Comicality

You don't have long to wait! It sould be up and ready this weekend! ::Wicked Grin::

Hehehe, thank you guys so much! "Savage Moon" was meant to be a lot different from the other stories on the site, and the third chapter (Which is STILL coming soon! You'll see it this summer, I promise) gets a lot more twisted than previous chapters. A lot more crazy, a lot more sexual, a lot more violent, believe me. Plus the whole 'mythology' of who and what they are comes into play with the next chapter, so I definitely want to concentrate on doing it right. But you guys will see all of that later. Thanks again! It makes me smil to know you're still watching for it! ::Giggles::

I won't lie to you...the first cuple weeks that I spent online after finding Nifty for the first time were...um....'busy' ones! Hehehe! They were the kind of stories that I have been looking for my whole life! Are you kidding? Gay situations? Romance? Kissing? Boy on boy sex? I was in HEAVEN! Since then, I've 'calmed down' a little bit with the erotic stuff that I read and write. I'd like to think that it was personal maturity settling in, but I doubt it. I'm still a kid and always will be. However, even though the sex doesn't get me all jumpy and overexcited like it used to, it's still there. I still read it, I still write it, and I still enjoy it. Even though a lot of readers have told me that they just 'skip' the sex scenes in my own stories. So, the question this week is.... = What do you think about writing sex scenes into online erotica? And is it really neccessary? = Do you like it? Does it thrill you to read it? Would you be completely satisfied if you read a story all the way to the end, only to find no sex whatsoever at the climax (pun intended)? Maybe you see a certain dignity in a story that doesn't need the flash and gloss of a highly graphic sex scene. Or perhaps you find a story with no sex to be a great big tease. Whatever your feelings are, let us know! Sex....is it traditional, courteous, overdone, or uneccessary? The board is open!

Actually, and I'm not sureif it's made really clear in the story itself, but in "GFD"...only half of the lot's members are gay or bi. There are three couples (Justin and Taryn, Trevor and Michael, and Dion and Dylan), and the rest are all straight. Kid, Max, Bryson, Jenna, Gyro, Jun, and Rain, all remain heterosexual. But I know what you mean though. I try not to add TOO many gay characters into a series if I can help it (Except for "New Kid", which got a lot of new characters because I combined three stories into one and then added Sean and Cody later on), because that would bother me too. So I'll keep an eye on that! Cool? Thanks!

