Jamie de Valen

Now I get to return the favor! Happy Birthday

Thank you all for the kind birthday greetings.

Dear Emulated, It's a pity for you that all the best people are born in November, so unfortunately you'll have to settle for second place. Although you truly are the worst brat I've even had to deal with, I wish you the happiest of birthdays. I hope your 20th year is one of fun, enjoyment, and discovery and that some of the wishes most precious to you come true. Each story you write gets better and better and I can't wait to see what you produce in your 20th year! You are not only an up and coming writer, but one that goes beyond the designation of Promising. You've already delivered on some of that promise... keep up the good work, and I wish you many many more readers, because those who don't know you are certainly missing out. I'm certainly a BIG fan. If you'll allow me to offer some heart felt personal advice as a disclaimer: As you circumnavigate the crosscurrents of your life, just like Eden's first man, always remember to fill-up with happiness. Be careful of strangers in libraries unless their name is Artur. In the day-to-day grind don't let the Sun King eclipse your style, for you have a beautiful light of your own. Try to avoid all the robbers and cheaters who aggregate together like the words of a Pauline epistle, they'll only serve to make your crazy. If you need strength and sustenance remember Euston Station. It's far better than any other forum, because a full foul goes a long way to inner happiness, especially when you go in the back to wash your hands. And don't forget not rule out frequent trips to Portugal for extra fun. Take my advice: from time to time look deeply into the mirror, you might remember to eat a proper breakfast, especially if Coco Pops are on the menu. And please what every you do never ever forget to say please and THANK YOU... HAPPY BIRTHDAY EM!

Do I get a ride when I visit the states in August? It would be a lot like Renaud flying Jamie on the hov to the Canon of the Angels...

You may be right about where some of this thread belongs... I agree. Although at this point I've said my piece. I personally don't have anything more to add. It can be moved to where ever.

In the process of getting the PhD in Linguistics I had to think long and hard about logic, language and it's structure and development.Then when I did the post-doc in Applied Linguistics I had to inject theory into the world of everyday reality dealing with living language. As you well know, in the EU we have quite a few languages and I'm constantly working with my translators on many a thorny issue in translation and more importantly the interpretation of that translation. Legislation made in a world where many languages is a reality, is more than a challenge it's critical to cohesive government. I also grapple with these issues in the university classroom with the students in my seminar group in what sometimes can seem a polyglot's nightmare. The question of defining something can be critical to many endeavors from the geo-political to the medical and ethical (pro-choice vspro-abortion, pro-life, vs anti-abortion). Even in my own life if I talk about being gay, the issue of being an openly gay man living in the modern developed world is constantly being defined by language, both my own and others. Every time I publically assert my sexuality to my friends, colleagues or students I'm being judged, weighed and defined – much like the books we are talking about in this thread. In some cases I try to make that definition a self-definition, but society in general and often anti-gay society in particular doesn't always choose to agree with me. What are my choices? Sometimes… rather limited I think you would agree. Likewise the definition of literary genre's can be quite broad or narrow. Can there be left-handed novels, ADD novels, black novels, sailor novel as you interestingly ask? I would argue that it depends on how you want to define them. You could. It's certainly not farfetched nor does it fall out of the purview and the realm of dynamic and living language. Or even literary language. It may also depend on how the writer defines them; that is, if we care or even respect the writer's own opinion. It can also depends on how the target reading audience and even the general public defines them – possibly all in very different ways. Let's take Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita for example? How would we define it? When it first came out its subject titillated, and libraries that were courageous enough to put it on their shelves discovered an interesting phenomena… all the books that so quickly rushed off the shelf, rushed back even quicker. Curiously they had dirt and dog-eared edges on the first few pages… the rest remained unread. The public was disappointed that it wasn't what they thought it was. That Nabokov wrote it incorporating three languages: English, French, and Russian and then used jokes, puns word plays and double entendres in all three languages left most people clueless. It's listed in Time Magazine's 100 Best English-language Novels from 1923 to 2005 as one of the salient hundred of its time period. It's also fourth on the Modern Library's 1998 100 Best Novels of the 20th century. So they agree it's a novel… some even say modern novel.But could it also be called a romantic novel, pornographic novel, or pederasticnovel? Others have called it a tragicomedy (akin to modern TV docudrama's). Some scholars categorize it as an anti-totalitarian novel. Still others have claimed that it was a novel embodying Solipsism. Which one is it? Am I making my point? Sometimes it's easy to define a work in a certain genre... other times it may be much more difficult and lead to honest disagreement. We all know words are important… sometimes deadly important. There is a whole village here in Europe that was murdered in the 12th century because they spoke the wrong language. Their conquerors went around and asked them to say 3 words… if they replied with the wrong accent they were killed on the spot. In today's world if we are talking about writing a work within a specific genre, I think that argument also has to be examined from both a personal (the writer's POV) and a commercial (the publisher's POV). I can define my work however I choose, but if it gets tapped for publication, I think part of the argument is going to be decided by enterprise. The publisher will determine how they want to market the book. And of course the profit motive will be called into play. Harry Potter started off as a children's book… did it end that way? I question that, especially when Scholastic published an adult version with different (read less juvenile) cover art. Then of course there are the self-appointed censors that will chose to have it banned or not. And if I take your example of being the owner of a bookshop into consideration, I'm going to have to deal with you and thousands of other shop owners who may shelf my book in a part of the store I would vehemently disagree with. Some may even set it next to the pornography, just because my main character is gay… even though he never has graphic sex in the span of the work. And how am I going to police that one? By visiting every book shop in the world that carries my work? Hardly practical or even possible. I've even spoken to amateur writers who've posted their stories on sites like Nifty and had their work placed in a category that they as the writer disagreed with. Some writers will define their own work and will vehemently disagree with a categorization they feel is foisted on them. Others may not be as sensitive. As this thread started with the question of e-fiction and some of the comments as to gay fiction, then I feel that to conclude I would say that I do write gay-themed fiction. Just because it is not overtly pornographic (and I question the statement about needing 'good' porn) or it's not 'gay' enough for some people, doesn't make it any less important to me in what I feel is my contribution (small and insignificant though it be) to the genre. I feel strongly that there is room in the world of gay fiction for works that show us as we are, sans stereotypes and the constant angst, self-loathing or outright hatred that some feel need to populate the genre. I live a good life. I'm out and my gayness is a central part of who I am. But if I write about my own life and the live of the gay community around me it's certainly not going to be like some of the stories we are often exposed to. That there are still major issues in the gay community that need addressed is quite clear, but there is room for other voices and other ways of writing that can still be classified as gay literature and gay life in a positive light or one that shows characters acting in a normal every day way (what ever that is) can also be critically important. Just as important as those dealing with abuse or suicide. We can't put them on a balance and weigh one against the other. My two and ½ euro cents… And thank you also for you above and interesting response to my earlier question. Jamie De Valèn

