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Renee Stevens

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  1. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: Yankee

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Another weekend is over and it's time for another review from the review team. This week, Timothy M has taken the chance to review "Yankee" by The Zot.
    Yankee
    TheZot
    Reviewer: Timothy M.
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 80,483
    This story sat unfinished on my favorite stories list for years, but in 2019 @TheZot realized the last three chapters were not present on GA and uploaded them. Some readers argue the story still feels incomplete, and I can see their point. It’s definitely open-ended and sadly so. Therefore, be warned – Yankee has no HEA or conflict resolution.
    Why do I recommend it even so? Partly it’s because I feel a kinship with the main character, who has no idea how to navigate in the world of teens-in-high-school. The social rules are unknown, people are incomprehensible, and navigating in crowds or new places is scary. The reason for this becomes clear after a few chapters, but there are subtle hints from the beginning, and perhaps you can guess just from my descriptions here. However, I bet all of us have worried about fitting in, when we were teens.
    Justin does his best, and seeing the interactions from his POV, but knowing what people around him expect and why they react in various ways, makes the story special and interesting. He spends a lot of his time running and doing martial arts training, which is useful in several situations. Almost by accident, he starts to hang out with a small group of people who gradually become his friends, much to his surprise. They help him and make him feel accepted, but sometimes he is the one to come up with unexpected solutions to their problems.
    To cite @Marty: I like the way you are slowly fleshing out the characters in this story, instead of simply having them all as two-dimensional.
    The difficult part of the story comes with Justin having to deal with someone being attracted to him, but refusing to admit it. At first it’s funny, but then the situation derails, and neither of them is able to fix it. I kept hoping they would spend time together as friends and gradually work their way to a better understanding of each other and the possibility of a relationship, but the background issues are too much to overcome, especially for the other guy. The explanation for that was the tragic part of the story, mostly because it was realistic in all its hurtful ignorance.
    Have I scared you off? Well, I admit this story may need several deep breaths and plenty of chocolate or other comforts. But sometimes it’s needed to describe what @IBEX calls: The hurt, the anguish we sometimes have to face growing up....
    Category: Fiction  Genres:  Drama  Tags:  teen, school, modern  Rating: Everyone
  3. Renee Stevens
    It's time for 4 more of the anthology stories to go live!  Did you get a chance to read the first six stories? If not, there's still plenty of time. Don't forget to leave comments and reviews for the authors!

    Mates Come First
    Caz Pedroso
     
    Keraunophobia
    CassieQ

    As Betwixt the Devil and the Deep Sea
    Thorn Wilde

    Mother Moon's Message in Troubled Times
    Headstall
     
  4. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: Daddy Bears

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Sorry all, running late, so let's get this review up!
    Daddy Bears
    by MCVT
    Reviewer: Aditus
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 6,284
    I read this story because of its title—and because a friend recommended it.
    In the beginning we learn about a young man’s abusive childhood and his way of coping with it: every time it gets bad, he sends his mind on a journey. He turns the knob of an imagined red AM radio, and immediately he visits wondrous places all over the world--the streets of Hong Kong, Paris, and Durbin... even the universe.
    Selling bootleg CDs at the bus stop lands him in prison later. Because of an incident there, he requires the help of a nurse, a wide-chested, burly man famed for his brusque nature and professional efficiency. 
    Afterwards, the young man enrolls in a community college, where he majors in the arts. While his art evolves he learns to speak eloquently with lines, colors, textures and shapes.... 
    One day, a group of large men in leather visits the young man’s exhibition, one of them the big nurse from jail.  The nurse is recruited as a model. The two become casual friends.
    This is a beautiful story written in poetic language, so it’s almost a painting itself. Parts of the story made me miserable, others made me smile—okay, giggle (I only say ‘earlobe’).  
    Both characters are compellingly written; they became my friends, or at least acquaintances. (I wish) If I had to summarize the story as briefly as I can, I would say it tells of the awakening of an artistic soul and of a seeker conquering fear.
    My all-time favorite list has another entry.
    Category: Fiction  Genres:  Romance  Tags:  mature adult, gay, oral, light-hearted, psychology, 20th century, love  Rating: Mature
  5. Renee Stevens
    Anybody ready for some new stories?  We have some great offerings for you as part of the 2020 Spring Anthology. Wondering when the anthologies would start to go live? Well, wait no more!  Today we have 3 stories for you to enjoy, and each week I will make another set live. Now, before we get to the stories, we had a bit of an incentive this go around. Every author who submitted a story into the anthology received an entry in a drawing. I added all the names onto random.com and randomized the list, and the following are the winners and their prize!
    @CarlHoliday - 6 Month Premium Membership
    @Carlos Hazday - 3 Month Premium Membership
    @Comicality - 1 Month Premium Membership
    Congrats to the winners! If you already have Premium Membership, it will extend your subscription, or you can choose to donate your winnings to a member of your choice. Just send me a PM to let me know what you would like to do!
    Anyway, I hope you enjoy the great stories that our authors have to offer!!! And don't forget to leave the authors feedback in the form of comments and reviews! 

