Stellar

It's a beautiful song. A friend of mine linked me to it a few months back and I was amazed to see an artist in this genre of music producing something like this. It was especially relevant to that same friend not only because her mother is a lesbian, but also because Macklemore is from Seattle, her home town. She got to meet him when he was performing there late last year.

Congratulations to the winners!

I'd agree fairly much with the first four of what Tetrefine listed. Netflix less so IMO because it is restricted to the Americas and parts of Europe, unless I'm mistaken, and doesn't have the same sort of global influence. Though I really hate the service and refuse to use it, I grudgingly submit that 5 would be Twitter

OMG .. hahahahaha. I can tell you, I've owned a Ford Laser and they are NOT big cars, that photo being a pretty good indication. Fitting TEN sheep in one is nothing short of impressive. The theft itself is less surprising, stock poaching isn't uncommon here in some areas.

Oh wow, I only just stumbled upon this thread so I'm sorry if I'm reopening it after a while of dormancy, but I saw it and I *had* to say something, mostly to the OP. I have Asperger Syndrome. My profile has some basic information about the disorder and how it may pertain to me. I discovered the condition as an adult in my late 20s, so I did not receive any special developmental aid when I was younger that might have helped me adjust to a world that did not quite seem right. Curiously enough, I self-diagnosed, instantly recognising myself in the extensive list of 'symptoms' after I happened to see a character with Aspergers on a very annoying local television soap drama and did some research on it. Shortly thereafter, a psychologist tested me with the Cambridge 'official' test and agreed with my self-diagnosis. In many ways, the realisation was more liberating than discovering my sexuality. There was no longer any uncertainty in my mind about who I was. All the weirdness that existed, the parts of my personality that didn't mesh, suddenly weren't quite so chaotic. It was landmark moment, a life-shaping one, certainly. So, I read over this thread although I freely admit that there was a huge amount of text-wall, so portions were skipped for the sake of brevity, I do want to say a couple of things. Firstly, that Bee and the others who have said that no two people with Aspergers are completely alike, are correct. The best analogy I can think of is a sound mixer with various sliders on it. Instead of controlling sound, consider each to represent a trait that is particular to those with Aspergers or mild ASD; the slider could be fully up or fully down or sitting somewhere in the middle for any given attribute. Consider also that the traits are expressed differently from individual to individual to begin with, before you take into account severity. While one trait may be on full blast for one person, it may be turned right down for another. The combination of those 'settings' is what gives you the individual and his (or her) personality makeup. Secondly, that violence is not a characteristic. That is not to say that in conjunction with other factors, it might have contributed to where Adam Lanza's head was at when he committed those murders. However, you can say exactly the same for a great number of life's pressures on the mental state, and simultaneously strip any concept of personal responsibility and accountability for those killings if you start down that logical path. I think it was NNN who was saying that the difficulty reading and communicating emotions can cause a great deal of frustration and irritation (oh boy do I know this one first hand!); while it can provoke what would seem like spontaneous outbursts of intense emotion if pushed the wrong way, this is NOT an ingredient for premeditation. Thirdly, that neurotypical (ie. 'normal') people need to be educated on what Aspergers and related types of ASD really are. I have had the full range of reactions from 'psychology is a sham and yours is a made up sickness' (which was one of the most insulting things I've *ever* had said to me) right through to practically being treated like a cripple and offered sympathy. I much prefer the middle ground. At the end of this, we are still people. People that might be different and fit outside the mainstream but ... with the same capacity for emotion and intellect as any other group albeit with an alternate way of experiencing and perceiving the world This is a hugely complex subject! I'm not usually given to making forum posts at all, so it's a rarity for me to comment. On subject matter that is so close to my heart. though? I couldn't let it go by.

Thank you very much for your comments. It was an important issue to me that there was a balance in my writing for Hidden Sunlight and that it wasn't just a 'gay story.' I didn't want it to become formulaic or clichéd; I simply wanted it to be a story made up of action, adventure, mystery and .. romance. The romance was not to be overwhelmingly sexual and it also wasn't to dominate the other themes. So, it pleases me to find opinions like yours! Rest assured there is plenty left to come and I sincerely hope I will not disappoint!

