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Cia

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  1. Cia

    March CSR Discussion Day: Running Far Afield by Libby Drew

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Have you read Libby Drew's story, Running Far Afield, that was featured for this month's CSR story? I know at least 3 site authors left reviews after reading it this month (AWESOME!!!) but if you read this 15k short story, please leave a comment below after you check out Libby's interview! 
     
  3. Cia

    March Signature Feature: Puzzles Pieces by Mrsgnomie

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    This short story was a Pride month post, but the shortie but goodie is definitely worth your time all during the year!! 

    Length: 1,000
    Description: Daniel found his forever friend in Hone when he was just four-years-old. They grow up inseparable. The only secret between them is that Daniel is gay. If life is a puzzle, the only piece missing is the truth.
    A Reader Said: Love this tale of two friends. How scary it must be to come out to your bestie. I love the deeper meaning of the puzzle pieces, everything is following into place. Well done! I would totally read a longer version of this! ~Topnotch
    If you want to spread the word about Mrsgnomie'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!
  4. Cia

    March CSR Feature: Running Far Afield by Libby Drew

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    This month is the beginning of the spring Sports season at high school (ask me how I know, track mom here!). How many of you remember playing sports in high school? Man, I was a disaster in softball, hence my my kids did/do track, lol! So I thought I'd share a story to bring back the nostalgia of the season for myself, and others, with Libby Drew's story Running Far Afield. 
    Running Far Afield
    by @Libby Drew
    Length: 15,560
    Description: Aaron thought nothing would be different in his new town of Ridgton. Instead, nothing is the same. When he meets Chris, he finds not only a fellow baseball player, but a close friend – one who gives him the courage to explore the things about himself he's been hiding.
    A Reader said:  Running Far Afield is a fantastic afternoon read. Two teenage boys discover each other in an unlikely setting and over a period of 6 weeks develop a bond that lifts them up but does not please everyone around them. 
    This is a fabulous story, well worth the hour it will take to read. ~Doha
     
    Don't forget to come back to share your comments on Monday, March 25th. 
  5. Cia
    Did you catch this month's CSR Feature by @AusGlitterati? The Weakest Link: Teenage Triumphs Edition & the follow-up story are both available for you to enjoy, if you haven't already, but make sure you read this interview first. 
    Chocolate or Vanilla?
    Vanilla all the way! I always have to wonder why vanilla gets a bad rep as the boring or basic flavour. Vanilla is actually lit, and it deserves more respect on its name - chocolate is the basic flavour. That's the hill I will die on. 😁
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    The copout answer is a tropical paradise where I can have a cocktail while floating down a river in an inflatable tube. I hear Hawaii is great for it! But I'm not writing about Hawaii, so that's not an option.
    The other one is the Weakest Link set - I made it through two stages to get to the third and final application to be a contestant, but I guess my video answer to which three living or dead celebrities I'd invite to a dinner party (I picked three of the Golden Girls) wasn't good enough. The show was cancelled after one season and I didn't make it on - I'm not suggesting I would have saved it, but we'll never know now, will we? 😎
    But an introspective answer is challenging - since COVID, travelling hasn't been something I've thought much about. 
    I always wanted to write a scene - I'm not picky as to which story I can write it in - where a guy works up the courage to propose to his partner at Niagara Falls, only to have his partner propose to him first. Does this count as a spoiler? 
    So I want to see the falls myself (I really hope nobody proposes to me) and see the magic! 
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    Though most of my stories heavily feature gay males and delve into relationships and sex - I actually identify more closely as aroace (aromantic & asexual).
    What brought you to the GA? 
    Heterosexual romance plotlines tend to bore me to death - which is unfortunate, since it's a subplot in literally every story, film or TV show ever. But gay romance was still tricky to find even just seven or so years ago when I stumbled across GA. I really enjoyed the stories I read. Not just romance, but it was refreshing to read authentic characters and storylines that were conceived and cultivated with love from the LGBTQ+ community. It was inspiring enough to put down some creativity of my own on figurative paper. 
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    Setting a visual scene. I don't know how anybody has the patience or vivid imagination to paint a beautiful setting, spending paragraphs turning it into a work of art that you can see all around you. I have to discipline myself to do this. I tend to invest heavily in characterising and dialogue to compensate. I really do envy the talented authors who specialise in descriptive writing.
    What is your favorite part of being an author?
    Creative freedom, so far! For example, I couldn't find a story about gay wrestlers - except for the ones that you find on Nifty. So I just made one up! That's something I enjoy. If I can't find the story I want to read, I have the tools to do it myself. 
    It's also great to have a small but very loyal group of people that follow my stories and interact with them. It brings a lot of joy and validation to see them popping up to support me - I can't thank them enough!
    Share the inspiration for The Weakest Link. Did the overall story or a character come to you first?
    The character first, definitely. Lance Lovecraft is the deuteragonist of To The Stars, and in his backstory, he took part in many different televised contests and pageants growing up. Having loved The Weakest Link since I was young (I love the ruthless way the game is run!) I attached that to his list of achievements. When the reboot of The Weakest Link came around, I figured I'd have a crack at writing the spinoff of Lance participating on the show. I had a LOT of fun writing it! 
    Do you have a favorite scene or character in the story?
    I feel it would be cheating to say Lance, since he's the protagonist and the reason I wrote the story in the first place! But other characters popped out at me. This story has two antagonists, and one of them is a young actor whom Lance has been fangirling about - until he meets him in person! Jamie turns out to be everything you don't want to see in someone you were crushing on. 
    You wrote a follow-up story to The Weakest Link: Teenage Triumphs Edition. Do you have a preference for one over the other and why?
    Talented Teens just wrapped up - I don't think it captured the same magic that the first one did. It was a fun way to have characters from different stories interact with each other in a believable (sort of!) and organic way, but I made an entirely fresh cast around an existing protagonist in Teenage Triumphs. I think my mistake with Talented Teens was to do it differently. Not to say I didn't enjoy writing Talented Teens - but it wasn't quite the same. 
    Still, you miss all the shots you don't take! 
    Can you share a little of your current or upcoming work with readers?
    I'm currently in the process of rewriting Parity into a newer format - Topher should hopefully be the first to get his story completed!
    Beyond that, both Talented Teens and Teenage Triumphs will feature again - I'd love to do an all-stars story between the two groups, but time will tell!
    As they say in wrestling, the card is subject to change!
  7. Cia

