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Valkyrie

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  1. Valkyrie
    I have good news if you're on the fence or thinking you don't have enough time to get something written for our annual poetry anthology!  I've extended the deadline to April 6th, so you have an extra week to submit your poetry for inclusion in the anthology   So, if you haven't started yet, there's still time. 

     
     
  2. Valkyrie

    We're All Mad Here

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    Yesterday was the start of March Madness in the USA.  For those unfamiliar with MM, it's a college basketball tournament that lasts foreeeevvvveeerrrrr.  At least to non-sports people like me  So, in honor of MM, I thought I'd feature some sports prompts. 

     
    PT Prompt #331
    You win a large amount of money on a sports bet.  How do you spend it? 
     
    PT Prompt #332
    You've just moved across the country and join a local sports team.  One of the members comes up to you and says, "Oh my God!  I know you!".  Tell the story from there. 
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  3. Valkyrie

    National Poetry Writing Month

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    April is National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), which is why we choose to feature our poetry anthology then.  What is NaPoWriMo? It's a time to honor all things poetic and also to encourage people to give writing it a try.  Like National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November, there's a challenge to be attempted.  Write thirty poems in thirty days.  Several site members have tackled this challenge, and continue to do so.  The goal isn't to write perfect poetry, but simply to get something on paper.  There will be some gems and some duds, but completing the goal is quite the accomplishment.  
    We have two and a half weeks left till the deadline to submit poems for the Choices anthology.  Plenty of time to get writing and send in a submission.  And then think about keeping the momentum going, and giving NaPoWriMo a go.  

     
  4. Valkyrie

    Poetry Fun

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    April is National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), which is why we feature the poetry anthology then.  The goal of NaPoWriMo is to write 30 poems in 30 days.  I've completed this task several times, generally using daily poetry prompts.  I thought I'd feature a couple of my favorite prompts to see what others come up with.  Maybe it will be something to use in the anthology. 
     

     
    PT Prompt #327:
    Write a series of short stanzas that personify adjectives or abstract nouns.
     
    For example:
    Patient smiles politely as Clueless prattles on.
    Fate locks eyes across the room, his sentence abandoned mid-thought.
    Expectation drums his fingers, disappointed he was not met.
    Wonder stares wide-eyed at Fate.
    Truth careens around the room like a drunkard, causing sobriety with each slam.
     
    PT Prompt #328:
    Write a poem made up of suggestions (real or absurd) for appropriate manners or behavior in specific situations. You might talk about being taught manners. Or you might simply entitle your poem “Manners” and go somewhere unexpected.
     
    Example:
    But in some countries,
    Not burping after a meal
    Is considered rude.
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
     
  5. Valkyrie

    Poetry Anthology Check-in

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    There's a little over one month to go before our annual poetry anthology goes live, so it's time to check in and see how everyone is coming along.  I have some ideas, but haven't put them to paper yet.  Feel free to share a snippet or how many poems you've written or plan to write.  

     
     
  6. Valkyrie

    More Poetry Help

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    Last week, we explored Haiku as an introduction to writing poetry.  This week, I'd like to discuss free verse.  Remember that poetry does not have to incorporate rhyming or meter or stick to a particular form.  Free verse embraces that concept, which gives the writer virtually unlimited freedom to express their thoughts.  Free verse does not follow any particular form or rhythm.  It tends to follow natural speech patterns, but doesn't have to.  I think of poetry as painting word pictures - it's the ultimate exercise of 'show vs tell'.  It can tell a story or describe a moment in time, or be pretty much whatever you want it to be.  Here is an example of a free verse poem I wrote for the 2023 Poetry Anthology - Exploration. 
     
    Sandcastles
    I watch you sit cross-legged at the edge of the cliff,
    as white-capped waves resculpt what’s left of the beach.
    The route we walked just hours earlier,
    exploring and climbing crumbling shale precipices,
    submerged and inaccessible.
    Now sand and water collide,
    advancing and receding as one.
    New crevices create temporary ponds,
    blocking the path to the fallen tree serving as bridge
    between camp and water.
    The same bridge where you steadied me with firm hands,
    when my steps faltered.
    A sturdy log leading to the bright beach where we ran and laughed and
    sang songs around the campfire,
    Eventually realizing we were water and sand,
    a temporary structure waiting for high tide.
    Bright sunlight briefly peeked through the dark clouds,
    creating a halo around your auburn hair,
    contrasting the angry surf.
    In that moment, you were holy to me.
    Sacred,
    untouchable,
    a sandcastle slipping through my fingers.
     
