Comicality

:: Kisses On The Cheek :: Hehehe, thanks Phoenix. I truly had a blast doing doing it, dude! And here's some kiss-age for Tiger too! ::Smooch::

The Polls are up for the "Left Without Words" Poetry Contest! So head on over to read ALL of the amazing submisions at: http://www.voy.com/17262/14305.html And then vote for your favorite to be placed in the next chapter at: http://www.voy.com/17262/14334.html Cool? One vote per person, and ys authors can vote for themselves! Good luck to you all!

For everyone who was interested in entering the poetry contest, tonight is the deadline! The polls go up tomorrow at midnight! So follow this link: http://www.voy.com/fo/17262/14305.html And if you posted your poem last week or ANY time before today, PLEASE post it again under the new link so we can keep all the entries together in one place! K? Best of luck to you all! And we'll declare a winner next week!

And the SAME goes for "Savage Moon" too. And Kiwi's right, it's a good "GFD" distraction until I get things together.

Hehehe, no worries. Hopefully things will go to plan (Fingers Crossed), but whether the new "Blood Bank" is ready to re-launch in April or not, there will be a new "30 Days Of Night" series in April (About 3 weeks away), with LOTS of vampire goodness, and the continuation of "GFD". Cool?

Whenever an author writes a story...they are actually writing TWO stories. The story the author is trying to tell, and the story that is inerpreted by the readers taking it all in. No matter how specific an author is, or how much detail they add to the text itself...it's naural for each and every reader to 'personalize' the plot and relate it to their own lives and experiences in one way or the other. And this is a GOOD thing, as it creates a truly concrete sense of realism for them. But do any of you worry that your work is being misinterpreted to say something that it doesn't say? Do you worry that your work is being judged for the wrong reasons? Or that perhaps something you've written has insulted or offended some of your readers unintentionally? It's not your FAULT, the interpretation of you every word...but it *IS* out there in the open for any and everyone to decode and dismantle at will. As a writer, does this bother you? Worry you? Or is it a non-issue? After all...it's not 'your' responsibility to sugar coat the thoughts of your readers, right? What are your thoughts on this? Let me know!

((Hugz All Around)) I'll keep all of your advice in mind, promise. I have to slow down for heath reason, but I'm hoping that pacing myself won't be too hard on folks reading. I'm being totally honest when I say that I'm just as excited to see new chapters get posted as anybody else is! I want them to be able to read it too! It just takes a while for it to be 'right', that's all. Thanks, you guys. Moodswings aside...I just need to hear that you guys aren't...'pissed' every once in a while. Hehehe! Love you lots!

Thanks, you guys. ((Hugz)) I don't want to sound ungrateful or like I'm just complaining. Really, I don't. I appreciate the fact that people look forward to more. Just...sometimes, the bashing can get pretty harsh. It's degrading. I don't know how to work any 'harder'. What I'm pulling off already is next to impossible. Sometimes, I just need folks to ease up a bit. I dunno...maybe it's just me. Thanks for understanding you guys. I love you lots!

Still getting occasional hate mail though. Heh....I swear, I just can't win. You'd think I'd be smart enough to give up by now. I literally waited my entire childhood for a new "Star Wars" trilogy....but folks can't seem to wait a few weks for a new chapter of 'insert name of story here'. I know the difference between someone being excited for a new chapter and someone trying to be mean enough to 'bully' me into working faster. I mean, I know some folks have an almost PSYCHOTIC need to finish every story they read in just one sitting from beginning to end, and can't STAND to wait for the next chapter...but sometimes they just take that too far. Why should someone want to hurt my feelings just because they need closure. I'm working as fast as I CAN! Sorry, just venting. Just...sometimes I wish my 'critics' could try writing this stuff in their spare time and see how quick THEY work! I'm already posting two or three times a week, what more do they want for free? You know? I need at least ten CLONES to pull off what they demand of me! Hehehe! I swear!

