Headstall

It's been making mine too, Dan, seriously. I love this story, and it makes me feel so good when a new reader gets caught up in it and shares their thoughts. Do I regret leaving it? Yes. Do I regret writing "Morningstar: The Malaise"? Absolutely not! I truly stretched my wings and created something very special, a story I believe I will be remembered for. I also left to write "Exes and Ohs", another story I am proud of, but it was not intentional. I lost my word program when my computer died and lost access to my files, and a half finished chapter, for a time. So I wrote something new on Google Docs (on an old laptop) to keep me busy. It snowballed. I still haven't given up on finishing this story, though. As satisfied as I am with where I left them (a place I intended to leave them all along), I feel bad for those who are disappointed in me. The muse exists, and it is a funny thing... mine can't be controlled. So glad you are considering Morningstar. Cheers, my friend.

Happy Wednesday, all!

Merde! He sounds like a real creep. He belongs in jail. Sorry, Tink.

Yeah, some readers had to wait a long time while I took a break and wrote "Morningstar". I would never leave a story again until it was finished... it's just too hard to focus, especially when bad luck strikes. I had so much fun with this chapter, though. It was a bout family, and that is Christmas for me. Thanks again for all the support you've given this story, Dan. Cheers!

Lol. Ah... maybe I'll think on it before I pinky swear. One day I plan to edit the entire story. But, for now I will leave the giggles.

Bodie's parents have been through a lot, and I love how open Mira is. She is so thankful her son is happy again. I'm pleased your worry turned to wonder. A great big wave of hopefulness is a nice way to put this journey. It's really what I wanted when I started this. I was tired of reading and watching tragedy, awful people, and drug addicts when it came to gay stories. I vowed to myself this would be different... this would be for me. You're right... there are too many giggles in this chapter especially. I need to edit a few of them out. Appreciate this thoughtful comment, my friend. Cheers... Gary....

Thanks, Dan! Sometimes we need a chapter that allows us to catch our breath. Good tension is okay, though. I was saving that Lily story for months when I was writing this. It ended up working out perfectly. Glad you were happy with this one. Cheers!

Saint Kendall strikes again! I believe he had a profound effect on Candy, and that is what got her here. I think we can trust that this new Candy is real. I know what you mean about the young couple and Kleenex... they get to me too, but K and M can still start my waterworks up. A great ride is all I need to hear, Dan. Thank you!

I must admit I got a bit misty-eyed rereading this chapter just now. So glad you feel these special moments like I do. I love how direct Michael can be. He keeps it light, but Bodie and Nate don't doubt his seriousness. Telling this chapter from Bodie's POV really gave us some insights into him and how he feels. Shepherds pie is traditional for sure, but I think it depends on your background. Us Scottish/English/Irish mix folks eat it as a staple, but I've had friends who'd never tasted it before eating at my place. I actually never knew it was appreciated by Aussies, but it makes sense. Thanks for another wonderful, rewarding comment, buddy. Please remember to leave a Story Like on the front story page if you don't mind. Cheers!

Happy Tuesday, all!

Bodie is creative, and he feels things deeply like a lot of gay kids do, so making that box is just the kind of thing he does. He's lucky he has a dad who enjoys working along with him. Mark is getting there. It's 2011, and there are tools to help him be enlightened. I think we can trust he wants to repair the damage he has done... and we can trust he loves his family. Yeah, maybe sometimes this story seems too good to be true, but there really has been a lot of angst throughout. I wanted to show that not all families are intolerant. K and M deserve and demand respect, and their influence on N and B should give them the confidence and the smarts to navigate a sometimes harsh world. Boyfriends! There is a lot of power for a gay kid in that word. Them finding each other has made this author happy too. Woot! Thanks, buddy. I am enjoying this. Cheers!

Lol. Merde. There was a lot happening here, but to me the biggest thing was the email and its response. Yeah, it was heartbreaking. Josh is only trying to survive in a hostile world, and Nate is right to worry for him. Lol... Colleen is a hoot! I love the humor that exists within the family. Have they rescued each other? I'd say definitely... no one can foresee the future, but for now both young men feel good about themselves, like any teenager should. Having a 'boyfriend' means a lot more to these two gay kids than it does to a straight couple who don't have the odds stacked against them. Thanks, Dan. Cheers!

Four reviews?! I thought you'd already reviewed pretty much everything. Thank you, Albert! You are a very sweet and supportive friend. 202 now.

Hi, Mum!

Below your avatar is says you've left 32 reviews, and I bet most if not all of them are ones you left me. I have left 61 for other authors.

I am two reviews away from 200. I don't understand why, but they are really difficult things to get.

Hey, Sherye! Great to hear from you. So glad you liked this one. As you know, anthology stories have to be complete, but yeah, there could definitely be more story for these two men. Same goes for the western I wrote for this anthology. Sorry... I can't remember offhand if you read that one, but I think you might have. Anyway, I have ideas for both of these stories, so we'll see. Thanks for the support and for sharing your thoughts. I hope you are well, my friend. Cheers! Gary.

Thank you, Dan. Your vocabulary is just fine. In fact, it's perfect, and I appreciate you saying this was beautiful. Instructional? That is bloody cool. I don't relish writing these scenes, but I always try to put a lot of feeling into them. Cheers!

Lol. One or two come to mind. So glad I've held your attention this long. Hitting fifty chapters felt like a real achievement for me at the time, but there was so much other stuff I wanted to write too. No, you're not at the end. There is still some fun left. Thanks for hanging in there, Dan. Cheers!

Happy Monday, all!

Lol. Yeah, I just reread it and needed a few Kleenex myself. To me, this chapter was beautiful. Nate and Bodie are fortunate indeed... this is the way life should be for gay kids, having this support system, and for some it is, but for some it isn't. Unc is awesome, isn't he? No wonder Michael loves him. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one, buddy. Cheers!

They are amazing, and they've been forced to grow up quicker because they are gay. Being a kid takes on new connotations for each of them, but now they have found someone to share in those. I would say we are definitely seeing kindred spirits. Where that goes remains to be seen, but I think they need each other at this time in their lives. Something sad has turned into something promising, and they have found some peace while surrounded by puppies. Lol... that was just a coincidence. Thanks, buddy... I really enjoyed writing this chapter and giving these boys this. Cheers! G.

Sure... blame him.

Thanks, Miles! All anthology entries have to be marked 'complete', so this story is finished for now. Whether I continue it in some way remains to be decided, but I have been working through ideas for another western, and possibly one in which Larkspur plays a part. Love your enthusiasm, my friend. It means a lot because the Sidewinder books are very special to me. I always want to make readers happy, so stay tuned. I do have another story fairly close to completion... I just have to get back to it, now that my muse has stirred. I would appreciate a Story Like, Review, and recommendation if you wouldn't mind taking a couple of minutes. Thanks and cheers! Gary....