I really want to thank you guys for being patient while I've been working out the kinks and rough edges of the newest chapter of "GFD"! Trust me, it's nothing I haven't done for any of the other chapters. It's a frustrating process, trying to get each chapter just right. Especially when you have an idea of how the expectations might be for each one to be better than the last. HOPEFULLY..."Nights Eternal" won't disappoint! I can tell you this, however...in all honesty, I truly like this chapter a lot. I really enjoyed fitting the pieces together and making this an emotional, philosophical, and action packed chapter all rolled into one. I'll get a chance to concentrate on it some more this coming Friday, and if I can finish fixing what's left in one sitting, then you guys will be just a short time away from finally getting your chance to see it!!! Cool? I've been reading through all of the posts below on "GFD" and wanted to post a reply to answer as many of your questions as I can without giving anything away. Unfortunately, with my system so full of stuff all the time, I could see every post...but the reply window wouldn't load! (Arrrgh!) So...this seperate posting is being made especially for you! Cool? read on, and I hope this answers some of your questions and concerns! 1- "Thanks" I, first, want to truly thank you guys for the support of the last chapter of "GFD"! My GOD!!! "Pride And Prophecy" was so damn long that I was burned out on "GFD" for a little while! Hehehe! The fact that you guys sat through all of that and still found time to send me notes of thanks...it really means a lot to me. Thank you for that! It's been 7 months, and the new chapter is coming! Hey...it's 7 months! Hehehehe! Think about how long you had to wait for Star Wars! 2- "Richie" The question of 'is he' or 'isn't he' will definitely be answered in this next chapter. Richie is a part of Justin's past that hasn't been forgotten, and this trip to the hospital is a part of Justin's development as a character. So whether he finds his friend alive and well, or dead and gone, Justin won't be able to rest easy until he knows for sure. 3- "The End Of The GFD Series" The end of this series has been pretty stable and concrete since the first chapter was conceived 6 years ago. A few of the details have changed over time, but the final chapter is pretty much already written. Will everyone survive? That remains to be seen. Will this end happily for our favorite couple? That, also, has yet to be seen. But what I can tell you is that this is the ending that has been created from the very beginning. So far, there's no need to change it. 4- "Taryn And Rain" Taryn....being there longer than Rain? Hehehe...um...oops! Arrrgh! Hehehe, ya see? Try as hard as you want to to make sure the story's continuity is accurate, but you're bound to miss something every time! Thanks for pointing that out. I actually haven't gone back to find out what part of the story I mentioned Rain's time spent at the lot, but I definitely take yor word for the fact that it's true. The scene that happened later on where it was said that Rain was chasing Taryn when he crossedover, was written in reflection of a rough time that I was going through at the time. An incident that happened AFTER I originally announced how long Rain had been at the lot. It was going to be Dion and Taryn that had the conflict originally, but I changed that because it didn't seem feasible for Dion and Taryn to have that conflict off and on while remaining friends in between. If that makes any sense. Long story. Anyway, my mistake! Good eye! ::Giggles:: 5- "Rage" While the clues take Justin closer and closer to finding the infamous Rage...the vampire's identity won't be known until "Born Of Fire"! So you guys still have another chapter to wait! Hehehe! The speculations and discussions have been incredible to read through though! Hehehe, I almost worry that my ideas won't be as good as yours! Rage's intentions will be fleshed out a little more in "Nights Eternal", as well as the abilities Rage possesses. But don't expect any definite answers just yet. Justin's still not quite as ready as he needs to be. 6- "Extras" The extras and histories of many of the other members of the lot will also come to light in this chapter. You'll learn more about the characters you've been reading about since the first chapter, and finally get a clue as to why they are the way they are, and why they do the things they do. So if you were looking for more insight on the other members of the lot...it's in there. Somewhere. Also, Justin's extras are a lot more potent than they were before. He's learning fast, and you guys will be surprised what he can do to defend himself now. You'll learn more as he does. 7- "Zero" Zero's appearance in "Pride And Prophecy" was pushed back because that chapter was already monsterous as it was. That appearance will be seen in this newer chapter instead. He was not around when the last mimic was battled. Zero absorbed the memories and mindset of the last vampire alive that was there to witness it. If you'll remember, Zero talked about having a number of entire lives living inside of him already. Each with conflicting views of the world. This last warrior who fought with the last mimic in existence, is one of them. Zero's extra absorbs the memories and thoughts of people around him whether he wants to or not. (Nice analogy about the sponge, by the way, ysd! ) Zero's reading ability, at one point, became self aware, and began to act on its own. It's a problem that Justin was beginning to go through himself, when he accidentally lashed out at his friends in the lot, even striking Taryn himself. An extra that is too strong for the user, becomes active all on its own. It's up to Justin to learn how to regain control when he needs to. 8- "The Contest Prizes" None of the contest prizes have been emailed out yet. So the one week preview of "Taryn's Song" and the two week preview of "GFD" still stands. As well as the preview snippet of "Magic Man 2" for everyone who entered the contest. Since concentrating on the other stories and writing them as fast as I can manage, takes a lot of focus away from "GFD" and the others, I haven't been able to send them out. The GOOD thing about this is, they'll be getting a finished, edited, copy of the story. As opposed to the unedited ones that I usually give as prizes. If you want an early peek, you'll have to ask them for it! Hehehehe! I'll be announcing the story and all when I send them out. So check here and the library if you're not on the mailing list. That's it for now! I certainly hope that this answers a few questions and concerns about the "GFD" series. What is happening now, is I'm working on "Born Of Fire", and the two chapters have to match up perfectly. Whatever needs to be cut out of "Nights Eternal", can't suddenly show up in "Born Of Fire". And what needs to be in "Born Of Fire", can't be cut out of "Nights Eternal" That means they both have to have a lot of thing written simultaneously, I'm afraid. It's like mathematics, and everything has to add up with no remainders in the end. I'm working things out as fast as I can. Cool? I'll be posting as soon as humanly possible! So get yourselves ready folks! Because "Gone From Daylight" is coming your way once again! And I'm working to make sure that it was worth the long wait I put you all through! Seezya on the darkside!

