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comicfan

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  1. comicfan

    Writing again

    By comicfan,

    Shh. Don't tell anyone but I started to do that thing called writing again. I am doing multiple things at once so unsure how it is going.
     
    Chapter 16 of Jonas is with the editor and beta.
     
    Finishing three stories to be sent for possible publication.
     
    Working on the final chapter of Seeon. (Anyone even remember that one?)
     
    Have a new prompt piece I'll be putting up later.
     
    All of this and a terrible cold on top of it. Who knows, might actually finish another story then try to find the multichapter story a beta and editor. Wonders may never cease.
     
    Thanks for understanding and all the well wishes while my life sort of self destructed around me. Trying hard to get back to normal and finish things off.
  2. comicfan
    Unlike so many on here, I never really consider my work worth publishing. Face it, unlike so many others who have reached the hosted level, most of my work is in the field of short stories. Even among short stories I have a tendency to go for Fairy Tales.
     
    However I have watched so many authors I admire from here take the plunge one after the other. Andy, KC, Cia, Renee, Nephylim, and so many others have parlayed their work into longer pieces and sold them.
     
    I was considering gathering all the fairy tale works I have, plus adding a few new ones and seeing about shopping them around. Suggestions? Comments? Is this a fool's errand? Looking for honest opinions here, especially if you are familiar with my work.
     
    Thanks,
    Wayne
     
    PS - Years, and I do mean years ago I used to sell a few stories to magazines and such. Been forever and not sure how to even begin to go about this any more.
  3. comicfan
    I don't know about anyone else but this year can be over, and it isn't soon enough for me.
     
    Just to recap the worst highlights - Dad went into the hospital in October with massive blood loss. I was up every day for over two weeks before I went back to work and really needed a break from my break. Dad then went to rehab after three weeks in the hospital. He remembers ambulance rides to the hospital and to the rehab center but not the time spent there. HE will finally come home from rehab on New Years Eve Day just in time for the last day of the year.
     
    I have been through the mill with my health, suffering from a stomach virus, a cold that nearly put me in the hospital, being diagnosed as a diabetic, and now taking enough meds for high blood pressure and everything else that I could open my own pharmacy it feels like. Not fun.
     
    Add in Thanksgiving, my father's birthday, my birthday, and Christmas and you have a lot of lonely time. Thanksgiving had to be spent on my own because my job was opening and while my cousin invited me for dinner at 5 work began at 6. Thanksgiving was also my father's birthday so I planned to spend lunch with him. Of course the home ran late and after waiting three hours I had to go so my whole day consisted of a bologna sandwich and eggs which I had for breakfast. My birthday came and went and I did get a gift from a close friend a bit late. Which was in a way good cause that was all I had for Christmas. You would think with all the hours I have been working I would have lots of extra money. The truth is I seem to have less because I am now picking up more stuff and paying more of the bills that Dad took care of. I have Christmas gifts sitting here for three friends that I haven't got the money to send yet till Friday when pay day arrives.
     
    The nice thing is there are people who care. I got a surprise gift from a very sweet member here on the site that I never expected.
     
    I am not saying these things so people feel sorry for me. Just more of a, guess what, I survived and still hope everyone had a great time sort of thing.
     
    The end of this year saw Jonas disrupted again, almost for the exact same reason as last time. No I promise I haven't forgotten him, just put nearly my whole life on hold while I waited to see what was going to happen with my father. It was scary not knowing if he was going to survive, and then when he did what sort of condition would he be in. All I do is ask is be a little patient with me, things will get done, and keep a spare prayer for my father and I. I can use all the ones I can get.
     
    Here is hoping next year is a bit better for everyone.
     
    Thanks,
    Wayne
  4. comicfan

    Birthdays and Luck

    By comicfan,

    It's that time of the year again, yes, I mean my birthday. I don't know about the rest of the world, but as a kid, I use to look forward to my birthday and couldn't wait to get another year older. What the hell was I thinking?
     
    As the Earth makes another pass around the sun, the year continues to turn and the date of my birth arrives again. This year I turned 45. The age really means nothing to me. Okay, so I'm older, but nothing traumatic or anything.
     
    This morning, my usual luck held. I wanted to get up extra early to get my car in to be serviced, mainly because on the way home last night the temperature gauge on my car went right up to high. We evidently had a power outage. I woke up and found I had slept nearly an hour later than I wanted to. Raced through a shower and took my car in to find out I have a leak and that I nearly had no antifreeze left in the car. To say I am thrilled would be an understatement. This took them over two hours to figure out. It only took a hundred twenty bucks to fix. Joy.
     
