Mancunian

It is possible that new and less experienced authors, like myself, may think that an editor is going to rewrite their story so that it is no longer their story but the editors. Most of the stories I have written I haven't used an editor but would most likely benefit from being looked at by a good editor. From the limited times that I have had the assistance of an editor the experience has been good. A good editor does not rewrite the story, they point out spelling and grammar errors for you to correct, including punctuation errors. A good editor may even point out continuation errors and/or lack of detail or explanation and sometimes where you may have included too much. In short a good editor does not change your story but helps you to tell your story better, a beta reader can help in many of these ways too. @Mrsgnomie has helped me as the editor of my anthology entry, my errors were pointed out and explained. The explanations are as good, if not more valuable, than the errors being pointed out, I see each one as a lesson to be learned and I value them. As a result my anthology entry has benefitted greatly from assistance of a good editor and has not been changed but improved. I hope to find an editor who I can work with longer term, but until then I will take what ever lessons I can and try to learn from more experienced authors.

Robby didn't get his happy ending in this story, nobody ever wants to lose the one they love, hopefully he will enjoy happiness again in his young life. As for Darren, well really he did get his happy ending. I know that sounds ridiculous, but if you think about it, it's not as ridiculous as you first think. It's sad that Darren died at such a young age when he is yet to achieve his potential, but he died knowing that he was loved by the boy that he loved, pulling out of Robby's drive he was no doubt happy and had a smile on his face. So in a way, although it is sad, he did have his happy ending.

Congratulations @northie this is a fitting and well deserved promotion for a writer of your talents.

In just a small number of words you capture the loneliness, desperation and desolation of a man, his life, his home and the city. Nicely done, thank you.

This is a beautifully crafted and well written story about a magical Christmas. The sad beginning has you fearing the worst for Dares (Darren) but hope comes from a most unlikely source. When you read it, like me, you will almost believe in Santa again like when you were little. It's a great feel good story that should be read by all.

I may have to seriously consider upgrading my membership. 🤔

The way in which CJ treated Brion had its similarities but was also different but still typical CJ, as you have created him, in both cases the respect was evident as was the directness. I'm sure that CJ will come up with a suitable nickname for Brion as he has with others, maybe something on the lines of hotrod lol, what ever it is it will be relevant to Brion. The way you have depicted Brion he has a strong character and my guess is he can be fiercely determined, this could be good for CJ as he just may meet his match more than one argument, but even then I don't see them falling out. As for you living long enough, well, I think you have plenty of time yet, but just incase I do have the plans for Frankenstein's life giving machine lol 🤣🤣🤣

I think you dealt with it in typical CJ fashion, direct with thoughtful and measured compassion, but most importantly with respect for the person.

This is a great short story that introduces Brion into CJ's ever expanding squad. It's not full of hearts and roses, it has it's own issues that are dealt with sympathetically by this excellent writer. Nobody will go wrong by reading it, it's a story to enjoy.

A great short story and a brilliant way to introduce a new character into CJ's world. I can picture CJ being like that with Brion, accepting the person for who they are regardless. Brion's reaction at their first meet comes across as natural, most people with his disability are often ignored with others speaking to the people around them as though they can't think for themselves. As a friend of mine once said, 'A lot of people don't speak to me they speak to the stick or speak to my companions about me as though it's my brain that's broken'. When you watch how people with disabilities are treated you can see that this is often the case. I'm looking forward to reading how you integrate Brion into the bigger picture, I'm sure you will take the same care that you did when Brad was injured by concentrating on the person and their qualities and attributes as a whole while not focusing on the disability unless it is relevant. Thank you. And just for the record I second that thought, all those in favour vote now, lol.

For a short story this is a good read that leaves you wanting more, I would welcome a follow-up.

I like this short, the storyline flows naturally with Mark's thought's being very relatable and like all good stories it leaves you wanting more. I'd love to know how Brad and Mark get along with each other and if their chance meeting progresses to more. Thank you.

I've forwarded it, fingers crossed 🤞 crossed I've done things right.

