acassimaty

I managed to catch this film at the Sydney Film Festival a month ago. I've bee a massive JGL since the 3rd Rock days so this was a must-see for me. I had high-expectations going in and the film managed to beat those into the ground. It's joyous (even if it's about a break up), imaginative and down-right entertaining. There is a musical sequence which is absolutely magical. Probably would have ended up as my favourite of the festival had it not been for those damn dolphins (The Cove - on limited release 31st July. Another must see.)

Can I just say a big thanks to those who recommended "Brittle as a Bird". Such a beautiful, dark tale. I couldn't recommend it any higher.

I've only just discovered your story (because of the award) and I just wanted to leave a brief note to say how much I've enjoyed devouring all 14 chapters. It's been said before, but I enjoy the fact that you haven't made Jake an annoying character. Sure he does annoying things, the dollar shop being a prime example, but you can understand the state he's in and why he's acting in such a way. Shane. What more can I say than I want a Shane of my own. What you've done with the character of Ryan I feel is really unique and possibly the most interesting and believable portrayal of the straight best friend who doesn't know how to deal with his friend's sexuality, that isn't the path of complete acceptance or complete rejection, that I've read. He is a truly compelling character. Chloe and Caydence I want to get to know better. Here's we get more of them soon. Anyway, I said this would be brief. Looks like I lied. Thanks for putting this story out there. Can't wait for the next chapter

Dom!! Welcome back, dude! This place has seriously missed you. Here's hoping we see more of you

Yay! Graeme has a new novel in progress and, of course, it is a delight!!! :2thumbs: I have to say I was a little worried as I was reading this. Sure, we were presented with potentially interesting characters and the writing was as good as ever, but it immediately seemed as it was the usual boy meets boy in high school scenario with little else. It seems I've read enough gay fiction through the years to be finally over this set-up. When I got to the final reveal though, I gasped out loud and instantly could not wait for the next chapter. I should have known Graeme would have something better than what was first evident. One can be certain things won't end well for Rick and Drew (and particularly Drew, who seems will come out of this the worst). Although I want Rick to realise he actually is gay so that they can have a happy ending, I'm more of a realist and I'm sure Graeme is too. Though I could be wrong. What is certain though is that I'm along for the ride! Well done Graeme Alex

Here are the cards in question for those curious...

Lol. Sorry guys. Make that "TV industry slang". After we saw them embracing outside the cube, they had a quick interview with Lachlan, saying how happy he was.

I was so happy hearing this this morning as I've followed Matthew's story since first hearing about it earlier this year. Wish I stayed up last night to watch it happen. I was quite interested in Channel 7's (the host broadcaster) and their rival Channel 9's nightly news service when reporting Matthews's triumph. I wasn't expecting much in the way of mentioning sexuality and I guess Channel 7 met expectations by showing Matthew and his partner, Lachlan, embracing outside the cube, as well as airing a grab from Lachlan - without categorically stating Matt's sexuality. Channel 9 on the other hand had a little more backstory in explaining his history and his decision to come out as gay before going to the games. Though I was quite puzzled by the pointed use of referring to Lachlan as a "friend". I guess there isn't much to complain about, the point is still getting across. Congrats Matt!

Thanks everyone for their kind wishes. I had a great day (even though I had to work ) Partying is being done next weekend, so let's hope its a great one!

Hey, bw9! I haven't actually read any of these stories, but I know that Josh's stories are also posted at IOMFATS, which I believe is his main story hosting (though I could be wrong). From what I can tell the Greatest of These has not been continued, yet. He's still writing - Jeet is his most recent story - so who knows. Anyway, hope that helps. Alex

Another one I forgot: Comicality's Between the Lines. Not generally a fan of Comicality's writing style, but here he's hit the nail on the head in terms of character and conflict. Only four chapters so far.

Oh thanks for resurrecting this thread! Funnily enough after nearly 18 months I'm still looking for the same types of stories. Would like to add Grasshopper's Just One Starfish to the mix. Here he uses two characters we've met in previous stories of his and places them in college. 13 chapters now posted. More of Grasshoppper magic (though I'm highly biased when it comes to his work ). I haven't read Working it Out for a few years and I'm scared to go back cause I don't want ruin the memories I have of this story as I think my ability to extend my disbelief has dramatically changed. As for Reclaiming Austin, yeah its complete trash, but was fun for the first part of the story and that's what I remember best about it. Having said that I have completely stopped reading any recent chapters because it got so absolutely dreadful. Excellent recommendation Gary! Had this been out when I originally put the list together I would have surely added it. Haven't got round to the sequel yet, but definitely looking forward to it. Thanks for the recommendation Colin. Will def check it out.

Here's a link to the story: Bare Butt Brave

Happy Birthday Rich_e!!! Hope it's a good one!

You should definitely give this a shot. I managed to catch this at the Sydney Film Festival last year and I liked it very much. It was well made, touching and extremely funny. I particularly liked Kelly and her sarcastic attitude to the whole situation. Highly recommended.

It's up now guys! The Last Chapter of Heart of the Tree

x infinity.

Chapter 31 is out! Gah! Only one more chapter to go.

Woohoo! Kevin's getting some lovin'!!! :wub: Congrats man

That's great. Shame you have to wait for it though. Make sure when you devour it (because you will), make sure you come and tell us about how it changed your life (again, because it will).

Hahah wooo. Someone else spreading the Holding the Man love. Anyone who's read my last two blog entries knows I went ga ga over this a couple of weeks ago. I've read it twice now. Definitely something for everyone to check out. Just make sure you have tissues.

Woot!!! Happy 24th Dom!!!! Hope you return to us, soon.

Chapter 29 is up guys.

Hehehe finally got round to reading this chapter and I loved it! For starters - there was a reason why I liked Matt so much and I finally figured out why. He's a Panther's supporter! Lol and hopefully that will be something to be proud of again in the future (We got the wooden spoon this year for those who don't know - something Matt hasn't had to endure yet lol). Vince definitely loses some points for supporting the Roosters, though. That scene with Dave in the cafeteria, I loved. As it went on I could predict that Vince was going to out himself, but lord knows I didn't expect it to be so dramatic (and romantic! ) On another note it must be a good sign of a writer's skill that they're able to get their readers as emotionally attached to a tree as the characters are. The future of the tree has me hooked at the moment, even more so than some of the other character's plights. Thank goodness for Keith Tyler! Alex

Chapter 27 is up!