Comicality

Hmmm....good question, actually. How do I know that a story is going over well? I guess it's just the reaction and the feel that I get from the people who read it. Like...I always keep an eye on those kinds of things. Say....I post "Random Story #1"...and I get fifteen emails about it, and the Library has ten posts from people who are excited about the next chapter. To me...I can look at that and say, "Ok...so that story has some real interest behind it. The 'reviews' were good. I should definitely keep working hard to make sure this momentum keeps going. As long as they're enjoying it. Awesome!" This all happens, usually, within the first two or three days. But if I post "Random Story #2"....and I don't get ANY emails, and the library has maybe two or three posts about it and no more...then I'm usually faced with a dilemma. People obviously think this story isn't all that great, and they aren't at all excited about it. So should I push forward with it...or should I work on something the fanbase seems to enjoy more? Now, there's something to be said for the 'invisible audience', which, like you said, read but don't necessarily comment one way or the other. And that's fine. No harm, no foul. Because of that, I've got a few people that I know will ALWAYS comment on the latest story, and I kinda use their feedback as a way to gauge how certain chapters were. One or two of them, I even give them a little bit of a preview, just to see what they think before I post it 'live'....or whatever. It might only be two or three people that help me out...but I seriously count on them to give me a perspective that I can't get on my own. Anyway....does that make a story a success or a failure? Hmmm..I guess it depends on how I feel about the story in those first few days. If I'm confident about the chapter, then it's fine either way. But if I feel antsy or insecure about how a certain chapter is gonna be received...no feedback = no interest. And I'm liable to give that story a loooong rest until I think I can make it better. (Like "Magic Man", "Always",or the 4 "GFD" story starters I wrote a long time ago.) The inspiration for ME is still there....but writing something that I think nobody is reading is like....blah! The writing, I do just for me. The POSTING....I do to 'entertain'. And if people aren't entertained, then I should be using my time for something else. You know?

Someone on the Shack was thinking of starting a new game on the Shack, and it was definitely something I wanted to let everybody know about. Especially the writers on the 'Cafe', because this most certainly applies to you. It's "Comicality Idol" Basically, it's like "American Idol"...but for writing. Hehehe, hard to figure that out, right? It's an idea we're plaing around with at the moment. But if all goes to plan, we'll start the second week of March. The idea is, we'll get a bunch of writers together, and for 6 - 8 weeks, we'll give the writers a topic to write a short story about. For example...one week, we might ask for a 'sci fi' short story. The next week, we might ask for a 'sex scene'. Etc. Editors are more than welcome for anyone that wants to use one for their finished product. But all entries have to be in by Satuday night, and new 'assignments' will be given out the following Sunday morning. Judges will give their opinions, and people will be asked to vote on their favorite stories. Eliminations will keep going until we have one big winner. What do you guys think? Can we pull something like this off? Nothing is set in stone yet, so we're still accepting ideas if you've got any. But we've got people on board ready to give it a shot. Who knows? We might end up holding one every 6 months if it goes over well. I'll think of a prize or something to give out. Hehehe! We'll make it worthwhile. Because I can't really give out publishing contracts, now can I? Anyway, all suggestions and thoughts welcome....

Yes!!! Awesome point Mark! ((hugz)) I think 'sagas' is the word of the day! Hehehe! I've always been fascinated by that idea, ever since I was little. That a character could be so significant, that he could have a story of his own and coninue on beyond the short piece of life that you get to see in just that one story or series. Examples? Harry Potter, Indiana Jones James Bond, Batman, Blade, Jack Bauer ("24"), and a number of others. It's just the idea that you can take this main chaacter (or any of the other main characters), put them in a completely different situation if you wanted to, and sill tell a good story with all the character traits in tact. Imagine how many 'Star Wars' stories you could tell? Or the Matrix mythology? those stories and characters can live on FOREVER if done right. Something about that really appeals to me. When I finish writing a story, I kinda want people to think about what might happen 'next' for these people. Or what happened before this story happened? What about a story just about 'Trevor' in "GFD", or a story about 'Tyler's' past in "New Kid"? What about 'Cyrus' beginning before "Savage Moon"? The story should stretch beyond the plot in the reader's minds. I love that. It's like...it stays with you longer. My first experience with that was actually 'Star Wars'. Because there are HUE gaps in the story between movies. So I always wanted to know...what the hell happened between...say...'Luke getting his hand cut off'...and him becoming this great Jedi warrior? There's a BILLION stories in there. I'm intrigued by that. So I've always wanted to write like that myself. By the way, .just wondering, Neph...you're not worrying about lack of interest just because your stories have a hetero flavor to them, are you? I mean...movie and story wise...I've been subjected to heterosexual stories all my life. I doubt yours would have any less impact if you posted them. You shuld try it out. You might be surprised at the response. Might as well take a chance, right?

