Cia

Website designer Scottie Ness is taking a well-deserved vacation from the grindstone, and he plans to spend it in the solitude of Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest around Mt. Adams. He’s prepared for everything—except the lightning storm that traps him in a wildfire. Or meeting Jax Quintero, an abrasive firefighter whose bulky uniform couldn't hide a jawline chiseled from stone and intense eyes that burned him with scorn. Or was that the flames surrounding them? Maybe Scottie should have gone to Hawaii on vacation instead.

Ardra was humid. The ground was moist, grasping at my feet as I walked. There were places I had to avoid because my suit made me too heavy. At least it was enviro-controlled. Without that, I might have roasted inside the shiny silver metal. Dual suns. I’d never been in a system lit by twin stars, but of course I’d studied them. The plants here grew large. There was an excess of moisture, both on the ground and in the air. The leaves were large, broad, soaking up the sun. Vines ran everywhere

Whew, a long month and a long story! At least they went together, right? I hope you enjoyed the Electricity (and welcomed back football!) this month. Now how about my interview with MozLover21? My questions weren't so easy, so make sure you read the thoughtful answers before you comment with your thoughts on the story below! What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know? I love horror movies. They’re my guilty pleasure. But somehow my fondness for this genre always becomes an issue in my friendships and relationships, because nobody that I know enjoys watching them. And their usual assertion that the movies are “too scary” is baffling to me, because I find reality far more terrifying than any horror. If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be? “Know Yourself”—I’ve recently become interested in ancient Greek mythology, where the principle of knowing yourself is an important theme, and one of the mottoes carved on the temple of Apollo. It sounds simple enough, but knowing yourself comes with a good dose of eating humble pie, because it requires examining your flaws and limitations. But if you continually go through that process, you can end up improving and refining yourself into the best version you can be. And that doesn’t mean a perfect human, but it does mean someone who is better equipped to deal with the suffering that living often entails. What brought you to GayAuthors? When I first published “Electricity” on another website, one of the readers recommended that I try publishing on GayAuthors for a more targeted audience that preferred a unique storyline over an entirely love/lust driven plot. It was a great suggestion as I find the readers on GayAuthors profoundly helpful in providing useful feedback. They also truly commit themselves and become emotionally invested in the stories they enjoy. It makes it a more rewarding experience for me to interact with an enthusiastic group of readers. What’s the first thing you do before you start to write a story? My writing process is something I’m always actively seeking to fine-tune. Ideally I would be the type of writer who could make a detailed outline and diligently work on it chapter by chapter. Unfortunately for me, that’s never how it happens. First of all, my ideas pop into my head during the most inopportune times, like when I’m driving on the freeway or heading into a meeting and unable to write them down. And typically, the scene I’ll have in my head isn’t the beginning of the story, but a fragment somewhere in the middle or towards the end. So then I have to work my way back and untangle what happened before, and slowly put the puzzle pieces together. My first draft is always a wreck, and it’s a painstaking process, but the moment when it all finally clicks into place and I can see the bigger picture, is a moment of great satisfaction. Do you like other stimulus around when you write or do you need a quiet environment? I’m not someone who can write in the middle of a crowded coffee shop. I typically need a peaceful environment. At times I can listen to specific music that contributes to the vibes of a particular chapter. For example, at the moment I’m working on a story where one of the characters is a famous rapper, and it’s been useful for me to blast some Drake, some J.Cole, or some Kendrick while I write those scenes. But for the most part, I need silence. I’m particular about my visual stimulus as well. I can’t write if there’s things scattered on my table. The only objects allowed are a cup of coffee, a notebook with a pen, and the current books I’m reading. Sports and Journalism… Why those themes? Any personal experience with them? I have some experience with both. I was a writer for my high school newspaper and I’ve published a few articles in the past six years. I also played basketball in school. Aside from simply admiring the commitment and determination it takes to be the best in either one of these areas, for me, the two are also greatly intertwined. I believe journalists are an integral part of what transforms an ordinary human