Comicality

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!

Usually, when I'm writing, all of the stories come from memories of mine, or are made to reflect how I personally grew up. It's about my experiences, my friends, my crushes, my tastes...translated into something that (hopefully) everybody can enjoy. Unfortunately, I myself never had the guts to come all the way out of the closet. Even here in Chicago, where I'm sure it wouldn't be that big of a deal as it would elsewhere. So my stories also reflect that. Howevr, what's different now, is that from a LOT of the emails that I've gotten recently, the age for boys and girls to come out of the closet has been getting younger and younger. From the answers on this topic alone there are examples of teens doing it a lot younger than I ever would have thought to do it. And that's a GOOD thing! I've been trying to write some stories lately that, while they still represent my own feelings and fears, have been a bit more open with the idea behind being gay and 'proud'. It doesn't mean that asking out the cutest boy in school would be any less nerve wracking...even if they come to school wearing rainbows and ribbons. But I'd like to write something where the other boy is obviously 'available', and yet the fear still remains. You know? Anyway, I certainly hope that 'out' kids feel that they're getting their fair share of 'press' as far as erotic stories online are concerned. Where they're not just about sex and seduction, and the main character isn't hoplessly closeted and frightened for his life, and the protagonist isn't getting beaten up everyday for what he feels. For all those kids on the verge of coming out earlier than I did...I hope they find a story or two that let's them know it's ok. I only wish I was 14 again so I could get another shot at doing it too! Hehehe!

The first stories that I can honestly remember reading, the ones that truly inspired me to start writing stuff of my own, were the Hansons story from Dean Lidster, the 'Real World Hanson' from Jaxsper Finn, the stories by an author named Savoir Faire, and maybe a few others. I think I remember those as being the stories that really gave me that 'feeling' inside. That really made me want to write stuff of my own! And I'm forever grateful to each and every last one of them. I truly am.

When I was growing up, I can remember discovering that I liked boys as well as girls and being SO confused about how or why that had to fit into my life somehow. It was frightening. I don't think I really began coming to terms with it until I was about 19 or 20 years old. There were a lot of secrets and a lot of frustration, and just general chaos as I remember it. However, there ARE some teens, especially nowadays, who have come to terms with who they are a lot earlier. They've taken pride in being 'Out' and live very happily in school, at home, family, friends, the whole nine yards. And I think that's amazing! The question this week is... = Do you think that 'Out' kids are not being equally represented in these stories online? = I mean, it seems that almost all of the stories we read or write treat the whole 'finding a boyfriend' situation as a secret. And I'll be honest, it makes for a good story. The emotion, and the angst, and the question of 'is he' or 'isn't he'...it is basically the gay fairy tale. But what about the boys who are out of the closet? Who don't get picked on or beaten up everyday? Who just live as who they are, and maybe find someone else who's gay, and try dating like those wacky 'heteros' do it. Hehehe! So, tell us whatever your feelings are on 'Out' kids in the stories, and what you've read, haven't read, or would like to read! The board is open!

What's up everybody? I just wanted to send a note to let you know that I was still here, and still reading the posts and all. I would love for topics to start again next week, but to be honest, I'm down to my LAST five ideas for weekly topics here. Hehehe! My notebook is almost officially empty, and since I've been hard at work on new stories and the like, I haven't had time to think up much more. So...I might need your help on this. Besides, it's an open forum anyway, right? You guys can always ask questions or create topics of your own. I'd love it! Anyway, are there any sides to reading or writing erotic stories that you would like to talk about? Any questions you might have about how to get started, or any problems you might have with how many of the stories you've seen are written? We've talked about editing, idea concepts, dialogue, dealing with painful subjects, time gaps between chapters, the popular concept of beauty, setting certain standards, porn vs. romance, etc, etc, on this board. What's running through YOUR mind in terms of things to talk about? Readers and writers alike. Now's your chance to ask. Like I said, topics will start again this coming monday, bu I'm down to my last five, and the last few topics weren't all that 'popular' with replies, so I definitely wanna know what you guys have on your mind. And keep going with topics of your own. Sharing ideas is what we're all about! Seezya soon!