    Shared Blankets
    Comicality
     
    Destruction--Self and Otherwise
    Headstall
     

    Explosions
    Carlos Hazday
  6. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #9 - 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.....
    Renee Stevens
    Did you get it right? Check out these stories from Renee!
     
     
  7. Renee Stevens

    Featured Author: Myr

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Well, usually it would be a single story review for our feature today. But, we thought it might be nice to turn the focus onto our fearless leader. With that in mind, we visited Myr's stories and picked some of the various comments from readers to highlight the many stories that Myr has on site. Myr specializes in short stories in the fantasy and sci-fi genres. He generally leaves his readers begging for more, probably because most of his spare time is spent on improving GA and dealing with technical issues. But it’s still worth checking out those well-written and enticing snippets, as you can see from the comments. You could also try out his Harry Potter fanfic (not featured here).
    A Ranger’s Duty 
    @Bill WA well crafted and imaginative world you have created for your readers. I found it captivating and your characters very believable and endearing.
    Category: Nature’s Wrath Anthology  Genres: Adventure, Fantasy  Tags: magic, adult, no sex, interracial    Rating: Teen
    Psionic Corp – No Return
    @Carlos Hazday: Mike is a powerful young man who appears headed for greatness. His psionic powers, training, and family wealth seem to give him an unlimited future.
    Category: No Going Back Anthology  Genres: Thriller/Suspense, Sci-Fi  Tags: teen, psionics, no sex, violent, coming of age  Rating: Teen
    Terran Confederation – Jeremiah
    @Brayon: this story is an excellent SciFi short, that gives the reader a glimpse into the life of a young child soldier in a futuristic world. Questions remain, to entice the reader to want more from this short story.
    Category: Out of This World Anthology  Genres: Thriller/Suspense, Sci-Fi  Tags: teen, aliens, psionics, off-planet, no sex, future  Rating: Teen
    A Bad Day to be WET
    @Valkyrie: Wow! That was very action-packed. I loved the mixture of tension and levity.
    Category: Crossing the Line Anthology  Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi  Tags: young adult, psionics, space, military, future  Rating: Teen
    A Bad Way to Wake Up WET 1
    @drpaladin: Talk about bad days. This placed them in a real, but manageable mess.
    Category: Good Intentions Anthology  Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi  Tags: young adult, aliens, psionics, space, military, future  Rating: Mature
    A Bad Way to Wake Up WET 2
    @Puppilull: The start of a true adventure! What a journey they will have to undertake to get back. The possibilities for unexpected encounters are endless. Quite the set up!
    Category: Fight Back Anthology  Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi  Tags: aliens, psionics, space  Rating: Teen
    A Tempest in a Teapot
    @Cole Matthews: I love it! Refreshing and excellent take on pioneering and the kinds of people it takes to fulfill roles in society.
    Category: Good Intentions Anthology  Genres: Sci-Fi  Tags: young adult, college, no sex, military, future  Rating: Teen
    The Forest
    @Headstall: That was intriguing, Myr. The ending has me wanting more. Who are these guys... what are they, and what have they done?
    Category: Fiction  Genres: Adventure, Fantasy  Tags: magic, mind control, wizards, medieval  Rating: Teen
    Nick Cringle
    @comicfan: Well they say say anything can happen with a little magic. Face it, if Santa can't do it, no one can. Great little story and definitely something different.
    Category: Christmas Anthology  Genres: Fantasy  Tags: teen, magic, no sex, coming of age, light-hearted, modern  Rating: Teen
  8. Renee Stevens

    Signature Feature: Headstall

    By Renee Stevens,


    Signature Feature
    It's Signature author feature time! This month we're taking a look at @Headstall! I'll share a few stories by Headstall, but feel free to share your favorite Headstall story in the comments. I'll only be sharing completed stories, so if it's a story that you've read, take a minute and go leave a review!

    A proud father of four, Headstall's personal journey has been a series of twists and turns, and his stories often reflect his experiences.
    He is an unapologetic romantic who writes from the heart. You will find this in his fiction and his poetry. They are both emotionally driven,
    and men who aren’t afraid of their feelings often populate his work. If you’re looking for happily ever after, you will likely find it here.
     
