through the lists over the years! You can see it through this link.
     
    This week's tip came from Renee. It was all about head hopping; that nefarious practice where your character's thoughts and emotions pop up when they shouldn't. Bad characters! She gives a good set of examples and how to fix them in the blog that can be found here.
     

    So... we've looked back, now let's look forward.
     
    Spring 2012-Anthology 'It Wasn't Me' is due March 8th. That's Thursday!!
    The theme can be interpreted in many ways. Participating in the anthology is a great way for authors, especially new authors, to get a larger number of reads on a story. It's also a great way to give readers a taste of your writing, and possibly gaining you more fans. So if you can, submit a story or poem. Information on how to submit can be found in the anthology forum.
     
    The next anthology is GA's Poetry 'Cracks in Time' due 4-17-2012.
  10. Cia
    Recognize that name?! Yes, Anyta Sunday was once a very active author on GA, and now she's a successful eBook author. I recently had the chance to read her latest fantasy title and wanted to share my review here as well!
     


    My Review


     
     
     
    So it's been quite a few years since I was heavy into fantasy. I enjoy it, but my convoluted plot reading skills have rusted. I had a hard time getting into Locked in the beginning, switching from what read as contemporary to fantasy to some mix of the two... but in no way like I was expecting. By the time I reached the ending scenes of the book I couldn't read fast enough and I'd sequestered myself in a room and hushed my children as they interrupted me, begging for just a few more minutes to be left alone with Rye and his friends and foes.
     
     
     
    Locked is definitely a fantasy tale rife with magic, mayhem... and dragons! Are they evil? Good? A mix of the both? Considering the dragons are also people (though in no way is this a shifter-like theme) for me they fell into both. I loved how they were humanized in some ways and beastified (I can't think of another way to put it) in others.
     
     
     
    Above all, I loved the themes of the story that come into play again and again. Good isn't all good and evil isn't all evil. Everyone has their motivations and everyone has choices to make. But... how many people in the story are making their own choices or are being led to making them for a greater purpose? And is that greater purpose good for them and the realms or is their a mastermind villain behind the scenes when we're focused on the more obvious one?
     
     
     
    Those questions and more plagued me as I read, keeping me wondering to the very end... and beyond. I'm still not sure who is really the bad guy and who isn't. I'd love to read more, which will happen since Locked is just book one in the Telluric Realm series. My only word of warning to readers is to make sure you can read this in a place with no distractions because the tale is told through many different point of views, which means you really have to pay attention if you want to catch the subtle clues and connections lacing the story.
     
     
     

    Want to pick up your own copy?



    ​Visit my offsite blog,
    Cia's Stories, to enter the rafflecopter contest to win an eBook copy or use the link below to buy your own.




  11. Cia
    This month we're featuring Bill W's story, Butterflies Fly Free. Did you check out Monday's post with his ad graphic and reviews by some of his readers? You should! You can also download a copy of the signature graphic if you want to help promote Bill's story.
     


    Butterflies Fly Free

     
     
     

    Bill says: Sometimes you have to give those you love the chance to spread their wings, like a butterfly, and if they return, your being together was meant to be.
     

    Want to read more? Check out the story here!
  12. Cia

    December Signature Excerpt: Heart Of The Tree By Graeme

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    This month we're featuring Graeme's story, Heart of the Tree, which he picked for the Signature feature. You'll notice he has a graphic running in the story and site ads, and you can also download a graphic for your signature if you want to help support Graeme. Today we're sharing an excerpt from his story he picked to share with you. Enjoy!
     

    Heart of the Tree

     

    Everyone’s attention was drawn to the sound of a motorbike being ridden at well over the speed limit, and then to the squeal of tyres as it pulled up at the edge of the park.
     
    “Rhys has arrived,” Vince said, smiling wryly.
     
    The rider took off his helmet and shook his head to release a coal-black ponytail that reached down between his shoulder blades; a ponytail that Vince and Mia knew annoyed Rhys’s dad. The peroxide-blonde strip down the middle was calculated to push that annoyance to the limit. His shirt, with the slogan “COOL AS FCUK,” added to the overall image of teenage rebellion.
     
    “He likes to make an entrance,” Mia replied, secretly pleased by the distraction. “Come on,” she added, using their friend as her excuse to escape from The Tree.
     
    “RHYS!” Senior Sergeant Dresden’s face went red with rage.
     
    “Do you think he’s in trouble again?” Mia asked Vince as they headed over.
     