There was a time...long looooong ago...when I used to go to sleep at night, and not stop by Nifty to find out what was going on there! Hehehe! Very true! I can remember finding that place like it was yesterday. I remember the thrill, the acceptance, the...amazement. FINALLY...the kinda stories that applied to ME! I won't lie, I nearly 'broke my euipment' in the first month of finding that catalog of erotic teen stories! Hehehe! And those stories truly changed my life! But there were a couple that really stood out for me back then. Some that just...'grabbed' me and made me believe that there was something more to these stories than sex and cute boys. I still keep a piece of those stories with me, and they inspire everything I write, and everything I do. I applaud them...for giving me a true idea of what it is to write something powerful, something that makes a difference. And I always hope, with every story I write, that I do them justice. The question this week is... =What was the first story you read that brought you into this world of online erotic fiction?= Whether you're reading it or writing it, try to think back to when you FIRST found stories like these and how they made you feel. How did it evolve? Why do you think you're drawn to it? What stories, early on, made you want to sit down and become a part of the incredible community that we have here, or on my website, or on any number of other websites? How did they change you, and what stories made it happen? The board is open! Let us here what you've got!

Love. Romance. Sex. Drama. Conflict. And then more sex. Hehehe, it's truly a fascinating concept to read about. Even moreso to write about, because you end up discovering hopes and desires of your own that you didn't even know were there before. Finding that special love to share with another person forever and ever is a rare and special thing. Is it possible? When you sit back and really think about it...can you be that optimistic? The question this week is.. = Do you actually 'believe' in what you write? Do you actually believe that what you read can actually happen to you? = I don't mean whether or not you WANT to believe. I mean do you honestly believe in the possibility of having that cute boy, that fits you in so many beautiful ways, will actually cross your path and you two can be happy with one another? Maybe it's happened to you before? Maybe you're with that person right now? Maybe chance encounters and whirlwind romances still happen. Do you believe in magic? Let us know. The board is open.

Hehehe, hint taken! Not a good topic last week! Ah well, can't win them all. I'll take a stab at it myself later on. For now though, there's a new one for this week!

Really? Hmmm...I wouldn't know where to really take them next, to be honest. Hehehe! Does anyone else really want a second part to this story?

They're just absolutely irresistable sometimes, aren't they? The gorgeous, almost surreal boys that we read about in online stories. They're so cute, so sweet, so beautiful. They know exactly what to say and when to say it. They're the supermodels of our creative minds. What is it that creates the vision of the perfect boy in these stories? What is it that enchants us with that special vision? Bottom line, for all readers and writers out there, the question this week is... = What characteristics are you attracted to in these stories, and how do you describe them in a way to create the perfect dream boy? = Are they physical? Do you get excited by the way someone describes the silken locks of their long blond hair? Do you love the way someone describes big brown eyes, or a slim waist, or the round mounds of a tight bubble butt? Or maybe the characteristcs are more emotional, and personality driven. Maybe you like a sense of humor or wit. You like their shyness, or a wicked 'bad streak', or maybe a certain vulnerability about them. Maybe it's the *imperfections* of a character that you love, adding a sense of realism to them. Whatever it is, there's something in these stories that makes you fall hard for the romantic boys we write about. So tell us what you like, how you write it, and how you read it! The board is open! And the hotties are waiting!

Thanks dude!!!!! It's my first 'holiday' story! I can't really say that it's all about Christmas, but hey, that's as close as I come. Hehehehe! I'm happy to hear you liked it man! Thanks!

Hehehe, our boss isn't there on Saturdays! So I got to talk to him trouble free! ::Blush:: He really did force an infatuation once he started being all cool and sweet! He looked like Jesse McCartney with striking blue eyes! I kid you not, he was amazing! Ahem! ::Straightens Self Up:: Anyway....thanks for the compliments! I'm working on reading the other stories still. This week was hectic and I didn't get the chance! And Crackerwriter did FOUR! I'm really happy to be a part of the whole thing! I'd love to do another one for the Spring if I could! Oh, and here's the address for the anthology! It's https://www.gayauthors.org/anthology/ Cool? Whatsif...you can find a link at the bottom of my last email to you. So you can find it there! Cool?