There are a lot of elements that can really ruin a story for me while I'm reading actually. And it's not so much a grammar and spelling issue either (unless it's so bad that it becomes unreadable). But you guys touched on a lot of them in your replies. Sex just for the sake of sex, where it seems rushed or unreal. There have been a LOT of really cute boys sleeping over at my house when I was younger, and it was never as easy as saying, "Wanna suck me?" followed by "Ok?" There was at least a LITTLE fear, or a LITTLE conflict. I was a lot braver than I am now, hehehe, but it's not like I was courageous enough to invite the cutest boy in school to my house and strip down naked without any problems. I also agree with the 'descriptions' at the beginning of chapters. There are clever ways of getting around that sort of static and mechanical display of data for each character. It can be a challenge to figure out other ways of doing it, especially if you write more than one story. But writing in itself SHOULD be a challenge. It can be done. With a more poetic description, or through dialog, or by looking in a mirror, or whatever. It can be done though. And not all at once. A little information spread out throughout a chapter, or even a series of chapters, can be much more enjoyable to read. I also turn away from complete changes in plot and feel of a story. You've got three or four chapters of teens falling in love and getting closer to one another...and then all of the sudden there's a menton of enemas and chains and a fetish for leather thrown into the mix. Or they have sex for the first time and there's urination and scat porn and sex toys that seem to come out of nowhere. Anytime the plot goes from 0 to 60 in a matter of paragraphs without much rhyme or reason, that's usually a cue for me to find another series to read. So if you see a story that goes from witty dialog and shy giggles....to dog collars and kids shitting in the bathtub...RUN! Ahhhhh! Also, the big 'slut' factor can ruin a story for me too. The whole thing about boys having sex for the first time, and then a week later are going to find old guys to blow in a public restroom kinda...I dunno....it doesn't thrill me. Personally, I think the emotional idea of sex is more potent than the whole faceless stranger aspect of it. But maybe that's just me. What else? Hmmm...oh, useless details also aren't my things. Like you guys mentioned super descriptions of a penis and all. Nah, I don't need all of that. I now what a penis looks like. Cut or uncut is about the only description I really keep in mind when I'm reading anyway. And the whole, "I'm 12 but have a 9 inch cock" thing? That's not really my bag either. And too much talking also! It's cool to have the characters express their love for each other. I think that's awesome. But sometimes it goes on for soooooo long that it starts to get boring. Sex talk as well. Talking dirty? Ok, that's cool. But sometimes I've seen stories take it so over the top that it's almost comical. Basically, the point is, there's a balance in everything when somebody is writing a story, and sometimes when that balance gets lost it spirals out of control. Thanks you guys for being so vocal on this topic. ((Hugz))

Have you ever read a story that was written as a series that you really lked until someting went horribly wrong? Where everything was going GREAT for a few well written chapters....and then....ARGHHHH!!!! What happened? Is that not the most frustrating thing in the world? Hehehe! This week's question is... =What completely RUINS a story for you in terms of content and plot twists?= What is it that suddenly takes a story you like with characters you love...and turns into a heap of garbage right in front of your eyes, where you have to stop reading it altogether? Is it the sudden 'forced' sex scenes? Is it the random introduction of whips, chains, sex toys, and spankings? Is it the death of a beloved character? Is it the long wait between chapters? Is it boredom from a lack of ideas beyond a certain point? Or maybe nothing is moving and you get bored right away? Whatever it is that turns you off and makes you stop reading a story...let us know! The writers want to know, and the readers want to relate! So give u your thoughts folks! The board is open!