  9. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #9

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Wow, there are a lot of things going on in the world right now. So, I thought, maybe it's time for something a little light-hearted, like maybe a new Author Guess Who!!!!  We're always open to more participants, so if you're interested in answering the guess who questions, you can either PM me, or copy them from here, change the answers, and PM it to @Renee Stevens.  The reveal will happen on April 21st!! Now, who thinks they can figure out this month's author???
    What is one thing that most GA members might not know about you?
    I grew up on a mini-farm. It wasn't really a farm, but we had a couple cows, a few horses, a goat, and chickens. We occasionally even had pigs and a sheep or two, and always had a few dogs running around. The goat was my very own pet!
    What prompted you to write your first story?
    My English teacher in junior high. I can't remember exactly why, and the story was never finished, but that was the first time I can remember writing a story.
    What genre of books do you enjoy reading and have you written for that genre?
    Throughout my life, I've read just about every genre. Now, I read most stuff, with the exception of Horror. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd say contemporary and yes, I have written quite a few contemporary stories.
    Is there a genre that you haven’t written for that you would consider trying later on?
    I've dabbled in most of the genre's, and there's not really one that I haven't that I would be interested in.
    What do like most about publishing on GA?
    The community and the feedback that I've gotten. I really enjoy hearing from readers, and GA offers multiple opportunities for my readers to get into contact with me.
    Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals to help you get into a writing mood?
    Not really. I do like to have music going, but even that isn't absolutely necessary.
    How has your writing style evolved over time?
    More show and less tell, definitely. I've learned a lot of different editing tips and always try to remember the past mistakes. I used to refuse to have any type of outline from chapter to chapter, even in my head. Now, I try to plan out the story in my head and might even jot down a few notes. That's not to say the story never goes where I didn't expect, since I let my characters take the lead, but now I at least generally have a loose idea of where the story will go.
    Do you have a significant other?
    Yes, I do!
    Do you have any pets?
    I have a few.
    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?
    It's somewhere in-between. There are stories that I've posted as I've written them, and others that I haven't posted until they're done. It just all depends on the story. Though nowadays, I prefer to post when they're complete.
    What is your favorite television show?
    Wow, that is a tough one. There are a lot of shows I enjoy, but I'm really not sure that there's a favorite. How about we say a couple of the one's I have DVR'd?  NCIS: Los Angeles (I used to really watch the original NCIS, but I don't watch it much now that most of my favorites are gone!), and I like the game show America Says, and now that I think about it, I really don't have many favorite shows that I watch anymore.
    What is your favorite movie?
    Wow, another tough one. Again, there's a lot, but some of my most recent favorites are San Andreas, most of the Fast and the Furious movies, and I loved the movie Eight Below!
    Do you write poetry? Prose? Or both?
    A little of both.
    If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be?
    My great grandma! I've heard so many things about her, and I'm sure there is so much she could teach me, plus, out of me and my siblings, I'm the only one who never actually got to meet her (at least when I was old enough to remember).
    What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
    My son is and always will be my greatest accomplishment.
     
    Happy Guessing!!!!
  10. Renee Stevens
    Hello out there!!!! It seems like it's been a while since I've posted anything in the blog. With everything going on in the world, let's focus on something else. Like the fact that it's time to take a look at another story that you might have missed. I hope you enjoy Parker's review of Between a Rock and a Hard Place by @Dodger.  Have a great week and stay healthy and safe!
     
