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Renee Stevens

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  1. Renee Stevens

    Writing Delays

    By Renee Stevens,

    First off, i want to apologize to everyone who is reading Forging Trust. I never planned to have this long of a delay between postings and it's driving me nuts. I have some of Chapter 9 written (part of it is handwritten at this point) but things have been so hectic lately. Also, there's something off on the current chapter. I thought maybe it was just me, but I sent it to Cia to look at it and she agrees that there's something in it that needs fixed. I am working on it, I just didn't want anyone to think that I had forgotten this story. I haven't and I'm constantly thinking about where I want the story to go, it's just getting it written that's proving to be a bit difficult. Thank you again to everyone who had read and/or commented on the story and I promise that I will get something posted just as soon as I can!
     
    Hugs to All
    ~Renee
  2. Renee Stevens
    First off, I would like to wish GA a happy 10th Anniversary and a special thanks to Myr for creating GayAuthors.org in the first place! I just happen to be one of those crazy straight women (or as Myr calls me: Crazy Mountain Lady) that Myr mentioned in his interview, but I am so glad to have a place to post my stories where I know they are enjoyed. As most everyone should know by now, we released the 2012 Fall Anthology: Friends and Enemies just a few short days ago. I hope everyone has enjoyed them and has finished them because now you have even more stories to read and review!!
     
    For your reading pleasure, GayAuthors.org 10th Anniversary Special Anthology: Secrets Can Kill has now gone live to celebrate Gay Author's ten year anniversary. Writing another story on top of everything else, plus the other anthologies, can be tricky but we have 4 entries ranging from horror to fantasy. Thank you to the authors participating!
     
     


    A Legend is the Key


    by Cia


     


    Remember my Heart


    by Dark


     

    The Game


    by Dolores Esteban


     


    The Symmetry of Life: To See, To Know, To Be Human


    by W_L


     
     
    Don't forget to leave a review (or two!!) to let the Authors know how much you enjoy their hard work. Enjoy the stories and once again, HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY GayAuthors.org!
  3. Renee Stevens
    It's Monday again, and not just any Monday! Today starts the Gay Authors 10th Anniversary Week here on the blog. We will be changing it up a bit from the normal blog entries, so we hope that you enjoy the content just as much as we have enjoyed putting it all together. To start us off, Cia has written up a review of a story written by the man who started it all. I hope you enjoy this look at "Terran Confederation - Jermiah" written by none other than Myr!



    Terran Confederation - Jeremiah


    by Myr


     

    Reviewer: Cia
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 7,834
    2010-2 Anthology Entry
     
    I'm not exactly an impartial reviewer of this story, as I beta read it for Myr back when he first posted it as part of the 2010 anthology 'Out of This World'. A science fiction story set in space, revolving around young teenage officers and cadets, this story can appeal to many. The lead character, Jeremiah - or Jerry to his friends in private - has been trained as a soldier since he was born with active psi powers.
     
    That's right, this story doesn't just involve space and soldiers, but paranormal psi powers as well. They usually don't show up until adolescent years, but Jerry is a very special case. He's finally been pulled from the ultra secret base he was raised at that, a place full of hidden military secrets that not even the conspiracy theorists believe. The powers that be decided that it was time for Jerry to move into the world and mingle with other soldiers his own age in an experiment on a different aspect they believe his psi powers work within.
     
    To that end Jerry ends up collecting a few friends and junior military members as part of his group. They have a few exciting happenings as their involvement deepens, which culminates in an explosive climax. No, not the kind between the sheets though, so get your minds out of the gutter. To tell you more would be spoiling.
     
    A single aspect of this story left me dissatisfied as I read it, however. It is simply too short. Fortunately, I have heard that this is part of a larger series where the individual stories will be linked together and expanded to create a flowing timeline where we get to see all manner of psionic powers coming into play. While we wait for that, make sure you check out Psionic Corp-No Return featuring another special young man, Mike Valdius. Don't forget to leave reviews as well, maybe if he gets enough readers asking for more we can get Myr moving to finish off these stories and linking them together!
  4. Renee Stevens

    Writing Tip: Fantasy

    By Renee Stevens,


    Writing Tips
    For our Tip Thursday we are bringing you an awesome tip from Cia. Have you ever been writing a Fantasy story and worried that you might be writing something that will turn your readers off to your story? Cia writes this time as a reader, about what keeps her interested in a fantasy story. Enjoy!


    Fantasy – From a Reader’s POV


     

    So, this is coming from me, as a reader. Recently I’ve read a few fantasy stories. One was a modern fantasy, one is a futuristic alien fiction, and two were pure fantasy. Now, I like to read modern fantasy the most, and comparing the stories I read in close succession led me to understand why that is.
     
    In my opinion, modern fantasy almost lets authors make their twist into the fantastical more overt and dramatic. They don’t have to explain car travel, or cell phones, or refrigerators to the reader which leaves them greater room to explain the person that can telekinetically move a parked car or blow up a refrigerator. For many other readers, the tease that the mundane existence can be so easily become fantastical is a huge draw as well.
     
