Cia

The third person you are referring to I believe are Kohen's internal thoughts about Danie, or that was the intention. He's thinking about what Danie is saying and how he's been acting but since it is in first person, I can't say "I thought" or something similar to show it's his thoughts because you don't think you're thinking about something, you just think it. It's a hard line to walk sometimes with internal discourse/thought in first person mixed in with narration, but since I don't head hop to other characters or show scenes outside of Kohen's POV either (since, again, it's in first person so we can only see what he knows/sees) then you can assume that anything like that is his internal dialogue about another character, not third person narration about the character from the author POV. Sorry if that came across confusing though!

Well happy May to everyone! Is it moderate and beautiful where you are? The year is moving faster and faster, but and we're approaching Pride month next month. Did you catch the feature call for the Premium short stories themed with coming out stories? It's something many gay authors face, no matter what orientation we claim (and can't that be interesting to explain?!) and it's no surprise it's often the subject of teen fiction as well. Let's take a look at another long-time favorite GA author's take on the subject with this month's CSR feature! The Strange Life of Jonas Marks by @comicfan Length: 57,189 Description: Jonas Marks has just graduated high school when he tells his father he is gay. The end result is that Jonas is tossed out of his home. With no money, no job, and no place to call home he ends up on his friend Jenny's couch till he starts working at Kroger's. Then his life just gets strange. A/N: This story originally began as a short story in the Anthology Walk on the Wild Side. I had a number of people comment on how it really needed to be expanded. The end result is what you are now looking at. For those who read and comment, this is for you. Thank you for your vote of confidence and I hope this lives up to what you expect of me. A Reader Said: What a surprise to suddenly find an epilogue here! It suits your story quite well. The story arc developed nicely and I like the end. I'm glad it's not a major cliffhanger but interestingly a sequel might be possible, who knows Anyway, thank you for this great story, I enjoyed it a lot. ~ Zenobia So enjoy this month's CSR selection, but don't forget to be ready to come back and share your thoughts and comment on the Discussion day on Monday, May 27th!

“Kohen, calm down.” Captain’s warm hands landed on my shoulders. He squeezed them, rubbing the tense muscles. “I won’t let anyone take you away from me. We’re bonded, remember? Where you go, I go.” “But you just said—” “I know, and maybe I need to censor some of the information I share with you until you are a little calmer. Breathe, okay? There may be some calls for action against us by those who are dirty or who were colluding with the Elites and hoping not to get caught, but I k