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Dodger 
    Reviewer: Parker Owens
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 9,256
    There are probably more stories about high school aged gay boys than there are visible stars in the sky. Why read one more? Why does this one stand out?
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place allows us a close-up view of two boys, Roger and his best friend, Charlie. Despite their notable differences, they have been friends for years. Charlie is one of those people we all know. They have the ability to dominate a scene; their vitality and energy are catalysts for those around them. For his sixteenth birthday, Charlie invites Roger over for the weekend.
    What makes this story refreshing is that, unlike other stories in this genre, we are not dragged into hyperventilated, overwrought sex scenes. Instead, we are treated to a deeply personal narrative of personal observations, told from Roger’s point of view over a period of two days. We’re taken on a simple, yet important journey that’s partly in his mind, and partly lived out in the everyday world. There are other characters that briefly make appearances, but the focus is on Roger and Charlie throughout.
    What charmed the most about this story is the way Dodger realistically portrays two teens circling one another, drawn each drawn to the other by their own natural gravity. The tension gradually increases to a quirky culmination and conclusion. The way this is described and narrated is detailed and believable.
    Take the time to read this story by a talented member of GA, and find out how Roger and Charlie manage to speak their own truths to one another.
    Category: Fiction  Genres:  Drama, Romance  Tags:  teen, north america, coming of age, light-hearted, friendship   Rating: Teen
  11. Renee Stevens
    Wow, it's been a while since I wrote a blog that wasn't for the various GA staff blogs. Things are still super crazy here, some good and some bad. Unfortunately, I have become pretty lax in keeping up on GA, and I'm afraid that's meant the loss of some close friendships, hopefully they can rebuilt. It sucks, but real life has been about all I've been able to handle for the last year or so. Hopefully that will change and I'll be around more, but I can't promise anything at the moment.
    It's been a while since I've written, though I've been re-reading some of my favorite books and it's got my fingers itching to write. I've got so many ideas lately, and just need to actually sit down and try to write. We'll see how that goes. It's been so long since I was even able to get into reading, so I'm thinking that's probably a step in the right direction. Hopefully I'll have something to share soon. I'm crossing my fingers.
    Baby J is doing awesome. He's such a smart little boy and he is growing up soooo quickly. He's already 20 months old and is wearing 2T clothes! He's gonna be tall like his daddy. He's going to a daycare a couple times a week, for an hour or two each time to prepare him for starting preschool next year. He absolutely loves it. It's at the recreation center, so I have to stay on site, but it all works out. I work out for a bit, sometimes read for a bit after, and then pick him up. He has a couple little friends there (one is a girl that they chase each other around). He talks some, thought not as much as we thought he would be. He jabbers, but not many real words yet. I don't think it's so much a case of him not being able to, as much as it's a case of he really just doesn't want to. He seems to be able to match shapes and colors, even if he doesn't know what the shapes and colors are called yet. So yeah, he's growing up way too fast!!!!
    On another note, I'm back in school. Definitely never thought I would be back in school at 37, but it's going well. I've finished one class, almost finished with another, and then I have my final class for the semester. It's going well, and when I'm all done (should be next spring) I'll have two separate certificates. One will be in Digital Design and the other will be Web Development, which are two areas where I could probably work from home. I've debated whether or not to go for an associates degree, but that still hasn't been decided. I'll already have the computer science elective credits, and would have all the general studies left if I decide to go that route, so we'll see what happens.
    It will be good to have some type of certification, especially since there's a pretty good possibility that my husband will get laid off from work in the very near future. Honestly, at this point it might be a blessing, but it's still a bit stressful not knowing what the future will bring. He works in the oil/natural gas field, and things have slowed down way more than they have in the past. He's always made it through previous lay offs, but things are a lot more dire this go around. We'll be okay for a while if it does happen, our biggest worry will be health/dental/prescription insurance. If he does get laid off, we'll still have two months of those, but will have to figure things out after that.
    For those who have been here a while, you may remember previous posts (years ago) about my brother being diagnosed with leukemia. He's been in remission for nearly 5 years, but his latest tests showed that may no longer be the case. That's another wait and see thing, as they are planning to do more tests in three months to see if it is the cancer. This isn't entirely unexpected as the medication he was on usually has to be changed after about 5 years (max) and he's nearing that benchmark now. It's still a bit of a shock though.
    Let's see. What else has been going on, lol. I left my publisher, Dreamspinner Press, last May after failure to pay royalties. I wasn't owed much, but considering they still haven't paid me three quarters worth of royalties, it seems like I made the right choice. It wasn't so much about the royalties, as they weren't much, but if they declare bankruptcy, I really didn't want my story contracts to be tied up in court for who knows how long.  I've got one of the stories republished, it's on Kindle Unlimited for the first time ever, but the other one needs some work before I put it back up on Amazon.
    Last, but not least, I'm seeing a new doctor. I'm still hurting pretty much all the time, and have some other issues. My new doctor suspects that part of the problem is that my Vitamin D is still too low. Basically it's about half where he would like to see it. He had me get all the lab results for the last year so that he can see how deep they tested for various things. I see him again on the 17th and will hopefully find out more. He does think that some of my aches and pains are from adhesions, which would be a result of the three surgeries within a one year period (c-section, gallbladder, and appendix).  Not much to do about that, except for surgery, which would cause more adhesions.
    Overall, I'm doing good, just busy. Hope y'all are doing well!!!
    Cheers
    Renee
     
  12. Renee Stevens
    Monday, Monday, Monday. What could we possibly have for you on a Monday? Oh yeah! We have a new featured story for you. This week, courtesy of Timothy M., we are taking a look at Travelling Home by podga. Hopefully you'll like what you read and it will prompt you to go and read the story itself!
     
