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Renee Stevens

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Blog Entries posted by Renee Stevens

  1. Renee Stevens
    I hope you all enjoyed the last Improve & Encourage feature, because it's time for another one. These features are meant to both provide feedback to authors and, similar to story reviews, point out stories that readers might not otherwise have found. It's similar to a review, in that the person doing the critique tells you what they liked about the story, but it differs in that they also provide constructive criticism. Each author signed up to participate, and sign up's are still open!  These will post once a month until the last author signed up is critiqued. If you'd like to provide a critique for the blog, sign up in the thread. I'm hoping to have a lot more authors sign up, and just remember, by signing up, you are also volunteering to have your story critiqued and featured.
     
    TJ
    JayT
     
    Critique By: jkwsquirrel  
     
    Please give us a short summary of the story you chose.
    After his parents are killed, TJ must move in with his brother and nephew in Texas.  But his brother has a secret which sends TJ’s world into a chaotic whirlwind.  As TJ adjusts to his new life, he finds the love he needed, and begins to feel wanted.
    What do you see as the strengths of the story/poem?
    The plot of the story is strong and you can tell Jay did a lot of planning right from the beginning.  I think the characters really began to find their voices and hit their groove around chapter four and then continuing through the book.  Everything is well thought out and the story gets stronger as it goes along.  The reader can relate to TJ’s plight easily as the story develops.
    What do you see as the weakness of the story/poem?
    I thought the pacing of the first chapter or two was a bit rushed.  The reader barely has time to figure out who is who and what is going on.  The first chapter could have easily been three or four chapters.  When TJ’s parents die, it doesn’t have as much impact as it could because the reader barely knows them enough to care about their deaths.  The story doesn’t have time to breathe in those early chapters as everything happens so suddenly that it’s hard to keep up. It takes a few chapters for the characters to really find themselves.  TJ’s nephew, Josh, takes a while to mature.  He is a junior in high school but he sounds much younger in the early chapters.
    How do you think the story/poem could be improved?
    Again, the pacing of the earlier chapters is where I think the story could be improved the most.  We never have time to feel much of anything for the characters because everything happens too fast.  Jay sometimes has to backtrack in later chapters to fill in details that could have been fleshed out earlier.  For instance, the reader finds out that Robert is the assistant principal at TJ’s new high school out of nowhere with no build up.  Jay has a good story to tell but rushes to get through the introductory things.  Slow down and let the story develop, then when the events of the plot happen the readers will feel a deeper connection to the characters and the story.
    What was your favorite part?
    For me, my favorite part was seeing the growth that Jay displayed as a writer as the story advanced.  Much of the weakness in the pacing in the earlier chapters settles down in the later chapters, and Jay allows the story to tell itself without rushing through.  TJ is a strong protagonist, and it’s fun to get into his head.  The characters really begin to find themselves once the pace slows down and they are given room to grow.  I really liked the characters and grew to like them even more as they interacted.  The dialogue is witty and enjoyable.  Overall, an enjoyable reading experience!
  2. Renee Stevens

    Writing Prompts #664 & #665

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    Hope everyone has had a great week so far. It's time for this weeks writing prompts. If you're stuck, or you're considering writing for the first time, these might be perfect for you. Don't forget that stories under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     
     
     
     
    Prompt 664 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following in a story – red basket, old coat, a boat, a diary, and a pear.
     
    Prompt 665 – Creative
    Tag – Chance Meeting
    Last night you went out with friends and met a man who checked every box you ever had. He invited you back to his place, but you were out with friends, felt you couldn’t be in his league, and slipped away, eventually going home alone. Today, you met the new partner at your firm. The partner just happens to be the man from last night. What do you do?
     
     
     
     
    Don't forget to share your prompt responses from last week!
  3. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Apr 8 - Apr 14)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Sorry for the delay this morning! Just a quick reminder that today is the last day to get your entry in for the 2018 Summer Novella contest! Now let's take a look at this week's happenings.
     
