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Cia

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Blog Entries posted by Cia

  1. Cia
    This month's feature story by Aditus was co-authored with Timothy M, and it does require reading of 2 other series of fantasy tales. I had to feature it though because it's just too good not to! Have you read any of them? If not, hopefully this preview make you want to if you haven't already! 

    Length: 32,788
    Description: Sablo and Diego are brothers and Guardian Angels. Sablo has found his true love with the Cupid Theliel, but worries about his brother. Especially when he finds out Death is stalking Diego.
    A reader said: A wonderful collaboration from two great authors who have combined fascinating worlds for this supernatural adventure. It has it all... memorable characters, unexpected twists and turns, romance, and 'devilish' humor. I highly recommend this unique endeavor and cast of characters. Cheers! ~ Headstall
    If you want to spread the word about Aditus'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!
  2. Cia

    2022 Anthology: Anniversary Week 2 *Now Live*

    By Cia,


    Anthologies
    Welcome back to Week 2 of our special 2022 Anthology themed Anniversary! Thank you to all the authors who shared stories for us to post last week and all the readers who took the time to read, like, comment, and review. Of course we're back with even more variety for you to enjoy. Keep up the enthusiasm and show your appreciation for these takes on the theme of Anniversary!
     
  3. Cia

    2022 Anthology: Anniversary *Now Live*

    By Cia,


    Anthologies
    Well, on this 20th anniversary year of GA we wanted to get at least 20 Anniversary-themed stories to feature for our 2022 Anthology, and our authors pulled through and then some! We have short stories, long stories, poetry, and exploratory fiction. This month of September (which just so happens to my anniversary month on GA & in real life!) we have stories that will go live every single Thursday for readers to enjoy. Make sure you check here for links to each one! 
    Enjoy these Anniversaries! 
  4. Cia

    September CSR Feature: La Bella Vacanza by James Carnarvon

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Can you believe it's already September? I can't! So to go back to that holiday feeling, I've featured La Bella Vacanza by James Carnarvon. This story is linked to his series, but somewhat of an aside, so you can read it and enjoy a sampling of the tales. 
    La Bella Vacanza
    by @James Carnarvon
    Length: 22,202
    Description: A light-hearted novella in seven short chapters.
    Sixteen-year-old Reza thinks he knows it all until his parents drag him away on a summer holiday to Ravello on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where a chance encounter by the hotel pool proves to be an education…
    A reader said: Ravello is a magical place for a vacation.  Reza sets out to make his parents understand how put out he is to be away from friends, to visit this foreign town where nothing happens.  Ravello and its magic slowly transforms Reza. He discovers an entirely different world, different perspectives and very surprising things about himself.  This is a delightful, short summer read, and a great introduction to the other Ravello books. ~ Raven1
    Don't forget to come back and share your thoughts on Monday, September 26th!
  5. Cia

    August CSR Discussion Day: The Seventh Wing by Dark

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    August flew right on by, and if you were a science fiction geek like me, or if you love dragons, you enjoyed reading about the flying in Dark's Pern fanfiction, The Seventh Wing, that was featured earlier this month. Make sure you share your thoughts in a comment below his interview! 
    If you were an animal, what would you be? 
    Vampire Deer
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 
    Read, read, read!  I also sing in a choir and paint DnD miniatures for my brother and his players
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story? 
    I would have said Alaska, but I live there now, so I my next wish is Australia or New Zealand.
    If you could give advice to yourself when you first started writing, what would it be? 
    Don't be the dad in Back to the Future.  Be bold and let people read your stories.
    What’s the first thing you do when you start to write a story? 
    Backgrounds and settings, like what does the place look like?  any important, relevant history?  cultural norms?  and a basic outline.  But most of my stories realistically start with a scene that just plays on repeat in my head.  I write it down to stop the madness and then get into the details.  I love making the details, even if I don't end up using them (see the extra files for Waylon's Crossing as a prime example).
    When did you first read one of Anne McCaffrey’s stories? 
    I think I was in 6th grade, maybe younger.  My mom loved Pern and had saved up her money to buy the People of Pern book, with all the images of what the main characters were supposed to look like, painted by a real artist and then pictures were made into the book.  My sister and I were both there that day and kept asking "who is this?" type of questions and getting her to tell us about each character.  My sister and I found it so fascinating, we eventually begged to have access to our mom's books to read them ourselves.  Besides:  dragons!  I was hooked at the idea of people riding dragons.
    What was the hardest part of writing a fanfiction story? The easiest? 
    The hardest part was sticking to the POV originally chosen.  I hated it, LOL, but I didn't know that at the time I started writing.  If I had to re-do it, that would be the first thing I'd change.  I ultimately felt a bit caged and wanted to explore more sides of the story.  The easiest part was actually the characters.  They were based on people I knew and loved, friends and coworkers.  It's funny that one of the comments I received on it said that he didn't like how F'rian was acting so girlish.  I had a good laugh, because that guy ... he was a good friend but he drove me absolutely bonkers with his attitudes and behaviors, and I'd had the exact same thought when I first met him!  I never did get to a point where I could predict what he was going to do or say or behave.
    If you were to Impress, what color dragon would you hope for? 
    I would want a green because they're fiesty and have attitude, and they're small like me.  But, knowing myself and how everyone knows me as the steady, dependable type, I'd probably Impress a brown.  Which is cool, because I prefer being the right-hand of the leader.  I can be the person in charge and I often do very well, but I prefer to be the power behind the throne and deal with a much smaller sandbox.
    Do you have a favorite scene or line from The Seventh Wing? 
    There were several scenes based around the flying games that spun me into this story.  Many did not survive the final version, but I had a background in ROTC, marching band, and various other types of similar exhibitions and I had dancing dragons in my head for months, flying those routines I'd seen (and been a part of) on the ground.  And there was one scene where G'day found out F'rian designed the wing's patterns.  That was the one I envisioned where he really started seeing F'rian as more than just a pretty (if exasperating) face.
    If you were to write The Seventh Wing again, would you change anything?
    I think I mentioned this earlier.... but to be frank, this is very early writing for me and there's loads I would want to do better.
  6. Cia