I've never submitted anything for the anthologies, mainly because I'm thick and can't get my head around the full process to post one. I've got something that I'd like to submit for the current one but I'm still unsure on how to go about it. I understand how to forward a submission to @Valkyrie, it's the process after that I can't get my head round (like I said I'm thick like that, lol)

“Thank you John, but I have to ask, how much is this going to cost?” Isaac was prepared to help financially if needed. “This is for Manny, there is no cost. And I have some good news for you. The people who were meant to look after Joseph have been tracked down, all of the funds have been replaced and are back in the bank.” With that news John terminated the call. ***** Ian and Kevin had just reached the bottom of the stairs when they heard the crash quickly followed by the sound

Thank you @Zuri your comments mean a lot to me. I intend to stick around for a long time, the only people who really know me are my family and friends who are not on GA, I guess you could say my therapist really knows me too lol. For a long time I got too lost in my own troubles and that was the start of the downward spiral, thankfully I have a lot of good support which is something that many others do not have. My fellow volunteers who have supported me throughout have helped me to realise that my life does have meaning and I do have a purpose in life. Our clients maybe homeless but they are as important and valuable as we all are, they are people that are experiencing lows in their lives and need our support. Each one that we can help and support to find a home and work or training and returning to mainstream society is a victory and is celebrated. I play only a small part in doing that, others do much more, it's what we do together that makes the difference. They also help give me the determination to get better, because I know I am needed.

This is about mental health, it's something that many of us find hard to talk about, especially us men. Not talking about it only tends to make things worse and for those of us experiencing difficulties it slows and can prevent recovery. This is just a small part of my experience, yes it's the better part I don't want to depress or bring anyone down with the bad parts. Today I'm feeling good about myself and that is a feeling that I'm experiencing more often lately, the days of feeling anxious and useless are getting less all of the time, it's been a while since I've felt this good about myself. Following a number of bad experiences in a short space of time my mental health went on a sharp downward spiral and sank to depths that I'd never experienced before, I even attempted to take my own life, I couldn't see anyway out. With the help of a very good therapist who didn't give up on me and the support of my family things are looking up. Yes there have been some setbacks on the way, some resulting in spending time in hospital, hopefully there will be no more setbacks but if there are I will deal with them. I had to give up my job and my voluntary work, this made me feel so bad I felt useless and worthless. After a long break and receiving the help and support that I needed things slowly started to turn around. I didn't feel capable of returning to work and I was not mentally ready for fit to return to the voluntary work that enjoyed. A few months ago I started to help with the admin work that the volunteers found held them back, no it isn't what I was used to and it isn't working face to face with people like I was used to, but re-established that connection and helped me feel better about myself. My fellow volunteers have been, and are, very supportive, as they say I have fried up more of their time to do valuable work with our clients. I don't know if I will work face to face with our clients again, I'd like to, but I know that what I am doing is valuable in itself which makes me feel good about myself. More recently I've been in touch with a friend who I met before my father passed away, he's a great guy and has also become supportive. We talked about his business which, like many, has been held back during the pandemic, his shop opened about six months before lockdown. He buys and sells a range of pre-owned items and is good at what he does and is just about breaking even or making a small profit. His business has been picking up in regard to computers, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, gaming consoles and allied items and that is where his knowledge is best, but jewellery and watches are his weak point and he has suffered a couple of large losses as a result. My father was a pawnbroker, he taught me and I enjoyed it, so now I'm putting that experience to use helping my friend. I'm not working full time and not working in a customer facing role, I've started to work as a self employed advisor and consultant. Once or twice a week I go to assess what jewellery has been purchased to value and prepare it for resale, while doing this I am trying to pass on my knowledge to my friend and his small staff team, if anyone wants to sell a high-end watch an appointment is made for them to bring it in when I am there to assess it. There are already some small signs that it is making a positive difference to his business, hopefully this will continue and gain pace. Between this and still being involved with my fellow volunteers I am increasingly feeling better about myself and experiencing more and more better days. So to re-iterate something I said earlier;- Today I'm feeling good about myself and that is a feeling that I'm experiencing more often lately. I've written this for my own benefit, seeing it in print makes it more real and I believe that the way I'm feeling will last, that's what I'm working on. I want others who are feeling bad about themselves or experiencing mental health problems to know that there can be better days and a light at the end of the tunnel, if I can do it so can others. With determination and being positive, with the right help and support anything is possible.