     
    Contests
    2018 Summer Novella Anthology: Summer - Due Today  
    Anthologies
    2018 Spring Anthology: Now or Never - Due May 15th 2018 Spring Anthology: Encounters - Due May 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Fight Back - Due Nov 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Good Intentions - Due Nov 15th  
    Blog Opportunities
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    3 Story Promo: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Author Interview: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Favorite Self-Written Story: Open to all GA authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
     
    Premium Updates:
    Harbinger by Cia *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    Losing Kevin by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    A Love Story by CarlHoliday; Book 2 of Warnton Stories
    April Musings by Valkyrie
    Denied by Cia
    Exes and Ohs by Headstall
    GFD: Back In Business by Comicality
    GFD: The Secret Death Of Billy Chase by Comicality
    Mojo by AC Benus
    One Hundred and Fifty-Five Sonnets by AC Benus; Book 5 of Verse
    Poetry Book by Dolores Esteban
    Shadow Honor by Cynus
    Spirit of Fire by Stellar
    Translation Trashbin by AC Benus; Book 7 of Verse
     
    Promising Updates:
    April Weather: NaPoWriMo2018 by Parker Owens
    Drifts by Puppilull; Book 3 of Hot and cold
    Rest in Peace - Songs for the Dead by Mikiesboy
    Will I or Won't I ... napowrimo 2018 by Mikiesboy
     
    ***Check out this GA Classic***
     
    Bodega Bay
    NickolasJames8
    Kevin has always had turbulence in his life, but things when suddenly go from bad to worse and he has no where to turn, he sets off to return to the one place where he was able to build good memories in his young life.
     
     
  4. Renee Stevens

    Writing Prompts #662 & #663

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    Thanks to @comicfan, the prompts are back this week! Yay!!!! Just a reminder, and for those who haven't worked with the prompts before: prompt responses under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     
     
     
     
    Prompt 662 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    “Why do you always do this?”
     
    Prompt 663 – Creative
    Tag – The Crew
    It seems like forever ago this began. You remember your mother kissing you goodnight and falling asleep in your bed. You awoke on the airplane with the others on the way to the spaceship. The crew were fellow kids except for the captain and  your four teachers. After ten years you finally will find out why you were all taken from your families. What happened?
     
     
     
     
    Did you write a prompt response for one of the second chance prompts last week? Or a response the week before? Don't forget to share it below.
  5. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Apr 1 - Apr 7)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Hope everyone had a good week. Don't forget that the deadline for the novella contest is the 15th. So far we only have one entry, so I'm hoping to see at least a couple more before the deadline is here. Now, let's take a look at the past week.
     
     
    Contests
    2018 Summer Novella Anthology: Summer - Due April 15th, 2018  
    Anthologies
    2018 Spring Anthology: Now or Never - Due May 15th 2018 Spring Anthology: Encounters - Due May 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Fight Back - Due Nov 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Good Intentions - Due Nov 15th  
    Blog Opportunities
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    3 Story Promo: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Author Interview: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Favorite Self-Written Story: Open to all GA authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
     
    Premium Updates:
    Harbinger by Cia *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    Losing Kevin by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    April Musings by Valkyrie
    Denied by Cia
    Exes and Ohs by Headstall
    Geeks by CassieQ
    GFD: Dark Favor by Comicality
    GFD: Donor Fail by Comicality
    GFD: Fanboys by Comicality
    GFD: Midnight Caller by Comicality
    GFD: Piece Of The Action by Comicality
    Mojo by AC Benus
    Shadow Honor by Cynus
     
    Promising Updates:
    April Weather: NaPoWriMo2018 by Parker Owens
    Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso
    Will I or Won't I ... napowrimo 2018 by Mikiesboy
     
    ***Check out this GA Classic***
     
    Not A Kiss
    jian_sierra
     
    Daniel is haunted by his first ever kiss. He couldn't fathom though how this could possibly happen as he's never been kissed before. But for awhile he had this dream of what could have been and he hasn't had that dream for years until now.
  6. Renee Stevens
    Well... as the title of this blog says, OOPSIE!  I didn't realize that I was out of prompts, so didn't send to @comicfan to get new ones!  Since I forgot, I decided to go through and pick a few recent ones that showed zero responses in the forum.
     
    Creative
     
     
    First Line
     
     
    Word List
     
     
    So there you go!  Hopefully I'll have some new prompts for you next week!
  7. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Mar 25 - 31)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    I hope everyone had a great week this past week. Time to take a look back to see what you might have missed in the various GA staff blogs.
     
