Cole Matthews

Hi Mann! I wrote a paper 13 years ago about the Genesis of the word 'Homosexual.' I'd been thinking about how to present those ideas in some context, I wasn't sure how. I had decided on present day, an argument between college professors, as the answer. Then someone, I think Aditus, shamed me into participating in the anthology The Backup Plan. I couldn't think of a thing with that idea. I went down to visit my grandma and saw silos everywhere. Why did they invent silage? I did some research and found it was a kind of 'backup plan' to preserve cattle feed in the 1870's, 1880's originally in France. The next piece is funny. I'd like to say it came to me in a dream but it didn't. I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder's books as a kid, she made me want to write. She wrote about the Saturday night bath. I somehow mixed Kertbeny, life on the farm, and two men having a bath together and it became the story. Oh God, it was the Minnesota story of those Norwegian bachelor farmers I'd overheard about as a kid. It sounds so random when I write this, but it's how my mind works. It takes little bits and pieces and puts it together. Ran laughed at my initial idea but he loved the result. So, that's how it came together.

Oh, that's great Kitt! Sasha's stories inspired by songs are so good, moving. I use music as an inspiration for some stories. For example, Porcupines was inspired by Lifehouse's Between the Raindrops. Chuck and Dylan's love story is filled with that song. In Gaia-Town, I'm using songs as magic spells. The song that plays through my head every time I read Button is Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach. I'm a pianist so music is really part of the soundtrack of my writing. Thanks for such a great question!

Thanks for the comment Irritable1! I'm so glad that is coming through. We are all flawed and I like to convey that quality in my characters. I like realism as well and since I'm a positive person I believe most of us try to redeem ourselves. I'm thrilled you said this. Quite the compliment I believe.

Thanks Dyno! I'm glad you're enjoying it. I will be posting once a month. Coming up next is a historic movie with a very interesting interlude. I think it's rather surprising and a little shocking considering when it was made.

Thank you Valkyrie for all your help and encouragement. I'm always happy to help when I can. My work is very technical and devoid of emotion for the most part. Separating my work and creative thoughts is easy for me. As little treats, I ponder Brent reaction to a hug from Craig for fifteen minutes, for example. Then I go back and figure out how to disclose a witness' reason for being presented at trial. I never write at work with one exception. Sometimes I'll get an idea and email it to myself.

Thanks for the review Jo Ann. I will be doing so. I wonder whats gonna happen though! Lol!

That is so true. We learn by practice, revision, listening to the kind voices who tell us what they think, and editing our flaws. Jo Ann is right. You get better by listening to those who want to help. I've been blessed with lots of it along the way. Im getting better because of it. Thanks Jo Ann!!! *smooch*

Hi Kitt! Great question. I had to ponder it for a few minutes. Last fall some writers here did an unofficial anthology for Halloween. They listed some classic horror genres and the mad scientist was one of them. I was too late to participate but it got me scheming. I set the idea aside until i was reading an article on a nurse who got PTSD from working with victims of abuse. From there Dr. Jason emerged. It took months for the full story to come together. I guess my ideas come from many sources. Usually its a character who drives me to write his story. Thanks!!!

Hi Addy, Actually, I haven't even written Quarry yet so it's not you stretching Gaia Town out!! Lol! I have enjoyed writing it more leisurely than is the norm for me. I'm learning more because of it. As to your question, in planning a story I write an initial chapter. I try to flesh out the main characters and jot some notes about where they are going. I can't say I outline really, but I do plan some main events informally in messy notes. Thinking about what the characters would do occupies my break time at work. Then comes the writing the next chapter. Sometimes I have to change things in chapter one because the story forces it. Thanks for the great question Addy! Big hug for you buddy. Cole

You had me tearing up and thinking of my own first loves, my pets. So touching, personal, and real, at least to me. Thank you. It was very special.

Thanks Comic fan! "Roy" is a guy who loves before he thinks. Tyler isn't a bad guy, as you note. I await your prompts to see what happens to him/them. I haven't a clue. This is such fun!

I was a slacker this week but I have been working on my next story! *furiously typing*

Thanks Elle! I think Roy has more to say and certainly shouldn't be left in the lurch in the long run. I like him and not just because he's sympathetic. I'm a romantic too. It wouldn't feel right to let him be alone forever.

Hahaha!!! There's probably some more trash coming in the future. Thanks Ron for the kind review.

Thanks Addy! No, it wasn't a match, ever. I appreciate the kind words.

Thanks Valkyrie. Roy's writhing in the bed sheets was an image I couldn't get away from. After writing this, I'm wondering about him. Hmmm!!!! Thanks for the review.

Prompt 342: A Kiss Goodbye Roy shifted, the covers seemed to be pasted to him, constricting his limbs. The night was horrifically humid and he couldn’t keep his mind from racing. The man sighed and looked at the clock, again, and now it was 4:43 am. Just when he got settled down, a creak or a rush of air would awaken him fully. ‘Where is he?’ That was the thought that kept fluttering through his brain. The gig nights were the worst. Roy could only imagine what his boyfriend was up to. Ty

Really nice continuation Valkyrie. I'm always a fan of the clueless gay man, being one myself. Thanks for sharing this sweet story!

Yikes! Blackouts. Sounds serious. Now I wonder what Dan's problem is, aside from his cute stubbornness and claustrophobia. Great prompt. Thanks!

You never fail to deliver! Neil's issues are so riveting. I had a singular bully in high school and he was obsessed with me much as Doug is with Neil. Your portrayal of Neil's behavior and responses reads very true. Neil is dealing with it albeit in a circumspect way using Jim as a idealized hero to save him. Dave's behavior is interesting. I like how it masks itself with insomnia. Intriguing. Another great chapter. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Thanks Jaro! There was a personal aspect to this story for me. It was an emotionally trying time and I used this vehicle to work through it. The tensions of letting go with saving something precious was the theme, as it were. The saint references weren't direct in most cases. Well, I interpreted some of the language and in the St. Lucy chapter, Danny's eyes are finally opened to his past behavior. The chapter where the saint disappears is when Danny forgets about Brian. Maybe. It was too symbolic. Regardless I'm glad you liked it. Thanks so much for the review!

Okay, you cannot set up a premise like this and leave us in the lurch. What is happening with him? Why does he need a friend 24/7? What drove him Home again? Great job Addy! You're a tease!

Thanks Gary! I agree. Cayden needed Danny just as much. He hasn't had an easy life and this gives him a chance for something satisfying. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was sad but the message I tried to convey was one of hope. I appreciate the review so much. Thank you.

That was so cute yet real. We give up things for the ones we love including time. Great job Val, seamless and thoughtful. Thank you for sharing it.

Yep, tears streaming down my cheeks. Excellent portrayal of Luke's sadness and his mother's pathos. Her reaction is irrational but grief isn't entirely rational. Erin, Jame, and Luke's friends are all being wonderful. Quite a maturing experience as well. *wiping eyes*