    Travelling Home
    podga
    Reviewer: Timothy M.
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 24,715
     
    With this review I pay homage to the author who brought me to GA five years ago, and to a story which warms my heart every time I read it. I’m sad to say podga disappeared before more of his stories, including the companion story to Travelling Home, got posted on GA. All of his tales center around the theme of adult guys trying to find love through the obstacles of shyness, family, not being out, a broken heart and other hang-ups from the past, or simply work schedules and conditions which make it difficult to build relationships and be open about them.
     
    The latter is the case with Jordan who falls in love with a man he meets at a conference in Stockholm. They travel all over the world, but mainly Europe, and their relationship progresses through five meetings in different cities. The one in London is my absolute favorite because of the hilarious descriptions of their growing attraction and teasing interactions in and out of bed. The ‘drilling into the mattress’ quip has me every single time.
     
    Jordan is half Greek, half American, and spent his childhood in Athens and his college years in the USA. He feels rootless and wary about committing himself, and a few remembrances during the story explain why. In both good and bad ways I guess you could say his past comes back to haunt him. I like Jordan who is real, normal, intelligent, self-aware, and easy to relate to, especially when he’s trying to hide how much he cares about David and the potential for love and a permanent home.
     
    As one reader @sorgbarn said back in 2012: I still think this story has a more realistic feeling to it than most romance or relationship fiction I've read online.
     
    Give this journey a try, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.
     
    Category: Fiction   Genres: Romance  Tags: mature adult, gay, europe, 20th century  Rating: Mature
  13. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #8

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Another month and it's time for another Author Guess Who! We're always open to more participants, so if you're interested in answering the guess who questions, you can either PM me, or copy them from here, change the answers, and PM it to @Renee Stevens.  The reveal will happen on February 18th! Now, who thinks they can figure out this month's author???
    What is one thing that most GA members might not know about you?
    My first car was a stick-shift, and I had issues with it dying on inclines.
    What prompted you to write your first story?
    Lack of reading an excellent gay fiction that was character driven that didn't turn into an all-out orgy, or full of Shifters. Mainly in the genres, I like.
    What genre of books do you enjoy reading and have you written for that genre?
    Fantasy, Drama, Romance, SciFi.
    Is there a genre that you haven’t written for that you would consider trying later on?
    No. I've written in all the genres that I am comfortable with. The others I feel are outside of what I can currently do.
    What do like most about publishing on GA?
    Reader interaction.
    Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals to help you get into a writing mood?
    I've started to utilize the snowflake method of writing for my larger projects.
    How has your writing style evolved over time?
    I'm starting to get a lot more descriptive in my writing.
    Do you have a significant other?
    No
    Do you have any pets?
    No. Used to have a cat before she passed away. She loved it when I shared my taco salad with her.
    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've done both ways, though I've been leaning towards posting once it's all done.
    What is your favorite television show?
    Ask me tomorrow, and you'll get a different answer. But currently, it's Doctor Who. Love the new lady doctor.
    What is your favorite movie?
    Same as above, it changes all the time. One that I watch to make me feel good is The Princess Bride. Also, Legend with Tom Cruise.
    Do you write poetry? Prose? Or both?
    I suck at poetry, so I stick to what I do well.
    If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be?
    President George Washington. I want to ask him, how to abolish political parties.
    What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
    Nothing, yet. I still have time to do stuff.
     
    Happy Guessing!!!!
  14. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #8 - 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.....
    Brayon
    Did you get it right? Check out these stories from Brayon!
     
  15. Renee Stevens

    Signature Feature: Parker Owens

    By Renee Stevens,


    Signature Feature
    It's time to take a look at another Signature author!  This month, we're taking a look at @Parker Owens. I'll share a few of their stories, but would love to hear what your favorite story is from Parker! I'll only be sharing complete stories, so if it's a story that you've read, why not go and leave a review on the stories main page!

    Parker Owens writes poetry about the natural world mathematics, and heartache. His stories speak of loneliness, longing and love.
    Follow him on the back roads to places you've never stopped to visit.
     