    August CSR Feature: The Seventh Wing by Dark

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    How do you feel about dragons? They're some of my favorites! I also love to feature all different kinds of stories for the CSR. Established authors, promoted, new authors, brand new stories or stories that are the latest in a long list of author's backlist. Dark said that was the first specific MM fanfic of Anne McCaffrey's Pern stories written and shared on GA, and I thought it'd be good to return to the series roots. What did you think of it?! 
    The Seventh Wing
    by @Dark
    Length: 75,572
    Description: This is a fan-fiction based on Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series. This is kind of an Alternate Universe, because this takes place shortly before the 4th Pass and there is no canon to base this on -- which is precisely why I chose it!
    Author Note: You may think this story is trash (and you may be right) but I will always love it because this was the first story I wrote explicitly for M/M. I had done some small fan-fics to try it, but this is the one that convinced me. This is the story that led me towards rediscovering my own gender/sexuality and falling in love with the gay stories genre. This story is the beginning.
    A Reader Said: So in the end, so to speak, patience and tenderness overcame a long history of abuse.  This story was well written, but I wish there had been a little more history built into it in some way.  The story flowed well, for the most part, and moved the characters forward in a way that felt natural and right.  A little more character development might have been nice, or instead of the authors notes, maybe a more detailed information on who was in the book.   ~centexhairysub
    Don't forget to come back and share your thoughts on Monday, August 29th! 
  7. Cia

    July CSR Discussion Day: Him in the Dust by James Matthews

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Welcome to the last Monday of the month. I hope it's gone well for you, and if not, you're here not to enjoy this interview 😉 with @James Matthews and share your thoughts on his story, Him in the Dust. Don't be shy now!! 
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
    I really had to think about this question before giving an honest answer. I'd say my bed is unmade most of the time. I do like to get into a made bed as I'm sure we all do so on a weekend I usually make it as Saturday is housework day. But I'm going to have to come up with a classic answer, and that is I just don't have time in the mornings.
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    I like to do as little as possible if I'm honest. When I'm not working I like to chill out and eat through a Netflix series. Right now I am playing Death Stranding on the PS4 (I like to play games as well). I try to keep fit by exercising at home with an app I use from the internet. So fitness is quite enjoyable if you have good music to do it with. And of course reading. I do surprisingly very little of it, but if you ever can't sleep, read.
    What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story?
    There are two places I'd love to go research for a book. One place I've been to three times and that's Egypt. The other is the Utah. With the latter I find the landscape amazing and I fell in love with the place after seeing a documentary presented there.
    What brought you to GA?
    I can't even remember. I would like to give you an exciting answer but I'm sure it was just a case of stumbling across it, hmmm. I was hosting a couple of my books over on IOMFATS and I think someone from there told me about GA It was tip off or a stumble, I can't remember ha!. I will big up the site and say it's the only place where you get consistent quality. I think authors put a lot of effort in on this site and it shows. I like the fact that as an author GA gives you almost complete control over your work and how it is presented. Nowhere else does that.
    What’s the best part of being an author?
    There is one thing, and that is expression. To be able to express yourself through a novel or a poem is the most rewarding thing about writing. I used to write for readers, and I used to write stuff that I thought people would like. Now I write for me, and hope that the reader can enjoy my work too. I'm so grateful and humbled that I have a loyal readership. Those people I know by name who read my stuff - It's great when they get really onboard and excited with a story. Each novel I write I try to tear a little bit of my life out of my mind and add it to the book somehow. Writing is also a way for me to heal from the bad time I had as a gay kid growing up. Anyone who has, or is reading my stuff knows I throw in a lot of mental health topics and give my characters the problems and issues I had. That is healing!
    You stated there have been a lot of wars in your author note on the story. How did you pick the time period and war to write about?
    Everyone will have their own views on the war in Iraq and you could debate forever on whether it was a good thing or bad, right or wrong. But I found that time fascinating. I also think it was the first time where the media really got involved in a war to this scale. It was on the TV 24 hours a day, live, and nothing like that had ever been shown to the public before. There was also the relationship dynamic between Bush and Blair, the USA and the UK - we had never been so close... so together! It was a controversial time, and I think in a nutshell I chose this time, and this war because I followed it from day one. I remember those first explosions when the UK and US bombed the palaces.
    I did my best to get accurate information and put it in the book, and I would be really proud if anyone who served in the armed forces read it and said yeah, that's just what it was like. Because I spent hours researching before I wrote a single word at some points in the book. But it was a rewarding book to write.
    Which character from Him in the Dust do you most identify with and why?
    That's a good question. and a hard one. I am nothing like Sebastian, we're totally different personalities. I'd say Jack. He was the funny one and I was always the class clown trying to make people laugh. Jack is a softie and loves everyone. I think that's more me than any other character.
    What is your favorite part of Him in the Dust?
    I liked the slow, almost accidental coupling of Seb and Lukas. I also love the fact that the more war they saw, the closer they got. They needed eachother in a few different ways.
    Can you sum up this story in one sentence?
    RAW
    Do you have anything to share about your current or upcoming work with readers?
    Luke Hanson's Mind and Punishment (a play on Crime and Punishment) is my current project. That will be complete probably by the end of July. D'you know, I keep thinking about doing something set in ancient Egypt with the protagonist being a Pharaoh.... alive around the middle kingdom period perhaps. It's been whirling around in my mind for ages. I've never attempted something like that before, I mean, I just write romance and drama!! So it might turn out crap! haha. So yeah, apart from that nothing on the books the moment. I find many readers asking writers for sequels. I guess they are easier to write because you've already built the world, now you just have to carry those characters to another place or time. But sequels don't do much for me anymore. I want to try new stuff and push myself harder to get out of my comfort zone.  
  9. Cia
    As the year begins to turn, I thought what better than to bring a story all about changing. It's not an easy read, but it is a worthwhile one that hits you in the feels. Please check out this month's Classic Author feature, and don't forget to leave a comment. 