     
     
     
    Contests
    2018 Summer Novella Anthology: Summer - Due April 15th, 2018  
    Anthologies
    2018 Spring Anthology: Now or Never - Due May 15th 2018 Spring Anthology: Encounters - Due May 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Fight Back - Due Nov 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Good Intentions - Due Nov 15th  
    Blog Opportunities
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    3 Story Promo: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Author Interview: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Favorite Self-Written Story: Open to all GA authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
     
    Premium Updates:
    Harbinger by Cia *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    Losing Kevin by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    A Love Story by CarlHoliday; Book 2 of Warnton Stories
    A Man in a Room, and other poems by AC Benus; Book 6 of Verse
    Denied by Cia
    Dinner is Prompt-ly at Eight by Cole Matthews
    Exes and Ohs by Headstall
    Mojo by AC Benus
    Promptings from Valhalla by Valkyrie
    Shadow Honor by Cynus
     
    Promising Updates:
    Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso
     
    ***Check out this GA Classic***
     
    A New Life
    TheEggman
     
    Meet Preston O'Brian, his mom, Margaret O'Brian, and Keith Hundser, his brothers Drew and John, and his parents Jim and Jennifer.
  8. Renee Stevens

    Writing Prompts #660 & #661

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    Hope everyone has had a great week so far. It's time for this weeks writing prompts. If you're stuck, or you're considering writing for the first time, these might be perfect for you. Don't forget that stories under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     

    Prompt 660- Creative
    Tag – Dirty Dog
    On your way to a wedding a little boy almost knocks you off your feet. While you manage to barely keep your feet, you turn to check on him, missing the dog he was playing with sliding into you and sending you head first down the side of a muddy hill. The dog and the little boy slip down after you. What happens next?
    Prompt 661 – Creative
    Tag – Artwork
    You were given a copy of a famous painting you love. What painting is it and why do you like it?

    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  9. Renee Stevens
    I hope you all enjoyed the last Improve & Encourage feature, because it's time for another one. These features are meant to both provide feedback to authors and, similar to story reviews, point out stories that readers might not otherwise have found. It's similar to a review, in that the person doing the critique tells you what they liked about the story, but it differs in that they also provide constructive criticism. Each author signed up to participate, and sign up's are still open!  These will post once a month until the last author signed up is critiqued. If you'd like to provide a critique for the blog, sign up in the thread. I'm hoping to have a lot more authors sign up, and just remember, by signing up, you are also volunteering to have your story critiqued and featured.
     
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Dodger
     
    Critique By: Sam Wyer
     
    Please give us a short summary of the story you chose.
    Charlie and Roger are two teenage guys who have been friends since fourth grade.   Their friendship turns a corner and teeters unpredictably for the few awkward moments it takes for both of them to realise what is really happening.
    What do you see as the strengths of the story/poem?
    The most obvious strengths are the key players in it, as both Charlie and Roger are well characterised.  Given it’s a relatively short story, the introductions don’t feel rushed, and you get a very good sense of who the two of them are, and how close their friendship is.  Whilst written completely from Rogers point of view, Charlie is still very easy to relate to.  Yes, so maybe it is a ‘classic’ storyline, but it’s done really nicely here, and it develops well in a short format.  It’s definitely towards the realistic end of story telling, and the dialogue works well throughout.
    What do you see as the weakness of the story/poem?
    As for weak points, it’s honestly hard to point to much here.  There’s very little wider context to Charlie and Roger, so you don’t get much of a sense of how they relate to other people, other friends, or their families.  There are nods towards this, but that’s all.
    How do you think the story/poem could be improved?
    So could it be improved?  The lazy answer is definitely yes, by writing more!  These two guys are very likeable, engaging, and well written, and I know I’m not the only one who thought that it would be good to hear more about them.  Other than that, a bit more context for the wider worlds of Charlie and Roger would be nice, as I mentioned above.  I’d also like to know how they manage the next, but unseen moments / days / months / years.  I don’t mean the sex, I think we all pretty much know how that works, but emotionally they are very different people, and for me, there’s a lot of questions about how the interplay that has worked so well as friends transforms with their relationship.

    What was your favorite part?
    My favourite moment in the story takes up the whole of the second half of the final chapter, and is brilliantly managed.  To give you a flavour of it:
     
     
  10. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Mar 18-24)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend so far. Don't forget that the deadline for the Summer novella contest is April 15th! Now, let's look at what we had going on this week.
     