Oh yes, and by the way....may I just take this opportunity to say that Gay Authors is definitely on the lookout for that next 'big talent' for a hot author with enough heart to share with the rest of us! If you've got just a SPARK of an idea that you think might make a good story, get yourself a small notebook for your pocket (It'll cost ya like ONE dollar, tops!) and start taking notes! Write it up, take a chance, and send it in! Every author that you consider your favorite started out the same way! So don't wait! Write it up, and send it to Gay Authors! We'll take good care of ya! -This is 'Comicality' endorsed! 100%! Hehehe!

Writing is a truly relaxing art for a lot of people, myself included. Just letting those emotions and hard to explain feelings pour out of you and manifest themseves into words...it's SUCH an incredible feeling sometimes! But it wasn't always like that though. It had to build up to that, and the hardest part of writing anything is being able to put out that very FIRST story. It's frustrating, it's emotionally draining, it's downright TERRIFYING! Why? What makes that leap from having the perfect story in our minds, to actually giving the 'writing' part of it a shot? The question this week is simply.... = What makes that first story so scary for a would-be author to write? And how can someone overcome that fear? = There are a LOT of talented authors out there on Nifty and all, and a ton of them post on the Shack Library as well! I've read some of those stories myself, and they're phenominal! So what keeps everyone from telling the story THEY want to hear? What holds you back? Anyone who has ever had to write one of these stories has had to deal with it at one time, so what let you know that you finally wanted to do this? How did you finally decide, "Ok...I should just write this story and see what happens?" And for all of you readers out there...you read these stories all the time, right? So why not write one of your own? I guarantee you there's gotta be a part of you that is ITCHING to try! All you have to do is think about what you want to read, and write it the way you'd love to read it. So why not try? I was scared to DEATH when I sent the first chapter of "New Kid In School" to Nifty! And I was so overjoyed that they even ACCEPTED it, that I saved the email they sent me in response! I have it to this day! So what is it? Is it too much work? No time? Don't think you have a unique point of view? Is there a doubt that it will be good? I have those doubts and restrictions ALL the time, and I do it anyway. It doesn't change. But this is what I love to do. It's what I'm passionate about, I might as well give it a chance. So what's up with folks finally taking that first leap? Readers and writers...give us your input! People are reading! And MOST of the folks that I talked to in the beginning, that DID take that leap, all have websites of their own now! Very popular ones! The board is open!

When I think about 'true stories' and how I would write them out...to be honest, they're not nearly as fun. Or special, or romantic. Hehehe! Like...at ALL! When I was younger and experiencing them first hand, it was like the world had exploded and every day was a shower of candy. But looking back at it, I wasn't really all that mature with my feelings, I don't think. My first sexual experience with a boy just sorta...'happened'. It was at my house, it was on the couch, and it was basically just a matter of taking a chance that he'd wanna do something. I was 13, and he was interested, and it happened. Then there was Seth, which just 'happened' after wrestling in his attic for a while and getting all hot and bothered by it. And my first 'boyfriend'...hehehe, I NEVER expected to really be able to ever sleep with him! I wanted to, but he was one of those guys that seemed to damn cute to want to have anything to do with me, you know? He was gorgeous....literally grgeous! Tall, blond, light brown eyes, well 'endowed', basketball team...didn't seem the type. I invited him over to the house, and HE made the first move. His first time at my house, ever. Hehehe! Again...it just 'happened'. Typical Nifty story stuff, and it didn't take any kind of real depth or explanation. So I think I'll stick to the creative stuff instead. There isn't really much to write about in the way of romantic rendezvous and happy endings. Now...heartache, pain, big mistakes, and regret...? THAT I can write about until the sun burns out! But everything else was half dumb luck and half youthful experimentation. I MISS those days someimes!

Hehehe, VIRGIN! Nah, there doesn't have to be sex in anything you write. Besides, the 'erotic' part comes in the build up TO the sex. All that huffing and sweating is just the icing on the cake. Hehehehe! My, myself? I've got those urges, so it just kinda flows onto the page and it's like "Uh oh, here we go." But it's fun. You don't ever have to force it. Although, I'm curious as to how you'd write one, never having done so before. Hmmm....

