If you saw the announcements, I have been tweaking both Genres and Tags as we lurch ever closer to our major software update going to version 5 of Invision Community. Invision has altered how they are handling tags and as such, we have to change Stories as well. One of the nice things coming is that readers will be able to subscribe to genres and tags so when new stories get posted in the genre or with a tag, they'll get notified. Though I'd only follow the more obscure ones, so you are buried in notifications.
One of the nice things is that every tag and every genre will get their own page with the ability to add a cover photo and description. Here is an example from our Test Server for Word of the Day:
Every entry would then appear below. We can also feature an example that'll show up first. This will be especially useful when we go to promote stories for guests. It'll be able to help surface some of our deeper content.
As part of this, I've been shuffling around some genres and tags.
You can view them all here:
https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/genre-tag/
We remove the "Literary Fiction" Primary genre and consolidated it's sub-genres under general fiction. We also added some common general fiction sub-genres we were missing. One exception of the historical literary sub-genre is under Historical.
For Tags, we clarified categories and added more options. The Content Warning Category will eventually be updated to be applied separately from the rest of the tags. Sexual Content tag as well.
Authors are encouraged to update the tags on their stories. Put the most relevant tags on each. I encourage you to add some of the new, currently empty tags to our stories where they apply.
Top Read Mystery Stories Since Deep Dive 8
Top 5 Most Read Mystery - Amateur Sleuth
Features characters who are not professional detectives but get involved in solving mysteries due to personal interest or circumstance.
Bleeding Hearts by Josh Aterovis Complete
Reap the Whirlwind by Josh Aterovis Complete
Life is Like a New Suit of Clothes, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
Face Value by empath Temporary Hold
Marked by ASH PHOENIX Temporary Hold
Top 1 Most Read Mystery - Caper
Light-hearted mystery that is easy to read, witty and not too intense. Can also be more comic in nature. Examples: Clue, Scooby Doo, Hardy Boys, or Janet Evanovitch books
A Ticklish Thriller (Revised) by Ticklishboy30 Complete
Top 8 Most Read Mystery - Classic Mystery
Often involves a murder in a closed setting like a village or a manor, with the crime solved by an amateur or professional detective by the story's end.
Dust in the Basement by Celian Complete
The Last Laugh by Celian Complete
The Vanishing Act by E K Stokes Complete
Bell(e)s in the Woods by Celian Complete
Murder in Paradise by E K Stokes Complete
Gabriel's Gambit: Contract Terminated by Jason Rimbaud In Process
The Pink Flamingo by E K Stokes Complete
A salty drop of Magic by Celian In Process
Top 10 Most Read Mystery - Cozy Mystery
also referred to as "cozies", are a sub-genre of crime fiction in which sex and violence occur off stage, the detective is an amateur sleuth, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. This is also a sub-genre with strong tropes that define it
It's Always Something by Ticklishboy30 Temporary Hold
A Holiday Adventure by Ticklishboy30 Complete
A Ticklish Thriller (Revised) by Ticklishboy30 Complete
Murder on the Playground by ObicanDecko Complete
WHISPERS by PhillMakracken Complete
Murder of a Moral Man by St. George Complete
A Ticklish Thriller by Ticklishboy30 Abandoned
Bellini by Cole Matthews Complete
River City by Bill W Complete
Ticklish Psychic by Ticklishboy30 Complete
Top 10 Most Read Mystery - Detective
stories where the protagonist is a sleuth of some sort, ranging from nosy neighbor to retired detective that is puzzling out the details of why a crime was committed and who did it. More intense than a cozy, more serious than a caper, but not as hard core has hard boiled/noir. Example: Agatha Christie books
Kept Boy to Made Man by empath Complete
The Jerk-Off by JLynch Complete
Dating Rules And Pretty Fools by Laura S. Fox Complete
Keeper of the Rituals by Libby Drew Complete
The Mardi Gras Murders by Mark Ponyboy Peters Complete
The Truth of Yesterday by Josh Aterovis Complete
Coyote amongst the sheep by Topher Lydon Complete
The Black Aura by Lee Wilson Complete
Murder on the Hudson by chris191070 Complete
The Last Laugh by Celian Complete
Top 4 Most Read Mystery - Historical Mystery
The historical mystery or historical whodunit is a sub-genre of two genres, historical fiction and mystery fiction. Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Exchange Students by Mark Paren Complete
Blades of Ashes by lilansui Temporary Hold
Here Be Dragons, Charlie Boone! by Geron Kees Complete
The House of Storms by Geron Kees Complete
Top 10 Most Read Mystery - Light Mystery
Contains light mystery elements such as crimes to solve, but solving a crime is not the focus of the story.
