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wildone

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  1. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Aug. 22 - Aug. 28)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    So it is nearly midnight in my time zone and I'm hungry  The thing is I'm trying to lose weight and carbs are my enemy. Don't ask me what a calorie is, but I can tell you about carbs since you should be counting them with certain types of diabetes. But the thing is, what snacking food is there that has little to no carbs? Most snack food are full of the nasty little things  Popcorn, chips, crackers, cookies, even a lot of drinks have a lot of carbs. No suggestions of coffee or tea black please! I don't touch them no matter what is in them. 
    What snack foods do you have that might pique my curiosity? Like I could have 1 cup of popcorn and it would barely be any carbs, but seriously who can only eat one cup of popcorn?  Make your suggestions to me, please, pretty please. Or am I just better to just skip it all together 😢 
    Enough about my snaking habits and why don't we digest what happened here at the GA blog this week. Well, it might have been on a diet as well  
    On Monday, Renee decided to turn the Featured Story blog over to you! She solicited everyone to recommend their favourite story (or five  ) and we kept getting them in all week. Make sure you check them out, might find your new favourite!
    Then our second feature of the week was another round of Wayne's Prompts:
    Melee, Celebrity, Quid Pro Quo, Sub rosa, Billingsgate, Sibyl, Delectable
    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 1 - A Winding Path - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 2- An Unconventional Gift - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Pot Luck Themes - October 31st, 2021   
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 or @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M. 
    Now, let's look at new stories and chapters posted this week!
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Bloom by Dabeagle
    Stuff People Do by Ronyx
    The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    Larkspur: A Sidewinder Tale by Headstall
    On Fire by Cia
    The Best Year by Krista
    The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Poetry by AC Benus
    The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Prose by AC Benus
    Promising Updates:
    Tales from the Refuge by Wayne Gray
    The Reluctant Consort by lilansui **Complete**
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (and Recommend with a share to the forum topic!) 
  2. wildone

    Wayne's Prompts #4

    By wildone,


    Prompts
    Good Day All  
    Apologies for last weeks miss on getting up a couple more of your favorite prompts from our guru, Wayne. Two weeks ago we had featured @Valkyrie's prompts.
    Next up, we have featured them recently, but @Ivor Slipper took advantage and wrote a piece using Prompt 892. And for you prompt enjoyment, we have added in Prompt 893 as well. @astone2292 also did a response as well!
    Prompt 892 - Creative 
    Tag - List of Words
    Use the following words in a story - a storm, a broken fence, a scared dog, a flash light, and an old typewriter. 
    Prompt 893 - Creative
    Tag - Viral Video
    Most people who make it big on Tik Tok or YouTube work hard to become viral. Unfortunately your video went viral for all the wrong reasons with two and a half million views. What is your video about?
    Last but not least, we are starting to run low on the favourite prompts. If you have any more that tickled your fancy, let us know. If you are shy, don't hesitate to PM either Renee Stevens or Wildone and we will git to it  
  3. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Aug. 8 - Apr. 14)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Hey all, have you ever used the expression I'll be back in jiffy, or hold on for a jiffy? If you have, you are a bold faced liar . How dare you . So I was going through a page of absolutely useless trivia and some are interesting. It turns out that a jiffy is an actual measurement of time, based on the amount of time it takes light to travel one centimeter in a vacuum  That is a trillioneth of a second!! This was defined by Gilbert Newton Lewis in the 18/19th century. Now why am I telling you this? Well if you want to write a story and the one character is a fast shooter, you could say, "He only took a jiffy."  If you are a survivor of this condition, please don't take offense to the reference .
    Okay, maybe don't use the reference  
    So what happened this week? Well I'll tell you what happened this week if you read on.
    Monday, Renee turned the blog over to our Review Team to run a review that they did not too long ago. But in honour of Wayne they ran it again  
    Thursday was time for another reminder of the upcoming Anthology Themes and due dates. Also, Renee when back to one of the greatest of all time Anthologies to be revisited . As a side note, does anyone see these blogs for the Anthology?  
    Friday was a return to the favourite prompts that Wayne had posted over the years. @Valkyrie shared her favourite this week:
    Well, I had Myr's Words of the Day all typed out and linked, but they all seem to be gone  I must have pasted something over them . Well here I go again!
    Eternize, Allusion, Obtuse, Metronome, Diaphanous, Debouch, Coquetry
    Shall we see how we are doing half way though the month of August on our goals?

     
     
    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 1 - A Winding Path - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 2- An Unconventional Gift - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Pot Luck Themes - October 31st, 2021   
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 or @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M. ** I know we had a volunteer step up for the upcoming week review, but if there is anyone willing to help our Review Team out over the summer, it would be much appreciated!! **
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Bloom by Dabeagle
    Stuff People Do by Ronyx
    The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    Larkspur: A Sidewinder Tale by Headstall
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Prose by AC Benus
    Waiting Outside The Lines by Comicality
    Promising Updates:
    Lemonade and Kisses Promising Forever by lilansui **Complete**
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (and Recommend with a share to the forum topic!) 
  4. wildone

    Wayne's Prompts #2

    By wildone,


    Prompts
    Well we are in our second prompt of what prompt motivated you! This week we will take the first of @Mikiesboy's prompts and go with Prompt 447, as usual we will add 446 for you to see if you want to take either on! 
     
    Prompt 446 – Creative
    Tag -List of Words
    Use the following in a story – notebook, pen, coffee, a crystal, and a broken light bulb
     
    Prompt 447 – Creative
    Tag – The Gift
    You haven’t been feeling well lately, but you still try to keep up with your normal routine. You’ve been asked to a party, and although you don’t feel well, you decide to go. The only request is that as a gift you give something homemade. What do you give as your gift?
     
    If you take one, make sure to let us know in the comments below and click on the links for the Prompt number to post a link there too!
  5. wildone

    Wayne's Prompts #3

    By wildone,


    Prompts
    So last week we had a look back at @Valkyrie's, @Mikiesboy's, original prompt replies! Then we actually had a brand new one from @Mawgrim  Make sure you check them out!!
    Now for this week, we will look to Valkyrie for a one suggestion and another in case you want to try something else. First is 310 and the second is 311. See, I can count  
     
     
    Prompt 310 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story – tent, a running river, a wolf, a lighter, and a bowl of cereal.
     