    Came home to a call from my father, wishing me a happy birthday. That was immediately followed by a list of all the things he wanted done or for me to bring up to him. I figured I would do lunch with him at twelve. Well between the length of time getting the car done and the list of things he wanted I was finally ready to leave the house around two. Have I mentioned how little parking there is at the rehab center? Twenty minutes after I got there I finally got a spot.
     
    For a man who was on water for two weeks, and baby food for two more, my father has finally graduated to regular food again. He doesn't get to eat whatever he wants but is given two choices every day to pick from. I take him out for lunch, after jumping through every possible hoop to get him out, and we go to the diner. This place has everything you could possibly want to eat. What does he order? Not the prime ribs he loves. Not the pork chops stuffed with apples and stuffing. Nope. Finally able to get whatever he wants Dad orders a hamburger. Yes, I am overwhelmed by the fact he has a burger, eats a third of it and tells me he is stuffed.
     
    Oh well. I dropped him off and came home after stopping to buy myself a gift. I bought some shirts and figured I would eat at home. Made a salad, chicken cordon bleu, and had a glass of peach cranberry juice. At least my dinner was quiet.
     
    My final joy of the day, I misplaced my work schedule and haven't a clue what time I should be to work tomorrow. At least my luck hasn't changed.
  5. comicfan
    The holidays are upon us. Cards, gifts, shopping, and a whirlwind of activity are happening already and we aren't even at Thanksgiving.
     
    People are already in the mood. Some have smiles and are singing holiday songs. Others are taking this time to rip into employees who have no choice but to work these jobs to pay bills. Some are happy and others are miserable.
     
    This year I am facing things a bit differently. Dad will not be out of rehab for Thanksgiving. In fact on Tuesday I have a meeting with what seems like half the rehab center to discuss Dad and his future, when he might come home, and in what sort of shape.
     
    Of course, my father still feels like he is running the show, telling me he is due to come home Monday and he hopes I am ready for him. He acts like this was just a small blip and he can lie about why he is in there or what affect it is having on him and his body.
     
    I will get to spend a few hours of his birthday with him. His birthday this year is Thanksgiving. I also work for one of those wonderful companies who are open on Thanksgiving so Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I am working wild hours and hope to get some sort of sleep.
     
    Add to the joy of this I have a cold that I think is mostly brought on by exhaustion and yeah not really in a holiday mood.
     
    However, this doesn't mean I am ignoring things. Just don't know if I will get out cards in time, never mind any sort of gifts. This year has me straining and feeling off. So while I wish everyone the best, if I am not acting like I normally do, you know why.
  6. comicfan

    Say a little prayer

    By comicfan,

    Real life has become a bit hard. My father is in the hospital and things are rough. Don't want to go into detail. Just asking if you can spare a prayer or two for him and I it would be greatly appreciated.
  7. comicfan
    i like to think I am like most people. i am a social animal, someone who likes to talk, read, observe life. I try not to force my opinions on others, like to hear the good and the bad, the good to feel better, the bad so it is shared and made a little easier.
     
    From Facebook and real life I see enough anger and lashing out at others. I try never to do that. You'll find I post a lot of Peanuts, Garfield, and recipes. I make Happy Birthday comments, congrats on the good news, and offer condolences on the sad news. In real life I send birthday cards, Christmas cards, Halloween Cards, Easter Cards, Thanksgiving cards, and cards just to cheer people up.
     
    I think people forget, you don't have to tear others down to make yourself feel better. Sometimes just listening or saying hello can do wonders. A smile is free to give, and doesn't seeing a smiling face make you feel better than seeing someone yell and scream?
     
    With this month seeing breast cancer and bullying highlighted I just want people to take a moment to remember to be kinder, not only to others but to themselves. Every day you get out of bed and you have a choice to be happy or miserable. You might not have control over what others say or do, but you have control whether you want to repeat the gossip, add to someone else's misery or troubles, or try to just help someone even if it is just by opening the door for someone. Sometimes that small gesture helps not only them but you.
     
    Okay like I said just a few observations. Hope everyone is doing okay. Thanks for reading this.
  8. comicfan

    Just an update

    By comicfan,

    Sorry but lately it seems I do a lot of apologizing and explaining, if not just ranting and raving. Such is my life lately.
     
