Jason Rimbaud

That comment was made over the span of a few hours while I was at work. I'd write a bit, go help in the kitchen, come back get another sentence and then go back to the kitchen. So if I didn't complete my thought, that's on me. What I thought I said, I clicked away twice and was upset at myself for not going through because of how the story landed. So that part probably got deleted over the span of the day. I enjoyed the story very much. It hit me in deeper ways than you probably intended. It's in my top three of all the entries for this contest, so I think very highly of it. One of your best ones for sure. As for the thing that made me click away, it had nothing to do about your writing or skill. I don't like weird/unique names for characters. And yes you explain why due to their Hawaiian heritage and it makes perfect sense in the story. And if I wouldn't have clicked away I would have read that a few pages in that you weren't just calling someone Blue for the sake of it. There was thought behind it, intention. I only mentioned the parents fighting because somewhere in the comments, someone made a reference to that. I said, believing that other people have read the comments, don't worry about that, because it's not what the story was about. Hope that clarifies my intent.

I am neither a dog person or a cat person. Currently I have two cats living in my house, but that's because I love him. I could live without pets. But I would like to ask my own question. Why is it, when someone finds out I do not like dogs around me, ever, they get offended like I tried to harm their pet or something? Why is it you feel the need to try to convert me into this cult that traps you in an endless cycle of barking, pooping, and slobbering? I'm asking because my husband is a dog person but I will not bow to his demands. Why can't you dog peeps let me live without dogs? Why?????

I love it when an author chooses a title that correctly captures what a story is. And this story was completely off the rails. I didn't understand a frigging thing once the white light took them. But I loved every moment, every paragraph. It's weird, pointless, intriguing and I would read this amaze balls story if you continued. I would be confused, but entertained at the absurdity of the narrative. Along with one other story, I've read this one about six times, keep it coming. And even if there is goblin porn, I'd continue. Thank you for giving us this entry SA. J

A great story about self-acceptance and finding the strength to declare your truth to those that matter most. A deeply moving story that anyone looking for something more than teen romance, I would say give this a try.

I am going to admit to two things. When this story was first posted, I read the first sentence and clicked away. The second thing I am going to admit, after the SA's were revealed, I went back to this story and read to the twelfth sentence and clicked away for the second time. There was one other story in this contest that I had the same reaction too and have yet been able to finish it. Let's forget about the subplot of fighting parents that was never resolved, because this story is very much about Blue and his journey of self acceptance. His parents wanted him to be comfortable in his own skin so they sent him to a therapist where he slowly becomes to accept the fact that he might not be able to live up to his parents expectations in regards to his sexuality. He meets a wonderful girl and they bond over gardening. This is a huge plus for me because I would have been along side them cleaning up that garden. The idea that sometimes things can be dormant in the lean times, much like the garden in winter or Blue's soul as he struggles with his identity. Then comes the summer, and the garden starts to bloom, much like his feelings for this person, his soul slowly awakens. The realization that he is in love with a girl over the wrongfully assumed Roy, forces him to confront that part of him that was walled away like that garden. It wasn't until he threw open the door so to speak, and allowed his parents into his personal garden that he found true happiness and acceptance. Behind the walls is more ambitious than a love story, it gives us several metaphors about what happens to us when we lock our garden from everyone. It then offers us a path that shows us what could happen if we only clear away the debris of our life long enough so the new buds could bloom we could literally remake our lives. Good job SA.

If you are looking for a unique take on the sirens of the past who lure sailors to their demise, you won't be disappointed. There are sexy singers, long-suffering bodyguards, water (with or without sparkles), and a fun introduction to something I've not familiar with. Great fun story by a talented SA.

This was the first story I think I've read where I was literally, what the fuck is happening. And not in a bad way. I just had never read anything remotely like this story. The imagery of performers, very sexy who lure unsuspecting humans into loving them through their voice. To me, a fresh take on the whole siren myths of the ancient world. All I can say, lure me away. PS: I would have bet so much that @Ieshwar wrote this.

There was a big debate on whether or not this was a Christmas story, and I might have been behind that trivial nonsense. But I was being honest when I said I felt this story needed to be continued. You just gave us too much detail to end it when you did. So I am very happy you had a plan all along. I am excited to continue on this journey with you. J

This was one of my favorite stories in this year's Hidden Author contest. And if you're thinking Sci-Fi isn't for you, the SA approaches the subject matter in an intellectual way without all the fantastical elements that might turn off some readers. There are no big space battles, or dramatic fights over good vs evil. Instead we are presented with a unique and probable dilemma that concerns a group of people that may or may not be like the rest of humanity. Without giving too much away, this is a thinking person's story and one that you will contemplate long after you finish reading. Highly enjoyed this story.

