Jump to content

Carlos Hazday

Classic Author
  • Posts

    22,440
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by Carlos Hazday

  1. No wonder my kids are in such great shape. If I had to walk up and down these hills everyday I'd still have a six-pack instead of a pony keg. I'll post pictures throughout the weekend on Instagram. If you want to see some of them check out my feed. @cjindc
  2. Thank you! I actually wrote something else with Abe and Wood as part of a joint writing project that never materialized. Maybe I'll have to revisit it. In the meantime, glad you enjoyed it and thank you!
  3. I use them so much it probably drives some crazy. My series is US based and relies on current events so those references are a necessity. At my age, I'm not too worried about what readers will think in 20 years. I'm not likely to be around. But my use of actual locations has been extremely gratifying. From readers eating somewhere because I had my characters do the same, to someone wondering why they couldn't find something when they googled it even though every other place I mentioned in the chapter they were able to read more about. No matter what we write or how we do it, sooner or later it all becomes dated. From Shakespeare to Hemingway to King, the references and the writing will one day be out of style. Sir Arthur C. Clarke references faxes in a couple of his stories, who remembers using that type of communication? I had one of my younger characters ask what a Rolodex was and it made at least one reader laugh. If your story's based in the real world, certain references are important to give a sense of time and place. You can't write about 1970s New York gay culture without Studio 54 or Fire Island references. It all depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
  4. I93 runs through New England. Boston's a possibility. In 1981, Ernst & Whinney paid me 17,400 out of college. Bank tellers and trainees started at 12k in those days. I'd guess mid to late 70s
  5. I hope to be at the Washington Scandals' practice on Thursday night. In case anyone wants to hang and go for an adult beverage or two after.
  6. I think they fudged the anatomically correct part when they designed these. Both of them could be related to horses based on the appendages...
  7. @dughlas CJ's been pushing him at the gym so he looks good for the wedding! Did you notice CJ's 6-pack?
  8. Coming soon! Anatomically correct CJ & Ozzie action figures. Be the first kid on the block to own them.
  9. I'm not one for sappy love stories but this one got to me. If you like that type of tale, sit back and enjoy. Well written without excessive adornments, the story of how two men reconnect after an accident is a little gem. The author cleverly fills in snippets of their relationship and with each vignette, we fall further in love with the protagonists. If you're prone to tears, have a box of tissues handy.
      • 2
      • Like
      • Love
  10. When an actor recounts how he met his partner, he gives a performance that leaves his co-star in a good mood. Little does she know how close to the truth his tall tale is. A lovely short story that will leave you smiling.
  11. The primary reason I'm not giving this story five stars is it's length. How dare the author end it when he did? I'm livid. The Search for Pandora is a well-written fantasy that takes us on a rescue mission for Hank's sister. His alien companion has certain powers which go along with his no-human biology and help in their search. The amount of detail surrounding the alien's physical attributes is impressive, making the amount of thought put into creating him evident. As I said at the beginning, this story clamor a for more. Although wrapped around aliens and science fiction, it's a tale about humanity we can relate to.
  12. At a little over 8,000 words, this short story isn't so short. But it'll feel like it is. You may become so lost in the narrative, the end will creep up on you. Told at a sedate pace, Changing Focus is full of reach descriptions and wonderful dialogue. Those of us with an independent streak will relate to Sean and his reluctant acceptance of help. Jason can best be described as a gentle giant. One of those good souls willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Although it's a love story, the slow build up is refreshing after being constantly bombarded by the 'love at first sight' crap so many authors sling our way. I enjoyed reading it and believe so will you.
      • 3
      • Love
      • Like
  13. Psionic Corp - No Return is an enjoyable story which unfortunately raises more questions than it answers. The terse language used by the characters fits with a no-nonsense approach likely used by a military organization and fits the tale. But at times it could use softening to make it sound a bit more realistic and less stilted. Mike is a powerful young man who appears headed for greatness. His psionic powers, training, and family wealth seem to give him an unlimited future. Should he partner with a wealthy and influential schoolmate, the possibilities are frightening. There's a subtle commentary on wealth and its relationship to power I wish the author had spent more time exploring. I hope it happens in future installments. Finally, what apparently begins as an undercover operation becomes personal so fast I may sue for whiplash. This is one of those stories that would benefit from revision and expansion. The premise is to good for it to lay dormant.
  14. This is the story to read if you're tired of teen angst and sappy love stories. If you've outgrown they gay men fixation on looks and perfect bodies. And if you've reached a point in life when you realize you have less years left that the number you've lived. its also a cautionary tale about the dangers of a sedentary, over-indulgent life. Maybe those gym bunnies can teach us a lesson about taking care of our bodies. A quick, tender tale about two men near the end of their lives who get a second chance. Well worth the time invested in reading it.
      • 4
      • Like
      • Love
  15. Most likely 'cause I'm on the other side of the Atlantic, I'm slightly confused by Eric's living arrangements. Is it a place within the estate he used to work for or owned by it? Does he live there for free for the rest of his life?
  16. @Reader1810has been invaluable once I had her properly trained. If she doesn't work out, you know where to find me. Gee, Renee, we now have matching beta/editor duos.
  17. In due time. we're not skipping ahead with the 2nd readings LOL
  18. @Reader1810 You've read about his next appearance, but you haven't seen the most recent one. I added it after your initial beta reading
  19. In April 2018, some eight years after this story was written, a Houston-based company announced it plans to open the first luxury hotel in space by late 2021. Club Leo may become a reality in the near future. Mr. James attention to detail is alive and well in this delightful short story. The science is present without being overwhelming and the fiction has no over-the-top drama. The suspense is enough to keep us reading and the splashes of humor will make you smile. I think you'll enjoy this.
  20. And thank you for reading and leaving a comment. I love it when I hear from readers for the first time! Next nook goes live in two weeks, get ready for another fun ride.
  21. @mollyhousemouse They say imitation is flattery and I was trying to compliment one of my favorites. With you on this one, the hours I've spent with Dirk, Al, Admiral Sandecker, and the others have been glorious. Escapism at its best.
  22. You're such a tease... I could help you get back at @Mann Ramblingsbut he's holding a chapter of mine hostage and I have to play nice. edit Back to writing, Mountain Lady. I'm looking forward to reading the story.
  23. @mollyhousemouse Decided to comment here so I wouldn't send CIA's topic spinning into off-topic land. I love Clive Cussler. He inspired a couple of things in the CJ series. Danno's car collection and living space echo Dirk Pitt's and the multiple cameos by a grey haired biker are my take on Cussler inserting himself into his own stories.
  24. @Tonyr The next book go live in two weeks. As for what's coming, . But feel free to start a guessing game in the CJ thread in the forums. It'll be fun to see what people think will happen.
  25. Wonderful piece of flash fiction you'll enjoy. Presented devoid of adornments, this simple commentary on the human race isn't all that simple. Quick read with a satisfying aftertaste.
      • 1
      • Like
×
×
  • Create New...