Hudson Bartholomew

I've recently received some comments on my writing that I loved. And no, they weren't about how great my writing was, they were about things the reader didn't like. Don't get me wrong. I love getting positive comments and knowing that people enjoy my writing. But I found that I liked the constructive feedback a lot, too. They were written respectfully and politely, explaining why the reader didn't like a particular character or why they disagreed with some aspect of the story. All very legitimate points that I found myself nodding in agreement with. As a writer, I go through multiple rounds of editing and rewriting until I feel like I’ve polished away all the blemishes I can see. But I by no means believe that just because I can’t see any more blemishes, that means blemishes no longer exist. Even stepping away from a story and revisiting it with fresh eyes can only bring it that much further. There comes a point when I’ve done all I can, but the story isn’t quite there yet. And that’s where other people come in. I’d love to hear honest reviews—maybe brutally honest—that explain why something I wrote isn’t working. Pepper it with niceties, sure, but I’d like to think I can take some negative reviews and constructive criticism. So if you’ve ever read anything I’ve written and thought, “Gee, I wish this were different,” or “I really didn’t like that,” or “That doesn’t make any sense whatsoever,” please do let me know. On second thought, maybe I should be careful what I wish for…

That website has been the inspiration for quite a few stories Good point about the tension, and I can see where it would fit. Thanks for the review!

Thanks for the encouraging words!

Thanks!!

Thanks!!

I think I love drunk Erik. I need to get him drunk more often so he can do more cute stuff.

Ryan's a reserved guy, so he needs a little push to come out of his shell. Sometimes a little push is a good thing

Thanks so much!

Haha, no worries Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review!

Ryan's certainly being pushed outside his comfort zone. But he's not a pushover and he knows where his hard limits are. We'll see how close to those limits he's willing to go. Thanks for the review!

Erik's definitely got a Type A personality and doesn't quite understand why other people wouldn't want to be in the center of attention. I guess that's also the assumption a lot of people make in the entertainment industry. Thanks for the review!

Ryan tried to turn over in his own bed and groaned. Every muscle in his body ached. He didn’t remember the last time he hurt so badly—not even when he first took up boxing and had gotten beat up by the punching bag. The worst of his aches was his asshole; it was bruised and tender. Walking up the stairs to his apartment had been brutal, and he had almost collapsed in a heap by the time he reached the fifth floor. If he had it his way, he’d just curl up and never move again. But that wasn’t pos

It's all in the anticipation No definite plans yet, but I have a feeling that we'll see more of these two and their new adventures in future prompts. Thanks for the review!

And then I hid it somewhere he won’t find it. Except I wanted him to find it. I wanted him to find it, and use it on me, and turn me inside out with it. It was the single most terrifying thing I have ever wanted. My relationship with Daniel has always been simple, sweet vanilla and I’ve never had a problem with that. It’s all I’ve ever known and it’s always been satisfying. But I know there’s other stuff out there, stuff that is risqué, kinky even. And I would be lying if I said I hadn’t though

I also like finishing a story before I start posting it. Mostly because I usually end up going back to earlier points in the story to make major plot edits, and I can't do this if previous chapters are already posted. I also agree with Carlos about reviews highlighting what didn't work. Constructive criticism, given politely and with respect, is really useful for learning and developing as a writer. I'd like to get more of those on my stories.

Wow! Thanks everyone for leaving a note! I really appreciate all the encouragement. I guess it's one of those things where the rational part of my brain says, "Yep, that's what I've been saying all along," but the emotional part wants to be a toddler and have a meltdown. Val - thanks for the kind words. And thanks for leaving so many reviews on P&P, it means a lot! glittery - I can only write in one language, so you're miles ahead of me on that one! Kitt - thanks for the sharp pencils. Can never have enough sharp pencils. Robert Rex - an interview is a great idea! I was having a severe bout of writer's block this weekend, and it wasn't until I finally sat down and asked, "What is this guy's deal?" that things finally got flowing again. Sasha - I literally laughed out loud at the image of you standing in front of a classroom of kids while Marty and Hrishi got it on! Described that way, screaming characters doesn't sound quite so appealing anymore Thanks again, everyone! Must keep writing, must keep writing, must keep writing...

Hi Tim - I don't really know you and don't know your situation. But I'd like to reiterate what others have said, "Don't give up." I've never been in your position, so I don't pretend to know what it's like. I can only think to say that I think you should fill your days doing things you love and that make you happy. If that means continuing to write and post on GA, then please do! If that means doing other things, then go do that. Make every day yours.

I’ve recently begun reading blogs and listening to podcasts from published authors, with the goal of learning from their experience and being inspired to keep writing. Unfortunately, this seems to have backfired, because the more I listen to them and learn about their writing process, the more I feel like I could never do what they do. They talk about discipline, setting aside time every day to write X number of words. They talk about using various tools and software to help organize their thoughts. They talk about the importance of research. This is all fine; it’s manageable and I understand how to work these tips into my own writing habits. But then they talk about characters pestering them in their heads, itching to get out onto the page. They talk about different characters having different speech patterns. They talk about creating fake text message conversations between characters to figure out what type of emojis each would use. They talk about writing what a character sees, feels, smells and hears in each scene. They talk about character development and plot development in a way that feels unattainable to me. Honestly, characters never scream at me in my head; I have to prod them with pointy things to get them to tell me their story. I’ve tried writing different speech patterns for different characters, but when I edit, they all sound the same—they all kind of sound like me, unfortunately. I write SO SLOWLY it feels like I’m inching along while everyone zooms ahead. And while I’m constantly wishing I could forego all other responsibilities in life so I can write, whenever I sit down in front of my computer, my mind often draws a blank. I wanted to learn from these authors because I admire them; and I admire them because they’re such great writers. So it should come as no surprise to me that they’re exceptionally skilled at their craft. And I’m just starting out, so there’s obviously much for me to learn and lots of space for me to grow. But sometimes it feels so overwhelming and I don’t know where to start.

I love that you really don't like Amanda! Erik's a pushy one, but I think he can read Ryan and his limits better than most people. And Ryan's no push over either, I think he can hold his own just fine I love your reviews! Keep them coming!

Lots of porn out there looks very mechanical--insert A into B. So their goal is to make it actually look enjoyable and it seems like they were successful!

Ah! I completely missed your review, sorry for replying so late! No one is too old to say hella hot

Nope, not a pretend kiss at all

Funny that you didn't like Amanda She and Ryan have worked together for a while, so they're friends as well as co-workers. Yeah, she can be nosy, but I think it's all with good intensions.

Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the diner

I think I've said this before, but it's worth saying again: this is one of my favorite stories that you've written. Love Emmett. Love Jian. Love Rye. Even love Huan-Yu. If he ever does politely request a story of his own, I hope you'll hear him out. I'd pay to see him all flustered with new love