Cia

Being sick, and pretty sure it's part of the back end tech that I don't work with, I've asked AJ to take a look at this when he has some time. The system IS intended to let you post-date the content (at least 2 days ahead is best when you're in the queue to ensure that I've had time to approve it before it is scheduled to go live) and have it go live when you want it to go live. And, yes, the announcements in the recent story updates section as well as notifications should be for when it goes live, not when you post it. These are all things that are not happening as they should be. If, however, there are issues with a chapter or chapters, authors can send me a PM to ask for them to be deleted. Be aware, however, that means any likes or comments on the chapters are wiped away, and I can't delete a chapter in the middle of a story and just slot and rearrange chapters to put a new one in. If I delete chapter 4, the chapter listing will then just from 3 to 5. So, if a chapter is deleted and it leaves the chapters coming later out of sequence, they really all do have to be deleted as well. And Timothy's recommendation to never edit the chapter until it goes live is very good advice. It can cause a lot of havoc in your content and the timing.

Remember, guys, that this is a topic for readers to share what they skip, or what makes them skip out on a story altogether. But that doesn't mean that it's "wrong", necessarily. Not every story will be to every reader's taste. I've been flamed before, and I've also been given very valid yet cringe-worthy feedback that pointed out a ton of things I didn't even know I was doing poorly. We've all been beginners, and we've all had the experience of learning that we need to learn more. As long as your stories don't violate the site guidelines, then you don't have to change them. And if you have to break some rule, remember, it's important to know those rules because then you can justify breaking it.

November is here, and this month I wanted to feature something different. There are a lot of stories on the site with themes that involve some heavy subjects that can really make you think, but one of the best of those is an older story that many current readers probably haven't found since it was posted for a 2008 anthology themed "Living in the Shadows". Street Life by Graeme Length: 16,661 Description: *Reader warning* This story does contain mature themes & references to underage prostitution and suicide. A Reader said: That was depressing and uplifting at the same time. I've read New Brother, and I can remember the main charater (whom I despised utterly in spite of your heroic and brilliant effort to make him understandable and redeemable) being told Craig's story. It was one of the better moments in New Brother and I'm glad I finally managed to read Craig's story, even though it made me sad. ~ Timothy M Please come back for our Discussion Day on Monday, November 27th.

Well I am an author and editor, but I'm also a parent. I was previously a heavily-involved volunteer in my kids' schools K-7th grades, and now I work with high needs special ed students as a paraeducator as a day job. Teaching, and being respectful of how difficult it can be to learn something as complex as creative writing as well as technical writing skills, is something that falls within my skill set. I've lost my temper more than a time or two on the site, but mostly, we (staff) try to help members out in a kind fashion. And I know our writing/reading community tries as well, for the most part.

Yes, we have a lot of topics and blogs talking about how to critique rather than criticize, especially for newer, inexperienced authors. I'm glad that no one has been blatantly calling out specific authors or stories here, since that is definitely not the gist of this topic. It's hard to know what you're doing "wrong" for readers unless someone actually says something, which is the main element that the original post is trying to get everyone to share. How do authors know what they skip (and what to avoid writing) unless we hear it from readers specific to our genre? The devil is definitely in the details, for sure! Speaking of details, you've made an assumption I've actually had happen quite a few times over the years... I'm a woman, not a man, lol. It's definitely made writing in this niche harder because I have to be so careful not to feminize my male characters like so many male readers assume female MM authors write. That is something that irritates me as well, when we're talking about what you skip ahead (or skip a story altogether). I dislike male characters written to gay stereotypes (rich playboy, flighty twinks, or dumb but hot muscle bears, and I really dislike women tropes like the over-the-top best friend fag hag or the evil ex.

Yes! A lot of this is exactly what I'm talking about. Very specific comments about scene tropes (the get up/look in the mirror start to a story) or the first few pages info dump (often hard to avoid in scifi or historical pieces when authors must set the overall world as different from contemporary), sex scenes and why (too repetitive as exactly the same 1-2-3 me/missionary action in scenes or just too much overall). Editing standards (especially when you expect a new writer to improve) or overly-complicated or unnecessary language, 'writing down' to readers which reads as arrogant, etc... I very much get and agree with a lot of the comments as a reader, and I think it's great for authors to have a place to see this sort of thing. If you have a story scene, style, or standard that turns you off and makes you skip ahead, keep sharing!