How'd you enjoy The Assassin? I know when I read it that I couldn't stop. I just had to know what was going to happen next, what sort of plan was unfolding, who was coming after the guys, who they might turn to... so many twists and turns in the story evolution. I enjoyed it, and I hope you did too, so make sure you share your comments below. But first...! My interview with Lilansui is below, so you get to know all the deep details of the writing journey before you comment. Have you ever gone out in public, realized your shirt is on backwards, and just don’t care? Something close, it was inside out and not backwards. My workplace was running a conference. I woke up late, so I dressed fast in a black top and jeans, rushed out of my house to collect supplies from my office, and then drive to the conference hall. At the venue, I worked for a solid hour until one of the ladies I work with took me by the hand and led me into a small office. She’s like, ‘Your top is inside out.’ It should have mortified me, but I just laughed, changed and continued as if nothing happened. Thinking of it now, was it to happen in my starting out days, that would have mortified me, but not anymore. If you were an animal, what would you be? A cat. I have one and she just sleeps and eats without a care in the world. All she has to do is cute poses and I’m done for…hahaha. What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story? Istanbul, Turkey. The carpets, the architecture, the history…so much. I can just imagine it already. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? The toughest criticism: - I have had criticisms, lots of them, from ‘your work needs more research’, ‘bad grammar’, ‘huge plot holes’ to ‘I don’t understand what you’re trying to say with this one’. I take them, love them and learn more. Best Compliment: - Came in a personal message sent to me on social from someone who thanked me for writing an Asian character in Kiss Me to Spring Time who found love in a gay story. He said it gave him hope, hope and more hope and to keep creating more such characters. He made me cry. Is there a literary character (in the whole universe of fiction) that you’ve read who you really identified with? There is a manga named Nana by Yazawa Ai. It’s about two girls with the same name, Nana, moving to Tokyo for a fresh start. When I first read it, and I was around twenty or so, I swear, I fell in love with Nana the rock star. Her ambition made her so awesome, that I wanted the best for her always, plus she was in love with a guitarist, and she built her own table. She was soo cool. I collected all the books in this manga series. For a while, I thought I would only ever wear Vivienne Westwood knuckle rings and listen to punk rock, hahaha. Nana inspired me to find courage in my own life. Up to this day, I find great pleasure in rereading her story. I loved that she had a dream, and decided to make it come true on her own terms. I loved, and still love her style of doing things. She’s a get-it-done kind of girl, and I strive to be that too. There was this assassin… and a milkshake at the mall. Seriously, where did those two ideas come from and how did they get paired together? When I was in high school, my friends and I were in different schools and we would have to wait for each other at the food court in the mall, so that we could do whatever we had planned for the afternoon. Whoever made it first would buy a milkshake, as they waited. I figured Kian would try one out if he ever went to the mall. He likes the strawberry one, lol. A lot of your stories have eastern influences. Is it easy or hard to mesh cultures when writing fiction? When I first started writing, it was hard. I worried a lot about mixing characters with different ideals, and such different backgrounds, putting them together and going like, dear readers, here you are, believe this can happen. It was hard, and I needed to do a lot of research, I even thought this might be a crazy idea, better stop. Then one day I decided to stop worrying and just write what I wanted to express. From personal experience at work and life, I meet people from all types of cultures. I’m comfortable thinking of Diwali, the lunar year or going to an Indian festival of colors, the same way I invite people to my house for Chuseok, thanksgiving or Christmas, that it now seems commonplace to have meshed cultures. I can’t be the only one who has this happening. So, I decided to jump in and bring my characters to life in a similar way. I think communities as they exist today are very diverse in nature. There is no place in the world you’ll go and find only one kind of person, in terms of culture, or any other category you might choose, unless the community itself is living in a kind of vacuum. We’ve all become a global village of sorts. Thinking of it this way, writing meshed cultures has gotten so much easier and I don’t struggle as much as I did when I first started. Did you connect with Daven or Kian more as a character as you wrote The Assassin? Why? I connected with Kian the most, as his life unfolded for me from when he was quite young. He was someone who had lived a life without love, or comfort at home. He had a lot of hardship and a very warped sense of what things are right or wrong. By the time he’s meeting Daven, he has met the world, and it has given him love, (in Taewon), then forced him to give it up to protect it. He’s not confident in himself and does not even think of seeing the future. I wondered how I would ever get Daven to like him. Hahaha. Daven came to me in a situational sequence; I had to spend a lot more time getting to know him. He came out stronger than I expected, and it was fun getting him to rescue Kian at some point. He was a great hero to create. In this story the characters jet around the world to quite a few locations. Have you visited any that were mentioned in the storyline? I had a work exchange a few years ago that had me in France for a week. My host family had a charming apartment in the city. Their daughter, Hye Sung, who turned into my very good friend, took me to café du trocadero when she got out of work, or very early in the morning for breakfast when we could. My stay with them was very short, but very inspiring experience. I had to give Paris a mention. What’s your favorite part of The Assassin? Why? My favorite part is Kian and Daven’s date in Amsterdam, although Kian leaves Daven at the end of it, I think it was the first time he truly did something he wanted without fear. I thought it beautiful.

