Cole Matthews

Excellent! This week's chapter is about social support and we are given a ton of ideas. First we have Eric and Brandon talking with Neil about how his parents are dealing with supporting him. I think Neil is finding they love him but will never be comfortable with his being gay. That is a very common situation we don't like to admit exists. Neil is coming to accept it and make it part of his life. Lots of people are looking out for the brat. He does have the kind of personality you want to make feel better. Ty is a good guy and I think O'Malley is seeing that. Whether it translates into a professional position or not looks less certain. A vast majority, as Patrick points out, never even get seriously considered. Ty has that going for him. And they all want to make sure Ty is doing okay. To me, his behavior and his friends' behavior show him to be a leader. Leaders are partially selected and also somewhat made by a group. We are seeing some of that idea in their exchanges especially in this chapter. Awesome job, Graeme! As always wonderful food for thought.

I agree with Wrath. Stormy and Odd are definitely a gay couple regardless of the gender Koontz gave her. Awesome answers Jo Ann and James! Jo Ann isnt mature. She's like a full bodied and aged wine, opulent! James, i wonder if your writing to an audience helped prepare you for fiction. It sounds like you were communicating to a crowd with your humor. Thanks.

Tales of Mystery and Imagination and Turn of a Friendly Card by Alan Parson's Project.

Contrition and forgiveness are two of my favorite themes. All of us trespass against others and this chapter portrayed that condition so very well. First we have the brat goaded into a physical response. He handled his transgression as honestly as he could. Then we have Liam's mates doing the flip side using social avoidance to affect their friend. We will see how Ty's plan to lure them into seeing the other side of Neil works out. Frankly, it's a brilliant plan I think. Wonderful job Graeme! Can't wait for next week! Thanks.

Congrats Crafting Mom and welcome!

I think I've seen it happen to several writers, Val. You need to remain true to the character. Otherwise, it seems like the story comes across as false. Part of what made Penguin so awesome was the human qualities of Penguin. Did you plan him being so deliberate a character? The cat is such a key part in the story almost directing the action generating an endearing and very honest feeling.

Hey, Val! Awesome interview! Here's my question, you said Daniel's note to Penguin made you want to know the rest of the story. Do you find when you create characters and tell their back stories, they take on a life of their own? As a follow up, does it annoy or thrill you?

I'm glad you enjoyed AOBG. I'm now beginning on the Comfortable Skin story. I've only started doing an outline, but it's in the works. Harrison is an interesting character. I hope you'll enjoy it and him. Thanks so much!!!

Wow! Let's start with the hardest stuff first. You've done a superb job of building up the story, background and characters enough to portray this exchange brilliantly. This meeting between Neil and his parents is brutally realistic and reads like we're there in the room. I can smell the tea and nervous sweat from everyone there. I know the scene is not complete, but it bears noting the Rosewoods are reacting, behaving naturally given their prior actions and words. Liam's father gives a brisk wind of understanding to both sides in the process. I think everyone in the room is hoping and working for the best. I know how hard you worked to get here. This is fantastic! Onto the easier stuff that is confusing me more. Hahaha! You are doing a great job educating as to these teams and their interactions and affiliations. I'm still pretty lost but I'm okay with it. These complex relationships of teams is familiar just not in the context. It doesn't distract at all. You have given the reader enough background the story is clear. For example, we now know more about Deon's past and how others struggle to advance within the system outside our little Lilydale Leopard family! I liked that aspect. Great job adding texture to this dynamic. I also like not really knowing what they were teasing Jim with. I know it's about his skills in bed versus the field, but a little mystery is good. Awesome job Graeme! Can't wait for next weekend.

Thanks Timothy! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's heartfelt.

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and pics and videos!!! Truly awesome. Its been a great day and I have a steak and Dairy Queen coming yet!!!!

Thanks Puppilull!!! Im glad youre reading it. Makes it all worthwhile.

Thanks so much Dave!! I think my first fifty was pretty lucky too. Its what we learn from troubles that help us grow. I've been pretty fortunate and smile at the rough spots when i can.

Thanks Stan! We seek and are blessed to find our true homes. Sounds like your second fifty is going well!!!

Thanks Lisa!!! It shows how old i am and how much has changed! Hahaha!!

Thanks!!! Its been a great adventure so far and will be to come as well!!

Thanks so much!!! I appreciate the well wishes.

What a lovely blessing Jim! Thank you! We have lots of flowers blooming under the deck. I think I will pick some for the house!

Thanks Adi! You are always welcome. I will have more to come.

Thanks Dughlas, it's been an awesome adventure so far. I'm ready for more.

Thanks Mike! I'm happy to have made it! Yay!

Thank you Carlos! I wanted to share a little more about myself. Cheers to you as well.

Thanks Gary! I rejoice in those things I've endured as much as my successes. To the next fifty my friend! Salut!

Thanks Val! I wanted to share something with you all. You've been such a fount of joy for me.

The Second Fifty In my First Fifty: I survived two kinds of measles and mumps before those vaccines. Bought candy from country stores in towns named Godahl and Bergen. Went trick or treating and got apples and homemade popcorn balls and ate them. We drove past a tornado racing right at us while listening to Silly Love Songs on the radio. Walked miles and miles, up and down, row upon row of soybeans, weeding them by hand. Went to camp and had my first crush. Won an award for mu