    Length: 92,791
    Description: Matt Stevens is a normal sixteen-year-old. He goes to school and makes good grades. Even though he is being raised in an extremely religious home, he manages to do well. Then, unexpectedly, his life takes an abrupt turn late one night when his best friend, Ricky, kisses him while wrestling on the bed. Matt starts to question his own sexuality, and he begins to realize he is gay. His life starts to spiral out of control, leading to many unexpected twists and turns.
    A reader said: I really enjoyed this series. Through trials and tribulations, Matt forged forward to build his family outside of his given one. Sometimes to achieve happiness, you must not look back, which was what Matt ultimately decided. ~ J.El
    If you want to spread the word about Ronyx'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!
  10. Cia

    July CSR Feature: Him in the Dust by James Matthews

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Happy July, folks! Can you believe the year is half over? I can't! I thought I'd share a story that has a theme that is as enduring as these last few years seem to be... war. It's a heavy topic, but readers seem to enjoy James Matthew's departure from his normal fiction to share his work with Him in the Dust. What did you think? You'll get a chance to share your thoughts on the discussion day on Monday, July 25th. 
    Him in the Dust
    by @James Matthews
    Length: 33,793
    Description: Whether you follow war, like war, read about war or are interested in war it is sadly a fact of life, but can make fascinating reading. The war in Afghanistan is still in play even as I write this in 2021. The country has been through many wars but ‘Him in the dust’ is a point in history (2005-2006) where I decided to start the book that you will read.
    A Reader Said: It was a great read packed with powerful emotions that, as far as I'm concerned, were true to form detailing real scenarios of a very difficult war zone! Excellent writing considering this was "outside your comfort zone"!  Thank you James. ~ KayDeeMac
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, July 25th. 
  11. Cia

    June CSR Discussion Day: Dolphin Delivery by Carlos Hazday

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Well, I don't know about what it's like where you are, but I'm stuck in a heat wave. What a time for some ocean-related story fun! I can imagine enjoying the cool water now, and if there were dolphins? *squee* I hope you enjoyed reading, or re-reading Carlos's Earth Day story, Dolphin Delivery. Share your thoughts in the comments below after you enjoy my interview with him! 
     