Captain held me tight, his body wedged behind mine. His breath heated my neck, and his hips were rocking the hard bar pressed tight to my ass in subtle surges. I went from lazy grogginess to aching need in seconds. My shaft filled, the skin behind my balls literally aching with the need to be touched. A heated sigh and shudder left me. “Captain.” “Hmm?” He nuzzled my neck. “You awake?” Part of him was. His arm slid down my stomach. “Hmm, you are. You need me?”

Just let me know in a PM if you need to talk a short extension!

I have one submission for this, woohoo!! Any other surprise writers? Who's next, @Thorn Wilde @Valkyrie ?

Did you catch Monday's featured ad sharing Underthehoodter's story, First Encounters? The story takes you back to those early days when the world was a different place and romance was something new and scary and amazing... and you need to read the story find out more! If you weren't intrigued before, how about after reading this excerpt? This moment is that first conversation, that first interaction... that WHAM! You all remember it, right? When you felt the stomach churn and the other... parts that locked on to another person and made you a complete idiot when you tried to talk to them? Yeah, that's in the story, and Underthehoodster captured it perfectly, imo. Read on! LOL To read more, click here.

I didn’t know if that was possible. Safety was an illusion. There was always someone or something bigger out there. And the whole universe would be in an uproar after what Freska revealed. “Does it have to be us?” I asked. “Do you trust anyone else?” he asked me quietly. He rubbed my cheeks with his thumbs. “No.” I sighed. I didn’t even really trust Anyas, not after his performance. How much had been an act as he tried to stay as true to our original plans as possible of revealing

Happy April and welcome to this month's Classic Author Feature! These blogs are all about bringing some of the older stories from our inactive authors that were once some of our most popular promoted authors that newer readers might have missed. Last month's story took you a bit forward, and this month's story takes you back. Revisit those early teen years and the crush you might have missed out on in @underthehoodster's First Encounters. Length: 51,634 Description: Perry (A fairly rich kid who always seems to be in some sort of trouble) and Jesse (A poor kid who is a blackbelt and has a bad past reguarding his previous schools and his father) find love for each other after Jesse moves to Perry's school from another city. A Reader Said: I enjoyed this fully. It was a true and amazing record of a new loving relationship between two teenagers. This was so well written and a pleasure to read. Now on to the ‘Discoveries ‘. ~ Cinnamon If you want to spread the word about Underthehoodster'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!

“If you want to kill your father, do it yourself!” Freska demanded. “But my friends are not your pawns. And before you even think to order those guards to do anything to us, know that I have skills you did not even know I possessed. Did you wonder what I was doing before you pretended to wake up? Do you know I don’t need to touch electronic systems once they’ve let me in? I know that this whole place is wired for vid and sound.” Rilecca gaped at her. “What?” “See, I figured you wou

Thank you for reading, everyone! I know there is a lot of action finally happening, though I can only share so much each week (bummer for all of us). I actually wrote another few hundred words more to this scene then had to cut them out to find a good ending spot, then had to add some more to make this fit the length. So hard each week! But that means I have a head start for next week. So many times I'm able to use your thoughts and comments to help shape the story, so keep them coming. You are all awesome!

“We will discuss that more later.” Rilecca’s father sat in a chair pulled up at the center of the long table. It was actually set up higher than the other chairs so he could look down on everyone. He shifted his gaze to Anyas who stood to one side of the group, a weapon in his hand. “Lord Anyas, we worried for a time that you were harmed by these beings.” He raised one brow and pursed narrow, dry lips. “Or, perhaps, working with them.” “I would not be so careless as to align myself with b