     
    Contests
    2018 Summer Novella Anthology: Summer - Due April 15th, 2018  
    Anthologies
    2018 Spring Anthology: Now or Never - Due May 15th 2018 Spring Anthology: Encounters - Due May 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Fight Back - Due Nov 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Good Intentions - Due Nov 15th  
    Blog Opportunities
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    3 Story Promo: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Author Interview: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Favorite Self-Written Story: Open to all GA authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
     
    Premium Updates:
    Harbinger by Cia *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    Losing Kevin by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    Denied by Cia
    Exes and Ohs by Headstall
    Insomnia by CassieQ
    Mojo by AC Benus
    Shadow Honor by Cynus
     
    Promising Updates:
    Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens
    Georgetown: Over The Rainbow by Carlos Hazday; Book 8 of CJ
    Timmy's Journal by Mikiesboy
    timmy's poetry by Mikiesboy
     
    ***Check out this GA Classic***
     
    Carter's Army
    Topher_Lydon
     
    A young immigrant to Canada discovers that love can be found in the most unlikely places. Andrew isn’t the run of the mill team Captain, can he show Will what it means to be in love? And can he coax the awkward, non-social boy out of the closet? Events spiral out of control after stolen kisses are caught, and gossip begins to spiral out of control.
     
  11. Renee Stevens

    Writing Prompts #658 & #659

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    I hope everyone is having a great week! It's time for this weeks prompts, supplied by our prompt guru, Comicfan. Just a reminder, and for those who haven't worked with the prompts before: prompt responses under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     

    Prompt 658 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following in a story – a bee, red roses, yellow rain boots, a pink balloon, and a squirrel.
    Prompt 659 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    I just got the results of the blood test and you better sit down.

    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  12. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Mar 11 - Mar 17)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Hey Y'all!  Hope you have all had a great week. Before we get started on the wrap up, a really quick reminder that it's less than a month before the deadline for the Novella contest. Make sure to get your story in before April 15th!  Now, let's take a look at what happened in the blogs this week.
     
     
    Contests
    2018 Summer Novella Anthology: Summer - Due April 15th, 2018  
    Anthologies
    2018 Spring Anthology: Now or Never - Due May 15th 2018 Spring Anthology: Encounters - Due May 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Fight Back - Due Nov 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Good Intentions - Due Nov 15th  
    Blog Opportunities
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    3 Story Promo: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Author Interview: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Favorite Self-Written Story: Open to all GA authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
     
    Premium Updates:
    Harbinger by Cia *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    Losing Kevin by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    A Love Story by CarlHoliday; Book 2 of Warnton Stories
    Denied by Cia
    Exes and Ohs by Headstall
    Mojo by AC Benus
    Shadow Honor by Cynus
    So Weeps the Willow by Cole Matthews
    The Hollow Hills by Valkyrie
    The Kissing Game by Comicality
     
    Promising Updates:
    Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens
    Georgetown: Over The Rainbow by Carlos Hazday; Book 8 of CJ
    Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso
    timmy's poetry by Mikiesboy
     
    ***Check out this GA Classic***
     
    New Brother
    Graeme
     
    David finds out something unexpected about one of his friends when the friend comes to stay.
  13. Renee Stevens

    Writing Prompts #656 & #657

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    Hope everyone has had a great week so far. It's time for this weeks writing prompts. If you're stuck, or you're considering writing for the first time, these might be perfect for you. Don't forget that stories under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     

    Prompt 656 – Creative
    Tag – The number
    Most of us have a number that means something to us. Whether it is the day you were born, the number of children you have,  or your anniversary there is a number that stands out. Write a story based on your number and the importance of the number.
    Prompt 657 – Creative
    Tag – The accident
    Imagine going for your driver’s license and getting into an accident. What happened?

    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  14. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: Predator Prey

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Well, we're at the start of another week and this week we are going to look at a story written by Parker Owens called "Predator Prey". If you like what spikey has to say in the review, why not go check out the story and leave the author a review! Also, if you've read a story you've enjoyed lately, and would like to see it featured in the GA News Blog, simply shoot me a PM and send me a review. I'm always looking for reviews.
     
    Predator Prey
    Parker Owens
     
    Reviewer: spikey582
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 75,843
     
    Being part of the Review Team here on GA, I often find myself on the look-out for what will be the next story I review. So, I pretty much had my eye on this fantastic story since about mid-2017 when Parker Owens posted the final chapter.   