being with great athletic ability, to an otherworldly entity. For example, respected sports journalists can make or break the public image of an athlete, and shape the way in which they’re viewed by the world. An athletic feat happens fast and then it’s gone, it can only be replayed on TV, it can’t ever be relived. But writing is frozen in time, and if your moments of glory and your character are written about with admiration, you’re immortalized. When writing “Electricity” I knew right away that Andrew’s character would be a pro athlete. Then when I started brainstorming Aubrey, I wanted him to be the person capable of becoming Andrew’s biggest nemesis or his greatest strength, and I quickly realized that it couldn’t be a fan, or a fashion designer, or an Instagram model, but that it had to be a journalist. It had to be someone with the power to bring him down so that he could rise from his ashes and become a better man. How did you come up with the title for “Electricity”? It was inspired by a scene from the movie Billy Elliot—which, for those who don’t know, is about a working-class boy in England who uncovers his passion for ballet, and has to overcome his father’s objections as well as the stigma associated with male ballet dancers—where Billy explains what he feels when he’s dancing. He compares it to a feeling of electricity. What’s funny is that I didn’t think anyone would ever make that association, but one of my readers actually emailed me asking whether that was the inspiration for the title. I have incredibly astute readers, nothing gets past them. My idea behind the connection between Aubrey and Andrew was a natural electric current that charges both of them up, and helps transform them into better people. And that was also the danger factor in the story, because with electricity there needs to be a fine balance, otherwise you can get a short circuit and burn everything down. I’m intrigued by ideas that contain duality, and this was a major theme for me in “Electricity”. Andrew and Aubrey could work together and create this wonderful form of revolutionizing energy, or they could potentially destroy each other. Do you have a favorite scene in the story? The story has many scenes that are dear to me, but one that comes to mind in this particular moment takes place in chapter 16, when Andrew is reminiscing about his college football coach’s speech regarding failure, and how the worst failure is never trying at all. I think having a mentor is so crucial to our development as humans, and unfortunately many of us grew up without a good mentor. If we were lucky enough we encountered a “Coach Dean” in our lives to help guide us along the way and shield us from falling into dysfunctional patterns. This is another crucial theme for Andrew, who has a cordial, yet somewhat distant, relationship with his father, and who ends up falling into a very unhealthy mode of living. And it can be difficult to rewire yourself once you’re steeped in your ways. That’s also where the idea of “electricity” comes in—an electric bolt to jolt Andrew out of his toxic behavior. This is why that scene holds weight with me, because I respect the idea of an individual being able to get their life together. In this case, Andrew rising out of his alcoholic stupor and deciding to actively pursue this slim chance at love, rather than giving into disenchantment and bitterness. At the end of the day I truly believe that if you’re committed to something, you’ll find a way. If your story were made into a movie, who could you picture playing Andrew’s and Aubrey’s parts? In my fantasy universe, I could see Tom Hardy as Andrew. As for Aubrey, I think Wentworth Miller during The Human Stain period would have made a good choice. As a side note, I was watching a lot of basketball in-between working on “Electricity”, and both Aaron Gordon and Klay Thompson influenced Aubrey’s looks. Would you like to share anything about your current or upcoming work with readers? I’m working on a couple different projects at the moment. I recently started a Patreon (www.patreon.com/mstories) and I have a new story on there titled “You Don’t See Me”, which has a darker theme than my previous work. I’m also working on my other story “Where Does Crimson Flow” here on GayAuthors. And I’m halfway through finishing my first book, a thriller about a father searching for his son’s killer. Last but not least, I’m toying with the idea of writing a horror screenplay that my friends and loved ones can finally enjoy

I should be studying. Or sorting through my equipment. Or making something to eat. My stomach kept gurgling, and the sound grew increasingly angry. My hands both sat limp in my lap instead of hovering over the strap released like they’d been. All plans to heat a protein packet had been forgotten. The skimmer’s transition into in-system flight had been slight, but it been enough to catch my attention. Then 6888 Ardra consumed it. I was too far to see more than colors and major landmarks.

So sad 😞

Yep. And the story banner will come into play in a scene in the story as well. That is a really SMALL visual though, lol.