No April Fools, we're really featuring The Assassin by Lilansui this month for the CSR story! Darkish, lightish, twisted, different, definitely what you don't expect... what more could you ask for? Read the description and check out the review from one of the readers who thought he'd just give it a quick glance... then make sure you're ready come back and share your thoughts on the Discussion Day on Monday, April 29th! The Assassin by @lilansui Length: 71,240 Description: Kian spills his strawberry milkshake on Daven at a Mall Food Court. Daven is caught between irritation and fear when Kian follows him to the men's bathroom. In mere minutes, Dr. Daven Noland meets Kian Raja, an Assassin with a warped sense of humor, and a valid contract with Daven's name. A Reader Said: On a whim, I decided to read this story last night. It was 10 p.m. and I figured I would read the first couple of chapters before I went to bed...The time read 5 a.m. by the time I read the final word of The Assassin. I lost a night's worth of sleep, so, the question is, was it worth it? Oh, who am I kidding, of course it was worth it! This story kept me on the edge of my seat, my heart racing at every moment of danger, and me swooning at each and every romantic moment. This is one of those stories that I know I'll reread and never get tired of it. ~ @Drew Espinosa Don't forget to come back and comment on the Discussion Day on Monday, April 29th!

Rilecca leaned forward when Captain asked what Freska meant. “That means I am more my father’s daughter than even he knows.” A wicked smile crossed her face. She looked… smug. “He has allowed his power to stagnate here at home, facing outward and looking to control the universe. His reach matters little when his base of power is so fragile that a few well-placed blows will remove all support for him.” Anyas gaped at her. “He has the council at his side.” “Bah.” She waved a hand. “A

Have you taken a second look at @MericCotton's completed story if you read Second Chances once before? Or was this your first time reading it? Either way, this month's CSR selection was something a little different than the usual teen or twenties or even thirties fair. Sometimes life passes before we know it (How is it almost April already?) and things happen.... Make sure you share your thoughts about the story in the comments, but first, as always, my interview with the author first! Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point? ** I make the bed when it absolutely must be made – usually after the sheets have pooled on the floor… If you had 30 minutes of free time, what would you do? ** Walk the dog … take a short horse-back ride … or maybe just play piano – though all of those are better for at least an hour J What brought you to the site? ** I was searching for somewhere to share my writing that often touches on gay/straight issues. Mostly somewhere with other writers sharing the same. Somewhere to grow my skill by interchange with other like-minded people. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? ** As mentioned couple questions ago – spend time with the puppy. Actually full grown, just loves to act like a puppy – reminds me to think young. Can spend hours at the piano. Right now recovering from shoulder surgery – so puppy gets most of my attention. What’s the first thing you do when you start to write a story? ** Hardest part for me seems to be that opening hook. How to say enough without saying too much. I’m sure I’ll anger my past English professors – but I almost never do an outline other than mentally. Is there anything you find particularly challenging when it comes to writing? ** Opening and closing. Whether the book or chapters. If there’s a break inside a chapter, that’s always been a challenge. Did something specific inspire you to write Second Chances? ** I lost my partner to cancer a few years ago. I was actually thinking of a long “chapter story” kind of thing – not sure what got me to go with a married man in a straight relationship – but it seems to have worked. Did the characters or the plot come to you first? ** Story idea came first along with the main character. Not really the full plot. Certainly didn’t know where it would end when I started. That came like half way into it. What do you think makes Second Changes stand out compared to similar contemporary stories? ** Awkward question … I read a lot of historical fiction or SciFi. The thing that comes to mind might be the story deals with both straight and gay relationships for one character. Can you sum up this story in one sentence? ** A recent widower learns to follow his heart while keeping his mind and soul open to what life presents to him.

“You would begrudge me some time to judge your intentions?” She straightened, her body poised but her face calm as she folded her hands in her lap. “I know my father and his intentions. I guessed at Anyas. I guessed at yours. What I knew and hoped for was enough to prompt me to action, but a wise person doesn’t recklessly move forward without the most intelligence possible.” “Wise.” Deke snorted. “You’re practically a—” “Shh! Watch your tongue,” Anyas snapped, cutting him off with