    Now let's see what you guys come up with.  Let me know if there are any particular forms of poetry that you'd like me to dive deeper into.  And don't forget to RSVP to the poetry anthology event! 
  7. Valkyrie

    Let's Take a Vacation

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    A lot of the US is experiencing record cold temps.  In my area, we came close to equaling a fifty-year-old record for longest cold snap.  I don't remember the last time we were above freezing, and temps in the 20sF felt like a heat wave this week.   Sadly, it's going to get worse before it gets better.  This weekend is on track to be the coldest temps yet, along with good ol' lake effect snow.  Is it spring yet?  Our local groundhog said it would be an early spring, but I don't believe him.   

    Since Jack Frost is in his glory right now, let's go on vacation and flip him off as we head to warmer destinations.

    PT Prompt #323
    Describe your dream vacation.  Include all the wh- words - who, what, when, where, why. 
     
    PT Prompt #324
    Take the reader on a sensory journey without explicitly telling us where you are.  Describe the sights, sounds, smell, tastes, etc.  
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  8. Valkyrie
    Writing poetry can be an intimidating prospect when you've never done it before, but it doesn't have to be.  Like our Poetry Anthology theme this year - Choices - you can choose to give it a go and see how it turns out.  Many people think of things like sonnets, ballads, iambic pentameter, and rhyming when it comes to poetry.  Meter, form, and structure, oh my!  Some of these forms intimidate even seasoned poets.  But we don't need to be Shakespeare to express ourselves.  Start simple.  
    Haiku is a great starting point for beginner poets.  It's an introduction to form without being overwhelming.  Haiku are typically centered around nature, but they don't have to be.  They are composed of three unrhyming lines of five, seven, and five syllables respectively.  This is an example I wrote for National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo) in 2017:
    Happy Place
    Multi-hued valley
    Visible breath, pounding hearts
    Two legs astride four
     
    This poem was based off the following prompt:  “Field Guides” Let your poem tell of a small, resonating memory of a moment’s observation of the natural world. The suggested form was a Haiku.
     
    You can also choose to explore and play with this form.  During the same week for NaPoWriMo 2017 I wrote a "reverse" Haiku - following 7-5-7 syllables instead of the typical 5-7-5.
    Ruins
    Stone towers lie recumbent
    No longer reaching
    For blue, but consumed by green.
     
    So, try out some haiku and see how it goes.  Maybe you'll end up with enough to feature in the anthology.  Stay tuned to future blogs for more poetry suggestions! 
  9. Valkyrie

    Title Prompts

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    I was recently looking for a new series to binge-watch during the nasty winter storm we just had and found a few that were promising based on the description.  Then I read the title "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart".  Hmmm... intriguing.  I scrolled past, then said I couldn't pass up something with such an interesting title.  So over the next couple of days I discovered what the lost flowers were and who Alice Hart was.  It was a riveting story, and I highly recommend it if anyone is looking for something to watch.  Anyway, it got me thinking about titles and how they draw people in or turn them away.  
    Let's explore the art of a good title.  
    PT Prompt #321
    Choose an existing title and write a short story about it. 
     
    PT Prompt #322
    Think of a title first, then write the story. 
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
     
  10. Valkyrie

    The Gift of Prompts

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    I got a gift this Christmas of writing dice, so decided to roll them and use the results here.  My friends know me so well!  😁 I look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.   

     
    PT Prompt #318
    Character traits:  stubborn, empathetic 
    Conflict:  man vs technology 
    Setting:  Foreign country
    Theme: Power
    POV:  first person
    Time:  Ancient history 
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  11. Valkyrie

    Happy New Year!

    By Valkyrie,


    Announcements
    Last week, Myr outlined some plans we have for 2026, and there are some exciting things on the horizon!  We had an outstanding response to our writing events in 2025, so I'm hoping we can equal or better it in 2026.  Stay tuned over the next few weeks for announcements regarding this year's anthologies.  Cheers to a great 2026! Let us know in the comments how you celebrated and if you stayed up till midnight. 
     