Actually, I have to admit that I have not. Do you have a link? I'll check it out!

Have you ever seen a story that a writer has already written from beginning to end, that's already complete and tells a great story...but then suddenly gets a 'sequel' much later on? Like maybe there's just a bit more story to tell? Maybe the characters were so well loved by their readers, that the author decided to bring them back and continue on. It could pick up right where the last one left off...or maybe there's been a big lapse since the final chapter of the original. Like from high school stories to...'the college years', or something similar. Whatever the reason, sometimes an author can go back and add on to a story that has already been finished. Almost as another bookend to an already completed work. What do you guys think about this? Should these stories be given a sequel? I know some people who actually avoid sequels like the plague, and for good reason after so many bad experiences with them. Is it possible that it might ruin a story that was fine like it was? Or can a skilled writer actually add to an original piece and make the sequel just as good, if not better, than the first one? Would you, personally, ever think of going back to an earlier story to make a brand new series of additions? Just as an update on the lives of the characters you loved so much before. Let us know what you think!

Maybe it's a hidden need for all of us to kinda poke at the sore spots from time to time. You know, to feel alive. How strange that life gets so easily associated with pain. But I will have to admit that I have caught myself doing that from time to time. There were two stories that I wrote (FINISHED series, by the way) when I was EXTREMELY heartbroken! I mean drifting between wanting to cry my eyes out and wanting to put my fist through a wall. And those were really emotional. When I look back at them, they still kinda hurt a little bit. ("Never Again" and "Save Or Sacrifice") But that was really my 'release' from those emotions, so it felt better to get it out than bottle it up anymore. I can't understand why "My Only Escape" is so different. Weird. Do you have any places that you just don't go to, Neph? Like a certain taboo that you don't touch on. Curious.

Hehehe, nothing wrong with having a love for the 'dark side'. Believe me, I was weened on it. I love it. But with this particular story...I don't know. It just brings up bad memories. Sometimes a LOT of bad memories, and all at once. It's like going to get a glass of water, and suddenly having 25 giant BUCKETS worth splashing dow on you out of the ceiling. And you're orta left standing there thinking, "Wow...I was REALLY not prepared for that." And that's really entertaining for other people to watch, I'm sure. But THEY don't have to get all nakey now, and dry off, and redress from scratch like I do. Yeah...I had a point in there somewhere. I think too much.

Would you guys ever consider just 'stopping' work on a story for lack of interest? Like...if you really got behind a story, but it didn't quite 'pop' the way you wanted it to....would you stop, or keep going? I'm wondering. Because I've got a few ideas that I'm thinking...hmmmm...maybe 'later'. I love the ideas! But it would be a waste of time if they end up falling flat, you know? What would you guys do?

Thanks a bunch you guys! I was able to free up a little bit of brain space last night after writing that out. Maybe rambling has it's uses after all. Hehehe! Sometimes my characters are just 'brats' who feel the need to remind me who's running the show! Teenagers! Hahaha, although I like the killing off a character idea! Should I set up a dart board and get myself a blindfold? Might shake things up! I'd have to shut my email down for a week or two afterwards. Wouldn't wish that hate mail rush on anybody! ((Hugz All Around)) Ps- :: Waves :: Hiya Dom! Long time no type, man!

I took a little break about two weeks ago, just to rest the old 'brain box' for a while...and usually when I do that, I come back with more ideas than ever. But this time, it's like my mind is still telling me to relax. Like...I don't do the whole 'writer's block' thing well when I have stuff that I've gotta finish. Hehehe! It bugs me! Well...actually, it bugs EVERYBODY on the site. Ugh! I get, like...depressed when the words just won't come out like they're supposed to. I'm hoping this only lasts for another day or two. I've got stuff to post in the meantime though. Sorry. Just rambling.

