Renee Stevens

With the deadline for the upcoming anthology looming, we thought it would be a great idea for you to meet the dedicated team that does the final proof reads on stories! Thank you @Valkyrie for putting this together for us! *** The anthology proof team works hard prior to the release of each anthology to ensure stories meet basic editing criteria and follow GA guidelines. Proofreading requires a meticulous eye for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and correct word usage. We’re all human, so even the cleanest writers and most fastidious editors make mistakes. The proof team reviews each submission for such mistakes in the areas outlined above. While editing a story is a more in-depth process, good proofreading can be an equally time-consuming task, requiring just as much skill and knowledge. Members of the proof team volunteer their time to look over story submissions with an eagle eye, which can be a rather lengthy process, depending on how long the story is. The proof team is not designed to take the place of a writer’s editor, but rather supplement the editing process by catching anything the original editor and author may have missed. Since the proof team works mainly behind the scenes, I thought it would be nice to bring them into the spotlight. Parker Owens – Signature Author and proof team member: Parker Owens joined the proof team several years ago and brings his teacher’s red pen with him as he completes proofs. A prolific poet, Parker brings a unique blend of math, science, and romance to his writing in a style distinctly his own. Parker also edits for GA members, in between grading papers. Rec – Classic Author and proof team member: rec has been a member of the proof team for many years, bringing an almost encyclopedic knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules. Rec has been a member of GA since 2006 and written several popular stories, in addition to taking on the role of editor for GA members. Valkyrie – Signature Author and Proof Team Leader: Valkyrie has been a member of the proof team since 2014 and leader of the proof team for the past several years. In addition to completing proofs herself, she also coordinates the team and pairs proofreaders with authors who submit stories to the anthology. Valkyrie has a Masters degree in a language-related field and has always had a penchant for technical writing. She edits on a regular basis, in addition to her own writing and volunteer duties for the GA proof team and author promotion team. She recently completed her twenty-seventh anthology story. It’s been my pleasure to work with rec and Parker to ensure the anthologies are the best they can be. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to both of them and to all past proof team members for their hard work and dedication to GA. If anyone is interested in joining the Proof Team, please contact Valkyrie or Renee Stevens.

Well, it's another Monday and a great time to look at another featured Story! Thank you to the review team for all your work to share some of the stories you've read on site! The Thousandth Regiment by AC Benus Reviewer: Parker Owens Status: Complete Word Count: 8,732 We learn of Shakespeare, Milton, and Spenser in high school, and many of us breathe a sigh of relief when the poetry unit is over. What a pity. The sonnet form in poetry has spoken to people for over half a millennium. Here, AC Benus has translated a masterwork, a sonnet cycle unknown to nearly everyone in the English-speaking world. The Thousandth Regiment records in poetry the experiences and impressions of Hans Ehrenbaum-Degele, a German junior officer and poet, during and just prior to the First World War. He was also Gay. This contains both history and story, non-fiction and dramatic arc. Through Benus’ artful translation, we see Ehrenbaum-Degele participate in his training, yet raise an eyebrow at the impetus for the war to come. And when he must leave his partner to march off into that hell, he spares us not. Hans Ehrenbaum-Degele was already an accomplished poet and playwright when he joined his regiment at the outbreak of war in 1914. The cycle of sonnets that would become The Thousandth Regiment was already underway, begun during his training two years earlier. The second sonnet, searing in its first line Gunned-down fathers, bastards and grandsons, we, the poet unites the reader to the masses of men being formed into the fodder for insatiable appetite for war created by earlier generations. In later sonnets, Ehrenbaum-Degele aptly describes the everyday life of his unit, his company, and how its motions appear in juxtaposition to the world he and his compatriots knew. In the sonnets Hans produced, we see through his eyes the advent of the conflict. Its effects are illustrated for both the victors and vanquished, all while depicting in stark, clear quatrains the ongoing madness of industrialized killing. Each poem takes us deeper into the horror we know looms ahead, and into the tragedy that was to come. Hans Ehrenbaum-Degele did not survive the conflict; he was killed before its second winter was out. With this translation, AC Benus connects Hans Ehrenbaum-Degele to more familiar war writers like Owen, Rosenberg, and Hemingway, whose unsparing word paintings of the war reverberate in our own generation. AC Benus reminds us in this work that the First World War was fought by men who shared their common humanity above their nationality. More importantly, The Thousandth Regiment reminds us all of the enduring power of the sonnet, and of poetry, to talk about all things. Nothing is unspeakable or ineffable. If nothing else, this vivid collection reminds us that war is human, and that its increasing automatization and digitization may leave us vulnerable to horrors we cannot begin to imagine. Eherenbaum-Degele made this clear before his death. It was left to his partner, F. Wilhelm Murnau, to collect and publish these sonnets in 1917. It is our great good fortune that AC Benus has made it possible for us to read them in our day. Category: Fiction Genres: Reference, Creative Non-Fic, Free-Verse Tags: death-defying, military, philosophy, psychology, religion, love Rating: Mature