So if I write a novel that features as my central character for example a gay character (like a gay police detective solving crimes) and possibly discuss some of his life, maybe even his love life or the relationship between him and his BF, but don't bring it into the bedroom or make the story 100% gay themed, I've NOT written a gay novel? What if the gay police detective is working on a serial killer murdering gay men or the investigation of gay bashing or sex crimes... does that qualify??

A million thanks to the BEST EDITOR I know... my very own: AJ And my two Beta Boys: Talonrider & Ricky I didn't receive the Best Non GA Story of 2009 Award on my own... you all made it happen... my sincere and heartfelt Merci Beaucoup, Mon Chers THE SCROLLS OF ICARIA We're small, but MIGHTY And thanks to all the behind the scenes folks here and at ALL the sites. Without you we couldn't do it

To be a kid and left hung out to dry is the worst thing of all. You don't even know who you are yet let along how to cope with such an ADULT situation. People who do that kind of thing to a kid should (as my father used to say) be horse whipped It's an appropriate phrase in this case. But I've been reading your writings... and your rants and all your other stuff for many years now James and your a good man... that I know as a fact. Your heart's in the right place... that's the most important. Like most of us you've been beat, kicked, and punched... and in your case, I know that's not just a metaphor. You've struggled with lots of stuff, but your still standing... and by damn that's something that they can never take away from you. Those who wished you ill, those who wished you down didn't win. Your still on your feet thumbing your nose at them... It always breaks my heart when I think of your case. I too was outed at an early age... 14, but the difference is I was outed with my BF and while I was ready to crumble... and I was... he made up his mind he wasn't going to let them win. I owe who I am today to him, he proved a love beyond compare... I miss him every day... But hey I'm always looking for a good Ghroum to watch my back... that's why I put them in charge of Charlie... don't forget your the BEST!