I wish I could say that you are wrong, but unfortunately you are not. I've been assured by friends that there are decent single gay guys out there looking for the same thing, if there are I'm yet to find one. I wish I could find someone to blame for this, you know someone like the media, as almost all gay content on TV and in film only portrays young promiscuous guys bed-hopping, but I don't think they are to blame although they don't help either. From what I've seen over the years the majority of gay men and women who are in loving long lasting stable relationships never, or rarely, go out into the mainstream gay scene. Maybe it's the mainstream gay scene that is to blame? But then, maybe it isn't. I'm not trying, or will I ever try, to look for anyone or anything to blame as that is a negative way to look at things, I try to remain hopeful and positive. I identify as a bisexual man which you may think is greedy and increases my chances of meeting that 'special person', you may be right but the flip side of that coin is that it also increases chances of rejection. When you throw in the fact that like a lot of other people I am not 'a perfect physical example' the rejections often come with some very hurtful comments. About ten years ago I met a guy who I thought was the real deal, he assured me that scarring from operations was not a deal breaker stupid me believed him. About six months later, after I'd loaned him several thousand pounds, he walked out on me, you guessed it the loan was never repaid and his business still went bankrupt. He openly let others know that he never had any feelings for me, he considered me 'a freak' due to the extensive scarring on my body, all he was interested in was how much money he could get out of me. I hope that no-one else has had, or will have, a similar experience, although I still have trust issues I continue to try to be positive. I have a lot of good people in my life and still have a lot of fun so it's not all bad. My advice to other singleton's out there is be positive and don't give up, you may still find the right guy for you.

Until his background has been investigated I honestly couldn't say

All we know about Manny is what we learn from others, I think his legacy is one to be proud of. I may have to investigate Manny's background at some point 🤔

It is good to know and see that some Hospitals and Trusts are striving to bring about equality and inclusion, but even now there are still some that leave a lot to be desired. I live in Manchester where, for the most part, equality and inclusion is well promoted and supported appearing to be something that is second nature and treated as a 'normal' aspect of life. I identify as a bisexual man leaning more toward men than women and have medical issues that require regular medical check-ups and dialysis treatment, my appointments usually go ahead with no issues or concerns but occasionally I still come across that 'one' member of staff who has 'reservations'. I doubt that we as a society will ever get to 100% equality and acceptance, it is getting better but there is still, and probably always will be, a long way to go. It has been acknowledged in earlier blog entries that that hospitals in the big cities are those that have made the best progress, hospitals in the smaller towns and cities are where this is a bigger issue.

Eventually it was time for everyone to turn in for the night, but not before plans were made for Ian and Kevin to take Joseph to the outdoor swimming pool in Beit Zayit the following day, Shamira and the twins would be going with them. Joseph's took it upon himself to call Jacob and tell him to bring swimwear the next day. Hugs were exchanged as they said good night to each other and peace descended on the house for the night. ***** Isaac considered himself to be a liberal within the j

I still think this is funny, John-boy Walton laughing at what could painful

This is a brilliant series of blogs, it shows how LGBT issues have been - and are being- treated within the NHS. As @Drew Payne works with the NHS this is a unique viewpoint and highlights some aspects that have received little or no publicity. I was unaware that the NHS had made attempts to stop funding PrEP medication and see this as being shocking, PrEP is cheaper to administer than HIV treatment and therefore cheaper in the long run. I don't know if this was brought about by discrimination/prejudice or stupidity on the part of NHS management, either way it is horrifying news and begs the question, where will this type of policy stop? Will someone want to stop treating eating disorders? Will they advocate stopping abortion? This is something that affects everyone not just the LGBT community, what other treatments will be targeted next? This may be a stretch of the imagination but it brings to mind a quote from the second world war, by Reverend Martin Niemoller: "In Germany they came for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up." It makes me think that between the American Republican Party and the British Conservative Party they are trying to re-invent many forms of discrimination under the guise of 'traditional family values', this is a personal opinion not a statement of fact. We all need to be aware of, and watch closely, any moves by organisations large and small that are an attempt to remove the rights and equal treatment of any section of society.

ooooh I like a good big flash, lol