    The attraction for many to fantasy stories is that they are so divorced for reality, which makes a great reader escape. However, there are many authors who take that too far. The reader is usually dropped into a completely new world, quite often into a very dramatic scene for that first chapter hook. Most of the time that requires a lot of detail, all of which has to be explained and then retained by the reader.
     
    Quite often, being immersed in a whole new culture can be very stimulating and that keeps me reading. There are times, however, when it’s just too much. For me, that most often occurs when the author has created a completely foreign setting and includes too many characters with too many names all at once. It can be incredibly confusing if a story has a large cast of characters and, even worse, they go by titles, names, and/or nicknames all at once. Having to remember three or four identities per character and what each of those names/titles mean is very taxing.
     
    It is simply easier to follow if you have a human character that publicly goes by the name of say, Timothy, but his best friend call him Tim. Or, you have an alien leader that only goes by his title but his family uses his name. In those instances, especially when you have a large cast of characters, that can better tell us who is speaking and highlight those relationships as well as reducing confusion. That isn’t as important in a modern fantasy story since we have less detail to try to understand at the same time, but it is vital, in my opinion, for a pure fantasy.
     
    For me, the true test of a fantasy is how quickly I can sink into the world as I become immersed in the story AND understand its nuances. Trading off the fantasy world for fantasy elements in the world we know makes that easier for me, which results in a better reading experience. I still enjoy fantasy stories, but as a whole, I’ve found that finding ones that are truly well written are getting fewer and farther in between.
  5. Renee Stevens
    First off, hope everyone who celebrates it is having a wonderful Independence Day! One of the great things about working on the blog has been that I have read so many new stories and new authors. Promising Author: Wrathofmagneto has been around for a little while, but I had never read his work. I'd heard a lot of good things and finally had a chance to check out two stories by him, "Captivated" and "Consequences". I wasn't disappointed and I hope you won't be either! Comicfan was in much the same boat when I asked him to help me out by writing a review on an Author story. He asked around for a suggested story and was pointed towards a story by Author: TMcCallahan called "Dust & Ash". Hope you enjoy these reviews and take a moment to check out the stories!


    “
    Captivated” & “Consequences”


    By



    Wrathofmagneto


    Reviewed By: Renee Stevens
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 4,089 & 4,889
     
    Well, it's that time of the week again, and since I didn't have any reviews in reserve, I thought I'd scroll down the list of Promising Stories to see what would catch my eye. I’d heard good things about WrathofMagneto so pulled up his page and the description on “Consequences” looked interesting, and since I've never read Magneto's work, I thought I'd give it a try. I was a little unsure because in the story notes it says that it is a sequel to an earlier anthology entry. Then after reading Consequences, I just had to go read “Captivated” to find out what I had missed! So because of that, you get a two for one deal!
     
    The two stories follow Justin and Tyler through their first meeting, which happens when Tyler gives Justin a ride home after finding him standing in the pouring rain. Things develop between the two, and while Tyler knows what Justin goes through at school after having been outed, he doesn’t know the whole story of what Justin’s life is like. When push comes to shove, Justin has to make a decision, but he’s not the only one who has to live with the consequences.
     
    These two stories are heart wrenching as they really allow you to feel for Justin and there were multiple times I wished I could just reach out and hug him. Captivated is from Tyler’s viewpoint, while Consequences is told from Justin’s viewpoint and is honestly the more agonizing in my opinion. While they could easily be read separately, it’s definitely beneficial to read both stories in order to get the full scope of what has gone on and what has led Justin to the decisions that he has made.
     
    There were a few minor editing mistakes, but they didn’t really detract from the story and I continued on despite of them. I wanted to know what happened to these two characters. It deals with some of the darker sides of human nature but also does have a few lighthearted moments that make you smile. After reading these two, I am sure I will be checking out more by this author in the near future!
     



    Dust & Ash


    By



    TMcCallahan


     
    Reviewer: Comicfan
    Status: In Progress
     
    Every once in a while I take a look through the stories going on and something will catch my eye. Other times I will talk to different people on the site and find out what they are reading and enjoying. It is through that means I came to find Dust and Ash.
     
    The story begins with Ash in bed. Ash is a hedonistic man who enjoys sex and his own sexuality. Male or female he has fun, but he leans a bit more toward taking a man to bed for his pleasure. Add into this picture the fact that Ash is basically sex walking. He is described as having “the face of a fallen angel, just wickedly innocent and sexy all at once”. To go with that face he has a body of sin and he knows the affect he has on everyone he encounters. Ashley Redvers is the lead singer of a group called the Boys of Summer, which is a wedding band that he is the lead singer of.
     
    Problems for the band begin because the drummer has rolled his truck and is seriously hurt, forcing the band to find a replacement. Enter Dustin, one ultra blonde match hottie. He too has a body to die for and when he arrives it is with as much hair care and skin care products as any person might ever need.
     
    For Ash one look at Dustin and it is over. The pull is immediate and the tale has barely begun. The problem is Ash will admit to being bi but gay? He won’t even come out to his fellow bandmates or family as being bisexual, but Dustin refuses to be a summer fling or hidden affair. What will this do to Ash? How will he handle the tension that even Jared, the one member of the band who knows all about Ash, cannot stand to watch after one afternoon.
     