    February Signature Feature: N'than by Mikesboy

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    February is the month of love, which is supposed to conquer all. But what about when your life seems to be one bad experience after another? Trust doesn't come easily when it seems like everyone has ulterior motives... Will N'than ever find that person who doesn't see him as someone to be used?

    Length: 14,532
    Description: N'than is the last of his kind. He's lived for others, now the wants to find out who he is. Who can he trust?
    A reader said: Now I loved that story! Very well written and a very vivid imagination and that is why I gave it 5 stars! Keep writing! ~Sherye Story Reader
    If you want to spread the word about Mikiesboy'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!
  8. Cia
    For February, I often feature stories of love and romance... but we can all read those on our own time! Instead I wanted to feature a story that brings all sorts of people, personalities, and fun together for this leap month! And if you love it, there's a follow-up of sorts too. 
    The Weakest Link: Teenage Triumphs Edition
    by @AusGlitterati
    Length: 34,886
    Description: In 2012, nine gifted teenagers arrive seek to win up to fifty thousand pounds for themselves and for charity by appearing on a special edition of The Weakest Link. An athlete, a pop singer, an academic genius, a television actor, a charity founder, a published novelist, an app developer, a theatre actress and Lance Lovecraft, a professional dancer. Only one can win, but none of the little treasures play to lose.
    A Reader Said: A great feel good story with stress, tension and humour all in good proportions a definite must read especially for game show addicts. Well written and brilliant. ~ @Mancunian
    Don't forget to come back to share your comments on Monday, February 26th. 
  9. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (Jan 15 - Jan 21)

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    I hope that the weather is treating you well, wherever you are! Our ice finally melted, and I am no longer trapped. Do I plan to leave my house today? No.... LOL Why when I have so many fun things to do here? What about you?
    Monday & Wednesday I featured @Mark Arbour 2009 Anthology story, Furlough. 
    Tuesday @Myr did a deep dive into the Fantasy Genre.
    Thursday @Valkyrie announced the Poetry Anthology! Ready to write some prose?
    She also posted some prompts on Friday if you'd like to try your hand at some flash fiction! 
    @Comicality focused on character empathy in this week's writing tips!
     
    Words of the Day this week to expand your vocabulary:
    reek   parlance   palaver  molybdenum   outburst   cowlick  soiree
     
     
    Upcoming Writing Events 
    Poetry Anthology - More information to come. Due April 1st 2024.
    Secret Author Contest - More information to come.
    Annual Anthology (theme TBA) - More information to come. Due October 1st 2024.
    Prompt Team Event/Contest - More information to come.
    Member Participation Blogs - Great way to promote yourself!!
    Ask a Author 3.0 If you have a author you want to get some answers from, write a PM to @astone2292
    Author Guess Who Get our members to guess who you are and also let everyone know who you are. Also write a PM to @astone2292
     
