Krista

I think, in readers eyes, things could go stale at times. Finding the stand-out story, by a newer, less known author could be difficult. Right now, some aren't even looking as they're holding out for an absent author or two to return from their busy life or whatever other reason keeping them away. Also, all of the garbage with the same story-lines as the great stories then one can see that things are becoming stale. It's not the story-line or the idea, it's the way the small variations come together. Right now, I have a "New guy in town" story that has 8 pages in the first chapter wrote - started when I was bored, and the variations added to that, over-used plot may (or may not) bring some originality to that type of story. I wouldn't write a story like this if I didn't think there is hope brining an original story to it. Variations keep these types of stories from going stale. But you have to get out there and read a lot more before you can really say things are going stale. There are new great stories with these over used plots. Anyway, online gay fiction is more easily found than print/published works, as there's not a massive audience out there (in the eyes of top publishing companies), so Online gay fiction is what's easily found. The only negative is, with things being online anyone can write it if they get the itch to - cluttering things up. It hasn't become a problem here at GA as much though. But, yeah, things can easily become stale. I just don't think it's close to happening yet.

Happy Birthday!!

It will take a lot to defeat the imagination of Joe, I believe. Maybe a certain Goat has gotten into some world of trouble, so admitting defeat at this point would just be the smart thing to do. Ahem.. I like the new Forum name CJ.

Lol. Kids like to fumble right into the death stare don't they? I know if my little sisters and brothers don't receive a few from me throughout the day they haven't lived. It's pretty bad that I already have a "death stare," but I am pretty intimidating to the younger ones still, so it works, but it fails to impress the older two. But anyway, this blog made me smile.

Happy Birthday!!

Lol. I was like, "what?" And then the Lyrics to Jolene hit me and I laughed a good minute.. shew. Yes, he would've liked to see Dolly, I'd imagine. It probably would've saved the boring show this week.

Lol.. a 20 post restriction! Unheard of, But you're helping all the post-aholics on the GAzette Team, so your post counts will rise and it would all be beneficial helpful posts.. so, how about restricting yourself to, 20 "Conversational/Lounge/Craps-n-giggles" posts per day, then have unlimited helpful ones.

Ack! Holy Crap! I'm leading in the Top 20 posts... what's wrong with you people?.. Letting me be a post-whore in front of everybody..

Thanks y'all for another good job well done.

Thank you for reading and leaving comments LC! It is true that people are led to believe something, as a "shadow" to stand under, I just wanted a person to represent that shadow for Scott. Carrie was the only option, he could have back home, but on Vacation, are those relevant at the time? Yeah. I find myself feeling sorry for Carrie when I re-read it, but being mad at her at the same time. I know I didn't intend for that to happen, but there is more evidence there, than actually seeing her as the innocent bystander to larger things. But, I guess that would be the dog.

Happy Birthday!

The kissing scene with Ross was my favorite scene to write actually. I should have let the relationship with Carrie and Ross take hold in the story in a lot more detail, reading back now after reading your comment, Carrie and Scott's relationship was lack-luster after the arrest scene and the promise Carrie made. But, it was already a monster of a story, for my standards. lol. I'm glad you took the time to read my story.

Lol. At first this story didn't end happily, I don't know why I change my endings so much, but eh, it was a lot darker than what I had it at first. These three characters, for some reason, were difficult for me to maintain. Ross didn't come easily to me at all. Anyway, Thanks Tiff, I'm glad you took the time to read my story and leave a comment.

I want to personally thank Menzo for his grand editing skills, making this story read tons better, I'm sure. This was a long story, so I know I probably gave him a few head aches over it, but! His dedication has been a blessing really. Thanks Tim, for the review for my story! Thanks to the Anthology Team for allowing me to post the story for this Anthology.

Hey Greg, This is a long, well developed story, your first time sense Elementary school eh? Well, hopefully someone will convince you to be an Anthology regular + more. This story was to me, a cute as hell story all around. I longed for Jack and Daryl to have a closer relationship and after the story of Jamie that happened and I realized that it became a like father, like son, story in the best possible way. It had a good message about people opening up to the injustices of the world and the bad people that cause them - it was delivered in an entertaining way as well. I knew that Daryl was straight, but the photo scene threw that thought away momentarily. We don't know if Sam ever came around, but it would've been ok if he didn't as Mikey, would now mean he would have a more substantial friendship, because Sam represented Daryl's blindness and daydreaming side of him that he also had to rid himself of to be completely open to seeing things. Anyway, again, good job. And, the page looks great as well.

I absolutely hate DST. I remember in Kentucky, when it was instated the Farmers were mad (in an uproar was the term used in the document I read) about it for some reason I can't remember. (during planting I think) I just don't see a use for it, and it's a bother to keep up with. The time change in the Fall doesn't bother me as much as the one in the Spring, even if that means better weather is on the way. I would much rather they do away with it altogether, but even now, I think people would gripe about a change to do away with it, as it has become a routine. I would just like the time to be a cycle, instead we interrupt it twice a year. DST has messed up the times for me on my e-mail as well as on here at GA as well. I think it's fixed now though, but two or so weeks after the time change I was noticing the times jump around a lot.

Most of my male friends I have dated, but I dated them before I considered them as close valued friends. I would never date someone I'm currently friends with though, I value my friendships too much to lose a friend over a failed relationship, as I would have a hard time reverting back to just being friends after dating someone, especially if it becomes a long, and important dating relationship. Well, I only have three straight friends who aren't married and like I said, I already dated them. But people do I think befriend someone with the thought that they would make a good prospect to date. I know I've done that too, and I think most people do that unless they speed date or go on blind dates. It usually takes becoming closer, becoming friends, and then either staying friends or going on to the next step, so at least the thought of dating them and maybe even the feelings are there, but once they are valued friends - they stay as friends.

