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Cia

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  1. Cia

    November Signature Excerpt: Save Tonight by CassieQ

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    Monday I featured CassieQ's story, Save Tonight, as this month's Signature Feature. Have you read it yet? It's one of my favorites, definitely an oldie but goodie. Please take the time to check it out, if you haven't yet. And maybe this excerpt will help convince you. 
    Want to read more? Click here
  2. Cia

    November Signature Feature: Save Tonight by CassieQ

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    November is a month when we focus on family in the US. Sometimes it's the thing that holds us together, sometimes it's the thing that breaks us... and sometimes it's both. All I can say is bring your tissues when you read Save Tonight, if you haven't already, or you can't pass up another read like I couldn't! 

    Length: 5,911
    Description: 'What do you want?' A wish reluctantly made, urged on by his little girl, brings Gavin something unexpected.
    A Reader Said: Written in 2013 this story has aged like a vintage port.  It is beautifully written and a tough read emotionally.  It deserves to be rediscovered in 2013.
    READ IT!  ~ Gary L
     
    If you want to spread the word about CassieQ'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!
  3. Cia

    November CSR Feature: Hustle by Talo Segura

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    It's November, can you believe it? Canada just had their Thanksgiving and this month the US has ours. Do other countries have this holiday, or ones similar to focus on family and giving thanks? Share that below, if you want! In the vein of the focus on family, I wanted to share a story with that same theme, but this is no fluffy and light story, so be warned! Sometimes family is all we can count on to get us through this painful journey life thrusts upon us.
    Hustle
    by @Talo Segura
    Length: 25,531
    Description: Two brothers move through life together, shuffled around from pillar to post. Trouble follows them everywhere and all they really have in life is each other. Clinton plays with his dice and always has a plan, Morgan always does what his older brother tells him.
    They leave their rough childhood behind and get caught up in the escapades of South American drug trafficking. Clinton will do anything to keep them together, but it is Morgan who pays the price. Drugs, prostitution, and encounters with no one they can really trust. There is one goal, somehow to make it back to the States.
    A reader said: I have really enjoyed this whole story. Great plot with plenty of twists and turns, so many I might just read it again to make sure I got it all. Anyway a great read. I could see it making a great tv mini series, it might need some editing, though given what some channels show, after teasing warnings, maybe not! 
    Congratulations on another well crafted piece of authorship. ~RevSimon
    Come back on the last Monday of the month, November 25th to check out the Discussion day and share your thoughts! 
  4. Cia

    October CSR Discussion Day: Turnabout is Fair Fae by Valkyrie

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Did you read this month's feature, a short story with all the thrills and chills for October? Turnabout is Fair Fae by Valkyrie was a fun quick read, so I hope you'll share your comments below after you read my interview with her! Let's share the love (or shudders... you know, whatever works!) 
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    I eat a lot of veggies, but not much fruit.  I like the flavor of fruit, but not the texture. 
    What are you wearing (and no fibbing!)?
    It’s 6:30 PM and I’m in my kitty cat jammies for the night.  #thuglife
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Oh, there’s so many!  I took my trip of a lifetime earlier this year and spent two weeks in England. My story for the current anthology, In too Deep, is based on my experiences on that trip.  I’d love to visit Ireland and Scotland on my next venture across the pond.  I think Petra would be an absolutely fascinating place to write about and visit. 
    What’s the best part of being an author?
    When readers connect with my characters.  It really makes my day when people can relate to my characters and appreciate them as much as I do. 
    Is your writing process a daily word count goal or more of a burst of inspiration writing flurry?
    Definitely writing flurries.  Deadlines help too. 
    How many stories have you written? Which is your favorite?
    According to my story profile, it’s 62.  It’s really hard to pick a favorite.  The Hollow Hills is very dear to me, since the characters have been around since I was a freshman in high school.  I had an absolute blast writing A Leg to Stand On.  It was my first attempt at comedy, and I think it produced some really relatable characters. 
    Do you enjoy stories of the Fae variety, and did that inspire this Anthology piece?
    Yes, I do.  I’ve always enjoyed reading fantasy stories and learning about the Fae.  I honestly don’t remember what inspired the story, but that sounds plausible!
    It was interesting that ‘made magic’ versus ‘inherent magic’ featured in Turnabout is Fair Fae. Was that a deliberate choice?
    Yes, that was deliberate.  I wanted a combination of the two, especially since it figured prominently at the end.  I don’t want to say too much and give away any spoilers to anyone who hasn’t read the story yet.
    What do you think happens with changelings? Why do fae want them?
    Good question!  I’ve always imagined the fae wanted them because they were a curiosity.  Something to pique their interest until they get bored of them.  I tend to think of changelings as living a charmed life for a while, then living more of a hellish existence when the charm wears off.  I guess I have a bit of a cynical view in that regard. 
    Can you share something about your current or upcoming story with readers?
    My anthology story should be live or going live soon after this interview is posted.  It’s based on experiences I had at several different stone circle sites in England.  There may or may not be a Christmas collaboration this year with myself, Aditus, and Cole Matthews…    I have a multichapter modern fantasy I’ve been working on for years.  Hopefully one of these days I’ll get a writing flurry and actually finish it.
  5. Cia