    Prompt 311 – Creative
    Tag – Parade
    You woke up this morning only to hear someone pounding on your front door a moment later. Throwing on a robe you open the door to find your best friend standing there looking at you. “I thought you would be dressed by now. We are going to be late to the parade!” What parade are you supposed to be going to and what happens?
  6. wildone

    My Dad

    By wildone,


    Personal Blog
    Saturday night at 11:05 PM, I lost my dad to a long and slow battle with dementia. He was relaxed and comfortable when he passed and luckily all 3 of his children were by his side.
    I thought I would take some time to tell you about my Dad.
    He was born in 1940 to parents that lived in military base housing. His Dad was in the military and luckily never got called overseas to fight in WW2. Luckily Dad never had to move base to base other than once. His early years were in Ottawa and then he moved to Cobourg, ON prior to his teens. He grew up there with his one older sister and four younger brothers. When he was twenty, not seeing much of a future in the small town, he joined the military himself. He was loaded onto a train where he was shipped out to Calgary, AB for basic training. He was in the infantry early on and was trained due to his accuracy, as a marksman. At one point he was also working with Olympic Athletes in biathlon. He did tours in Germany (NATO), Cyprus (UN), Germany (NATO) again (this time with mom coming over and along came me  ). He also did a tour with the UN doing work between Israel and Egypt to keep the peace. The combined UN missions resulted him and all UN peacekeepers in being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988. We moved back to Calgary and spent the rest of the time there except two years in Cold Lake, AB. Being an Army guy on an Air Force base was too much for him so he retired after twenty years and we moved back to Calgary. 
    So, that is a compact biography, but let me tell you about my Dad in my eyes.
    One of the earliest memories I have of my Dad is we were out for a drive to Elbow Falls in his beloved Meteor car. I remember sitting on his lap and driving the car. Well at least I remember me driving the car  
    Dad was always there though out my childhood, especially when it came to sports. If coaches weren't available at that young age, he would always step forward to coach. Needless to say when my teens hit, I wasn't so appreciative any more. Ungrateful kids  
    I didn't realize this at the time, but Dad always worked 2 jobs, one with the military and usually another one at a local garage as a tire buster and other odd jobs. It was all to help ensure us kids (3 of us) always were able to play sports and frankly, keep up with the Jones's. 
    Dad was also there for me when just after the age of 4, I went to the hospital for a lengthy stay due to being diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Dad went to all the classes and listened to doctors and nurses recommendations. Mom was there too, and Dad later admitted this scared him more than anything in his life. Although it took time, Dad eventually learned and helped Mom with my daily injections. Once again, out of his comfort zone.
    I have fond memories of going to the Calgary Stampede with Mom and Dad and the sisters and then watching the outdoor Grandstand Show. Dad would take turns putting us up on his shoulders so we could see more on the midway. It was like a carnival ride on it's own. 
    Dad and I had some issues in my teens, teen angst and all that . At times we would get in huge arguments about the dumbest of things looking back. I remember one such argument that happened when I was seventeen. After the heated argument at the dinner table Dad stood up suddenly, I thought he was going to hit me, he had never struck me in anger in my life, and to prevent the perceived threat I was able to wrestle his arms to his side and push him back to his seat. Why do I tell you this? It was a monumental moment of my teen years that he realized I was stronger than him, and it was awaking to me that I now had the advantage over him. After that day I never used or mentioned this change in our lives as I probably realized that Dad's age was getting older, and I was getting stronger. I gained more respect for him that day, which is strange to say.
    I lived at home for the beginning of University and Dad who had shall we say strong conservative values, always thought that the universities were full of left leaning staff that sole purpose was to change everyone's thinking to the extreme left . We did have some interesting shall we say debates, as I learned history that may have contradicted what he taught me  
    Dad lost his long time job after he refused to learn anything about computers, and the place he worked were updating their tills and all the paperwork and work orders/invoices to electronic entry and storage. Dad never learned how to type and it was intimidating to him as I'm sure it was to many in his age group and too daunting of a change. He went out within a couple of days and got another job. This was another thing that rubbed off on me. If you were able to work you went out and worked. Now he doesn't remember anything to do with the pandemic, but I'm sure he would understand the dangers of working at the time and admit it wasn't an absolute rule.
    After a few different jobs, he was at the age of thinking of retiring. He was able to and then mom and him moved to Kelowna, BC. I always enjoyed going to BC to visit with Mom and Dad and did it five or six times every year. Also pop up to Calgary when they would visit. We usually had weekly talks once a week by phone.
    Way to soon, we lost our mom and his wife of 41 1/2 years  due to ovarian cancer. I learned that for the year that mom was fighting, dad was in immense pain and neglecting his own health to be there for Mom.
    This was another major turning point in our lives. Soon after, Dad had to rewrite his will and named me as his Executor and EPOA. Dad then relied on me more and more after this point to help him out with different situations to come up over the years. My visits to Kelowna continued, and our talks were more important to both of us. Dad, still had his faults, he grew up in a age of men looking after certain things and women other. Even to the end, he felt I should be his confidant and wouldn't always open up to my sisters . Neither sister have ever seemed to begrudge him and actually make excuses for his ways, but I always wanted us all to be equal.
    About four years ago, he woke up in the night and felt something was wrong. Grabbing his cellphone and calling 911, he was taken to the hospital with a major heart attack. This was maybe the first time I was really scared of losing my dad, and didn't want it to happen. He had quadruple bypass surgery and us kids, with a little less resistance than before, convinced him that he would be better back in Calgary where we all were. 
    Getting out of the hospital, I flew him back with me and he slept six months on a day bed in my living room in my 1 bedroom condo  If you are thinking other disagreements cropped up, you would be right .
    Finally we got him an apartment in the same building that I moved out of Mom and Dad's place thirty some years ago. He managed to live on his own but little things started popping up. Turning the wrong way down one way roads, driving for hours trying to find someplace. One of the harder conversations we had was discussing him giving up his driver's license before it was yanked from him. Yes, heated debates were had, sisters called to approach him more emotionally than my logical approach and eventually he decided to surrender it back to the government. Funny thing, the biggest reason he was resistant was that he wouldn't have ID. When we went to turn it in, at the same time we got him a government ID card and he was happy again!
    On a humourous note, before he gave up the car, I suggested he load up on some stuff that wouldn't go bad from the grocery store. Yesterday when we were packing up, I took the last four rolls of paper towel that he bought over 2 years ago  
    We got dad in a community support group for seniors to remain in their homes when he moved out of my place. It was great as twice a week he had a visit with a doctor, physio sessions, games, socialization and other things that made him look forward to going to each week. Late on they provided home care to ensure he was taking his meds twice daily and in general good health. It was also there that they gave us a heads up that he was showing signs of dementia that would not suggest he live alone anymore. Dad found a seniors lodge where he had his own apartment where meals and cleaning were taken care of. He continued with the support programing.
    Eventually his dementia was causing other issues, and they were negative, so I will probably skip over them other than to say when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, you need to start ensuring you have lasting and good memories as you never know who long before it completely removes him/her from your lives . Usually before they pass away. He had to move in a dementia care seniors residence.
    Dad moved in last May, and we watched him slide downhill and tried to help over the next fourteen months to help him. With Covid, their was restrictions on who could visit, how often and so forth. This was a struggle for Dad as more and more he didn't know where he was, why we weren't coming to see him and what was going on. In May of this year, since all residents and staff had been double vaccinated, they opened up the visiting a lot and we all got to spend more time with him. Time we all enjoyed, but we still thought we would have him for a long time to come. 
    Sadly dementia doesn't like a time line or even a guesstimate. Eleven days ago he took a turn for the worse and for his own and others safety so he had to go to the hospital. After the first night the ER docs were all of the opinion he could go back home that night. Sadly that wasn't the case. We lost dad eight days later that have had doctor's, nurses and others surprised how quickly the trip to his death was.
    Rest assured, with the life that Dad was living, he would never had wanted to live that way. Anything we would have done to prolong his life would have been for us kids, and not for him. Although hard to write, it was the best thing and also the right thing to do to let him go. Luckily all three kids had the same attitude. It has helped me with my own personal grieving, as I know that it was the right thing to do, and he can finally rest now in peace. 😢 Also the outpouring of support from family and friends have meant so much.
    Now, if you didn't read all of this, no problem  This is just a way that I'm finding is helping me deal with the loss and will help me also in a small way record our history together.
    For those that have mothers or fathers still around, give them an extra hug from me if you can  
     
