craftingmom

Yes, I know, it is rather hard to take. It gets better though...

I know it's a hard read. It's hard to write too (I have to keep a box of tissue next to the computer!) I guess I feel the need to 'tell their story' even if it is fiction because I know from so much of the news and stuff, that things like this happen (maybe not to this extreme but still). My focus is on the characters and what they are feeling and thinking, and hopefully finding the hope and will to survive. I've had many other want to do the same thing--to kill Brad in many creative ways or take Devyn in themselves. If you can connect to Devyn in such a way, then I feel like I've done my job as a writer. Thank you for reading and reviewing.

Chapter 2 Avery woke before his alarm clock went off to his father's hand sliding over his hip and a wet mouth on the back of his neck. He groaned at his father's touch, clenching his hand in the sheets and burying his face in his pillow. It wasn't unusual for his dad to crawl into his bed and touch and cuddle--he often even called him by his mother's name--Alina. Sometimes his father even acted like he regretted how harsh he'd been with his punishments, but Avery wasn't fooled anymore. H

Congratulations! We also found our within a couple weeks. We weren't even really looking much, just sort of browsing and really liked this house. I guess it just depends--when you find the house, you just know and sometimes it's right there and sometimes it's not. Good luck!

Yeah, you'll hate him even more as the story goes on. I'm sure I'll hear of creative demises for him like I did for Brad!Thanks for reading and reviewing! Hope you continue to enjoy it.

Thank you. Since it's a story I wrote a while ago, but never posted, I plan on posting a chapter a day (as per the posting guidelines). I don't like to keep readers waiting, so I usually make sure I've finished a story (or I'm really close) before posting any of it. So no worries about it not being finished. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

thank you so much! Hope you enjoy it. Thanks for reading!

Thank you for your encouragement to post it! Hopefully, others will like it as well.

Yeah, everyone will hate Avery's dad (kinda like Roman and Brad). Since it's already done (having been finished back in like August), updates should be every day--while I'm working on the Blood of the Neko! Thanks for reviewing.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the reviews. I love hearing from you!!

Yeah, I'm trying to focus on the actual sequel. Having the kids home is making it go much slower than I had anticipated.

Glad you like them!

Actually this one is part of the sequel. I'm not sure yet what to do with the others as they precede the sequel. If I were to publish the two Neko stories, I would probably put them in somehow. I could maybe put them in the sequel as flashbacks as well. Thanks for the suggestions and the review!

Thank you! I think so too.

Hehe, yes, it is so nice when they can get up and get some breakfast on their own! Thanks for the review!

Avery has been abused by his father since he was eleven, when his mom left them. Because his father is so well respected in the town (and because of Avery's own shame), no one has discovered the family's secret--his father's breakdown and delusions due to his wife leaving that he reaps on his son. When a college student arrives, Avery doesn't want to admit he might like the new guy in town. This story chronicles Avery's torment and how one person finally sees him as worthy

Chapter 1 The streets hadn't changed much since he was here last, but even so, it was good to be back--without the worry of a homophobic step-father constantly berating him. Four years ago that corner had been a small diner, now it was another McDonald's. Well, that kind of change he could do without. Euphoria, SC, his childhood home, hadn't changed that much, but the air seemed lighter and brighter being back as an adult. Matt looked around, staring into the bookstore window, secretly gl

Thank you! It was fun to step away from the neko sequel for a bit (but not for too long!)

Thank you for your encouragement with the poetry. This one was much easier to me than the rhymes.

For those who have read my CSR November author interview, you may be aware that I have a third m/m story hiding in the background--Avery's Story which is called What No One Sees. I had not posted it here as it is even darker, more intense, than All In, steeped in abuse (mental, physical and sexual) by a boy's father. However, I did offer to send it to anyone who asked me for it. I had several requests, and after reading it, I had many say that I should post it for all to read. Therefore, I have talked to Cia about it (who had already read it a few months ago), and whether she felt it was okay to post here. She agreed it was dark, but didn't violate any posting rules (as long as I give appropriate warnings and tags, of course), and that there have been other stories that have broached the same line here. This story has its inspiration from an unfinished story on AFF called Broken by guiltypleasure. I have been in contact with the other author on several occasions and have her permission and support to post What No One Sees. Therefore, I will probably start posting it soon, for those who are interested. This story is meant to bring about the awareness of abuse of our children and how horribly blind we can be, as a society, to what may be happening in our own neighborhoods--mostly because we just don't want to believe our neighbors could be guilty of such things. As a former teacher, as well as reading so many news stories about the abuses of children and wondering how such things get overlooked and missed by well-meaning adults, I suppose that is why these kinds of stories strike me hard and are in need of telling. Summary: Avery is a seventeen year old teen who has been abused by his father (physically, sexually, and mentally) since he was eleven, when his mom left them. Because his father is so well respected in the town (and because of Avery's own shame), no one has discovered the family's secret. When a college student comes to his HS for a teaching practicum, Avery doesn't want to admit he might like the new guy in town. This story chronicles Avery's torment and how one person finally sees him as worthy of notice. If All In was a tough read for you, then Avery's story may not be for you, especially as the abuser is more closely related to the abused than they were in All In. And I know it will not appeal to just anyone, just like All In did. Thanks to those of you who have already read the story and encouraged me to post it. The posted story may have some toning down of the more intense parts, but the feel will still be the same. Maybe this story will give some of you something to read (not as if there aren't plenty of other great stories out there to read, of course) while waiting for the neko sequel--Blood of the Neko. And of course, here's wishing everyone a wonderful and happy new year!

Poetry Prompt #3: Lyrics Write a two stanza poem in 8/6 syllable pattern about how you felt when you first woke up in the morning. I'm Awake (Sort of) Deep in slumber, warm comfort wrapped An alarm goes off, snap A fumble for the button, slap Eyes still closed, oh to sleep A thump, a bounce, a squirm, cold feet Small body snuggles in "Mom," it whispers, "I'm hungry now." Sigh. My child. "I love you."

Thanks so much!

These are just a collection of poems.

To Write An idea lost in my head it wants out, it needs to be said. At the screen, I stare and stare, But words won't come, they aren't there Just a sentence, a phrase to start Then words flare, they blaze my heart Finally ideas are flowing Too fast, the story is growing A character, a setting, a plot Emotions raging, the words are caught

This is a great idea. I only recently discovered the prompts in late November and really enjoy the challenge. Unfortunately, so far, I've had a hard time trying to come up with something for the scenario ones. Give me a list of words or first line anytime! Maybe once I get the current story out of my head, it'll be free to think more about these!!!