Circumnavigation by C James Complete
Bearpaw: An Old West Tale by Headstall Complete
Sidewinder by Headstall Complete
Guarded by Wayne Gray Complete
The Brotherhood: Awakening Book II by The Writer X In Process
Those Left Behind by Robert Hugill Complete
Box Shaped Heart by Laura S. Fox Complete
The Jerk-Off by JLynch Complete
When Opportunity Knocks by kbois Complete
Larkspur: A Sidewinder Tale by Headstall Complete
Top 1 Most Read Mystery - Locked Room Mystery
A sub-genre where the crime, usually a murder, happens in circumstances where it seems impossible for the perpetrator to have entered or left the scene.
Green Lightning by Aditus Complete
Top 5 Most Read Mystery - Noir/Hard-Boiled
(Strong Trope Alert) in noir the protagonist isn't a detective, but a victim, a suspect, and/or a perpetrator of crime. Hard-Boiled is a literary genre that shares some of its characters and settings with crime fiction (especially detective fiction and noir fiction). The genre's typical protagonist is a detective who battles the violence of organized crime that flourished during Prohibition (1920–1933) and its aftermath, while dealing with a legal system that has become as corrupt as the organized crime itself. Detectives of hardboiled fiction are often antiheroes. Notable hardboiled detectives include Philip Marlowe, Mike Hammer, Sam Spade, Lew Archer, Slam Bradley, and The Continental Op.
Carter's Echo by Topher Lydon Complete
The Theocracy - The Blackened Cross by ValentineDavis21 Abandoned
Pigsty by Jack Poignet In Process
Neon by William King In Process
Scene: An Abandoned Alleyway Leading to a Doorway by Young Sage Complete
Top 8 Most Read Mystery - Police Procedural
is a subgenre of procedural drama and detective fiction that emphasizes the investigative procedure of a police officer or department as the protagonist(s), as contrasted with other genres that focus on either a private detective, an amateur investigator or the characters who are the targets of investigation
Jail Cell Love Affair by Lee Wilson Complete
The Black Aura by Lee Wilson Complete
Unhappy New Year’s Day by Lee Wilson Complete
Happy Fourth of July by Lee Wilson Complete
A Memorial Day to Forget by Lee Wilson Complete
Solitary by RichEisbrouch Complete
River City by Bill W Complete
Fairway to Heaven by Jeff Burton Complete
Top 10 Most Read Mystery - Psychological Mystery
Delves into the mind, exploring themes of sanity, identity, and often includes elements of suspense or thriller.
Kept Boy to Made Man by empath Complete
Flame and Frost by lomax61 Temporary Hold
Seagull's Bay by CasualWanderer82 Complete
Hello, Claire Voiance Speaking by Lee Wilson Complete
Murder in Paradise by E K Stokes Complete
Happy Fourth of July by Lee Wilson Complete
Guideverse: The Future by Invnarcel Temporary Hold
Neon by William King In Process
A Memorial Day to Forget by Lee Wilson Complete
Ashlight by D.K. Daniels Complete
I'm back again for another Anthology Flashback. In honor of the upcoming Poetry Anthology 2026: Choices, we are doing a flashback to 2014: A Storm is Coming Poetry Anthology.
Let us know if you are going to have an entry for March 30th's 2026 Poetry Anthology:
Top 10 Most Read Literary Fiction - Bildungsroman
A coming-of-age story that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of its main character from youth to adulthood. "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger is a classic example.
