Thorn Wilde

I'm just theorising, but maybe it was specifically because it was the prologue? Which isn't so much a first chapter as part of the story itself, as you can't choose to add just a prologue but check it when you first publish the story.

God, this story is such a breath for fresh air after the other one. Lol! It was sweet when I proofed it. It's still sweet today. Thank you. ❤️

Well, I already told you I loved this piece. It's so different from most things you get here and I find that wonderful.

Ouch. Oh, this was painful. I know you said it wasn't a happy story, but fuck me. I can't believe Damon did that. I can't believe that he'd want anyone to go through what he'd been through, that he could be that vindictive. In the end, the only person I feel really sorry for is Will. He was clearly really upset, and after everything he did for Damon, he deserved better than having to watch his boyfriend have sex with someone else, even if it were just for revenge. Bad times all round. Fantastically written, Cassie, in all its painful glory. This one's gonna stay with me for a long time.

Hehe, thanks Wayne. Thanks for taking a look at it.

Always.

That's great, but then those warnings aren't for you; they're for people who have experienced trauma and would like to avoid it in the things they read or would like to be prepared for it before they read it, and for otherwise sensitive readers. I failed to put a content warning on a story that contained sexual assault that happened off the page (non-graphic, in other words). It did not go over well and I now make sure to include content warnings for sensitive themes not just in story notes, but in the individual chapters, because I know that's something many readers want and need. And if they bother you and you don't want spoilers or whatever, just skip past them. EDIT: A note on wording. I've found that what people actually react to is, for some reason, the word 'trigger' rather than the actual warning. This is a word out of psychology. People with various mental illnesses can have episodes triggered by a variety of things. For example, I'm bipolar; my depressive and hypomanic episodes are often triggered by stress (emotional or physical) or big changes in my life, both good and bad (a life change that is ultimately good, such as a new job I really like, can nevertheless make me depressed because it causes stress). For a person with PTSD, episodes are often triggered by a reminder of the trauma they went through. That's what 'trigger' means. For some reason, the moment you skip the word 'trigger' in favour of 'content', or you write just 'warning', nobody cares anymore, even though it's the exact same warning. And, just so we're clear, GA actually demands that authors place warnings on sensitive content, as do many other fiction websites. All things to think about the next time someones see the word 'trigger warning' and lets it turn them off reading a story.

Wise words well worth remembering. Hope everyone's doing well today.

Aww! This was so sweet! ❤️ Also, Oberon. Good name. Lol! Wonder how long it'll take before he throws a fit and wrecks the bedroom at all the unfamiliar smells and voices out there?

Good morning, all. I'm sorry you crashed. I know the feeling; I also have a hard time saying no. Glad you took the time to recharge. I've got podcast editing to do today, and then a Christmas concert with my choir this evening. After that, choir season is over and I can relax, at least in that respect.

You're weird. Parsnips are the best. ❤️

Woohoo! Hurray for Christmas break.

It was. How are you today, Reader?

Thank you! ❤️ How are you today?

I'm producing a podcast for this organisation and it turns out that I'm getting a lot more money for it than I thought I would. So Christmas is saved, basically.

Hey everyone. Hope your Monday is treating you okay. Mine's been pretty good. Had some good news this morning and been to play Dungeons and Dragons with my friends. Take care of yourself, Fae.

Like I've already told you, I'll be really pissed if you die. So, whatever the thing you need to do will turn out to be, do the thing.

Thank you! I have always been fascinated with the idea of angels as sexless and agender. Of course, in order to become human, Epheriel had to choose. In my mind, he seemed more masculine than feminine even in his angelic form. Playing with pronouns was fun. Thanks very much for commenting! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you very much, Mike. The research was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun. As you have no doubt realised, I love knowing things. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I'm very happy you enjoyed it.

The plus side for me is that it's easier to keep in touch with people in other time zones when I keep unorthodox hours myself. But now I'm actually going to sleep. Goodnight!

Morning people have my deepest admiration and respect. Myself, I'm terrible at going to bed or getting up early. As evidenced by the fact that I said I was going to sleep an hour ago and I'm still here. lol

'You aggravation!' I love that. I'll be sure to use it the next time Curie is being a pain. I agree with everyone else. You should continue this story. Maybe it's a short story or novelette, maybe something more, but it's an intriguing beginning.

Thank you, Mike. I appreciate that. Ugh, 5 am... sounds exhausting.

Classic! ❤️

Glad you had a good time. Mine has been pretty good. Been editing and writing. Now I'm off to bed as it's 3:30 here, lol! I remain the eternal night owl. Goodnight, everyone.