grahamsealby

I'm presently using Word 10 for my manuscripts. I've been looking to upgrade to Word 16, but after reviewing W16 I can't find any substantial difference. From a writer's standpoint is it worth paying for the upgrade?

Hope you enjoy. Thnx for reading

Yes I've changed my font in all my other stories. Thnx for the comment

Thanks Wesley. . . . I always have a special place in my heart for 'Sammy'. I've often been asked to write a sequel and it's still a live prospect. Thanks again - we authors love to get feedback; it makes writing much more enjoyable

This is a wonderful story. At times it was a painful read, but I really enjoyed the change of aspect i.e using a 'straight' guy as the main character. Adams pain is something we've all experienced so whilst being familiar it's also very raw. David's metamorphosis from Homophobe to a caring person was really enjoyable. I didn't quite agree with the boys being 'grounded' for challenging the homophobe teacher; I say to them both - well done! Also, I reckon the school should've taken a more proactive response to homothuggery. What about Dave's parents? Will they eventually come around? Graeme, thank you for sharing this wonderful tale.

Thnx for your comments. It's really helpful to us scribblers to hear from readers particularly with helpful comments. Yes, you're right about the switch; I racked my brains on how to handle this. I opted for the intersession thinking that the blood and bruising would be significant camouflage. But you're right, Adlai and Tavi are different physically and I missed this. I was thinking I'd write a sequel involving Cephas and Amenco as I downplayed their relationship in the story. I didn't want anything to distract from the main plot; I still may do this. Thnx again . . . I was delighted to hear from you.

Sorry,I started to read but was put off by your formatting. The first chapter is one long paragraph of 3500 words. Can I suggest you make a seperate line for each conversation and split the chapter into smaller paragraphs; it's easier for the reader. You have a Great story, and well told. Be kind to your readers.

In my 80 year journey, I've hardened myself emotionally. I have never been in love- I've simply had close friendships with benefits. My early years exposure to life has led me to this unfortunate position. Then I came across 'Brittle as a Bird' and at the end I cried. I cried for Joey and all the hate and abuse he'd encountered at such a young age; I cried for Allan his lover, who died having succumbed to that awful disease. I cried for Gene who, like me, decided that living a lie was a safer course. But I did not cry for Joey's mum nor Allan's stepfather. They deserve neither pity nor succor. I gather that the genus of the story was from real life and I must say 'Ronyx' that you've done a masterful job. I couldn't put the story down. I congratulate you and urge you to make the story into an eBook and have it published. Well done!

I read somewhere that if you're searching for plot ideas, go to IMDB and select a story synopsis and then make your own story using only the general plot. It was further recommended that you introduce your own twists and conflict to avoid plagiarism. I haven't tried it myself because the concept still reeks of plagiarism.

I don't believe I've ever used an existing story as a plot guideline; it's why I tend to take time creating a story. Sometimes I reach a point and have to stop because I'm not sure what the next step should be. Whilst I have an ending fixed in my mind, the middle plot can be frustrating. I find that if I chuck my quille away and sleep on it invariably a solution manifests.

Ummm . . . not sure what you're getting at. Can you be more specific. Thnx

Some good points JayT, especially about commas. Most times MS Word spellCheck picks up the obvious cooma problems

Well as kids we all like to dress up . . . I can remember trying on my mothers shoes and dressing up as Robin Hood or some such hero. I'm really sorry to hear that you were molested. It's an awful experience - one that is very very hard to forget. I hope you haven't been left with too much of a trauma. When it happened to me I felt ashamed and guilty - thought it was my fault. The memory never goes away. Thanx for sharing

OH wow Rickey, what a sad story. I can identify with growing up alone and unhappy. Writing that poem made me reflect on my life. I spent the first 40 years living a lie and the next 40 years feeling guilty and ashamed. I wanted to pass on my life story only to let people understand that I was wrong and that we should strive to find happiness in the midst of adversity. I love your comment about martial arts and people ending up in the emergency ward. I wish I had done that; maybe all gay kids should do some martial arts training. One thing I'm curious - you say that 'However my parents aunts and uncles knew what I was and they were either Baptist or Catholic.'How can this be? What were you doing that made them think this way? Thnx for responding. I've heard from a lot of guys who also had bad upbringings, so we're not alone.