I like detail, and have always been a huge fan of stories with a lot of it. Growing up, I always wanted books or book series, the longer the better. But for me, rehashing story scenes through alternating point of views drives me crazy. It feels like pure laziness to use the same scenes in order to be able to show the reader the opposing character's POV of the scene. I think it's better to show the motivations/thoughts/feelings of the other characters by adding in more subtle cues like body language and actions along with their dialogue, rather than write the same dialogue and actions twice to show different thoughts.

I read a writing tip today that seems sort of obvious... "Try to leave out the part readers tend to skip" (Elmore Leonard). But what part is that? It had to vary, but there's probably an overall consensus about the types of scenes or story elements that readers gloss over, skip past, or just stop reading. So share your thoughts to help GA authors improve our craft!

“What is he doing here?” “Captain—” “I left express orders not to bring him to the infirmary. Do you want to terrorize him? Why is he sedated?” The harsh, angry voice made me flinch, and I started breathing faster, but then something grabbed ahold of my body and control was wrested from me. My breathing slowed, the panic welling up inside faded, and the protesting voice shushing the furious protest couldn’t capture my attention from the strange, peaceful twilight I floated in.

How fast these months go! Is it nearly Halloween where you live? Are you ready for some tricks or treats? Or maybe you celebrate All Hallow's Eve another way? Or... maybe the whole thing freaks you out, and you'd rather read a story set firmly in the present? Maybe a little second-chance? If so, I hope you enjoyed Mitchelll's Mr. Brightside! Don't forget to share your thoughts in a comment below, but my first we have my interview with him! What brought you to Gay Authors? I liked the interaction between the users with the forums and the commenting on the stories. I also liked that the stories focused more on storytelling rather than on sex. I had read stories at Nifty for years, and always found their lack of story description and ability to search for specific stories problematic. There are definitely gems there, but it can be a slog to find something I really enjoy reading. If you could give yourself advice when you first started writing, what would it be? To just get started. To just sit down and write. When I decided to try writing, I spent literally years thinking about writing, creating characters and plotting stories in my head before I finally managed to sit down at a computer and try to put those ideas on paper. Do you have any writing rituals? Not really. I always write at a certain place, my grandmother’s table in the breakfast room, but other than that it varies. My favorite time to write is very early in the morning while drinking coffee, but I haven’t been able to turn that into a real habit. What do you struggle with most when you are writing a story? Actually putting it down on the page. I have entire stories plotted out in my head, huge swathes of dialogue, etc. And I write a lot while doing other tasks like walking the dog or working, or at least think about my stories, but when it comes time to sit down and actually transfer it from my brain to a page, I find it incredibly difficult. I think it was Truman Capote who said something like “I like to have written. I hate writing.” That pretty much sums up my feelings. How long did it take you to write Mr. Brightside? I’m not actually sure, but I know that it was more than a year. How did you come up with the title? I had started the story, which had already evolved a lot from its beginning. I was thinking about a title when I happened to see the video for Mr. Brightside again, and I realized that the lyrics about jealousy, the feeling of the video, so much of it reflected my story. In fact, I pictured Jason as looking very much like Brandon Flowers, and Viktor as looking like Eric Roberts. What prompted you to set the story in New Orleans? As a writing novice, at this point, I’m sticking to the old advice of writing about what you know. I’ve lived here for almost twenty years, and I love it. And I have, unfortunately, seen paths like Shane and Corey. It’s a beautiful, fascinating city with a very, very dark side. Did you have to do a lot of research for Mr. Brightside? What’s your preferred method? Honestly, no. There were a few things I looked up online and verified. Like luxury VIP hospital wings are a very real thing. And Louisiana involuntary commitment laws, though not quite as easy to get around in real life, are in fact among the most lax in the nation. Can you sum up the story in one sentence? I think for me the main theme would be contained in Jason’s story arc: When you refuse to be true to yourself and life authentically, it can lead to tragedy, both for yourself and the others around you. When can readers expect more? I am currently working on a follow up to Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It. It’s not a direct sequel, and its main focus is on new characters, but Jason and Shane do play a role.

AND watch out for the story that creeped ME out the most, being posted as a special feature on Tuesday, Halloween day!!

