Cole Matthews

Thanks Foster! I really appreciate your review. I worked hard on it.

That's why I'm doing this Eugene! Thanks.

From time to time, I'm going to be posting short essays on this blog about historical events affecting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and affiliated community. The purpose is to show some snapshots in time of where our community has been and how through time we've gained acceptance, found hope, and created a shared identity. Not all the stories I'm sharing are happy ones, but I think you'll see even during trying times, people with alternative sexualities learned, grew, and took steps to make things better for the next generation. History is a messy subject so not all that's presented will show a clean model of advancement. I encourage people to make comments and discuss these topics on the blog. I'll be posting a link in the Promising Authors forum, but NO, and I mean, NO political discussions can occur there. Please be respectful because we all have our own ideas and reactions to these events. Be an example of how we are open to diverse thoughts and ideas. Another reason I'm doing this is to give writers historical events that may influence or even prompt characters or scenes. Much of our shared history is quite fascinating. I encourage you to consider setting a story in another era or using the topics to enliven your characters. That being said, I will post my first essay this Tuesday. It's called "Unchained Melody." I hope you'll join me in reliving a vibrant, sometimes trying, history of the GLBT community.

Thanks Stephen! Yeah, I couldn't have Button fall into the clutches of a girl like Carmel. It just wouldn't be right. I think Button is very grounded and working closely with his fathers has made him a little more careful. They aren't dating at this time. Button adores her but they're not together yet. We'll see when "Seventeen Year Old Virgin" comes out next Sunday.

That means the world to me Quiet. I like that you look forward to this story. That really makes me feel good. Thanks so much for your review and support.

Thank you so much Bob! I'm glad it's coming alive for you. This story has really helped me grow I think. Trying to encapsulate a year in an important event has made me dig deep and hone my writing. I so appreciate your kind words.

Thanks Quokka! I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I'm having a blast with it.

I think his delayed development and his family make sure Button doesn't get too big for his britches. He's pretty well grounded. You are so right about the general ed teacher being present. I think I'll have to update and introduce one. I'd forgotten about that requirement. As to the length of the story, I just finished the rough draft of November 20th, and it is the final chapter of Button. Thank you so much for the comments and the review Rebel! I'm glad you're so into the little guy, well not so little anymore.

Sweet Sixteen “I really don’t like that girl. I don’t trust her,” Graham said watching Button and his new girlfriend Carmel drive off. “She’s skanky.” “He’s growing up and she has a certain allure,” Craig said putting his arm around his husband’s waist. “She has the allure of a cheap hussy,” Graham said with disgust. “She’ll break his little heart in two.” Craig sighed. He agreed with Graham more than he let on. However, it was Button’s heart to use as he saw fit. They had tried to ex

Thanks Mann! What a great compliment. I'm thrilled youliked it. I really wanted a positive story that spoke to hope and greater understanding, especially for Sven and Nels. I remember first feeling so alone with my feelings and would look almost desperately for others who were also gay. They didn't even know if others felt like they did. I at least had a school library that had a couple of books defining approximately how I felt. So again, I appreciate your kind words.

Thanks so much Addy! I think your translations added a great deal to the story. I love working with you and that made it read more authentic I believe.

Thanks Dyno! I'm so happy you are gleaning from my story the intent. Acceptance of themselves and the first references of others like them. Gus gives them the idea they aren't alone and it isn't about their actions. It's about their feelings. You are so awesome! I don't know the emoticon but I bow to you!

Very moving and poignant story that made me teary eyed. Every time he drove by and the little guy ran out, my heart stopped in fear. Very effective use of the title and that recurring event. Loved it! Thank you so much for sharing!

Thanks LBO! It was an interesting story to tell. I love history and like to imagine what their lives were like. Im glad you liked it!

Thanks Bill! I wanted to write something different. This gave me a chance to show the legend of the "bachelor farmer" which is a common phrase in the region. I like to think some of them had a Nels and a Gus to make their lives happier. I appreciate your kind words.

Im so thrilled comic fan! You confirmed my efforts! Thank you so much. It means so much. We put stuff out there hoping it works. I was pretty scared about this. Thank you Wayne. This means so much to me.

Happy Birthday!,!! *smooch*

Thanks Valkyrie! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was fun using some history as a prompt for the heart of the story.

Marvelous job Addy! I loved the little explosions of self doubt and surges of hopefulness. It was prickly and endearing at the same time. My heart rose and fell with those emotional twists. Really made me worry and cheer. Thanks for the ride. I love it!

Great story! I loved the fact you took him away at the end. But, I feel horrible for Angus. How do you recover after a "magical" night like that? Now, that would be an interesting exercise. Anyway, really compelling story with characters that seemed so real. Thanks for the awesome tale Andy.

Thanks Mark! I just couldn't descend into "Fargo" too much. I'm glad you liked it. When I read that Kertbeny quote in an article, the whole setup just fell into place. His words are so 'modern' and the argument so compelling. Anyway, I love Kertbeny and I think he'd have friends like Gus and Stephane.

Oh!!!! What a sad and touching story. Those poor boys. Im glad Jeremy is up for being a parent. At first i wondered but he took it all in stride. Great job Bill and thank you so much for sharing this story.

Wonderful story that had me chuckling at the end. I loved how Paul got snookered in a good way! I hope these two very vulnerable and awkward men can find happiness. Great job Comicfan and thank you for the hard work. I loved it!

Thank you so much! I wanted to take a different approach and given the actual historical data still in existence, we know someone loved their gay friends and family enough to save some of it. I really appreciate your review Zenobia and glad you liked it!

I just love these characters. Miah is just so stubborn, so much he's endearing. This story is very touching because it reveals their earnestness for him to accept them. Lovely tale Cia! Thanks for sharing this.