I had forgotten all about this one. This was an excerpt from a longer story I wrote some twenty years ago. In that larger narrative, by the time this takes place, you already know who Roy is and what happened to him. I think I am going to re-write this piece. I kind of liked it. Thank you for bumping it up. J

Jason the MC is not based on me, but one of the characters is based on my story. It’s not Jason, Stephen, Nelson(Five), Timothy, or Owen. Does that help? and yes, I do own a pink jockstrap with a rainbow flag on the pouch.

My best friends mother, and just so I didn't get confused writing it, the name is actually Stephan and Stephanie. She's just as amazing in person as she is in fiction. Stephan is okay, a bit too straight for my tastes. But the look on his face when I told him I made him gay in my story was worth it. J

So I was chomping on the bit as it were to be able to comment on this story. So sci-fi writers tend to go with action or space battles, but I am so happy you decided to go more cerebral in the vein of Heinlein. I love that they have been here for years and have a desire to thrive in this new world. I have a long plotted outline about aliens who are already here, two warring factions spying on each other as we are in the middle of each of their borders, sort of like a no man lands. Our government knows about them but we are insignificant as they are so advanced we are like ants. It was the only way I could conceive of the reason why an alien might visit Earth. Anyway, you have captured a rich backstory with compelling characters and made it a joy to read. My only critique, though you hinted at it from the very beginning, I felt the romance was tacked on and it took a back seat to the world building. I would have cut it completely or spent more time growing it. Maybe I missed it, I only read this one once and it was late at night. Great job, I liked this one very much.

So I'm going to really show my age. CSI's are meh for me as for much of the current procedural shows. Upon first reading, I first thought of Columbo and then Perry Mason. First Columbo by the way the detective grabbed on to the bone and wouldn't let go, Perry Mason for the court room antics. I would have preferred if you were doing a serial killer, than to have more gore, but I this brought back fond memories for me. So thank you Secret Author! J

Nothing like that, I meant about the subject matter itself. It would be more Avenue's one might have for help dealing with depression and living a healthy life. My husband deals with depression and I know how it can affect the mind. I think I'd have to let it sink in my tiny brain for a day or so.

So many things I want to comment on, but judging from the subject matter, I don't think it's my place. It does make me grateful all my craziness didn't involve me being around kids. That would break me. J

Thank you. You never know when you might see them again. Thank you Cassie, high praise from one such as yourselves. Thank you!

This is one of the typos I am going to fix, I missed it the first time around. Underwear and assholes can't be gay, only the owner of the penis in the underwear can be gay. Argh, I hate when I get something wrong. it's been driving me crazy for two weeks. Anyway, thanks for commenting.

You have always been my biggest supporter of this story. Thank you! Christmas is my favorite Holiday! I knew that would be weird so I love all things weird.

Thank you for commenting. Owen is a favorite of mine and will be seen again in further stories revolving around Glacier Bay. J

It takes a group of friends, like mine, over twenty years to be able to be that mean to one another and still come from a place of love. Granted, it's not for everyone, many partners of my friends had been turned off by the way we treated each other. In the end, good friends are harder to come by than boyfriends/girlfriends. J

This goes back to the fact I'm not a great writer. Giving Jason the jockstrap was never about Stephan, it was Timothy's way of showing Jason it didn't matter. IN another version, Timothy, Nelson(Five), Stephanie conspired on behalf of Stephen. But I took that out, and probably left in some bits that were unclear in the final version. The performance side of giving him the pink jockstrap, a similar thing happened with my friends, it's what we do to those we love. Though in real life, Stephen didn't stay silent. There's a whole backstory about Stephen and his family that I cut out as well. J

This is the other things I've been dying to reply, Owen says he never missed a debate, he was not on the debate team, he just went to all the debates, even when the debate was in another school. In another version, it was more explicit that Owen had a crush on Jason for a while but never acted on it as they traveled in different circles. I felt it was a bit too on the nose so I left it vague. In my head, Jason is involved with... J

There was a version that was a lot more graphic but I decided against using it. I didn't want to make Christmas, one of my favorite holidays, dirty. But there are two version where he does. J

This story started off as a prompt, I had to mention Christmas, someone had to receive a jockstrap, must have an ugly sweater, and chicken it was written about two years ago but when I found out about Hidden Author contest I decided it was the perfect place. I thought it turned out pretty good considering the prompt. Thanks for commenting.