Jump to content

Parker Owens

Signature Author
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    19,024

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Everything posted by Parker Owens

  1. Parker Owens
    @SilentandBroken These characters still inhabit my mind, and I hope they’ll come visit you, too. I really appreciate your encouragement. It’s incredibly good for an author on GA to know that a story connects to its readers. I hope you’ll find many more great stories here.
  2. Parker Owens
    I’m very glad you liked how the story came to its conclusion. Eventually, I may write something of Reed Anderson’s story. In the meantime, you might look at the few snapshot short stories with Observation in the title, as these contain sightings of Andy and Zander later on. Many thanks for your comments and for reading through to the end of this tale.
  3. Parker Owens
    @SilentandBroken you describe Andy’s interior feelings so well. I’m only sorry that you went through so much of what he also felt in this story.
  4. Parker Owens
    I never made that connection: in my mind, the coach only knew Zander as a champion swimmer. But that’s a whole other angle…
  5. Parker Owens
    I loved your penultimate sentence: …learning little by little not to hate on himself so much. Letting go of ingrained self-hatred and doubt is very hard for Andy. Belief in his own love for Zander can help unlock his heart. Thanks very much for your comments.
  6. Parker Owens
    I’m with you: Nonna was a fun character to write. I liked her right away. The coach is in a delicate position, and even more so since this story was written. A militantly anti-Gay school board could make real trouble for the coach, let alone Andy and Zander. Zander’s goal was to regain a measure of control over who and when he tells his own story. He’s done that, at least.
  7. Parker Owens
    It was a natural thing to do in the moment; only afterward did Andy think about it. That means he’s growing ever more attached to the Stevenson family.
  8. Parker Owens
    @SilentandBroken There are many departures in this chapter, and you hit upon them. A new true name, a move toward a normal rite of passage in his permit, and of course Zander’s actual departure too. The phone call at the end shows how far Andy has traveled while staying with Zander. Thanks again for your thoughts.
  9. Parker Owens
    Thank you for commenting on the entirety of this chapter. Andy let go of the darkest secret he carried, and it was because he saw Zander as the safe place, the refuge that you wrote about. Zander has enabled Andy to begin healing, and to become more fully himself. I’m very grateful for your comments and thoughts.
  10. Parker Owens
    I agree it was productive, and not just because a lot of safe-sex ground got covered. It was the kind of parent-son talk that Andy never, ever could have with his father. That conversation helps create the foundation for the kind of family relationship he’s needed.
  11. Parker Owens
    You’re right: running is Andy’s instinctive reaction
  12. Parker Owens
    Monica’s approach didn’t give Andy time to stress or overthink about these experiences. At the same time, he’s already spoken up about feeling without some control, which is a subtle, but enormous step forward.
  13. Parker Owens
    Andy’s inability to verbalize what had been done to him tells Monica and Garrett how much Andy still hurts. Zander doesn’t write about it, but his determination to hold and protect Andy must have redoubled in that moment. Thanks very much for your comments and encouragement.
  14. Parker Owens
    Finally, Andy has made the leap to tell Zander about what’s on his heart. As you say, he gave himself permission to finally let go and embrace Zander. There is much to face going ahead, but for now, that embrace is exactly what Andy needs.
  15. Parker Owens
    Yes. It’s the same barn.
  16. Parker Owens
    Andy is running low on options. The one thing he knows is keeping his walls up and his masks on. But they’re getting harder to maintain. You’re right that Zander has the most reason to open up those walls, if Andy lets him.
  17. Parker Owens
    Blackburn is certainly a better place than Carlsberg ever was for Andy. He’s beginning to see this, and not only because he is being included in Kaz, Zander and Terry’s circle. His walls may yet come down, but that may be a slow process, done one brick at a time. He has plenty of reason to leave them up.
  18. Parker Owens
    I’m sorry your memories of coming out aren’t like Zander’s. So many don’t have that kind of experience. I’m glad you’re happier now. How different Andy’s world is now that lunch boy has a name - and Zander lunch boy knows his, too.
  19. Parker Owens
    @SilentandBroken Certainly, there will be changes. Andy is getting a taste of making big decisions for himself.
  20. Parker Owens
    @SilentandBroken Andy certainly has too many ways in which to get caught. But he’s also a very able survivor.
  21. Parker Owens

    Fireworks

    Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in Fireworks

    Eric’s retreat back to the Whitley farm remains a small triumph in that he doesn’t run away. He is beginning to think of the farm as a safe place. That doesn’t mean he’s ready to tell Eustace his story, not while he feels the old man’s disappointment. That must feel worse than a beating from redhead or even his dad. Thanks a lot for your responses and for reading!
  22. Parker Owens

    Interrogation

    Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in Interrogation

    That afternoon must have been exquisite torture for Eric. He hates being the center of attention, especially when it means he’s answering questions. And Toby must have just been tantalizing all that time.
  23. Parker Owens
    What was fun writing these chapters was that Eustace Whitley and Eric Anderson were benign puzzles to one another. Eustace at least shares his understanding with Eric, and not with the end of a belt. That alone is a reason to warm up to the old man.
  24. Parker Owens

    Work

    Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in Work

    Once you get those scents in your nose and mind, you have them forever. Stefan - now again calling himself Eric - is just glad to be dry and secure and hidden. Opening up would need an extended period building trust.
  25. Parker Owens

    A Short Ride

    Parker Owens commented on Parker Owens's story chapter in A Short Ride

    To go off the road, or keep to roads less traveled? Each has its risks, as Stefan/Eric has already discovered. Whatever he does, he’s going to keep a nervous eye out for troopers. Thanks for your thoughts!
×
×
  • Create New...