    “That depends. Has he stopped being in trouble from last time?”
     
    With the ease of years of practise, Senior Sergeant Dresden was reading the riot act to his son. Rhys just looked wide-eyed back at his dad, the perfect picture of innocence.
     
    “...Now give me the keys!”
     
    “But you can’t confiscate my bike for that!” Rhys said, surprised at the demand. He was suddenly uncertain. That was not the way things normally went.
     
    “As a cop, no. As your dad, yes I can. Now hand them over, or I start writing charges. I’m sure I can come up with enough to keep you off the road for at least a year.”
     
    Mia couldn’t help grinning. Rhys normally perfectly rode the line between a minor infraction and a major misdemeanour, but he’d gone too far. When he dropped the keys into his dad’s outstretched hand without further comment, Mia could tell that Rhys knew it, too. How long it would take before he got them back remained to be seen, but Rhys had suffered a rare loss in his ongoing duel with his dad.
     
    To read more of the story click HERE!
  14. Cia
    This guest article on Writer's Digest's blog is absolutely wonderful! I can't say enough about how I agree with every single point made!
     
    The Highlights:
     
    1. Your words are your tools; make sure they are in working order.
    2. Check for inconsistencies.
    3. Avoid overwriting.
    4. Avoid underwriting.
    5. Make sure your characters are more than a name.
    6. Show, don't tell.
    7. Sharpen that dialogue...
    8. ...And expose that subtext.
    9. Drive the plot toward your reader's AHA moment.
    10. Build your world.
     
    Now go check out the great information and tips shared.
     
    http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-top-10-elements-of-a-book-people-want-to-read?et_mid=733701&rid=239107852
  15. Cia

    Free Publishing eBook

    By Cia,

    I like to share tips, and free tip books, whenever possible. Not everything might apply to you, but even if you don't publish, knowing how to brand yourself as an author and use social media can be helpful! Bookbaby is offering another free eBook, Self-Publishing Book Camp by Carla King, as a download now. Get your copy!!
     

    Bookbaby Download Page

  16. Cia
    My rating:
    4 of 5 stars

     
    Today I'm featuring Chris T. Kat's newest release, Bratty Angel. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Okay, I don't have much to say about this book... except go buy it now! It's a great fantasy, with a mythological twist I really enjoyed. Good and evil aren't quite so clear cut in this tale. Nope, no siree. You find that out when you learn a hellhound and angel are hanging out. And the angel's harassing someone for some pleasure.
     
    Reading this story caused me to snicker like crazy. Love-stick--totally priceless! There's a lot of great snark in the story, which I always love. A story that makes me laugh is always appreciated. But then I sank into Bratty Angel as it revealed a lot more depth. There's a whole mythos to discover in the short story which makes it feel longer... but still not long enough.
     
    I think there's a lot more of this that should come next. Chris has created a storyline that must go on. So buy the eBook, read it, review it, and do what I'm doing now... tell her to write MORE!
     
    View all my reviews
  17. Cia

    Author Interview: Carl Holiday

    By Cia,


    Author Interviews
    Have you downloaded your copy of the Signature Background for February yet? There's still time! Today we're featuring an interview with Carl Holiday, all about him, his writing, and a little about how Hold 32 came into being!
     
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    I’m more of a dairy and grains kind of guy.
     
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
    I make it up at night, before I use it. It’s not like the housing inspectors will be coming along and give me demerits for sloppy housekeeping.
     
    What brought you to GA?
    I was out on the web looking for gay (or, gay written) stories and discovered Gay Authors. At the time, I was working on a long story and publishing it on Nifty when I was contacted by someone here and the rest is history.
     
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    Yes, getting in enough humor because it’s so vital to the human psyche.
     
    Do you have any writing rituals?
    No, not since I moved in with my son in October 2011.
     
    How did you come up with the plumber idea for Hold32 based on the anthology theme ‘Walk on the Wild Side’?
    There will come a time in the far future (if we’re not obliterated by an asteroid or massive Yellowstone sized volcano) when humans will venture forth in humongous space vessels seeking a new planet they can pollute with rapt abandon.
     
    Did the characters or the plot come to you first?
    Plot first, characters and tiger second.
     
    Did you ever think up the alternative method for them that you didn’t share with the short story?
    No, they had their work to do and it has to be done. They probably have a union approved directive stating their need to get the job done. How they did it was up to them.
     