Check out these Haunted Halloween Flash Fiction stories!! A machete-wielding man dressed all in black wearing a mask....Sparks flew from the spinning whetstone as the battered metal of his favorite blade was restored to its former glory. Malachi loved the screeching sound the metal produced as the stone ground away flecks of oxidation and blood. This was his form of meditation. The rhythm of his foot operating the pedal of the old-fashioned wooden frame, along with the spinning stone, were almost hypnotic. It allowed Malachi to re-live the experience of his first guest. He grinned, his laugh lines causing a brick-red flake to float to the ground like an autumn leaf. His first guest had been an appetizer, honing his desires like the stone that spun underneath the now-shiny blade. He lifted his foot off the pedal and swiveled his chair away from the decelerating whetstone. Moonlight glinted off the mirror-like sheen of the newly-sharpened edge. Malachi placed the blade on his forearm and removed it. Blood immediately welled up in the small furrow the sharp instrument produced. Perfection. He was ready for his second guest. Read more Masked by Valkyrie An Incubus.... *warning: Story contains graphic content* “Oh, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie…,” I said in a sing-song voice. “I’m not going to rape you, my dear boy. I got something worse in mind for you.” When Edward “Eddie” Olsen finally walked in through the front door, I knew my plans had come to fruition. Weeks I’d spent prepping for this encounter, ever since I drove into town, and stopped at the Starbucks this little asshole managed. I smelled the guilt on him. It was overpowering the dark roasted coffee in the shop that day, and then I read his mind. At that moment, I knew that Eddie would lead me to my next target. This abandoned house was a perfect location for my plans. Read more Hell's Vengeance: The Incubus by BHopper2 A doppleganger.... Right … he wanted to get this over and done with. Piece of piss. Eddie Olsen strode up the drive to the deserted house. It was already dark, and the sky was overcast – no moon to be seen. Why all the excitement about Halloween? Just another effing excuse to sell copious amounts of tat to every idiot going. Well, he'd be in and out of there in ten. Better take a selfie as proof, so even sodding Bri would shut the fuck up. He was well armed with his phone and a sturdy torch – both fully charged. Anyway, it wasn't much of a dare. Read more Am I Late by Northie A Ghost.... “Hey, I told you this was nothing!” Eddie didn’t even try to stop the condescending smile spreading across his face. The guys’ idea of Halloween fun was so lame. A haunted house? Honestly, were they twelve? With all the entertainment available only a few clicks away these days, going to see some losers in less than impressive costumes try to scare people was so old fashioned. And Eddie didn’t do old fashioned. He barely did last week. Eddie turned to shoot Mark and Kyle a smug look, only to discover his friends had vanished. Scowling, he spun full circle but only saw the cheaply decorated “scary” room, complete with cliché spiderwebs and wisps of manmade smoke. Eddie snorted. Could this house be more of a waste of money? Not that money was an issue. He made good money managing the store and made sure to have fun spending it as well. “Very funny. This was your suggestion, remember?” Sighing, he retraced his steps across the floor. “Where did you go?” Read more Ghosting by Puppilull

Would I do that to my characters? *innocent look* Muahahahahaha! Aliens with a completely alien way of thinking. Definitely clever and twisted. That's a great way off putting it!

Hmm... you'll have to wait till next week to find out. Yes! He's been held under horrific conditions by callous captors for years. There's no easy way to shrug that off, and when the experimenting and punishments were both mental and physical? He's in for a very long road to recovery, and it's not going to be easy for anyone who tries to help him. Aww, thank you! He's definitely a broken character, but a compelling one. And, yet, our main character still sought out the warmth and touch when he could. Even though he knew he shouldn't and that it would hurt. He's been through so much, but there are hidden strengths to him as well.

Yes! More every week. Hopefully you liked week 2, and I'm starting to write week 3's right now! LOL! Patient is as patient does. Your instincts AND Captain's! Yay! I'm glad you liked it. I can write only as fast as 1 chapter per week, though, since this is a Wednesday Briefers story. I only write and post 1k updates each Wednesday. Either way works, lol.

I think the person who asked that question on the other site is confused. You don't have to get a copyright in order to publish a manuscript into an eBook, and I've never even seen a contest that required it. You 'own' the copyright of anything you personally and solely create, and most websites or contests put the onus on the person by saying that by posting/entering you're agreeing that you have the rights or permissions to do that because you hold the copyright or a release of copyright. Then, if any question about ownership comes up, you're the one left responsible if it comes out that you were lying. If you want to PROVE it, however, it's best to visit your country's website that governs copyright and look for the specific type of content and what you must do. In the US it's basically a form and a relatively low fee. It mostly comes in handy if you have to deal with plagiarists who are stealing money from you on a sale site like Amazon because they're more likely to pull your content if they don't think you own the right to publish it and furnishing a purchased copyright is the easiest way to prove ownership. That's why we come down so hard on plagiarists here. We want it publicly stated that they lied about what they said they created because it's not just a morally bankrupt action but a potentially legally liable one as well.