  16. Renee Stevens

    Featured Story: Josh.mp4

    By Renee Stevens,


    Featured Stories
    Sorry all, I'm running a little behind today, so let's just get right to the review!
    Josh.mp4
    Albert Nothlit
    Reviewer: Puppilull
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 34,936
    I’m sure many of you know and love Albert Nothlit for his science fiction adventure stories, that bring strange worlds and even stranger creatures alive. I’ve read them and have been on the edge of my seat to find out what will happen to the main characters. You see with Albert, you never really know. Stories can take unexpected turns and go down paths you didn’t see coming. A big plus in my book, but if you’re looking for something more predictable and generally all feelgood, perhaps you should wait with Albert’s work to another day.
    This is most certainly the case with the rather dark story behind this review. It concerns the deeply saddening issue of teen suicide. And why should anyone read a tale of such tragedy? Just because all too many of us come face to face with this issue. If not in our immediate circle of friends, I’m pretty sure you all have someone you know or at least know of who have suffered in this way. The first step to prevent suicide is to be aware of the issue. Not hide from it, but face it head on. Difficult and upsetting, but it can save lives if we dare to get involved, dare to ask the question “Are you really OK?”
    Josh.mp4 lets us get to know Josh, who is the narrator of the story. As a new arrival in town, he strikes up a sort of friendship with Nathan, who turns out to be the odd one out at school. We get to follow their friendship, which is at times rather reluctant from Josh’s side. It is hard to fully grasp Nathan, maybe because we see him through the eyes of Josh.
    To me, Albert captures the mind of teen Josh so well. In his mind, there is not even a possibility of someone taking their own life. But as teen go, he is also preoccupied mainly with himself with the usual obsessions of fitting in, finding friends, getting the attention of various love interests and worrying about his performance in sports. Not uncommon as it is a time in life when you try to find yourself. I commented on getting chills reading the parts describing Josh’s interaction with his high school friends and they weren’t good chills. I would never want to go back to being a high schooler again. To fully take in another person’s issues, especially ones as severe as Nathan’s, at that stage in life is asking a lot of a young person.
    I read this a few years ago and kept thinking of my own daughters and their friends. How can I help them deal with issues of this gravity? Maybe if we can make them aware of the risks and maybe signs, perhaps some can be saved. It’s a story that hits you in the heart. So have tissues and some time to reflect afterwards, when reading.
    Category: Fiction  Genres:  Drama  Tags:  teen, young adult, gay, under 18, north america, friendship  Rating: Everyone
  17. Renee Stevens
    Okay, so it's almost bedtime for me, but I wanted to get this out so that everyone knew some of the stuff going on before the upcoming anthology deadline.
    Author Incentives
    Participation was down for the last anthology. After some discussion, it has been decided to offer some author incentives. Incentives seemed a good way to possibly encourage authors to participate. After the final set of anthologies has been posted for the spring anthology, I will be doing a drawing. Authors get a single entry for each story that appears in the anthology. We will then draw three names (most likely using the site random.org), and the winners of the drawing will receive the following:
    1st name drawn: 6 Month Premium Membership 2nd name drawn: 3 Month Premium Membership 3rd name drawn: 1 Month Premium membership If you are already a subscriber, the membership can extend your current membership or you can donate it to a member of your choice.
     
    10,000 Word + Stories
    We tried this for the last anthology and it seemed to go over well. It makes a little more work on my part, but I'm willing to do it again if authors are interested. However, I am going to post a few guidelines here to hopefully curb some of the questions that I got the last anthology. First we'll look at word counts.
    10,000 - 14,999 Words: Up to 2 chapters and a 2 week release schedule 15,000 - 19,999 Words: Up to 3 chapters and a 3 week release schedule 20,000 - 25,000 Words: Up to 4 chapters and a 4 week release schedule Now, lets look at posting guidelines if you choose this option. Everything for regular anthologies also apply to the delayed posting option, but the following also applies:
    The entire story has to be proof read at the same time. You cannot send each chapter separately to the proof team. The entire story must be posted in GA Stories at one time. Once I move the story to the anthology category, you are unable to edit it to add chapters. No extensions can be offered if you use the delayed posting option. The story, in it's entirety, must be ready to start posting when the first set of stories are set to release. Stories using the delayed posting option can be set to in progress, but you must let Renee know When you post your link, you MUST include that you wish it to be posted with a delayed posting schedule, the word count, and the number of chapters. This ensures that I know how many weeks it will need to post and that the number of chapters correlate to the word counts set for each option.  
    Supplying Links
    In the past, I have created two threads. One for discussion and one for links. I have changed that up this time around. The main thread can be used for discussions and questions relating to the anthology. This go around, I have created two other threads, one for each anthology theme. This was done to ensure that I know which theme your story is meant for. Please post your story link in the appropriate thread. Your story WILL appear in whichever theme you posted your link. I've provided the links below.
    If you have any other questions regarding the anthology or these new guidelines, please don't hesitate to ask below or send me a PM.
    Happy Writing!!!!!
  18. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #7 - The Reveal

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Well, it's that time again. There were a lot of great guesses as to who was the featured author this month. Curious if you were one of them? Well, let's see... This month's author was:
    Myr
    Did you get it right? Check out these stories from Myr!
     
