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Renee Stevens

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  1. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #12 - The Reveal

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Well, it's time to see who our mystery author was for this month. Do you think you got it right? Well, let's take a look shall we? This month's mystery author was.....
    Parker Owens
    Did you get it right? Check out these stories from Parker!
     
    https://www.gayauthors.org/story/parker-owens/atoz/
     
  2. Renee Stevens
    I'm going to try a new feature. This year, each story will get it's own day, in the future, it will depend on how many entries we have for the previous years anthologies. Sometimes, there might have to be two entries for each of these blogs. Each of these blogs will begin with a reminder of the upcoming anthology, and then we'll take a brief look at one of the anthology entries from the previous year. So, let's get started!!!
    Upcoming Anthology
    Due: April 1, 2021
    Top Themes
    On the Road
    Forbidden
    Pot Luck Themes
    But Wait; There’s More     -     Through a Glass Darkly     -     Of Gods and Monsters     -     It Takes All Kinds     -     Darkness Falls
    Boys of the Hills     -     You Wouldn’t Understand     -     On the Beach     -     Great Balls of Fire     -     Laughter, the Best Medicine
    Ozark Rumors     -     The Tracks     -     National Park     -     The Warmest Color     -     A Visitation     -     New Moon
    Turn Back Time     -     Chiaroscuro     -     Jump Ship     -     King of Eighteen     -     Up!
    There's your list of themes!  You can check out the full list of rules and guidelines in the anthology forum, but take a look at this entry from last year!
    The Teacup
    Author: @aditus
    Theme: The Storm
    A brief encounter at the park and a saying becomes true to life.
     
    Reader Comments:
    Valkyrie: I loved this story.  It packs so much into a few words. 
    JeffreyL: What an enjoyable story! I should have guessed the saying, but it caught me by surprise.
    lomax61: Lovely story. I’m reading this as the teacup being a metaphor for the relationship, once beautiful and now broken.
  3. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #12

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Okay all!!!!  I know I haven't been very active on the site for a while, and I appreciate the rest of the team, especially @wildone for helping get things done. I'm really hoping to be able to be more active on the site, but with a toddler and school, I still might not be able to be as active as I used to be. With that being said, who is ready for another installment of Author Guess Who? You will have until the 27th to get your guesses in. So check these answers out, and see if you think you know who they are all about!
    What is one thing that most GA members might not know about you?
    I enjoy baseball – any level of baseball.
    What prompted you to write your first story?
    I have admired so many of the authors and members on GA.  I wrote my first story hoping to repay them, the authors and readers, for what I was given.
    What genre of books do you enjoy reading and have you written for that genre?
    I read a lot of non-fiction, especially biography and history. I can’t think of anything I’ve posted in that genre.
    Is there a genre that you haven’t written for that you would consider trying later on?
    I considered writing a fantasy novel once. I might come back to the idea one day.
    What do like most about publishing on GA?
    The community of writers and readers on GA supports people who write and post. It is an accepting and affirming community, and one which helps people get better at writing.
    Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals to help you get into a writing mood?
    None of my habits are unique. Because I have a really busy schedule, I write whenever the opportunity appears. Sometimes, that happens in strange places or times.
    How has your writing style evolved over time?
    I hope I’m getting better at small things: cutting out unnecessary bloat words, comma use, and repeated phrases. I hope I’m getting better at bigger things, like story arc and character development. But I doubt if what passes for style in my writing has evolved or improved much.  
    Do you have a significant other?
    Yes.
    Do you have any pets?
    Not now.
    Do you post multi-chapter stories as you write? Do you wait until you’ve finished writing the entire story? Or is it something in between?
    I try to wait until the story is mostly done before I post.
    What is your favorite television show?
    Old re-runs of Star Trek, or maybe Masterpiece.
    What is your favorite movie?
    How am I supposed to choose? Casablanca, or maybe A Night at the Opera.
    Do you write poetry? Prose? Or both?
    I write both prose and poetry.
    If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be?
    Just one? Really?  Cole Porter. But my answer might be different tomorrow.
    What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
     In a life filled with minor triumphs and mundane challenges, none stand out; finishing my first multi-chapter story might qualify. But really, I’m still working on this one.
     
    Well, there you are... Think you know who it is? Take a guess in the comments!
  4. Renee Stevens

    Who's Next? Ask An Author 3.0?

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Interviews
    I want to start out this blog by saying a HUGE thank you to @Carlos Hazday for all his work doing the Ask An Author feature for the last 3 years!!!  I am deeply appreciative of all the work that Carlos has put into the feature over the years. To be honest, keeping a single feature going on a monthly basis for that long is A LOT of work and yet Carlos managed to always have one ready for us. Unfortunately for us, after 3 years of dedication to the Ask An Author feature, Carlos has decided that it is time to pass the Ask An Author torch onto someone else. Once again, THANK YOU, Carlos for helping me out over the years!!!!