    In Predator Prey, Parker Owens introduces us to a character, who’s extremely hard to care about at the beginning of this tale. This person is a predator, preying on vulnerable people, using and abusing them in the worst ways possible, and then tossing them aside on the hunt for his next victim. Something happens to the predator early on in this story, the tables are turned on him, and he becomes the victim of another predator possibly even worse than he is. He has to leave, to get away for his own safety. But, the question becomes, who will he turn to? He has no friends, no potential allies, just fellow predators and past victims. So, who does such a person turn to for help. And, possibly more importantly, does he even deserve help in the first place?   

    I personally think this story is some of the best writing that Parker Owens has posted to the site. The main character is every bit as reprehensible as I described, and yet through Parker’s talented prose, I found myself finding sympathy with this predator. I became enthralled with his story, eventually finding myself caring about him, and rooting for him to overcome his struggles, even those of his own making.

    I don’t want to say too much more for fear of potentially spoiling something. I will say, this story definitely does start out in a dark place. However, it doesn’t stay there. It is the epitome of a roller coaster ride, filled with drama, romance, and thrills to satisfy all.
     
    Category: Fiction   Genres: Drama, Romance  Tags: young adult, gay, university, rape, modern, abuse    Rating: Mature
  15. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Mar 4 - Mar 10)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    I hope everyone has had a great week. I realized I forgot the GA Classic last week, but don't worry, it's back this week!  A quick reminder that there is just over a month left before the GA Summer Novella Contest is due. There's been a lot of great blogs this week, so let's take a look at what you might have missed!
     
     
    Contests
    2018 Summer Novella Anthology: Summer - Due April 15th, 2018  
    Anthologies
    2018 Spring Anthology: Now or Never - Due May 15th 2018 Spring Anthology: Encounters - Due May 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Fight Back - Due Nov 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Good Intentions - Due Nov 15th  
    Blog Opportunities
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    3 Story Promo: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Author Interview: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Favorite Self-Written Story: Open to all GA authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
     
    Premium Updates:
    Harbinger by Cia *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    You Promised Me a Tomorrow by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    A Love Story by CarlHoliday; Book 2 of Warnton Stories
    A Man in a Room, and other poems by AC Benus; Book 6 of Verse
    Black Widow by Mark Arbour; Book 16 of Chronicles Of An Academic Predator (CAP)
    Denied by Cia
    Dinner is Prompt-ly at Eight by Cole Matthews
    Exes and Ohs by Headstall
    Insomnia by CassieQ
    Mojo by AC Benus
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    Promptings from Valhalla by Valkyrie
    Shadow Honor by Cynus
    Shelter by Comicality; Book 1 of Shelter
    The Hollow Hills by Valkyrie
     
    Promising Updates:
    Georgetown: Over The Rainbow by Carlos Hazday; Book 8 of CJ
    Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso
    The Poetry of D/s by Mikiesboy
     
    ***Check out this GA Classic***
     
    Bad Boy Gone Good
    Colinian
     
    When you’re a teenager it’s easy to be led astray. What’s hard is getting out of a bad situation.

    Mature or distressing themes and strong language. This story deals with issues that are, unfortunately, true to life for some teens.
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  16. Renee Stevens
    I hope everyone is having a great week! It's time for this weeks prompts, supplied by our prompt guru, Comicfan. Just a reminder, and for those who haven't worked with the prompts before: prompt responses under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     

    Prompt 654 – Creative
    Tag – Foreclosed
    Write a short story where the main character is either having their house or business foreclosed.
    Prompt 655 – Creative
    Tag – Happy Dance
    We all have something that will make us smile. Is it a song? A movie? A person? Write a story where something happens and all the character can do is smile and share their happiness.

    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  17. Renee Stevens
    Hope everyone has had a great week so far. It's time for this weeks writing prompts. If you're stuck, or you're considering writing for the first time, these might be perfect for you. Don't forget that stories under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     

    Prompt 652 – Challenge
    Tag – Description
    Most times as a writer we will skip or give the bare minimum of a description so we can move ahead to what we want to tell. Then a reader begins asking for details and we realize what is lively in our imaginations begins to fall flat on the written page. Look out your window and focus on one action, animal, person, or plant. Now write about it including as many details as you can, but keep the scene you are creating moving, not stagnant. In other words, don’t go “Alice, 5’7’ tall, stood approximately two feet from her property line, bouncing a faded rubber ball for exactly five minutes in green shorts and yellow shirt.”
    Prompt 653 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    So, what did he take you for your first date?

