Cia

Please enjoy this review brought to you by the lead of our review team, Timothy M! Never Too Late northie Reviewer: Timothy M. Status: Complete Word Count: 42,149 November is approaching, a dreary, cold, dark month in the northern hemisphere. The Danish poet Henrik Nordbrandt once wrote: The year has sixteen months: November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, November, November, November. Read the poem out loud and you’ll get the feeling of how long and boring November is. (Of course, this doesn't apply to the GA story November Falls). Now imagine it’s November and you’re an old, poor and lonely man living in a cold, damp cottage in England. Then you’ll have the setting of northie’s story Never Too Late. It’s a rather unusual tale on a site where most protagonists are teens or adults below age 30, handsome and/or charming, fit and friendly, or at least with some redeeming traits. Maybe the only thing Eric has in common with the normal main characters is being gay. And deeply closeted but opening the door. The person Eric opens the door to, is Andy, a young charity volunteer who does fulfill the usual character criteria. At first they don’t get along at all, but with nudging from Adam, his clever boyfriend, Andy manages to salvage the initial disaster and gradually win the trust of Eric. He discovers how to help the taciturn, proud oldster who in turn gradually opens up to potential friendships and a glimpse into the unobtainable world of gay romance and relationships. But at least Eric now has a connection to the gay community which Andy wants to broaden by introducing him to computers and the internet. Not an easy task at all. Never Too Late culminates at Christmas and the New Year, two events which can be especially depressing for people without family and friends. So why do I recommend a story which sounds as sad as November? It’s because northie once again has managed to capture my heart with something real; with characters who make mistakes, but strive to improve; with gentle but piercing observations on how society ignores the needs of the poor, the old, and the lonely. Most of all, how the kindness of a few people, who reach out to Eric during the story, makes all the difference in the world to him. northie’s tale has attracted a small, but devoted group of fans, some of whom shared their personal experiences and perspectives on the topics mentioned above, both via interesting chapter comments and in the discussion forum. Their opinions are perhaps better advertising that anything I could say: @Carlos Hazday : Love your way of writing these stories, sensitive and emotional characters, bordering on pathetic without actually reaching that level. @drsawzall : well done and vitally important that we see stories in this subject. Life isn't simply led as some of the stories would have you believe. We all struggle with and hide what we don't want others to see. @dughlas : My heart still aches for Eric. There is much missing from his life. Andy and Adam are bringing new experiences to his life. @ColumbusGuy : This story is just amazingly warm, especially once Andy got over his 'save the world' complex and saw Eric as a real person. Do you know how rare that is for elderly or handicapped people? We look forward to the next book (already into chapter 12 according to northie and due to start posting early in 2019), where we hope to see Eric’s life brighten in various ways. Take your time to savor Book One, which may not be full of action and drama, but has plenty of the compassion and understanding to which we as humans should aspire. And if nothing else the story may make you appreciate what you have in your life in terms of comforts, health, friends, and best of all love. As @droughtquake said: I feel so lucky compared with Eric! Category: Fiction Genres: Drama, Romance Tags: young adult, senior, gay, europe, coming out, friendship Rating: Mature

Going back to the car thing where you see which side to fill is on is on the dash, the little green exit number on the top left or right on the freeway exit signs tell you which side the exit is on. For all those who fumble around and close tabs on accident like me, before you do anything else, remember: Control, Shift, T In a bunch of browsers/devices it'll reopen closed tabs.

Happy Friday! This week we had 2 features for a rather romantical story, but these prompts can go in completely different directions. Just what would you do if you were considered "stock"? *shudders* And fast forward past Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to plant that living tree you chose to use in an ecologically-conscious move... Is Mother Nature rewarding you? I hope to see some great prompt responses! Prompt 710 – Creative Tag – Baby News In the order only those deemed mentally and physically fit are allowed to breed. Those who are picked are taken from their normal lives and go into the new exclusive living spaces. You’ve been chosen as male stock. Those not chosen as stock may continue living their lives normally, only they are sterilized and may apply for a child if they so desire one. Gay or straight doesn’t matter. What does that mean to you? Prompt 711 – Creative Tag – Sudden Wealth You were digging a hole to plant the balled pine tree you used for a Christmas tree. You discover a gold nugget the size of your head three feet down. The money from it makes you incredibly rich and that wasn’t the end of the vein. What do you do now? Did you write a flash piece last week that you want to share? Post a link in the comments!