    A little background on the Ask An Author feature for those who don't know. The original Ask An Author feature was started by @Dark many years ago. When Dark was unable to continue, I did one or two Ask An Authors, and then lucky for me, Carlos offered to do them. I gratefully accepted!  Normally, I'd just do the next few while we look for someone else to take over, but for the time being, I just don't have the time. In fact, if it wasn't for the other blog contributors, the blogs would be in shambles as I just haven't had the time to devote to them like I have in the past. (Who knew juggling a toddler and school work would be so time consuming?!)
    Anyway, this is where the rest of the members come in!  If you would like to be considered to take over the Ask An Author feature, please PM me. Please keep in mind, this is more than just a one time thing, and will require a monthly commitment from whoever takes it over. We will do our best to help you get questions to ask, but ultimately it would be up to you to gather questions, contact authors, and create the Ask An Author post feature and have it ready to go by the first Wednesday of every month.
    Hope to hear from some of you SOON! (Note: We do have a couple questions waiting in the wings to help you get started.)
  5. Renee Stevens
    In 2012, I took over from Graeme to become the latest Anthology Coordinator. I want to make it clear, I'm a volunteer, just like all the other staff on site and I don't volunteer for the kudos, the recognition, or any reason other than I want to contribute to the site. In the 8 years since I took over the anthology, I have tried my best to improve the anthologies. Some of these changes have met with approval (with only a few complaints), and some of them have been met with numerous complaints (and very few approvals). Every anthology, I end up receiving a number of complaints, whether it's in regards to the themes, one story posting before another, the posting schedules, and that's just to name a few. I want to make it clear, I am always available to answer questions and I want to see the anthologies flourish. What I cannot handle anymore is the numerous complaints, the accusations of favoritism simply because I posted one story before another, the theme selection process (which I have to defend either publicly or privately every single year). Complaints are one thing, and there are times that the person has a good point. Unfortunately, many times, these complaints are phrased as demands.
    You might be asking why I'm telling you all this. Well, let me be frank. I'm tired. It has gotten to the point that I was pushed to the point of seriously considering walking away from being anthology coordinator. But, what would that have solved? That would just put somebody else in the line of fire, which wouldn't be fair to them. So, I went another route. I put a team together who have a vested interest in how the anthologies operate. The team is made up of staff, regular anthology participants, and my regular anthology team members. Every change listed below is something that has been discussed with my team and agreed upon. These are the changes that we have come up with for now, there may be more changes happening in the near future.
    # of Anthologies Per Year
    There will be 3 anthologies a year, each will consist of 2 Top themes, and 1 Pot Luck.
    The Pot Luck theme will allow authors to use ANY of the theme suggestions that were made, with the exception of the themes chosen as Top Themes.
    Next year will be slightly different. We will have three anthologies, but only the first two will consist of top themes and pot luck. The final anthology of the year will be like the Rewind theme that we did in 2016. It will basically be a Pre-2021 Anthology Themes anthology where authors can pick ANY of the themes prior to 2021 and write for it. Future anthologies will look something like this:
    2021 Anthologies:
    Spring Anthol: Top Theme, Top Theme, Pot Luck Summer/Fall Anthol: Top Theme, Top Theme, Pot Luck Winter Anthol: Rewind: Pre-2021 Themes 2022 Anthologies:
    Spring Anthol: Top Theme, Top Theme, Pot Luck Summer/Fall Anthol: Top Theme, Top Theme, Pot Luck Winter Anthol: Top Theme, Top Theme, Pot Luck Theme Selection
    Each member can suggest up to 3 themes.
    Voting will be open to all members. Voting will be for the top themes (4 for 2021 and 6 for 2022). The remaining themes will be divided and split evenly into the Pot Luck theme.
    Example:  If we have say, 45 theme suggestions, 6 of those will be top themes, leaving 39 themes. That 39 will be divided by the number of anthologies. The anthologies will be randomized and the first 13 will be the Spring Pot Luck, the 2nd group of 13 will be the Summer/Fall Pot Luck, and the final 13 will be the Winter Potluck.
    You might wonder, why write for one of the top themes if you have more options in the PotLuck. Well, it would make sense that with the large number of themes in the potluck, that it is likely that at least one of those themes will appeal to many authors and that there may be more entries in the Potluck than the top themes. Since each theme will will post in its entirety on a single day, would you rather have your story in among say 5 or 6 stories, or in among say a dozen or more?
    Anthology Release:
    Anthologies will be due the 1st of the month that they will be posted. (April, August, and December respectively)
    Each week, one theme will be released in full with a wrap up the final week.
    The order of listing in the release blog will be randomized using a site like Random.org
    Incentives
    We'll have the regular incentives of Premium subscription chosen via a drawing.
    Other possible incentives will be announced at a later time.
  6. Renee Stevens

    2020 Fall Anthology WrapUp!

    By Renee Stevens,


    Anthologies
    Merry Christmas!
    It's hard to believe the year is almost over! To help finish out the year, take a look at all these features anthology stories if you haven't already done so!  I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday!
     