    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  18. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Feb 25 - Mar 3)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Eek! Sorry for the lateness of the wrap up! I completely spaced that today was Sunday when I went to bed last night. Before we get started with the wrap up, a huge thank you to @wildone for doing the wrap up for me the last couple weeks! Since I'm already late doing this, lets get right to the wrap up!
     
     
    Contests
    2018 Summer Novella Anthology: Summer - Due April 15th, 2018  
    Anthologies
    2018 Spring Anthology: Now or Never - Due May 15th 2018 Spring Anthology: Encounters - Due May 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Fight Back - Due Nov 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Good Intentions - Due Nov 15th  
    Blog Opportunities
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    3 Story Promo: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Author Interview: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Favorite Self-Written Story: Open to all GA authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
     
    Premium Updates:
    Harbinger by Cia *Premium*
     
    Classic Updates:
    You Promised Me a Tomorrow by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    A Love Story by CarlHoliday; Book 2 of Warnton Stories
    Black Widow by Mark Arbour; Book 16 of Chronicles Of An Academic Predator (CAP)
    Denied by Cia
    Exes and Ohs by Headstall
    Mojo by AC Benus
    Shadow Honor by Cynus
    Spirit of Fire by Stellar
    The Hollow Hills by Valkyrie
    The Secret Life Of Billy Chase 9 by Comicality; Book 9 of The Secret Life Of Billy Chase
     
    Promising Updates:
    Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens
    Georgetown: Over The Rainbow by Carlos Hazday; Book 8 of CJ
    timmy's poetry by Mikiesboy
  19. Renee Stevens
    The Improve & Encourage feature is back!!! These features are meant to both provide feedback to authors and, similar to story reviews, point out stories that readers might not otherwise have found. It's similar to a review, in that the person doing the critique tells you what they liked about the story, but it differs in that they also provide constructive criticism. Each author signed up to participate, and sign up's are still open!  These will post once a month until all listed authors have been critiqued. If you'd like to provide a critique for the blog, sign up in the thread. I'm hoping to have a lot more authors sign up, and just remember, by signing up, you are also volunteering to have your story critiqued and featured.
     
    Jager
    Cole Matthews
     
    Critique By: Dodger
     
    Please give us a short summary of the story you chose.
    Jager, is a moving and powerful story about an elderly gay couple whose lives—after more than forty years together—are disrupted when one of them is affected by dementia. Despite the serious underlying theme, this is basically a love story with an interesting twist that should have you fooled. It was originally written as an entry for the 2016 GA Secret Admirer, Short Story Competition and unsurprisingly it finished in first place.
     
    Jager, incidentally, is the name of the couples wooden rocking horse, which swings during the course of the story from hero to villain and back to hero again. The story is told through the eyes of Glen as he and his partner Adam prepare to host their annual St. Valentine’s Day party.
    What do you see as the strengths of the story/poem?
    I enjoy reading stories that are a little out of the ordinary or from an unusual perspective. Something that perhaps doesn’t follow the normal well-trodden paths and this story is a good example.

     
    It is a truly beautiful tale, well-written and almost guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings. Part of its strength is its simplicity although this is not apparent until the end. To get there you will need to put your trust in the author, but you won’t be disappointed as everything begins to unravel.


    The story has a very slow, retired feel to it, as the narrator delves into the past in an attempt to explain the present. I don’t think that there are many authors who would have been brave enough to want to include dementia in a Valentines Day story, but Cole Matthews expertly strikes a good balance and the reader is constantly reminded of the couples love for each other which overrides everything else.

    What do you see as the weakness of the story/poem?
    I enjoyed this story so much that I felt a little robbed in the end because it didn’t go on long enough. Cole handles the subject exceptionally well but 3322 words don’t do it justice and it wasn’t enough detail in it for me. I feel that there was enough room to get to know the characters and their history a little better, without giving anything away.
     
