Jack Scribe

From the Southern California (and sometimes warm) desert, I echo these thoughts. Jack Scribe

Just discovered that part of today's Oprah (Canada/U.S.A.) will profile two men from Texas and their adopted family: http://www.afterelton.com/TV/2007/1/gayfamilies.html BTW, you may recognize the contributing writer's name who conducted the interview for this article. He has also written impressive gay-themed stories. Jack

Hi Bondwriter, There are a few whizkids who might be be able to help you - my computer knowledge only makes me dangerous...to myself. However, you might just consider sending the story as Word (doc.) text and let committee troops do the rest. Here are the original guidelines: Please, if possible, submit your story as far in advance as possible, to allow for adequate time for layout and presentation work. Maximum words: 12,000 Minimum: 1000 All stories must be edited prior to submission. Format: text files or Word (.doc) files Submission procedure: Please send your submission as an attachment by email to cjames@gayauthors.org Page Design: We will prepare a unique page layout for each story. If you would like to submit a graphic to be used on your story page, feel free to do so. You may also create your own HTML page design, but please be aware that all designs may be subject to change. Please let us know in advance so that any technical issues can be addressed ahead of time. I decided to send my submission as a Word (.doc) file and trust CJ. Jack

Get out that fairy dust. Time's a wastin'. Jack

This is a story that has been around for quite a few years. It was originally posted on Nifty in 2000. Two friends separately recommended The Mechanic to me and I couldn't put it down. The creativity and complexity are breathtaking. I'm sure that Sci-Fi fans are familiar with this chestnut. However, it was all new to me. It takes place in rural Kansas. An old farmer watches what he thinks is a plane crashing behind a distant hill and drives over to see if he can be of any help. All he sees is massive, metalic, wing-less hull and a man. Or, is it a man? Don't let the initial rural dialect throw you off. http://library.gaycafe.com/nifty/gay/sf-fa...y/the-mechanic/ Enjoy! Jack

This is a story that has been around for quite a few years. It was originally posted on Nifty in 2000. Two friends separately recommended The Mechanic to me and I couldn't put it down. The creativity and complexity are breathtaking. The author, eastbayjag, has passed (I'm told). He has one other story in the Archives that is of a completely different genre. Here are all the details for the Archives: Summary: An old Kansas farmer sees a bright, metalic image - perhaps that of an airlplane - plunge and disappear behind a hill at the next farm. When he goes to investigate, all that is visable is a large, undamaged, shiny hull and a man. Or, is it a man? Title: The Mechanic Author: eastbayjag Series: No Genre: Sci-Fi Modern Story codes: M/M, Oral/Anal Status: Completed link: http://library.gaycafe.com/nifty/gay/sf-fa...y/the-mechanic/ Thanks, Jack

S P O I L E R * A L E R T Great to have the two best friends back together. That once or twice in-a-lifetime friendships are to be cherished. I never had siblings or a split family but can only guess at the trama of melding two families. And, I'm sure we'll deal with Jonah's dad at some point and his feelings about homosexuality. The beat goes on. Good job. Jack

It's starting to warm up again in the tarnished Golden State. Should be back to the 70's in good old gay P.S. next week. Actually, most juice oranges come from Florida and Brazil. The fresh stuff that is eaten by hand will be increasing in price, however. Lemons are affected. Probably the strawberry and lettuce crops will be a bust. Broccoli lovers - not President #41 - will see a shortage. I wonder if Barbra had to shovel snow at her Malibu home? Jack

James, Perhaps this is a story that just needs to be written for one reader only...you? Or, will revealing your experiences help others who may be suffering from similar circumstances? My only suggestion is to consider continue writing and try to create images, characters, settings, emotions, and story lines from a third person's observation that allow a detachment. Can you get inside the thugs' heads? Where were they coming from and what motivated them? Did they realize - or, care - how their actions would affect you at the time? If the conclusions aren't pretty, so be it. I can only assume that these experiences from your youth darkly define part of you as an adult. Perhaps an epilogue is in order - once you finish the story - that shows how you juggle a highly-successful career with demons from the past. Here's a link to a short story by Dewey. You Are Not Alone is a very personal view of an upsetting period in his life: http://www.deweywriter.com/chapters/dewey/ss/yana.htm Whatever your decision, best wishes. Jack