    The author of this tale continues to weave an incredible tale that only gets better with each new chapter posted. Presently he is eight chapters in. All I can tell you is if you are in for an interesting read, one that is well crafted with fully realized characters and a plot that isn’t a total rehash of the same old stories, give Dust and Ash a try. If you enjoy it, leave him a review and feel free to click that like button for him.
     

    Note to Authors: Remember, we can only feature reviews if we have them. We are completely out of ALL reviews at the moment... Hosted, Promising, and Author. I won't be around much this week, so please PM Trebs if you are willing to volunteer to write a review for the blog! Thanks!!!
  6. Renee Stevens
    So, it's Saturday once again and that means it's time to look at something from the earlier years of GA!!!! Today we are bringing you a review written by MJ85 on one of the anthology works from 2007!!! Broad Ripple Blues was written by Altimexis for the 2007 Anthology: The Rainy Day. Enjoy this look into the past!



    Broad Ripple Blues


    by



    Altimexis


    Reviewer: MJ85
    Status: 2007 Anthology
    Word Count: 7,874
     
    This is one of the many stories I checked out in my first few months on this site. One of the things I tend to do when reading a story is, I'll create a picture in my mind of what I think the setting, characters, and whatever else, might look like - almost like a, "this is what this story might look like if I was watching it as a movie" kind of deal. Altimexis isn't overly meticulous with the details here, and yet they flow so richly that "the picture" forms itself so easily, and so vividly - sort of like the way it would if he had been overly meticulous with details.
     
    Additionally, this story is also the foundation for Altimexis’s “Naptown Tales”, originating in Indiana. Fourteen-year-old David seeks relief from a blistering hot July day, by going out for ice cream. In the process, young David takes a major chance by going to a farther away ice cream shop. Taking chances, of course, leads to chance encounters, like the one David will have as he tries to simply walk away with his ice cream. David’s journey of self-discovery will see quite a few pages written on this particular day.
     
    The only thing I was a little unsure about with this story is, there seems to be an extra sense of maturity in this story, unusual for one with characters who are barely into their teens. I don’t necessarily think that detracts from this story a great deal, however.
     
    In addition to being the first of the “Naptown Tales”, I noticed that this story is also a part of the 2007 “The Rainy Day” anthology, and indeed, this story is sound enough to be able to stand completely on its own. I strongly recommend this one for its hope and for its wishful optimism.
     

    So, did you like this review? If so, why not check out the story yourself and leave a review for the author!!! As always, let Trebs or Renee know if you are interested in doing a review! We need all kinds!
  7. Renee Stevens
    Well, it's Wednesday again, which you know what that means! Author Showcase! And today we're not having just any Author Showcase, it's actually a complete Poetry Showcase! It's great to have a day that is just poems! The first set of poems are by our Promising Author: Bugeye and the second set of poems are by our Poet: Menace! Both sets of Poems have been reviewed by Mark92!!!!


    The Art of Poetry


    by


    Bugeye

     
    This man is one of the sweetest members I’ve met on GA. He is both shy and modest, even going as far as disliking his own work. However, Bugeye makes poetry an art form. I sat and read several of his poems yesterday. If I have an odd five minutes I always read a poem or a short, leaving the longer works to mull over at my leisure.
     
    For me, there is a thrill that comes from his poems, one minute you’re racing through the words, excited about reaching the end. The next you’re stopping and thinking. Bugeye puts down in writing what happens on the inside. They are a turmoil of words that do not always rhyme, but have a poetry and style, all of their own. They range from the sad and broken to growing and moving forward.
     
    His works are like looking at a painting hung in a gallery. Everyone will have their own opinion on what it says to them. For instance, Odds and Ends is powerful and emotional. I felt like I was sat in the centre of an argument. Another poem, Forsworn, told me of a love lost. Is that what it’s about? Will you read it the same?
     
    Maybe, maybe not.
     
    The Ones I Forgot About. This started like the story of my childhood, and quickly spiraled into another thought provoking, intense work. This one is still with me, the day after reading.
     
    We all know our Bugeye as a shy, sweet, modest man. His poems tell a different story. I would definitely recommend you read them; as I have, you too will learn more of the deep, complex man that is Bugeye.
     



    Poetry Collection


    by


    Menace

     
    A regular visitor to GA, Menace always has a smile and a hug for everyone in chat. He’s known as a queerling, but a lot of emotions, and surprising experience, come over in his work.
     
    I read three of his works today. His poems are raw, mostly sad, and speak of someone much older than his years. Overall, an editor or beta would greatly help him iron out a few creases in his structure and more reviews on his pieces would help him too.
     
    Lonely Beauty: This is surreal, lonely and sad, with a surprising ending.
     
    Twinkling Star: A play on a nursery rhyme, cleverly done.
     
    Last but not least… A Never Goodbye: I thought this was raw, and exciting even though sad. The happy ending made me smile.
     