    It seems almost criminal trying to find fault in such a wonderful story but it says a lot, I suppose, if my only worthwhile complaint is that the story is too short.
    How do you think the story/poem could be improved?
    A little more character development would have been good for me. I would like to have known more about their past and their early lives together even if the recollections weren’t entirely lucid. I know that it wouldn’t have been easy for them in the early days and perhaps more could have been made of this. I obviously know why the author felt the need to limit what information was fed to the reader, but it seemed a little rushed at the end.

     
    Maybe I’m asking a little too much but Cole has set a consistently high standard and this is one of his best.
    What was your favorite part?
    My favourite part of the story is the final paragraph, including the last four words at the end, just before you reach for the tissues. However, it’s impossible to quote this without spoiling the story for anyone who hasn’t read it.
  20. Renee Stevens

    Writing Prompts #650 & #651

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    I hope everyone is having a great week! It's time for this weeks prompts, supplied by our prompt guru, Comicfan. Just a reminder, and for those who haven't worked with the prompts before: prompt responses under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     

    Prompt 650 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story – a soldier, a school, a note, a red coat, and a large truck.
    Prompt 651 – Creative
    Tag – First Meeting
    Two shy people are sent to do the initial meeting between their families entering into a business contract. How does the meeting go and what sort of contract are they discussing?

    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  21. Renee Stevens

    Writing Prompts #648 & #649

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    Hope everyone has had a great week so far. It's time for this weeks writing prompts. If you're stuck, or you're considering writing for the first time, these might be perfect for you. Don't forget that stories under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     

    Prompt 648
    Tag – The Dragon
    You walk into the Dragon’s lair, swearing you are well prepared for anything. However, now that you are actually face to face, this isn’t what you had imagined. What is the dragon like?
    Prompt 649 – Creative
    Tag – The Eavesdropper
    You have overheard something you shouldn’t have. Now, knowing this secret and keeping it means you could be complicit in a crime. What do you do?

    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
  22. Renee Stevens

    Updating Stories

    By Renee Stevens,


    Writing Tips
    Hi All!
    Recently, site staff has been reviewing stories on GA, and we’ve come across a few things that we need your help to fix!
    Missing/Incomplete Story Descriptions: 
    A good example of missing/incomplete story descriptions can be found in many of the earlier anthologies. Many of these stories simply have a description of “2006 Summer Anthology”. Incomplete descriptions do nothing to engage readers or entice them to read your story. When updating the story description, keep in mind: "I'm trying to get people to read this.  How can I make this interesting enough for someone to want to read it?"  (while being truthful and no spoilers, of course).
    Missing Tags:
    Tags are a great way to help readers find your stories. For example, if you are writing a paranormal vampire story, using these tags will allow anyone interested in that genre to simply click a tag and bring up all stories of that type. If your story is not tagged as such, no matter how good the story, a reader interested in the content you provide may miss out on reading it.
    Series Information:
    We’ve found some stories that are a part of a collection, but the series information is missing. We’ve also found instances where the series field is used incorrectly. When you post the first story in your series, you don’t use the series feature. When you post the second story in your series, you add in the series field the name of the series and what book in that series it is. Then you go back to the first story and add in the information, labeling it as book one of the series. Please do not use the series field until you have posted the second story in the series as the series field is meant to tell readers that there are more stories in that series that are ready to be read.
    Unpublished Stories:
    We’ve found a lot of stories that are unpublished for one reason or another. However, as staff, we don’t know the reason. It could be perhaps that the author no longer wishes the story to be available online, but since staff has to delete the story, they simply unpublish it and leave it. If you have unpublished stories, then please contact staff to let us know if you’d like the story deleted from the system or if you plan to republish it.
    How can you help?
    If you are an author, we ask you to revisit your stories and if any of the above applies to you, please update your stories. If the story in question is an Anthology, contact Renee Stevens. I can temporarily remove the story from the anthology to allow you to fix it, and then move it back. If you are a reader, and you come across a story with any of the above, please PM a moderator or an admin. You can find a list of all mods and Admins here. You can also provide suggestions, which will be extremely helpful if the author is no longer on GA.
    Thank you for your help!
  23. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: Shifter

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Well, it's the start of a new week, and for today's schedule, we're bringing you Puppilull's review of Shifter by skinnydragon. Featured story days are a great way to highlight one of the many stories that can be found in GA Stories. With so many stories, it's easy for a single story to get lost in the shuffle. If you're reading a story that you would like to do a blog review and bring attention to, PM me (Renee). Now, onto the review. Hopefully you enjoy Puppilull's review enough to go check out Shifter for yourself!
     