     
    Getting In Step
    northie

    The Keys to the Far Castle
    CarlHoliday

    Two Lives
    Wombat Bill

    Bridges to Friendship
    wildone
     
     

    Born Again
    Valkyrie

    The Seven7h Magpie
    lomax61

    The Apostles
    Cole Matthews

    Battle for Souls
    Cia
     
     
    2020 Fall Anthology Support Team

    Anthology Coordinator
    Renee Stevens
    Tech Support
    Myr
    Proof Team
    Rec
    Valkyrie
    Parker Owens
    Cia
    Anthology Banner Creation
    Mann Ramblings
  7. Renee Stevens

    2020 Spring Anthology Wrap Up

    By Renee Stevens,


    Anthologies
    Well, that's it for the 2020 Spring Anthology!  I hope you all enjoyed the great stories and made sure to let the authors know via comments and reviews. A huge thank you to all the authors and to the Anthology Team. Couldn't do it without you. Now, let's take a look at ALL the stories one more time.

     
    Shared Blankets
    Comicality
    Destruction--Self and Otherwise
    Headstall
    Accused
    Valkyrie
    Hill of Candles
    lomax61
    Mates Come First
    Caz Pedroso
    Keraunophobia
    CassieQ
    As Betwixt the Devil and the Deep Sea
    Thorn Wilde
    The Teacup
    aditus
     

     
    Explosions
    Carlos Hazday
    Moon Dogs
    CarlHoliday
    Mother Moon's Message in Troubled Times
    Headstall
    The Truth is out There
    Myr
    The Challenge
    Headstall
     
    2019 Fall Anthology Support Team

    Anthology Coordinator
    Renee Stevens
    Tech Support
    Myr
    Proof Team
    Rec
    Valkyrie
    Parker Owens
    Cia
    Anthology Banner Creation
    Mann Ramblings
  8. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: Our Christmas Cookbook

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Well, hard to believe, but it's the last review of 2020!  @Timothy M. has picked the perfect story for the holiday season.. Enjoy the review of Our Christmas Cookbook by @aditus @Cole Matthews and @ValkyrieWishing You Happy Holidays and All the Best in the New Year from the Review Team
     
    Our Christmas Cookbook
    by Aditus, Cole Matthews and Valkyrie
    Reviewer: Timothy M.
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 56,617
    In December 2019 we got this wonderful treat jointly written by three authors to celebrate special food traditions associated with Christmas. What a difference a year makes, but reading the last chapter it could almost have been written in 2020, since that features distant friends cooking together, where they each make favorite recipies while chatting online via computer. It's an almost prophetic end to the story, but before that we get plenty of other special moments and interesting recipies. Because each chapter includes instructions on how to make the food featured in the story. Such a tremendous effort deserves a revisit and, hopefully, new readers.
    If you, like me, have already read other stories by the three authors, you will also enjoy encountering some favorite characters again. However, beware spoilers, because if you haven't met these people, it may reveal important matters (Red Running Shoes, i'm looking at you  ). If you are nostalgic for the Decembers and Christmas holidays you used to have, this trip back into time should cheer you up. It certainly put a smile on my face, while writing this review - and I even discovered here were chapters, I had missed reading last year. Give the cookbook a try, and let us know which recipe you might want to have a go at.
    Category: Fiction  Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance Tags: Christmas  Rating: Teen
     
  9. Renee Stevens
    Who's ready for some more stories?  Well, you're in luck, we still have one theme for the anthology to share. Don't forget to let the authors know what you thought by leaving them a comment or, even better, a review!  Happy Reading!!!!
     