Thank you! I saw the pictures and was like, hmm... what story could this be? I love it when visuals bring new ideas to me! Thanks, Val! I am hoping to keep this one a bit shorter, so I am working to maybe give it an overall plot so I'm not just meandering week to week, lol. It helps the picture clearly comes after the beginning of the story, so I have an idea of where I'm taking this from the very beginning.

You guys have both hit his personality quirk issue on the head. Is he bold and brave? Is he a spoiled intellectual with grandiose ideas of his own "vital importance"? Or is he young, naïve, and eager to prove himself? I'm not quite sure yet. But he is definitely in for an adventure!! Thanks for reading and commenting!

Did you catch Monday's blog feature? This month's Classic Author feature is Cameron by Vlista20, and it's a real drama piece. What do you do when life has kicked you down, and kept you down? You have fun! Or pretend you're having fun until you really do. Right? What does Cameron do? Want to read more? Click here

Plants and animals were my thing. The intricacies of nature intrigued me and yet there was an elegant simplicity that I loved. 6888 Ardra. Heavy gravity planet. Human-compatible atmosphere. Generally temperate climate; I’d aimed for the southern continent which had milder weather and a good mix of terrain. “Damn Sonez anyway.” He’d tried to keep me on his ship instead of letting me explore the planet with a team after the probe returned. Well I’d stopped his plotting before he could ruin my life. And I’d show everyone just what Essell Deray could do.

There was nothing on my scanners. The abyss of space surrounded me, speeding by as I raced through the known sectors for the outer edge. My path had been locked in by a navigator before I stole the skimmer, so I had to hope it was going in the right direction. And that the scanners really were as blank as they appeared. Maybe there was something I needed to push or switch or touch to turn it on. If my ruse had been discovered and Captain Sonez sent a squad after me, I might never see the

Yes, there was that message about balance, but that was something he was struggling with the whole time. The corruption of Balasamar versus the purity of a unicorns, the shapeshifting, his need to protect his family versus his need to be with them, etc... Balance is something Chasen struggled with the whole story. It's definitely something he doesn't find easy, and probably never will. Awww, sorry, NoSkis, this was the end. Thank you so much for enjoying Unicorn Quests! But never fear, I am beginning a whole new flash fiction story this coming week!

August already! I'm keeping that contemporary theme going with another oldie but goodie with Vlista's Cameron. This is one of the... lighter tales, so to speak. Come back on Wednesday to check out an excerpt from the story. Length: 97,187 Description: Cameron thinks all he wants are one night stands, and plenty of alcohol. That is until someone comes along who causes him to re-think what he really wants in life. A Reader Said: A really nice sweet ending after a trouble filled but realistic story, I really enjoyed it, very well written. I will also second the comments above and vote for a sequel, it doesn't have to be dramatic just seeing the guys carry on with life and deal with regular things would be good. ~Torontotop If you want to spread the word about vlista20's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature! Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt I chose to share!

Books... those make me cry sometimes. Just last night, though, my son and husband were calling me a ginger with no soul for not crying at certain movies they thought were sad. I think they're just saps!

The smoke enveloped me. Gray lightened to white then faded to an opaque background. My breath caught in my chest. “What is this?” No one had said there would be magic during the release. My heart thundered in my chest and my breath sawed in and out. “No, no, no…” I’d barely held it together when I changed form. It was only the need to keep the ceremony going, and knowing exactly what to do that kept me focused. Not on me, but what I had to do for Wenn’s spirit. “And I th

There were a lot of little bumps in this story chapter for the arc, weren't there? You always pick up on so much of the plot hints. Thanks for reading and comment, hun! Awww! I'm sorry these chapters are so emotional. Death is such a part of life, though, and these quests were never going to let our heroes come out unscathed. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Okay, I've heard of many of the words you use, but this one was completely new to me!