I hear you Mickiesboy, when you have a busy work and social life,allotting time to write a story can be onerous. I have a distinct advantage in that I'm retired and can allocate my time between writing and my dog. As I've indicated, I intend not to publish until I've completed my stories. This actually serves as an incentive for me, knowing that I can't post anything until the work is completed.

In my meanderings, I often notice writers refer to their Editors. This is a luxury I cannot afford here in Australia, and I wonder how many authors can avail themselves of an editor. Does an editor materially improve the finished work? Does GA have a list of potential editors

I wasn't suggesting any change should be prioritized as I know that GA are struggling with new system issues. When I posted the matter I prefaced my comments by saying, ''perhaps I was way out in the left field' (I know this is a baseball term but have no idea what it means). From the comments I've received it seems that the majority opinion is that, whilst it may be a good idea, it won't fit the GA dna. So . . . I've got my answer.

I'm an Aussie . . . I don't know who William King is.

'Also, that's a bitter outlook on the site, man. "Non-Starters"? Dude... I can't even... or odd' . . . I don't understand. It wasn't my intention to be 'bitter'. What do you mean by 'Non Starters' ? I'm only making suggestions. I don't believe anyone should raise a problem - if, indeed there is one - without offering a solution. That's all I've been doing. I happen to love GA . . . perhaps the only reason I write is that I can use GA as a forum and get feedback. I was trying to make a positive comment

I was fascinated with your comic book analogy; I'd never have considered comic books as an aid to writing.Looking back, I do recall that some of the favourites such as Batman and Robin (were they gay?) always ran in segments and you had to wait until the next installment, which is similar to posting by chapter. I also share your comment about readers not appreciating the effort put into a long story. I recently wrote a story called 'Adlai' which took just under a year to finish - only because of the research required. No one cared about the big slice of time taken to write the damned thing.. I only raised the subject of 'Complete V Incomplete' because I can't really give a review until a story is Complete. Also, as a reader I find it frustrating to have a good story reach an incomplete ending. Perhaps there should be an allowable period between beginning to post and final completion, so that authors are motivated to finish the tale. Do you think this is a good idea?

Thnx for your comment. When we go to a library, or buy a book, we aren't interested in a part story and certainly one without an ending. It is on this concept that I raised the issue in the first place. Now GA might have some more lofty purpose in mind but I for one - it's only my personal viewpoint - only want to read a story that is truly 'Completed'. I don't believe I can give a proper appraisal without reading the ending. I can recall good stories I've read and would have given a very positive tick if it had been completed. These days I only read stories that have the 'completed' icon attached. Once again, it's great to have an open discussion.

Thanx for your comments, it's really good to learn how other people regard the issue. I'm purely approaching the matter from a reader's point of view. When we go to a library or buy a book, we want to purchase then read the whole story, not just parts and certainly not a story without an ending. Grant that GA may have a higher purpose, but I still view the issue as a reader. As to Chapter posting I may have confused the issue. I would not in any way, post a whole story in one shot - I'm not sure I'm allowed to do that anyway . I always post at the optimum, two chapters at one time and do not change the status to 'Complete' until I've posted all chapters.

Yeah, I am looking from a reader's aspect. As an author we try and please our readers, and I (personally) don't believe readers enjoy reading a part story. We all like a satisfying ending. I know that I can choose the option 'complete' but it seems a good story can be held up for a long time before it reaches the 'complete' stage. If all authors take your position of only posting when you know you'll complete quickly, then there isn't a problem. Thanks for getting back.

I may be way out on the left field on this one. I don't believe in posting chapters as my story unfolds. I always wait until my whole book is completed before I post any chapters. My reason is that too often I begin reading a good story and then it finishes in mid stream; you have to wait until the author gets around to completing the story. This can take an unknown amount of time, so I usually forget the story and move on to one that has been 'completed'. It's hard to comment on a story that is incomplete.

Thanx . . . your comment is appreciated. I hope you're happy and enjoying this wonderful life we call being gay