    What are your future projects? Do you ever think you’ll go back to these guys?
    1) Finish Hercules III. Honest, there is an end in sight; it’ll just take a while; unless, of course, a plot change occurs.
     
    2) Depending on unknown circumstances, I’ll probably start work on another long story; humongous star ships seem to be a sub-genre I can live in.
     
    Guys in Hold 32 again? No, I don’t see ever coming to another story about plumbers. Although, a long, long time ago (decades), I was working on a long story centered around a plumbing company, Petersen Plumbing, located in North Park (favorite fictional town) in Washington state.
  18. Cia

    Featured Story: Hold 32

    By Cia,


    Featured Stories
    This month for the Signature Background, I featured Carl Holiday's story, Hold 32 from the 2011 Anthology themed: Walk on the Wild Side. A short story I enjoyed then and now, I thought I'd do the review myself! And if you haven't had a chance to download your background yet this month, you can get it here!


    Hold 32

     

    by
    Carl Holiday


    Signature Author


     
    Reviewer: Cia
    Status: Complete
    Length: 1,595
     
    I read A LOT, but this story stuck out to me in 2011 when I first read it. In fact, I said:
     
     
    When I read the story again, I was struck anew by the nuances of the world Carl created in a seriously restricted amount of words. We get a lovely picture of the two main characters' life together outside of work. They live upon a millennia-old ship the size of the moon, humanity going on after leaving Earth but never setting down roots on a planet. But just like some areas here and now, poor decision making and mismanagement have created areas where it is just NOT safe to go.
     
    Places where humans do not hold sway--somewhere no one has gone since things went wrong. And are these two guys soldiers? Nope. Just two work-a-day men who have a job to do, and some piddly stunners to keep themselves safe. That just screams bad idea, because who knows what those critters have gotten up to as they cruised through the stars?
     
    I still want more of this story. I want to see what happens after Jerry and Derrick meet with the written dead-end. Can they fill the order and perform the work? Or will there be other surprises waiting for them? What would happen if those surprised got out?!! As always, the mark of a really good story is the fact I don't want to put it down. Hold 32 definitely qualifies. If you have a few minutes and are looking for a short read to fill your spare time, you definitely need to read this!
     


    Category: 2011-2 Anthology: Walk on the Wide Side Genre: Drama Tags: off-planet, no sex, future Rating: Mature


  19. Cia
    Let it Go by Sid Love
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    For me, Let it Go, ranks 3.75 stars. The writing is generally smooth, and the slang terms were kept separate for the different nationalities, which I know is tricky when you're writing a foreign character. There were some typos and a pretty big character oops when one of the two main characters, Virat, says his wife doesn't speak good English--and then she comes right out fluent as can be later in the story. I was able to overlook most of the issues, though, and really enjoy the characters' journey.
     
    Damon is an interesting character. At first I thought he was a photographer, based on the beginning. I liked his personality, though. Like most people, he saw something he wanted but when he realized he couldn't have it, he tried to do the right thing... but is the right thing always what everyone else thinks is best?
     
    And we find out that Damon's love interest, newlywed Virat, isn't quite sure what the right thing is either. His wife of just days is a sweet, wonderful woman, and he loves her. But is that enough? They both have a lot of miscommunication going on between them, and everyone else in the story. The true question comes at the end of the book... "What happened next?" and I'm so glad we find out with a lovely epilogue. The Bittersweet Dreams angle scared me, but I was quite happy by the time I hit 'The End'.
     
     
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  20. Cia
    This month’s Signature Background featured 9.11 by Mark Arbour. Usually when we feature a story by a Signature author, we like to get a review from one of the site members… but the very nature of 9.11 made that difficult. It’s a story in a very long, very complex series, and CAP isn’t something you can just jump into anywhere. So, instead, I thought we’d let a few of Mark’s over 1000 reviews (holy crap!!!) share reader’s favorite parts and thoughts from the very emotional tale.
     
     
     
     
     

    9.11 by Mark Arbour


    Signature Author


    Series: CAP Saga Bk 13
    Length: 502,253
    Status: Complete
     
    From BigBearPaul: I know that this is my first review but I sometimes get overwhelmed by the quality of the postings here. That written, I really love the CAP stories and I love this constant struggle that appears between the Schluter and the Hayes men… Again, great story and so much more to look forward to.
     