Upcoming Anthology Due: October 31, 2021 Top Themes A Winding Path An Unconventional Gift Pot Luck Themes Pick Your Poison - Lockdown - Left Behind - Dire Monotony - Mutation is Progress - Blood Moon Birthday Presents - Falling for Fall - Elves or Elvis? - Life’s Past - The Woods Rings of Fire - Plateau Wolves - Rock - Men and Women - A Legend Retold Echoes - The Last Sentinel - Tomorrow - A Label - Surpassing - Twilight Falling There's your list of themes! You can check out the full list of rules and guidelines in the anthology forum, but take a look at this entry from last year! Getting in Step Author: @northie Theme: Bridges Justin has learnt not to expect a connection when he escorts older men. An evening promising modern ballet doesn't seem a likely candidate to buck the trend. Reader Comments: CarlHoliday: Interesting story with a lot going on, but in many ways unspoken. wildone: I liked how really you made a connection between the characters and the reader in so few words.

Thanks for featuring me, @Cia! I enjoyed doing the interview!

Upcoming Anthology Due: October 31, 2021 Top Themes A Winding Path An Unconventional Gift Pot Luck Themes Pick Your Poison - Lockdown - Left Behind - Dire Monotony - Mutation is Progress - Blood Moon Birthday Presents - Falling for Fall - Elves or Elvis? - Life’s Past - The Woods Rings of Fire - Plateau Wolves - Rock - Men and Women - A Legend Retold Echoes - The Last Sentinel - Tomorrow - A Label - Surpassing - Twilight Falling There's your list of themes! You can check out the full list of rules and guidelines in the anthology forum, but take a look at this entry from last year! Two Lives Author: @Wombat Bill Theme: Bridges Self observations of a closeted married man. Reader Comments: Headstall: I love to see poetry in the anthology. I related to this... to the expectations... wildone: I thought it was a brilliant insight on how one goes to from expectations when younger, to how the cycle of life can start over, when older. Valkyrie: It's always nice to have poetry included in the anthology, and this is a wonderful piece.

Upcoming Anthology Due: October 31, 2021 Top Themes A Winding Path An Unconventional Gift Pot Luck Themes Pick Your Poison - Lockdown - Left Behind - Dire Monotony - Mutation is Progress - Blood Moon Birthday Presents - Falling for Fall - Elves or Elvis? - Life’s Past - The Woods Rings of Fire - Plateau Wolves - Rock - Men and Women - A Legend Retold Echoes - The Last Sentinel - Tomorrow - A Label - Surpassing - Twilight Falling There's your list of themes! You can check out the full list of rules and guidelines in the anthology forum, but take a look at this entry from last year! Moon Dogs Author: @CarlHoliday Theme: Full Moon Bob has a fear of mean dogs from his childhood when he was attacked by a male Dobermann. Tonight he dreads having to walk home under a bright full moon down streets that have unrestrained pit bulls and other such dogs that have tried to attack him before. He has pepper spray and a book bag for defense, but sometimes he’s come close to being bit, again. Reader Comments: Headstall: Nice slice of life of a man and his family. There was a sweetness to it. Thanks, Carl. Carlos Hazday: That ending was worthy of Norman Rockwell and the amount of detail add to the impression of one of his illustrations. I enjoyed it. Defiance19: An engaging and pleasant read. I enjoyed it. Thank you.