    Here is the look at the past weeks postings on all our Authors and Poets!
    Recently Updated 'Signature Author' Stories
    Light & Dragonflies: Nature Poems/Love Poems by AC Benus (In Process) Gap Year by Mark Arbour (Complete) Operation Hammerhead by JamesSavik (In Process) Broken Path, Starless Tail by Cia (In Process) Bearpaw: An Old West Tale by Headstall (In Process) Recently Updated 'Classic Author' Stories
    Keeper of the Rituals by Libby Drew (In Process) Sands of Time by Roland (In Process) Pupuseria Mia by Dabeagle (Complete) Recently Updated 'Promising Author' Stories
    Blades of Ashes by lilansui (In Process) The Man I Like Might Be A Delinquent by lilansui (In Process) Recently Updated 'Author' Stories
    The Making of a Slave by and9993 (In Process) D for Dylan by Avogadro1001 (In Process) Widderkin V. O. E. by Palantir (In Process) Operation Pinky Swear by frozenphenix (In Process) Ark II by R. Eric (Temporary Hold) Talented Teens by AusGlitterati (In Process) All My Dreams Pass Before My Eyes by JLynch (In Process) Music by chris191070 (Complete) Before And After the Divorce by Lee Wilson (In Process) On the Strawberry Moon by J92 (In Process) Of Pride and Power by W_L (In Process) Out Of The Closet by RichardWrites (In Process) Any Way Out by Leslie Lofton (In Process) No going back by Robert Hugill (In Process) Picking up the Pieces by Ivor Slipper (Complete) A Strange Start to a Friendship by Lee Wilson (In Process) Blades of Ashes by lilansui (In Process) Dating Rules And Pretty Fools by Laura S. Fox (In Process) Amber Waves by Yeoldebard (In Process) Res Publica Christiana by W_L (In Process) The Book of Leaves by ValentineDavis21 (In Process) The Cat in The Window by chris191070 (Complete) The Man I Like Might Be A Delinquent by lilansui (In Process) What Happened To The Baxter Boys by Mancunian (In Process) Brian: Taking Courage by Robert Hugill (In Process) Oregon in the Fall by drown (In Process) Sands of Time by Roland (In Process) Andre and Chris by Paladin (In Process) Connor and the Wolves by Yeoldebard (Temporary Hold) The Mistress by vanalas (In Process) The Hierarchy of Influence by E K Stokes (In Process)
  10. Cia
    Did Monday's feature of Mark Arbour's WWI story feature, Furlough, intrigue you? Did you know he also wrote a follow up for the next year's anthology? If you haven't enjoyed Mark's historical features before, check out this excerpt below and then take a peek at his many other stories! 
    Want to read more? Click here
  11. Cia
    Did last year feel like a war to you? Or has this year started off like one? Well, like the characters in Mark Arbour's story, Furlough, how about taking a short break? Enjoy this 2009 Anthology feature featured as this month's Signature ad! 

    Length: 4,853
    Description: Two wounded men meet in Paris during World War I. One is wounded on the outside, both are wounded on the inside. Will their accidental meeting help heal both of them?
    A reader said: This story has a number of themes that I find often in Mark Arbour stories. We have the setting: Paris, at a turning point in history. There is a unique set of events unfolding in the world around the characters, but at the same time the characters are not obsessed by these events. Sure they are pivotal, but they do not overtake the story.
    Another theme is the futility of war. Mark - as he often does - casts war as a destroyer force. He masterly crafts an atmosphere that accurately conveys the pointlesness of fighting. This story is very much a tale with the melancholy of war as its background.
    A final, and most powerful theme is Sex as a Healing force - both emotionally and physically.
    With this short story, Mark has once again shown us he is a master Wordsmith and craftsman. ~ Westie
    If you want to spread the word about Mark Arbour'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!
  12. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (Jan 8 - Jan 14)

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Oh, the way my brain DOESN'T work. I just had it in my noggin the Weekly Wrap Up is on Sunday, and I set up reminders on my phone... for this and next Sunday evening. Not helpful since it should have been Saturday. Whoops! Good thing Myr reminded me. So let's get going, shall we?
    Monday was a look back of the Review Team's 2023 reviews. If you missed some, check them out now. 
    Want a laugh? Tuesday was a Comedy Genre Deep Dive by Myr. 
    Join in for Wednesday's Author Guess Who game brought to you by astone2292!
    Or try your hand at this week's prompts Aditus posted for the Prompt Team!
    And, of course, the week capped off with Writing Advice from Comsie, where he looks at the... meat of an idea! 
     
    Words of the Day this week to expand your vocabulary:
    mogul  mead   espresso  mongoose   purism   mallard    jut   pluvial
     
    Upcoming Writing Events 
    Poetry Anthology - More information to come. Due April 1st 2024.
    Secret Author Contest - More information to come.
    Annual Anthology (theme TBA) - More information to come. Due October 1st 2024.
    Prompt Team Event/Contest - More information to come.
    Member Participation Blogs - Great way to promote yourself!!
    Ask a Author 3.0 If you have a author you want to get some answers from, write a PM to @astone2292
    Author Guess Who Get our members to guess who you are and also let everyone know who you are. Also write a PM to @astone2292
     