    I like his work, and as with most poets, the pieces tell of someone quite different than the one we see on the surface. They also give you questions, and made me wish to learn more. What is his story, his culture, his background? Where does all this experience of life come from? For someone so young, his works tell of someone who has seen a lot in his life.
     
    Hopefully Menace will keep writing and growing. He is a star in the making.
     

    So, we still need reviews!!! If anyone is interested in reviewing a Promising Author or an Author/Poet, please let Trebs or Renee know!!! Remember to Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!!
  8. Renee Stevens
    So, it's Friday again! That means that we're bringing you two more prompts from Comicfan! We're glad to see so many people trying out the prompts! Remember, share what you do (and see what others are doing) in our Writing Prompts forum.
     
    Prompt 138 – Creative
    Cue – The Sleeper
    You volunteered for the experiment figuring with the disaster your life was, two years asleep in the cryo-tank might allow some changes to happen allowing you to fix everything. While you were sleeping massive changes occurred in the world and your two year nap became a forty year nap. When you are finally taken out of the cryo-tank for you no time has passed but the world you woken up to is completely changed. What has happened and how will you cope?
     
    Prompt 139 – Creative
    Cue – The Oracle
    You never believed in anything you couldn’t touch, taste, or smell. Life for you was one built on the facts of what you had learned in school and college. That went right out the window when you met the oracle. What did the oracle tell you and how did it change your life?
     
    And for our Prompt Feature, we're going to feature a prompt that was written in response to Prompt #137 First Line: "But if you don't do it, you know you will regret it for the rest of your life." It was written by Hosted Author and Admin Cia. She calls it: The Finish Line.
     

    Did you like that little tease? Want to read the rest? Check it out here!
  9. Renee Stevens
    So, you may have noticed that we are asking the members of GA to do reviews on stories that they have enjoyed. You may have even thought, “Oh, I should do a review on…” but there is still something that holds you back from doing a review to be featured on the blog. You might even think that the story you just read might not be one we are looking for. Well, forget that worry! We want all stories!!! Hosted, Promising, Author, Poet, New Authors, Old Authors, even the old anthologies! Or perhaps you're worried that you don't know HOW to review for the blog. Well, I’m going to take just a few minutes to help you with that.
     
    Your first step in volunteering to do a review for the blog is to contact Trebs, Renee, or Cia. Find out if the author you wish to review has already been featured for a blog article. We keep a list of the stories and authors that have been reviewed, and it will only take a moment to find out if the author you want to review is still available!!!
     
    Your second step, if you haven’t already done this, is to pick the story that you wish to review. For example, if the author you wanted to review has already been taken, this is when you would pick a new author and story. Picking your author/story can be a fairly easy experience. Look at the completed stories you have read lately, and enjoyed, and decide which one you want to do. If you are trying to decide between multiple authors, one thing that may help you decide is to really compare the stories. For example:
     

    In the above instance, I would strongly recommend doing a review on the newer, less well-known, author. Help them get their name out there and point out to your fellow members just what a gem the story is. Another option, you could review both if they haven’t already been taken.
     
    The third thing you are going to want to do is write the review. I know that this can sometimes seem daunting as you might not be sure what to include in the review or you're afraid that your opinion isn't qualified for whatever reason. Don't worry, it is! We want to know what you think about stories as the reader, something we all are, no matter what else we do on the site. Cia gave me a list when I was writing my first review of some guidelines that she uses. I generally try to give these guidelines to each new reviewer, and I’m going to include them in this blog entry.
     
    Guidelines to think about when writing a review:
    A short summary of why you read the story/poem(s) A short summary of what you liked about the story/poem(s) that kept you reading. Keep this vague so as not to give away all the details of the plot or how the story actually ends. This is how the story/poem made me feel A brief explanation of how you feel the story/poem showcases the author’s writing skills A short summary of exactly why you recommend it Your review should be a minimum of 200 words and upwards of approximately 500 words

    Finally, you are going to send the review to Trebs, Renee, or Cia via PM. We will do a basic edit on it and if there’s anything major that needs changed, we will let you know and give you the chance to fix it. Once all the editing is done, it will go into the review queue. VOILA!!! You are done!!!
     

    Hope this helps anyone who is wondering just how to go about writing a review for the blog!!!
  10. Renee Stevens
    Today for our "Blast from the Past" we are going to look at an old anthology story. Hope you enjoy this little look into "All I Wanted" by Viv and why not take a look at the story yourself!


    All I Wanted


    By



    Viv


    Reviewer: Renee Stevens
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 10,007
    2006 Fall Anthology: Halloween
     
    So, I was looking for an old anthology story and I came across “All I Wanted” by Viv from the 2006 Fall Anthology: Halloween. After reading, I decided that I needed to read more by this author. I went and looked at her profile only to realize that I had read her before.
     
    “All I Wanted” is a Halloween story that starts out with the main character, Taylor, stuck doing the lesser of two evils: staying stuck at home and passing out candy, or taking his little brother out trick-or-treating. He chose the candy and boy was he glad he did.
     