    Who do you like best, Jerry or Tom?
    Jerry Maguire or Tom Cruise? Aren’t they the same person? LOL.
    I love the way you start these interviews with questions out of left field. Smart way to put the interviewee at ease.
    The mouse! Although the sound of ‘Jerry, Jerry, Jerry’ rattling in my head reminds me too much of Jerry Springer. The fact I’m not a big fan of cats may have something to do with it.
    Top sheet or no top sheet?
    Top sheet.
    The question reminds me of something that happened a couple of years ago. I wrote a scene where a character pulled a bed sheet over himself and his other half. A reader mentioned I was obviously a Floridian because I didn’t mention blankets. It was a learning moment in my writing career. I’ve been careful with little details since, taking into account my experiences don’t always fit a character. It’s helped me differentiate my men and women enough readers sometimes recognize who the individual is through speech and actions before I identify them.
    If you were writing a book about your life, what would that title be?
    So little time…
    I’m a wannabe explorer and a bit of a daredevil, and I’ve realized I’ll never live long enough to experience everything I’d like to. I mean, I still have nine states I’ve never visited!
    Having characters do some of those things I haven’t has been a poor substitute, but at least I’ve been there in spirit. In CDMX I wrote about visiting Chichén Itzá, something I haven’t done. But researching and writing about it made me feel as if I was traveling with my characters. I hope my feelings translated well enough readers had a similar experience.
    Are there any new authors or books that have grasped your interest?
    I don’t read as much as I used to and most of what I do read is non-fiction. Biographies, history, journals, and current events analysis.
    On GA, I’ve enjoyed works by some of our recently promoted authors. @Mawgrim has me hooked on his PERN fanfiction. @astone2292 deserved his promotion; I’ve been helping him clean an older story and he most definitely shows promise. @Mrsgnomie writes beautifully, but with her stories, I have to pace myself; everyone knows I’m allergic to romances. LOL
    For some reason, shifter stories attract me. Surprising since I’ve taken a couple of stabs at the genre and haven’t been happy with the results. @kbois and @WolfM have written stories I’ve enjoyed reading.
    What advice would, or do, you give to new authors not sure if writing is something they can do?
    Try it.
    The worst that could happen is you’re not good at it. Success is sweet and failure can be painful, but we learn more about ourselves when things don’t go well.
    And when you do try it, take your time. Read other authors for inspiration. If you’re posting on GA, figure out who the popular authors are and study their work. Why do readers enjoy their stories? Pay attention to how they write more than what. Research the subject you want to tackle and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
    Is there a theme or plot device you’d never be able to write into a story?
    Not sure about plot devices. I think I want to try a story told by a narrator. Would that be second person? I’m so ignorant…
    However, there are plenty of themes I’m not interested in writing about. Most involve sex. I also don’t do well with angst, so I’m unlikely to write a story where the character’s overly introspective, tentative, or indecisive. My characters, males and females, tend to be take-charge people of action. And sometimes they act or speak before thinking!
    If you had to cast two people or actors as Pete and Tag, who would they be?
    CJ Abellé and Owen Liston. LOL
    Okay, for those scratching their heads, CJ and Owen are the MCs of a series of mine. The Earth Day stories were supposedly made up by Owen, an environmental attorney, for their daughter, Liebe. Hence the name of Dolphin Delivery’s protagonist.
    Pete and Tag are stand-ins for CJ and Owen and therefore resemble them. Pete’s of Hispanic descent, olive complexed, and hairy chested. Tag’s a fair-skinned blond. If you become interested in CJ and Owen, google Maxi Iglesias and Alexander Ludwig. Those are the actors I think could play them when the movies are made.
    But I may have to interview a few candidates before settling on the ones that fit well.
    Did you have the dolphin rescue idea first or the knowledge that Tag was a fishing guide?
    The rescue came first. Along with Liebe. Then it was a matter of creating the right conditions for the action I envisioned.
    I chose the Florida Keys as the setting because it’s an environmentally sensitive area, and it’s a place I know well. Enough so I could write about it without constantly consulting google to see if I had it right.
    Since the real Liebe’s parents are wealthy, white-collar men, I wanted Tag and Pete to be of more modest means and work with their hands. Tag as a fisherman/guide/diver epitomizes the Florida Keys and gave me a character I could have out on a boat constantly. When you read the other stories in the series you’ll see what I mean.
    What is your favorite part of Dolphin Delivery?
    It used to be the actual rescue. I’ve seen similar ones live and they’re thrilling.
    Today, I’d say it’s how Liebe interacts with her fathers and describes them.
    WARNING- You had to know if I was involved, there was a chance politics would surface.
    For the change in my preference, you can thank Florida’s governor, and his championing of a law trying to eradicate the acceptance of GLBTQ individuals. For that is what could happen when children are not allowed to learn. When we don’t teach about differences. I’ve been wondering if Liebe would be allowed to talk about her family with classmates. Would the teacher get in trouble for letting her do it? What would have happened to my niece when she wrote about her favorite family member? Me. The one she said liked boys better than girls and had a really nice boyfriend.
    Revolutions never end. We fight daily to preserve the country we call home and the LGBTQ community must continue fighting to prevent hate-mongers from taking back our hard-won rights.
    Off the soapbox.
    Can you share a little of your current or upcoming work with readers?
    I set myself the goal of publishing something every month this year and so far I’m six for six. The next six months will see a variety of short stories, mostly following my most recent story. I have a short character story for someone I’m introducing as a recurring character in the series, a wedding as the backdrop for an anniversary—that will be for GA’s Anniversary Anthology—a week-long sailing trip in the Med, and I’m outlining something involving the Coast Guard, a foggy port, and a creature of the sea. That one’s just for you, Cia. LOL
     
    Thanks for the feature, thanks for the opportunity to ramble, and thanks to all of you for reading.
    Okay, I open the floor for questions and comments.     
  12. Cia
    Welcome to June, Pride month, and halfway through 2022! How's it going in your corner of the world? In this month's story, we follow along with the characters as they learn about the damage love and life can cause and hope that things turn out all right in the end. What do you think? Can love heal all wounds?