How's your schedule? Spring break looming for you? Or are you just looking to crash from all the harsh winter or summer weather and need a good reason to take a break? Well, once again we have another Classic Author feature to tickle your interest and catch your eye in case you missed this early author from GA's beginning days! Kombat Kids is set in a place very familiar to me... the Pacific Northwest. Not far from the Columbia River, this is a region with a lot of rich plant-life, varied animals of all shapes and sizes, and so many outdoor activities you don't ever have to go inside if you don't want to! The perfect setting for this story. Add in the stellar snippet of the review from Myr on Monday's feature, which you can read here if you didn't see it, and I am happy to also get to share an excerpt of this story with you to showcase just what you're missing out on if you haven't read it yet. You can also download a copy of the graphic to add to your signature if you want to share how much you enjoyed the story! To read more, click here.

This time of year, I'm always hoping for some spring to warm things here in the north, and I'm sure the south is getting ready for some relief from their heat. Either way, the extreme swings and highs and lows are starting to level out... usually. Washington is a great place to enjoy this time of year, and if you read GhostRyder's Kombat Kids, you'll get a great glimpse at the wonderful settings his story has to share as he takes readers on a journey along with his characters as they learn to overcome problems facing them. Length: 278,295 Description: The Kombat Kids belong to Unit One. Unit One was Started by James and Matt Bateman to give the local boys an option to the mostly homophobic Church run youth groups and the scouting programs. The Unit is located near the Columbia river in the South East Corner of Washington State and is made up of mostly gay boys and men. Members learn to cope with their own fears and problems during the first year and a half of the Units existence. A reader said: Kombat Kids is an emotional rollercoaster of a story. Tons of funny one liners. A lot of deep dark emotional pits to fall in. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll cringe. You'll swear. You'll grumble about some grammar issues. But chances are good if you start reading it, you'll keep reading it. ~ Myr If you want to spread the word about GhostRyder15'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!

Still looking for great stories by any GA author! Tag your friends!

Not one I wrote @Graeme or even one I recognize. Sounds interesting though!

Danie was close to Freska, his hands cradled to his chest. “Sit down, Danie. You need to keep resting.” I’d been too focused on my own situation to notice his, but I winced. I’d been shocked enough times, feeling the pain of the punishments, so I could push it aside. The scientists had worked to force me to avoid sensory input with pain as a punishment, but they’d trained me to ignore it to a large extent as well. He was like a newborn baby; all brand new nerves and experiences. My breath

No, unfortunately, we do not allow stories to be posted in foreign languages. This is because our moderation team primarily speaks and writes English and the entire site is based on English as well. We don't have the capabilities to do translations of all the languages in the world to ensure members and Stories are moderated fairly. We allow people to do common greetings and some phrases on the forums that are easily recognized, and we do allow authors to pepper some phrases in foreign languages into their stories though we typically prefer if they provide some sort of translation for readers either in the story via the characters or in the story notes.

The cool calm Anyas projected cracked for the very first time when I slung the girl over my shoulder and dropped her on the couch in the room he’d been given in the building. He gasped. “What have you done?” “It was necessary.” The girl’s head lolled back, and I was reassured when her chest rose and fell slowly. I hadn’t killed her; she was just unconscious. I’d been too worried about being spotted to stop and check on her. I carefully arranged her arms and legs, trying to make her

Holy moly, it's already March! How's the weather where you are? We all know we'd rather be reading, no matter if it's warm or hot or cool or cold, so how about we enjoy this month's CSR featured story instead of worrying about all that outdoor junk. LOL This month there's something about the sadder side of love that called to me, and I couldn't help but think of @MericCotton's story, Second Chances. Give it a read! Second Chances by Meric Cotton Length: 23,552 Description: Can life start again after losing the person you expected to be your partner for life? A Reader Said: Loved this story!! I did not expect this ending at all! I’m not sure what I thought would happen, but I’m glad he’s taking a chance to find happiness for a second time! Thank you! ~mfa607 Don't forget to come back with your thoughts during the CSR Discussion Day on Monday, March 25th!