Cole Matthews

There is nothing quite so spiteful and driving as unrequited love. When we believe another is part of our destiny, it feels like we are being cheated. Or, we feel the other is only toying with our emotions. Great job evoking those feelings!!!

Well, you took the anthology theme to heart, that's for sure. You've captured the game-play so common in love, especially in young people. It is easy to think it's all just a wicked game, until someone gets hurt and then it's so very painful. For those who have lost love, it's as excruciating as you've portrayed. Thanks for such a gut-wrenching reminder.

I love the twists and turns in this story. It's an interesting take on Salem as well as a commentary on the idea of love. Perhaps there isn't a great deal of difference between magic and love. They are both mystical and have their doubters. Great job Valkyrie!!!

Very funny story with a great deal of heart. Great job!

Very powerful imagery and you did a great job building up the tension and terror. The story of Adam and Oliver is so clear even though its told within the context of remembering. You also made Zaidu a hero at the end, which was awesome. Piece by piece you're painting a picture of the man/vampire. I can't wait to see what his next facet will be. Great job and thanks for sharing with us.

Gillette Terry looked around frantically; his stringy black hair whipped around, stinging his left cheek. He’d looked in the barn and behind the hayshed. Before that, the twelve-year-old boy had searched along the creek in the pasture where they usually looked for tiny black minnows to use for fishing. The pond in the field across the road was the only place he hadn’t looked. Why were they doing this to him—again? Terry swallowed back the hot sting of his tears and the hard lump of res

Terry feels different. As a kid, he felt isolated and cut off from both family and friends. Later in life, he has an encounter with another man, which changes everything. His boss sees he's fallen in love, but what does that mean? The stranger in his life touched him in ways he doesn't understand. This is his story of awakening.

You've done a helluva good job building the tension. The 'will he, or won't he' scenario was perfectly posed. We are now waiting with tapping foot and growing frustration over what Henrik will say. We also wonder if Ezra will rue the day he didn't say anything. I happen to love these situations in stories. I guess I like torturing myself by reading it. Ezra and Henrik are really well-developed characters I am rooting for. Thanks for sharing and great job!!!

The story has a nice resolution to it. Performing the ceremony at the end was the perfect touch. Your use of the marks of loyalty are powerful symbols that lend it realism. In the end, that's what keeps mobs intact and effective enterprises by not only making employees feel a sense of belonging, but also to define The Other as the enemy. This was an interesting social commentary. Thanks for sharing with us.

I love how you're pacing this story. It's developing so organically with Jason starting to realize the error of his ways and maturing in his viewpoint. Corey is also starting to forgive the unforgivable whether he wants to or not. The story has great vibrancy even though things are revealing themselves fully. This story is warm and yet has edges to it that keep it fresh. Great job and thanks for sharing it with us!!!

It's interesting you mention triggers. It was something I had to consider with this story. Since there are emotional events, they need something to spark and douse them. I said you inspired me to erect this intricate maze, and now you are discovering my devices. I love it! Lawson is not as alpha as he'd like others to believe. I will reveal that. I will also say this. AC, you have picked up on clues I've left like bread crumbs along the way. As a storyteller, it makes me jump up and down. . Thanks so much for the review.

Wonderful review Lisa! Walking around everyday, there are people with problems about to do a job. We don't know what they're going through. You've plumbed my idea perfectly. Thank you! Yeah! We wil find out more about Lawson as the story unfolds.

Casey most certainly never heard of the bro-code. Their timing is significant though. Thanks for the fantastic comments. I appreciate it!

Cory didn't have a good day. Sandy and Cory's best friend left together. Lawson seems to be targeted. There is lots of violence in jail. Gangs, rivals, and of course other situations. This is only the beginning. Thanks for an awesome review.

I'm glad you are eager to learn what Lawson did. I have a feeling you probably are guessing in correct general direction. Lisa, you are too good. Cory is blinded right now. The writing on the wall is shaded and not visible. I think you do see what's going on. We've all been there. Thanks for such an intriguing review. I appreciate it. You are tracking the situation well.