    October Signature Excerpt: I.D. by CarlHoliday

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    Did you catch Monday's feature of I.D. by CarlHoliday? This short story can really catch you in the feels, in so many different ways. Seriously, it's a gamut of emotions, but if I tell you what they are, I might give away too much, so you'll have to read the story to feel them for yourself. If I haven't tempted you yet, check out this excerpt below. 
    Want to read more? Click here
  6. Cia

    October Signature Feature: ID by CarlHoliday

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    When I read this story, it honestly spooked me... so what better month to feature it than October? Do you remember this anthology feature from 2021 written by one of our Signature authors? Check it out!
    I.D.
    by @CarlHoliday
    Length: 3,071
    Description: At the time it seemed a good idea, but how it played out nearly cost Charlie his life. He had the big ranch, but his wife had died and all the kids didn't want anything to do with ranching. So he decided to sell and move into the city. Everything was good great until he decided to take that walk in the park.
    Potluck Theme: Through a Glass Darkly
    A Reader said: A well written and touching tale of an octogenarian who'd moved to new home, and then while out for a walk suddenly realized that he  couldn't remember anything about his life.  Of course, there are extenuating factors involved, but I won't tell you what they are because I don't want to ruin the story for you.  However, it made it even more difficult for him, so what will happen now that he's lost in a big city?   ~Bill W
    If you want to spread the word about CarlHoliday'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!
  7. Cia

    October CSR Feature: Turnabout is Fair Fae by Valkyrie

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    It's October which means spooks, ghouls, fae, vampires, werecritters... yep, this month is for all the spookies! If you can handle them, that is. I chose to feature an older story written by our very own admin, @Valkyrie, for the 2017 anthology The Fall Out and Secret Spaces. This short story is a perfect bite-size treat for the season! 
    Turnabout is Fair Fae
    by @Valkyrie
     
    Length: 4,055
    Description: Not all fairies have wings and sprinkle pixie dust.  Briar Toadthistle and Shade Sourthorn are attempting a mission they've failed before.  If they don't succeed, their heads are on the line.  Karma isn't limited to the human realm, though, and a choice made may prove more costly than either of them anticipated.
    A reader said: A very dark tale, but well written and showing the portent of expansion into a complete story. ~Will Hawkins
    Come back on the last Monday of the month, October 28th to check out the Discussion day and share your thoughts! 
  8. Cia