    From jack.unders: OMG!!! What more can I say that has not already been said so eloquently by all my fellow fans and readers of CAP and other sagas that have been borne from the imagination of such a fertile mind as that of our beloved auithor, Mark. To all of his assoicates that have contributed to the publication of what has been up to now an amazing journey through the lives of JP's family, my heartfelt thanks.
     
    From dtothesecond: It just gets better with every book. It is easy to see, just by having read this book in its entirety, that 9.11 took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to put together. That was such a turbulent time in everyone's lives, mine included. I've stayed quiet for a long time (I think I last posted when "Paternity" was still new...dang time flies) but I just want to say once again just how much I appreciate your amazing talent for writing and the fact you share it with us, your devoted fans, here on GA.
     
    I look forward to seeing what awaits that Crampton/Schluter/Hobart/Danfield/Carrswold/etc clans in the coming book. It's my (and many other readers, from what I've seen) hope that Matt finally figures things out in the next book. I guess only you know if he and Wade will eventually work their ways back to each other and I eagerly await the twists and turns that are sure to come in the next book.
     
    From Mark M: Wow, realising I joined the CAP series in 2008 with Be-Rad means I've been reading your work for like six years. (Holy crap)
    These story are just pure gold in my mind. However some authors I read kill of characters left right and centre.
     
    I believe the creator of "Game of Thrones" (The Author) has the record for most introduced and killed main characters. I have not read his work but I do watch the show.
     
    And alas he is gone and has not returned I will mention Vlista here also as one of the most descriptive brutalish writers I have read.
     
    But in Also Seriousness, Mark. I Rank you in one of my favourite authors of all time.
     

    And there are many more reviews where these came from!! Mark has one of the most vocal readerships I’ve ever seen—commenting on his characters as if they live—because for so long may have for readers within the series. To keep up the continuity well enough to please fans in the time-sweeping CAP Saga is an impressive feat, because they’re certainly not shy in sharing their criticism on the plot and characters just as freely as they praise it. And that’s just what we like to see here on GA!
  21. Cia
    Let it Ride by L.C. Chase
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    I read Let it Ride... and then let it ride. It's hard to write this review without spoiling the story. My first impressions of Bridge were of a big, affable cowboy whose everyone's friend on the surface. Under that, he has a great big heart that's set on Eric. Eric is cautious, and with his past, slow to trust.
     
    Watching their dance play out as they go from the private 'I want him, does he want me?' moments to the end was great. At no time did I feel the author overdid the drama. Sure, there were some moments when I really wished the characters would just TALK, but by far, the emphasis on their conflict was on the emotional side of things, both the causes and effects, and how they could overcome them.
     
    I really, really liked how the ending went most of all. Nothing was magically fixed, the big climactic conflict wasn't swept under the rug or tied off with a neat bow. We got a happily ever after (it's a romance, c'mon, we all know that's coming, so I know that's not a spoiler)that both let me sigh with a smile, and not feel like they were too idyllic or easily overcome.
     
    Plus, you know... a hot cowboy and a medico. Two of my favorite things! LOL Definitely a recommend.

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  22. Cia
    It's Complicated by L.A. Witt
    My rating: 3 of 5 stars
     
    Okay, so I had the hardest time rating this eBook. I thought 2.5 stars for the plot. It's annoying--basically. Passive aggressive relationship stories drive me bonkers. I thought we'd see more of them working through their problems, not have new ones dumped on top that ramped up the angst factor to "Seriously?" factors for me. Which this did. I don't want to spoil the story... but read the story blurb and it's pretty much already done for me. The marketing basically gives you the ENTIRE plot. The only thing you don't get to see is the ending. For me, that makes it even more annoying because it feels like every surprise we're suppose to learn along with the characters is info bombed before we even get there. It lessens the impact of the emotional climaxes along the plot arc, which divorced me from the characters in a BIG way.
     
    Oh, we love each and want to make it work so we're starting over--Boom! Already know that. Great sex still works--Boom! Already know that. Ex that still works with main character gets pregnant--Boom! Already know that. Ex wants to bail from the business and the city, omg, what will he do--Boom! Already know that.
     
    The only things we don't get to see beforehand are the way Brad's job contributes to the resolution (though it was obvious as soon as I figured out what he did) and the actual decisions made at the end on how to make things work. Which again, isn't any big thing--it becomes pretty much obvious.
     
    This eBook went up to 3 stars because I did feel L.A. Witt's basic writing ability to craft sentences and flow is good. I also got a tad teary eyed during the climax emotional scene before the resolution and ending. Pulling me into the story to feel even that much for the characters when I felt divorced from the plot because I already knew it took some skill. Overall, though this type of plot isn't my favorite, I'd have enjoyed it--if it didn't feel like I'd already read the CliffsNotes version.