I know that I always just kinda show up in the Comicality chatroom at random, but occasionally, when I have a chance, I try to let you all know when I'm going to be there ahead of time. So, if you're one of those folks that ALWAYS miss me, you now have the grand opportunity to be just as dissappointed as everybody else by finding out what a complete idiot I am! Hehehe! So I will be in the chatroom (check the link on my homepage for directions on how to connect and all) for about two hours on Wednesday, March 3rd. And I'll be starting at 3PM Chicago time. Cool? I will also be trying to have another visit in about two weeks, at a different time. So, depending on where you are in the world, if midday or afternoon is some kind of insane hour for you, please feel free to let me know what a better time would be. Especially for those of you in Australia, Russia, and Japan. Because it might be better if I did one at 3 AM my time instead. (Hehehe, don't worry, I'll be awake either way!) So if you want to suggest a better hour or time of day, just send me an email at Comicality@webtv.net, cool? Seezya soon! It'll be awesome to meet ya!

While I may be good at turning out one story after another...I am a total KLUTZ when it comes to poetry! Always have been, always will be...it just isn't my talent. In one of my long awaited, un-updated, stories, "Left Without Words"...the love interest, 'Deme' is a writer and a poet. And the new chapter is rapidly reaching completion! HOWEVER...I would really love to add a poem to this particular chapter! Something that Shane can accidentally stumble across while looking in one of Deme's notebooks. Something sweet...subtle...and yet, obviously talking directly about Shane and they're relationship so far. There's no WAY that I could write it myself. So I'm asking for the expert help of the peanut gallery here! If you're a poet...read through the story, and see if you can come up with something heartfelt and sweet, for Deme to privately talk about his true feelings for the boy of his dreams. The only thing you CAN'T do...is use Shane's name in the poem! K? Hehehe, that's too much of a dead giveaway! Anyway, give me as many ideas as you want, and we'll have folks vote on their favorite one. The winner will be featured in the very next "Left Without Words" chapter in it's entirety (So try to keep it relatively short and to the point, k?). And FULL credit and thanks will be given to the author responsible for the masterpiece! Cool? If you wanna give it a shot, just raise your hand in the reply, and I'll set things up next weekend! Cool? My heartfelt thanks in advance! And let's see you poets pull out all the stops on this one! I certainly need the help!

While writing a story can provide a real outlet for an author's emotions, and it's an art that is meant to be respected, believe me...it takes a LOT of hard work getting those emotions out where people can see and understand them...what happens when you're done with it? When the story is finished and edited and looking pretty for everybody reading...have any of you ever though about possibly leting someone else come by and make a film version of your work? It doesn't have to be a big action packed Summer blockbuster or an Oscar winning drama. Maybe an independent arthouse film, or just a good cable or DVD flick. Something to see your work actually come to life right in front of your eyes. Is it possible? Would you WANT your work to be interpreted and made into a movie? Or do you feel that a lot of what you intended your story to be would be lost in a film version? There are a lot of inner emotions and feelings that can be explored in the text that can't be shown on screen. Plus it'll have to be cut down for time. What do you think? Would your work look good on film, in you opinion? Or would it be better off in print? Or maybe even on stage as a play? What are your thoughts?

Oops! Hehehe, sorry folks! hat's a repeat question! Don't know how that got turned all around. But good answers still! I likes! Not to worry! I've got a brand new topic for this week coming right up! :: Working Up Some Comsie Magic ::

Often, when telling a story with multiple characters, a writer is given an opportunity for greater depth and subtle shifts of focus in the main story itself. If the main story is all about getting to know the dream boy and asking him to the dance...that might make for an excellent short story. But what if you wanted it to go even deeper. What if the love interest's sister has a crush on the protagonist. And he has to find a way to dodge her crush on him and get to his ultimate goal at the same time? That simple subplot can possibly take a 2 page story, and turn it into a 10 page story. And still be just as interesting, if not more so. Do any of you use subplots in your stories to create a more three-dimensional experience for your readers? If so, how? What strategies should writers be looking for to utilize extra characters and ideas to make a fuller, richer, story? If you all have any advice, let us know!