    Just wanted to note a few things before everyone wonders what is going on.
     
    First up is Jonas. No I haven't forgotten him. I am still writing, although I don't think I have ever thrown out so many copies of a chapter never being quite content with what I have written. For something I had hoped to have finished by now I am getting really picky about how it is going. I am still going on and both my beta and editor ask about it.
     
    Second my beta work. I do apologize to both people I have been beta working for. I will explain part of my lack of progress on your work and my own in a moment.
     
    Third my health. Okay here is the deal. I have been really tired lately and not sure why. I went for my yearly physical last week and suddenly I seemed to find a new specialty doctor to see and have half the pills I am on changed. Seems my blood pressure is through the roof. I have had to wear a heart monitor and gone for a stress test. All the results aren't back but you can bet my nerves are shot. I have blood work and more tests scheduled so my ability to focus is way off.
     
    Finally is my job. I have reached the end of my rope there. I have been applying for work in dozens of places. I hit the cap that my job has for my job role and haven't seen a raise in three years. I have gone for more interviews for jobs all over that ended with the interviewer telling me I was great, but I am over qualified for the job. Over qualified? The job pays more than I am making and I am willing to take it. Who cares about over qualified. To make matters worse I have applied for a job in my own store and told I didn't have enough knowledge for a job I used to hold before I had to move down to Long Island to help look after my father. The job went to someone who has never done the job before. To make it clear I need a new job my review was done and I was basically told while I know the job cold, do good work, I need more time in it and I am capped so no raise for year four. I'm worn out and looks like things just aren't getting any easier. To add insult to injury I found out after I didn't get my raise I will be training a new hire who used to be my student from when I was teaching. Yes, fate is having fun laughing and smacking me around lately.
     
    So just forgive me if things are taking five times or longer to get anything accomplished.
  9. comicfan
    Life never goes as planned. I've learned that lesson a few times the hard way. This is just basically a note to say I'm here, I'm alive, I'm doing the best I can, and yeah I still have a ways to go.
     
    I've had a rather interesting year so far. I've learned things about myself I don't like, and done things I could to change. I know I am a work in progress and probably will be til I die.
     
    Sometimes lately I just keep quiet. It is how I handle things. I am being sent back to have new testing done on my back. I am trying to get other areas of my life together.
     
    I've been none to gently reminded lately that I am still over weight, in debt, and working a dead end job. I am somewhere between the worst son ever born and the reincarnation of the devil, depending on who you talk to. I've been told I am a beautiful soul, a kind man, and an idiot. If I listen to others I am not sure if I should be living as a monk alone on a high mountaintop so no one can see me or if I should be working on the corner as some cheap hustler. Truthfully neither is appealing so I guess I am still going my own way.
     
    I am worn out and need a break from work, but too broke to go anywhere. What I really need I can't get, and that seems to apply to a few areas of my life, but it doesn't mean I have given up on my dreams.
     
    Human beings are complicated. I should know, I am one. However people need to remember the small things. A smile can change someone's whole day. A "thank you" can turn someone's mood around. The word "sorry" should not be hard to say, especially if you mean it. Taking your problem out on someone else might make you feel better, but now look at the person you just beat up. Was it worth it? Be mindful of your surroundings. Opening a door for someone whose hands are full is an act of kindness anyone can do. Lending some change to the poor woman buying baby food might not break you, but might just help her out immensely. Look at the rules before you break them, because they are there for a reason. Remember that the person on the other side of the return desk is a human being too. That is their job, and try not to make it any harder than it is. If you don't want to deal with them, feel free to ask for their manager. Remember they don't make the rules they only have to enforce them. Don't keep putting off calling your friends or family. You never know when someone's time is up. The words "I love you" are something everyone likes to hear, just don't let it become something you say without meaning it. Sometimes that note from your friend that says hi, means don't forget me, I still care about you.
     
    So that is my rant of the moment. Still here, still kicking, still trying to do right. I wish you all a good night.
  10. comicfan

    Some Apologies

    By comicfan,

    I have to apologize to a few people. I am sorry this week has been a total disaster and I haven't been able to keep up as I should.
     
    Monday - I really wasn't out to let people know, but my father was in the hospital for tests. There was a concern about some growths found which biopsies had to be done. Good news is that it wasn't cancer, but it was a nerve wracking few days.
     
    Tuesday - I came home from work to find a letter from the insurance agency saying that my back should have been covered from the beginning by workman's compensation. They are refusing to pay the last few months of therapy and I have to find out where this is all going and what bills I may now be stuck with. I love my life.
     