The softness underneath my body, the smooth fabric against my face, the scent permeating the air… it was too much and yet not enough. I took small, quick breaths and gripped the edge of the pillow. It smelled like him, like Captain. Not even the pain of touching these things could take away the wonder of them. “What is he wearing?” I peeked out of the corner of my eye, not wanting to face them head on. “Not sure,” Captain said. “I didn’t feel any seams.” “Certainly fits tight

No idea, that's all Renee's bailiwick.

Renee's off enjoying herself at GRL 2017, so you get me today! Good thing it's been a quiet week! If you hold an Author title, take a second to go check out the first round of voting for next year's anthologies. You can find them here. Voting will end in just 3 days on October 25th, so make sure to get your vote in soon! Also, don't forget the Halloween Contest voting has ended, so hopefully you had the chance to vote. Be looking for the contest winners to be announced coming up on Halloween! Now, let's see what happened this week in the various GA blogs. Contests 2017 Halloween Short Story Contest - Voting Closed! 2018 Summer Novella Anthology - Due April 15th, 2018 Anthology Announcements: ***NOTE: All Deadlines are for submission to the Anthology Proof Team*** 2017 Fall Anthology: The Fall Out / Secret Spaces - Due November 15th, 2017 Anthology Theme Selection - Part 1: Voting Open! Premium Updates: Angel's Heart by Nephylim *Premium* Classic Updates: Brittle as a Bird by Ronyx Signature Updates: Cozy Contemplations by Headstall Denied by Cia Poetry by Renee by Renee Stevens Rivers of the Dead by Cynus So Weeps the Willow by Cole Matthews Translation Trashbin by AC Benus; Book 7 of Verse Promising Updates: Cider Press by Parker Owens timmy's poetry by Mikiesboy

Hmm... well it really was supposed to traumatize you by forcing you to assume the persona/identity/creep that really freaks you out... but I guess if you follow the general gist of the prompt of the haunted house, and at least include the freaky supernatural being you previously chose, I'll allow it. I think I was too vague with the overall outline of this prompt game.

Are you thinking of Rob Colton's Timber Pack Chronicles? It's not Premium, but his scifi series "Galactic Conspiracies" is.

Good guy... wrong side of the law. My favorite type, LOL!! Definitely! Don't worry, I'd never ignore the fact that the main character has been traumatized by making his rescue magically fix the effects of the "experiment" on him.

Did you catch Monday's blog about this month's Classic Author feature, Don H's Working It Out? Don't miss out on some of the reviews and download your copy of the signature graphic so you can share your love of the story. If you did read Monday's blog but aren't quite convinced, maybe Myr's reasons for sharing this story and excerpt will sway you into reading it right away! And don't forget to leave a star rating and story review when you're done!! Myr said: Don Haratty's "Working it Out" has long been a favorite of mine. It started in 1999 and was going strong when I started Gay Authors, so he was one of the first authors I recruited here. In reviewing the text for the blurb, I once again got sucked into the story. I'm not really sure what it is. The quirky humor? The appeal to a better nature? The vivid physicality of the writing? The Faith? I guess in the end for me it has to be that feeling of striving to be better that the characters exhibit. There is a religious element in the story too, that should, at least, provoke thought and that is something that appeals to my inner nerd. It has been my experience in life that everyone needs to embrace a concept that is bigger than oneself. For many years and in many places, people have embraced religion. Gays in general seem to have wholesale rejected this aspect, but it may not be necessarily so. This story does a good job of showing that without being preachy about it. This story hooked me right from the get go. Read a chapter or two and see if it does the same for you. To read more, check out the rest of the story here:

I endured years of experiments at the hands of sadistic aliens. Barely eighteen, I've been rescued from the tiny cell and the years of enforced sensory deprivation. Lost, with no family or friends I can remember or would turn to if I could, I'm alone in the universe... except for the humans who saved me. The Captain. Zeke. Doc. A crew of misfit Rangers, a ragtag bunch operating just this side of legal--and often on the other side when circumstances are right--are not the kind to help someone “like me” recover. Captain wants to send me away, but I can't leave. No one else can touch me. He's it for me, the strength I can't function without.

For October, the Classic Author feature is another oldie but goodie, Working it Out by Don H. This story was actually what drew me to the site, and I have to echo a lot of Myr's sentiments on why he chose Don's story to feature! And if those endorsements aren't enough, check out some other reviews left by fans in the feature below. And don't forget to download the smaller graphic for your personal signature if you want to show your love of Don H's work! Length: 120,993 Description: Mike Berman, a swimmer, and Matt Broman, a wrestler, are college roommates. Mike is gay and Matt finds out. They live life and face the ups and downs and above all, they work things out. Some Readers Said: If you want to spread the word about Don's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature! Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt Myr chose to share!