LittleBuddhaTW

Welcome to the forum, Jaseon, and thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

Well, I'm not quite a teenager anymore ... hehe And I can be a real handful sometimes ... Perhaps Rigel should be put in charge of me when I move back! lol

WTF is a budgie? The person below me thinks that I should write a limerick about Ben's cute, pert bubble butt and post it on my site ... P.S.- If anyone hasn't noticed, yes, I am infatuated with Ben's (BoyNeeds Therapy) bum ... I can't help it ... it just has this mysterious, magical aura around it ... it's ... just ... *faints*

To the best of my recollection, they're about the same height, with Cody maybe only slightly shorter. But what does that have to do with anything?

I'm really sorry to hear that, Dom ... although I'm sure hearing that doesn't help much, if at all. Just remember that even though this may not be the 'real world,' there are still people out there who care about you, beyond just what you write, so keep that in mind when you're feeling down. *Hugz* Buddha P.S.- And feel free to whine, cry, complain, or whatever ... you have every right to!

Kitty has completed editing Chapter 21, and she spent an extra long time revising certain parts to make sure it is as powerful as possible. It's also a good place to stop for a couple weeks while I deal with my moving stuff and try to finish up on Chapter 22. It will be posted, as usual, this Saturday (US time).

It's been great to see that Bill W is back after quite a long hiatus, and is posting new chapters to his lengthy serial novel, "Sword of Kings." So, what does everyone think about the story?

I don't hold back when it comes to pushing certain buttons with readers. That's what an author does, and that's one of my goals. It's about manipulating the emotions of the readers in order to bring them further in to the story and to relate on a more personal level with the characters. Sure, at some times it may seem cruel, especially when readers are left with a cliffhanger, but that's all part of the process, and, IMO, is what good fiction should do. I'm sure there are some points in there that certain posters would disagree with, and things they doesn't like about SOOTB, such as the use of cliffhangers, and how there are a number of "typical" cliches, etc., etc. However, each person has their own tastes in reading, and no one is "right" or "wrong" in determining what makes a good story. I don't mind the criticism, and much of it I take to heart and try to improve my writing. So don't feel like you'll be offending me if you point out something that you think is not written or expressed effectively or realistically (although you can't be totally 'realistic' when you're writing fiction/fantasy). Anyway, that's all I have to say about that. And if you feel like you're being twisted and turned and emotionally manipulated, it's because you are. That's part of my job! :2hands: And Chapter 21 will bring out a whole new set of emotions. But all this talk about "death" ... who's to say that someone is actually going to die at all?

*sniffle* You're gonna make me cry, Vancey! Meeting you, Benny, and Kitty have been one of the best things that have happened to be in a while, and I know you'll be very supportive when I get back ... even I'm I'm grumpy and tend to bitch about every little thing for the first few weeks! hehe You're the greatest, Vance, and I hope you realize that! *Hugz* Buddha

Well, since we'll practically be neighbors, Kitty may have to call you in if I have a fit or something! But tea or something would be nice at some point ... Kitty is always saying such good things about you, that I'm really looking forward to getting to know you better! *Hugz* Buddha

I don't really know what else I can add to the excellent suggestions that have been given already. Ask questions, encourage debate and analysis, maybe start a poll or two. In the beginning, I think the moderator needs to play a more active role to get things started ... and it's also crucial to let your readers know that you have a discussion forum. Once it gets underway, though, the forums tend to take on a life of their own. When things get slow, though, you can jump back in with more questions, prodding your readers to give their input. Personally, I've been amazed at how quickly my forum has taken off, and that has a lot to do with several posters who tend to make a lot of interesting comments and stir up some good discussions. Kitty has also been a big help in encouraging discussion and debate on my forum. My best advice, though, is not to take a passive role in the forum. Although that has worked fine for Dom in his forums, most of us "mere mortals" need to be a little more active in the day-to-day discussion to keep things going and maintain interest.