Storm Wolf: Tranquil waters by RedMoon Complete
The Storm Wolf: Gathering Clouds by RedMoon Temporary Hold
The Rings of the Oak by Tomkin Watts Complete
Jude by E K Stokes Complete
Rókus by E K Stokes Complete
I'll Kiss You in the Rain by William King Complete
Souris by empath Complete
Chess Friends by Thomas Lindblad Temporary Hold
Time May Change Me by William King In Process
Les Jardins de la Mendoubia by William King Complete
Top 10 Most Read Literary Fiction - Contemporary Literary
Exploration of the human condition in modern times.
Kept Boy to Made Man by empath Complete
Not just another Summer by Robert Hugill Complete
A Good Place by Mark Ponyboy Peters Complete
Thicker Than Water by John Henry Complete
Those Left Behind by Robert Hugill Complete
Finding Home: Halos and Heroes, Bk 1 by JJQuinn Complete
Brian & Gordon: Living in threes by Robert Hugill Complete
Brian: Taking Courage by Robert Hugill Complete
The Castaway Hotel: Next Generation Book 4 by Bill W Complete
No going back by Robert Hugill Complete
Top 10 Most Read Literary Fiction - Cultural
Focused on exploring and celebrating specific cultures, cultural fiction often provides insight into the traditions, customs, and perspectives of different communities.
The Art of Living by Robert Hugill In Process
Ark II: Life on Gaea by R. Eric Temporary Hold
What Else Is There? by Al Norris Complete
Small Fry Speed by empath Complete
These Bloody Fists by gor mu Complete
Well, What Do You Want To Know? by PhillMakracken Long-Term Hold
Beautiful Definition by Tomkin Watts Complete
Voli Me Tangere by Aditus Complete
Marked by ASH PHOENIX Temporary Hold
A Frozen Exchange by W_L Complete
Top 0 Most Read Literary Fiction - Epistolary
Narratives told through a series of letters, diary entries, or documents, providing a unique and often intimate perspective on the story.
No stories
Top 10 Most Read Literary Fiction - Family Saga
These novels span generations, exploring the dynamics and intricacies of a particular family over time.
The Freshmen by Mark Arbour Complete
Paternity by Mark Arbour Complete
Black Widow by Mark Arbour Complete
Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour Complete
9.11 by Mark Arbour Complete
Odyssey by Mark Arbour Complete
Peace of Amiens by Mark Arbour In Process
Flux by Mark Arbour Complete
My Roommate Teaches Me by Lee Wilson Complete
Streak by Mark Arbour Complete
Top 10 Most Read Literary Fiction - Historical Literary
Exploration of human condition in the past.
The Freshmen by Mark Arbour Complete
Gap Year by Mark Arbour Complete
Paternity by Mark Arbour Complete
Black Widow by Mark Arbour Complete
Northern Exposure by Mark Arbour Complete
9.11 by Mark Arbour Complete
Odyssey by Mark Arbour Complete
Peace of Amiens by Mark Arbour In Process
Flux by Mark Arbour Complete
Streak by Mark Arbour Complete
Top 10 Most Read Literary Fiction - Slice of Life
Focusing on the ordinary, everyday experiences of characters, slice-of-life literary fiction captures the subtleties of human existence.
In His Image by ChromedOutCortex Complete
My Roommate Teaches Me by Lee Wilson Complete
Love Truly Is Blind by Lee Wilson Complete
The Jerk-Off by JLynch Complete
Manny Needs a Nanny by Lee Wilson Complete
The Taft Family’s Before and After by Lee Wilson Complete
The Boy on the Porch by Lee Wilson Complete
The Longest Third Date by LJCC In Process
The Dreamer by ChromedOutCortex Complete
Begin Again by Tony S. Complete
Top Read Horror Stories Since Deep Dive 8
Top 3 Most Read Horror - Body Snatcher
Revolving around the invasion or replacement of human bodies by extraterrestrial beings, parasites, or other entities, body snatcher horror explores the loss of control over one's own body.