    Steve
  7. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Aug. 1 - Aug. 7)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Good Day everyone!
    Thank you to Renee for helping me out last Sunday as I had some personal issues to deal with. Much appreciated  
    I'm short on time again, so excuse the lack of a preamble as I will get right to the wrap up.
    Monday, we had the CSR Feature for the month by our newest Signature Author. Give it a go, I'm in the process of doing so myself  
    Wednesday was the return of our long time favourite feature here at GA! Aaron had an all new AAA:
    Thursday, Renee was back with another great look back at an Anthology past and a look at the Anthology future:
    Friday was a look back at some recommended Wayne's Prompts from the past:
    Myr was by bright and early everyday to bring us a new word of the day Sunday through Saturday:
    Cathexis, Inane, Declivity, Undulate, Sarcophagus, Null, Vapor (or Vapour )
    Finally for this part of the wrap up, let's look how we did in the month of July:

    And where we are in August:

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 1 - A Winding Path - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 2- An Unconventional Gift - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Pot Luck Themes - October 31st, 2021   
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 or @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M. ** I know we had a volunteer step up for the upcoming week review, but if there is anyone willing to help our Review Team out over the summer, it would be much appreciated!! **
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    Lucid Truth by Stellar
    The Best Year by Krista
    The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Prose by AC Benus
    Promising Updates:
    The Cockney Canuck by Dodger
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (and Recommend with a share to the forum topic!) 
  8. wildone

    Final Prompts from Comicfan

    By wildone,


    Prompts
    We're not ready to let go of Comicfan as our resident prompt genius, so we are featuring his last prompts again, Prompt 892 and 893. If you would like, you can take a stab at either one for a lasting memorial to Wayne. Anyone that wants to, please post a prompt in honour of Wayne. I've created topics for each one of them, 892 and 893. Let us know in the below comments which one you did .
     
    Prompt 892 - Creative 
    Tag - List of Words
    Use the following words in a story - a storm, a broken fence, a scared dog, a flash light, and an old typewriter. 
    Prompt 893 - Creative
    Tag - Viral Video
    Most people who make it big on Tik Tok or YouTube work hard to become viral. Unfortunately your video went viral for all the wrong reasons with two and a half million views. What is your video about?
     
     
    Do you have a favourite prompt he shared? Let us know so we can feature it again!
  9. wildone

    Wayne's Prompts

    By wildone,


    Prompts
    Thank you to everyone that submitted a prompt reply to Comicfan's final prompts before we lost him  
    I think we had 5 submissions and each one of them are amazing. I imagine if Wayne had any relatives that were aware of his large participation on site, they would be happy to see that people submitted. I know I'm proud of everyone ❤️
    So as mentioned, we wanted to hear your favourite prompts from the past, and we would re-feature them and see if you want to continue on if you already sent in one, or let others try to take a stab at them.
    First was a Prompt suggested from @Aditus for #213. For continuity sake, let us add #212 as well  So here is a flashback to Feb 22, 2013:
     
     
    Prompt 212 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story – sword, tuna fish, compass, flip flops, and a star.
     
    Prompt 213 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    “You want me to do what?”
  10. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Jul. 18 - Jul. 24)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Hello Everyone  
    We missed a weekly update last week as we felt it was best to honour Wayne through the weekend. 
    We also had a really, Really, REALLY Big Announcement this week  
    Monday things got back to normal with Cia presenting our Classic Author of the month (psst, you didn't hear it here  but Monday is @shadowgod's birthday. He is affectionately known as Steve1):
    That meant on Wednesday, Cia was back with the Classic Author Excerpt:
    Thursday was that big announcement! I hope you all drop by and say a congratulations to our newest Signature Author:
    Friday, we decided to do something a little different, we weren't ready to see Wayne's Prompts go quite yet. We decided to feature the previous weeks prompts once again, and invite everyone to tackle one or the other. Also we wanted to hear from you, what one of his prompts did you enjoy the most and motivated you to write? You can post it in this blog, or write to @Renee Stevens or @wildone to remain anonymous. With your suggestions, we will feature those prompts for a while.
    To be fair, we stopped doing the word of the day the previous week and missed the wrap up too, so here is a bit longer list of words that might tickle your fancy :
    Nosocomial, Unfettered, Panache, Hobson's Choice, Orphic, Squib, Issuable, Empyreal, Fortuitous, Visage
    Now what about the goals? Well we decided rather than just focus on the week, let us look at the month and see how we are doing!