    Thursday - I got a warning at work that I was under performing because I hadn't had any credit card applications this month. If it wasn't "corrected" soon I might be written up or moved to part time.
     
    Friday - I spent the whole day running around trying to get things settled with my father, got his results back, did Weight Watchers, food shopping, laundry, and pretended that everything has been fine.
     
    Saturday - I had a seven am store meeting. Finished and came home in time to see on Facebook that one of three men I had once hoped to marry, was getting married to a woman today so he could have children. I got to see pictures of him in tux getting ready for his wedding as they were posted on a mutual friend's page. I then got to go back to work early because the woman who was working wasn't feeling well, so worked a nine and a half hour shift and came home. Yes, then to celebrate this week I get to look at tomorrow where my brother has his birthday and someone else I had once hoped to marry is also getting married. Yes, two exs in one weekend marry.
     
    So this week has been a roller coaster. Not exactly sleeping and can't focus on much at the moment. I know I am behind on beta projects, chapters of Jonas, and well life in general. I am sorry. Just been a sort of bad month and horrible week. I hope to try to get back on track soon. Sorry for being behind.
  11. comicfan

    Cleaning up

    By comicfan,

    I am a hoarder. There, I said it. I hoard memories. I keep things long after I should. Today, I started cleaning out.
     
    I was on my hotmail account and there I still had emails from exs, including one who decided to break up after two years via email rather than face to face or even on the phone. I kept his final message and all the rest. I am past the point of caring about it. I opened it and laughed that I still had it. Amazing what nearly twelve years will do to your point of view. What I once considered crushing is now something I just shake my head at and dump.
     
    I dumped folder after folder of emails from people who promised to keep in touch and nothing. I have emails I sent asking if they were okay and no answer. Yet I still kept all our correspondence. The time had come for a major purging.
     
    I think we all reach a point in our life where we have to look at the things we are keeping and have to ask ourselves why? Is this person enriching my life or sucking my soul dry? Do I keep these objects because I want to or because I am afraid someone else might ask if I still have it?
     
    So besides cleaning out the house I am trying to clean up my life. Here is hoping to streamlining and making things a bit easier as I continue this thing called life. Have a good day everyone.
  12. comicfan

    Facing Facts

    By comicfan,

    It is time of goodbyes. I seem to have a lot of them coming my way. Some are way more painful than others. Some seem to hurt only me. Here is hoping I don't have to say goodbye to them all.
  13. comicfan

    Changes

    By comicfan,

    Life, if nothing else, is one of constant changes. The older I get, the more I seem to realize just how much and often those changes come to you. I think I have finally realized you just can't set boundaries and all, because the moment you do life sends changes your way.
     
    I went away for a wedding last week. It was for a friend who I look upon almost as a daughter. I have never seen so many things go wrong for one wedding. All I can say is for the invited guests, who knew nothing but the event itself, it looked beautiful. Behind the scenes there was so much fighting, issues, and all I can't believe it. People who I've known for over eight years acted in ways I've never would have suspected. Perhaps the worst news of all came after I had gotten back home, the bride and groom had been robbed. Yes, someone stole envelopes that had cash and checks in it. The bride had jewelry stolen from her, including the blue topaz I had given her to wear. She is pissed beyond belief and has filled out a police report. Seems you can't trust anyone lately.
     
    Then I came home to another change. Seems my father finally got to see his doctor about his cold. His cold was allergies. The end result of this was I arrived home and was handed a list. The list consists of everything he wants cleaned, and cleaned out. Yes, he says the place is too dusty and he is allergic to dust mites. He has decided that he wants to put the house up for sale so he and the dog can move into a smaller apartment. He hopes to have me finish cleaning out the house by the end of the month so he can put the house up for sale. Yes, I wasn't included in his move. I have no idea where I am going.
     
    Life, sometimes you can do nothing more but shake your head and go with it.
  14. comicfan
    A wedding. What could be better?
     
    Personally my life isn't going too swell, but I am determined to keep problems at bay till after Saturday. Saturday is the wedding of my best friend, my daughter, the one person I've counted on when my own world fell apart. From Wednesday on I will do whatever I can, move mountains, bury bodies, hide problems to make sure her wedding comes off without any more stress piling on her.
     