Thank you Well this ending can fit into the category that doesn't contain cliffhangers, for once.

Ah yes, exactly what *everyone* is wondering right now: what is that .. 'thing'? He is surely not a sociable house guest and no friend of Lucere's human population. Hartley is what he is, and that's a very cunning powerful man with a fake-hero complex. Just what does he plan to do with the control node? That is anyone's guess

Thank you. Your comments are appreciated.

The detail is where the story is revealed, if you are a quick study and good at extrapolating. I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far.

That felt really good. The blunt end of the Tokarev impacting near Hartley's temple, cutting across his cheekbone, was hugely satisfying and my hand on the pistol longed to repeat it, to strike again and again until he lay dead on the floor of Bainbridge's mansion. Yet, I knew that he was a full grown adult and letting my desire win, to stay so close and personal, was immensely dangerous. It could easily backfire and end up with me paying the price instead. No stupidity, no unnecessary r

Bah! You guys suck! I'd like to participate in such a thing, but there's the small matter of the Pacific Ocean getting in the way of attendance. I've never been a social animal but I would make an exception for this

Well, for all those paying attention to this thread, I just recently realised that Mira was nominated by a couple of readers for best protagonist/hero in the 2012 GA Readers Choice awards. Truth be told, this has both surprised and amazed me, mostly because Shay is, of course, the main protagonist. Clearly my readers regard Mira as being equal in this role too, which is both fitting and delightful to me. Honestly, I am happy that he was mentioned on this list, never-mind actually winning anything. So, this is a roundabout way of saying: if you're a loyal reader and you love him too, make your voice heard. Send in a nomination and/or vote! The nominating process continues to January 27th according to the forum post. Presumably some time not long after this the actual voting will begin. It would be fantastic if he won the award, though if anyone is expecting him to make any kind of acceptance speech .. well, uh, don't hold your breath You can find the thread here: https://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/36229-2012-readers-choice-nominations/

well to be fair he learned about gun use the *previous* chapter, though the opportunity to pistol-whip someone was a first for him. Yeah, I know! Guilty as charged. Willingly guilty what's more

And my answer is the same as to Myr: Morgan's coercion is described more in the next chapter. As to the latter part: no and no.

Sergeant Morgan's interrogation will be explored some more in the coming text. And yes, once again .. I left it right *there*

For a teenage boy, it was apparent to me even back on Earth, that I was already in the minority when it came to my peers. The few friendships I had with other boys my own age had hardly been deep or meaningful to begin with, but an interest was awakened in others that I seemed to lack. Some were explicit; bluntly and crudely showing their intentions. Most were a bit more subtle and had some self-control. Regardless of how it was expressed, one thing was for certain: I didn't feel the same way.

The internet is full of those sorts of trolls. This one is clearly not much different, and honestly not even worth your time. Don't let the small stuff wear you down; you know damn well what you write is loved by the readers and is a source of happiness and inspiration for others. In my eyes, that can't possibly be a bad thing. So ignore him! And know that we <3 you lots. Much love! -Hamish-

Can't promise that I won't do *anything* like that again. You are most welcome

Manic Street Preachers .. gotta love em. Makes me think so much of my late teens. That strange era of 90s rock. Some truly odd and awesome music was produced. <3. Hope your season was truly as fulfilling as you described.

Thank you I trust you won't be disappointed with what comes next

Thank you! Mira is cherished, it seems. I admit, he holds a special place in my affections too! Next chapter is a way off yet but is in production now.

You have a good grasp of the plot's subtlety if you realised that fact *before* you read chapter 12. All things become clear! It is just a matter of discovering how I must apologise for taking so long to respond to your reviews! I appreciate your comments though. It seems I am prone to using cliffhangers, but I can't help it. Building tension can be used stylistically and as a plot director, if there is an intelligent reason for it!

Thank you! I am glad you are enjoying it. The 'sex' thing is something that has more-or-less been addressed in my mind, but there is a great deal to come before you will see the ultimate fruits of that labour.

Haha .. thank you! Hidden Sunlight is a bit different from any other fiction that I've written in that I have been organised in my approach towards writing it and will actually finish it, as a work. My other pieces have never received that kind of honour and are all half-done! The price of having an imagination that dreams and won't stay still, I suppose.