     
    Getting In Step
    northie

    The Keys to the Far Castle
    CarlHoliday

    Two Lives
    Wombat Bill

    Bridges to Friendship
    wildone
  10. Renee Stevens
    So, this isn't going to be the full announcement for the 1st anthology of the year, but I did want to announce the themes and the deadline.  A more in depth announcement will occur after the current anthology is finished posting.  One thing I want to point out, for 2021 there will be two main themes per anthology and a pot luck. The pot luck includes MANY theme options for if you don't like the main theme options. The number of themes used this upcoming year will help determine the number of pot luck themes (if any) that will be picked for the 2022 themes.  There will be some minor changes in the submission procedures to accomodate the pot luck themes, but they will be announced in a more in depth post later, as you won't need to know them to begin your stories.
    Anthology #1 - Due: April 1, 2021
    Top Theme #1: On the Road
    Top Theme #2: Forbidden
    Potluck Themes:
    But Wait; There’s More Through a Glass Darkly Of Gods and Monsters It Takes All Kinds Darkness Falls Boys of the Hills You Wouldn’t Understand On the Beach Great Balls of Fire Laughter, the Best Medicine Ozark Rumors The Tracks National Park The Warmest Color A Visitation New Moon Turn Back Time Chiaroscuro Jump Ship King of Eighteen Up!  
    Submission Date: April 1, 2021
    Please Note: Submission date is for submission to the Anthology Proof Team. Proofreads should take no more than 72 hours once you have been paired with a proofreader, if you have not received your story back within 72 hours, please contact Renee Stevens via PM. If you send your stories in within the last 48 hours of the deadline, you have 48 hours after receiving it back to upload it in order for it to be included in the Anthology. Non-Poetry
    No Story Limit: Each story submitted must meet quality and editing guidelines and only one story can be under 1,000 words. Each story posted as its own submission Minimum Word Count Per Story: 1,000 Maximum Word Count Per Story: 25,000 Poetry
    Up to five poems Posted as a single submission (a collection) Each poem posted as its own chapter  
  11. Renee Stevens
    Yep, you read that right, the first of the 2020 Fall anthology is now live!  In deciding which anthology to post first, I decided to pick the one that the first story submitted was in. So, we hope you enjoy these 4 stories submitted from site authors!  Enjoy!!!  And don't forget to leave the authors a comment to let them know what you think of their stories!
     

    Born Again
    Valkyrie

    The Seven7h Magpie
    lomax61

    The Apostles
    Cole Matthews

    Battle for Souls
    Cia
  12. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Jul 26 - Aug 01)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Yep, that's right, you're stuck with me again. I think @wildone will be back next week, at least last I knew.  I slacked a bit for a Wednesday post, but we still had a couple new blog posts. Also, the theme suggestion thread is closed, and voting will start just as soon as I figure out how I'm doing the voting for this year. As all themes will have the potential to be used, things are probably going to be switched up a bit. So keep an eye out on the blogs for info regarding the voting for next years themes. Now, let's take a look at the blogs for this week.
    Monday, Cia gave us the CSR Discussion blog.
     
    Then on Friday, we had a couple of new guest prompts.
     
    And of course, we had our word of the days provided by Myr!
     
    Prompts
    Suggest a prompt(s) - Recommend a few prompts to be feature on Prompt Friday! PM @Renee Stevens and/or @wildone with your ideas. Anthologies
    2020 Fall Anthology - Shadows - Due by November 15th, 2020 2020 Fall Anthology - Bridges - Due by November 15th, 2020 Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Blog Opportunities
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate
    Premium Updates:
    Apart by northie *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Dancing on a Star by Ronyx
    The Castaway Hotel: Next Generation Book 4 by Bill W
    Signature Updates:
    Aural Sex by Comicality
    Black Widow by Mark Arbour; Book 16 of Chronicles Of An Academic Predator (CAP)
    Give It To Me Straight by Comicality
    New Kid In School by Comicality
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
    Unicorn Quests by Cia
    Promising Updates:
    Apart by northie
  13. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Aug 09 - Aug 15)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Back for a week and then gone again! That's right, you're stuck with me again this week. @wildone got called out of town unexpectedly and asked me to do the wrap up. If you haven't already done so, please go vote in the Anthology Theme Selection for next year!  We've only had fifteen votes for the top themes next year. With almost 1,300 authors and almost 27,000 members in total, 280 of whom are already members of the Writer's Circle club, I had hoped for a much better turnout. All members are eligible to vote! Remember, there will be special incentives for writing for a Top theme next year, so please try and help make sure that the selected themes are ones you'd really want to write for!!! Voting ends on the 17th, so you're almost out of time!  I have included the link for you to join the Writer's Club as well as a link to vote in the anthology themes once you have done so. If you've already voted, thank you!!!! And please, encourage your fellow authors and members to do so as well.
    Writer's Circle Club
    Anthology Theme Voting - Round 1
    On another note, it's that time again that school will be back in session!  Are those who are affected by schools opening up ready? I hope everyone stays safe and healthy! I myself will have my next round of classes starting on Monday. Luckily, all of my courses are online, so I'll be able to do everything from the safety of my home, but looking at my classes, this semester is gonna be crazy. I'll still be around, but it may take me a bit to respond.
    Now, let's look at this week!
    Monday, we featured a new review brought to us by the review team. If you are interested in reviewing a story for the blog, please contact @Timothy M.
     
    Wednesday, we had a new Author Guess Who. Think you know who it is? Go and guess!
     
    Thursday, we refeatured the blog for the anthology theme voting.
     