Adam, It's nice to hear that you were allowed to pull a story from Nifty without any problems. I think that is as it should be. It sounds like you made a polite and reasonable request and the request was honored. Unfortunately I know of others who didn't get that same treatment. Maybe they weren't as polite, or maybe they didn't state a reason, I can't begin to speculate. I do actually know of one other writer who did have a story pulled, but it took a great deal of effort and the writer was left with a less than satisfactory experience. And from the story I was told, the reason for his wanting it pulled was a reasonable one. But I like the inclusion of your POV, because not everything is black and white. I too believe in fairness and even handedness. To cut Nifty some slack, I'm sure it's an effort to get the stories up, if hundreds of people would then start requesting to have their stories pulled, then I could foresee an impossible situation. I also see no problem with Nifty or any other site rejecting a story. That is their prerogative, but I think that if they are going to accept a story they should accept it as is. If they choose not to accept a story, they should inform the author. They may or may not give a reason. But if the author chooses not to make changes a story site suggests, including changes to the title, then it should not be arbitrarily changed. The solution is simply for the site administrators/owners not to post the story in the first place and simply inform the author. I do know of instances on Nifty where a writer started a story and then after a time rewrote it from the beginning and started reposting. I don't know how that issue is handled on Nifty, but I know it has happened. I'd be curious to hear from someone with that experience. In Riley's case if they didn't like the title of his story all they would have had to do was inform him and give him the option of changing or not changing his title. If he chose not to change it, they simply could have informed him they wouldn't be posting it. I can imagine his dismay when he sent in a story and suddenly saw the title changed without his being informed or having been given the option to change it or leave it be. It's a bit of a courtesy thing in my opinion.

I can only say it's about time. I had him picked out years ago. Actually the first time I saw him on TV was with a friend and both our gaydars went off like mad. I understand the reasoning for the delay... many others have also waited... most until a major part of their careers were over, or they were well established like Elton John. It's just a shame that they wait so long. Positive role models are always needed. But I'm glad he did. Better late then never. And I wish him well.

There are many good points mentioned in this thread, so I'm going to try hard not to cover too much old ground. Mostly I guess I'll give my opinion and let it be. I have no axe to grind with Nifty. It's a forum that was started for a purpose, and I think that it still addresses that original purpose. It's important to remember that Nifty started in 1992. When Nifty began, the internet, online posting, online serials, blogs, video and so many other things weren't what they've evolved into today. The idea of widely-disseminated gay fiction or erotic gay fiction was mostly limited to pulp books purchased in adult book stores, and the quality was pretty dreadful. The internet was a far different place. In fact some of the people now posting stories on Nifty weren't even born when the site began. It was after Nifty that many other sites came into being. Those sights were and have become more specialized, or sophisticated. It points to the fact that this type of genre has a niche and a popular one at that. Nifty posts gay-themed stories that may have an erotic nature. Please take the time to open Nifty's home page and there for all to see is the title the owner of the site chose, a name that has stood since its inception: The Nifty Erotic Stories Archive of Gay Stories. The title itself says a lot. Not only GAY stories but EROTIC. Over the years many types of gay-themed stories have been posted there, but the title of the site remains the same. The fact is, that unless there is something highly objectionable in a work or some great outcry by readers, the Nifty archivist generally posts what he receives. (I will address Riley's point later about a works title). It remains a forum for aspiring writers to try their hand. The fact that a hefty percentage of Nifty's stories never reach completion points to the fact that it's a place for amateur writers. And I do NOT use the term amateur pejoratively. Everyone has to start somewhere and Nifty gives aspiring writers that chance. Nifty is what it is. Its never claimed to be anything else. Other sites that have followed after Nifty may be a bit more discriminating and they may have stricter guidelines. For example someone can't just pop out of the blue and tell the owner of GA that they DEMAND to be made a hosted or promising author (which is as it should be). It is up the the owner of the site to make that decision based on his criterion. Also gay fiction has certainly matured. People want to write different types of pieces and not every piece needs be erotic. In fact most of the better pieces are character or situation based without any desire to be erotic. But the fact is, that 99% of the time, if someone writes gay fiction of an erotic nature they can place it on Nifty without too much difficulty or opposition. Because of that, there have been some good stories and there have been some dreadful stories posted on the site. I think of Nifty like the mass try-outs that are shown on American Idol. Anyone and everyone who thinks they're the next writing sensation can post there. But the reality is that there are more then a few who are more legends in their own mind then interesting and talented writers. Again I don't say this as a slam... EVERYONE has to start somewhere and make their share of mistakes. I've certainly made mine. As to Riley's issue, which is the reason for the thread in the first place, I have to agree 100% with him. I would NOT appreciate someone changing the title of any of my works. I think long and hard about my titles. I don't just pull one off the shelf. In a recent interview Comicality gave, he mentions how he works on titles, and how they are important to him. I think that's true of most writers. That effort of title creation is just as important as the story itself. It's the author's introduction to his work... HIS work... not someone else's. Therefore if I were Riley I would be more then annoyed... actually I'd be down right angry that someone presumed to change the title of my work. If one was going through a publisher for commercial purposes I might see where an editor or publisher might suggest a new title, but hey folks we who write and post on these sites aren't doing this for commercial gain. I certainly have read stories on Nifty, but I personally do not post on Nifty. I have never posted on Nifty, and I will not post on Nifty. This is not because I have anything against Nifty or the people behind it. Again I reiterate: they do preform a service. As someone else above me mentioned, if you want your work spread around, that's the place to go. I've had other writers tell me that they will get much more mail from Nifty readers than readers of other sites. If that's a consideration for a writer then Nifty might be your spot. But another consideration is that Nifty simply places stories in broad categories: Young Friends, High School, College etc. And once you are placed your spot at the top of the list quickly falls as more stories get posted. The only recourse is to keep posting to the same story to keep it afloat. But a single short story in few months time gets buried. So maybe the ONLY thing a buried story has going for it is a catchy title the AUTHOR not the archivist chose for it. One of the reasons I don't post on Nifty is the fact that they won't pull a story if you request it. They state they want rights (even though they are non-exclusive they are in perpetuity). I'm not in favor of that, and so I do not post there... my choice. I've been following Riley's story on GA and one day when I was looking at Nifty postings I saw something similar to his story, but with a strange title. When I opened it I realized it was Riley's story - the same one I was following. This was before he started this thread, and I myself thought it was odd that the title was different. I don't think it was fair to make a decision to change the title of Riley's story. I also don't think it was fair to refuse to use the author's chosen title after the author himself voiced his disagreement with the decision. Had the title been offensive, or some how illegal Nifty might have had a case, but I don't see anything offensive in the story. What's more, some of the... sorry to say this here... but (trash) I've read on Nifty pales in comparison to the use of the word circumcision in a story title. I mean there are stories on Nifty that are pretty raw sometimes... I won't go into details, but there are some things that have turned my stomach and immediately caused me to stop reading a story... yet there it was for anyone to access. So what's the issue suddenly with the word circumcision. In fact some of the titles suggested to Riley were a bit offensive to me. Sorry for the long post, but as a writer I take my words and works seriously. While my writing might not be the greatest in the history of the world, it is first and foremost one thing... MY writing... not someone else's. Having an editor is one thing, but having someone arbitrarily change my story... even the title is another. Jamie