    September CSR Discussion Day: La Tambola by drsawzall

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Did you read the CSR feature this month, La Tambola? This story tells all about how humanity does... and doesn't, manage new beginnings. Before you share your thoughts below, check out my interview with drsawzall. 
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
    I do make my bed in the morning 75% of the time.
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    A clone of dabeagle who has to be among the best crafters of written dialogue, he constantly stuns me with what comes out of his head.
    Now if you had asked what kind of inanimate object I would like to be, I would have to go with Geron Kees, for the very same reasons.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Machu Pichu hands down.
    What brought you to GA?
    A never-ending search at the time, for another quality gay story site. I’ve found a home here, I am amazed at the response to my work, the encouragement, camaraderie, and the shear number of stories encompassing nearly every possible genre. I love the ability to comment and to have my work commented on, so much I became a proud premium member. This story site stands head and shoulders with the best of them out there.
    If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be?
    Spell and grammar check are critical must haves, and an editor/coach in the fine art of crafting dialogue. It is something I struggle mightily with even tho my friends tell me I have the gift of gab.
    What is one thing you enjoy about writing a story in the scifi genre(s)?
    The ability to create a plausible world reflecting the struggle of life.
    If you had to leave Earth to colonize another planet, would you like to be part of a pastoral planet or a more technological planet colonization team?
    That’s a tough question, I would prefer some sort of mix where both sides keep each other in balance.
    How did you come up with the idea for your native species in La Tombola?
    I read a reprint of Shirly Jackson’s short story called the Lottery circa 1948 or so. So much was packed into that short story that it stuck with me for some time. When the voice in my head became insistent that it had something to share with our fellow readers, I sat down and wrote the first part that afternoon.  
    For some time, I had a vision of a world, for a different story, that featured the Gnos, it was to be set in a post-apocalypse world. Where conflict would arise between the survivors, those from the cities/urban against the rural/woodland areas.  The need for food was to be the crux of the story and the impetus of conflict between the two ‘societies’. Neither side being able to get the upper hand over the other, the city/urban dwellers derogatorily referred to their ‘enemies’ as the ‘Gnos’ as a derivative of oregano, a valuable spice at the time, much in demand in the urban/city areas, as growing food is a struggle.
    I could never do that story justice, and at the time I was writing La Tombola, the Gnos insisted that I include them, they were very tired of being cooped in the further recesses of my cranium.
    What is your favorite scene or line from La Tombola?
    I’m torn between the fifth chapter, I struggled mightily with it as it was so crucial to future events, In the writing, the chapter was touching some difficult areas and it needed the right touch for such a sensitive subject matters. Then when Ned Boone finally being reunited with Peter for good in Chapter 13 and Epilogue. I believe the following was a decent distillation of the arc of the story…
    And then, there was his last meeting with Mithras, the details still vividly clear in his mind. “You have done me great service Ned Boone, not once but several times. I have not forgotten the gift of what was most precious to you, nor the promise that you would be together again, for your unselfish sacrifice and service.”
    Continuing, “Yet you have something that is mine, and as you say, I have something that is yours, what is it you seek in exchange for that cloth you carry always?”
    It was with temerity Ned thought that he had asked, it had to be, the shear boldness…audacity of it all, as he remembered the rest of that engagement with Mithras. One does not bargain with the gods after all, and yet as he ran his fingers through the few graying hairs on a sleeping Peter’s chest, watching it rise and fall with his sleepy breathing, his plea had been listened to and granted.
    Will you share something about your current or upcoming work with readers?
    I’ve been reading, something I love to do, a couple of alternate history books, you know, what would have happened if the Allies lost WW2, that sort of thing. As a history buff it tweaks my interests. I’m thinking of something along the lines of Lincoln losing his reelection bid in 1864. In many ways it is a rich vein to mine.
  9. Cia
    Monday I shared the graphic feature for Aditus's story, One Hundred Forty-Five Candles, and today I'll share an excerpt. This is a very short story, so there's no excuse to miss the rest! Just... if you're going to take a stab at the recipe, maybe use a few less candles or keep an extinguisher on hand?
    Want to read more? Click here
  10. Cia
    I felt a bit of a kinship with this story, being as I like food challenge shows, and September happens to be my anniversary with August my birthday... and those often get mixed together due to hunting season, lol. Trust me, the story is FAR better as you learn the reason for all the candles! 