Aw THANKS dude! I'm really glad that you liked it! The personality of 'Seth' is sorta based on this extremely wonderful boy that I just happened to meet at work around Thanksgiving weekend. He was GORGEOUS, sure! But above that he was one of the sweetest, most enjoyable kids I've met in a long time. I mean I ended up talking to him for damn near three or four hours! Hehehe! But I figured, if I wanted a 'cutie' for the Anthology story, he'd be the best candidate for it. Thanks man! I hope to write something for the Spring one too if Myr keeps it going!

Actually, I'm not sure if it will help, but there is a 'German' version of my site that was set up by some good friends of mine online. They did a marvelous of translating some of the stories, and even added some artwork to a few of them. They run the site for me completely, it's completely in German, they have a message board and everything. Check it out. Maybe you can find a translator there to help you out. The address is... http://www.comicality.de/ Cool? Take care! I'll be looking for ya in the contest!

You know, I can remember around the late 80's, early 90's, when there were litterally thousands of teenage boys to drool over in movies in tv! I mean, some of them were downright DELICIOUS! Hehehe! And I can remember fantasizing about them all the time! One of the first things that ever let me know that this gay erotica online even existed...was from reading sex stories about Brad Renfro, or Eddie Furlong, or Hanson! Some others were from 'The Good Son', or 'Lord Of The Flies', and others! It was awesome! They were written fantasies about the same boys that I was dreaming about. There are tons of really good fanfics out there now, and I'm sure that they are still grabbing new readers all the time. The same way they grabbed me. So, to sort of explore this phenomenon, this weeks question is... =What are you thoughts, as a reader or a writer, on fanfics?= Do you like them, do you dislike them? Do you think they're easier to write and easier to share with a larger audience because they follow characters and a storyline already laid out for you? Or...do you feel it's HARDER to do because the fanbase is already locked into a certain ideal of how these characters act and how their world works? Or maybe you have a much SMALLER audience, because if you're writing about a celeb that someone doesn't find attractive, they may not be interested? What are the advantages and the disadvantages of writing one? And do you readers get the same kick out of them as any other story? Maybe even more? I, myself, have only written ONE, and I am not good at it at ALL! Hehehe! But I've seen some celeb fanfics that were pretty damn realistic. Researched and believably written. Makes a guy wonder, you know? So, let me hear your thoughts folks! The board is open!

Thanks you guys! Totally appreciate it! Especially because I'm getting ready to drop down into a pretty dark place with the story from here on out. I won't make it too twisted though. Don't worry Myr, I'll just have to try harder to impress ya next time around! Hehehe!

Afraid I can't comment on that really. What I can tell you is that the next few weeks are already plotted out and all and that you'll find out what happens as it unfolds. Ok?

I've had my share of flames, believe me! Some of the most hateful ones though were written in all caps and had the spelling ability of some backyard mountain hillbilly! Hehehe! But in all honesty, that took some getting used to, and at first those emails REALLY hurt. Especially the whole "You like teens, you sick f**K!" type of emails. Some were put on my board in the past, some were left on the guestbook...it would usually stop me from writing completely for a few days. But much like Cookie stated above, it was important for me to keep going, and try to pay attention to the good reviews too. Which isn't easy. Sometimes one harsh email can ruin 10 good ones. You know? I haven't received letters with such intolerance in a long time though. And I think it's a little more 'accepted' (and I use that term loosely) than it was three or four years ago. Nowadays, my feedback is much more constructive. Where is the line? It's hard to tell. Sometimes it's all in the way the feedback is phrased. There's a big difference in hearing, "I was kinda confused when..." and having somebody say, "What the hell were you talking about?" Sometimes they'll say "I've seen you do better." and other times they'll just say "I hated this one." There's a negative vibe that comes from certain words or emails. Especially if I put my heart into it. To have it called 'stupid' or 'lame' or say 'I hated this character'...yeah, it stings a bit worse. Now, anyone who has ever recieved a story review from me personally, they'll tell you that I always tell them 'the good', 'the bad', and 'the ugly'. The good stuff, meaning what I liked about the story. The bad, meaning what I thought they should put more detail into or should expand on. And the ugly, meaning stuff to watch out for while writing future chapers or whatever. I'll always be 100% honest about how it was, but it would be pointless for me to just say I hated it and send that to an author, knowing that it would accomplish nothing more than hurting their feelings. If there was something I didn't like, I'd tell them what confused me, or what parts of the story jumped around a bit, or which characters came off as unlikable or a bit stiff. But it's all in the interest of letting the writer know what I'm thinking as a reader. Not just to piss him off or run him out of the writing business. There are people who get paid millions of dollars to write professionally, and I never liked anything they wrote. Hehehe, but SOMEBODY out there must be eating it up! I guess that it can be a sensitive thing to try to find the constructive parts of an email and toss out the other stuff. The only thing that makes it better for me is knowing how much work really goes into writing a story from beginning to end. That's why it's an EXTRA honor to hear that another author liked something I wrote. I have emails from Dean Lidster and Jaxsper Finn and some others that I've saved for years. These are people I truly admire. (Writer's in general I mean) But there also some emails that I get where I have to sorta use a bit of 'judgement' when reading them. Especially with stuff like "GFD" or "My Only Escape" or "New Kid". I appreciate the comments with all my heart, but sometimes I can't let folks nitpick until I start to doubt what my original feeling was in writing them out. Or I might have to tune out a few emails from folks who want to somehow 'control' what they read next. They're not being rude, it's just a matter of remaining the only person at the controls here and trying to do what I do without much inteference from the peanut gallery. So I try to gauge what I can from their reaction, and use what I can to grow as much as I can as a writer from what they give me. I guess that means the line varies between readers and writers alike.