    I have yet to be to the "perfect wedding". I've been to the ones where the bride is carried into the church in a garbage bag because it is raining so hard that five inches of rain an hour have happened, her makeup is running down her face, and her hair now looks like a rats nest. I've been to the one where groom thinks the bride chickened out and has gotten so plastered that now that the bride has arrived, her limo broke down and it took an hour to get a new one out to her, the groom can barely stand. I've seen the groom not show up, or show up late with lipstick in places it shouldn't be and not from the bride to be either. Seen two grooms get into a fight over their vows in front of both their families and friends, where one hits the other one so hard the wedding ends with a trip to the hospital. You can bet your butt I am going to be doing my damnedest to make sure none of these wonderful events occur at HER wedding.
     
    From wedding dress issues (her dress won't even be ready for the final fitting till Wednesday), to bridal party issues (her female best friend wants to drop out because it is too expensive and told her today), to anything else that might blow up, I will be doing my best to help her out. I head up to be at her side from Wednesday to her wedding day on Saturday. Wish me luck.
  15. comicfan
    Okay, lets forget the multiple titles and things I seem to have collected while I am a member here at GA. When it all is stripped away I am two things - a reader and a writer.
     
    When I first came to GA I came here as a reader. Off site, I was an English major so I read a lot of books. I read for school. I read for pleasure. However, any way you look at it I read. When I came here I did just that, I read the stories that appealed to me. If I enjoyed a story I left a comment. If I didn't, like any book I might not enjoy, i simply stopped reading and that was that.
     
    I believe in order to write, you need to read.
     
    However there are a few things I have noticed and being the big mouth that I am, I am going to comment on them and let people draw their own conclusions.
     
    When you write you create a world. You breathe life into characters and let them come to life for your reader. It is what a writer does, create worlds.
     
    There are different type of worlds and these worlds will need either little or major work so a reader can understand it. There are those set in the real world. Where the characters could literally be your next door neighbor. The world the writer has to create isn't so hard because the characters live in the everyday world. The reader knows stop lights, gravity, and basic laws so the focus is more on the characters and their relationships.
     
    Then there are the worlds where characters almost live in the normal world but they are the step beyond. Think superheroes or elves. Here these beings have powers, but are living in the normal world. Their powers have to be explained early on and kept consistent. You can not begin with someone as powerful as Superman, then increase his power tenfold adding a magic ring, power over the dead, the ability to control sea-life, and then giving him a sidekick who can with a glance force anyone they see to do what they want. One you have stretched the ability of the reader to the breaking point and two who on earth do you come up with as a possible foe? The elf can't go running around with a gun, because an elf can't hold cold steel.
     
    When you decide to deal with the major pre-created creatures of the night, before you put your spin on them you need to make sure you know the history of the characters. Werewolves, Vampires, Mummies, Zombies, and Elves all have a well traveled history. While every writer now wants to make their mark on these, they need to know the history before they make changes and they better be able to state why their creation isn't part of the norm. If your Vampire twinkles in the light like Edward of Twilight fame, then you better be able to say why he didn't explode and die in the sunlight. If your Zombie isn't shambling along at the speed of snail but running at Olympic levels after the main character, there better be a good reason for it or the reader is going to stop reading. If your elf is sitting in the middle of a iron office typing on a computer and making cell phone calls, well you get the idea.
     
    Other writers will create whole new worlds for their stories. Here new rules, lessons, and creatures exist. Some of the old might be applied but not all. Here witches can change men to kittens, Warlocks summon demons from the depths of a hell, and Gods walk among the men and women granting gifts that are going to go horribly wrong. The laws reasons for all are carefully explained and once explained the reader will follow willingly. The main thing is to make sure that the rules are explained and then not changed.
     
    Once the world is created and the reader has committed the writer has one last promise to keep - to make it to the end without changing the world. Nothing will tick a reader off more than accepting the world, falling in love with the character, only to find the author has written them self into a corner and changes the world to end the story. Suddenly the hero who has managed to fight everyone with his sword is surrounded and about to be swamped when his sword magically turns into a gun and kills all the bad guys. The reader stops, rereads this and is confused and angry. There have been no guns, and he has managed to climb walls, jump onto horses, or find a trap door every other time but now his sword becomes a gun? In plain English, the writer wrote them self into a corner and this was their way out of it. Only now the reader feels cheated because of the emotional investment and seeing what they felt was a great story suddenly fail. (Think of the television shows you loved that went on too long and the writers ran out of ideas. Like in Happy Days when Fonzie jumps the shark.)
     