    Length: 1,813
    Description: What's better than one reason to celebrate? Two reasons. Victor and Peter will explain in an interview for the cooking blog Stirring the Pot why they decorated their cake with one hundred forty-five candles.
    A Reader Said: This is a nice slice-of-life story told through a podcast format with a lot of good character moments. It's an understated story with main characters, who have been through a lot, but they literally get their cake and eat it  
    (PS: I need to watch a few episodes of The Great British Bake Off now after reading this, thanks @Aditus for reminding me ) ~ W_L
    If you want to spread the word about Aditus'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!
  11. Cia

    September's CSR Feature: La Tombola by drsawzall

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Welcome to September! The return to school and another year (work for me, boo!), the changing of the seasons for most of us, and life continues to march on for another month and we're that much closer to the end of another year. Where DOES the time go? Enjoy it here on Earth while it lasts, because it might not be forever, and then where would humans end up? (no more pumpkin spice, that's for sure!) Check out this month's CSR story by @drsawzall to see what he came up with!
    La Tombola
    by drsawzall
    Length: 38,375
    Description: Earth was dying, time had run out. In a fractured world cooperation was non-existent. A dedicated group humanity saw a way out and Operation Plymoth Plantation was born.  
    A reader said: This is a well written, unique take on sci-fi fantasy.  Or it's a character driven mystery.  Or it's an epic romance spanning decades.  It's all of these rolled into a tight, cohesive tale.  Regardless of your favorite genre, you won't be sorry you read this wonderful story. ~CincyKris
    Come back on the last Monday of the month, September 30th to check out the Discussion day and share your thoughts! 
  12. Cia

    Secret Author Story Contest Winners!

    By Cia,


    Anthologies
    Thank you to all the authors who participated in the contest! You make this whole event possible by sharing your stories with the Secret Author (that evil devil themself!) so we can play this fun game each year of guessing who wrote what. Our winners will both get 3 months free Premium membership.
    This year our theme was Secret, and I've kept the winner of the poll a secret until now. However, the favorite story of this event was.... 
    Hide and Seek by @kbois
    And, while it was a truly exhaustive list of those who commented, reviewed, and participated in the topics and polls, Random.org pulled from the HUGE list of names a single winner from our readers, and that winner is....
    @lucretiaseeks
     

  13. Cia

    Secret Author Stories... Revealed!

    By Cia,


    Anthologies
    That's right, at LONG last! I know you've been waiting so long, with bated breath... and yet, you gasp, knowing... you guessed... so WRONG! *cackles maniacally* Authors, you all did great keeping everyone guessing! 🕵🏻‍♂️Thank you so much for playing along with this contest and keeping the fun going for so long. It's been a blast. But yes, the Secret Authors have been unmasked, and now, your hard work must be revealed. Just click below, if you must know. 
    Revealed by randomized story listing (with author name then list number).  
    2, count them, 2 members tied for the most correct answers. The grand total... 5! Congratulations to chris191070 and BentedWreath!
    You have been awarded the coveted badge for connecting the most authors and stories correctly. 

     
    Next week I will reveal my Author & Member winners. I must go through the EXHAUSTIVE topic to see who all has been playing along, commenting, and reviewing to make sure I don't miss a single soul. Authors, your stories will be revealed under your names shortly so you can reply to your readers. Feel free to keep using the Secret Author Contest Talking Topic or here if you want to compare your guesses to the real authors! 
     
     
  14. Cia

    Secret Author Story Contest Quiz Time!