All day the clan had worked industriously, but they allowed us to help where we could. First they dug a hole, which confused me. “I thought you were releasing his form.” “We shall, but we come from the elements. That is where our magic is grounded, by connections. So Wenn will be released using all four elements as well. Earth, Air, Fire, Water.” Tinn stood beside the elder locus who had declared Wenn was at peace as they oversaw the preparations. The youths dug the shallow pit, while

Welcome to August. Wow, I can't believe we've already made it here. Summer in the northern hemisphere is in full bore, but we can see the end in sight. Change is in the air, and what better way celebrate that than with a tale about personal change? And sports! Football!! Yes it's American football, people, but this is the month for it. Plus, don't forget to congratulate MozLover21 on being a member of GA for a year on August 16th!! Electricity by @MozLover21 Length: 74,284 Description: NFL quarterback Andrew Thompson is tired of being blasted in the press for his notorious playboy lifestyle and wild reputation. But just as he's trying to make changes in his life and become a better man, a brand new article by respected journalist Aubrey Miller, goes viral. The author berates Andrew for perpetuating a negative image of gay men in the media and questions his dedication to the community. Initially, the quarterback is furious with Miller, but a chance encounter with the handsome writer leaves him rather conflicted about his feelings. A Reader Said: Easily one of my favorite stories. To see how the characters mature was awesome. Definitely looking forward to more stories from Moz. ~Wesley8890 Don't forget to come back to comment on the discussion day on Monday, August 31st.

“You need sleep.” Londe had come before it was his turn. “You’ve been taking most of the night watches.” It’d only been three nights since we’d finally defeated Balasamar, and since Wenn had given his life to save him. I still wrestled with the guilt, and it didn’t help that I refused to allow Londe to carry Wenn’s lifeless form. The one we placed so carefully at the end of each trek so he could face the sky, his palms touching the earth of his birth. Tinn spoke words over him as we kn

Well, did we make it through another month and another story for the CSR? How did you like I Do Like to be Beside the Seaside by Ivor Slipper? Don't forget to share your comments below, but first, I gave a detailed interview that you just can't miss Ivor's replies to! Do you eat your fruits and vegetables? I'll eat most of the traditional vegetables, but I don't eat much fruit other than the summer strawberries, raspberries and apricots. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? I read a lot and in the right months of the year I like to spend time in my garden. What's your favorite room in your house? Do you plot or write there? My favorite room is the lounge where I can relax, read and watch sport on TV. Writing is done using my laptop which resides on the dining table. What’s the best part of being an author? Can I say two things? One is being able to express and share thoughts and ideas. The other is the friends I have made as a result of my writing. If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be? To somehow discover the skill to write better dialogue. Something I still consider a weakness. What do you think makes I Do Like to be Beside the Seaside stand out compared to other “similar” stories? Perhaps the fact that I was familiar with the location at about the time the story was set. Do you resonate better with one character over the other, Chris versus Billy? Why or why not? Great question. Chris started off as Billy's life raft, but both were dependant on George providing the lifeboat. Chris's character is more mine; Billy's what I would have liked mine to be! Did the characters or the plot of this story come first? The story was originally written in response to a Picture Challenge on the Iomfats site and was just what is now the first chapter. But having created the characters, I wanted to know more of how their lives unfolded which led to the other chapters being written later. So Chris was very much inspired by the picture and from that came the plot. Is there a scene that either really flowed or was super difficult to write? The first chapter flowed easily and indeed the whole story didn't present many problems. Maybe it was easy to write about that era. Would you like to share anything about your current or upcoming works with readers? I've struggled to write anything in recent months, but hopefully the muse may be returning.

Wenn’s touch was soft, and I could feel it, but I’d lost control over my body. It was like I was slowly draining away, and someone—Balasamar—was taking it. He was inside me, he was me, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. ‘No!’ I screamed in my head. ‘Londe!’ But my mate didn’t respond. Could he even hear me? I couldn’t say anything, I couldn’t reach out mentally. It was all I could focus on. My family. I kept trying, over and over, but I kept failing. Why did I keep

We herded the foals between us. It was strange being back in my body, but at the same time, I’d lived most of my life as a unicorn. It should feel natural. Why didn’t it? Maybe it was shock. My mind couldn’t quite catch up, and my horn ached. I had to think about the placement of each hoof as I trotted behind my family, keeping them all in view as I swept the forest for threats at the same time. Dizzy spells swept over me, and I blinked rapidly trying to keep the forest in focus when t

I love this word! LOL I use it on the kiddos who try to use their vocabulary skills at the elementary. They love it.

No, no, we love our lives revolving around their needs!!