    And Friday, we had new prompts, both of which were provided by @aditus
     
    Prompts
    Suggest a prompt(s) - Recommend a few prompts to be feature on Prompt Friday! PM @Renee Stevens and/or @wildone with your ideas. Anthologies
    2021 Theme Selection Polls are Open!! - Due by August 17th, 2020 2020 Fall Anthology - Shadows - Due by November 15th, 2020 2020 Fall Anthology - Bridges - Due by November 15th, 2020 Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Blog Opportunities
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    Apart by northie *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    The Castaway Hotel: Next Generation Book 4 by Bill W
    Signature Updates:
    June, 2020 – Hell in a Handbasket by AC Benus
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
    Unicorn Quests by Cia
    Promising Updates:
    Apart by northie
    The Cockney Canuck by Dodger
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  14. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: The Answer

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Hope everyone had a great weekend!  I've been doing lots and lots of school work!  Ugh!  Anyway, to help you start your week off right, take a look at this review that Parker Owens did on Wayne Gray's story "The Answer". Have a great week!
     
    The Answer
    Wayne Gray
    Reviewer: Parker Owens
    Status: Complete
    Word Count:  5,848
    Short stories can be riveting and entertaining, but they are often immensely difficult to write. An author must craft a compact, yet compelling, story arc into five or six thousand words.

    The Answer delivers admirably. Wayne Gray takes us on a journey through the seasons of a life, allowing us to see the changes in his main character, Shawn. We see him in his twenties, his thirties and into his fourth decade. There are few constants in Shawn’s life; his business, his friend Ian, and his own inconstancy. It is against this backdrop that we watch the journey of the years play out, and the understanding of maturity dawn upon the main character.

    I liked the intimacy of this story, especially. There are little details in each snapshot that let the reader sense what his characters taste, touch and see. Wayne does a great job showing us both significant and subtle alterations in both Shawn, and in the other characters who intersect his life, changing as often as the weather. Those readers who may have reached a certain age or wisdom can closely identify with the markers the author describes, pointing the way to middle age. What comes to Shawn in maturity may not surprise readers, but it will surely make them smile.

    This story appeals for many reasons, but most importantly because it speaks to me of optimism and hope. Wayne Gray demonstrates that “too late” isn’t inevitable, and that real change can happen to anyone.

    I’d encourage everyone to sit down and read this story by a gifted member of GA. Discover The Answer for yourself. 
    Category: Fiction  Genres:  Romance  Tags:  young adult, mature adult, adult, gay, North America, anal,  friendship  Rating: Mature
  15. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #10 - The Reveal

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Well, it's time to see who our mystery author was for this month. Do you think you got it right? Well, let's take a look shall we? This month's mystery author was.....
    northie
    Did you get it right? Check out these stories from northie!
     
     
  16. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: Do You Remember

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Happy Monday, y'all!  I'm running behind and really should be sleeping, so I'll make this quick! Its time for a new review, if you haven't already read this story, check out spikey's review and then go check out the story!
    Do You Remember
    ObicanDecko
     
    Reviewer: spikey582
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 56,780
    Perhaps I’m a bit of a romantic at heart, but sometime I just really need to sit back and enjoy a more lighthearted story, something that has me smiling as I read. Life has been rather stressful for me of late, and so when I do take the time to read something, I really do prefer something that is a bit of an escape from my daily stresses. Do You Remember by ObicanDecko, was just that kind of story for me.
    This story follows two young men, Alex and Jeremy, who meet at a summer camp in their early teens, and become fast friends. The camp ends, and they go their separate ways, with promises to keep in touch, but of course life gets in the way. They are reunited by coincidence ten years later, and begin to rekindle their connection.
    All that being said, this tale isn’t without its conflicts. Alex has had to move back home and drop out of university, seemingly a failure with serious financial problems. Jeremy, though realizing his dream of opening his own bakery, and doing what he loves, is also living a bit of a double life, hiding who he really is from his family. Then of course there is Brandon, the wealthy, attractive, eligible bachelor who has his sights set on Alex. 
    Seeing how all these characters interact, how they navigate the challenges set before them makes for a delightful read. There’s some definite bumps along the way for these men, but joining them through their journey, had me constantly smiling throughout, and there may be been a single manly tear or two as well.
    If you are looking for a bit of fun drama and romance, this is highly recommended. Check it out. 
    Category: Fiction  Genres: Drama, Romance  Tags: teen, young adult, gay, coming of age, coming out, love, friendship  Rating: Mature
  17. Renee Stevens
    Well, that's it for this years voting!  The voting was for the top 4 themes to use in the first two themes of the year 2021. The remaining themes have been put through the list randomizer at random.org and will be split up for the potluck for those same themes. Since there were 43 themes left over after the top themes were chosen, one anthology will have 21 themes in the potluck, and the other will have 22 themes. The third and final theme for the year will be a Pre-2021 Anthology Themes and won't have additional themes, so here we go!
    Anthology #1
    Top Theme #1: On the Road
    Top Theme #2: Forbidden
    Potluck Themes:
    But Wait; There’s More Through a Glass Darkly Of Gods and Monsters It Takes All Kinds Darkness Falls Boys of the Hills You Wouldn’t Understand On the Beach Great Balls of Fire Laughter, the Best Medicine Ozark Rumors The Tracks National Park The Warmest Color A Visitation New Moon Turn Back Time Chiaroscuro Jump Ship King of Eighteen Up! Anthology #2
    Top Theme #1: A Winding Path
    Top Theme #2: An Unconventional Gift
    Potluck Themes:
    Pick Your Poison Lockdown Left Behind Dire Monotony Mutation is Progress Blood Moon Birthday Presents Falling for Fall Elves or Elvis? Life’s Past The Woods Rings of Fire Plateau Wolves Rock Men and Women A Legend Retold Echoes The Last Sentinel Tomorrow A Label Surpassing Twilight Falling Anthology #3
    All Pre-2021 Themes
     