    By Cia,


    Anthologies
    Okay, readers... time to flex those thinking caps. Did you guess the Secret Author was... 😮me? That's right, me, Cia... I've been doing all the posting. That's just a HUGE shocker, huh?! 😋😆 There are far more authors behind the Secret Author, and I have a list of those and the stories for you to guess. I'm going to put that in the Secret Author Contest Talking Topic, just to keep it all in one place. We'll also have a poll next week for you to vote on your favorite story. Keep an eye on the topic & blogs for announcements. 
    Remember, guessing gets you an entry to win our Secret Author Contest AND you can win a custom profile badge! 
     
  15. Cia

    Secret Author Contest Updates...

    By Cia,


    Announcements
    Edit to add: My organizational skills failed and missed there were 2 unpublished stories, not one! But that just means you have one more to go on Wednesday! 
    Hey Secret Author Contest fans! I know you're eager for details, and there have been so many secret stories revealed. Guess what, there's just one more to come tomorrow! First off, let's check again for the stories that have been posted aren't secret. Tomorrow, you will get the last story. Then keep an eye on the Secret Author Story Talking Topic for the poll for your favorite story AND the list of authors and stories for your matching quiz this week! 
    Keep up with the comments & reviews, plus all the fun in the Talking Topic! 
     
  16. Cia
    Well, I know everyone has been enjoying these stories our Secret Author is posting... Way to go on the comments and reviews!! And the Secret Author Contest Talking Topic is going strong too! Are you having fun guessing who wrote what? *cackles* 
    Let's see what has posted so far! 
    As, always, keep chatting on our talking topic too! We still have more stories to come, but after they are all posted I will share a list of all the story titles and the author names for members (authors can play too!) to guess who wrote which story. We will have a badge for whoever gets the most right!! 
     
  17. Cia

    July CSR Feature: Sneakin by penguinsrgay

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    So... clearly I was not good at Sneakin... because last month I failed to get the CSR out on time! Luckily this month penginsrgay answered some questions for me. Did you read this story about someone else not so good at sneaking around? Share your thoughts below!
    Q: Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    A: Religiously!
    Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
    A: Next!
    Q: What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    A: Probably China. I've met a few gay Chinese men irl. They have a lot to say about different it is to be gay there, for better and worse.
    Q: What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    A: I am rather physically strong
    Q: What brought you to GA?
    A: I was talking about nifty in a forum and another writer suggested that I post here.
    Q: What is your favorite story you’ve ever written & why?
    A: I love all my stories for different reasons. The one I love most at any given time is the one I'm writing. Sometimes I'm tempted to write a sequel to Sneakin. I have some loose exercises and a half of a chapter I'm not really satisfied with. I'm starting a new career so I have not had much time for writing, at least not in a very serious way, but once things settle down I'm hoping I will get much more prolific here.
    Let's see what readers thought about Sneakin... 
     The flow had captured me and I want to read it start-to-finish in one sitting. Such sophisticated storytelling. Following you @penguinsrgay so I won’t miss anything else you share. ~Dan South
    This was fun. I especially like the protagonist's snarcasm. I'm glad to see the subtle art of mixing snark and sarcasm is still being practiced. ~James Savik
    OMG, too funny...  I distinctly remember being less drama filled at that age.  ~ centexhairysub
     
  18. Cia
    Okay, there's no secret around the deadline! Today's the last day to send me your submission for the Secret Author Story Contest. The theme is "Hidden". For readers, I hope you're ready! Authors, remember, don't share that you're in on the contest quite yet!!

    One story will be posted each day by our "Secret Author" until all of them have been posted. Please like, comment, and review!
    A topic will be started for readers to share their thoughts on who wrote each story. 
    After each story has been posted, the names of all the authors who participated will be revealed, and we'll see who can do the best to pair up author and story titles! 
    We'll have a poll for readers to vote on their favorite story. 
    FINALLY! One reader who comments, reviews, and participates in the contest topic will be randomly selected along with one of the participating authors to win Premium Membership. 
    Now who's ready for some excellent stories?
  19. Cia

    Secret Author Stories Kickoff!!