Ahhh, I could see that. If you want to check out the posts I made on the "GFD: Blood Bank" forum ( http://www.voy.com/208535/1233.html ) you'll see the characters as a bit older. For this video, he picked the same actors and actresses, but he found some younger pics that I had never even seen before. Which was awesome! But yes, follow the link, and you'll see a bitof an older bunch. Not by much, but older. (Also I added 'Michael' and 'Natpea'! And more will be coming soon!) I still haven't really found a good 'Taryn' yet! I've had some idea, but I'm still searching. Hard to find. Hard to find a good 'Doc' too. Any ideas?

AHHHHH.....YES! Thank you! That actually makes perfect sense! I will definitely keep that in mind. Thank you, because that was driving me CRAZY! Hehehe!

I still have to stop and think and stumble when I'm writing this out. It's one of those things that I want to get right, but more often than not, I find myself just taking a blind guess at it just so I can keep writing. What is the rule on the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'? As in, "He was greatly affected by it.' Or, 'The effect it had on him was great.' See, they both sound alike when I say them in my head, and I usually get stuck wondering which one is correct. Fom what I know, they should have an almost identical meaning. But I'm thinking there's got to be 'right and wrong' for this one? Anyone know for sure?

Hahaha @ Mark! I do NOT write stoned! Although I have been known to take more than a few sips of alcohol during some late night marathon writing splurges! Hehehe, but the whole alcoholic writer thing is so cliche at this point. I think Mark Twain cornered the market on that one. ((Hugz)) Kiwi! You don't need writing classes, dude. I like your stuff!

Hehehe, wow...thanks! :: Super Thumbs Up :: That definitely gave me my ego moment for the week. Mmmm...stroke-alicious! In all honesty though, even though it's REALLY flattering to have the compliments on my stories and all...I have to admit that I'm not really a fan of my own stuff. I try to be, and sometimes I'll see certain things and can really take pride in it turning out the way I pictured it in my head. But I ALWAYS worry. Every time. Every story, every chapter, every "Billy Chase"....I worry about it not being up to standard. Then again, I'm a harsh self critic about just about everything. So I set that standard impossibly high and just try to come close. The weird thing is...when it's just me writing the story...I feel 100% at peace. It's like the words come from somewhere else entirely sometimes. There are huge sections of storie that I barely remember writing at all. Hehehe, seriously! Once I'm done with it, I'm done with it, and I start right in on the next one. But when it comes time to send it to Myr or get it posted...the anxiety sneaks in. Trying to edit and fix stuff and make it better is where I fall all to pieces. Because it's NEVER good enough. The raw emotion part I love, and can do effortlessly, but making it that glossy 'finished' product that everybody else gets to read...it takes forever. Drives me crazy. And I agree with a big part of what Neph said, about this bearing all of your soul for other people. Especially stories like "My Only Escape", where I feel really exposed, because it's such a persoal part of my life. So I guess youcould say that I'm a fan of the 'process'. But by the time you guys get to see them, hehehe, I've torn my hair out at the roots and stressed myself out to the point where I throw my hands up and say, "Well, they'll just have to hate it, I guess. Because I can't take anymore!" Mad scientist, I am! (And you guys thought I was breezing through it all nice and easy. Psh!)

It would be difficult to ever let anyone read your own story if you didn't have some level of confidence in what you do. It's already scary enough putting your heart and soul on display for anybody to read, and possibly rip apart, whenever they feel like it. But courage is a necessity. And if you're anything like me, you've got to rebuild that courage from scratch again with each and every project you put out there. The question this week is...are you an actual FAN of your own work? And don't mean in a cocky or arrogant way (unless of course, you ARE, in which case, we wanna hear about that too!), but do you have a general appreciation for the stories you write? Some authors need recognition and approval from their readers or other writers before the feel comfortable with it. Some writers really WANT to put a story out there, but never find the courage to post them, or even finish them. And some just hate their own work altogether. So what do you think? Are you a fan of your stuff? Why or why not? And if you've got a million ideas, but haven't written them out for anybody to see yet...what are you waiting for?

Thanks, Neph!!! But I'm still having the hardest time trying to get a 'Taryn', though! I don't know....it's just really hard to cast someone good for him.