    Length: 75,883
    Description: Three young men, all wounded by past relationships. Can they learn to trust and to love again? Are some wounds deep beyond healing?
    A Reader said: Amazing story. Stunning. The characters were so real and beautiful and their pain so intense. The writing was gorgeous and subtle. You are an extremely talented writer. Thank you for sharing your writing with us. ~adamo 
    If you want to spread the word about Duncan Ryder'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!
  13. Cia
    How's the month treated you? Can you believe we're already at almost halfway through 2022?! As my school year draws to a close, and I think about the changes my graduating senior and soon to be junior are going through, I know all the drama of teen stories is REAL! What did you think of this month's story? Share your thoughts below after you read Jacob's answers to the interview questions. 
    Chocolate or Vanilla?
    Definitely vanilla! While chocolate is a good flavor, sometimes it can just be a little much. Vanilla is always a solid choice!
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    That’s an easy one; an African elephant! Ever since the age of 10, I have been obsessed with African elephants. They are my absolute favorite animal, and I may or may not have a growing collection of stuffed animal elephants…
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    While I was open about the fact that “A Marching Band Story” was the first story I have ever written, I only alluded to how deeply important this story was for me. I am now a senior in college, and I only came out to myself and my friends four years ago when I was a first-year student at college. I have created stories in my imagination to escape from the harsh reality of the world around me for as long as I can remember, but after reading a story written by veteran author Ronyx, I decided to write my own story after I finished my first year of college. I had no idea what this had in store for me. In writing this story I have learned so much about myself and have been able to process emotions and feelings I once thought too complex and difficult to even begin to understand. Writing this story changed the very course of my life, and to know that my words might do the same for others is honestly still mind-blowing.
    What brought you to GA?
    Another easy question: Ronyx. Ronyx (The Mustard Jar) was the person that brought me to GA. As I said before, it was reading his story, “Dancing on a Star” that pushed me to write my own story, which I slowly published as I wrote it on a less prestigious platform with which I was most familiar. After I received a lot of positive feedback, I worked up the courage to reach out to Ronyx and thank him for influencing my life, and to my surprise and excitement, he answered back. We talked back and forth until he eventually asked to read my story, which was honestly a little nerve-racking. After he read my story, Ronyx, my gay author hero, said I should publish my story on GA right away as he thought it to be the perfect platform for my writing, and the rest is history!
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    This might sound cliché, but everything about writing this story was both much harder than I thought it would be and much easier at the same time. I have been creating stories for years, but to actually write one was a very different task. Probably the most challenging aspect was to nail down a plot that made sense while having a good pace that kept readers engaged. When I would create stories in my head, the plot could be much looser, but when writing, I found it important to have a solid storyboard, and that was difficult to follow at times. In addition, writing scenes of intimacy were very difficult for me. Before they were just my fantasies, but now they had to be written in a way that conveyed all the sensuality and emotions my characters were feeling, and that was no small feat.
    What’s the first thing you do when you start to write a story?
    The first thing I do when I start to write a story is to go for a walk. I find that I am the most creative when I am walking amongst the sounds of nature and humanity. I then essentially let my imagination run wild, and soon enough I will settle on a plot and characters that I enjoy and begin to build my story.
    What do you think makes your story stand out compared to other “similar” teen stories?
    I set three goals for myself when writing this story, and I believe it is these that help my story stand out. First and foremost, I wanted my characters to accurately portray what it is like to be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in a heteronormative society. This looks very different for each person, so I tried to represent a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences while always making sure my characters were as realistic and relatable as possible. Second, I did not want this story to be driven by sex. Those stories have their place and time, but for the story I wanted to write, I wanted it to be a goal that the romance was driven by the friendship and the plot and only enhanced by the sex when it felt right. Finally, this story had to be true to the person I am continually becoming. Writing this story was an act of self-therapy for me, and as such, I made sure that every word I wrote I was comfortable with and proud of.
    Did you research band or do you have personal experience with it?
    Fantastic question; I have SO much personal experience with band! I was your stereotypical band geek throughout middle and high school, joining every band imaginable and then some. I am still in band in college, although it is not my priority now. Every year for five years I went on a trip with my marching band and even took a trip to New Orleans with my jazz band. As I have said to others, this story is partially based on fact. My senior year marching band trip was in fact to Canada for the Calgary Stampede Parade, and we did spend an entire day at Banff National Park, but that is where the similarities end. This story was an exploration of what could have been if only I had been more comfortable and confident, accepting who I was just a little earlier in life. Fun fact: I am writing this while on a tour in Spain with my college band!
    Can you sum up A Marching Band Story in one sentence?
    A whirl-wind teenage marching band romance that provides insight into the messiness that is true love.
    Will you share any of your current or upcoming story plans with readers?
    Now, this is a question I get a lot! To be completely honest, I am unsure of my current plans for upcoming stories. I have plenty more stories to tell, and I have even gotten some great suggestions for several sequel ideas to “A Marching Band Story”, but writing my first story was truly an act of spontaneity. I did it on a whim, and I had no idea how important this tory would become for me and so many others. Many have told me I have too much to say not to continue writing, and I think I can at least agree with that!
  16. Cia

    June CSR Feature: Dolphin Delivery by Carlos Hazday

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    So I'm a huge sucker for ocean animal stories--even if they aren't paranormal ones. As one of GA's most popular authors, I knew if I picked one of Carlos' works, readers would love to share their thoughts and comments on the discussion day, and it's been far too long since his last CSR feature. So if you have a short reading window, pick this story to read, or reread! As a bonus, Carlos has 4 total Earth Day stories to enjoy, so you can keep reading if you get caught up in his storytelling. 
    Dolphin Delivery
    by @Carlos Hazday
    Length: 2,467
    Description: Liebe, a young girl living in the Florida Keys with her two fathers, encounters a dolphin in distress while fishing. When one of her fathers helps save the animal, they make a friend for life.
    A Reader Said: Somehow I missed this story when it was posted. It is sweet in the best way, and reminds me of the stories I read to my daughter when she was young. Thanks for including descriptions of the illustrations. It makes me wish I was better at drawing. I could see how they would look in my head. Nicely done! Thanks.  ~JeffreyL
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, June 27th!
  17. Cia
    May is a month of changes, and this story is one I think fits perfectly with that theme. Have you ever read our Classic Author, Andy78's story, The Dream Dreams the Dreamer from the 2013 A Night to Remember Anthology? If not, check it out now!