    By Cia,


    Anthologies
    That's right! Get your spy glasses, red herring hunting, secret revealing blacklights on (okay, maybe not that... who knows what you'll see?!!) 🫢But today is the kickoff for the Secret Author Story Contest Stories. One will be posted per day until they've all been revealed... but the authors are still hidden. Just who wrote these stories?!  
    Read today's kick off story here or find each day's new story featured in the Stories tab. 
     
     
    Discuss your thoughts (after you read, like, comment, and review!) in the contest topic!
     
     
  21. Cia
    Well, it's July... and what's more fitting than a Christmas in July feature? I couldn't think of anything, so that's what you get! This month I'm bringing you a story that's really a series of stories written by Valkyrie (along with Aditus) that you should read now if you're craving a little holiday cheer. 

    Length: 14,024
    Description: Gabe Murray is on a mission to deliver holiday cheer on behalf of a mysterious benefactor.  We'd tell you who it is, but that's confidential.  
    A Reader Said: You get 5 stars and a hug from me! May all your holiday's bring us happy stories and poems to us all the time! It doesn't have to be a holiday though to read your awesome stories! ~ Sherye Story Reader
     
    If you want to spread the word about Valkyrie'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!
  22. Cia

    June Signature Excerpt: Spirit of Fire by Stellar

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    Did you catch Monday's feature of Stellar's story, Spirit of Fire? If you love fantasy, Stellar never disappoints with his stories. If you are daunted by the large word count... well that's just more to love! Check out this excerpt below; it's just one example!
    Want to read more? Click here.
  23. Cia

    June Signature Feature: Spirit of Fire by Stellar

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    For some June is a month where it heats up, others it's a month of change... so this story is perfect! Then again, those are just a few tidbits on the surface, and if you've ever read a novel by Stellar, you know there's so much more underneath. Why not sink into this LONG story posted a few years ago?

    Length: 196,536
    Description: With a life that is almost painfully normal and unremarkable, 16 year old Torsten has no reason to believe in anything out of the ordinary. Then, a series of cryptic events throws him beyond the boring familiarity that he knows, into the mystery and magic of reality unmasked.
    A Reader Said: I have been eagerly following this story from the start, waiting for a new chapter to be uploaded as soon as I read the one just uploaded.
    The plot, characters, lore and writing are delightfully stellar (pun intended). This story just left me feeling the void left behind, like those you get after reading a fantastic book.
    This is an absolute must read for fans of the fantasy genre. ~Avaloch
     
    If you want to spread the word about Stellar'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!
  24. Cia

    June CSR Feature: Sneakin by penguinsrgay

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    So... why not throw another curveball at you? Plus I really chuckled at the username. This recently finished short story is by a newer author to GA but comes with a high recommendation in its only review... lets get some extra comments and reviews on the story this month! 
    Sneakin
    by @penguinsrgay
    Length: 14,472
    Description: A delinquent sneaks out of his home to go shoplifting. 
    A Reader said: I opened this and started reading it 40 days ago when it posted. It’s taken me so long to finish it because every time I picked back up I had to start from the beginning again. Not because I’d forgotten the storyline…it’s not forgettable.
     The flow had captured me and I want to read it start-to-finish in one sitting. Such sophisticated storytelling. Following you @penguinsrgay so I won’t miss anything else you share.
    Come back on the last Monday of the month, June 24th to check out the Discussion day and share your thoughts! 
  25. Cia