    Here is the look at the past weeks postings on all our Authors and Poets!
    Recently Updated 'Signature Author' Stories
    Light & Dragonflies: Nature Poems/Love Poems by AC Benus (In Process) Gap Year by Mark Arbour (Complete) Operation Hammerhead by JamesSavik (In Process) Broken Path, Starless Tail by Cia (In Process) Bearpaw: An Old West Tale by Headstall (In Process) Recently Updated 'Classic Author' Stories
    Keeper of the Rituals by Libby Drew (In Process) Sands of Time by Roland (In Process) Pupuseria Mia by Dabeagle (Complete) Recently Updated 'Promising Author' Stories
    Blades of Ashes by lilansui (In Process) The Man I Like Might Be A Delinquent by lilansui (In Process) Recently Updated 'Author' Stories
    The Making of a Slave by and9993 (In Process) D for Dylan by Avogadro1001 (In Process) Widderkin V. O. E. by Palantir (In Process) Operation Pinky Swear by frozenphenix (In Process) Ark II by R. Eric (Temporary Hold) Talented Teens by AusGlitterati (In Process) All My Dreams Pass Before My Eyes by JLynch (In Process) Music by chris191070 (Complete) Before And After the Divorce by Lee Wilson (In Process) On the Strawberry Moon by J92 (In Process) Of Pride and Power by W_L (In Process) Out Of The Closet by RichardWrites (In Process) Any Way Out by Leslie Lofton (In Process) No going back by Robert Hugill (In Process) Picking up the Pieces by Ivor Slipper (Complete) A Strange Start to a Friendship by Lee Wilson (In Process) Blades of Ashes by lilansui (In Process) Dating Rules And Pretty Fools by Laura S. Fox (In Process) Amber Waves by Yeoldebard (In Process) Res Publica Christiana by W_L (In Process) The Book of Leaves by ValentineDavis21 (In Process) The Cat in The Window by chris191070 (Complete) The Man I Like Might Be A Delinquent by lilansui (In Process) What Happened To The Baxter Boys by Mancunian (In Process) Brian: Taking Courage by Robert Hugill (In Process) Oregon in the Fall by drown (In Process) Sands of Time by Roland (In Process) Andre and Chris by Paladin (In Process) Connor and the Wolves by Yeoldebard (Temporary Hold) The Mistress by vanalas (In Process) The Hierarchy of Influence by E K Stokes (In Process)  
    Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (Don't forget to Recommend too!)
  13. Cia
    First, to all who celebrate, Merry Christmas!! Second, did you get a chance to read this month's CSR? I figure anyone who isn't celebrating, or who needs a break from celebrating, could definitely enjoy LJCC's story Mr & Mister Danvers: Initiation. Make sure you leave a comment below, but first... enjoy this interview! 
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    Yes, fruits and vegetables are essential to life. Plus I’m in my late 30s now, if I don’t eat my fruits and veggies, my doctor says I’m going to die. Why though? I don’t know. I’m guessing he just wants to scare me like I was still that kid who goes to his office begging for a lollipop.
    Though I hate okra and eggplant/aubergine.
    Anything slimy and long makes me gag (pun intended.)
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    I’ve always been a cat. And I have the temper of a cat. If you’re always around in my zone 24/7, I’m going to get sick of you. However, if you don’t talk to me for a day...I’ll be following you around, and pestering you for no reason until you love me, and then I get sick of you.
    It’s an endless cycle.
    I’m a monster.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    Sleep. I sleep like a log and around 8-10 hours whenever I can. Then sleep for around 2-5 hours in my work days. I don’t know why I’m still alive at this point in my life.
    Also, I play classical piano on the side.
    I also studied culinary so I can cook. I’m a lazy cook, but when I cook…no one dies from food poisoning, that’s guaranteed at least.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Tazmania, a city in Australia. I have an idea in mind for a story but it’s in the backburner for now. I think it would be romantic to watch my date get killed by a blue-ringed octopus native to Australia or get bitten by a red back spider. Makes up for good plot.
    If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be?
    I’d tell my 15-year-old self:
    You’re a shit writer. Everything you write is shit. You’re nobody. You’re no one. No one wants to read your story. No one wants to buy your book. Get it in your head that you’re nothing special. The characters you write are the ones who are special and needs your every frigging time and devotion to be honest and truthful to their versions of their existence. Don’t piss this off by feeling you’re the man. You’re not. Yes, your audience will read your character, not because you wrote it…but because they’re authentic and they could relate. Don’t you dare cry. Stop it. STOP IT! GO now. Start writing, you piece of shit.
    What drew you to writing a spy thriller?
    Majority of the spy thrillers I’ve read didn’t have any gay lead. So I thought, we need a protagonist for the gays. I want a gay James Bond. Then I proceeded to create the most expensive gay escort who turns out to be a spy for Britain, you know for the steamy sex scenes and pew-pew-pew gun show. Cause why not? Even I would sell my lung to sleep with Greg.
    Did you get the idea for Greg Danvers first or the plot for Mr & Mister Danvers: Initiation?
    The beginning of the story and the ending were the things that came first. All I needed was to write the meat in between the story. It was very complicated because I had to align everything I wrote to the ending of the story, with how everything would lead to the end. The dates and the timeline were especially a pain to plot. Any question I had with my own story regarding the timeline, I had to change it…which may or may not connect to other things in the story. So it was a constant back and forth of editing and double checking things.
    Do you have a favorite line or scene in the story?
    Episode 11, Thistlebaum’s Bridge, the torture scene and the fight scene at the dark empty road. I was writing about the satisfying thrill of hitting a man, and it was an evil anti-hero moment that made me giggle.
    “You see, there’s this satisfying thrill of hitting a man—a man who’d initially wanted to attack you and was down on his knees praying for mercy.”
    And this moment of realization.
    “Why did they have to awaken this side of me? Did they want to die? I certainly would want to kill them now.”
    Also, the sex scene on Episode 4, The Quid.
    “Seconds later, he was haunched on the bed, positioning his friable arsehole above my stick. The sound was a grunt, a grunting explained by a mixture of being whacked by a fist and a flicking of his fun-sized nipple. He whimpered as I entered him. "That fucking bastard gets what he deserves—oh shit, oh my god."”
    It was particularly funny to me that they’re having raunchy sex while Greg’s partner was having a soliloquy, unloading his father’s issues on the man who was boning him. That’s when I realise that sex scenes don’t have to be all too serious.
    How close is a sequel to being posted for your readers?
    The second book, Mr. & Mister Danvers: The Molfar Project is far from finished. It’s currently at 40k words, and I imagine that story to be around 200k+. I stopped writing it for now.
    I was at impasse because I had fallen in love with one of my characters whom I know will inevitably suffer in the end. And I was like, will it happen or will it not? Should it happen or should it not happen?
    So I took a break and will be resuming writing it next year. I really want the quality of the story to be highly polished so I won’t post it until I’m comfortable enough that it’s reached that level of standard I’ve given myself.
    Do you want to share something about your new or upcoming works for readers?
    The novel I’m writing for now, to take a momentary break from the spy-thriller, is a romantic-comedy/slice-of-life drama. It’s about a Brazilian hunk, Klebber Toledo, and an American dreamboat Dennis Ellison who met on a dating app, Tinge, where they had no idea COVID-19 would turn their spur-of-the-moment trip to Costa Rica into a months-long adventure.
    I based this story from a Netflix special of the same name, which features a Present Tense format with the documentary interview, and a 3rd person narration as the bulk of the story. After watching that Netflix documentary, I was like, “I wonder what would happen if Khani and Matt were gay (the Netflix leads).” So Klebber and Dennis were incepted to fill in those roles for the novel.
    I’ve already posted the first chapter, https://gayauthors.org/story/ljcc/the-longest-third-date/1
    It’s the teaser interview and so far, I really like how it has turned out.
    I’ll post the full story probably early next year. 
  14. Cia
    This month I admit I couldn't pass up another "family" story... but with a dose of last month's paranormal feature. Have you read the last story @Mann Ramblings posted, Phases of the Moon? Well, maybe this week will convince you if you haven't! 