That's a really cool idea, Adrian! The only two times I tried that were for the "Red October" vampire updates. The first one, (For "GFD: Killjoy") I spent a long time looking up Native American names that had a meaning that would fit a champion fighter at on of the arenas in town. However I changed it at the last minute. (don't remember why, because the name was really swet). And the second one was for "GFD: Dead Language", where the boy's name was 'Shiloh', which meant 'gift'. I specifically wanted something with that kind of meaning and feel to it. Other than that, I'm too lazy too! Hehehe!

Funny thing is...recently, "Picture Me And You" and "Jesse-101" have been MAJOR contenders for site favorites! Hehehe, don't know why, but in time they just may take over as the shining stars of the story list! At least....for NOW! ::Wicked Grins::

When trying to create the perfect dream boy, it usually depends on the persona I'm trying to create for the main character. I try to make an 'almost' complete person to be the main focus of the story, to narrate and share his inner thoughts and feelings about what's going on. Then I try to creat a counterpart that possesses what's missing. A perfect fitting piece for the 'puzzle'. If 'Derrick' is struggling in "Class" and worried about mone, then 'Tanner' is his mirror opposite. Someone who can help to make him whole again. If 'Ethan' is secretive and in the closet, the 'Drew' is out and dealing with the backlash of having people know. If one boy is shy, the other isn't as much (like Tyler and Ariel), if one boy is out of options, then the other possess an alternative (like Justin and Taryn). the idea of finding a match for what you're looking for is where I think the 'magic' of a true love story comes from. Someone saying, "All I want in a boyfriend is *this*...." and then, lo and behold...thee just happens to be a boy that has everything that you're looking for and more. I think it inspires hope and a genuine smile to think that this perfect person is out there for you somewhere. It's amazing. I've recently found someone for me that fits this example to a tee! He's like a soulmate for me...and when I look back at all the times that I've been in love...I realize that he is th boy I've been looking for my whole LIFE! And that makes me feel like I'm living one of my own stories, everyday of my life. (You know...but better! ) Also, I always try to give the dream boy one unique and interesting trait. Something artistic. He draws, writes, is in a band, loves old movies, loves comic books....something that displays his passion for somethig all his own. I really like doing that as well. If you go back and read most of my stories, there's always some kind of artistic or quirky side to my love interests that is meant to be shared or displayed to the main character. Almost always. It's just something I love to do, I guess.

I have to admit to REALLY taking my time to figure out the names of my characters before I even start writing a story. Especially when it comes to the love interest. I definitely want it to sound cute to everybody reading. So it's usually the name I try to figure out first Then I try to find a name for the main character, that sounds like a 'cute couple' name. Hehehe, :: Blush :: Yes....I definitely do that. I try to make the names compatible somehow. 'Ryan and Randy', 'Ethan and Drew', Derrick and Tanner', 'Gavin and Josh', etc. I don't know why certain names sound like they go better together than others, but I do go through an entire process of trying to make them match. I try to avoid names that are TOO cutsie (and obviously so) if I can. Although, with "Gone From Daylight" and "Savage Moon", I do try to come up with names that are a bit out of the ordinary and exotic to a certain degree. Simply because I want them to stand out as being a bit 'above' the average human boy. (Funny thing...I actually played around with 'Taryn's' name for a while, trying to make something up. And he was named 'Torin' for a while until 'Taryn' came along. I thought I had just made it up...but it turns out that Tayn is a real name. Irish, I believe. Which was cool!) And hard to pronounce names? I try really hard to avoid those. Because when you're reading, even in your head, they're distracting!!! Like, ARRRRGH!!! It's a stumbling block. I've given upon stories with hard to pronounce names before. It's just a hassle to read. So yes, in my opinion, names definitely matter. At least to me, they do