Sorry all, running late today, so let's get right to today's story review! Days Like This by Drew Payne Reviewer: Timothy M Status: Complete Word Count: 98,599 Some authors on GA attract attention from many readers the moment they start publishing a story. Others sneak up on us, quietly putting out a short story here and a longer tale there, until one of them gets noticed, often acquiring a small group of dedicated fans who like the author’s style. It’s always rewarding to be a reader who happens to stumble across one of those unassuming writers and subsequently watch them blossom due to the feedback and praise from their audience. I know many people agree this is one of the huge strengths of the site. Drew Payne joined GA a little over ten years ago and uploaded his first story almost exactly three years ago. I came across his first multi-chapter story about six months later, and I was soon caught up in his writing. His stories depict the struggles of everyday life, and while they can contain sadness and anguish, they always have a kernel of hope or redemption. The main characters may face adversity, but they try to stay true to themselves and what they feel is right. Days Like This is the story of Simon who is sixteen and knows he is gay, but isn’t quite sure how to deal with this. Especially when faced with the unthinking bigotry of his surroundings, mainly his father and other students at his college. At the start of the story he has no one to ask for advice or share his interests with, and he tends to worry about how other people see him. But he is also sensible and resists the pressure from his surroundings, if his gut feelings do not agree. I particularly like his refusal to accept the stereotyping of gay people, and his mother’s moody behavior and pessimism. The story follows Simon over four weeks as he, in Drew’s words, “navigates the difficult journey of his coming out.” He meets several new people, who have important roles to play, and my favorite is Nicky. When you have read the story, please tell me who you like best. Category: Fiction Genres: Drama Tags: teen, gay, coming of age, college Rating: Mature

Upcoming Anthology Due: October 31, 2021 Top Themes A Winding Path An Unconventional Gift Pot Luck Themes Pick Your Poison - Lockdown - Left Behind - Dire Monotony - Mutation is Progress - Blood Moon Birthday Presents - Falling for Fall - Elves or Elvis? - Life’s Past - The Woods Rings of Fire - Plateau Wolves - Rock - Men and Women - A Legend Retold Echoes - The Last Sentinel - Tomorrow - A Label - Surpassing - Twilight Falling There's your list of themes! You can check out the full list of rules and guidelines in the anthology forum, but take a look at this entry from last year! The Keys to the Far Castle Author: @CarlHoliday Theme: Bridges The Moresby Collective Association controls life for Terrans living on Moresby’s Planet in the Andromeda galaxy. Twenty-one teens are running away from Village 31K2.6 because of unspoken horrors afflicting young people. There goal is the land on the other side of the Great Western Sea where legend says they will live free for the rest of their lives. Chasing them are thirty-one adults who will kill every teen, except for their leader Edgar Christiansson. He will be returned to the village to be executed in a way only humans can imagine. Reader Comments: Valkyrie: An interesting tale of a harsh world and the people who want to escape it. The danger is quite real and I found the ending unexpected.

Upcoming Anthology Due: October 31, 2021 Top Themes A Winding Path An Unconventional Gift Pot Luck Themes Pick Your Poison - Lockdown - Left Behind - Dire Monotony - Mutation is Progress - Blood Moon Birthday Presents - Falling for Fall - Elves or Elvis? - Life’s Past - The Woods Rings of Fire - Plateau Wolves - Rock - Men and Women - A Legend Retold Echoes - The Last Sentinel - Tomorrow - A Label - Surpassing - Twilight Falling There's your list of themes! You can check out the full list of rules and guidelines in the anthology forum, but take a look at this entry from last year! Mother Moon's Message in Troubled Times Author: @Headstall Theme: Full Moon Two poems about one of life's constants. The first one was written on Mother's Day Eve. Reader Comments: Parker Owens: I love these. The first is wonderful, elegaic, and brings images of brightness and laughter to me. The second surrounds me in silver light, in quiet and reflection. Defiance19: These are beautiful, Gary. It’s nice to have poetry in the anthology, and as always your words convey such wonderful imagery.

