Carlos Hazday

More due luck and inexperience than anything planned, CJ sounds and acts like a teen more often than not in the early books. As he ages, I modify his views a bit, even more after he graduates from college, but the basic values I infused him remain constant throughout his life. I'm toying with a short story set when Liebe's 7, and bullying plays a part.

Thanks for the feedback and I'm delighted you enjoyed the stories. A new story chronicling CJ, Owen, and Liebe's time in Mexico City is coming soon. I'm writing chapter 35 this week and there are 2 or 3 more after this one. As of right now, it's the second longest one I've written word count wise, so readers will have plenty to sink their teeth into.

It won't be the only time it happens.

I don't know about anyone else, but 2021 has been as challenging as 2020. Can we get the next three months over with now? I have to believe next year will be smoother. So, those challenges have contributed to me spending less time on GA, and I miss you all. I'm still writing. As of this week, CDMX's word count surpassed Cadet, becoming my second longest story ever, and it's still not finished. Three or more chapters to go. Trying to ensure you don't forget me, here's a peek at a scene from Chapter 2

It may be a bit before Wolf replies. After a week home, he was called up again and redeployed to the wildfires fight in Northern California. Keep him in your thoughts.

Thank you! The Malibu house ends up being featured in Ranger, Cadet, and CDMX. And I'm sure if I keep writing, I'll have the guys visit now and then.

Keep a sharp eye for ANY boo boos. Mann usually scales things back when I get too wordy, I think that comes through. Yeah, yeah, yeah... You're just taking CJ for granted. he won't like that when I tell him.

When I plotted out CJ's life a few years ago, my intent was for the book covering his time at the Mexico City embassy to be named just that: Mexico City. Even while working on previous stories I was already plotting this one. I discovered Mexico City, which most locals referred to as DF for Distrito Federal, was just like Washington DC, not a real state but a separate entity. That changed a couple of years ago. It went from Ciudad Mexico D.F. to Ciudad de Mexico. That's abbreviated to CDMX as you found out, and it sounded cool to name the story that way. Yep. Even if I started weekly postings today, the "incident" wouldn't show up until the last couple of chapters. I'm working on chapter 30 right now, and that gives CDMX the largest chapter count of any story I've ever posted.

I'm sticking to Fridays as my preferred posting day. Of course, I realize some of you would like me to post 5 days a week, but I ain't that good. Takes me forever to write. I won't make you wait until 22022022

Unfortunately, I don't think that will be feasible. I cranked out almost 3k words today on chapter 30 (I cheated since the chapter covers the 2022 Oscars and I borrowed from Ranger,) and I could have as many as ten more chapters to write. That would normally not be a big deal, but the fact my editor is distracted with other projects at this time means he hasn't even started working on my story. As you can probably tell in the excerpt I shared, it's not as clean as it would be if Mann had provided guidance. As a last resort, if he doesn't have time for me in the near future, I'll start posting on 01/01/22 (tradition) even if unedited. I can always update the chapters once he's helped me out.

In case anyone's interested, today CDMX's word count surpassed 100k. And no @Daddydavek, I'm not writing thousand word chapters this time around.

Funny how as in real life, I now have to deal with an infant. I can't just have CJ and Owen fly off to Cancun or something without taking her into account. Ooops, wait, they do fly off to Cancun in an upcoming chapter. LOL Anyway, next snippet I'll try to post something introducing a few more of CJ's coworkers at the embassy.

I miss interacting with readers. And since CDMX won't be published for a while, how about a look at part of chapter one?

Thanks, Cris. Fun was my intent with these little stories. As for my way with words, it's still a work in progress. Hopefully my ability to turn a phrase has improved over time. Glad you enjoyed these.

Thank you. The diversity was by design. Recently, someone made a comment about AAPI bashing in relation to my story. I reminded them the first friend CJ made was a Thai-American who ends up becoming his personal doctor. I recall sitting at a fraternity meeting and counting the number of nationalities in the room. I don't remember exact numbers, but at least hald the brothers were from outside the US. That experience, and growing up in a multi-cultural city, influenced how I designed the cast.

ROTFLMAO I've not written an actual game. There. At some point I do describe Owen laying on his back after a hard hit. Does that count? Since we're using "WRITING" rules and regulations, how about I call up the good old showing is better than telling. Instead of saying CJ likes sports, I'd rather show him playing or watching while using the event or background to get real writing in. When you get to Roar, the chapter where he's at an NBA game comes to mind immediately. I used game attendance, the arena, and a couple of lines to set the stage for a conversation that advanced the story. Why am I being so verbose? I'm sober. Better go fix that error. Anyway, rugby's a recurring theme. CJ ends up investing in a pro team.

LMAO Dude, I'm impressed with your speed reading! Next thing we know, you'll be reading about CJ going to college and-- never mind, you'll be there soon enough. Interesting I've yet to write a spinoff for Harley. It's next on my list so hopefully in a year or so. You'll be all caught up way before then.

LMAO You're new around here, so you're forgiven for not having read my rants about rules and my delight in breaking them. If there's a sweet innocent boy with a big cock in book 1, at some point the author should have said sweet, innocent boy isert said penis in an orifice. Hold your horses, we'll get there. LOL

LMAO - A bunch of teenagers out on a catamaran may lead to a little skinny dipping. I always volunteer to chaperone the trips but they keep turning me down.

Road trips are great for long conversations. Even teens can get philosophical.

Harley ends up being a reader favorite. And yes, it took a bit to find out about his sexuality for sure.

Welcome to the family! I love following how new readers are doing when they binge the series. There are usually a couple of readers doing it at any time. Whenever I get a comment or a reaction on these older chapters I always smile.

@Mattyboy Without giving too much away, if you keep reading, you'll see plenty more rugby snippets. Hell, I'm working on the 13th book in the series and Sunday rugby matches play a big role in the story. I end up showcasing the Washington Scandals instead of the Renegades, and I may or may not have a couple of characters show up at the Nashville and Amsterdam Bingham Cup tournaments.

I had to read the chapter to figure out what you meant. LOL It's been a while since I looked at this one. Not sure why I included the mention of a rugby match in this chapter. Maybe it was part of me setting up CJ's interest in the sport or a reaction to some of the characters yet to be introduced. I do guarantee the sport will be featured throught the entire series. Are you a fan?

Thanks, Frank. As of today, 16 Aug 2021, I'm working on chapter 27 of the book set in Mexico City. I still have some writing left.