AnytaSunday

Thanks for posting. I think Mickey might have been a little insensitive to begin with, but Tad took it too much to heart. Such a shame they couldn't talk it through better. I guess neither of them were in fact ready for a large committment if they didn't have the communication down. I like to think their meeting again is a second chance--and I wish them all the best. I enjoyed the story. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing this story I have to disagree with Dannsar on the staccato point--I quite liked the short scenes pieced together--especially in a short story--to get to the point. Like quick brush strokes that show different perspectives. Nice.

I love this story, Andy--and it looks just as good up here! I saw this comment above: "I love and hate Fantasy writing, on the one hand you get to 'change' things - i.e. being gay is 'whatever' in this world, for the most part, on the other hand, you have to develop and stick to the underpinnings of the world. Fun, but tedious and tough sometimes." Wow, how true is that! Fantasy is the most rewarding and frustrating genre ever. You want it to be complex and fantastical and unique, and yet keeping it real, keeping all the rules square etc is so important and haaard. Having read a few of your Fantasy works, I think you're especially skilled with the dealings of the latter (keeping it real and alive)--you've definitely a gift here. Keep it up. Thanks for sharing, Anyta

This is great, LOL. Cool. Thanks for posting. Now to wrangle the family into a sing-a-long evening.

Thank you, Conner, I enjoyed writing this. And it's true about the secrets we keep.

Always a pleasure to hear from you, me dear. Thanks.

A Tree Like This Three o'clock. My hands are stained with the smell of dirt and potatoes, and sunlight filters through the large oak out front, wall-papering the kitchen with penny-sized sun drops and swaying shadows. The shadows layer one over the other and seem to seep through my holey t-shirt to my chest, cold, adding to the weight already there. In the corner of the room behind me, Grandpa's pen scratches over his crossword, his rocking chair squeaking every time he guesses a word and h

A boy. A mother. A grandfather. And a tree of secrets.

Well hello you. I thought I'd pop in here to leave you a raving 5 star review for your piece: The Trial of Jordan Colmar. I loved reading this story from Martin's point of view (for the most part), being immersed in this legal setting you've crafted gave even more life (realism) to your story. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Martin and Dan too--I found how they worked together particularly interesting. Of course the main plot line is the trial itself, but developing your characters made things feel real. I read somewhere here that you saw a lot of red pen. Well, I know certainly by the last few chapters, I struggled to use the damn pen at all. (and you know how much I love that red pen) LOL. Anyway, thanks for sharing this novella with us. I'm looking forward to reading future stories from you. And I really do hope you write a novel sometime that includes your legalese and knowledge with more fascinating characters.

I agree with the restaurant and movie theatre. Not the plane. Takes around 30hours to get to NZ for us. No other option to get there other than the plane. You get stuck with who you get stuck with. I do NOT make issue when a person next to me snores like crazy. When my kid acts up, I talk to him, we feed him, we entertain him as best we can. The fact is, no matter how much jiggling the kid might not be quiet. Yeah, sure you can try walking down the aisles, until the air hostess needs you to move. Nah, sorry Andy, but here I think it's LUCK. And with that comes acceptance. So, yeah, I do believe other people need to be more understanding in this situation. I say this as a mum who was lucky to have an awesome kid traveller, BUT was close to other parents with this problem.

Meh, this topic on the kids behaving in public bothers me a little bit. Sure the parents have a responsibility to talk to the child, etc, BUT I also sincerely feel that the public needs to suck a little up too. Children and their antics--to an extent--are part of life. Grow a bit of PATIENCE people. I will teach my child to be respectful of others, and to be understanding. I'd love it if it worked both ways. Noise happens.

hehehe, yeah, good chappy. I had a WHAT??? response in my mail after first reading this, got me worked up that's for sure. Now I'll just have to wait. Thanks, John!

What're you on, mate? Ohhh, British, Scottish, Irish--shiver me timbers!

Felt it in Pittsburgh-- Boy, I wouldn't want to have anything centred closer to us--not living in this match-stick apartment. It feels like an earthquake when the neighbors just walk above us. This place would crumple like a used-serviette in the real thing. But all these natural phenomena is certainly interesting. This summer has been filled with wow-awing-freaky thunderstorms too. In fact, just last week, five minutes up the road from us, four people died in a flash flood that came with a sudden storm. It reminds me just how much respect we should have for nature.

LOL! Yeah, I really dislike it when there's a metaphor for cock every second sentence. His steel rod, or his rocket was about to explode--I mean, really. That's in hetero stuff too, along with heaving bosom, etc--bleck.

Met one of my best friends here. One of the biggest and best things of my life. Thank you. Enough said.

Ohhhh, Happy Birthday!!!!!! Have a wonderful, wonderful day.

In regards to the link Dark posted on sex -- Chapter 2 at the latest? Say what??? No, the longer sex is held off and the more the characters sexual tension is exploited(and they are developed as characters), the better, imho. Sometimes, even in a romance, a simple kiss can hold so much more passion than sex, and sometimes sex does top-off a story. But, you have to think about YOUR story--if it's not necessary to the story--i.e- if it doesn't add anything emotionally/or plot wise--just forgetaboutit. That being said, as I reader I go through different moods too. That's why different genres exist and why that's a good thing! If I want to read something hot, I'll read erotica -- but I don't expect, nor wish, erotica to be in every other story I read. haha, of course, I have to admit, I do like a romantic story line/thread (even if a small one) in all the stories I read.

Ohhh yeah, I agree with Sat8997 too. Would add that I'd keep the curtains open during the day and closed only at night, so the kid learns the day/night rhythm. I.e. up during day, sleep at night (save midday nap).

Two mums in the house, eh! That's either gonna be the best thing, or... LOL--it'll be great. Gosh, I can't believe it's just so close to happening now, it's been a privilege that you've shared this baby journey with us -- it always has me smiling thinking about you having a kid --you'll be wonderful parents, the best, I just know it. As for visiting the Burgh -- (and any other happy face there is!!! Lookin' forward to it!) P.S. your boss sucks, LOL. Your request sounded perfectly reasonable!

State of mind. My granddad makes me look old. That's all I'm saying.

Oh yeah, a guy in a kilt is really hot! Hmmm, my hubs would look good in one... Hope wedding dress decisions are all coming along!

Yeah, I second that welcome, Tejun! Hope you find everything you are looking for here.

LOL, I AM fond of a happy ending . As for the longer pieces being my best, hmmm, guess you'll have to make your own mind up about that, lol. I like all of them, but yeah, I prefer writing a novel to a short story. Thanks so much for reading!

hehe, thanks!