comicfan

Just be grateful everyone is working.

“How did you get into my room?” Max stood looking down at the calico cat that had claimed the center of his bed as her own. “Meeoiw,” the cat rolled over and stared at Max a moment. Then she stood, stretched, walked up to the pillows and lay down again. “Well, gee, thanks for the answer, Queeny.” The cat simply closed her eyes and ignored Max. He sat on the edge of the bed and took off his shoes. He only wore shoes when he left the farm. His feet hurt after hours of walking around with Chris

um, not in this lifetime. brr

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

Well there is only one chapter left Billy. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.

I promise some hot soup, good steak, and a nice cheesecake for dessert. Would rather coffee or tea, Kitt?

Sly, I am inviting you to dance in my yard when you finish in Kitt's. The snow has been messy and constant this year. I would willingly ship some of the snow storms back West so California wasn't having such a dry spell. What is going to be bad is the melt this year. I can bet parts of the country are going to be really soaked as all that snow melts and heads out of the mountains and into streams and rivers.

You are more than welcome Cia. I really loved the story and I hope that people take the time to explore your little jewel.

So a sexy vampire, a cute dog, a horny night of incredible sex. We learn a lot in this chapter. I feel bad for Mike. His family treats him like trash but at leas he has Alley and her family to fall back on. I love Bob. I don't know why but his name just strikes me as funny and then of course there is Adam. Can't wait for the rest.

I like it. You give us a clear sense of the place and characters. I think we have all had the experience of dealing with a teacher or boss who just won't let us be. Can't wait to see where you take this.

Another vote for an elf. Hmm. Well, you will know the answer shortly.

Interesting take on the prompt Andy. Loring might be the virgin birth and all, but he is a great departure from the Village of the Damned. Here there is only one child and the others aren't afraid of him. I hope you decide to expand this. Wonder what else is going on here.

Just so you know, all women have balls. I lie to you not. Two as a matter of fact. They are called the balls of their feet. Otherwise good luck with your writing.

Sounds like you have a lot of plans for yourself and are already off to a good start. Wish you luck.

Humans are creatures of sight, and rarely mind. As they say you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. I've said this before and will again, it is hard enough figuring out where you are on the straight, bi, gay scale. Having to deal with the fact that you were born in the wrong body adds another whole level that people can't always get over. I know someone who has transitioned and I know as Tammy. For me, it might be easier because she has always been Tammy to me, but there are people who knew Anthony before he began to make her outside and inside match. She still deals with people calling her him. Life is a learning experience. All you can do is be patient. Hopefully, the worst you will deal with is someone trying to be well meaning and not outright disgust and no understanding. I wish you all the best.

An elf seems to be the popular idea here. Well all the cards are laid out next chapter and we will see what happens. Thanks for the review Gene.

Aww. I'm glad you are enjoying it knotme. Maybe I can entice you to read the next tale then. Something a bit different again. But let me know what you think of the ending next week.

Tall good looking men from all over the world. Hmm. Yes, they just do sort of fit in anywhere don't they.

Vampires? Mafia? A secret experiment? My, such turns for a Christmas story. I'll have to keep those in mind next time I do a tale like this.

So many veiled ideas but few willing to commit before the end. Glad you are enjoying the story. The ending is but one chapter away.

I'm glad you are enjoying it Suvitar. Wondering how close you will be with one chapter left to go.

I always try fill the worlds I create with the types of people I know. It helps me when I write knowing the type of person they are. Here is hoping you enjoy the conclusion next week.

4 Frank wasn’t in the best of moods. It was two days till Christmas and he was dealing with a lot of different feelings. This was when Peter had packed up and left last year. Two days before the holiday with no real notice. At the time he, just went numb, and Catherine had done the best she could to keep him moving and alive. Now, she was just driving him nuts. “So you still haven’t told me about the dinner! I want details.” “Would you stop? We had dinner for Christ’s sake.” “And?” Catherine

A group of college friends is all they are, knotme. I have a slightly different path for Mr. Max.

Never look a gift horse in the mouth. In this case I have a bit more to tell so next tale should do it. lol