    Length: 146,674
    Description: Under the phases of the moon, Jimmy Coutreau is hunting, following the howls that don't belong. A loner by choice, he finds himself fascinated by Sawyer Thomas, a man who doesn't belong in his world, but here he is anyways.
    A Reader Said: With this being my first reading of a Mann Ramblings story, I can't express my true love for this adventure. It's an absolute binge-worthy trip, whether the reader is a fan of were-creature stories or not. I'm certain Phases of Moon has soiled any future were-creature reading for me. 
    Included in the recommendation given to me for this story was a warning. I was told to refrain from speed-reading, as there are many hidden details. Needless to say, I chucked the instruction. The author has the reader gripped by the collar and refuses to let you down, both physically and emotionally. Every word seems to have been placed with the grace of a true artist.
    The cast was flawlessly designed, as was the plot. Nearing the final ten chapters had me gripping my laptop. With the concluding five, my neighbors became concerned with my wild exclamations of either "I knew it!" or "No F%^&ing way!"
    As a fan of were-creature stories, this work has cemented itself in my personal favorites. While perfectly pleased with the outcome of the story, one can only hope for more.  ~ @astone2292
    If you want to spread the word about Mann Rambling'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!
  16. Cia

    December CSR Feature: Mr & Mister Danvers: Initiation by LJCC

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Welcome to our last CSR feature of 2023! 10 years of features needed something dramatic with flair, and what is more dramatic than a spy thriller? So you can put down your holiday nog (or grab it if you need some spirits and enjoy them together!) and focus on this story for a fun journey of twists & turns you'll never expect. 
    Mr & Mister Danvers: Initiation
    by @LJCC
    Length: 59,674
    Description: Greg Danvers, a former London police sergeant now a part-time waiter, tends to his ten-year-old son and his paraplegic father. Forced by poverty and desperation, he becomes a “high-class escort.”
    Swept into life as a spy and brushed into The Agency’s path, guided by his handler, Jean de La Fontaine, with the help of the mysterious Nathaniel Worthington, he learns his only chance of safety lies with their help. What begins as a duty to serve his country becomes a need to answer an urgent desire, as Greg finds himself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives wading through sex, secrecy, and espionage.
    A Reader said: Don't wanna spoil too much of a great story, but be ready for many didn't see that one coming plot turn moments. And it only builds up. So start reading , the proof of the pudding is in the eating, I am confident you'll love it. ~ Chris571
    Don't forget to come back for the CSR Discussion day on Monday, December 25! 
  17. Cia