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  23. Cia
    Bonded by Rosalie Tarr
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I did snicker quite a bit in the story. Delivery can only make up for the plot so far, though, and I felt that Bonded took the gay for you a bit far with 2 'straight' characters. I have to admit to having issues with fact that the insta-love element didn't just apply to the character's newly met relationship but to the sexual desire element as well.
     
    There's a line there when it comes to attraction going from opposite to same gender that doesn't always need to be crossed. It's like telling a gay man he just needs to meet the right woman, and he'd be straight. Now, maybe in paranormal fiction that would work... but how loud would folks cry out against it, if it were true? I didn't really expect all that in the story, so it really colored my reading experience.
     
    I did like the author paired both the romance with an underlying story. Without giving away anything, I enjoyed the arcs of the story... until the end. Like another reviewer said, it just felt too neat, too pat. Things are never perfect--especially when you deal with real people and real events. I'd have loved to see a better realistic ending.
     
    Overall, I like the story. But... that's it; I just like it. I find that vampire fiction isn't as common anymore, so I was super excited to pick this up to read, but then fizzled. It just didn't quite live up to what I was looking for as far as the overall storyline.

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  24. Cia
    Straight Shooter by Heidi Belleau

     
    It's out! I thought I'd share this review today, though I read Straight Shooter a bit back as an ARC. What can I say? I never pass up a chance to get a Heidi Belleau story. At first, I was pretty leery after I read the description. For all my open-mindedness about kinks, humiliation just doesn't do it for me. It makes me pretty uncomfortable, actually, because the shades of denigration usually feel more damaging than anything else. Plus, I somehow get embarrassed for the characters.
     
    Yes, I did spend some time reading this literally squinting with one through my fingers as I cringed from the page on my reader. I still really, really liked it.
     
    Austin was such a complex character. He had a lot going on, pressures and feelings and insecurities, and a serious issue with impulse control. I loved watching his evolution through the story as he came to know himself in a deeper way... and relate that to the people around him in positive ways. And yes, a big part of that came from the kink he explores with 'Puck'.
     
    Heidi also exposes a lot of the duality of those in the porn industry--both the good and bad sides of it. Yes, they're characters but they're people too with lives, likes, and loves completely divorced from the person on the screen. Yet... obviously that person is a part of their psyche too. Add in that Liam, aka Puck, is a real person with feelings and flaws and we have yet another lovely character driven piece of wonderful fiction.
     
    Seriously, read the synopsis and excerpt for this. If you have no issues with humiliation kink and like coming of age stories that are firmly rooted in reality--yet still have that wonderful dose of just right angst, you should read Straight Shooter.
     
    Oh, did I mention it has college jocks? Yeah. Hockey players. YUM

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  25. Cia
    Strain by Amelia C. Gormley
    My rating: 5 of 5 stars
     
    *COMING SOON*
           Feb. 17th!
     
    Many, many times I search for dystopian stories only to fail to find one that captures my attention. I want the sense of 'the world has ended' drama, the gritty and often dark reality that the comfortable has disappeared and survival takes a level of guts and bravery not everyone has.
     
    Strain fulfilled every single one of those dystopian desires. We have governmental mishandling, virus-releasing, politician tumbling, society crumbling and... and.... ZOMBIES! Well, kinda. We also have superhumans that are more human than the humans they're trying to save and protect.
     
    I'm not going to go over the plot, other to warn that there is a lot of sexual content and those who have issues with slight reluctant consent/shades of non-consent should be wary. I felt the sex, while frequent, was not gratuitous due to the integral nature of the plague/cure the plot required. There's some shades of D/s involved as well.
     
    The world building was a little lax. I'd have liked to see more of the society and overall picture, but the microcosm of the story from the character's POV made that lack not too bad. When the world has ended, there's not like any newspaper or TV to watch to see what's going on in other countries, or even in the same country or state.
     
    The author's writing was smooth. I was hooked from the dramatic beginning, where the main character was fighting for his life... and losing. I adored the main characters, disliked the villain and steadily grew to hate him as I was supposed to. The story wasn't exactly a surprise when it comes to events but I was forced to stay up half the night to finish it anyway. It was absolute torture... to end it! I wanted more. I will definitely be watching this author for more stories to come.
     
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