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 1 - A Winding Path - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 2- An Unconventional Gift - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Pot Luck Themes - October 31st, 2021   
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 or @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M. ** I know we had a volunteer step up for the upcoming week review, but if there is anyone willing to help our Review Team out over the summer, it would be much appreciated!! **
     
    Like the word of the day we did miss the wrap up last week and wanted to give credit to all the promoted authors that posted between July 11 to 17th. If I missed anyone's story, please PM me @wildone so we can give credit where credit is due .
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Panic2: Draw Me by Dabeagle
    Stuff People Do by Ronyx
    The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    Promising Updates:
    Wayne's Poems by Wayne Gray
     
    And last but not least, here is the stories/chapters published this past week:
     
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Bloom by Dabeagle
    Panic2: Draw Me by Dabeagle
    Stuff People Do by Ronyx
    The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens
    Only Prompts by Mikiesboy
    Savage Moon 06 - The New Breed by Comicality; Book 6 of Savage Moon
    The Best Year by Krista
    Promising Updates:
    The Cockney Canuck by Dodger
    The Reluctant Consort by lilansui **Complete**
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (and Recommend with a share to the forum topic!) 
  11. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Jul. 4 - Jul. 10)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Well it is 1:15 AM in my neck of the woods. Why you ask, am I up so late? Well yesterday was the kick off of the Calgary Stampede  This really the first big event to be held in Canada. Yesterday numbers were small, but today seemed like normal Saturday. I volunteer at the grounds so I felt good enough to try and do it again this year. If it helps the charities that have basically been shut down the past 16 months, than it is the least I can do  
    Now, who cares about the Stampede? I do!!! But you are not here to read about it, you are waiting for a wrap up that you can see what you read, what you missed and what may have interested you. So let's give it a go!
    Monday Cia strolled in after her 5 mile jog and gave us the July CSR featured story. Make sure you check it out as well as the discussion day later in the month:
    On Wednesday, I'm not sure how he does it as he is always working the nightshift, but Aaron still found time to give us another great Ask An Author:
    Friday, our prompt guru extraordinaire, Wayne, came up with another two great and original prompts. Shout out to comicfan for coming through week after week:
    Also on Friday, we noticed that there is gremlins in our servers  Who gave them water and who fed them after midnight? It is your fault  Turns out that our July newsletter didn't make it out to all, so Myr posted a blog with it:
     
    Myr was by each day with a new Word of the Day. I thought I had the first one and was excited as you wear dungarees to Stampede, but alas, it was not to be  
    Dundrearies, Amative, Gloss, Watershed, Yegg, Prevaricate, and Fanfaronade
     
    Goals, did I miss the goals last week? I can't remember  Old age  

     
    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 1 - A Winding Path - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 2- An Unconventional Gift - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Pot Luck Themes - October 31st, 2021   
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M. ** I know we had a volunteer step up for the upcoming week review, but if there is anyone willing to help our Review Team out over the summer, it would be much appreciated!! **
     
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Panic2: Draw Me by Dabeagle
    Stuff People Do by Ronyx
    The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Only Prompts by Mikiesboy
    Promising Updates:
    The Reluctant Consort by lilansui
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (and Recommend with a share to the forum topic!) 
  12. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Jun. 27 - Jul. 3)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Howdy Ho!
    So this week has been very unusual for me  All week we here in western Canada have been hit by what the Western US has had as well. We've been in a heat dome Normally our average temp is 22 C (71.6F) and all week we were above the mid 30's (95F)  I was melting!!! Things could have been worse, one small village in British Columbia broke Canadian records by reaching 49.6 C (121.28). Then a  nearby fire happened and now over 80% of the entire town is gone  Downtown, houses, mostly everything all gone . 
    Anywho, last night we here had thunderstorms, a bit of hail here, and now today is back in the mid 20's.
    So what about you, I know we are having lots of whacky weather, what happened in the past week in your neck of the woods?
    We had a bit slower week this week here at the GA Blog. So shall we look back and see the goings on here?
    Monday was a day that we look forward to, as in the CSR Discussion Day. Did you get to read @Marty's story and join in the discussion?
    Friday, our prompt guru Wayne was here and bought two new prompts for you to try:
    On Saturday, Comsie dropped by with another great article to help out new and old authors (not necessarily age  )? This week you might find it all a bit unbelievable 😮 
    Myr was his dedicated self by bringing us a new word every day over the past week. I'll admit, I didn't know any of these .
    Erne, Numen, Inscrutable, Vacuous, Bijou, Philoprogenitive, Deportment
    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 1 - A Winding Path - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 2- An Unconventional Gift - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Pot Luck Themes - October 31st, 2021   
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies
    Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Stuff People Do by Ronyx
    The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis
    Signature Updates:
    After Practice by Comicality
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens
    GFD: Blade Of Shadows by Comicality
    Left Without Words by Comicality
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    Only Prompts by Mikiesboy
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (and Recommend with a share to the forum topic!) 
  13. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Feb. 28 - Mar. 6)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    We seem to be well on our way to April. Has spring sprung in your neck of the woods? Are the bees buzzing, the birds chirping, and the flowers growing up? Well I want everyone to take note that we are only about 5 weeks from April 1st. So to get everyone  having some fun this year, as last year I think most of us were shell shocked, let's plan a really good April Fools Joke for this year. If you have a good idea share it with everyone so if anyone is drawing blank, they can maybe borrow the idea  Unless you are married in the same house 
    Let's skip right to the recap and see what all happened this week at the GA News Blog.
    Cia was here on Monday with the March CSR Story and Author. I have to admit, both the title and author's name should catch everyone's attention. 
    Wednesday was a return to the ever popular feature among members, Ask An Author 3.0. Make sure you help @astone2292 by submitting some of your favourite stories and 3 thought provoking questions to the Author. 
    Thursday, Renee was back and reminding every single one of you that the upcoming Anthology is just around the corner  Now looking back at my initial preamble, lets not do any April Fools jokes of not submitting your Anthology by April 1  Also check out the past Anthology entry featured as well.
    That brought us to our prompt guru comicfan with another couple of great prompts to get yourself putting pen to paper  
    Finally on Saturday, Comicality was by with some great advice for not only new, but some established authors *cough* @C James *cough* on how to use, or not to use every reader's favourite writing tool, cliffhangers  
    Once again, I hope everyone got a chance to look at Myr's 7 Words of the Day 
    Retrospective, Stratagem, Tenacious, Flagrant, Baleful, Venerable Tergiversation
    Last but not to be forgotten, our weekly check in on our story goals.