    May CSR Discussion Day: Deeds of Their Past by mcarss

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Did you read Deeds of Their Past by @mcarss for our Can't Stop Reading, or CSR, Blog Feature for May? This story has magic, foul deeds, and a few twists and turns to keep readers guessing. What did you think? Share your thoughts in a comment below the author interview! 
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    Most certainly a bird. I love all birds, but especially hold a deep affection for corvids. More than once, I've considered befriending a murder of crows. The idea of having them follow me around on my morning walks brings a mischievous smile to my face, but I've no doubt the noise would anger my neighbours.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    Creating music is a lifelong passion (I've released 70+ albums) and recently became my full-time career. Working for oneself without dealing with clients has been remarkably freeing. It's also provided me with ample free time to write stories on a regular basis. Bonus!
    Gaming fills my free time as well. Currently, I'm playing Baldur's Gate 3 (fantasy RPGs are my favourite), Helldivers 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (shoot the baddies with friends online), and Watch Dogs: Legion (generic Ubisoft fare that some people dislike, but I enjoy its simplicity.)
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Given my love of the medieval European fantasy trope, I've always wanted to visit Scotland, especially the northern highlands. The rugged beauty of Scotland and the ancient architecture of its castles fascinate me to no end. With so many having been converted to hotels and B&Bs, the idea of sleeping within the walls of a place with such a long and rich history provokes a thrill I struggle to express in words. I know visiting these places would inspire me greatly.
    What brought you to GA?
    Despite being a member since 2011, my account lay dormant until early this year (2024). When I originally discovered GA, I was amazed by the depth and breadth of the stories shared, as well as the active community. I'd tucked the link into my favourites, and then forgot about it entirely. Oops.
    Upon discovering the link again years later, I realized it could be a perfect place to post my novels. Sure, they'd been available on Amazon and all the other platforms, but being an unknown, amateur author meant my stories had fallen into obscurity. In any case, I'd never written a word with the prospect of making money. All I hoped was to find an audience that would enjoy what I'd written.
    The GA community has left me humbled by their enthusiasm for my work. No amount of thanks can express how accepted I feel here, but thank you all the same.
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    Oh boy, where do I start?
    As I mentioned earlier, I'm a musician. For me, it's easier to express emotion and mood with music rather than prose. Countless times, I find myself grasping for the right word or phrase to express what's in my head. I think setting a scene is the most difficult task for me—having descriptions sweep across the page, painting an image in the reader's mind. On a technical level, sentence structure and flow are other aspects that always need attention.
    What is your favorite genre to write?
    In case it wasn't obvious by this point, the fantasy genre is my favourite for reading and writing.
    Do you prefer to avoid tropes in fantasy or lean into one or more to make it easier for readers to sink into the story?
    Tropes exist for a reason. People, myself included, enjoy them. I don't consider myself clever enough to put an original spin on a common theme, so I'll leave that to more creative authors to tackle. I certainly appreciate readers who are tired of hackneyed plot devices, thirsty for something original. In that case, I'm not the author for them.
    How did you come up with the names for the characters and places in Deeds of their Past (imagination, generator website, writing books)?
    Brohm's name was inspired by a piece of art I liked from the mid 00s. The title was: Brom the Butcher (I added the 'h' to Brohm's name) and features a surly bugbear/hobgoblin wielding a giant cleaver. Unfortunately, I can't find the source anywhere, nor do I know the artist's name. It's been over a decade since writing Deeds, so I can't recall everything clearly, but I know I used name generators to help in the creation of other characters.
    Locations were gleaned from lists of old towns and hamlets in Europe.
    Early in the writing process, I needed a map to keep track of Nathan and Brohm's travels. I found some royalty-free map assets and built one in Photoshop. It's viewable on the story's main page.
    Do you have a favorite scene in the story?
    Not a scene per se, but a segment of the story where, for the first time, the two protagonists (Nathan and Brohm) have a moment to breathe. Chapters nine and ten give them time to discover each other, and in turn, the reader learns more about them.
    Can you share a little of your current or upcoming work with readers?
    I'm very close to completing the first draft of The Roaming Sea.
    The story follows a young army medic, Callum, doing his part in a century's long war between humans and pactrids (giant elephantmen.) He finds himself tossed behind enemy lines, captured, and interrogated. His captor, however, tells a very different story as to why they're warring. Callum can't decide if it's the truth, or deceit to turn him against his own kind.
    I hope to have it available by the end of the year, and you can be sure that it'll be available on GA first before I publish it elsewhere.
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