Hehehe, don't worry, Rush. Looking back on it, I'm laughing too. Grrr! Just so you all know....umm...the return of "My One True Weakness" has now been officially 'delayed' until I stop being pissed at it! LOL! You know, whatever those CTRL-Z and all functions are that you mentioned? They are completely different on my keyboard! You have now opned up a whole new world of shortcuts for me on this thing. I'll need to practice and bang around to find out what everything does. That's so weird. But yeah, those same commands have a completely different function on my end. Awww, I know Hoskins! :: Hangs Head In Shame :: I don't know why, it's like...breaking tradition or something. I always type it right out online and keep handwritten notes in my notebook beside me. Bad habits. 9 times out of 10, everything is a-ok! But that ONE time when it isn't.... :: CURSES LOUD!!! :: :: SCARES FLOCK OF BIRDS OUT OF THE TREES ::

Hehehe, that's right! It is Ellen now, isn't it? Well, Mark, I'd be honored to have you as a judge if you're up for it! But no miniskits and pumps, please! LOL@ Jamessavik!!! Well, hopefully we can run this crap game a little bit 'straighter' than they did! And Kiwi brings up a good point. Should our authors enter with some sort of 'stage name' when they write? You never know, there might be certain biased fanbases out there. You never know when things might go crooked. Then again, how would that be different from any other voting event? ('Glares At Florida') An interesting question. Any suggestions or thoughts on this? Also...I was thinking, for each short story topic...we'd give a period of two weeks. Eight topics, two weeks for each. Do you guys think that's a fair amount of time? I mean we're talking...coming up with an idea, writing it out, and then editing (either by themselves, or with help from their editor). Is two weeks enough? I know you guys have work and school and all. Let me know.

It is now 4 AM...... I was kind of on a roll with what I was writing... went for 35 minutes straight without stopping..... And I accidentally hit the 'Refresh' button...CONVENIENTLY located right under my "?" key. Yeah.... FML!!! I'm going to bed now.

Wait.....*MY* fault??? What did I do? LOL! Unh Unh! You have to bear that burden on your own, my fair lady!

You know, as much as I wish I could take credit for this stroke of genius, it's really not my idea at all. This came from someone else at the Shack. So he deserves 100% of the praise for it. :: Bows :: Now I'll admit that I haven't watched "American Idol" in some time. but I sort of remember how things go. So I was kinda thinking that we'd have everybody that wants to join in simply put in an 'audition' entry on a certain topic once we announce it. And have everyone vote on their favorites. The top 10-12 highest rated authors will be a part of the competition. And we'll take it from there. But like I said, this is all a brand new experiment for us. So if you guys have any ideas about how it should be run, or anything else, let me know. We've got our 'Simon' already! Hehehe! 'Cloud' has offered to be a judge. And if anybody has raked me over the coals for just about everything I've ever written...it's him! I reccomended him personally. Which I guess makes me 'Randy' (I'd make an awful 'Paula'. These legs in a dress? Terrifying!) But we DO need another judge. So any suggestions are welcome there as well. Cool? I'm getting excited already!

Why do it if you don't have to? Right? Writing is more than just a hobby, it's a discipline. It takes time, and energy, and effort...and sometimes a certain level of frustration. It's definitely a solo sport. So it's not like you can involve a bunch of friends, or just do it in a couple of minutes between commercials of your favorite TV show. So what's the motivation? What is the driving force behind the process? What pushes YOU, personally, to write the stories that you do? Let us know what the act of writing 'does' for you, and why you're passionate about it! Enquiring minds want to know?

Yeah, it would have to be for every category. The whole idea would definitely be based on versatility with the writing. But the concepts would be within the gay author arena. (Sorta like the Anthology topics) I'm so happy to see you guys interested! I'm writing out my plans now. I think it'll be aesome!