Curing Humanity by Wayne Gray Complete
A Queer Encounter by W_L Complete
Frosty by MythOfHappiness Complete
Top 7 Most Read Horror - Gothic
(aka gothic romanticism; and dark romanticism): fiction mixing themes of horror, romance, and death
Shadow‘s Reach (Halloween Noir) by Jack Poignet Complete
Light Bringer: Fireborn by Jack Poignet Complete
Darkest Days (The Wild Hunt) by Jack Poignet Complete
Hungry for Gains by Jack Poignet In Process
Wicked Little Town by ValentineDavis21 Complete
The Curse Of Love by arielynn24 In Process
Fractured by Jason Rimbaud Complete
Top 4 Most Read Horror - Haunted House Horror
Focused on haunted or cursed locations, haunted house horror plays on the fear of the unknown and the supernatural events that occur within a particular dwelling. Ex: Amityville Horror
Hotel Room 606 by Lee Wilson Complete
Shadows of Shadows by Leslie Lofton Complete
Angry Spirits by astone2292 Complete
The Boy Who Hunts Ghosts (...And Kisses Them) by LittleBuddhaTW Complete
Top 10 Most Read Horror - Horror - Modern
General Horror stories set in modern times
Z is For Zombie by Geron Kees Complete
GFD 12: Blood Ties by Comicality Author Passed Away
Shadow‘s Reach (Halloween Noir) by Jack Poignet Complete
Shade by Cole Matthews Complete
The Seducer: A Gone From Daylight Inspired Story by MrM In Process
Engineer Benson by Wayne Gray Long-Term Hold
Savage Moon 06 - The New Breed by Comicality Author Passed Away
In The Arms of an Angel by Nephylim Complete
Shelter by Comicality Author Passed Away
A Thousand Nights with You by kevinchn Long-Term Hold
Top 10 Most Read Horror - Monster
a genre of literature that combines good and evil and intends to evoke a sensation of horror and terror in its readers by presenting the evil side in the form of a monster. Ex Dracula, Frankenstein
Clown Wyrm by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Mantis Continuum - Book Four by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Mantis Equilibrium - Book Two by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
Corrupting the Innocent by kbois Complete
Farley & Wolf by kbois Complete
The Case of the Scallopini-ed Mayor by Mikiesboy Complete
Incy Wincy Spider by northie Complete
The Lair by TeamStilinski Complete
Attack of the Hellbenders by Lee Wilson Complete
The Legend of Fred Krueger by Twisted_Dreemz Temporary Hold
Top 10 Most Read Horror - Psychological
Emphasizing the psychological aspects of fear, these stories often delve into the mental and emotional torment of characters. The horror is often rooted in the characters' minds rather than external threats. Ex: Hannibal Lector novels
The Lost and the Damned by Topher Lydon Complete
Ark II: Life on Gaea by R. Eric Temporary Hold
The Estate by Topher Lydon Complete
Wicked Games by CasualWanderer82 Complete
Darkest Days (The Wild Hunt) by Jack Poignet Complete
Preachers' Sons 2: The Nineties by R. Eric Temporary Hold
Teaching Horrible Lessons by W_L Complete
Distant Calls by Thirdly Complete
Permutation by W_L Complete
The Black Dog Blues by Mikiesboy Complete
Top 2 Most Read Horror - Splatterpunk
distinguished by its graphic, often gory, depiction of violence, counter cultural alignment, ex: Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Purge
The Fascinator Murders by Lee Wilson Complete
Vampire Jared by dkstories Complete
Top 9 Most Read Horror - Weird Science
Weird fiction either eschews or radically reinterprets ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and other traditional antagonists of supernatural horror fiction. Ex: Stories by H.P. Lovecroft
Twinks in Space: Fantastic Voyage - Part Two by Adam Andrews Johnson Long-Term Hold
The Mantis Synchronicity - Book Five by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Mantis Continuum - Book Four by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Mantis Equilibrium - Book Two by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Mantis Corruption - Book Three by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
Unhappy New Year’s Day by Lee Wilson Complete
Green Lightning by Aditus Complete
The Vile Prize by Adam Andrews Johnson Complete
The Big Empty by JamesSavik Complete
Top 7 Most Read Horror - Zombie
civilization collapses due to overwhelming swarms of zombies. Typically only a few individuals or small bands of survivors are left living. Ex: The Walking Dead, World War Z
Z is For Zombie by Geron Kees Complete
Shelter by Comicality Author Passed Away
Miles To Go by Comicality Complete
Safehaven by Comicality Author Passed Away
Walker Road by Comicality Complete
Rotting Apples by Comicality Complete
Release Me by Comicality Author Passed Away
