Headstall

Expecto Patronum! ... I see some dementors in here.

Thanks, Patrick! It takes a lot of guts to do what Dawson is doing. I guess it's easier when you're young, to uproot yourself from all you know and take a chance like this one. Yeah, once again, Chase works through his loss in a mature way, thanks to good old dad... and Stacey, as you say. That independence you mention has been hard fought. It was so encouraging that Chase reached out to Stacey, admitting he needs his friends. Cheers! G

Some of the chapter is sad, but I agree it is a positive chapter. Chase is showing how he logically works through challenges, slowly realizing he wasn't fair with Hank over not proposing while Christine was alive. I hope readers could feel her presence in this and the previous chapter. She sounds like an incredible person, a phenomenal mother. Chase has reached a new level at dealing with trauma. It has been a long time coming, but he is trusting himself, and relying on himself too. Thanks, my friend. Fingers crossed for Dawson. Cheers! G

I'm pleased you see Hank is not so terrible. It's clear he has some issues... some bitterness, anger at Chase, and anger at his mother for some reason. The fact is, Christine's death screwed him up too, though he didn't show it at first. Chase needed him. Thanks, Patrick!

Silly goose.

Spikey! Stop perving out!

Using my big ol' wand to cast spells.

Silly goose.

Guilty as charged.

I use a Drewbuster 2000. It's short and hard to control, but it gives a good spike.

Quiet in here.

Playing Quiddich at the moment.

The topic is 'choosing a story to read', and I gave you my reasons for choosing. AI was a small part of that answer, and I do not consider myself a Luddite. I do however question what we are doing with regards to THIS new encroachment on the arts... and people's livelihoods.

As far as views, if a story has ten chapters and a hundred views, I take that into account. It tells me readers aren't connecting, and I'll read chapter comments to see if that is in fact correct. I don't see 'views' as worthless, personally. As far as 'old stuff', I see no difference in when a story was written. A good story is a good story. I've read a crap ton of the older works, especially before I began writing, and they were incredibly inspirational to me when I did start writing, not to mention often thoroughly entertaining. I feel I owe those older works something. To dismiss them seems an injustice to ourselves and to them. We have plenty of tools here to help us decide what to spend our time on, and each one is valid. Just saying.

I did not mean reputation in the context you name. I guess I should have used another word to avoid confusion. You can glean a lot from people's comments in the forums about an author or story, or in the stories themselves, and whatever topic an author might post on. Like in things like Ask an Author, and the features @Cia does monthly. These include interviews with the author, and elicits comments from readers, and those stir my interest in a story, like what it said about it. It tells me who is current, who is widely respected, or who is up and coming and intriguing. That is what I meant by reputation, not the 'site reputation #". As far as promoted authors, I believe that is decided by a team who pays attention to writing quality and follows an author's path to see whether he or she warrants a designation. Valid source of information IMO, but not the be all and end all... just another tool. Cheers!

I knew it! Methinks he did protest too much. Love rules... lust without it is fleeting... but fun. Guns, bombs, and car crashes? Sounds like he might have some anger issues.

Hi, Sherye! I think Fletcher's mind is made up about August, but he needs to know August will be safe. He's frightened for him more than himself. I'd bet most of the people in the community worry for August. They see Rob, that he is a copy of his father, but that August in nothing like him. They've likely seen the bruises too. So yeah, he needs his father to allay his fears... somehow. They could have a good start with his sheep and cows and land they own outright. Fingers crossed they can fight the good fight. Would they be happy in a big city they can lose themselves in? Thanks, my dear friend.

I will. Oh, @drsawzall ! Is Jason a closet romantic?

Ha! I can read under the line. Methinks you do love love, cowboy or otherwise. It makes for the best lust. I have few faults... well, maybe fifteen or so... and I have no use for liars... been there and done that. Ugh.

Can't help but love an honest man.

Doesn't surprise me in the least, Doc. Full disclosure, I have been known to... wait... no never mind. Must show decorum. Right?

Duly noted. So... I haven't won you over... yet. There won't be wining nor dining, but my charm is substantial... so many men have told me. Frankly, from what I've seen so far, i can't picture you refraining from anything. Thanks for the support, Jason. Seriously, it is much appreciated... and for God's sake use that finger of yours to click the reaction button.

No guarantees I'm afraid. I never know what might slip out of my mouth. Love makes the world go round, buddy. I bet you're sappy as hell. Congratulations on seven years. Give that man a medal!

By George, I think he's got it. Yeah, filthy in measured doses shall we say? Your first line had me howling. Who knew August had it in him... well, not yet he doesn't. It appears you have too much ammunition with this story... and no, I don't believe you weren't making a sex joke. Lesbian. Barnswallow is a perfectly good name... don't be sullying it with your filth! Gran is family, and it would be the best place for August if he can find a way. So, do you care about these boys beyond bulges and sandy bottoms? I bet you do. Yeah, you do. Appreciate all the entertainment, Jason. Cheers! G

Rob was told by his father to keep an eye on his brother. he knows something is going on with him, and suspects it's Laura Crawley still. We don't know yet what it really is that his father is sensing. Albert likes control, and August appears to be carrying a new attitude the man doesn't like. Yeah, his peen behaved in this chapter, and as far as Rob acting contrite, don't hold your breath. From what we've seen so far, he's a snake like his pa. This is what I mean about inverted... the being honest with our feelings stage. It's not something August is comfortable with a'tall, so it's hard to saty how far he will go. Sorry to disappoint you... this story is not just about sandy romps... sand hurts. I am guilty (read proud) of my insanely romantic heart, and it spills over into my writing. All hail romance! That said, I doubt there will be flowers in anyone's hair... probably.... Gallop away, kind sir... thank you for sharing. G Oh... and do you not leave chapter reactions? Tsk Tsk. Do you need some edumacation?