Cia

Sorry. I'm still recovering from the flu and up half the night coughing (I sleep upright on the couch). With the 24 stories (I love the participation, but WOW!) I just don't have that much function in me to draw it out as much as I have in the past. This way binge readers can hit them all up and slower readers can use their own pace. We'll still have plenty of time to read, and the poll won't be open/closed in a single day either, promise! I also put up that Discussion topic so readers can choose to talk there about the specific stories, so we can avoid spoilers here for slower readers who choose to savor the submissions!

FYI! I added in the post above, but for those who already read that, I've also added a Discussion topic on the Forums for when the blog isn't live/featured. @Valkyrie @drsawzall @CassieQ @Jack Poignet

If you just want to chat more here about our Secret Author Stories, discuss who you think wrote what, post your memes, love, etc...!! Have at it! Official topic for your reading and chatting enjoyment, woot! List of story titles for those who want to make their "spreadsheet"

I didn't want to put them out in dribs and drabs and then put older stories at a disadvantage when it comes to the poll (people tend to like/vote on what they last read). I'll give everyone this week to read and discuss, then next week (After I feature Topher's CSR!!) I'll post the poll for everyone to vote on their favorite story. This year we'll announce top 3 stories out of all 24 where readers most enjoyed the use of the theme (great idea, thanks @Valkyrie)

Readers!! Are you ready for the tea? Some juicy gossip? A horrific dark drama you cannot look away from? These tales are here just for you! It's the 2025 Secret Author Stories! Yes, they have been revealed... ahem, sort of! Our sneaky Secret Author has taken on posting to give you the thrill of enjoyment without knowing who wrote the story you will be voting for as your favorite! Feel free to speculate who wrote which story, but those participating author names won't be revealed until after the story poll (to be posted in a few days. Now: Discussion topic link can be found here!!) before readers get the challenge to pair up stories and authors in another fun game later! Remember to like, comment, and review! Authors!! If you notice some missing metadata, well... sometimes it might have given info away to readers, the system didn't have an exact match, or the info had to be narrowed down to fit within the system size/limits. BUT, if something (other than story text typos) is flat out wrong, please private message me (Cia) to get it fixed ASAP! You may, or may not, comment on/review your own story to throw off readers (oh, did I say that?) and you will get control back from our sneaky Secret Author later, but don't engage to reply/thank anyone now!! We're still keeping SOME secrets for a bit longer!

It should not have posted. It is not live yet. Please be patient!

Laptops are so much better than in the past. I have a 2nd monitor attached to my sit-to-stand desk, plus a lap table so I can decide where I want to be (sitting on the couch with it just on my lap or sitting/standing with a 2nd screen attached). I also go a step further and got mine with a micro SD port and reformat a larger SD card so it works like the C drive. Not only do I get more storage space, I reset the paths for the automatic downloads/files for my programs & essential documents/photos to that card instead. This way basically all the functions I commonly use for my laptop and essential files can be removed in a second and put in a new device if something happens to this one. Super helpful and reassuring for that info I don't want in cloud storage!

I *might* have a few more coming too!! 😉 Please be patient with methough. I woke up coughing yesterday with my asthma flaring and I have a fever and headache today.

It'll be a few days, as I am still getting submissions and the Secret Author needs to get it all posted properly. Remember, authors, please don't reveal that you've written a story or submitted one because those are parts of the secret games that we play for the event. You can't be revealed too soon! I plan to have everything going and the first reader polls starting next week.

Now let's see if more authors decide to send in a Secret Story!!

Still don't have it!!

Sooo close but not quite right! 🥵 But which one???

Nope, Nope, Nope!! Keep guessing!

That's it! Today's the day. Get your Secret Author Short Story in now!! Info on the contest is linked here. Readers, the games of picking who wrote a story, who wrote which story, and picking your favorite story are all coming! The first one, how many stories do you think were submitted, has resulted in a few guesses: 14, 10, ONE MILLION (HA!), 8, more than 7 (SOOO cheating!) Were any guesses right? Feel free to keep guessing! Actual numbers Cheater McCheater guesses will not result in a number reveal!

Nope and nope.

Anyone want to guess how many stories the Secret Author has to post now???

Admin never knows what they think they know (instead of what they really should know) which leads to lots of dumb opining! Happens at my work all the time; I want to ask when the last time they actually worked with kids was or if they even KNOW the jobs of the staff they oversee (or are trying to negotiate/change).

Are you saying I'm predictable? 😆 I do like to mix up the features, but having 2 Classic authors come back to us is something noteworthy! I love featuring content that readers might not see with our newer authors posting more often, though I try not to neglect them as well. Carter's Army was definitely a popular series back in the day so it's a great feature to bring back to readers. I hope some newer members will enjoy it!

As a welcome back to GA, and since many of our newer members might not know this Classic Author, this month I thought I'd feature Topher Lydon's start to his Carter's Saga series. Check out this short novel and come back to share your thoughts on the Discussion day when I share my interview with Topher! Carter's Army by @Topher Lydon Length: 60,266 Description: A young immigrant to Canada discovers that love can be found in the most unlikely places. Andrew isn’t the run of the mill team Captain, can he show Will what it means to be in love? And can he coax the awkward, non-social boy out of the closet? Events spiral out of control after stolen kisses are caught, and gossip begins to spiral out of control. A Reader Said: I read this story quite awhile ago before I joined and I remember enjoying it greatly. All of the main/supporting characters is Will's circle are so true and it's easy to swoon and empathize with all of them. Even Will's father is true and not some stereotype of a "bad father". Honest and concise and completely engrossing. I look forward to rereading the rest off the saga. ~Miles Long Come back on the last Monday of the month, July 28th, to check out the Discussion day and share your thoughts!

Alien capybaras.... Sometimes when you see them swimming and they look so cute! I had a vision of a normal furry capybara head starting to pop out of the water, and then, all of a sudden... Wham! Tentacle alien underneath snags the human in for cuddles instead. 🤪

He is my fav character! Well, him and Rocket but I can't wear Rocket gear to school (work) so I do lots of Stitch. This year one of my kids even gave me a keychain stuffie of him at the end of the year. 😁

That's right, the deadline of July 15th is creeping up soon. 7 authors have taken up the challenge to reveal a secret... were you one of them? (DO NOT TELL NOW! On pain of retribution of the evil Cia 😈) Do readers know who likes to submit early and who might be an author who likes to push the timeline boundaries? Hmmm.... how about some clues? Some Title(s) Exposing... My.... Bust... .... It Takes ...Teen Good luck with your guesses! Want to take part or learn more about the Secret Author Story Contest? Click on the banner below!

Something to consider if I maybe have a less crazy year.

Did you catch Monday's ad feature for Headstall's story, Bearpaw: An Old West Tale? Have you read it or put it on your to read list yet? Even if you have never read a Western fictional tale before, you should really give it a chance. His writing has a way of making you invested in the characters and their lives, and you won't be sorry (even if it's a bit longer than most, though that's the draw for me usually!). Check out this excerpt, if you haven't read it yet. Want to read more? Click here