    After handing out candy bar after candy bar to dressed up little kids, a cute little lady bug shows up, and who is escorting her? The guy from school that Taylor constantly drools over and becomes tongue tied around. What shocks him even more, Blake actually knows who he is and invites Taylor to a party, with HIM! Looks like Taylor’s night just got a whole lot better, or did it? You’ll have to read to find out!
     
    This story runs through a gamut of different emotions. The further I read the more I felt for the characters and the more I wanted to see what was going to happen next. Viv kept me on the edge of my seat as I alternately wanted to cuddle and then smack the characters.
     
    This was an excelled short view into Viv’s work and I would recommend that anyone who likes reading high school age stories. I think Viv captured the two teenage boys perfectly and look forward to see what she comes up with in the future!
     

    So, there we go! If you liked this, go take a look at the story and leave Viv a review! Also, we are in need of more reviews, all types! If you are interested in helping us out and writing a review for a story you have read or are reading, please contact Renee or Trebs!
  11. Renee Stevens
    So it's time to look at something that a lot of us probably never saw! Today we're bringing you a little gem that was published in one of GA's old newsletters. Have you offered to edit for someone and receive the first chapter only to realize that you have no clue where to start? If so, this editing tip could be very beneficial to you! Even if you don't currently edit, it's still a helpful tidbit full of good advice!


    Editing Tips...Getting Started


     

    Volume 2: Edition 1
    October 2006
     
     
     
     
     


    For every seasoned editor at Gay Authors, there are at least two more members interested in volunteering their time to edit for an author. Some keep quiet about it, certain that they don't have the skills or confidence to do the job. Others volunteer and quickly find that the process is a daunting one.  
     
     

    All too often there are posts in the Editor's Corner from members who have volunteered to edit, who have received a chapter from their author and don't have the first clue where to begin. They find themselves staring at pages of text with no clue what they need to do to effectively edit the story in front of them.  
     
     

    This is the first in a series of articles designed to help both new and experienced editors develop their skills. The series will look at all aspects of editing, beginning...well, at the beginning.  
     
     

    Before the editing process even begins, the first thing you need to do is talk to your author about their expectations. The first thing you need to ask is where your author thinks they need the most help. Some will say that spelling and grammar are their weakest areas. Others will say they have trouble with story flow and continuity. Listen to them carefully, take into account everything the have to say and then, when their done, forget about it.  
     
     

    Yep, you heard me - forget about it. I'm both an author and an editor and I can assure you that authors are the worst judges of their own work. Talking to them about their needs will help you build up a rapport with them, but if you're going to be an effective editor then you need to be able to look at all the story elements, not just those your author thinks need examining.  
     
     

    The next step is to discuss with your author the format they'd like the editing to take. Really there are three formats for editing - simply making the changes to the document and sending it back, using the MS Word Track Changes feature (or equivalent) to illustrate the changes you're proposing or using a separate document to note changes that are required.  
     
     

    Always try to encourage your author to use one of the two latter options rather than just expecting you to make changes. The main reason for this is that you might change something that shouldn't be changed, a "mistake" that is intentional, or you may misinterpret what the author is trying to say and end up giving a sentence, or paragraph, a completely different meaning. There is also the fact that any good editor will try to help their author improve their skills and that means giving them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.  
     
     

    Once the ground rules have been established and you know what your author is expecting of you, it's time to get working on their latest chapter or story. The individual elements of this, such as spelling, grammar, punctuation and the like, will be examined in later articles, but where do you begin? What do you look at first?  
     
     

    The fact is, every editor will eventually develop their own style and processes, but a structured approach to editing is always the best way. Whenever I'm editing, the first thing I do is read the text from start to finish, ignoring any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and any of the other technical elements. I choose to look at the story flow to see if there are any confusing sections, plot conflicts or other issues that would distract me as a reader first. I do this because looking for the technical problems can be tedious and by the time I'm finished I don't have the same appreciation for the story and thus risk missing story elements on a second read.  
     
     

    After I've looked at continuity and flow, I go back and look for technical errors. The first thing I use is the spelling/grammar checker in MS Word. I set it to check the errors in the story, but don't always trust it to be correct, particularly when it comes to grammar. After the spellchecker has done its job I read through the story, looking at it a paragraph at a time, checking first that there are no spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors and then reading each sentence to look for excessive wordiness - looking to see if what an author has said in twenty words can be said in ten and checking that words are not repeated too much within sentences.  
     
     

    The final thing I do is fact-checking. I go through the story looking for things like a person's hair colour, name, a description of a room or building and then cross reference against mentions of the same person/feature from earlier in the story.  
     
     

    Once this process is complete I set the story aside for a while and then go back to it the following day, reading it through again with the corrections I've made to see if there's anything I've missed.  
     
     

    Of course, this is just how I do it. There really is no right or wrong way to edit, provided you check all the elements and produce something that both you and your author are happy with.  
     
     

    That's all for this edition, but watch out in the next newsletter for more detailed editing tips and in the meantime, if you have any questions, visit the Editor's Corner and see what advice others can offer you.
    RHawes16
  12. Renee Stevens
    FRIDAY!!! Not only the end of the work week for many, it's also the day that we get to see new prompts that might stretch our creative muscles. As always, we thank ComicFan for these two new prompts:
     
    Prompt 134 – Creative
    Cue – Word list
    Use the following words in a story:
    Gravesite, balloons, pregnant woman, cold cereal, and an old book.
     