That names does not appear via a search as a profile member, author name, story title, etc... so whoever or whatever it is or was clearly is not on the site under that specific "Acredies" title. If you had a mutual person in common (fellow friend/reader, etc...) then you might approach them privately for more information.

Captain went rigid, and I stepped in close to support him but didn’t touch him. His breaths came sharp and his jaw was clenched. “Quarters. Now.” He marched through the ship and we followed in his wake, drawn along silently. Deke’s hand stayed next to his belt and his weapons. The traitors, whoever they were, must really have him on edge. “Are we secure?” Captain asked in the lift. “No. Not even close.” Deke was grim. “I couldn’t arrest those named without alerting some who

Did you catch Monday's blog featuring the ads for The Zot's short story, You Meet Your Soulmate in the Strangest Places? This short story is a romance of a different sort, full of unexpected moments, sweet surprises, a bit of angst (what good romance doesn't have at least a little?) and some hot, hot kissing. Check it out! I picked this excerpt because it creates a moment of romance, some humor, some of that drama I mention, and you're left with a wait... what? right at the very end. LOL. It's hard to do all that within just a few paragraphs and in one moment of time in a story, but The Zot managed! To read more, click here.

One of the earliest authors on GA, @TheZot has stories featuring a mix of genres and styles, and one of my favorites among them is this quirky story. Not quite what you'd expect and definitely with a twist at the end, I think you'll enjoy this short story as much as I did! Make sure you come back on Wednesday to find out what excerpt I picked to showcase The Zot's writing as well! Length: 7,416 Description: Drew never expected to meet his true love on the train, but that's okay, he did anyway. Now if he can just figure out who the guy was and find him again... If you want to spread the word about The Zot'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!

I think there can be some great spooky stories to come from these prompts. A party hat, crime scene tape? A costume party gone wrong? Or just what might you see when you're tired and passing by... well, what can you come up with? Let's see some creativity! Prompt 708 – Challenge Tag – Description Create a scene where the main character is exhausted. Make it clear to any reader how tired the character is. However, you may not use the words tired, exhausted, sleepy, or worn out. Prompt 709 – Creative Tag – List of Words Use the following words in a story – a party hat, crime scene tape, a diamond earring, a puppy, and a book. Did you write a flash piece? Post a link in the comments!

“What do you mean? Exactly.” I had to ask. My heart was racing, and I couldn’t slow my breathing down. My hands shook, but the synthgar didn’t seem to mind. The tiny creature had shiny blue scales tipped with red peaks on each one. It’s body was nubbly, but smooth and not poky. “Did you say sting?” “I did. But you don’t have to worry about it happening on accident. The bond will only be cemented if you’re willing.” “Willing for what?” I asked again. I’d already given him everything

In the past, I've done Caption This Challenges in the newsletter, and since we have an open blog today, I thought we'd have some Halloween fun with one on the site blog. It's a super simple challenge that helps get your creative juices flowing... write a caption for this image below that tells the story in a minimum of words and share it in the blog comments. You have just 30 words or less to share what you think is happening in the picture. Narrate the scene, share what's going through the viewer's mind, give us a peek at the events about to happen... Is it exactly what it looks like? Will there be a twist? You tell us! CAPTION THIS Remember, authors, you can get featured in the site blogs with several author features but you have to sign up for them! Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here Story Recommendations: Open to all GA authors & readers. PM your recommendation and why you recommend it to a Site Admin.