    November CSR Discussion Day: When Opportunity Knocks by kbois

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    This month's feature was a mix of so many characters, pets, and details that you needed a LONG month and a bit of a holiday to finish it all. I hope you enjoyed kbois' story, When Opportunity Knocks! Make sure you add your comments below, but first, you get to enjoy this interview. 
    I say, I say… who does it better, the chicken or the chicken hawk?
    Well, the chicken hawk has better eyesight, but chicken tastes better, and there are so many ways to cook it, so I’d have to go with the chicken.
    What's your favorite room in your house? Do you plot or write there?
    Probably my living room. It’s where I spend the most time and do most of my writing. I don’t usually plot out a story. Occasionally, I will jot down ideas for future chapters, but I write by the seat of my pants.
    If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
    WTF? How did I get here?
    Which is your stories that you’ve written is your favorite and why?
    I’m rather fond of my first story, A Tattoo for Lex. The general plot and characters banged around my head for a few years before I got the guts to write it all down. Looking back, the writing level makes me cringe, but hey, not horrible for a first-time writer. My current series is what I’m most proud of. It’s made me grow as a writer and taken my skills to a higher level.
    Do you think characters or the plot is the most important part of a story, and why?
    Definitely the plot. It’s what molds the characters. You can have the most personable character on the planet, but if your plot sucks, it’s not going to engage the readers the way a story is supposed to, and so often, the plot is crucial to how a character delivers a line or expresses emotion.
    Your stories are a mix of genres. Do you have a preferred genre to write?
    No. I write whatever floats my boat at the moment. I like trying new genres. It gives me a chance to stretch my writing wings. I really enjoy the anthologies and other challenges GA offers. They provide a platform to try something new without committing to a full-length story. Romance will always be my go-to. It just might also include some shifters, vampires, or a snarky-ass devil once in a while.
    The names in When Opportunity Knocks cracked me up. Is that all author fun or do you actually know parents who are that crazy?
    It’s all author fun. I have a blast making these things up. Although I did have a co-worker once who wanted to give all her kids aviation names, which is where I got the idea. Her first boy was Jet. I have no idea if she had more kids later or if she continued the theme. On a side note, my beta, Danilo Syrtis, nearly always picks up the hidden meanings behind some of the names I choose.
    There are several pups in this story. Do you have a lot of pets in real life or just indulge in stories?
    I was pet-deprived growing up. Once I was married, we got a dog who was with us for thirteen and a half years. After we moved to Florida, I wanted to go to the shelter to get an adult dog, medium size but instead got suckered into taking in a puppy who didn’t get bigger than a Dachshund. He’s now fourteen. We were broken into a few times, and after the last one, we got a second mutt for protection. He’s dumber than a box of rocks but is enough of a deterrent to warrant keeping him. Plus, he’s cute. So, yeah, I’ve got two dogs now, and as all my Korner Krew members know, I’m not a cat person. lol
    Do you have a favorite line or scene from When Opportunity Knocks?
    Anything having to do with Bruce, Rosie, or Tater.
    Are you currently writing something or have something to share in the future soon for readers?
    I’m technically not writing anything at the moment as I’m editing the rough draft chapters of The Light at the End of the Tunnel so I can finish posting it and wrap up the series. I do have several ideas for a few stories. I’m trying to coax Jase from Tattoo into telling me his tale. He’s been whispering, and I need him to start shouting. I wrote an intro chapter for something else, and I do have a third idea that I was going to use for the anthology, but it decided it wanted more attention.
  18. Cia

    November CSR Feature: When Opportunity Knocks by kbois

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    I wanted to feature a story by kbois this month, and while this story is on the longer side for a CSR pick, I liked that it aligned with that oft-featured holiday month issue... unexpected family dynamics and all the bumps that indicates! So, please enjoy this month's story by @kbois and come back at the end of the month ready to share your thoughts!
    When Opportunity Knocks
    by kbois
    Length: 96,473
    Description:  Jett Anderson and Kyle Benton are starting to build a relationship. Life decides to throw in some speed bumps and hazards to make navigating the road not so easy. 
    Add in some unexpected family dynamics and soon enough things get challenging. 
    Can they work it out?
    A Reader Said: One of Kbois best stories to date and that’s saying a lot, I really love her stories. But this one has everything, love, hot guys, cute dogs, drama, suspense, good pacing, and great detail.  ~ @Mrsgnomie
    Don't forget to come back on Monday, November 27th, for the CSR Discussion day! 
     