     

  12. Valkyrie

    2026 Writing Events

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    Now that we're past the annual anthology, it's time to look ahead to what's next.  We're not quite done with 2025 yet, since we still have our annual Prompt Team Event coming up.  Stay tuned to tomorrow's blog for more information.   
    In the meantime, I've been working on 2026's offerings, so....

    2026 Writing Events
    Poetry Anthology - April
    Secret Author Contest - summer
    Annual Anthology - October
    Prompt Team Event - December
     
    There may be some surprises along the way, but those are the major events we have planned for next year.  Stay tuned for updates and reveals!

    THERE'S MORE!!!
    Even though this event will not happen until 2027, I wanted to announce it now.  @Jeff Burton recently described GA as "a tribe of siblings always available to help and listen but totally willing to dunk each other in the pool".  I can't think of a more fitting description for the relationships we develop here at GA, right @wildone and @Krista?  With that in mind, it hurts us deeply when we lose one of our own. Sadly, there have been a few tributes in recent years to honor beloved members who have passed on.  
    We thought it would be fitting to host an event every three years to honor the memories of our departed friends. The first of these Gone, but not Forgotten anthologies will take place in 2027, so keep an eye out next year for more information.  
     
  13. Valkyrie
    Who's ready for some genre fun? For this year's Prompt Team Event, @Aditus and I challenged authors to step outside their comfort zone and write in a randomly-selected genre/subgenre.  @Myr and team have done a lot of work curating a list of genres/subgenres, so there was an extensive list to choose from! Eight authors took up the challenge and sent me stories to include in the event.  We have prompt stories ranging from Historical/Ancient Orient to Fantasy/Arcanepunk.  Without further ado, please enjoy the genre Prompt Team Event! 
     
     
  14. Valkyrie

    2025 Prompt Team Event

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    Calling all prompters!  It's time for the second annual Prompt Team Event! 

    Anyone who knows me and @Aditus will agree that we like to keep people guessing, so we're changing things up a bit this year.  Prompts are designed to help us grow as writers.  To push boundaries and explore ways of writing or genres we may not otherwise consider.  So this year, we are doing a genre/subgenre challenge! 
     
    To participate:
    PM either myself or Aditus.  We will assign you a random genre/subgenre. If you would like, you can request two subgenres to choose from.  Prompt responses may be any length, but if they are below 1,000 words, then they must be part of a collection.  If they are 1,000 words or more, then they may be posted as a stand-alone piece.  Responses must follow site guidelines.  Once the story is written, PM me with the link to the story or chapter (if part of a collection) by midnight EST on December 14th, and I will include in the December 18th blog. 
    ***Do not publish your story/chapter or set the date/time of publishing.  I will set the publish date when I create the blog.  
    I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with! 
     
  15. Valkyrie

    Prompt Team Event Check In

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    There's still time to participate in the annual Prompt Team Event!  We've had quite a few takers so far, but the more the merrier. How are those stories coming along?  PM either myself or @Aditus if you would like to be assigned a random genre/subgenre.    Don't forget to send me the link to your unpublished story, so it can be included in the feature blog.  Details can be found here: 
     
     
  16. Valkyrie

    I Can't Think of Anything Prompts

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    I've been wracking my brain, but sadly cannot come up with any kind of theme for the prompts this week.  So here are some random word lists.  Have fun and don't forget to enter the Prompt Team genre event!

     
    PT Prompt #314:
    Use the following words in a story:  fan, box, cat, snow, closet
     
    PT Prompt#315:
    Use the following words in a story: cheez balls, tree, raccoon, tuxedo, Empire State Building
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  17. Valkyrie

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    By Valkyrie,


    Announcements
    It's Thanksgiving Day in the US, unlike some other countries who celebrate a month early...   On behalf of all site staff, I would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" for being a part of the site.  The community is what makes GA special, and the interaction between site authors, readers, and members is part of what makes GA so unique.  Thank you to all who participate in site events by writing, reading, commenting, and reviewing.  
    If you're celebrating today, leave a comment with your plans and favorite Thanksgiving tradition. We're getting hammered with a lake effect storm at the moment - oooh we just had thundersnow! - so my feast may end up being this weekend instead of tomorrow.    


     
  18. Valkyrie
    We had an incredible 23 stories for the anthology this year!   You guys rock!  All the comments, reactions, reviews, and comments are very much appreciated by our anthology authors.  Thank you to all who took the time to participate by writing, reading, and supporting our annual anthology.  It's a highly-anticipated site event every year, and we're already working on planning our events for next year.  Stay tuned next week for information on our final writing event of 2025.  