    Prompt 135 – Creative
    Cue – The Legacy
    There is a child in every generation chosen to inherit the family legacy. It is no easy task and while the rewards can be fantastic it can also be hellish. What is the legacy your family hopes to see you inherit?
     
    Where can YOU take these? Share where you do go with the community in the Writing Prompts forum!
     
    This week we are going to feature a response to Prompt #130! You have lived your whole life in the same town, however with each passing year you have felt a desire to move. Always you head in the same direction. Now you are legally an adult and the money you have saved manically for the past few years is going to get you to the place that has haunted your dreams and called to you like a siren’s call. Where is this call taking you?
     
    This little short is called "The Call of the Sea" and was written by the prompt guru himself, Comicfan!
     

    If you liked that excerpt, you can find the entire short story here!
  13. Renee Stevens
    Well, we're at the start of another week and this week we are going to look at a story written by Bill W called "Butterflies Fly Free". If you like what you read in the review, why not go check out the story and leave the author a review!


    Butterflies Fly Free


    by



    Bill W

     
    Reviewer: K.C.
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 68,492
     
    When I first stumbled across GA’S Hosted Author Bill W’s story, “Butterflied Fly Free,” I didn’t know if I would be able to continue reading it. Glancing over a few paragraphs, I noticed that it was the heartbreaking story of a boy who leaves home and finds himself begging on the city streets, scrounging for money for his next meal. This kid, like many others living on the street, was willing to do anything for some quick cash. This hit a little close to home for me, but I was willing to give it a try and I went back to the beginning, giving the story my full attention.
     
    When a homeless teen, approaches Leo, he’s skeptical at first, but decides to give Colt a chance. Leo invites the young boy to have dinner with him instead of just giving him money or simply brushing the boy aside.
     
    If opposites attract, well you can’t get any more opposite then these two. Leo’s strong, confident and a natural protector. True to his name, Colt is skittish, scared and unsure of everything in life.
     
    Leo takes young Colt under his wing, giving him a place to live, food and clothes. Leo even enrolls Colt in school and helps him find a job. Life turns around quickly for the young boy, but is Colt too wild to ever be truly tamed?
     
    I read this story from beginning to end perched on the edge of my seat. It was an amazing culmination of triumph and heartache between Leo and Colt.
     
    This story perfectly captures the quote: “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back it’s yours. If not, it never was.”
     
    I would give “Butterflies Fly Free” 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it as a story filled with such an unique realness, that I felt like I was there with the characters at the turn of every page.
  14. Renee Stevens
    For today's Blast from the Past we are bringing you an Anthology entry from 2007 written by Graeme called "When the Cat's Away." Why not take a minute and go check out this Anthology piece as well as many of the many other early Anthologies! If you are interested in reviewing a pre-2009 Anthology story, then please contact Renee or Trebs!


    “When the Cat’s Away”


    by



    Graeme


     
    Reviewer: K.C.
    Anthology: Fall 2007~ The Rainy Day
     
    In this short story, our previous Anthology Coordinator, Graeme shows us that he can spin a tantalizing anthology tale of his own. His hard work behind the scenes has made the Anthologies a fun read for everyone. I’ve found so many good stories in the older Anthology Categories, but you don’t need a rainy day to enjoy his Fall- 2007 anthology “The Rainy Day.”
     
    When Darren’s parents get invited to a wedding, he thinks it’s his lucky day. The Bride and Groom’s request for no children to attend the wedding gives Darren the whole house to himself for an entire day. What could be better? How about spending all day with his boyfriend, Simon with no parents around?
     
    If Darren supplies the house then Simon will take care of everything else. Eager for an afternoon of fun, just as Simon heads to Darren’s house, a soaking rain starts to pour, but who cares about wet clothes when they weren’t planning on spend the day wearing any.
    Things take an unexpected turn when Simon find Darren home, but he’s not alone. Worse yet, Darren’s with a girl! Their plans for a day of passion quickly turn into a babysitting nightmare from hell. The precocious 4 year-old turns their day into an unexpected afternoon twisted with humor.
     
    Can Darren and Simon survive the day as substitute parents and still finding a way to fit some romance into their day or will the old proverb ring true, when it rains, it pours?
  15. Renee Stevens
    Today we have another very informative writing tip from Cia! Enjoy!!!


    Said-bookisms


     

    I'm betting you have NO idea what a said-bookism is, do you? I know I didn't; I do know what the term means though, in a general sense. A said-bookism is a speech tag other than said or asked. Quite often they are used to describe the speech or the tone.
     
    A few examples:
    He laughed
    She shrieked
    They intoned
    He smiled
     
    Now, these are really common in usage, yet frowned upon more and more. Something so many articles I've read by editors and publishers expound on constantly is 'Show, don't tell!'. Said and asked are so common in writing that most readers don't see them, which is why they say the use of them is the least obtrusive to the story telling itself. The complete elimination of said-bookisms is not necessary, but they should be used sparingly. I'll give 2 examples, one with and one without said-bookisms.
     