    Shifter
    skinnydragon
    Reviewer: Puppilull
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 2,034
     
    It’s strange how a story of a mere 2,000 words can take you on such a journey. In this case, it's a journey into the twisted mind of the main character. When writing this review, I read my comments to the story from my first reading. Hypnotic and intense were words I used to describe it and I still think they sum up Shifter rather well.

    Throughout the story, the reader is left in the dark about a lot of details surrounding the main character. Who is he? With only a vague outline, there’s yet enough of a backstory to give you a definite sense of him as a person. It’s written as a frenzied, sketchy account of events, based of a collection of grim memories.

    What particularly impressed me was the way the story is written or rather constructed. In the most fascinating way, skinnydragon uses repetition of words and phrases to emphasize the theme of the story in an almost hypnotic manner. Each and every word needs to be read slowly and deliberately, so don’t read this while rushed. Take your time to savor the excellence of the crafting of sentences.
    This short story had a deep impact on me. Both because of the story itself and because of the brilliant way it is written. It could all too easily have been simply an exercise in technique, but instead it leaves the reader feeling disturbed and upset at having entered someone’s mind. And not just anyone’s mind - a twisted mind that gives Brett Easton Ellis a run for his money. So when you read it, be prepared to carry it with you for a long time. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. It’s just that good.
     
    Category: Fiction   Genres: Drama  Tags: young adult, violent, dark    Rating: Mature
  24. Renee Stevens
    I hope everyone has had a great week. It's been a very busy week here on Gay Authors, so it's time to take a look back. Unsure if you missed any of this weeks blogs? Or did you miss any of the updates from our site's promoted authors? Now's your chance to find out!!!
     
     
    Contests
    2018 Summer Novella Anthology: Summer - Due April 15th, 2018  
    Anthologies
    2018 Spring Anthology: Now or Never - Due May 15th 2018 Spring Anthology: Encounters - Due May 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Fight Back - Due Nov 15th 2018 Fall Anthology: Good Intentions - Due Nov 15th  
    Blog Opportunities
    Story Critique: Open to all GA authors. Sign up here.
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    3 Story Promo: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Author Interview: Open to all GA Authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
    Favorite Self-Written Story: Open to all GA authors. PM Renee Stevens to participate
    Story Recommendations:  Open to all GA authors & readers. PM Renee Stevens to participate.
     
    Classic Updates:
    The List by Dabeagle
    You Promised Me a Tomorrow by Ronyx
     
    Signature Updates:
    A Love Story by CarlHoliday; Book 2 of Warnton Stories
    A Man in a Room, and other poems by AC Benus; Book 6 of Verse
    Black Widow by Mark Arbour; Book 16 of Chronicles Of An Academic Predator (CAP)
    Denied by Cia
    Mojo by AC Benus
    Shadow Honor by Cynus
    So Weeps the Willow by Cole Matthews
    Spirit of Fire by Stellar
     
    Promising Updates:
    Georgetown: Over The Rainbow by Carlos Hazday; Book 8 of CJ
    Here Kitty, Kitty by Caz Pedroso
    Musings of a Messed Up Mind by Mikiesboy
     
    ***Check out this GA Classic***
    My Only Escape
    Comicality
     
    Every day after school, young Zack runs home after his last class, hoping to avoid his abusive father's rage and avoid anymore physical and emotional bruises at home. It isn't until he meets a beautiful stranger at school that he begins to wonder whether or not he's worth anything at all. Can he live in one world and fantasize about the other? Or will he have to choose?
  25. Renee Stevens

    Writing Prompts #646 & #647

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    I hope everyone is having a great week! It's time for this weeks prompts, supplied by our prompt guru, Comicfan. Just a reminder, and for those who haven't worked with the prompts before: prompt responses under 1,000 words must be posted as part of a collection.
     

    Prompt 646 – Creative
    Tag -The Rocket Ship
    You were the last person placed into the ship. You haven’t fully realized what is happening when the ship begins to take off. Why are you on the ship and where are you going?
    Prompt 647 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    I’ll see him in hell before that happens!

    Did you write a prompt response last week? Don't forget to share it below.
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