    More info regarding next years anthologies will be announced after the Fall Anthology.
  18. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #10

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Wow, there are a lot of things going on in the world right now. And it's been a few months since I did one of these, so, I thought, maybe it's time for something a little light-hearted, like maybe a new Author Guess Who!!!!  The reveal will happen on August 26th!! Now, who thinks they can figure out this month's author???
     
    What is one thing that most GA members might not know about you?
    That's a broad range to choose from. I don't say much about myself. OK – I'm fascinated by spiders.
    What prompted you to write your first story?
    A prompt! A scenario one.
    What genre of books do you enjoy reading and have you written for that genre?
    I read a wide but shallow range, being choosy (or maybe narrow minded) about the books I spend time on: period drama, classics, sci fi, weird / psychological horror, dystopias, alt Earth, essays. Ignoring 'classics', the answer is 'yes' with one exception.
    Is there a genre that you haven’t written for that you would consider trying later on?
    The exception is 'period drama'. I started one prompt response a while back, but gave it up. I might return to it sometime.
    What do you like most about publishing on GA?
    Feedback from readers. Those conversations can be the best: some comments move me, others make me think, and some become food for future plotting.
    Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals to help you get into a writing mood?
    I have a writing chair. Getting comfortable in that, suitably equipped, and I'm good.
    How has your writing style evolved over time?
    Difficult to say, being in the thick of it. A question to ask my editor, or my readers. I tackle more complex emotions and set ups now. Improving technically; still got work to do.
    Do you have a significant other?
    Nope
    Do you have any pets?
    Nope. I live in a small apartment. If I could, it would be a dog. Never a cat.
    Do you post multi-chapter stories as you write? Do you wait until you’ve finished writing the entire story? Or is it something in between?
    All of the above.
    What is your favorite television show?
    Don't have one. Cooking competitions are something I watch.
    What is your favorite movie?
    Don't have one. Movies don't figure large in my life. If pushed, Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings'.
    Do you write poetry? Prose? Or both?
    Both, in unequal proportions.
    If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be?
    Tricky – there's no standout person. We're all lovers of words, so I'll cheat and say two people who share the same first name: Samuel Pepys, and Samuel Johnson.
    What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
    Sudden shades of Jane Austen. Not sure what answer you're looking for. And some would be too obvious a giveaway. As part of my job, I've given two separate lots of media interviews over the years – both radio and TV.. Whether recorded or live, fluency is key. Never thought of myself that way, but every time I gave an interview, it worked. I'm proud of that achievement.
     
    Happy Guessing!
  19. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: His Story