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Due by April 1st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
    Promising Updates:
    Metanoia by Thorn Wilde
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  14. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Feb. 14 - Feb. 20)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    How was your Valentines Day?  I'll be honest, I didn't even know it really happened  The advertising and hoopla seemed to be almost non existent this year, well to me it was. I did hear one couple I know went out for dinner yet still had over a two hour wait! Oh well, for those dead set Valentiners if you missed it I'm sure it will be back next year bigger and better.
    I know that all over the world there is different and crippling weather all the time. I would be remiss if I do not mention that everyone up here in the Great White North that are accustomed to winter, our hearts are going out to the Southern US that got walloped by a snow storm not seen in a long, long, long time. Millions without power, which in turn has left the absence of heat and water to so many. Burst pipes, people dying of carbon monoxide poisoning from burning just about anything to try to keep warm . We know that you are not used to this, but our hearts, our minds and our wallets are open to you all . If I could give anyone out there one known rule from Canada, when it gets really cold out, open every tap to a tiny trickle. This should prevent freezing of incoming and outgoing pipes. Nothing worse to make it though the cold and start to see some warming, and have all your pipes burst.
    Shall we move onto some more happy news brought to you by the GA News Blog?
    First thing first though. As you all know that we switched to a new format and a new contributor to the Ask an Author Feature. We would ask that everyone that might have a favourite story, to craft 3 questions and send them to Aaron @astone2292. Then he can build up some months of upcoming features! Your help will make sure the popular feature continues on.
    Cia dropped in for a couple of days and on Monday brought us the February Classic Author Feature:
    Then she was back on Wednesday with the Classic Author Excerpt:
    On Thursday, Renee was in to remind us that we have a little over a month to get in our Spring Anthologies. As as bonus she looked back at a previous submitted entry:
    When Wayne the prompt guru arrived on Friday, he had a couple of new prompts for us all:
    Comicality dropped back in on Saturday for another great Article. If you are a established, novice or maybe thinking about being an author, check out these great articles.
    Did you add to your vocabulary this week? It still isn't too late! Check out these words that Myr brought to us all this week:
    Aureate, Gauntlet, Recidivism, Garner, Gratuitous, Rosetta Stone, Ameliorate
    Before we look at upcoming blog opportunities and Promoted Authors offerings, here is last week's goals:

     
    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Due by April 1st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please Submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    Headstall's Reflections by Headstall
    My Only Escape by Comicality
    On The Outside by Comicality
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    Picture Me And You by Comicality
    Promising Updates:
    Broken - A Camp Refuge Story by Wayne Gray
    The Cockney Canuck by Dodger
    The Prince and His Royal Guard by lilansui
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
     
  15. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Jan. 31 - Feb. 7)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Well... 
    What a day today has been. I couldn't avoid a lot of stuff anymore so I had to go out in the freezing weather and get a bunch of stuffs done. Left the house at 8:00 and didn't get home to 3:30 😮 This is the weekend, aren't we supposed to relax and sleep in and take it easy? 
    So I'm curious, as after working 26 years in stores in retail, I know I didn't like when I heard people who talked about their Monday to Friday jobs. Where some of us in retail worked any day of the week. So let me know, are you a M-F kind of person, or are you a can work any of the seven days of the week? Hopefully no one is working all seven days in a week . Now once again, not to be insensitive as a lot of you have had your employment status changed in the past year, so maybe go with before the pandemic started nearly a year ago. Maybe also if it rattles your cage when people talk about Monday to Friday when you aren't one of them.
    [transition]
    We had another full week here at the GA Blog!
    Monday, Cia introduced us to one of our more active authors of late, for this months CSR Feature!
    Then on Tuesday we had had a bit of a surprise  Renee introduced us to a new format of Ask An Author 3.0 in January but we now have a great new Author/Member who will be taking the reigns and after the first of his many to come, it is looking great into the future!
    Bright and early on Thursday morning, Renee came by with another great Anthology Entry Revised. Hmmm, am I starting to see a theme this week  And no, there was no plan  
    Then on Friday, our guru of the Writing Prompts was in! I do believe we had a taker on one of them already this week!!
    Saturday, it is a day we put aside for some great articles from Comicality. Did you check out todays?
    Now don't forget to check out the words of the day. I'm thinking I know of three people that might be taking them to heart  (okay, maybe 4 including me).
    Foozle, Besmirch, Preprandial, Brummagem, Onus, Disavow, Pastiche
    Time to check on how we all did towards our Story Goals the previous week:

     
    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Due by April 1st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @Renee Stevens Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
     
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    One Hundred and Fifty-Five Sonnets by AC Benus; Book 5 of Verse
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
    Promising Updates:
    Broken - A Camp Refuge Story by Wayne Gray
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  16. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Feb. 7 - Feb. 13)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Well it's forty below
    And I don't give a *bleep*
    Got a heater in my truck
    And I'm off to the rodeo
    Now if you don't know this song, you can Youtube it or Google it, but don't have the sound up if little ears might be around  
    It seems I'm stuck in a perpetual groundhog day were everyday since Monday we have been in a extreme winter warning (sustained temperatures of -40)  Luckily by Monday we will creep closer to 0 or 32 depending on your temperature scale you are using. The thing is, when it is that cold, I just want to stay under the covers and not come out. So to say the week has been unproductive, would be an understatement.
    Enough of my whines before you all decide to bottle them and sell it . Let's see what happened this week in the GA News Blog!
    Did you see on Monday that Renee introduced our newest member of our Super Dooper Review Team, @Talo Segura, and their first review!
    Then on Wednesday Renee was back on Wednesday with a brand new addition of Author Guess Who?
    Jump to Thursday, Renee was here again!  She had another look back at an Anthology entry from the past, as well as looking ahead to the future:
    We decided to give Renee the rest of the week off  and brought in Wayne to get up to bat with some new Prompts:
    Saturday had another interesting article from Comicality. Did you check it out?
    But let's not forget that Myr, who has reproved me many of a time   had his daily Words of the Day:
    Reprove, Infotainment, Salad Days, Tactile, Tin Pot, Argy-bargy, and Etiolate.
     