They say that memories always shine brighter than our current reality, and I believe there's some truth in that. When I think back to my first experiences of love and sex, it seems so dreamy and surreal and wonderful beyond words. But I'm sure, that in reality, they were probably clumsy, and awkward, and terrifying beyond my worst nightmares. Hehehe! But that's a part of experience, that's what builds us up from the ground. You know? There have been times when I wanted to do an actual 'true' account of one of my experiences growing up. I mean, most of my stories are written with a lot of truth to them, but none of have really been MY LIFE spread out there for everyone to see. I always distance myself fom it a bit by creating characters and making a 'story' out of it. The question this week is... = What are your feelings on 'true' stories that you read online? = Is there an extra 'spark' in the story for you, knowing that it really happened to somebody? Or do you not believe half of the so-called true stories that are told out there? Would you ever write one yourself, and allow your true memory of it be put out there for other people to enjoy? What are some of your thoughts on this? Looking back, I don't think any of my teenage experiences would make very good stories! Hehehe, sex was really easy back then for some odd reason. Wha do you think? The board is open!

Hahaha! Aww, dude, I'm sorry! I have gotten so used to posting everything on the mailing list that I sometimes forget the boards and stuff. It won't happen again, promise. Thanks so much dude! I'm glad you liked it! I've got a LOT more stuff to post though, and I think some of them are really good. I'm happy with it, you know? Weird.

Actually, story length is usually a consideration for me as well. Anything less than 20K might be 15K worth of sex, and a story that basically adds up to, "What's your name? What do you look like? I love you, let's do it." However, there are some stories that are 500K long, and it gets to a point where I find myself skipping paragraphs to get back to something that will be more relevant to the actual story. So I think that the content is the deciding factor. I do make my decisions sometimes on what to read by the length of the story. But I've been proven wrong in both cases though. I've seen some short stories that truly had some heart in them. Detailed accounts of what was leading up to this very moment, and done with a romantic edge that was really written with care. So despite its brevity, it still comes out as a cool story. I've also read much longer stories, where all of that story, conflict, and detail was needed. I sometimes avoid those stories that go on forever and reach up into the 300K and 500K mark because I know I'll get locked in and be stuck reading until I finish. Time constraints don't always make that possible. But more times than not, those stories end up being the most involved. So I believe that an author can bend and twist the content of a story to fit any length he chooses, if his heart is in it. Without dragging it out by repeating the same thing or filling in parts with fluff. And without cutting out all of the heart just to get to the sex. As long as there's less thought to the length, and more thought to the content, then whatever it ends up as...will be the right length.

Very well spoken, you guys. You know, now more than ever, I see a lot of authors attempting to have more of an impact in romance than just a random release of sexual tension. I have my horny moments too, believe me, and I sometimes feel like I NEED that sexual 'icing on the cake' to make my stories a bit more rewarding. Both for me and for anyone reading. But I try hard not to force it or make the story sexy while losing the romantic aspect of it. hen I started writing online, it was all sex and a big burst of tension that I was finally able to express after holding it in for so long. But when the fires cooled a bit, the story became a lot more important, so things changed after the first year or so. What is romance? A reason. That's how I like to see it. When the story has been building steadily, when a connection has been made, when some doubts or fears have been conquered, and love has been made the first and only priority...THEN you get the romance. That's when you have a reason to fall for this character. I think it's created when readers ask themselves, "Why do I want to jump in bed and sleep with this boy...other than the obvious reason that I think he's cute?" I kinda start every story asking myself that question, and write the story with the purpose of providing some kind of proof that would 'answer' that question. I think, when you accomplish that in the minds of people reading, then the sex and the rolling around and the 'I love yous' become more potent. And you really have something special to offer in terms of giving someone else that warm feeling inside. That's the best.