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Welcome to another Monday! Once again, the review team has a new story review to hopefully whet your appetite. If you do read, don't forget to leave a review!
    His Story
    Drew Payne
    Reviewer: Parker Owens
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 9,305
    Life is hard enough being different. It’s harder still when that difference is accentuated, made stark in bold relief, by the church in which a boy is raised to become a man. Although this story is set in the U.K., it describes a kind of abuse and exile gay men and women will recognize throughout the world. It’s not a pretty tale.
    His Story opens a window into Chris, a man in his twenties who grew up taking religion seriously. Through his point of view, we discover his emotional and psychological struggles with friendships, relationships, and self-image. A chance encounter at a Pride event becomes the impetus for a possible change. 
    I was drawn to this story because it made no hearts-and-roses promises. It tackles issues that challenge people of faith, and does so without blinking or dissembling. Any of us who have been cast out from family, community and belief can connect to Chris and his experience. Readers will come away sickened by the ‘ex-gay’ Christianity movement and the damage such fundamentalism has done. Entire books have been written on this subject, yet Drew Payne teases out some central themes in six succinct, searing chapters.
    While Payne paints a bleak picture in much of this story, the canvas is not without bright spots of hope. Chris finds a tight group of friends who will hold, support and encourage him. One of these helps him find honest therapy and real help for his trauma. That ray of sunshine gleams on the reader even as the story closes, knowing the pain Chris must yet endure.
    I encourage you to read this story by a talented writer. Drew Payne is one more reason GA matters so much, as stories like these, hard as they are, make us reflect and act.
    Category: Fiction  Genres: Drama  Tags: gay, dark, love, hate, suicide  Rating: Mature
  20. Renee Stevens
    Hello, hello!!!
    I hope that everyone is doing well and staying healthy!  This crap going around is definitely a scary thing and we are doing our utmost best to make sure that it doesn't find its way into our home. So far, Hubby, me, and Baby J have managed to not get it.
    I'm writing again, at least a little bit. I haven't managed to write much, but something is better than nothing. It's probably going to be slow going, as school starts back up in just a few short weeks. When I do find the time to write, I have two separate stories that I'm working on. I know the basics of both of them, and even have many scenes plotted for both of them, it's just getting the words from my brain to the computer. Hopefully, once they are done, they will be worth the work in the end. No idea when they will appear, but eventually I will have at least one of them out!!! I've thought about doing a weekly flash story again, but with school, baby J, and all the health issues, I'm just not sure I'd be able to post reliably. It's something to consider, but not even sure what that story would look like.
    My health is... well... it's been better. Nothing covid related, but if you've followed my status updates (easiest way to let friends know what's going on), then you'll already know that my health hasn't been at it's best, but that for the majority of things, no one knows what is going on. I want to say Thank You to those who have offered support, it means more than I can say. I talk to Hubby about what's going on, but other than that, I pretty much don't say much to anyone in my life. Primarily because all that does is make them worry, and/or they tell me all about how I'm doing things wrong and what I need to do to get better. It gets really old being told over and over again what I need to do, as though I'm not already doing everything I can think of to get better, and everything the doctors suggest. That's hard to do when no one knows what's going on. Being able to come on here and share my thoughts and worries has helped tremendously. The only thing I know for sure is that I have two bulging discs in my back and a cyst on my spine. I'm still doing PT twice a week, and this week I started going to the chiropractor as well. Also, while my weight isn't the sole reasoning behind those issues, it doesn't help, and my lack of mobility at the moment is making it very hard to lose the weight. Hubby just ordered me a stationary bike, at my request, to try and help with that.
    In the last four or five months, I've had at least 2 cat scans, a head mri, a back mri, x-rays, ekg's, blood work, and I don't know what else. There are still really no answers. All my blood work has come back good, except for something having to do with Protein C. What little I've been able to find on that says that it most likely means their is inflammation in my body. I'll see a rheumatologist in a couple of weeks, but not holding out much hope that they'll  have any answers, but it's always possible. My neurologist wanted me to get a bunch of blood work, which I did, but it all came back fine, so now he's sending me to get an echocardiogram. To be honest, I'm scared shitless, and I'm not even 100% certain as to the why behind the echo. I mean, as much as I want to know what's going on, I really really don't want this test to reveal the answers because that would mean there is something wrong with my heart. That is a very scary prospect. I can only hope that if it does show anything, it's easily fixable, as I have a little boy who needs his mommy. He runs over and wraps his little arms around me, and I just hold him that little bit tighter.
    Enough crappy stuff. Let's end this blog on a happier note!  Baby J is starting to say a few more words, just within the last couple weeks, so that makes us feel a little better than at his last appointment. He's healthy and such a happy little boy. I've never seen a toddler that does so well at bedtime either!  It gets to be that time of night (or afternoon nap), and he gives us loves, and goes to bed with absolutely no fuss. He gives the best bed time hugs. We eat at the table and he's starting to try more things, though his favorites are still pasta and corn dogs.
    Hope you all continue to stay happy, and healthy, and thank you again to all of you for letting me get my feelings and frustrations out.
     
  21. Renee Stevens

    Guest Prompts #5 & #6

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    Happy Friday, y'all. Don't know how you all plan to spend your weekend, but if you plan on writing, maybe today's prompts can be a source of inspiration. Let's take a look at who gave us a couple of guest prompts for this week.
     
    Prompt 5 - Creative    Brought to you by @Carlos Hazday
    Love in the Time of a Pandemic
    Relationships are hard and outside influences often make them even more difficult. Tell us about how a relationship flourishes or falters when the characters are forced into quarantine during a world-wide viral outbreak.
     
    Prompt 6 - Word List   Brought to you by @aditus
    Use the following words in a story.
    red carnation, piano, gumboot, smoothie, a broken umbrella, muddy foot print
     
    Hopefully today's prompts help motivate you to write. Make sure you link your prompts in the Prompt Forum. 
    As Wayne always says, 'Until next time remember to read, write, comment, and like. Stay safe and well.'
    Lastly, if you want to get in on the fun, make sure you send a PM to @Renee Stevens or @wildone to share with us your prompt ideas!
  22. Renee Stevens

    Guest Prompts #3 & #4

    By Renee Stevens,


    Prompts
    Happy Friday, y'all. Don't know how you all plan to spend your weekend, but if you plan on writing, maybe today's prompts can be a source of inspiration. Let's take a look at who gave us a couple of guest prompts for this week.
     
    Prompt 3 - Creative    Brought to you by @aditus
    The elevator takes ages. When the doors finally open, a woman wearing a pink pant suit twirls a glittery stick in her right hand that looks suspiciously like a wand and smirks.
    A Witch ? The fairy godmother? The neighbor from across the hall?
     