    Amais looked up from his book. Respectful of the library rules, he whispered, "I'm try to study." Lucan flicked his book shut and stole it from his desk.
     
    "You're always studying," he sneered, "you're a geek."
     
    Amais' fists clenched in his lap. Lucan had been taunting him for months. "Just give me back my book," he ground out.
     
    "Maybe I will," Lucan taunted, holding it out and then pulling it away when Amais reached for it. "Nope, too slow, geek."
     
    Now, without the said-bookisms:
     
    Amais looked up from his book. Respectful of the library rules, he kept his voice quiet. "I'm trying to study," he said. Lucan flicked his book shut and stole it from his desk.
     
    "You're always studying." His lip was curled as he rolled his eyes. "You're a geek."
     
    Amais' fists clenched in his lap. Lucan had been taunting him for months. It was hard to keep his temper and not yell, but somehow he managed it with clenched teeth. "Just give me back my book."
     
    "Maybe I will." His face smoothed out into a smile. He held out the book, one eyebrow raised when Amais hesitated to reach for it. The second he did, Lucan yanked it away with a snicker. "Nope, too slow, geek!"
     
    While the difference isn't great, we get a greater visual from the physical cues shown in the second example. Instead of saying someone shouted angrily, you can mention that the person has their hands clenched and spine rigid-a common stance to associate with someone who is angry. Instead of saying 'he joked' you can mention the sparkle in his eyes or the wide grin on the guy's face.
     
    With those small changes, the reader will still get the idea that the character is mad or acting silly from the dialogue and the physical cue, but they will get to 'see' it, not just get told that the character is acting/feeling that way. So, the next time you write, examine your use of said-bookisms. Where could you use the advice of 'show, not tell' to the best effect to reduce the amount of them in your writing?
     
    Thank you Cia! So, what about you? Any tips that you would like to see in the blog?
  16. Renee Stevens

    Author Showcase

    By Renee Stevens,


    Reviews
    Today, for our Author Showcase we bring you two more stories. One is by our Promising author, Dark, and it titled "Over the Precipice. The second story is from one of our newer authors, Jasper, and is called "Out of the Woods". Enjoy!!!


    Over the Precipice

     

    by



    Dark


     
    Reviewer: Frostina
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 8,249
     
    The reason I keep going back to check whether or not Dark has posted yet another short story is because he never fails to surprise me. Each one of his stories has a flavour of their own, and there is no way I can draw a comparison between any two.
     
    In this story that quickly draws us into Alex’s seemingly boring life as a mundane call center employee, we get drawn into the ups and downs of his co-worker, Dallas’, life. Dallas, having just received the most painful news a husband can, in a yet more painful manner is dealing with the loss of not just the only family he knew, but also coming to terms with a loss he thought could be reverted. In a moment’s decision, he decides to accept the help from Alex, who, till then was just a friendly co-worker and nothing else. It’s safe to say that for a man in Dallas’ position, trust doesn’t come easily, but he thinks he could be just about ready to take a leap of faith.
    The emotions in the story leaps off the page (or the monitor, if you will). The characters are complex, the situations unforeseen, and there are surprises waiting in almost every turn.
     
    The characters in the story are well mapped with just enough description to comprehend and sort of justify their actions in the given situation without ever making them predictable. Dark has a unique way of showing us how some common yet exceptional people behave when they face a situation that can make or break them.
    What drew me to this story is the realism of the characters’ actions. They’re not perfect, they’re not infallible, they’re unique, and they more often than not do things which makes us want to smack them on the head and at the same time sympathizing with them. There is a fair bit of head hopping in this story, and at times, it really helps in understanding the actions of the characters because they don't really fall under ‘regular guys’.
     
    For everyone who is looking for a break from the regular romance genre, heck, for everyone who is looking to read about how different people deal with their broken hearts, this story is a must read. It is bound to make an impression on you, and I am sure that most of you will never see the ending coming!
     
     
     

    Out of the Woods

     

    by



    Jasper


    Reviewer: Michael9344
    Status: In Process
    Word Count: 57,790
     
    I’m very busy these days, but sometimes when I either can’t stand it anymore, or I have the time, I take the time to read on here. Either new chapters on a story I follow, or new stories (by new authors). That is how I came across “Out of the Woods” by Jasper, which turned out to be a page-turner.
     
    An intriguing story by an interesting character, Elijah, Out of the Woods stands on that exciting place between exotic and sensational. Elijah’s tale has been capable of grabbing and holding onto my attention. With a little twist from the usual high school stories, Out of the Woods is upgraded from mini-fantasy to full blown pleasure.
    It’s one the few recent stories that has been able to really appeal to me. I really liked how Jasper narrated the story through Elijah. I didn’t have to wonder what he was thinking, because believe me, he leaves very little to wonder about.
     
    The fact that the story is this good is a plus, but added to the fact that this Jasper’s first on GA is a huge plus. He let out some of his youth exuberance and sometimes I got a load of his usual frank, wild side. But he has also showcased a commanding level of control in his writing.
     