     
    Length: 2,546
    Description: Matthew dreams that he is recruited as an Angel of Death.
    A Reader said: A very enjoyable read, Andy. Seeing I'm getting up in years, I hope when the Angel of Death comes for me that it's someone cute like that, because then I'll go willingly. If the Angel is like the Darker version everyone else uses, I'll probably fight him tooth and nail. Great job and I really enjoyed this. ~BillW
     
    If you want to spread the word about Andy78'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!
  18. Cia

    May CSR Feature: A Marching Band Story by Jacob Windigo

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    May already?! Well, in honor of the school year coming to a close in much of the US, I thought I'd feature a H.S. coming of age story which is quite popular on GA. So... this one time... at band camp. I know, I just dated myself, but maybe that gives you a hint at the story! It's not too long, and you have 4 full weeks to read it so I hope you will enjoy it. 
    A Marching Band Story
    by @Jacob Windigo
    Length: 32,810
    Description: Jarrod, a closeted gay high school senior, is the epitome of a band geek. He is a member of every band his at his school, but his favorite is the marching band, where the number of unfairly attractive boys seems infinite. But, there is one boy that stands out above the rest. Connor, a 15-year-old high school freshmen, is the boy of Jarrod's dreams, but a relationship with Connor seems forever out of reach. That is, until the unexpected happens on Jarrod's last summer marching band trip to Calgary, Canada. This story follows the journey Jarrod and Connor take as they discover themselves and the possibility of something more.
    A Reader said: I have just finished reading your story, I thought I should let you know that I think you wrote a very beautiful story, I hope you will write some more thank you for such a great story your friend Charlie ~ Cewright
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, May 30th!
  19. Cia

    April CSR Discussion Day: Corporate Galactic by astone2292

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    April showers bring... well, snow in my neck of the woods! It seems like everywhere I looked online people were talking about strange weather. Life on Earth has been rough the last few years, but could it be worse? That's explored in astone2292's story based on our prompt game, Corporate Galactic. Did you enjoy these snapshots in future time? Share your thoughts below, and enjoy my interview with him too!
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    Do wine and cheddar broccoli soup count?
    Have you ever gone out in public, realized your shirt is on backwards, and just don’t care?
    It’s happened a few times, but it hasn’t since I filled my closet with short-sleeve button ups. It’s really hard to wear one inside-out.
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    When I was eight years old, my parents’ house was hit by a tornado while we were inside. All I remember is the sound of a stampede, then a two-by-four smacked me in the face.
    If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
    The Man with a Million Masks: Someone Who Doesn’t Know Himself.
    What’s the best part of being an author?
    I can do whatever I want! Authors can do things normal humans can not. Go back in time, travel to outer space, invent new worlds. I went to school to be an artist, but my fingers would never translate what I wanted to create. Using my imagination in writing, I regret not spending more time in English and other writing classes.
    Which was a harder genre to tackle Dystopian or SciFi?
    Well, each was difficult in its own way, but I’ll give the award to Dystopian. Dystopian involves creating a society of sorts that operates with great suffering. This can lead authors down a rabbit hole into the dark corners of their imagination. How warped can an environment be without truly breaking the human psyche? Corporate Galactic was a dip in the water for me, and I might be tempted to take a plunge.
    There are three main characters, one in each chapter. Do you relate to one character the most?
    Not particularly. I see a part of me in each of them. Jared because I like being analytical and having as many options available. I relate to Symanthus when I work. She likes production, smooth operation, and seeing success. Silyn for his leadership style. He doesn’t want to rock the boat, but when things don’t go according to plan, he’s able to act with a sense of compassion.
    Hybrid human & alien cuisine… in a taco. What kind of dessert do you think Silyn would enjoy?
    Ha! If there’s one thing every species could come together on, it’d be cuisine. If there were to be more hybrid human and alien cuisine combinations, specifically for dessert, the easy answer is cake and pie. Oh the possibilities! The human race will always argue which is superior (The correct answer is pie. Bring it on, comment section!), so I can’t imagine what the other species in the Galactic would bring to the debate table. But for Silyn, I’d say brownies. He already goes to the aura bar, and we saw what those pods can do.
    Can you sum up this story in one sentence?
    What would happen if Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk became rulers of Earth?
    Can you share a little of your current or future story(s) with readers?
    The current story I’m working on is Death in the Shadows, the final book in a trilogy starring a man who can control shadows using magic. He’s destined to fall in love with a local shapeshifter, and fight the man who murdered his parents. Along the way, he meets many new friends across the globe, develops his understanding of magic, and even becomes a puppet to a few of the seven gods who run the universe. A warning for interested readers: the first book is terribly written, as it was my first attempt at writing. I used third-person omniscient after snorting a line of Fun Dip. POV switches-a-plenty! A thorough edit is in progress, and the new changes look much cleaner.
     A blurb from Death in the Shadows:
    Future stories in my to-write bank include a guy who purchases a mail-order bride but receives a husband instead, a Frosty the Snowman origin story, and a collection called Tales of Inanimate Objects where I take on the perspective of various objects used on a daily basis, such as a cigarette or a doorknob. Will the objects be tortured? Will they be sexual? Who knows?
  20. Cia