Hey Rose, This short story was full of things that left me with interesting thoughts. In the beginning the character has strong ambitions to stay hidden, but in the cover of darkness he goes to work at a gay club - a club where anyone could recognize him. A complete difference of Day and Night with the character, that I think everyone does, but with this character it just seemed odd and interesting to me that he would do that with all the strong feelings for being in the closet himself (at least to everyone he didn't know). It was like in his actions he was wanting to be noticed, but in his mind he was scared to be, which usually is the other way around. The gay icon on the hoody is an example of that, he chose to wear the hoody, but in his mind he figured no one would notice. He was also comfortable with people hitting on him at the gay club, and he was confident enough to flirt with Newbies, that were possibly only there for the first time. So yes, interesting in an enjoyable way. Definitely.

There has been some interest from Members who want to submit something for GAzette, so here is some things to consider and some steps to follow. Here is what you can submit: Book Reviews: The books selected for review don't have to be GLBT related. They can be Best Selling, books from the past and current. Or just a book that you have read that was of interest to you, and you would want to share. If you post a book review, you must have the Author and Title of the book (obvious I know), do keep from plagiarism and copying, as that is not a book review. Do not use Book summaries, websites that offer summaries, or any other outside help just for the sake of posting something. In other words - Please, have read the book you write a review for. Do your own article. Movie Reviews: Like Book reviews, they don't have to be current. They don't have to be GLBT. Just something of interest, provide the title and the director. Watch the movie and don't rely on outside sources. News Articles: Keep them current. Summarize the article, you may include your own personal opinion, but remain within the codes of conduct that GA has in place. Be respectful. Again, they can be of interest to you, not necessarily GLBT. Please stay away from Celebrity gossip. Sneak Peeks: We can offer you a spot to sneak peek something you want, that can reach wide spread to all members receiving the Newsletter. Anthologies are excluded from Sneak Peeks. Story submission rules are in effect, please have it edited in advance. Keep in mind, that we won't submit everything that is sent to us on the up and coming GAzette. The Newsletter Team will read and discuss which of them to submit and when. If we think the Book Review, Movie Review, News Article, or Sneak Peek isn't within the guidelines or incomplete we will be in contact to resolve the issue. As of right now, you don't have to worry about a deadline. Deadlines may be in place in the future for submissions desired to be included in the up and coming Newsletter. The only one a deadline is of extreme importance is the sneak peek of a story. We will keep you posted on Deadlines. Please send articles and questions to BeaStKid or Krista

At the start of the story, the bright, seemingly close family, whispering encouragements to someone ill, was a good vision. We all want family to be so caring, but then, the next scenes, as the story progressed were severely disturbing. A family now abandoned their son, leaving him as an after thought in their minds, which was the one thing that stood out throughout the story. The harshness of the place and the scary environment only made the escape at the end all the more fulfilling, and I was glad to see it end with the hope of a better future. Even though, their future is still completely uncertain, possibly the story ended that way, to again, solidify and make the escape fulfilled, but I am left wanting to know the next steps to be taken for the both of them. I would like to think that the family only left because they couldn't take seeing him wasting away in a place meant for people to die.. but then again, I wouldn't want them to have a second chance to enjoy his life either. The other boy was a complete mystery as well. So I like that I'm allowed to imagine the future for them, because the escape was only a start in that direction. Telling the rest of the story would take away from it completely, so I'm glad you ended it when you did. Good job!

Hey Tiff! I thought the story was well put together. It read well and the character was realistic within all his quirks and instabilities. He wasn't a character that I particularly liked at first, but the quick wit about him made him likable as the story progressed. The hell scenes and the scenes involving his Mother's death and the destruction of his family piece by piece was strong reminders that families aren't a sure thing. That it can be broken in an instant and failed efforts and ill feelings can break a family apart more so than any death. Anyway, the scenes of everyone having their own personal hell is a strong, realistic view of mortality, that is shadowed, but can be haunting as well. So, good job. I enjoyed the story and it was smoothly read as well.

I made a point to read your Anthology first (not because you're my editor), but damn I wasn't disappointed at all. I loved most how the story slowly came together, starting from scattered flashbacks and worked it's way to every connection I had in my mind, from the parts. The scenery, the place in time, and the old-fashioned way of thinking the town had all meshed together to have an impacting impression that was distinctly vivid in my mind. I could see them, and in the span of a small story, you know the small town in the county entirely, without knowing too much about any supporting characters at all. So yes, loved it. I read it twice and I'll read it a few more times I'm sure.

Ok then. You've sold the movie to me.. lol. I did some more research and watched the trailer again as well. I know that Gordon-Levitt and Ryan are good actors. I just haven't ever seen a good movie from Tatum at all.. he is a model/actor though. It does have a good message and I love the Director, so yeah, I'll give the movie a watch when it hits Blockbuster.. lol. I don't like theaters too much at all.

I like Michael as well. I would like to see one of the non-pop people win. Carly, Michael, David C., and the former Nanny.. I can't remember her name. The guy that resembles John Travolta, I can't see making it too much longer, but he doesn't fit into the pop mold either. So the different styles of artists this season is really good and represented.

Another fast rising postaholic reaching a different milestone. Congratulations! Good job.