Who's into a spooky story? It's October after all, and time for all sorts of shivery scary stories all set to send a chill up your spine. Check out what Puppilull thought about one of MrM's short stories from his flash collection of vignettes. Sometimes, it just takes a few words to truly bring out the heart-pounding fright... and he kicks it off with the title alone: The Web (eww!) Vignettes Collection: The Web MrM Reviewer: Puppilull Status: Complete Word Count: 1,696 Autumn is upon us and curling up inside with a nice read is high on the agenda. But deciding the right story can be difficult. Romance? Suspense? Hmm… Why not go for getting scared half to death? Read something that can very well give you nightmares of evil things dwelling in the dark recesses of your basement? Then The Web, a short, stand-alone story, part of MrM’s Vignettes Collection, is just the thing. Just remember, I did warn you! I’m not a particularly sensitive person and can often find myself drawn to the darker side of stories. But even I found The Web to be a quite disturbing story of a spider living in the basement of a house. There it lies in wait for prey… As short as it is, this story was still terrifying enough to make the hairs on my arms stand at attention. It unfolds as intricately as the threads of a spider’s web, getting the reader increasingly ensnared, wanting to get away but feeling compelled to read it to the disturbing end. Throughout the story, you can feel the menacing hunger of the creature, which as any predator feels no remorse for sating its need for flesh. Then again, would you feel remorse over eating, say, a plate of pancakes? The story was written as part of a Newsletter Game Challenge, where the writers were instructed to pick the scariest creature imaginable and then write a story about it. And boy, did MrM manage to hit this one out of the ballpark! In only little over 1500 words, MrM manages to create a truly terrifying tale of that which lurks in the corners of basements. If you need anything from your basement, get it before you read this story. Chances are you won’t go down there any time soon…  Category: Fiction Genres: Free-Verse (Horror) Tags: dark, serious Rating: Everyone

I like all the paranormal fun of it since I adore fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal genre stories anyway. This is just a time of year when it's okay for everyone to say they do too. Plus, people LOVE to be scared, as evidenced by the stories throughout history that prey on the fight or flight center of the brain. As far as pumpkin spice, though, I think all the blame for that belongs to Starbucks. Bah.

Not a leech. Those things gross me out, no matter how they used to be used medicinally. ICKS! Not flea either. Certainly not its name. Yuck. LOL Thank you, Nephy!! I'm glad you're enjoying it. Keep jumping in when you can. You guys were all drawn off by Kohen's confusion. It's great! I gave a big clue with what Captain said but you have to think back to how he's connected with Kohen already. What do you know about their existing connection...? Or, you know, wait for next week! More about this little gift and the next steps in their journey are coming!

October has come! It's time to enjoy some flash fiction this first Freaky Friday. What's that sound...? Is it... a creepy cackle? A spooky rattle? Maybe you can come up with a spooky twist to prompt #706 because I know that would freak me out and there's all sorts of paranormal premises that you could use! Hmm.... Prompt 706 – Creative Tag – Sleep The patient has been in the hospital for longer than you’ve been alive. They barely look eighteen, and doctors keep running all sorts of tests. You were hired to exercise the patient’s muscles, keep them groomed, and clean. While bathing them today, the patient woke up. What happens? Prompt 707 – Creative Tag – First Line “But I’m never going to finish on time.” Remember to post a link in the comments if you've written a flash fiction piece to share with readers!

Mackinack was going to be dangerous. Deke wasn’t happy Captain didn’t take more people with him, but their argument seemed like something they said before and were saying again just to say it. I watched them but tried to make it subtle, so they wouldn’t know I was watching them. “At least you’re going,” Deke grumbled. “He won’t let me go after last time.” “What happened last time?” I asked. I took the new knife Deke handed over. “This one doesn’t have a paralytic, by the way