I pitched a bunch of stuff last night, and my apartment is looking emptier and emptier. I also made what was probably my last trip to the supermarket here ... I can safely say that that is one thing I won't miss about Taiwan. But there are a lot of things that I will miss. Despite my seemingly constant bitching and complaining, this place has been my home for over five years, and it's what is familiar to me. So much has changed in America since I've been gone, it's going to take some time to adjust. I've edited my last blog entry to describe more of what I'm feeling and expecting when I move back, so you can go and re-read that one if you haven't yet, and maybe leave a comment to cheer me up! I went out for tea this afternoon with one of my close friends here, who is a classmate of mine. He's also gay, and really cute, but unfortunately he already has a boyfriend. But, since I'm leaving, that's not really an issue ... although I have to admit that I wouldn't have minded a little romp in the hay with him ... you know, to satisfy my curiosity and all! hehe But it was nice to have the chance to talk to him and say a proper good-bye. I have a good professor friend who I'd also like to see before I leave, and we'll probably have tea together at this really nice, traditional Chinese tea house next weekend or something. He's been one of my best friends since I've been here, and a fantastic mentor. I'm going to miss him a lot. Fortunately, there's still e-mail, and I'm sure I'll be asking him for lots of advice. He's also got lots of contacts that can help me get acclimated to the world of Sinophile jobs in the D.C. area. I've finished making the first set of corrections on Chapter 21. Kitty spent an especially long time editing this chapter to get it just right, and even added some own parts herself, which I think work very, very well. I know the past few chapters have been really rough for some people, and I can't say whether or not it's going to get any easier. Just stick with it and wait until the story is finished to decide how you feel. Like I said, in my last entry, I'm going to finish SOOTB before I start posting chapters of the new story. I'm also working on finishing my Summer Anthology story. I kind of like writing short stories, as it can be a nice break when you're in the middle of writing a very intense serial novel. It will be a much more "happy" story as compared to what we've been going through over the past few chapters of SOOTB, so I am looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts. And please remember, the next few weeks will be really tough on me ... there is so much to arrange for an international move, and then getting reacclimated back in the States, so if there is a week or so delay between postings, please bear with me. I'm trying my best to keep up with my obligations to my readers, but at the same time, I also have my own stuff that I need to take care of. So, please keep that in mind! Over the next few weeks and months, I'll need a lot of extra support from my friends here, since I don't have any friends left at my old home. Anyway, that's about it for now. I have another dentist appointment tomorrow afternoon, which should be fun. No one seems to understand how I can actually like going to the dentist, but it doesn't bother me at all. Maybe I'm just weird ... :wacko: to Vance, Ben, and Kitty for all being such wonderful and supportive friends. You guys have been great, and have taught me that "online buddies" can actually become "real" friends. I don't know what I'd do without you guys as I'm going through all of this stuff, so just know how special and important you all are to me. And, also, special thanks to Nicko, who has been really sweet lately, and I'm happy that he's enjoying the story so much ... and to Shadows as well. All the e-mail messages, PM's, etc. really mean a lot to me. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. And ... don't forget to go check my last blog entry again, since I've added some stuff. Anywho, that's it for now ... I need to get back to work on Chapter 22, so hopefully it will be ready to post without too long of a delay. But I promise, it won't be long. You guys have all been great friends and readers, and I feel really blessed to have found GA, and found a hobby that gives me a sense of accomplishment, and it's a great feeling that I know that I have touched some people with my story. I just started out writing it for fun, to see if I could actually write fiction, and it has take off beyond my wildest expectiations. So, THANK YOU to all of you. It means the world to me!

Hey now! Leave me out of this! :2hands:

*raises hand* I've seen it ... but I wouldn't mind seeing it again ... from different angles! Joey just needs to accept that his nose is adorable, people will worship it, and move on ... And ... The person below me wishes that Kitty was a man!

Perhaps you should qualify that statement with an "in my opinion," as that is what it is.

