Yettie One

Two gone in a matter of hours. The balance of opportunity has somewhat altered. Although in some strange ways, there is a benefit to the death of at least one of the two that have fallen. In some ways a subtle benefit, but one none the less. I did find it strange that the Tigress would not harm Shay, but then Hartley is not an idiot, and possibly realises that he needs Shay to unlock the mysteries that await at the plaza, a possibility only somewhat added to in finding that the Liberators are following them into the city. Truth is, I think Hartley knows that Shay will understand it all, and for this reason he was hands of when the Tigress attacked. In honesty I was somewhat surprised that no one was seriously hurt by the fall from the bridge, They are lucky in that instance. Shay looks like Carlo's brother??? Ok, I didn't see that one coming at all. Not sure that I liked that revelation, as part of me always felt that Carlos wanted Shay on a different level, and I guess I do still kind of wonder if there was just a brotherly concern playing out. More so, I wonder how in the hell does Shay look so similar to his kin. Is there more to that than meets the eye? Did maybe be one or both of his parents survive the initial scourge of Sharps. Is it possible either of them at some point procreated with another and that down the line led to a youngster with similar characteristics to Shay being born? Shay and Carlos related???? God.... So Morgan is gone, they have made it to Lancaster Ave, an Arbiter lies ahead of them (very Halo 3 esque) aqumi is in their grasp, they've walked into a storm in a hornets nest, and have a foe hell bent on beating them to the central node to deal with. Oh and in the midst of all this they find a cat............ Your mind works in mysterious ways my man, but wow. Surreal, and amazing, and on edge. Tension, exasperation, anger, frustration. Screaming at the screen! It's all going on, and you have every reader wound up and caught up in the midst of this wild adventure. Kudos sir, you have done a remarkable job. So, on to the final dash to the finish. The work goes on......

This was quite possibly the hardest chapter to read. Your ability to emote a passage of text is wonderful to see, but not so wonderful to experience as a reader. As a creator of all these wonderful characters, to have to choose such a sweet, kind, wonderful soul to kill in such a devastating way must have been difficult to write, and hard to deal with. But the fact that you did it with such sensibility and dedication to the content and plot of this story is credit to your dedication to the vivid realism you create in almost every circumstance of this tale. Unlike 11, when I was shocked and horrified that Mira might have been killed, on this occasion, it is the sad realisation that disease is random, it is not on any persons side, it does not give you a chance. It strikes at will, taking those we see and being the least deserving of such a fate. This is a perfect example of this. Lily did not deserve such an end. To have fought this thing, and come so close, is like losing at the final hurdle. Very sad indeed. Well written and a credit to this story, even if it was a chapter that I really did not enjoy at all.

Pose the hardest question of all..... Does life not matter. Or is it love? Shall we consider friendship, or learning, or family? There is much to be said for an enquiring mind, but can't help but wonder if that was the reason behind why you ask? Interesting piece.

This is a story that pulls at the heart strings. You want so much for Tib and Chad to be together and be happy, yet it seems an impossibility. There is a sour taste left by the ensuing separation, and you can't help but wonder if it will ever happen. Hurt feelings, a sense of resentment, anger and to a degree bitterness. Things that we can all relate to, and have more than likely felt ourselves, so it is easy to relate to what the characters feel, how they react and respond to each other, and in that Cassie found a great way to create realism within the story. The suspense at times is ridiculous, and it keeps you reading. It is one of those stories where I found I had to get to the end. I had to find out if happiness dawned for the young couple. Loved it, through and through.

Most certainly not a bad thing at all. In fact there are some here that rather encourage addiction to GA. It is far healthier than some of the other addictions one could develop. I mean there's porn, trash tv, porn, comic books, porn, triple choc dairy fudge ice cream, oh yeah and of course porn! Heaven forbid we allowed any of our reading community to fall into any of those pit falls. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure we even have GA Dealers out there.

Good grief Zombie. Just looking at all that lot, are you sure you were not one of the writers of Vicious?????

What an amazing story. I stopped to read it as I've written to a prison pen pal once. It got my attention and I wanted to see what came of their friendship on paper when they met up. I am glad I decided to check it out. A heart warming tale of two guys that find each other in the most unlikely way. Yet so often that is how life is. I really enjoyed the way you developed your characters. Simple and effortlessly, yet they were multi faceted and dynamic people, full of emotion and feeling and warmth. We don't always make the right decision trying to protect the ones we love, but in the long run I am glad that Danny stuck to his guns and love seemed to win the day. Great story.