    Let's not forget our goals from last week:

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Due by April 1st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    One Hundred and Fifty-Five Sonnets by AC Benus; Book 5 of Verse **Complete**
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    Promising Updates:
    Broken - A Camp Refuge Story by Wayne Gray
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  17. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Feb. 21 - Feb. 27)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    So the last week of February already! Monday we are into March and I think some people are looking forward to an early spring! Me, an early spring is the last week of April . Well lets hope that maybe, just maybe, we can have a good spring and jump into a summer of hope  I'm holding out for it.
    This week was yet another busy one. Do you realize we now have 6 days a week of GA blogs, on top of the daily Word of the Day . There is so much to take in I'm glad we have a team of staff and very dedicated volunteers that do it all week after week. So shout out to everyone that puts together the weekly blog features.
    We had Cia drop by on Monday and she had a good discussion with Sasha Distan for the CSR Discussion Day.
    Wednesday, there was the big surprise by Renee on the Author Guess Who?
    Thursday, Renee gave us new feature of a past anthology entry in the Anthology News. Remember, we are about 4 weeks away to get your spring Anthology in.
    On Friday, Wayne was by with another couple of Prompts to get you thinking, pondering and hopefully writing.
    To wrap up our blog week, Comicality was by with another Tip for all of us to enjoy.
    As mentioned above, Myr was here all week long with a Word of a the Day.
    Refractory, Sangfroid, Elixir, Knavish, Reiterate, Emulate, Ignoble
    And the thing that 10's of you look forward to every week  here is where we were on our story goals this past week:

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Due by April 1st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please Submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    GFD 12: Blood Ties by Comicality; Book 12 of Gone From Daylight
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    Shelter by Comicality; Book 1 of Shelter
    The Best Year by Krista
    Promising Updates:
    Avalanche by Thorn Wilde **Complete**
    Broken - A Camp Refuge Story by Wayne Gray
    Eager Puppy | Howling Wolf by Sasha Distan **Complete**
    Metanoia by Thorn Wilde
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  18. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Mar. 7 - Mar. 13)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    First off, a PSA on behalf of the World Time Federation (WTF)  If you live in any of the regions that observes Daylight Savings, it kicked in last night. So if you are late to everything today, don't say I didn't warn ya
    Well, I'm shocked, shocked I say. I looked out my window today and there was a tiny little white bunny rabbit frolicking around the courtyard. I honestly believe it was the Easter Bunny's scout checking out places for when the big guy (or gal) comes in a few weeks to leave me chocolate. Maybe I should adhere to mom's old adage to not eat what I think is mini chocolate Easter eggs outside where I had seen a bunny before  
    What also shocked me was today's high of 17 C/62.6 F  This is too warm for this time of year. I actually wore shorts and sandals when I went to do my grocery shopping earlier today.
    Enough of my musings you must be thinking . Let's see what happened this week with the Weekly Wrap Up!
    Monday, Renee strapped on her hockey skates and dropped the puck for another great review from our Review Team. This one specifically from @chris191070:
    Then on Tuesday, Renee switched things up and put on her cleats and pads and threw a Hail Mary in the hopes of someone scoring a touchdown with guessing who the mystery person is in the Author Guess Who?
    Then yet again, Renee ran back into the locker room and came out in her best Man United uniform to take to the pitch to bring us our weekly Anthology Entry Revisited. Oh don't forget, there is only 18 days to get your Spring Anthology entry in.
    Friday, the lights went down and a spotlight came on and comicfan came down the walkway to the ring in the main event for WWE in his best bling. Once dominating in the ring he shared with us all 2 new prompts to get our collective juices flowing  
     
    Finally on Saturday, Comicality put on his cleats, uniform, slipped in his cup, and went out to the mound to throw out the opening pitch which was an extremely, excellent, extremely, super, writing tip
    Our good friend Myr was in every day of the week with his broom and rocks and sliding them down the sheet and nailing everyday right on the button with the Word of the Day:
    Cook's Tour, Capitulate, Grinch, Lycanthropy, Fardel, Austere, Yips
    Finally is to check the leader board for our story goals. Shhhhh, quiet please! 

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Due by April 1st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Flight of the Dodo by CarlHoliday
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    Jessie-101: Online Celebrity by Comicality
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    Savage Moon 06 - The New Breed by Comicality; Book 6 of Savage Moon
    Promising Updates:
    Chase the Morning by Thorn Wilde
    Metanoia by Thorn Wilde
    The Cockney Canuck by Dodger
    The Reluctant Consort by lilansui
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  19. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Jun. 13 - Jun. 19)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    I'm on holidays this week  
    It's pouring rain outside  
    I guess I can tolerate it as long as it ends on Sunday, I am going camping to the mountains during the week. Nothing like enjoying a hot day by a mountain lake and jump into it to cool down. Are you crazy   That water is COLD!!! My boys will be hidden upside of me for at least a week!
    Well I hope you have a great week as well. We had a bit quieter week here at the GA Blog. Shall we take a look back just in case you missed anything? 
    Hurrah for Monday. It meant that our super dooper Review Team, channeling through @Talo Segura,  came through with another Featured Story to either start on right away, or put on your reading list:
    Thursday completed our broadcasting week with 8 NEW ANTHOLOGY ENTRIES!!! Did you any of them or all of them? Don't forget to Read, Review and Comment  
    Now I know a lot of skewls are out, but Professor Myr  popped by every day with a new word to challenge your vocabulary skills:
    Terreplein, Perseverate, Exemplary, Shambles, Thimblerig, Undergird, Wormhole
    GOALS, Goals, goals:

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 1 - A Winding Path - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Top Theme 2- An Unconventional Gift - October 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #2 Pot Luck Themes - October 31st, 2021   
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
     
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    A Chance Encounter by Bill W **Anthology Entry**
    Let's Do It by dkstories **Complete**
    Panic2: Draw Me by Dabeagle
    Stuff People Do by Ronyx
    The Brilliant Boy Billionaire by Altimexis
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Jus Sanguinis by Valkyrie **Anthology Entry**
    Lorca's "Love from the Darkness Sonnets" by AC Benus
    Not Enough Road by Comicality **Anthology Entry**
    On Fire by Cia
    On The Outside by Comicality
    The Runner by Krista **Anthology Entry**
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
    I.D. by CarlHoliday **Anthology Entry**
    Promising Updates:
    Distance by northie **Anthology Entry**
    Why Pride? by Wayne Gray **Complete**
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (and Recommend with a share to the forum topic!) 
  20. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Mar. 28 - Apr. 3)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Wow! Spring has sprung here and I'm sure our Australian cousins are settling in for a long, hard, cold winter  Other than maybe up in the mountains, does it even get below 0 C? What about New Zealand, @Stellar. Do you get a cold snowy winter, even on the southern tip of the south island with their spectacular mountains?
    I guess it was spring break here at GA, which means this will be the quickest wrap up I've done in a long time. So shall we see what went on here?
    Monday, Cia hopped in like a bunny rabbit and laid the CSR Discussion Day. Something just doesn't sound right about that .
    Not to be outdone by Cia, Renee stepped in for Wayne, who had technical issues on Friday. I think he left some chocolate Easter eggs on top of his computer and they melted inside of it  
    Last of all, we had the Grand Hare himself, Comicality, come in and share another great Writing Tip:
    Now Old Faithful, Myr, was in every morning to give us our vocabulary expanding Words of the Day.
    Vilipend, Perpend, Cryptic, Mantic, Permeate, Utmost, Homage
    And goals! What about the goals? 