  19. Cia

    CSR Discussion Day: Miles to Go by Comicality

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Can you believe tomorrow is Halloween? It's true! In honor of the spooky season, I picked a story that also dipped into the paranormal and featured an author that has a variety of stories in the genre if that's your thing! I hope you enjoyed Miles to Go this month, now enjoy this interview I sent to @Comicality before you share your comments below. 
    Who was the real villain, ACME or Wile E. Coyote?
    Hehehe, Wile E. Coyote! All the way! They sold it...but YOU bought it, dude. Repeatedly, after injury and failures galore. That’s all on him. Learn or suffer, I always say. 
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    A panther! Can’t explain it, but I’ve always had a thing for panthers, even when I was little. Like all black, or purple, fur...sleek, with bright and mysterious glow in the dark golden eyes? What could be cooler than that?
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Egypt. Hands down. It’s on my personal bucket list. Being here in America for my whole life...we see stuff that might be like 100 years old. MAYBE 200 years. But being able to stand in front of something thousands of years old and marvel at it? That would be priceless to me. I’d research that for a story and really put my creative mind to the test. My second pick would be Tokyo. Because Tokyo just sounds awesome!
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    I’m almost never ‘not writing’. But when I need to unplug and relax, I’m a big film fanatic. I could lose an entire day watching movies. Video games too, because I love the stories behind them and everything that goes into bringing those worlds to life. Outside of those two things, it’s all me trying to spend quality time with my family.
    What’s the best part of being a writer?
    Being able to exist in a world where I control the ‘rules’. Where the people with good hearts and good intentions get rewarded for it. And people who suck and just live to cause misery, bigotry, and pain, get what they deserve. The real world isn’t like that, unfortunately. Assholes stay assholes, the super rich stay rich, and hopeless romantics get their hearts broken. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Such is life, I suppose. I don’t expect it to change.
    Out of all your stories, which story or series is your favorite and why?
    “Gone From Daylight” will probably be my favorite series from now until infinity. Hehehe, there is so much of myself poured into that story and everything started branching off into different corners of that world but are all still connected. It’s the biggest thing that I’ve ever done in my life, and I’m completely invested in seeing it all play out till the very end.
    Miles to Go did into the paranormal. Do you like to read or watch paranormal stories yourself?
    I LOVE paranormal stuff! And not just in fiction, but I love a lot true story details about paranormal stuff. I’m an 80’s kid, so I grew up in the horror movie era (Michael Myers, Freddy, Jason, Chucky, Leatherface, etc), and a lot of Chicago has many haunted spots in the downtown area. So I live for spooky stories. I find them fascinating.
    So… why zombies? What inspired the idea for Miles to Go?
    Actually, I wrote a zombie story one year for Halloween because there were a few readers that really wanted me to do one. So I basically did it for them, and it’s called “Shelter”. It had one main character and a love interest involved, but it was only meant to be a one chapter type of thing. And when folks wanted more, I came up with a few more characters to help build up the story and make it more unique and a bit more interesting. One of those characters was Preston, who I really enjoyed writing because he’s so much FUN! Hehehe! And as “Shelter” moved forward, I began writing backstories for each of the main characters to explain how they got there and brought them all together into one story. And that’s where “Miles To Go” came from.
    Do you have a favorite part (line or section) of the story?
    I really love the parts where Preston is trying to fit in at his very first party and all, but my favorite, I think, was him running through a cornfield full of zombies. I wanted to add something extremely creepy to this story, and having him push his way through a cornfield and not being able to see what’s right in front of him seemed like a rather frightening idea. Not knowing what you might run into. It almost has a Jaws ‘shark under the water’ feel to it.
    Can you share a little of your current or upcoming work with readers?
    I have some new stuff in the works, but my biggest priority is finishing off some stories that are almost done, but have been waiting for me to focus long enough to edit them and put it all together the way I’ve been wanting to do for AGES now! Stories like “Dream Lover”, “Boys Of Widow Lake”, “Empty Corners”, “Always”, and plenty more. Everything just takes time, and I don’t want to rush through and deliver something less than amazing? You know? What can I say? I can be overly ambitious sometimes. Hehehe!
  21. Cia

    October Signature Feature: Finding Alex by Krista

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    October is all about fun and games, sometimes with a bit of a twist... How does that come into play with this story? Read on and find out! 

    Length: 17,423
    Description: Daniel is single and in the closet. Then at his sister's wedding, he meets Alex, the bestman of his new brother-in-law.
    A reader said: Krista! Why? I bloody loved the build up. I wished we could have had more time with the couple 
    Great story though  ~ Bachgen Cymraeg
     
    If you want to spread the word about Krista'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

    October CSR Feature: Miles to Go by Comicality

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    So October means the real start to fall and, as I sit here in my I Love Spooky sweatshirt, it's time to feature something for the Halloween season. ZOMBIES! So welcome to your October CSR read and an older story from Comicality, Miles to Go. For those who enjoy this kind of thing, from the comments this is a prequel to more in this world too! 
    Miles to Go
    by @Comicality
    Length: 20,385
    Description: As another one of the character spinoff tales from the zombie apocalypse series, "Shelter" Click Here,  this story follows young 'Preston Miles' and his struggles before society fell all to pieces in a matter of days. I hope you enjoy this prequel miniseries before the main story! And be sure to check out the other spinoffs ("Walker Road", "Rotting Apples", "Safehaven", and "Release Me") as they are posted here! Or, grab an ebook copy at https://imagine-magazine.org/store/comicality/
    A Reader Said: Preston is such a sweet soul, and he tries so hard to be liked. I think folks will relate to this sentiment, growing up and just wanting to fit in with your peers. However, the first time Preston decides to be spontaneous, the world devolves into a mass of flesh eating zombie. Certainly worth the read. His name is Preston… and you’ll like this book if you give it a chance. ~ D.K. Daniels
    Don't forget to come back on Monday, October 30th, for the CSR Discussion day! 
  23. Cia