    April Classic Author Excerpt: Interlude by Luc

    By Cia,


    Classic Feature
    Did you catch Monday's blog featuring Interlude by Luc? This is a novella-length story that explores the idea of fate and true love... and who doesn't love love? Or doesn't want to love love. Since our commenter from Monday's blog fell in love with Ch. 6, I thought I'd share a scene from that chapter. Enjoy!
    Want to read more? Click here
  21. Cia

    April Classic Author Feature: Interlude by Luc

    By Cia,


    Classic Feature
    As we like to do, this week's Classic feature aims at bringing another one of the older stories on GA by a past promoted author to the forefront so newer readers don't miss out on the gems that were enjoyed by others in the past. So... what are your views on long lost loves and fated meetings through time? 

     
    Length: 39,350
    Description: Sometimes the connection between two souls is so deep that it transcends time and gender. This is a story about two such souls who are joined and then torn apart—and go on to seek and find each other through time.
    A Reader said: I stumbled upon this chapter through a google search, I haven't read the rest of the story yet but I had to comment on this chapter. It was so beautiful, I was openly crying by the end. You are very talented and I am definitely planning to read the rest of this story now. ~ prettypersuasion (Ch. 6)
     
    If you want to spread the word about Luc'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

    March CSR Discussion Day: Ridley by Krista

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Who enjoyed reading Ridley by Krista? If you did, please make sure you share your thoughts on the story in the comments below. In the meantime, enjoy the interview with her below! 
    If you were an animal, what would you be?
    – I used to be into nature documentaries, until I found out they were mostly stock footage with a fake story/narration based on loose science. I’ve always liked Leopards though; they are beautiful and female leopards are one of the more elegant animals in nature. I know I’m aiming high, but since I got to choose that’s what I would be.
    What's your favorite room in your house? Do you plot or write there?
    – It is the living room, because that is where I force the family to be after I get off work so that we can have some time together. I do write in there a little, but I mostly retreat to my bedroom reading nook to do most of my writing since it is quiet and has a nice view. I also prop the laptop up and write in bed before I go to sleep.
    What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
    – I’m a natural brunette?  I don’t know... Lol. I’m tall, 6’3” the same height as my husband and I wore flats to my wedding so that I didn’t tower over him. I do like heels though, so sometimes he just has to get over it. 
    What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    – Writing is what I do when I have free time. For what I like to do, I don’t really know, I have a garden that I’ll be getting to work in whenever things start growing again. My city born husband wants to be a farmer/rancher, so I’ve attempted to train him up. Most of the time though, I am cleaning, I have a full-time job, and I am a mother of four, seven if you count the dogs. I do like a good bubble bath.
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging when writing?
    – Yes, dialog structure and motivation. Going into writing knowing that I have a set way of doing dialog and it not be structurally correct has weighed on me a lot. It would be a relearning and difficult habit to break for me to learn dialog structure now as well. I honestly don’t see myself doing it the correct way, since this is a hobby and not something I wish to pursue professionally on any level. Motivation is difficult, especially when I try to write far ahead of what I post. I do want to know what people think as I post a chapter and before I start a new one. It isn’t the best system for me, since I have so little time to write, I get behind and slow to post doing it this way. 
    After reading, I know why Ridley chose basketball, but why did you, as the author, chose to write about basketball?
    I played basketball. I also live in a state known for basketball, although we don’t have a professional basketball team, if you don’t count the University of Kentucky. Like Ridley, I was a “big fish,” in a very shallow pond. I broke tons of school records that are still pretty much intact today. I wasn’t basing any of my experiences with basketball on this story though, I definitely approached the sport far differently than he did. It was also something that I felt a lot of sons play with their fathers, or an interest they could share together far easier than say Football, aside from just playing catch. I also have a story all about Football, so that dynamic for me has already played out and I didn't want to do it again. 
    How did the nickname/real name plot theme come to you for Ridley?
    – Riddles came first. I had an idea in my head, wanting to write about a character that was different from my usual characters. I have a type: outgoing, talkative, sort of goofy, with close-knit friend groups. Cory and Jackson are different on paper, but their worlds are so mirrored, especially if you read one right after the other. Then Christian isn’t that much different from them. To save myself from complete same-ness I get in a mood where I want to try something new. I thought about a character that didn’t like the world around him. I didn’t have a reason to start with, that part I did have to think a lot on before starting. 
    Riddles as a nickname was more or less, a two-meaning nickname for him, playing off his name became the primary reason eventually. Secondly, he didn’t really act the way a high school basketball star should. Complete indifference is something that a lot of people don’t really respond well towards, so Riddles just stuck. Then Ridley, I think I got from hearing the name from some movie trailer? I think maybe Ridley belongs to a director/producer of some kind, I don’t know. I’m not a movie buff and since they both started with R, I went with that. Ridley also sounds like a decent last name, which is important.
    The Cafeteria scene in the beginning was the entire idea that got me started I had the image stuck in my head for a week or more. Him looking out the window alone, not caring that he wasn’t part of what was happening around him started the idea.
    Did you attend your high school “special events” or were you the popcorn & movies loner type of teen? 
    – I pretty much lived at school. I was a three sport athlete, I went to football games, all of that good stuff. I am the complete opposite of Ridley in every way imaginable (basketball skills aside), it is probably why I enjoyed writing about him so much. I am far more like Jackson, if I were to compare myself to any of my current characters, although I did behave a lot better than him. 
    Is there a line or scene in the story you love the most?
    – I liked the Homecoming surprise scene before the game started and the first kiss scene. On a smaller scale, I liked every scene where Ridley and his sister Cara interacted. For lines I liked:

