Carlos Hazday

May as well come clean with you. The next offering--a one chapter CJ story-- will go live the first Friday in July. It's already written and posted. Renee has another one-chapter short story (non-CJ) for editing. I hope to share that one in August. This morning I sent Parker the last three chapters of something I've been working on for a while. 26, 1k-word chapters to post Sep-Nov. He's been beta reading and Kitt's editing. This morning I also wrote a bit for a Christmas story, but that will crank up when I get back from a short trip to Tampa. I'm going to check something out as research for another story. If I don't stay busy, I'll end up getting in trouble. LOL

It feels weird not to post on a Friday!

I was left wanting to know more. The bare bones approach lacked something for me. In today's health care environment, finding a doctor who cares and is willing to persevere is a minor miracle.

I'm a little lost this morning...

You're such a tease. But that was a tasty morsel.

@Nahrung Brett may not be as high-strung as Cesar or CJ, but he's no airhead. I thought it would be cool for him to speak publicly about his feeling for his son. The problem with my cast of characters is almost every time I come up with a story idea, someone for the CJ series jumps at me as a candidate for MC. I wouldn't mind a spinoff or two. Let's see what I come up with. My personal experience is too often writers, like some athletes, don't realize it's time to wait until it's too late. In an effort to keep stories going, the devise ever more convoluted plots. I'd rather leave readers wanting more but satisfied with what they got. Yes, I can return to the series, but I don't think I want to write much more until after next year's elections. If Trump gets four more years, whatever I write would be different than if voters toss his lying, fat ass out of the White House.

First: Stop posting work in process. I'm certain I'm not the only reader dissappointed when you stopped updating whatever story I started and liked. I haven't bothered with anything else you've posted since, and I'm sure others have done the same. Two: Story ideas are a dime a dozen. A name, an event, a location, and a myriad other things can inspire a story. But often, that little nugget isn't enough to carry you to the end. I have quite a few of those waiting for further inspiration, and I'm the only one who knows about them. Third: Endings are important. Have a general idea of how you want the story to end. You may want the MC to die, marry, murder, or get elected. Whatever it is, you don't need all the details up front. Pick an ending and write toward it. How often do you leave your house not knowing where you're headed?

That man needs a beat down. You're too damn nice...

I'm already teaching Mann Spanish ones for a story he's writing. Maybe CJ has time?

Not bad... Considering it's a romance story. A hint for next time you write dialogue for an American character. You may want to skip using bloody and bloody hell. Those are more for the Brits, Canucks, Aussies, and Euros.

FBI agent they met when inspector wanted a bribe.

I admit to rushing through the first half, but I still noticed the cleaning. Lol. As I told you before, not really my cup of tea but you did a good job. Particularly with the ghostly effects. Well thought out and written.

Thanks, Robb! The first long motorcycle trip of the year starts a week from tomorrow. Time spent on the motorcycle alone with my thoughts has led to scenes/stories in the past, and I suspect the pattern will repeat itself. Considering some of the trip is already part of research for a future story, I'm certain this one will be no different. I'll see you back here in a couple of weeks when the next installment goes live.

@quttzik Thank you! Providing a respite from day to day struggles was high on my list of reasons for writing. For myself and readers. Whenever I see new readers pick up the series, I want to scream Don't stop! The writing gets better. I'm glad you persevered. My hope is my writing continues to improve and I can offer new stories readers will enjoy. I will revisit some characters in the future, but I also have new ones on the way. I do promise a similar tone: positive stories about people unwilling to sit and wait for life to happen. My guys tend to be fighters.

Let me know if and when you're in South Florida. I'd enjoy meeting you.

I think if CJ ran for office, it would be because he feels he can do some good and not for the power. Considering I've had him take some controversial positions readers don't always agree with, people still supporting him has been a great experience. Proof we can all agree on basics like honesty even when some of the details may not be to our liking. I kept thinking about John McCain and that's why I included a quote from him in this chapter. The man had integrity, something our current president sorely lacks.

I'm so glad I'm single...

I shall! Spanking might be a way to deal with a husband hiding a manual. Then again, why reward the boy?

Sometimes I get tongue tied when reading comments. Yours is one of those. Thank you for the praise. I love the fact readers have embraced my guys and allowed them into their lives.

You may not comment often, but I've enjoyed the times you have. Consider doing it more often in the future LOL Let's see what I come up with to keep everyone up to date on CJ's life. Thank you!

Fixed it!

@Will Hawkins LOL- I have a series of spreadsheets to help me. The obvious one is character names. Depending on how important each one is, I have certain details about them. Date and place of birth, education and profession, relationships, and for some smaller details like vehicle(s) owned. After working with them for so long, some of the information has wormed its way into my brain. I don't refer to the list as often anymore, but there are times when I forget things. I'm too old to trust my memory.

Sorry about the delayed response, your comment was overlooked due to the overwhelming response to the next chapter. Based on what I've seen, very few first-time parents are entirely ready when the child's born. CJ and Owen may enter fatherhood with confidence, but doubts will always creep in. Than you for the praise.

@bry767 Did you like the song so much you decided to quote it without a comment? LOL

Damn! I included all that in the story? I'm impressed! LOL I'm not done with these guys. You'll get a glimpse here and there at what they're doing but I don't foresee a full novel about them for a couple of years. I actually have my writing schedule pretty well set for the remainder of 2019 and all of 2020. Thanks, buddy!