WELCOME! As Kurt suggested, the Live Chat has re-opened. Plus you have a great opportunity just to jump in a participate in story forums. There are a couple of active stories right now in eFiction - specifically, C James' "For the Love" and captainrick's "Sky's the Limit" among others - that have terrific reader participation. Don't feel paranoid about reactions to your posts. Its not like the people with whom you're "talking" to are next door or in school. Have fun. Look forward to your first story. Jack

Tension, indeed. Great thrills and chills. Loved the detail of the chase scene. Just goes to show what stupid things people do when they're in love and think that the relationship is threatened. Jack

Have a good one. Yikes...the last year in your 20's. Like wine, however, it only gets better. Look forward seeing a new LB story. Jack

I hope that Zach's attitudes about gay guys are explored. I write this assuming that he is a hetero who projects a stereotypical image that prevails in approximately 16% of gay men. Tough call for Dex...will he be a real best friend? Looks like good ole Doug is about ready for a whoopin'. Jack

I guess I'm in a distinct minority. I find head shots of the characters very helpful to me when I'm telling the story. And several of the readers had expressed thanks for a visual. There is absolute validity in stating that the words should be able to describe the character(s). Perhaps because my stories are more of a romantic genre gives me an open door to the no-no philosophy of not submitting photography? I also use "wallpaper" that depicts the general location of the story. If I offend anyone...sorry. Jack

Please allow a smidgen of another spice in this stew. I'll go even further. Some sites, for whatever reason, don't allow the Windows IE "text size" feature to enlarge the size of the font on HTML postings. I recommend that authors post their stories in at least 14 pt. font. I'm going to use 16. pt. on my next story. For readers over a certain age - ahem - larger fonts really help. My friend and editor would agree with Pecman's brother. We settled on Georgia (seen here) as a font that is very palatable to the eye for reading. Several newspapers and book publishers use this font style. Jack

In light of CJ's religious references in his current series story, here goes. Dear Dr. Laura, Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God`s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them. 1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord - Lev.1: 9. The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them? 2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her? 3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual cleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence. 4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can`t I own Canadians? 5. I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself? 6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don`t agree. Can you settle this? 7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here? 8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die? 9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves? 10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24: 10-16. Couldn`t we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14) I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God`s word is eternal and unchanging Your devoted disciple and adoring fan. Jim ______________ Jack

Just to weigh in for a moment. I, too, was completely baffled by the data stick detail. Maybe it has photos of the Fundi rev going down on the Piedmont sheriff? Jack

Whoops. It appears that Krista is a "former member." However, happy birthday where ever you are.

It would be a good idea to touch base with CJ (CJames) and pass the idea by him. His only concern is that there aren't duplications. I submitted my story in yesterday. Join the crowd! Jack

From discussions, I know that Drew considers Trucker and Pup his favorite. Although he thinks that since it's one of his most recent works, his feelings may be shaded. Tim's Brody Comes Home story is complete on Nifty: http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-frien...ody-comes-home/. His next story will feature the high school lad who worked part-time in the flower shop. Jack

I'm knocking on my wood. Please shed a little light on this personalized forum. It would be helpful if someone would post a link to whatever story you're commenting about. Don't exclude us guys who are on the 'outs.' :wacko:

Excellent suggestion....but then I'm partial to my author friend, Drew Hunt. Here is another story of Drew's, written in collaberation with Tim Mead, to cozy up with on a cold January night - Key Lime Pie and Custard: http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/...ie-and-custard/

May or September. In addition to finding 'tent weather,' you'll be avoiding the throng of tourists. Flagstaff ("Flag") is a terrific Western town and the logical point of departure for the Grand Canyon. Be sure to check out the Museum of Northern Arizona and the marvelous Native American - Hopi and Navajo - art collections. Save a little side-trip time for Sedona. Jack

Hi Sharon, The only Kitchen Aid product I have is a blender with more speeds than a BMW gearbox. It produces terrific margaritas! That and a working microwave keep me being a happy camper. Speaking of happy...here's to a better and safe 2007! Jack