Never heard of the word addicted! What does it mean? Ha! Well I guess the easiest way to gauge it is to ask, "Do you get withdrawal symptoms when you don't log into GA?" If like me you hate being away too long, then unfortunately, it means you have a serious GA dependency and need prolonged and sustained support program to help you adapt to life as a GA addict.

The writing was masterful. I do love real classic British whit, which Vicious was full of, and let's be honest, Ian and Derek were perfect for the rolls. I don't think it would have been anywhere near as good without them in it. As for the stereotypical campness. Yeah I do agree, it would be nice if the perception of being gay was not all about camp bitchiness, but it is somewhat ingrained into social psyche now, and it will take a long time to change that. But a good laugh is a good laugh, and I do think that these two did a fine job at something fresh, new and light hearted. Good to know that real good sitcom can still be made.

Well, as expected, it was bloody raining here, and there was no view of a super large moon! It's a pity too, we have a hill in the next village with a church steeple on the very top that lies right in the path of the full moon at the moment. It'd have mad an awesome picture.

I think that this is a fairly common dish to be fair, but I do have a soft spot for a creamy garlic potato bake. My mom taught me to make it from scratch, not using any store bought sauces or anything, and I do tend to go a bit overboard with the garlic and cheese, and use double thick cream too. Damn my tummy is grumbling now.

Well I guess in some way he is happy. I commented in someone else's story that sometimes choice is our worst enemy, and on this occasion I really don't think that Sean could have chosen either way. In some ways, the nail in the coffin had to be one of the two finding out about the other and leaving, and in the way it was set up, it was always going to be Will. I felt pretty lousy for him as I read, but such is the nature of life and love. I think like everyone else I wanted Will to be the one, but Caesar was the one who took to it like a dog with a bone, and sometimes that it what it takes to win the prize. Great story Wayne. The ebb and flow of the plot was perfect, and the detail just right. I really enjoyed the story, even if I wasn't completely happy with the conclusion. But the fact that you got almost everyone saying the same thing is credit to your ability to lead and steer your reader. Well done. xx

Hmmmmmmmmm. Had a feel of Sherlock Holmes, or even Hercule Poirot about it. Nice little story. Thanks for sharing Dolores. x

I've sat staring at this screen for a long while wondering what the hell to say. Much of it would read with language colourful enough to make sailor blush if I were bold enough to actually pen it down here. Much of it would make no sense at all, and be just plain ranting and raving. The truth of it is, I can only admire you KC. Not only did you overcome something wickedly despicable, but you didn't let it jade your view of life, you have not allowed the experience to break you and make you sour and resentful. That you can choose words so eloquently to describe and share such a painful experience speaks volumes of your maturity and humanity. Your descriptive ability, the choice of words, the quirky humour, the shock and brutality of the attack, the strength of character that was shown to stand up and walk on towards that future you deserved. Remarkable. I clicked like, as I felt really touched to be allowed to share something so personal and catch a glimpse into a part of your life that could have made things so different, yet didn't. As I read, I felt proud that I could say I know a man who's experience and life is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for being so frank and genuine and bold. xx

When a story dips into reality, some experience that the author has had to live and feel, the breath of the story takes on a whole world of reality that is often lacking in similar narratives. I kind of know from your own blogging where you drew that reality from, and it does add a vivid realism to your writing. The sudden and devastating blow that a faint can have on the person who has to deal with the consequences. That feeling of security and comfort shattered. The heightened need to know what is going on, wanting answers, assurance. The feeling of responsibility. You capture it all in simple, brief, yet powerful wording. The tension of it all sucks you in so suddenly, you almost feel as breathless as the characters, wanting the best for them, seeking a good result. I do love the way you are able to do that with the words you use when you write. Wicked tale Renee. Thanks for sharing. xx

You weaved the most remarkable tale here Andy. Of all the stuff I've had the pleasure of reading, this is by far my favourite work of yours to date. The detail and natural feeling of the text, it's pace, the character development, the narrative and dialogue.... It all fits and works so well. I remember wondering to myself as I first read this, if maybe some of this was drawn from reality. The vivid candour of the lads, the grisly copper who tried to act interested but clearly didn't give two hoots, the sly shop keeper... Tid bits of information that give wonderful colour and depth to the story. And the plot of the story itself. Really clever work and great writing. You really did yourself proud with this one buddy. xx

