Puppilull

I try to keep a balance between polishing and killing a story. Knowing when it's good enough isn't easy. Especially since I write in a foreign language, word choice takes a lot of thinking. So I agree it can kill a story, make it flat and unremarkable if you tweak too much. Then again, I also believe in writing not only when inspired. If you write, inspiration will come. Those forced texts of course need more TLC before publishing.

I didn't think about that, but you are right. The chapter is structured like the waltz and also follows the progression of their learning curve in the dancing. As for Mason, his background could have contributed to making him more insightful.

And that's why I wish for men to join in the discussion, to widen the notion of what makes a man and perhaps make it unnecessary to actually put a label on people. Quite often in discussion on a one-on-one basis with guys, they say it's not so easy to be a guy and women shouldn't complain. However, when I ask why they don't try to speak out and strive for change, most of them say "It's impossible. It can't be changed. It's just the way it is." If women had had that attitude in the 19th and 20th century, we wouldn't be able to vote, work, be independant, live on our own etc etc.

I do believe a person should be able to take care of themselves and their offspring on their own, so good for both your father and mother for going beyond what was expected/accepted (?). And knowing to cook will always be an asset for life, to impress and survive.

LOL I see what you mean, but in my mind Mason was talking about Joel's want/need to bottom. Although, that could very well be an orientation as well when it comes to Joel.

I guess his background has both aged him and made him appear younger than he is at times. Joel can't resist a chance to help. It's in his DNA. What I would love is if we could simply let people be who they are, regardless of gender. If someone wants to be superstereotypical, go for it. More power to them! Problem is when people want to break the mood. They still find themselves targets of scorn, mockery and outright anger. If we embrace people as they are, there is really no need to ponder gender. It's only one aspect of a person and doesn't tell the whole story. As for "Not all men", it's very difficult to have a discussion without generalisation. You can always find exceptions. Also, I do believe men have a lot to gain from this discussion. If they would only join in...

I actually managed to get something written for prompt #643, The Dancer, while writing three other stories. I gues it's true what they say - when it rains, it pours. https://www.gayauthors.org/story/puppilull/drifts/10

Soft music drifted through the air from the other side of the apartment. Joel froze and listened for a moment before toeing off his shoes and going to investigate. Was that a waltz? He located the sound coming from Mason’s room. Outside the closed door, he stopped, unsure of how to proceed. The clinking sounds of a piano were definitely coming from inside the room. It wasn’t at all like the usual music Mason favored at the moment. Joel had found this to be an unexpected bonus of having a

Cia's game end on the 25th and this is a couple more weeks. But it'll have to be short. I think I have an idea.

Difficult to know if Ssmerit is up to bad things or merely concerned. His previously demonstrated attitude towards Kohen makes me assume it's the former. Or is Sardella the one to look out for...?

Great idea! I hope my mind can hatch something.

So sad to hear this. I so appreciated her honesty in her poetry.

Like pus, getting some words out, however rank, can lead to healing and recovery. Then better words follow soon after. So write, write, write. Even when there's resistance.

And it all goes to hell... Salidar learns too late he was all wrong and his plan was nthing more than manipulations from his serpent servant. A cleanse by fire. But what a horrific fire!

The matter of computers must be broched carefully not to cause Eric to dig his heals in. But a good idea, since there's tutoring. I wonder how he'll react to the books? Quite an adventure!

Good thing these were recycled! I was reminded of an idea I had a while back for #643 but which I promptly (ehum) forgot. Now I just need to find time to write it...

I actually have a sort of hang up on smelling people. Not only my partner, but everyone. Sometimes it's not a good idea, but I can't help myself. If someone who I like doesn't smell nice it's such a let down. And I agree on smells being a gateway to memories. Happens to me all the time. As for my partner, I'm not sure I even smell him anymore or if his scent has become imprinted so deeply I don't think of it as a scent anymore. It's simply home.

Oh, this prompt was like a cosy blanket to wrap around me and just go "Ah..." So very lovely to see our guys having such a nice time together, all of them being themselves and loving every minute they get together. To have people around you that just lets you be you and actually embraces that... There's nothing better.

So it's battle time. I'll keep my fingers crossed as many of our troup as possible will be left standing afterwards. So cool to have giant eagles to ride.

Fran is right. Staying together is the best policy. Smart little one.

On the run again. Poor kits. It must be so trying for them.

A man with a plan... Fake it till you make it, Kohen! It works surprisingly well. The Captain won't know what hit him. Or, well, he'll know. He just won't mind. No, he won't mind at all...

I will never understand some people's need to have and voice opinions about things that don't concern them.

I'm thinking they are up against something more than merely poor parenting. To be that comfortable spewing such vile words to me means coming from a place where it's more widely accepted.

The battle is drawing closer. I share Max' bad feelings about the near future. The world as they know it is about to change. Who will remain standing when the dust settles?