As we have stressed many times in the past, feedback is definitely the only real 'food' that an author has to live on. Or for ANY artist looking to express a piece of himself in front of the masses. And not just loads of GOOD feedback, while it's greatly appreciated and truly inspiring. Sometimes questions and criticisms are needed too. It's a necessary part of finding the holes in what you do and fixing them up as best as you can. However, there's a line. Right? There's GOTTA be. Sometimes, criticisms can sting a little bit when referring to something you put your heart and soul into. But that's not always the fault of a sensitive artist. Some comments are just plain mean. I've had some online authors tell me about some of the mail they've gotten, I've talked to them about some of the mails I've gotten...and there are folks out there who (whether intentionally or unintentionally) rip into your work with VERY sharp teeth and cover it with a smile. Some nit pick, some are simply not 'into' what you're writing about, and some are just plain mean spirited. So...this week's question is... =Where is the line drawn between 'constructive criticism' and 'flames from hell'?= When getting or giving feedback, what is helpful and what is harmful? Have you experienced negative emails about something you wrote? Have you written negative emails of your own, or had your feedback misinterpreted by an author you were trying to compliment? Is it the way we 'phrase' certain things that makes it sound so bad? And how do you know what to take as an honest criticism or a problem in your work...and what to toss aside as a vicious rant from a critic who gets more out of tearing someone down than helping them to get better? Let us know what you think about those feedback letters folks! The board is open!

I think that the more realistic sex scenes are incredibly erotic! Especially where emotions are involved. When I'm writing something sexual, I love to add in what the character is thinking, how it feels, how it looks, how everything that led up to that moment is relevant to this one mindblowing act. You know? I think that adds an extra romantic touch to the scene itself. I'm a big fan of the whole 'virgin experience' idea of sex. There were a few scenes, like the sex scene in "Whispered Words", that I really wanted to bring that 'first timer' feeling to the experience. A few others like "Perfect Picture" and "Sibling Rivalry" and others, I felt engaged with what was going on. And I'm kinda proud of those. And sometimes, I let the situation guide the feel of what's going to happen between the two boys. In some stories, there's an awkwardness or clumsiness to it. In others, it might be lustful, or without feeling. Sometimes there's guilt and regret involved, sometimes there's an overwhelming 'wow' that overshadows the act itself. Little details like that, I think, makes the sex a character in itself. And it adds to the story in the end if it's done right, and done with the rest of the storyline in mind.

Hehehe, I say GO for it! You seriously can't say that it isn't worth at least taking a shot. ::Wink:: Besides, I know we've all got stories rattling around in our head. We've all got something we want to say. Might as well 'make it so'. Besides, I look forward to the new material! Hehehe! Like I always say...you never know. That's been the diabolical plan all along! Muahahahahaha!