Thanks, A!

Hey all, A little delayed today, but unfortunately we don't have a story review to share today. So I thought, maybe the readers here at GA could share your favorite GA Stories! So, in the comments, share: Your favorite GA story A Link And a short paragraph on what you love about the story! Ready....Set.....Go!

Howdy all! Steve asked me to take over this week. I'm still a little rusty at doing the weekly wrap up, but let's see what we had going on this past week. Not going to do a huge intro though, because it's been a big week here with my little man joining many others in starting school this week (yes, he's already 3 years old and starting preschool!). And of course, after finally getting to be around other kids, my little man has caught a cold and wants snuggles with his mama. So let's take a look at what happened this week. This week was the classic feature and Cia joined us for both Monday and Wednesday: Then on Thursday, we took a look back at a previous anthology entry. Don't forget your anthol entries are due by October 31st! Did you miss any of Myr's words of the day this week? If so, check them out below! Anthologies 2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 1 - A Winding Path - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 2- An Unconventional Gift - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Pot Luck Themes - October 31st, 2021 Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 or @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M. ** I know we had a volunteer step up for the upcoming week review, but if there is anyone willing to help our Review Team out over the summer, it would be much appreciated!! ** Now, let's look at new stories and chapters posted this week! Premium Updates: On Fire by Cia *Premium* Classic Updates: Bloom by Dabeagle Stuff People Do by Ronyx The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis Signature Updates: Ancalagon by Cia Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens GFD: Media Blitz by Comicality Larkspur: A Sidewinder Tale by Headstall Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont On Fire by Cia The Best Year by Krista The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Poetry by AC Benus The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Prose by AC Benus Promising Updates: Tales from the Refuge by Wayne Gray

Upcoming Anthology Due: October 31st, 2021 Top Themes A Winding Path An Unconventional Gift Pot Luck Themes Pick Your Poison - Lockdown - Left Behind - Dire Monotony - Mutation is Progress - Blood Moon Birthday Presents - Falling for Fall - Elves or Elvis? - Life’s Past - The Woods Rings of Fire - Plateau Wolves - Rock - Men and Women - A Legend Retold Echoes - The Last Sentinel - Tomorrow - A Label - Surpassing - Twilight Falling There's your list of themes! You can check out the full list of rules and guidelines in the anthology forum, but take a look at this entry from last year! Battle for Souls Author: @Cia Theme: Shadows The war with the demons in the Underrealm can exhaust even the strongest soldier. As the war drags on, how can one commander face his duty when each and every battle threatens his heart and soul? Reader Comments: chris191070: Thanks for a wonderful story. A great insight into a reality where demons can exist and pillage. Valkyrie: This is dark fantasy at its finest! wildone: Okay, so you expect me to close my eyes and fall asleep after reading this

Upcoming Anthology Due: October 31, 2021 Top Themes A Winding Path An Unconventional Gift Pot Luck Themes Pick Your Poison - Lockdown - Left Behind - Dire Monotony - Mutation is Progress - Blood Moon Birthday Presents - Falling for Fall - Elves or Elvis? - Life’s Past - The Woods Rings of Fire - Plateau Wolves - Rock - Men and Women - A Legend Retold Echoes - The Last Sentinel - Tomorrow - A Label - Surpassing - Twilight Falling There's your list of themes! You can check out the full list of rules and guidelines in the anthology forum, but take a look at this entry from last year! Bridges to Friendship Author: @wildone Theme: Bridges Sometimes going to a new school in a new city isn't the break that you were hoping for. Reader Comments: KayDeeMac: What a wonderful story. I am sure it resonates truths in many families where siblings are faced with accepting different sexualities within their family. Headstall: There is a real lesson here about acceptance and respect... and friendship can be found in the weirdest of circumstances. Besides that, this was quite entertaining. Valkyrie: I loved seeing how everything unfolded and how their friendship develops throughout the story. I also liked how this is a different take on the typical teen drama we see here.