It is always so much fun seeing how your mind interprets a theme. I've kind of gotten used to expecting something rich and warm and wonderful when it comes to a Cassie story. You didn't fail on this occasion either. That was a really cute story. Thank god for six foot snow storms ey! When I read D&D in the info about the story, I'd expected something completely different, but I am glad it turned out the way it did, there was such a feel good sentiment to the build up of the story, and it was cool to see it work out for the lads in the way it did. I also loved the fact that there was no way that Rory could never had rolled anything less than a six. Thanks Cassie, that was pretty special. xx

I really liked the style you chose to use to write this Bill. It felt as if I'd picked up a really old book, a tale of a world gone by, written by someone who had experienced and lived it all, and written it in the age it was set. I also liked your take on the theme, that was a wonderfully creative idea. Personally, like you I'd have left it where you'd chosen to end it, but once I'd read your idea of getting some dice and seeing where my fortune lay if I were the one in Jem's shoes. Trust me to roll an 11. Thanks Bill. I really enjoyed that.

Hi LucWhat a wonderful response to receive. Thank you so much. I appreciate that you took the time to actually show parts/words of the text that you enjoyed, it is very useful as a writer to see exactly what worked well. In this instance, your feedback encourages me in that the time I took in choosing the colour of the words I chose worked too add contrast to the mental capacity of the central character, and the careful enhancements of my editorial team helped me to polish that into what it now is. I am so glad you enjoyed it, despite its tough subject matter. Thanks for the comment and reading. Ya deserve a massive huggle for that! xx

Snatch backs are a useful way of fleshing out a character. It gives us a better understanding to who we are following, how they have become the person in the story, and give us things to relate back to feelings, reactions and opinions of the central character. The art of using a snatch back in memory effectively, is to not allow it to overpower the central theme and cause the reader to ponder a different time of the characters life in more detail than is necessary. You have captured and used this skill well in this chapter. It is short, concise and gives just enough information to add spice and depth to the narrative. I see you've chosen to use snatch backs fairly regularly in the story, so it'll be interesting to see if you maintain this balance as well as you have here in future chapters.

I couldn't help but smile as I was reading. Your way with words is creative, fresh and really modern. It creates such a cool feel to the substance of the story, and I really got a kick out of the subtle humour that had been weaved into the narrative. If you can't have a laugh at your own expense, and as a gay man, I couldn't help but see the irony in so much of we act, make assumptions, and pigeon hole people so easily. I do it myself! So it was quite nice to be able to identify with what I was reading. Running to a summer job in a bar with a studio flat all to yourself above the bar! What is not to like about this plot? Good bait mr.

Heya Dolores. I am really glad that you were able to connect with the character. It was important to me in writing this piece, that I maintained a genuine feel to the character and his circumstances, and when you say you are able to understand his thoughts, I feel really grateful that I took the time and listened to my editorial team as we trimmed and honed the story into its current form. It is a bit of wishful thinking, an illusion, but an attempt to understand why someone would entertain such a farce. That you get why means I was able to communicate that reason, and that makes me really happy, so thanks for the comment, it made me really happy to see it got through. Hugs and snuggles. x

You are sooooooo right JoAnn. I do love dealing with tough stuff. I think that writing gives me a channel to put words to stuff that I ponder and struggle to understand. It is a way for me to work it out in my mind, and try to explore the way something happens from everyone's perspective. Ta for reading chick. Love your comments. Huggles. xxx

HahaYeah Wayne, trust me to dig deep and loose the cattle on the range ey! I love that song, and really wanted to try take the emotions of it and put it on paper in my own interpretation. I started this whole thing out in two very different attempts, but really did not feel it as much as I did when it took this form, and it gave me an opportunity to explore a mind frame I have never really understood or been able to fathom. From that point of view, it was an eye opener to me too... Thanks for reading buddy. Sorry if it was too dark. xx

Hi Daithi. Really nice to get your thoughts and response to the story, thank you so much for taking time to read and leave a comment. I agree, life is a gamble, very much a roll of the dice, and in this instance it is a risk too far to take, yet so many would stay and take it all the same. I felt I needed to try to understand that, and explore that kind of mental frame of mind, and this was the result. I am glad you got that. Thanks again. x