    Prompt 4 - Word List   Brought to you by @Carlos Hazday
    Use the following words in a story.
    winter - snow - vacation - summer - sand
     
    Hopefully today's prompts help motivate you to write. Make sure you link your prompts in the Prompt Forum. 
    As Wayne always says, 'Until next time remember to read, write, comment, and like. Stay safe and well.'
    Lastly, if you want to get in on the fun, make sure you send a PM to @Renee Stevens or @wildone to share with us your prompt ideas!
  23. Renee Stevens

    Weekly Wrap Up (Jul 19 - Jul 25)

    By Renee Stevens,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Well, it's been a while since I've done one of these, but @wildone is taking a much deserved vacation, so guess that means you're stuck with me for the time being. I don't really have anything fun and exciting to report, except to say that I'm already over this heat! Let's see what we had going on this week!
    Monday & Wednesday, Cia joined us in the blog for the monthly editions of the Classic Author Feature:
    Thursday, we had a refeature of last week's anthology theme selection post, don't forget to go and share your theme suggestions. But please note, you have to join the Writer's Circle in order to share your theme suggestions and vote later on.
    And then on Friday, we had another set of Guest Prompts. Don't forget to send in your ideas for prompts to be featured in the future:
    Prompts
    Suggest a prompt(s) - Recommend a few prompts to be feature on Prompt Friday! PM @Renee Stevens and/or @wildone with your ideas. Anthologies
    2021 Anthology Theme Selection - Due by July 31st, 2020 2020 Fall Anthology - Shadows - Due by November 15th, 2020 2020 Fall Anthology - Bridges - Due by November 15th, 2020 Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Blog Opportunities
    Ask An Author: Send your questions for your favorite authors to @Carlos Hazday (no questions = no Ask An Author)
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevens to participate
    Premium Updates:
    Apart by northie *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    The Castaway Hotel: Next Generation Book 4 by Bill W
    Signature Updates:
    A Contract is a Contract by Valkyrie
    June, 2020 - Hell in a Handbasket by AC Benus
    Malibu by Carlos Hazday
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
    Unicorn Quests by Cia
    Promising Updates:
    Apart by northie
    The Cockney Canuck by Dodger
    The Golden City by Aceinthehole
    The Reluctant Consort by lilansui
    Wayne's Poems by Wayne Gray
  24. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: Songs of the Heart

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Well, its the start of another week! I hope you had a great weekend. Today, we're featuring a review of Songs of the Heart by Jordn87. 
    Songs of the Heart
    Jordn87
    Reviewer: spikey582
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 27,938
    It’s been awhile since I last posted a review in our Featured Story blog, and I actually spent a lot of time debating which story I would review next. Then in June, Jordn87 reposted an updated version of his story Songs of the Heart, and I had my story. This was a story that I actually started reading on his initial posting back in 2017, and for one reason or another lost track of it and never finished. So, his reposting gave me the chance to revisit the story and see how it all ended.
    This story reminds me of a great many stories, that I feel were common place on the GA of yesteryear. That’s probably an odd way of describing it, but it’s a story that starts out as just a basic character drama, before it escalates into an action-packed thriller with multiple cliffhangers to keep you reading.
    It begins with Brady Jordan, a successful recording artist, returning to small town roots, to face his former best friend and bully victim Ness Rodriguez. Brady fled the town they lived in after high school, to get away from his abusive, ultra conservative minister Christian father. In the process, he left behind Ness, the boy he tormented throughout high school, who he was also secretly in love with.
    Wow, just writing out that bit of synopsis, it gives a pretty good idea of the complications and complexities involved with just the two main characters interacting with each other. In only gets more complex from there, going beyond Brady and Ness dealing with their interpersonal issues, going into sinister plots, and a town with a very dark secret.
    I will say, Songs of the Heart is not a perfect tale, and I felt some of the conflicts were resolved too easily, but that being said, the action kept me interested, and I was pretty much on the edge of my seat for the entire second half of the story. It has a bit of that gay soap opera feel that, as I said previously, reminds me of a great many GA stories of the past.
    Does a romantic character drama blended with an action crime thriller sound appealing?  If so, I invite you to check this out.
    Category: Fiction  Genres:  Adventure, Romance  Tags:  adult, gay, religion, modern, love, suicide, friendship, interracial  Rating: Mature
  25. Renee Stevens
    Well, this is it. The last set of the 2020 Spring Anthology.  Sorry this was delayed a bit this morning, Renee didn't sleep well last night (not because of Baby J) and Hubby let me sleep in. There will be a wrap up next week, so if you missed any releases, you still have a good chance to read through the list and see what ones you missed!  And here are the final 3 anthologies.

    The Teacup
    aditus
     

    The Truth is out There
    Myr

    The Challenge
    Headstall
     
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