    World building is an art and is an important part of writing. Readers know this from the stories they have read. Authors need to remember this as they write. Just my two cents and I hope it helps.
  16. comicfan
    I was gone for most of the weekend, having taken the three plus hour drive up to see one of my best friends. I'll forewarn anyone reading this that I am going to ramble a bit. My best friend is twenty four and could literally be my daughter. She is young enough, but she is a sweetheart. I've known her since she was nearly eighteen and seen her grow up. We operate almost on a father/daughter level. I was there when her grandmother died, her father walked out of her life, and done all I could to help her and by extension her family. When my mother died she dropped everything to help me hold it together and help my family. To say we are close is understatement.
     
    Her wedding is the end of next month. I am so excited for her. I know she has loved her birthday gift, (it was London blue topaz pendent so she would have something blue for her wedding day). She has tried to brow beat me into telling her the price of the service set I bought her for the wedding day that has her name and the groom's, as well as the wedding date on it.
     
    We talked, cried, and spent a lot of time just playing catch up like two old friends. She wants me to take time off this fall and go with her and soon to be husband on their first trip as a married couple. Actually she wants her closest friends to go down to Disney/Harry Potter this fall for the Not So Scary Halloween at Disney and then go over to Universal for Harry Potter in October.
     
    I'm also processing the details that two men I had once fallen for are getting married themselves in July. In fact one day apart from each other. One I know would never in a million years have worked and even now, he is marrying a woman and keeping another man on the side. The other is marrying and all I can do is wish him well, as he marries the man that finally got him to say "yes" to a wedding.
     
    Then I came home last night to also find out that someone who I kept trying to keep the lines of communication open with is no more. A woman who at one time acted as my rock, but dropped me when her bf said she was spending too much time talking with me and not him. For three years I've tried to reconnect only to be rebuffed or ignored. I didn't know she had been diagnosed with cancer. I hadn't been told how sick she was. It was only when her brother left a message on my phone last night asking why I hadn't shown up for her funeral that I found anything out at all. It seems the man she loved walked out on her a month after she was diagnosed and she didn't want her old friends to know how stupid she had been. So instead of allowing us back in and mending the bridges and being there for her, her final days were spent alone with her immediate family. All of which thought her old friends were the worst people in the world for not coming to see her. I'm sick thinking what could have been, what help I could have given, but all I can do is remember the times we shared and forgive her for not having faith in me or her other friends.
     
    So my life has been a bit of a roller coaster ride the last few days. I know it will be that way for a month or more. Sorry if things are a bit slow getting out. Just going to have to be patient with me.
  17. comicfan
    Happy Easter everyone.
     
    My day has been a bit odd.
     
    Originally was planning on having a ham for Easter. Had dug through the recipes and found my mother's recipe for her sweet gravy for ham. Dad had gone out on Thursday to get the ham. When he came home it was with a turkey breast. Guess what I made today?
     
    I went and dug out all my needed seasonings and spices for the stuffing to go with the turkey only to find i had no Thyme. Finding an open store was an adventure but as I finally pulled up at home my father called to tell me he had found the Thyme. Evidently he had moved it from its normal spot on the spice rack and put away in another cabinet. Oh well.
     
    I've got a turkey in the oven, stuffing made, and deviled eggs chilled. (My deviled eggs are made with bacon. So good, even if I do say so myself.) I have cranberry sauce in the fridge and am debating making up my mother's dill weed dip for snacking later.
     
    So while not everything goes as you might have hoped, you do eventually find things to focus on and move on.
     
    Enjoy everyone.
  18. comicfan
    March is a rough month. That sounds odd I know, but I will explain.
     
    Growing up the month of March was something my family knew would be busy and fun. March held two big events for my family - my mother's birthday and my parent's anniversary. These things were something that my family knew would start and finish major events.
     
    Today is March 10th and my mother would have been 74 today. My father and I have sort of avoided talking about it because neither of us wants to break down again. It is amazing how you become use to someone just being there day in and out, until they aren't. Time passes, it eases a bit, but certain days or events will drive it home again. I think a part of the problem is I am alone so I can't confide and turn to my own partner to share things with. I am the rock others turn to.
     
    Their anniversary is in a few days. In between I know we will take a trip out to the national cemetery to lay flowers on her grave. Their time to celebrate always ended with St. Patrick's Day. It is usually why I am quick to send all my friends cards for that. Unfortunately this year I have had a hard time just keeping up period when it comes to events.
     