    Out of the Woods is just different in its own kind of way. Tantalizing, deep, and capable of creating an insatiable want for more. If you haven’t read it, get it a peek. But before you do, grab some snacks to go with it.
     
     
     
    So there we go! Thank you to our reviewers and if you are interested in writing a review for the blog, please contact Trebs or Renee Stevens. Renee will be without internet from the 23rd of March to the 27th, so if you need an immediate response please contact Trebs.
  17. Renee Stevens

    Author Showcase

    By Renee Stevens,


    Reviews
    We have two story reviews for you today! First, we have a review on Comicfan's story "Strange Life of Jonas Marks" and then we also bring you a review for Billy Brat's story "Trials and Tribulations". Thank you to the reviewers!!!


    The Strange Life of Jonas Marks

     

    by




    Comicfan

     
    Reviewer: K.C.
    Status: In Process
     

    So many new authors want to write, yet they aren’t sure where to even start. It’s said that everyone has one great story spinning around in their head, but where do you begin? When is the right time to put pen to paper and let the words flow? The GA Anthologies are the perfect place to start. The Anthologies let authors dip their toes into the literary pool without jumping in head first.
     
    Comicfan is one author that has produced amazing stories for the GA Anthologies. His 2011 entry for the Walk on the Wild Side, “Strange Family, Unusual Lovers and other Jobs” was my favorite story of all the Anthologies written last year. I was thrilled when Comic decided to turn this smaller piece into a full length story, under the title, “Strange Life of Jonas Marks.”
     
    We already know from the Anthology piece that Jonas Marks is a young man who suddenly finds himself without a home, jobless and left with no place to turn after his homophobic father throws him out of their home when he admits that he’s gay. Jonas is an inspiration to any young man or woman facing the same pain of having their family or friends turn their back on them after coming out.
     
    The best that Jonas hopes for is to find a mediocre job making enough money until he leaves for college at the end of summer. His best friend, Jenny gives him a place to crash while getting back on his feet.
     
    Jonas’ life takes an unexpected turn when he answers a help wanted ad at Kroger’s Department store. He finds himself plunged in a strange new world of fantasy, fulfilling unusual request for Kroger’s exotic clientele which includes playing match maker for their incredible customers.
     
    So far, Comicfan has posted 6 chapters to this new story and he’s estimating this story to be about 13 chapters once he is completed. Will the Jonas of ‘Strange Life of Jonas Marks’ take the same path he took in Comicfan’s Anthology piece or will he chose a completely new direction? What adventures will he have working at the fantasy office? What new creatures does Kroger’s store bring into Jonas’ world? So many questions…one thing I know for sure is I can’t wait for Comicfan to post the next chapter so I can find out more.
     
     
     
     
     



    Trials and Tribulations

     

    by


     

    Billy Brat


     

    Reviewer: Kiltie69
    Status: In Process
     
    When asked to write some reviews of stories I read I was in a bit of a dilemma, where to start? The GA site is full of excellent stories by excellent writers. Ask anyone and they will tell you their favourite. Added onto this is the fact that I am a simplistic reviewer, or I review like a 10 year old.
     
    Well, one of my favourites is by a lad called Billy Brat. The story, Trials and Tribulations, is about a young man living in a small town in Rural Kentucky and his coming of age experiences while at school.
     
    I first started to read Trials after being asked, as a favour, to see what I thought of the first chapter, I was not disappointed and have gladly read each new chapter within a few hours of release.
     
    The story follows Andy, a late teen school boy, through his first experiences of love, having a boyfriend, and the problems you can face being gay in a small town. The actual setting of the tale, for me, is also a good choice. It hints at what Small town America can be like. How things are done and handled. Which, for a Scot, is added meat, giving insight into a different way of life.
     
    Billy handles the subject of Andy’s growing sexuality well. The story, from the beginning, shows Andy, due to family circumstances, as mature for his age and that he has, as the story unfolds, a surprising depth to his character for one so young. You learn the reasons for this quickly and see how his upbringing plays a part in this. This maturity and depth are used to great effect in how the young man deals with a number of situations and issues. Subjects covered in the story: abuse, bullying and bigotry to name one or two are all handled with a level maturity and understanding that leave the reader wanting to know more; each chapter leaving at least one or two questions to be answered. Billy shows a depth of understanding of the matters discussed that show in his characters.
     
    So far there are ten chapters up but more to come. I find Billy’s writing style easy to read and flowing which makes it enjoyable. You easily fall for the characters and gladly follow them through their day to day life. He handles difficult issues well; leaving the reader, through his characters, with an understanding of the issue. My only issue I have with the story, is the age of the main characters. Putting that aside, the story is well written and enjoyable.
     
    With this said, Trials and Tribulations is a read I heartily recommend. Billy has taken a slice of life from the Appalachians and brought it to GA. It’s a feel good story and you will fall in love with many of the characters.
     
     
     
    If you haven't already gone and read these two stories, what are you waiting for?! As always: Read, Write, and Review!!!
     
    If you are interested in writing a review for the blog, please contact either Trebs or Renee Stevens!
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