You know, when I first started reading Nifty years ago, I kinda just went down the list, one after the other. And later, I only read the stories that caught my eye with their title or something. After reading some really bad ones, you begin to get kinda picky, you know? But, there are sometimes when I actually look to see the 'length' of a certain story before I dive into it. And I'm sure that there are a lot of folks that do the same. The question this week is... =Does the actual story length cause you to read or 'not read' a certain story when you see it?= How do you go about looking at a story when you know the length ahead of time? If it's really short, do you write it off as a quickie? As though it couldn't have much substance to it in such a short space? If it's too long, to you tend to skip it? Like, maybe that's too involving and too drawn out for you to really get into at that moment? What do you guys think is an 'appropiate' length for a story, in your opinion? OR....does it matter at all? Maybe it's just the content and how it is displayed in the space given, that makes all the difference. We're talking about 'length' here folks! And NOT in a dirty way! ::Grin:: The board is open!

Now, it can be a challenge keeping up with different perspectives. But it must be really difficult to do so in third person! I can see how that would have a lot of advantages, however, as far as keeping up suspense and all. I've been working on a story called "The Experience", that I'll be posting in a few weeks, where I tried to change things up a bit. It's kinda hard to waiver from the way I'm used to writing, but it's fun at the same time. Awkward...like you said, but fun. How far did you get in Underworld so far?

Actually, I think it's a great idea! I saw your post on the library and will be sure to stop by your webpage too to check it out. Fresh ideas are always a good thing. Even if it feels a bit funny when you first try it out, with a little practice fitting into the format you've chosen to experiment with, it can grow into something incredibly different. As they say, if it's never been done before, be the first. And an actual fairy tale would be an original way to go. With "Billy Chase", I wasn't sure how that was going to turn out, or how people were going to take it. Folks had to sorta let it grow on them before it had any real following. And I was downright terrified when I was trying to write the first "GFD" chapter! I was sure that people would either dismiss or laugh at this weird 'kiddie' version of vampires and weirdness...and then try to make it erotic. But little experiments like that can really inspire some truly beautiful stories. I remember seeing one story that was told through a series of emails from one person. Even when you only got to see one person's side of the conversation, his reactions and questions and all told you everything you needed to know. I thought that was GENIUS! And the "Robin" series on the IOMfAtS website started as a story as it was being told to another person. (I'm not sure about now, but it was in the beginning.) And there have been various other formats used, including different perspectives per chapter, that were equally as entertaining. So I say go for it! Get a few chapters finished, and let folks read it. It might be a whole new way to approach gay writing in general.

It's more than a kiss on the cheek. It's more than a tiny folded note shoved mysteriously in your back pocket. And it's gotta be more than a quick blowjob in the backseat of a car, right? It's 'romance'! The 7 letter word that allows these stories to give you that 'gooey' feeling inside while you're reading them. You'd think it would be a pretty standard practice to see a bit of that feeling added into every story you read online. But it isn't. Not always. The question this week is... =What is 'romance'? And how can you find it in the stories you read?= What is it that creates a romantic feeling in the story structure that you read through? What's the difference between a romantic setting and just saying, "They kissed. And it was romantic."? What is it that gives you that feeling? Is it the characters? The setting and situations that they're involved in? The words used to describe a certain kiss, or a certain emotion? What makes you weak when you read a story? Let us know! The board is open!

I totally understand where you guys are coming from! And I agree wholeheartedly. I'll be honest, there have been times when I wondered if what I was doing was, in fact, creating pornography for adults to get off on. In the beginning, I didn't really expect anyone to get anything more out of what I was writing at the time. I thought that no one would pay attention if I made the story more involving. But as time went on, and I found out that it was ok to let an actual 'story' take place outside of two teens getting it on, then I started to relax a little bit more and let the story tell itself fully. I've seen some stories where I, too, stop reading in the middle. Some with rape or blackmail or control of some sort. What's weird is that they don't always start out that way. I've read some that started out pretty sweet, in fact. But as 'passion' gets introduced into the story, and certain feelings become evident, the whole concept of the story can change. And sometimes it can be really sudden, to the point where it's like, what the hell happened? There's plenty of 'quickies' that I read for enjoyment from time to time, but I tend to stray from the ones that get a bit freaky in that 'old guy in a raincoat' kinda way. So I suppose the difference between reliving old experiences, and trying to create a peepshow, depends on the personal identity of the writer. I guess I can understand that.