     
  19. Renee Stevens

    Signature Feature: Cole Matthews

    By Renee Stevens,


    Signature Feature
    So, with the new year, I like to see what features I can add. This year, I decided it would be great to try and feature our Signature authors once a month (when possible). So, to get this feature started, let's take a look at some stories by @Cole Matthews! I'll be picking three stories to share from each of our signature authors, and it would be great if the members would weigh in with what their favorite story is from that month's author!  I'll only be sharing complete stories, so if it's a story that you've read, why not go and leave a review on the stories main page!

    A former bartender and restaurant cook, Cole is now a paralegal for a nationwide law firm. He loves writing mysteries, love stories, and tales about
    gay men and their view of the world. Currently, he's working on a novel/mystery which is called So Weeps the Willow, a story in three parts.
    He's also going to Florida to do research for his next novel, set in the Sunshine State. He collects antique cookbooks, gardens and loves travel and biking.
     
  20. Renee Stevens

    2019 Reviews Revisited

    By Renee Stevens,


    Reviews
    It's a new year and will be another great year to take a look at some stories that you might have missed. But, before we start the new reviews, we wanted to take today to take a glance back at all the reviews that were done in 2019!  Thank you to @Timothy M. for compiling the list!
    2019
    January 14th: 2014-2018 Reviews Revisited
    February 11th: Holding Back by Thorn Wilde - Puppilull 
    Review comment: It was probably more fun to see the Deadpool movies after I read Holding Back.
    March 11th: Lighthouses by ValentineDavis21 - Cole Matthews
    Review comment: I need more hours in the day so I can read these awesome stories.
    April 8th: Finding Refuge by Headstall - Timothy M. 
    Review comment: I wouldn't normally dream of reading a Western, but I took a chance on this one.
    April 22nd: A Bad Day to be WET by Myr - spikey582 
    Review comment: You are spot on that this story feels like an exciting episode of a sci-fi TV show.
    May 13th: The Strange Life of Jonas Marks by comicfan - Puppilull 
    Review comment: I wouldn’t mind working in a bakery in this story.
    June 10th: Levko by mikiesboy - Cole Matthews  
    Review comment: A great review of a gut-wrenching tale. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
    July 8th: Between the Tension by Hudson Bartholomew - Timothy M. 
    Review comment: The story is on my summer reading list now.
    July 22nd: Becoming Real by AC Benus - Parker Owens 
    Review comment: I think i binged this. Such a wonderful story. Beautifully written.
    August 12th: Little Ms. Who by pmsingtiger - Puppilull 
    Review comment: It's a very special story, even with all the heart-breaking parts.
    September 9th: Signature Author Special Review - The Review Team 
    Review comment: This is an amazing and impressive list of reviews.
    September 23rd: Innocence and Carnality by Mann Ramblings - Puppilull 
    Review comment: It's a story worth reading more than once... or twice.
    October 14th: Shade by Cole Matthews - spikey582 
    Review comment: Cole is great at spinning mysteries, and this is no exception.
    November 11th: A Vampire to the Rescue by Comicfan - Aditus  
    Review comment: As Dodger and I found out: don't read this around lunch time or dinner time.
    December 9th: After The Past by Mikiesboy - mollyhousemouse 
    Review comment: It's a story that will have have you hooked and drawn in.
    December 23rd: Peace and Quiet by FantasyBoy69 - Timothy M. 
    Review comment: Thanks to your review this is something to add to my reading list.
  21. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #7

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Well, it's that time again!  Who's ready to see if they can guess this month's author?  I love seeing all the guesses and can't wait to see if you can figure this one out!!! Happy Guessing!
     
    What is one thing that most GA members might not know about you?
    I have a growing interest in photography
    What prompted you to write your first story?
    I was inspired by something I read and I wanted to see if I could write something as well or better.
    What genre of books do you enjoy reading and have you written for that genre?
    I like political action thrillers, mysteries, sci-fi and fantasy.  I've written for some of those genres.
    Is there a genre that you haven’t written for that you would consider trying later on?
    Yes. lol.
    What do like most about publishing on GA?
    The great family community that supports each other.
    Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals to help you get into a writing mood?
    I do a lot of scene visualization as I fall asleep at night.  Most of what I'm writing is thought through before I put hands to keyboard.
    How has your writing style evolved over time?
    Yes, definitely. I cringe a lot at my early writing.  I've learned so much since I started writing.
    Do you have a significant other?
    Nope.
    Do you have any pets?
    I have a great geriatric cat. (She's 14)
    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 have generally posted as I write, though I'm transitioning to writing the entire story before posting it.
    What is your favorite television show?
    I don't have any current favorite shows, as I've largely cut TV out of my life given how busy I usually am.
    What is your favorite movie?
    I don't really have a favorite movie either. I like far too many of them across all sorts of genres.  My favorite comedy is Spaceballs though.
    Do you write poetry? Prose? Or both?
    No.  But my grandmother was published in a few different books of poetry.
    If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be?
    Abraham Lincoln
    What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
    Recent promotion at work to a lead position.  My team supports a few hundred million dollars a year in business.
  22. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #4 - The Reveal

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Two weeks ago, I was able to start the Author Guess Who back up.... Many may still be asking, Who was it???? Well....
    Thorn Wilde
    If you've never read anything by Thorn before, maybe you should check out one of these two stories!
     