Mobile only... no desire to pay 2 phone bills...

Completely lost my first post... frustrating... so once more from the top: If I distinguish between true friends and acquaintences, then I have more gay friends. When I was teaching at uni. I was an advisor and mentor to the LGBT student organization, this put me in contact with gay faculty, staff, grad students, and undergraduates... some of them eventually became friends... some close ones. When I returned home I picked up with my old friends who were mostly gay. I am fortunate to live in a city where, like San Francisco in the USA, being gay isn't really a big deal or problem. If you don't then I understand the difficulty. Its one reason I choose to live where I live. I tend to be social, but my social scene is more home based. I enjoy cooking and entertaining, so it's not uncommon for me to invite friends over, singles, couples. They in turn sometimes ask to bring friends and those people sometimes turn into my friends. For example I host an English-only night about once a month for my younger gay uni. friends. I feed them and everyone is only allowed to speak English. It's worked out well and I've done it for years now. I've made lots of contacts that way. I have to admit that I've never made friends with someone at a gay bar, or club. I go to such places with people who are already friends, but we also go to straight places (probably more then gay ones). We don't hide the fact that we are gay and if you knew some of my gay friends there is no doubt that they are gay... even if your gaydar is 0 on a scale of 1 to 10, or if you are straight... they're pretty obvious. I have seen some people (and I have one or two friends like this) who claim they want to make friends when in fact they really want a boyfriend, partner or sexual encounter. I have no problem with that, but I notice their forrys into friendship are more like auditions. If the person they befriend ultimately doesn't make the cut they are dropped. I think ifyou are nice, polite, open and accepting of people it's an advantage. Once again I know people who have what they consider are high standards and those standards revolve around beauty, fashion, coolness etc. but there are lots of really nice sweet and kind people out there who are great friend materal if you give them a chance... even if they aren't drop dead handsome or wear the latest fashion. One suggestion I offer for more rural areas (and I have seen it work) is to use your internet skills and meet some people on line in your area...first on line... then AS A GROUP in real... not a date, just as a collective group of people. Meet at someplace accessable and neutral to everyone. Maybe away from prying eyes if you are closeted. That way it's a group and you're safer and also not obliged to go the dating route. Its amazing at who you meet sometimes.

You're right I have to apologize. He obviously didn't get the memo that we're all switching from track to recessed lighting.