Thanks to you Kitt!!!

Cory doesn't even really know what's going on with himself right now. I'm sure he thinks everyone is as fooled as he is. Remember, Lawson is a little caught up in his own pain as well. However, he is the type who'd totally use Cory for his own gain. Thanks for such an insightful review. I appreciate it.

You're right, of course. Yet, part of the human psyche resists accepting a loss. We feel like fate or nature or a supreme being is cheating us and it's not fair. Lawson is blaming his mother. She won't be the only one before he's done. Thanks for such a thoughtful review.

Chapter 9 - William Foster February 16th Cory walked slowly down the hospital corridor drinking in the ambience, as it were. Ever since his first visit to see Lawson, he'd wondered why he felt so annoyed. Part of it was simply being in a hospital, he supposed. Much of it was the forced hopefulness of the place. For example, he noticed the walls were painted a muted, sedate yellow which suggested optimism, just not too much of it. Adding to this impression were the fabric panels lining the

I really loved the discussion between the guys . There is so much to gain with being there for friends. It also illustrates how experience and differences can give us richness in our lives. i wasn't sure about this segue with Clayton being rich. I'm not sure it's either a bad thing or necessarily disruptive. However, it did work. Ryan is prickly enough about his injury, it could cause this rift. Clayton is closed mouth and self-protective. Those traits are well portrayed in the story, It's difficult to build, but I believe you did it justice. There is a sense of community and giving in this story. I love that. It builds upon independence and thoughtfulness. Great job! I'm enjoying the tale. Two thumbs up!

Happy Birthday George!

What a lovely chapter. First we have the Leopards showing they are fantastic allies. Todd's handling of Neil's kneejerk objections to Ross was awesome. You portrayed a trait through Neil that is especially questionable, and how consequential it may be. Ty's deft handling of Wu and Ross's mother's love and concern were just as masterful. Wu show the concern of a dear friend. He wants Ross to be happy which is an admirable trait. Ross simply isn't ready or able to open up. He'll get there, it appears considering he's already warmed to the Leopard crew. Kevin's getting cold feet, which is very interesting. When I was a bartender in a gay bar, I met LOTS of curious guys. Just because a man wonders, doesn't make him gay or bi or even necessarily open to things. That being said, I knew a few straight guys who acted upon their curiosity. I won't say anything more about that subject. I liked the interview with the possible new Lilydale head coach. The interchange was good because there are preconceptions and notions about how gay men need to be treated. We aren't all delicate china dolls who need to be handled with special care. That came through in a very powerful, and important, way. You've portrayed the danger of us being perceived as victims all the time in a very illustrative way. For that reason, I fell in love with this chapter. Of course, I love the story and the entire series. Until next time, great job, Graeme. Keep it coming.

Your review filled me with happy tears. When I was in my twenties, I was a bartender at a gay bar. I had a little patio area and it was separate from the rest of the place. I made rock tapes and played them. I convinced the owner not all gay men lived for disco and techno. I developed a clientele of navy boys, blue collar men, and older, recently out men. I talked with these men and they generally felt two different ways about being out later in life. First, they felt alien and a little lost. Also, they were even more appreciative of being out and free from the closet. I wanted to express and portray that in The Art of Being Gay. It sounds like it did. Your story sounds like those men, who I wanted to honor. I'm glad you enjoyed and identified with the tale. It means I did what I intended to. Thank you. Your review is the reason I keep writing.

I'm glad you liked my rhythm, AC. I wanted this story to make the reader consider the situation emotionally. When we throw a tantrum, we lose track of the smashed dishes. We awaken at the scene of the mess. I am trying to make these feelings of confusion and doubt show, rather than tell. Lawson is stumbling around because he's not sure what he's really feeling. He has something he's trying to resolve and isn't sure how he got there. Lawson, like Cory, is gasping at straws. Thanks so much for such a thoughtful, and insightful, review!!!!

Yes, the verse is from the Bible. I'm glad the hints gave you pause. Sometimes I worry I'm too subtle. When readers catch them I'm so happy!!! Thanks Lisa!