  24. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #2

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Well, it's time for another Author Guess WHO!  You'll have a couple of weeks to guess the author. Good luck! Sorry about the lack of extra formatting. Posting using my phone.
    What is one thing that most GA members might not know about you?
    I’m a loner.
    What prompted you to write your first story?
    Therapy.
    What genre of books do you enjoy reading and have you written for that genre?
    I enjoy reading history either fictional or non-fictional, and I tend to write in that genre. 
    Is there a genre that you haven’t written for that you would consider trying later on?
    I used to read a lot of sci-fi as a kid, and I’m tempted to give it a go.
    What do like most about publishing on GA?
    The readers, especially the members who contribute with comments and reviews. They’re a discerning bunch who know their onions, so I have to work hard to keep them happy, but the feedback can be priceless.   
    Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals to help you get into a writing mood?
    I have plenty of rituals and habits but luckily not when I’m writing.
    How has your writing style evolved over time?
    I hope so. It has certainly improved. I don’t like people reading any of the early stuff I wrote because it’s so bad. I’m under no illusions, I know I still have a long way to go.
    Do you have a significant other?
    Haha. I refer back to my first answer. 
    Do you have any pets?
    Yes, one. That’s more than a one-word answer, right? I have to be careful here, any more may give the game away. 
    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’ve done both, but it’s definitely easier writing the whole story first. Every new story I write now is finished before I start posting, the most I do is little edits here and there. 
    What is your favorite television show?
    I like documentaries and comedies but I haven’t got a favorite. 
    What is your favorite movie?
    Terminator2. I’m a sucker for Arnie in his prime.
    Do you write poetry? Prose? Or both?
    I think it takes a special talent to write poetry, which I haven’t got. I’ve tried but will never post.
    If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be?
    I would like to say someone noble like Nelson Mandela, but if I’m honest, it would probably be someone more devilish and lesser known like Peter Cook (look him up). He has made me laugh like no one else.
    What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
    Being able to recognize mistakes I’ve made in the past and learn from them has made me a better person. I don’t know if that’s an accomplishment or not, but there are a lot of people who can’t do that.
  25. Renee Stevens

    Author Guess Who #3

    By Renee Stevens,


    Author Guess Who
    Well, it's time for another Author Guess WHO!  You'll have a couple of weeks to guess the author. Good luck! Sorry about the lack of extra formatting. Posting using my phone again.
     
     
    What is one thing that most GA members might not know about you?
    Something unimportant maybe, but people ask me about it again and again: I have two colors in my irises.
     
    What prompted you to write your first story?
    There was a particular story percolating in my head that needed to be told and read. As soon I had figured out how to begin, I couldn’t stop.
     
    Is there a genre that you haven’t written for that you would consider trying later on?
    I’d love to write a mystery murder story and send the readers on a wild goose chase.
     
    What do you like most about publishing on GA?
    I love the interaction with readers and other authors.
     
    Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals to help you get into a writing mood?
    I don’t know about unique but I do have some habits. I might play a round of Candy Crush before I start. Sometimes I read something entirely different genre- or style-wise as I intend to write because contrasts get my mind working.
     
    How has your writing style evolved over time?
    I hope the telling became showing and my dialogues got better.
     
    Do you have a significant other?
    Yes.
    Do you have any pets?
    Yes.
     
    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 post as I write. I wish I could wait but I’m too eager to learn what you guys think about my newest baby.
     
    What is your favorite television show?
    Elementary.
     
    What is your favorite movie?
    Oh man. This is slightly embarrassing. Thinking about how many times I watched it, it has to be Love Actually.
     
    Do you write poetry? Prose? Or both?
    I write both.
     
    If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be?
    Had fictional been an option this would have been so much easier. I’m not one to hero worship...hmm
    At the moment, Eleanor Roosevelt.
     
    What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
    For me personally: I learned to walk. Again.
     
    In general, I make people yell at me and thereby think.
     
     
    Happy Guessing!
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