I threw out a lamp the other night ... but I don't really need a new one. The person below me thinks Joey's nose is sooo dreeeaaammmy!

I'll take ass kissing over death threats any day ... But I'm still not giving your spoilers, Nicko! *Hugz* Buddha

They don't have to be *exactly* the same length, but I think it's better if the chapters are within a few pages of each other in length. If Chapter 1 is 50KB, and Chapter 2 is 15KB, that just doesn't work, IMO.

Looks good! I started reading a couple of your stories the other night, and found them very interesting! *Hugz* Buddha

I noticed the first chapter of your story posted on Nifty. Good job, Lostone!

Actually, I do ... click on "quote" before you hit "reply" ... easy as pie! The person below me has had a fantasy involving Ben (BoyNeedsTherapy), an enema kit, a rusty hanger, and some duct tape ...

During my time spent wandering around samsara, I've found that the question is often times more important than the answer.

I wasn't planning on commenting on this chapter (yet), but I want to briefly mention the kissing thing ... There are obviously some 'unrealistic' things that happen in the story, that's what fiction/fantasy is ... however, I think it is even more unrealistic to expect that sixteen-year-old boys would be completely chaste little angels in their first ever relationship. It just doesn't happen (often) in 'real life.' Teenagers are driven by hormones and curiosity. I think the important thing to keep in mind is how Connor grows/learns with each experience. And, in the end, who is to judge what is "right" or "wrong"? We don't like it when others try to apply their definitions of "morality" or what a "relationship" should mean on to us, so I'd like to think we wouldn't go around and do the same thing. If I was in Connor's place, I would probably have done the same thing as him.

A little over two weeks to go before I head back to the States. It's kind of hard to believe that I've been here for over five years ... it really doesn't seem like it's been that long. I've still got a bunch of stuff to get done to prepare for my departure, some people I need to say goodbye to, and stuff like that. Fortunately, I got an early start on shipping boxes home (which my parents have told me have already started arriving) and getting stuff taken care of for my cats. I still have a bunch of stuff to pitch, though, and the final steps for taking the cats home and "officially" graduating. Other than books, some clothes, my cats, and some things I've collected, I'm not taking all that much back. So I'll really be starting over, in a sense. It's exciting, but also a little intimidating ... OK, a lot intimidating, actually. I'll be in a state of limbo for a while, and I'm NOT looking forward to having to stay at my parents' house for an undetermined amount of time. Hopefully it wouldn't be longer than a few months. My parents aren't bad people, and they're usually very supportive of me, but our personalities tend to clash quite a bit when we actually have to live under the same roof. I've been on my own for 10 years now, so going back to the house where I grew up is going to feel weird. And all of my friends from high school have moved away, so I'll be bored out of my mind. I'm glad that I've gotten involved in the GA community, though, because that will hopefully provide me with some sense of familiarity and stability when I get back, and I can continue writing and all that stuff while I'm looking for a job and making the transition. I've only been back to the States once over the past five years, and then only for about 10 days, so I'm bound to go through some reverse culture shock. Anyway, Chapter 20 has been posted, and, as expected, drew quite an emotional response. I was originally planning on posting the first chapter of "When I See You Again" after Chapter 21, but I think I'm gonna finish SOOTB entirely before I start posting the new stuff. I've just started on Chapter 22, though, and since the next couple of weeks will be a little busy because of the impending move, there may be a slight delay between Chapter 21 and Chapter 22 ... we'll just have to wait and see how it goes. I hope everyone can be a little understanding over the next few weeks as I make the transition back to life in America. It was strange going back after spending half a year in China, and I was going back to my own home, not my parents' home ... I've been here for over five years, and won't have a place to call my own for who knows how long. So, yeah, please be patient with me. And for those of you who I talk to online, I apologize in advance if I'm a little moody or grumpy. I'll really need you guys' support!

Congratulations to Kitty -- the best editor on Earth!!! hehe *Hugz* Buddha