I believe that there's definite 'feel' to a lot of writers that have a passion for what they're doing. I've seen a lot of authors on Nifty who have a certain vibe about the way they write. It's in the little things. The way they write sex scenes, the situations they create and how they approach them, sometimes in the words and expressions they use. Some authors are more flirtatious than others, some are much more graphic, some are rather subtle. Whenever I see two different stories written by the same author, and can feel that similarity between them...it feels so 'honest'. You know? It feels like a piece of them has been translated on the page. I remember feeling that for a lot of Jaxsper Finn's work in the very beginning. And the Eggman has a distinct style as well. Grasshopper has that vibe, Tyrel from Storm Nation, Dean Lidster, CrackerWriter, Underthehoodster, and a bunch of others, including our very own Myriddian. If you ever get a chance, try reading one of their stories...and then read a different one by them. (If they've only got one story, of course, read one chapter, and then skip down about five or six chapters) You'll see what I mean. They way that they write literally has a flavor all its own, and yet the authors all different from one another. That's when you can see someone writing from their heart. It brings its own imprint along with it. And I love that.

To me, when I'm writing, there's nothing more special, more potent, more 'memorable'...than first love. When I think back to my first few times experiencing love, infatuation, sex, and heartbreak...the emotions that are brought to the surface seem SO powerful to me. I guess everybody remembers their first time. And maybe that's why young gay erotic stories are so popular online. Because it brings back a lot of those old feelings again. But...as we all know, everyone writing stories about young teen love are not teenagers. I'm certainly not (although I maintain the maturity of one from time to time! Hehehe!). And even with the BEST of intentions, there are a lot of people that find that 'disturbing'. So, the question this week, for both readers and writers alike, is.... = Should stories written by adults, depicting romantic and sexual experiences between teenage boys (minors), be considered a form of pedophilia? = Not that it's harmful in any way. I've received MANY emails from boys and girls as young as 11 and 12, who have truly found themselves through stories they've read on Nifty. Kids who are truly thankful for having the information out there for them to grasp on to. But...are stories about their sexual activities created from a sexual attraction to boys under 18? Are they a form of 'written picture' that we writers create, much like looking at nude pictures of boys? Or is it simply a fun way to revive those incredible feelings of our youth, and connect with kids who need that attention? Is it not pedophilia as long as the boys in the story are both under 18 and not too far apart? What happens when the ages of the two are different? Whatever is on your mind, tell us what you think! No hard feelings here. The board is open!

They say that every author adds a piece of his soul into everything that he or she writes. That it is a true expression of who they are and what they feel inside. Considering that we're all individuals, different from one another, that must make for one heck of a variety, right? That level of personal involvement shines through, and it's truly beautiful. However, there are certain stories that are considered 'run of the mill', or 'typical'. Why is that? The question this week is... =Do you find that an author's work has a unique voice in it? Or are a majority of stories following a certain standard guideline?= Are there writers that you can pick out of a line up simply by seeing what they've written? Why? How does an author go about creating this 'voice' in their work? Or...is that written personality more of a gimmick? Is the art of the written word more a manipulation of everyday words and phrases, or is it a personal experience that you can connect with the author without even blinking? The board is open! Let us know your feelings!

Due to some problems. Life...what can I say? Despite the bullshit though, I can get back to the site and boards now. I'm working on straightening everything that backed up while I was gone, and hopefully I can make a big dent by the middle of the week. My apologies for the disappearing act. Believe me...it was necessary. Anyway, a hearty welcome to our new members here at the board. ((Hugz)) I have to catch up on everything you guys posted this past week or so. I look forward to it. I will see you soon.

You might be happy to hear...that the Shack Out Back... HAS JUST REACHED **ONE MILLION HITS**!!!!!! And just in time for Valentine's Day!!! So THANKS TO YOU ALL for stopping by, for supporting the site, and for making this milestone possible! THANKS!!! It's definitely a reason to celebrate! ::Giggles Joyusly:: That's a LOT of hits, baby!!! Hehehe!