    I have been focused on my writing and trying to keep myself from saying or doing things wrong. Seems I have upset some people, but didn't realize it. So just taking some time to myself and sorry if I am being a bit standoffish. Just dealing with things the best I can. Even as I write this I have someone asking that I help them with something they are going through, and I find I can't tell them no. Eventually, I will have to find someone I can lean on, or else I am going to fall apart one day and doubt the pieces will be put back together.
  19. comicfan
    I've been with GA for a few years now. When I first joined I would have killed to have immediately found a good beta and editor. Over time, for most things I found myself settling down and working with the same two or three incredible people over and over again. It was comfortable, and I knew I could rely on their honest opinions of my work.
     
    Flash forward to recently. While there are some damn fine editors working on site the Betas seem to have vanished.
     
    What is a Beta? Glad you asked.
     
    A beta reader is not an editor. A beta reader is just that, a second reader of a story. They look for things that an author missed or screwed up. I'm not talking spelling or punctuation primarily. A beta is the one who catches when an author changes a character's name by mistake, hasn't given the reader enough information to follow a part of a story, or will point out where an author might have gone over board with the details and is bogging his or her story down making a reader lose interest in what was happening. They help you fill in when you are lacking and cut when you went overboard.
     
    They help by asking questions while they read over the work. What did you mean here, because I didn't understand? Where did character A go, because you never mentioned them again? Would love to know what Character B does for a living. You told us a few times he goes to work but as what? Be aware you started this story from Kelly's pov but for the last chapter you switched to Dan's pov and it is the only time you have done that in twenty two chapters.
     
    Yes, a beta reader looks for the mistakes, points out where you did well, and helps an author to craft a story worthy of putting before a reader. A good beta is worth their weight in gold.
     
    Why am I explaining all this? I will be honest. I am a selfish son of a bitch who has gone looking for a beta since my usual betas have personal issues and are/continue to be unavailable. Therefore I went to the site's Gay Author's Writing Community and asked for a beta. Unfortunately, a once rich source seems to have dried up. Do you enjoy reading? Can you be honest without being offensive? Can you work well with temperamental people? Then go talk to Louis and Jo Ann. There are authors who could use your assistance.
     
    Thank you
  20. comicfan

    Writing? Well a bit

    By comicfan,

    My life in the past two years has been sort of a roller coaster ride. One moment there is a clear road ahead, the next there are so many problems I think dynamite couldn't solve it.
     
    Anyway things have slowed down in the issue department, at least momentarily. I presently have one story that I began to post, Last Christmas. I also have managed to do a prompt a week so far this year and am grateful that something is getting out.
     
    Tonight I finished a story that I have had off and on since October, called Mrs. Benson. I am hoping to find a team for that, which would allow me to post that story once Last Christmas is done. I am also nearly done with the Spring Anthology story and Bill W and Louis have already agreed to do the beta and edit on it.
     
    Then I finally am getting back to Seeon. I have been overhauling the story for the last year. It is one of those tales that went up, I got good press on, then was told it was similar to someone else's work, so I took it down. I don't like comparisons that way so went in and added, and been revising the whole thing. Hopefully when I go to put up the new one it will something people can still enjoy, but will no longer be told it is like someone else's work.
     
    Ah, then there is my other stubborn child, Jonas. That little son of gun just refuses to let me finish him, but going to give it another try.
     
    Just wanted people to know that while I might have been just getting out Anthologies, it doesn't mean I haven't been trying to write, even if life was getting in the way. Hopefully this year there will be enough new stuff to get those who still follow me excited. Thanks for understanding.
     
    Wayne
  21. comicfan

    Endings

    By comicfan,

    Here we are barely a week into the new year and already dealing with issues. A close friend of the family lost his father. He'd gone into the hospital for discs in his back that were disintegrating. When the hospital operated they found cancer in his spinal cord. He went from an expected hospital stay of two weeks and then rehab to just over two weeks and him passing away on Sunday. He was buried today.
     
    Also seems I can do no right in other areas of my life. Seriously considering just backing out of a few projects and other things I have been taking care of. Might just make things easier for others. Not sure.
     
    Packages are getting out slowly. Oh well. So is life.
  22. comicfan

    Writing Prompts #292 & #293

    By comicfan,


    Prompts
    Another Friday is here and you all know what that means - yes, new prompts.
     