    Can you share a little of your current work or future project with readers?
    – I don’t really have anything ready that is set in stone aside from the next chapter to, “The Best Year,” so I guess a small paragraph from that will be all there is at the moment. I did send something to @wildone, to gauge his reaction to the writing. After TBY my plate is empty.  
  23. Cia

    April CSR Feature: Corporate Galactic by astone2292

    By Cia,


    CSR- Can't Stop Reading
    Sorry for the late start, but the upside is this month's selection--while also being one of my favorite genres--is a short story. I hope you will enjoy Corporate Galactic by astone2292 and come back on the CSR Discussion day! 
    Corporate Galactic
    by @astone2292
    Length: 10,247
    Description: Companies were always out to make a profit. They want to sell product, expand their business, and wreck the competition. As technology advanced, so did efficiency. Like most planets in the Galactic Union, Earth's offerings were considered unique and vital for other races.
    How would corporate power and greed alter humanity's existence?
    A Reader said: Aaron masterfully built a detailed dystopian sci-fi world in a small package.  He spun a fine tale balancing risk, hope, and fate that demands more!  Well done, Aaron  👏 ~ZekeNix
     
    Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, April 25th!
  24. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up (Mar. 27 to Apr. 2nd)

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Wildone figured out a way to make the Weekly Wrap Up new this week, he went on a trip... so I'm doing it! Do you think he had that plan already in the works last week?🤨 Well, I'll have you know I spent my first Saturday of Spring Break on a day trip, and for once the coast was B-E-A-uuuutiful! Take a peek in the spoiler below if you want to see. But I'm back to bring you all the news you might have missed, salt-soaked skin and all. Wave to the crusty crab we found peeking out in the tide pools! 
    Blog Updates
    Monday featured Ridley by Krista in our monthly CSR Discussion post. 
     
    Tuesday Graeme shared Mawgrim was GA's newest Promising Author! Congratulations, Mawgrim!!
    Do you know what a subject and predicate is? Myr goes over that in Thursday's Grammar Guide
    There were no prompts this week... April Fools! Friday brought some announcements about National Poetry Month and some prompts. Check it out.
    Comicality brings us his take on MacGuffins... No, it's not a new breakfast sandwich! 
     
    Bombast! Hamartia! No, I'm not trying out interesting 2022 versions of curse words... Check out Myr's Word of the Day blog if you want to know what these 2 featured words from this week's selections mean!
    Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @wildone or @Timothy M. 
    Story Goals
    We've hit 3 months into 2022, so let's see how the yearly goals are going so far! 

    Story Updates
    Last but not least, the story updates for this week! 
    Recently Updated 'Premium' Stories
    A Fresh Start by Comicality Recently Updated 'Signature Author' Stories
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour Left Without Words by Comicality Savage Moon 06 - The New Breed by Comicality rima fragmenta, Fragments of a Rift: Fifty Sonnets for Kevin by AC Benus CDMX by Carlos Hazday JUMP! by Aditus The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Prose by AC Benus Jay's Loelife by Mrsgnomie Ancalagon by Cia The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Poetry by AC Benus A Fresh Start by Comicality Recently Updated 'Classic Author' Stories
    The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis Finding Good Trouble by Ronyx Recently Updated 'Promising Author' Stories
    To the Weyr by Mawgrim Hidden Secrets by Mawgrim Recently Updated 'Author' Stories
    Canaan Club by Westley D. I Hate This Town by Demiurge It's All About Love by Ajbt2001 Death in the Shadows by astone2292 The Amitea Project: Black.Castle by LJCC Bodark Creek by RichEisbrouch Fourth Down: Second Quarter by FrankD Running for Home by Lux Apollo La Tombola by drsawzall Lux's Indulgences by Lux Apollo The Syndicate by BKWildenberg Incandescence by Demiurge Revelations by mastershakeme Brothers by Yeoldebard Fairyfly II by ObicanDecko A Slice of Life by Xfighter1984 Amethyst Cove Chronicles by Ajbt2001 Juvenile Care Lovers by Georgie DHainaut Ex gay husband by Zuri ARROW by CLJobe The Spirit of the Plum Blossom Tree (TSPBT) by Kong Wen Hui Never walk alone- Walk on by Andre Delport Recently Updated 'Poet' Stories
    Musings of a Wordsmith by JACC Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (and Recommend with a share to the forum topic!) 
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