    September's CSR Feature: The Matchmaker by Arch Hunter

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Well, being a 'back to school' month in the U.S. and elsewhere I went with a teen fiction because it's all about the school drama this time of year for so many teens and adults in the world. Who doesn't want to escape their own reality to visit someone else's? 
    The Matchmaker
    by @Arch Hunter
    Length: 31,066
    Description: Kevin is an insecure teen boy on a journey to find the love of his life. 
    There's Kevin's best friend, Torry and his brother Dexter. There's also Sarah, the prettiest girl in school. And let's not forget James Mitt. The man. The myth. The legend. 
    A Reader Said: A story that kept me guessing all the way through. Good characterisation and plenty of plot twists. Unusual and unique. 
    Don't forget to come back on the last Monday of the month, September 25th, to read my interview with Arch Hunter!
  24. Cia

    CSR Discussion Day: The Matchmaker by Arch Hunter

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Did you read the twisty teen tale by The MatchMaker by Arch Hunter? What did you think of the ending? Not what you expected? LOL! Well, make sure you share your thoughts about the story or his interview answers below! 
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    I'm all about veggies; fruits not so much. I think veggies are far superior - you can roast, fry, boil, steam them. You can eat them raw, most of them. Literally hundreds of culinary applications! Fruits aren't bad, but most are hard to digest and full of sugar. Bananas are cool. Fun fact - I'm allergic to avocadoes, to give you a creative murder idea if I procrastinate a chapter for too long. Now, what was the question again?
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    Probably a beaver, or a monkey. Both seem equally exciting. I'd probably go with a monkey to experience their social life and take long naps in the trees.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    Most of my stories aren't very location-specific and I like to keep it that way. But if I could choose, I would go with a time period rather than a location, and it probably would be the Industrial Revolution era with its exciting inventions, discoveries, and huge social inequality. The world still seemed vast, just at the dawn of globalization. Provided I could survive there long enough to research for a story, this would be quite a time to be.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    I spend time with my friends and family, learning new things, making music, reading, cooking, or playing video games. Last but not least, I like taking my dog to nice places.
    What brought you to GA?
    One of my Nifty readers recommended it to me a few years ago. He suggested that my stories would fit well on GA and looking back, he wasn't wrong!
    When you get a story idea, do you use any particular method, app, program, etc., to expand it before you begin writing?
    It differs from story to story. I'm really bad at planning long, intricate scenarios. Usually, I have an idea for the first few chapters and maybe the ending, and then I just start writing and see where it takes me. This way I end up with much more original and unpredictable outcomes, but sometimes I do write myself into a corner, especially if I post a story as I go. Instead of planning, I usually prefer to plant characters and events for myself to use later. This way I tend to surprise myself when a character I introduced a few chapters ago is not who I'd thought they were. That's what keeps me - and hopefully the readers - away from boredom.
    The Matchmaker has a bit of a twist… did you start with the contemporary story idea or the twist during your plot?
    It started with an idea of a troubled teenager and his friend with undefined supernatural powers. But when I came up with the twist, more layers came to my head one by one and I knew I had a story.
    Do you identify with any one character in the story the most and why?
    Not really! Looking back, I identify with most of my protagonists to some extent. But in this story, I made Kevin up from scratch and he's really nothing like me. Other characters in the story... well, they feel like people I could've known, but I don't identify with any of them. And I'm happy with it, because the readers still found them believable and relatable, even if not always likable. 
    What’s your favorite line or scene in The Matchmaker?
    There are many scenes I like in it, but my favorite is probably a phone call between Kevin and Sarah in Chapter 3. This is the scene I usually visualize first when I think about this story. It is extremely important to the plot, even if it doesn't seem so at first. I also like the emotional impact it has on Kevin. It's just a short dialogue with barely any narration, but it does so many things. I'm not always proud of my past work but in this one, I wouldn't change a thing.
    Can you share a little about your current or upcoming work with readers?
    I'm really bad at delivering promised work (proven record!), so I'd rather keep working in silence. But yes, I'm working, and a new story will drop when you least expect it.
  25. Cia
    Did you catch Monday's blog post featuring JamesSavik's story, In the Shadow of the Dragon, for this month's Signature Feature? You definitely don't want to miss this longer novel-length story if you're looking for a great technical action story with a lot of human interactions that will hit you in the feels. See what I mean below!
    Want to read more? Click here
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