    Putting together the GA anthology is very much a team effort. A huge thank you to the team who made this year's anthology possible!
    2025 Anthology Support Team
    Anthology Coordinator
    Valkyrie
    Tech Support
    Myr
    Proof Team
    Lee Wilson
    Gary L
    Valkyrie
    Parker Owens
    rec
    Anthology Banner Creation
    Cia
    Thank you to Cia, Myr, and Wildone for their behind-the-scenes help and moral support with the technical aspects I sometimes struggle with. 
     
    If you haven't already, be sure to check out this year's amazing collection of Creature Features. 
     
     
  19. Valkyrie
    We had so many anthology stories this year, that I decided to spread them out over four weeks instead of three.  What better way to celebrate Halloween, than reading a bunch of Creature Features?  Here are five more stories to round out this year's anthology.  Enjoy and please comment, review, and react!  
     
     
  20. Valkyrie
    How has everyone been enjoying the anthology stories so far?  We've had 12 stories featured over the past two weeks, and here are another six.  And... drum roll... stay tuned for next week's blog because we're not done yet!  Keep those comments and reviews coming.  I know how much authors appreciate feedback, so please continue to show support to the authors who took time to participate in this year's anthology.  Now on to the featured creatures!
     
     
  22. Valkyrie
    It's here!  It's here!  We've been waiting all year, and it's finally time to release the beasts!  Uh... creatures... uh... anthology stories  

    We had a fantastic turnout for this anthology, so get ready to read, comment, react, and review! I'll be splitting up the submissions over the next few weeks, so if you don't see your story featured here today, don't worry, you're on the list for a different week this month. 
     
     
  23. Valkyrie

    Think Positive

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    It's super easy to get sucked into negativity, whether it's the news, social media, family, work, the weather...  I'm guilty of falling into this trap, but over the past few years I've been trying to learn how to find positives to counterbalance the negative.  Some days are definitely harder than others, that's for sure.  A dear friend of mine has been my inspiration in this journey.  They always know what to say to make me feel better, and their positive outlook on life is contagious.  We need more of this in the world.  

    Believe me, I know that things aren't sunshine and unicorns all the time, and I'm not saying they have to be.  I need a good ugly cry while stuffing my face with an entire bag of cheezy puffs every once in a while and feel no shame in doing so.  And I totally admit to flipping off more people than I probably should when driving.  But then I tell myself, maybe that a-hole who just cut me off after tailgating me is on their way to an emergency, or simply having an ugly-cry-cheeze-puff-eating day, and then sit on my hands instead of giving them the bird.  Anyway, enough rambling.  On to the prompts! 
     
     
    PT Prompt #310
    Create a negative situation for your character, then put a positive spin on it.  
     
    PT Prompt #311
    Write about how you handle negative situations like the traffic scenario above.  
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  24. Valkyrie

    Looking Ahead

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    Now that the anthology deadline has passed, it's time to look to what's next on the GA Writing Event agenda while we wait for the anthology stories to go live.  You guys were total rock stars this year, with 23 Secret Author stories, 17 tribute stories, and 8 poetry collections.  I challenged authors to at least meet, and hopefully surpass, the number of SA stories for the anthology.  Was that goal met?  You'll have to wait till next Thursday to find out    
    Our next writing event will be the annual Prompt Team Event, which will be announced after the conclusion of the anthology.  We're also working on finalizing what writing events will be offered next year, so stay tuned for that announcement as well.  We'll also be announcing a new writing event, in addition to our regular features. 
    With that in mind, tell us your favorite event this year.  To recap, we had Auld Lang Syne in honor of Carlos Hazday, Diversity - poetry anthology, our tribute to Comicality, and the Secret Author contest.  
    What events do you want to see next year?  

     
  25. Valkyrie

    One More Week!

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    Who's frantically writing and working to get their story done in time for the deadline?  


    While I don't have the official number of stories submitted yet, I can say we are very close to matching the number of Secret Author stories.  This is going to be a great anthology, so stay tuned!  
    The Proof Team is hard at work proofreading the stories that have been submitted so far.  Please be patient as more stories are coming in every day, and we are volunteers with a life outside of GA (I know.. who'd a thunk it?)  We will get through everyone's stories in plenty of time   
    Who's excited to start reading about our featured creatures?  
     
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