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Extended to May 31st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
     
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Do Over Redux by dkstories
    Excesslive Force by Altimexis
    What You Leave Behind by Dabeagle
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Flight of the Dodo by CarlHoliday
    Foolproofed by aditus
    GFD: Persona by Comicality
    MARDI - At the Crossroads of Life and Art - A Film Script by AC Benus; Book 4 of The Secret Melville
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    OMOO - A Lost Soul in the South Seas - A Film Script by AC Benus; Book 3 of The Secret Melville
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    Promising Updates:
    Chase the Morning by Thorn Wilde
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  21. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Mar. 21 - Mar. 27)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Taxes, taxes, taxes, oh my  
    I do believe my friends to the south have to have their taxes in by April 15th this year, and we up here in the Great White North have to have them in by April 30March 31. Thanks @Mikiesboyfor correcting this. No relief with Covid. I wonder what it would be like to have no taxes whatsoever like some countries in the world. No federal, no provincial/state, no sales tax, etc. I do have to admit that when I do mine and my dad's taxes every year it isn't that big of a deal. Mine are done, but Dad is now eligible for a bunch of credits and deductions that his dementia is so bad . So he is in a refund position without that, so I need to apply for all of that before I submit. Which is okay if you are getting a refund, no cut off. For some reason the government isn't too anxious to get your tax return if they owe you money  
    So do taxes stress you out? Do you have an accountant or do you go to a tax service? Do you do your own? For our members not in the US and Canada, what is your day of reckoning with your taxman? 
    Well I guess I should bill the US and Canadian Governments for this PSA
    So now what actually happened at the blog this week? Did we have any big surprises  ? I hope you read each one dedicatedly each day  
    Monday, Renee dropped in for Renee week, and was kind enough to bring us a fabulous review from @Parker Owens of our even more fabulous Review Team:
    Wednesday, was the big reveal day for the Author Guess Who, brought to you by Renee  :
    Oh look, Renee was in on Thursday too  with our Weekly Anthology Entry Revisited:
    But you think that would be enough for her, but noooooo, she finished off the week with some big news about the upcoming Anthology and ones going forward. Make sure you read this very important notice!!
    Finally we here at the GA New Bog convinced Renee to take a much deserved day off. Stepping in with another great Writing Tip was our Writing Tip Master, Comicality:
    And let's not forget about our trooper day in and day out, Myr. He gave us a word each and every day to challenge our vocabulary skills. Honestly now, how many do you already know each week?
    Ailurophile, Friable, Promulgate, Oblivion, Visceral, Napery, Pasquinade
    Last thing that changes week to week to week is the story goals. How did we do last week?

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Extended to May 31st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Do Over Redux by dkstories
    What You Leave Behind by Dabeagle
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Flight of the Dodo by CarlHoliday
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    OMOO - A Lost Soul in the South Seas - A Film Script by AC Benus; Book 3 of The Secret Melville
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    Promising Updates:
    Chase the Morning by Thorn Wilde
    The Cockney Canuck by Dodger
    Threads by Thorn Wilde **Complete**
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
     
  22. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Mar. 14 - Mar. 20)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Well happy first day of Spring. Not too often I will share a joke, but @AC Benus' status update had me laughing  . It is kind of related to Easter, well loosely to Easter  It has a rabbit in it  And a priest and minister , Curious yet?
    https://gayauthors.org/profile/18130-ac-benus/?status=143484&type=status
    Go over and enjoy  
    So what happened this week at the GA News Blog you ask! Well I will tell you! Free of charge, no subscription fee, no monthly payments. Free, free, free  
    Monday, Cia got us a brand new Classic Author Feature. I remember @Altimexisback when we were both spring chickens in these parts  
    Now if we have a Classic Author Feature, we most definitely have to follow up with a Classic Author Excerpt on Wednesday:
    ** You only have 11 days left to get in your spring anthology to the  Anthology Proof Team**
    Now with that said, Renee was in with her weekly Anthology Entry Revisited:
    Only on Fridays do we turn the keys over to the shop for Wayne. After all these years, I trust him with a master key to the place  He had for us a couple new Prompts:
    Finally we reached the end of our broadcasting week with another great Writing Tip brought to you by Comsie.
    Now did each and everyone of you be a good student and learn the words of the day and practice using them, as Myr did everyday? 
    Decoupage, Callithump, Minion, Blarney, Confabulate, Immaculate, Divulge
    And how did we do over the week on our story goals?

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Due by April 1st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Due by April 1st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    What You Leave Behind by Dabeagle
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Disasters, Delights and Other Detours by Parker Owens
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Flight of the Dodo by CarlHoliday
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings
    Pride Month, and other Haibun by AC Benus; Book 13 of Verse
    REDBURN From Man to Boy - His First Voyage - A Filmscript by AC Benus; Book 1 of The Secret Melville **Complete**
    TYPEE - In the Valley of the Shadow of Death - A Filmscript by AC Benus; Book 2 of The Secret Melville **Complete**
    Promising Updates:
    Chase the Morning by Thorn Wilde
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
     
  23. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Apr. 26 - May 1)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Well did you tune into Justin Timberlake and NSYNC yesterday and today as they sang their song, Its Going To Be May. Honestly, listen to it  
    So that brings up some other May holidays
    May the Fourth (be with you).
    Cinco de Mayo
    Revenge of the Fifth (Sith) 
    Okay, before you all have me committed , shall we wrap up the last week of April? 
    It was a short week again, but Cia was here on Monday with bells on to bring us the April CSR Discussion Day:
    Then Wayne, our prompt guru, was by with a few new prompts for us all:
    Finally on Saturday, Comicality dropped by with a new article:
    Let's change the last two up
    On the goal front, lets see how we did.