    Prompt 292 – Creative
    Tag – The Horoscope
    You never put any trust in the horoscopes, but today when you got to work your co-worker walked over and nearly shoved the paper in your face asking you to read it. When you looked up your horoscope it was as if someone had filmed your morning so far and what you read for your afternoon completely floored you. What was your horoscope and did it come true?
     
    Prompt 293 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following in a story – museum, newspaper, crown, torn pants, and a cookie.
     
    Last week I had one person say they were going to do a story, but there was only one response. So, I am using it.
     

    Yup, I choose my own work. I took a page out of Joann's writing, but didn't make KC the poor man taking the blame. Hopefully next week someone else will write up a story so I have something else to pick on.
     
    So till next time, remember to read, write, and review. Enjoy.
     
    - Wayne
  23. comicfan

    Writing Prompts #290 & #291

    By comicfan,


    Prompts
    Well here we are at the first Friday of the New Year. I hope everyone had fun. As we start the new year I have had people approach me asking about new ideas for the prompts. Considering it isn't the first time I have been approached about this topic, I figured we would give it a try. So, here are your first prompts for 2014
     
    Prompt 290 - Creative
    Tag - Photo
     
    Use the following image to create a story.

     
    Prompt 291 – Creative
    Tag - First Line
    “Oh crap! Here we go again.”
     
    Last week in preparation for the New Year there were two prompts to inspire such writings. Joann took the bull by the horns and once again created something that has to be read to be enjoyed.

    Of course there is more to her tale, I mean anyone who has read a story by Joann knows she isn't done till she has tormented KC. To read the rest go here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/38159-prompt-289-creative/#entry447209 

    So that is it ladies and gentlemen. Hopefully your New Year will continue to go well. I hope everyone will read, write, and review. Till next time stay safe and enjoy.
     
    - Wayne
     
    In addition to the regular Prompt Me blog post, we have posted a second blog post today. Please check out our Hosted Author Background blog post! Thanks!! ~Renee
  24. comicfan

    Writing Prompts #288 & #289

    By comicfan,


    Prompts
    It is that time again, prompt time. Hope everyone has been enjoying their holidays. Now on to the prompts.
     
    Prompt 288 – Creative
    Tag – New Year
    You made a new resolution for yourself this year. Unfortunately on the first day of the New Year problems immediately arose. What was your resolution?
     
    Prompt 289 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story – Champagne, party, dress shirt, pot hole, and a deer.
     
    Last week I asked in a prompt to look at what could happen for Christmas. Joann decided to give us one of her special stories.

    Like it? Wanna know what else she wrote? Of course you do. So go look here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/38117-prompt-287-creative/#entry446059 

    The other prompt was done as well and can be found here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/38116-prompt-286-creative/
     
    So I hope you all read, write, and review. Have a Happy New Year and be safe. Till next time.
     
    - Wayne
  25. comicfan

    Duck Dynasty

    By comicfan,

    Okay, even living under a rock like I do I have heard of the show. Not the type of thing I sit down to watch, but then I barely watch much of anything on television lately.The show itself is centered around a family that was making nearly a million a year off their business.
     
    Now the father and founder of the group has gone on to have his say on what he feels about gays. That is his opinion, and I feel it is his right to have his say about how he feels. Whether right or wrong he is protected under the constitution. The outrage people are having over A&E dropping him from the show seems to be the issue. When you are the face of not only your own private company, but the face of a show on a network (don't care which one you want to look at) your opinion no longer is just yours but that of everything you represent - that includes your family, your company, the television show, and the channel that show is on. People no longer see just a person but the show and the network. A&E stepped in and attempted to prevent damage to both the network and the show. Say what you want but that family is making millions more from products and things due to the TV show Duck Dynasty then they did from just their ducks. Notice we don't hear his family saying they quit the show, or saying much of anything at all. However, everyone from the Tea Party to Mrs. Nobody has been all over Facebook and the news screaming at how his civil rights were trampled by A&E. At no time do you hear people screaming that this man might have destroyed a television series or done damage to the reputation of A&E which he is a face of.
     
    This is not the first time a person has spouted their beliefs to see it backfire and cost them something. Remember Charlie Sheen? Can anyone remember Miss California and her anti gay comments? What about Howard Stern being tossed off the air and going to satellite radio? I mean the lists for stupidity and what it has cost some people goes on and on. The fact is, people are human. The problem is these people represented more than just themselves, even if they refused to admit it.
     
    Freedom of speech is allowed, but just remember if you use it that you don't go spouting something that will disgrace you and the company you represent. That could end up costing you your job.
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