October brings us a nice long month to read, a full 28 days, so I wanted to feature a series. Carlos Hazday's Atlantis Shift series delves into the mystical world under the waves that so fascinates many due to the very mystery it still holds on the planet, and I couldn't pass it up. It's also another older feature from his early days showing his creativity from the beginning and his growth since then. You'll get to know more about these stories and Carlos in my interview at the end of the month, so make sure you read up and come back on October 29th! Atlantis Shift Series by Carlos Hazday Tidal Power Length: 8,373 Description: Two ancient species join forces to battle a common enemy. A Reader Said: I think I agree with most guys here in that you left us wanting more! After reading the story I have an entirely new appreciation for dolphins that I never even knew existed The wolves are still my favorite, though! ~albertnothlit Detskoye Porno Length: 8,858 Description: The dolphins of Nova Scotia return in an all new adventure! A Reader Said: Definitely interested in more. I like all three of the shifter groups we've met - the wolves, dolphins and the dragons. Great story. ~avidreadr Don't forget to come back for the Discussion Day on Monday, October 29th!

Maybe this will inspire you paired with #707

September has nearly fled, October is fast approaching, and the Extreme Halloween flash fiction stories are due. Did you write a prompt piece for that event? We're going to share it in the newsletter and more, so make sure you get that flash piece posted! If you didn't, maybe you can write something for these prompts, provided by GA's very own prompt guru, Comicfan! Prompt 704 – Creative Tag – New Home You’ve bought a home that is over a hundred years old, but looks like brand new. You meet the previous owner to take the keys and are informed there is one small detail that must be done daily. They inform you, that no matter what else happens, make sure to leave a fresh bowl of cream on the kitchen counter every night. They stress this must be done for your own sake and leave. What does this mean? Do you follow the directions? Prompt 705 – Creative Tag – List of words Use the following words in a story – a lab report, a smashed vial, a pink shirt, a wrist watch, and a cell phone. If you write a flash piece in the last week, make sure you share a link in the comments below!

The nightmare that consumed my mind as I slept held me in its grip when I woke as a hand touched my shoulder, and I lashed out and backed away. The corner of my cell was safest when they were trying to prod me out. They’d get me, eventually, but I couldn’t make it easy on them. “No, no, no, no,” I chanted as I rocked. The darkness shocked me. My cell was never dark. What new trick was this? “Kohen, open your eyes.” I froze. That voice didn’t belong. Not here, not in this pla

As a few authors might have noted, there was some cause for concern earlier this week in regards to unsolicited commercial interest in some GA authors' stories. We have shut that down, hopefully for good as the so-called author/eBook producer has pulled their content from sale as well, but I will be continuing to monitor content for a while to see if they pop back up again with any stories that have GA content in them stolen from the site. Which is what I'm here to talk about today... We don't just have the mod queue to protect from plagiarism happening when authors post new content on the site. I also help authors whose content has been stolen and posted elsewhere, either for free or for profit. I've issued takedown notices on behalf of the site and, unfortunately, a whopping 5 different times for my own content. And while sometimes that alert comes from fans who are reading on alternate sites, other times I've been able to find my content stolen, for sale, or just posted on websites that I do not want my name or content to be associated with or 'hosted' on and hadn't given permission to do so. How did I know? I checked, and I continue to check, as often as I can. I'm not talking about Torrent sites, or free downloads, though those are a nightmare, but mostly about sites where authors are either flat out stealing your work as their own or trying to make a fast buck by ripping it off with a cheap cover and gathering royalties. How to check your stories for plagiarism: 1. Pick a distinctive phrase such as: Nyle looked up nervously as he rode under the portcullis. 2. Search the phrase within quotation marks "Nyle looked up nervously as he rode under the portcullis.". 3. Repeat search with a distinctive phrase without names: "The austere chapel and rigorous training had been a sharp contrast to his youth". Tips: Search on multiple search engines (Bing, Google, etc...). Search phrases from the first chapter and later chapters. Search distinctive phrases both with and without names in case those have been changed. DO ALL OF THIS OFTEN. How do I get the story removed if I find one or more that's been stolen? How to report plagiarism: 1. Look for a report button or a contact us link. 2. Copy the story link to the stolen story. 3. Share the stolen story title, author name, and links to your original. Haven't posted online? Keep copies of all sent mail to beta readers/fans with advanced reader copies of your work to prove when the content was written and sent. Offer to provide a forwarded copy of said email. If you really want to protect your work, purchase an official copyright, especially if you might publish later. If the site requires it, fill out an official DCMA notice. 4. Follow up. Most sites will work with you to remove the content. Sometimes you have to take it further to the ISP. If you suspect a story or other content on site has been stolen, please report it! This not only protects the site, but protects the authors, and the original artists. How to issue a DMCA notice: 1. Contact the site owners/ISP with the following information: Your signature, links to your copyrighted work, links to the plagiarized work, your physical and online contact information, a statement in good faith that the plagiarized work is unauthorized, and a statement that your information is accurate under penalty of perjury.... There's a lot more to DMCA notices I don't want to outline here, but there is a great website which explains the process: The DMCA Takedown Notice DeMystified by Ken Liu Sample notice:

Whoops! Happy Birthday, hun!! (((hug)))

September was a short month week-wise for reading the CSR story, so we had a shorter selection (and much shorter than last month's!) with Remijay's Time Will Tell. Did you make the time to read this contemporary twin feature? That's one of the interesting parts of this--the story started posting years before it was finished. Make sure you share what you think in the comments below, but first I want to share my interview with Remijay where I ask him about writing over the course of years. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate If you were an animal, what would you be? I would like to think a Tiger. What brought you to GA? My favorite author, Comicality. Is there any quote or saying about writing that resonates with you? There is a lot of quotes that I could use, but the one I like the best is, "Without risks there are no rewards". What’s the best part of being an author? The hardest part? The best part would be inspiring others from your words. The hardest part would expressing yourself in a way that leaves you vulnerable You began writing Time Will Tell a very long time ago. Do you remember what prompted you to begin the story? I was in a very dark place at the time. The story Time Will Tell, originally was supposed to be a poem. But I couldn't shake the feeling that it could be much more. If the author you are now could give advice to the author you were then, what would it be? Listen to others. Write from your heart. Be passionate about what you write. If you could pick actors to play Devon & Josh, who would they be? Dylan and Cole Sprouse. What’s your favorite scene in the story? There are actually two scenes. One is when Devon is introduced to Trent, and the second would be the ending part of the story. What else are you writing or plan to post next on GA for readers to enjoy? I am currently continuing to write Twist Of fate, along with Modern High Take 3. Other than that, whatever comes to my mind as a story.

Flash fiction is a great way to help keep your inspiration juices flowing, especially if you're blocked on a long writing piece. Or you can use it to explore different writing techniques. Either way, just make sure you give it a try and pressure your author friends to try it too. In this case, peer pressure is a good thing, lol! Seriously, expand your repertoire and try your hand at something new if you haven't done it before. Or have some fun if you have but aren't really using it to push your skills in new directions. These prompts might be about ordinary things, but let's see what you can do with.... Prompt 702 – Creative Tag – List of words Use the following words in a story – text books, new sneakers, a bus, a cup of coffee, and a ripped bag. Prompt 703 – Creative Tag – First Line “Is that a baby crying?” Did you write a flash fiction story last week? Make sure you share a link below.

Captain had allowed himself to be distracted for a moment, and then he’d been back to business. I wasn’t nearly as strong as he was. It was a good thing I wasn’t in charge of anything, because all I could do was eat, drain the cup of blessedly cool water I was given and then another as soon as it was refilled, and watch him. He was so sure, listening to the reports the crew gave, considering each one, and issuing orders that took us out of the berth in port and set us on the original course to r

Did you catch Monday's blog featuring Stefan Schmidt's novella, The Sons of Memory? This tale of Theseus brings out a lot of the old classic stylings with all the trappings of the Greek mythology, including a minotaur who needs... well, what he needs. And this story isn't shy with the details. I decided to share the excerpt from the very beginning, because as with all good stories, that sets the plot and the first glimpse of the character. Care to check out... the maze? To read more, click here.