    And since we have some extra space  let's give Myr's Words of the Day their own feature!
     
     
    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Extended to May 31st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Crossroads: Tales from the Heartland by Altimexis
    Do Over Redux by dkstories
    What You Leave Behind by Dabeagle
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Demon Dream by AC Benus
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Flight of the Dodo by CarlHoliday
    Foolproofed by aditus **Complete**
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    Retrospective - NaPoWriMo 2021 by Valkyrie **Complete**
    Stumbling Into Spring: NaPoWriMo 2021 by Parker Owens **Complete**
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  24. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Apr. 4 - Apr. 10)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Now anyone that follows me, yeah, all ten of you , heard that my computer decided that the warranty is up, and it gave me 5 years of loyal service that it was ready to hit the recycling bin  Went out and got a new one, paid the warranty (is it worth it? ), and the $150 to transfer my data from the old hard drive to the new one. I asked, is that possible if the old one is dead? Oh yeah, no problem. Fast forward 24 hours, yeah, your hard drive is not in good condition and we can't transfer the data. I said, okay, I paid you $150 to transfer the data and when I questioned it I was told no problem. So do I get my $150 back? Well, give us another day and we will see if we can do a slow transfer overnight. And as far as the refund, no, we tried and that was what you paid for. Then 24 hours again, and they call and everything has been moved over. Just need to pull the hard drive and return to me and they can recycle the rest of the box. So glad I got what I paid for, but will definitely take that into consideration before just signing the bottom of the work order.
    On top of all this, one of my favourite authors posted a nice lengthy chapter when I was without  
    Since I'm with computer again, this means you get the Weekly Wrap Up from me . 
    Monday was Cia's day to shine  She brought us the April CSR Feature. Make sure you read along and check back in for the Discussion Day!
    Usually Wednesday would be AAA Day with @astone2292, but without computer, I never got around to transferring and featuring it until later in the day, so we kept it up Thursday too. 
    Then we finally got to our regular posting schedule when Wayne tried to light a fire under us to give a prompt a try  
    Finally we wrapped up the week with a new Article from Comsie, all about Character Motivation:
    Were you able to check out the Words of the Day? if you missed one, here is the past weeks:
    Incisive, Finesse, Debonair, Organoleptic, Uncanny, Extemporaneous, Gullible
    Last thing on the agenda is to check in with the story goals:

     
    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Extended to May 31st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
     
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Do Over Redux by dkstories
    Excesslive Force by Altimexis
    What You Leave Behind by Dabeagle
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Flight of the Dodo by CarlHoliday
    Foolproofed by aditus
    Gap Year by Mark Arbour
    Headstall's Reflections by Headstall
    MARDI - At the Crossroads of Life and Art - A Film Script by AC Benus; Book 4 of The Secret Melville **Complete**
    Phases of Moon by Mann Ramblings **Complete**
    Retrospective - NaPoWriMo 2021 by Valkyrie
    Stumbling Into Spring: NaPoWriMo 2021 by Parker Owens
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
    Promising Updates:
    The Cockney Canuck by Dodger
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
  25. wildone

    Weekly Wrap Up (Apr. 11 - Apr. 17)

    By wildone,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Hello everyone, sounds like I finally got the recognition I deserved . You all can now call me the Grand Poo-bah  (check out the Words Of The Day). Actually I laughed when I saw that. For years and years I worked for the Calgary Flames as a rink rat, but I was isolated at the other end of the rink from the other 3 guys I worked with. They monthly had one of the three be the Grand Poo-bah. But looks like I get the name in the end .
    Speaking of being called names . I thought I would check in this week on what your childhood nicknames were? Not ones that maybe the school yard bully called you or an older sibling, but what about endearing nicknames from when you were growing up? I was always called Rooster, but never knew why? A while ago I was perusing the interwebs and found that the pro hockey team in the town I was born were called the Roosters. Also there was Stevie and when mom was mad at me, or @Krista, I was Steven . 
    So what about you? 
    Now before I start, this is a reminder that you have about a month and a half to get your Spring Anthologies in with the extension!! If you started, get 'er wrapped up and into the Anthology Review Team .
    Now back to Monday, where Renee featured another great Review brought to you by @spikey582. Make sure you check it out!!!
    Then on Friday, we had dependable comicfan come in with a few more prompts for you:
    Then to bring in some context to your lives, we had another thought provoking article by Comicality:
    So those words of the day I was talking about? Myr brought us seven new ones this week:
    Apparatchik, Poo-bah, Picayune, Bandbox, Whinge, Inordinate, Quisling
    Not so bad this week on the story goals. All in blue and no orange:

    Anthologies
    2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 1 - On The Road - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Top Theme 2- Forbidden - Extended to May 31st, 2021 2021 Anthology #1 Pot Luck Themes - Extended to May 31st, 2021  
    Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Anthology 101 - In the Anthology Forum. Everything you need to know about GA Anthologies Ask an Author
    Ask an Author 3.0 - Submit a story you like and 3 questions you would like to ask the author about. Send them to @astone2292 and @Renee Stevens **Please submit so Aaron can have a  bank of stories and questions** Blog Opportunities
    Guess the Author: Open to all GA authors. PM @Renee Stevensor @wildone to participate
    Story Review: Send it in to @Renee Stevens or @Timothy M.
    Premium Updates:
    On Fire by Cia *Premium*
    Classic Updates:
    Do Over Redux by dkstories
    What You Leave Behind by Dabeagle
    Signature Updates:
    Ancalagon by Cia
    Cadet by Carlos Hazday
    Double Concerto by Parker Owens
    Flight of the Dodo by CarlHoliday
    Foolproofed by aditus
    GFD 12: Blood Ties by Comicality; Book 12 of Gone From Daylight
    My Only Escape by Comicality
    Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour; Book 8 of Bridgemont
    On Fire by Cia
    Retrospective - NaPoWriMo 2021 by Valkyrie
    Stumbling Into Spring: NaPoWriMo 2021 by Parker Owens
    tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy
    WHITE-JACKET - A Man at War - A Filmscript by AC Benus; Book 6 of The Secret Melville **Complete**
    Promising Updates:**Complete**
    Chase the Morning by Thorn Wilde
    Re-Verse by northie
    This Machine Kills the Machine by Thorn Wilde **Complete**
    When the Party's Over by Thorn Wilde **Complete**
     
    Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!
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