On the "GFD: Blood Bank" forum ( http://www.voy.com/208535/ ), we were kind trying to cast our favorites for a "Gone From Daylight" movie! Not as easy as it sounds, believe me! And someone on the Shack forum made a YouTube video with my personal character picks in it! And he found pictures that I couldn't even find for the characters! It's pretty damn cool! So check it out when you have a chance! And look for more soon! (I recently added 'Michael' and 'Natpea' to the list! And coming soon....'Jazz', 'Dizz', 'Trevor', and 'Diva'!)

LOL!!! Nah, don't worry. I haven't lost what little mind I had left. I just wanted to make sure you guys were still paying attention. Hehehe, things got really QUIET in here for a week or two! Anyway, I know I'm not here nearly enough. But it's only because the GA forums cause HAVOC on my primitive system at home. So trying to post is actually SLOWER than dial up. I'm trying to find a quicker way to navigate and all, but it's hard. Anyway, hehehe, glad I'm not the only one working the register here! I'll be back soon! And topics start again Monday night. Cool? Love ya lots! Ps- The pig orgasm things was AWESOME!!! LOL!

You see, you can't just keep making love to a pig without some kind of special treatment. You can't just think, 'he's just an animal splashing in the mud all day'! Be gentle with him. Stroke his back while you watch cartoons. Cuddle after sex, and DON'T fall asleep! And remembering a few birthday's and anniversaries wouldn't hurt either! Remember, pigs make fine lovers...but don't take advantage. Or they'll leave you for some other barnyard animal instead. And that's just embarrassing. Next week...goat love! Can you bring them flowers? Or will they just eat em? Who knows...?

When an author is writing a love story, there are certain elements that need to be in place to give the readers that (for lack of a better term)...'gooey' feeling! Hehehe! If it was just a matter of getting 'Gorgeous Boy A' and 'Gorgeous Boy B' to kiss under the moon, and then go home and get naked...pretty much everything written would be classic. But as we all know, this isn't so. What is it that takes a random moment in these stories, and suddenly transforms it into this sweeping romance that people want to cheer for when they read it? Is it a special type of dialogue? Is it a series of circumstance? A certain level of struggle to reach that point (Going back to story pacing)? Is it just the description of a scene itself? What is it that makes it special? What separates romance from...'happy time' in these stories? 2 Boys kissing in one story should be just as romantci as 2 boys kissing in another, right? Something's gotta be different. Let us know your thoughts!

Hehehe, double whammy for me, means a double whammy for you! Awwww, you liked it! Thanks, dude! And believe me...the next two chapters will definitely bring things to another whole level! I've got wicked plans bubbling in the pot right now! And yes! LOL! Ariel's such a goofball sometimes! Hehehe, that boy needs impulse control! So happy that it made you laugh! I hope you like the next chapter! It'll be a fun one! And as for 2010....I'm hoping to do a few things that I've never done before, story wise. So wish me luck!

Hahaha!!! Hi, Em!!! :: Squeezies :: Hmmmm....let me see. What can I tell you about the events of this chapter? Not a whole lot, actually! Because I've got myself a bit of a 'framework' building here! Weaving tangled webs and all that jazz! And yeah, it took forever for me to post the new chapters! I'm rightfully ashamed for that! BUT...the goal is to get a few stories on a two or three week schedule tops. Which means some level of regularity again at long last. But that all depends on how those damn teen 'actors' of mine decide to cooperate! (Stares angrily at Derrick and Tanner for giving me problems lately!) Hehehe! Does Randy's mom know? :: Wicked Grin :: Can't tell ya just yet! But if all goes to plan, you've only got two weeks left to find out.I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Ps- I love you lots, too! ((Hugz))

Thanks so much, Drewbie! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. And believe me, it's hard to write about too. (I tried earlier with "New Kid", but it was touching a nerve with me. Bad times.) But, hopefully, there will be enough bright spots to keep it from being depressing. Hehehe, SAD is ok! ut depressing might drive people away.

:: Giggles :: I've been trying super hard to keep quiet on stuff....BUT..... You guys might wanna see what 'Santa Claus' has in his special sack for ya the week of Christmas! That's all I can say for now. ('seewhat Santa Claus has in his special sack for ya'? That didn't come out right at ALL! LOL!)