Wayne Gray

you used to be an evangelist for the IP, but now you have become a disciple of Mr. Oats. 🙂 I believe the reverence is justified. 😄

Thanks for the great comment, HanselMuffin! Yes, they married. That took patience, a little luck, love from friends, and even Troy's old partner whispering in his ear, but it happened. I like this story. There was something about the journal and John, I think, but it was unique in my writing experience. I'm glad it spoke to you as well. Thank you again, and I hope you keep enjoying Ash and Ember through rereads. 🙂

It was a little surreal. We were all just lying back, watching. Somewhere in the middle of them, Kevin said, "This is the future. And I bet it's really gonna piss off star-watchers." I don't know why, but it made the rest of us laugh like it was the funniest thing ever.

It's good. My husband gave me lots of water after he drove us home. And the coffee was loaded up this morning too, all I had to do was add hot water and wait. 🙂 OH! I almost forgot. Elon Musk's Starlink satellites! While out bubbling in the hot tub, we looked up, and there, a string of satellites crossed the sky while we watched. We counted at least forty, but it's more likely there were sixty of them. It was wild.

Got to hang out with a few friends tonight. Friends who know me. Friends who had games, cider, and a hot tub waiting. This man is tired, a little drunk, and relaxed. Goodnight, all. 🙂

I hope that you know there are many of us who would take on some of the dark if we could. Further, I hope knowing that you mean something to others helps.

Ahhhh, yes. In that context, it does make sense. And I agree that the new one isn't passive-aggressive. I'm glad I wasn't the only one to feel that way about the old one, else I'm sure it would have remained in some capacity. Thanks for the clarification.

It could be useful if they’re searchable. Sort of a “recommendation” by those with little time. That’s the only use I can see.

The "I read it" selection was rather insulting to me. Some readers used it repeatedly, and nothing else. I couldn't help but think "Well, why keep reading if the reaction to my work is the same as you'd have for the boring details of the newspaper?" If I'm not inspired to emotion by something, then I don't keep reading it. It didn't really make sense.

I’m liking “cheeky” too. More and more, it seems. Good morning, all. 🙂

I’ll get it fixed. Thanks for the correction. I’m gutted I got it wrong.

By the way, I love the very English word "gutted". Now that I know it, I keep struggling to find substitutions for it because it's the BEST WORD for certain things. "Missing that goal really gutted John." You know instantly what it means. It has so much more impact than "disappointed" and its ilk. I'm gonna start using it. I don't care. Stealing it.

Thanks. It's really nice. Quiet and calm. Helpful for planning/writing. 🙂

Good evening, folks. Tonight I'm listening to country music (to really get into the groove for my new story), working through my outline for mentioned story, and just chilling. It's a nice night here in Northern California. I hope you are all doing well.

Great word and gif. 🙂

I love the whole thing, but the last two lines most of all. Interest in another person often happens instinctively, but maintaining and building love really takes effort. It's apparent, you believe that is effort well-spent. Great poem, tim. 🙂

Oh, cool. I hope you like that one. It was nice to "go back home" through the main character in that story. As well, focus on what I already do well doesn't necessarily mean I will completely neglect trying to do better with description. I am always interested in growing as a writer. And I will circle back around to trying more description (all or most of the senses to describe a scene). I know that's where I'm weakest, and I'll eventually get sick of my lack of competency and try it again. LOL.

You know, I've tried expanding my description game. The story where I tried hardest on that specific aspect of writing was Bluegrass Symphony. I was inspired to try, based on a story I read by MacGreg, a writer on this site (Dissonance - read it if you've not). Honestly? I don't think the effort spent did much for my work. Yes, I like Bluegrass Symphony, but focusing on increasing descriptive elements took time, and the effort expended didn't feel like it paid off. I tend to write in a clipped way - efficiency of language" was how one kind reader described it. And I'm just going to do what I do best ... which is below. I do love food. It's a wonderful luxury to enjoy great meals. But really, I am a fan of emotion and dialogue. Those are my favorite things to write, and I do best when I focus on character interactions and the emotions that result from those. I'm happy you enjoyed the story, even through its clipped, short nature. I suppose it's not bad for an idea that started during a drunken lark. 🙂

Long done or not, I still appreciate the comments. So thanks for taking the time. I tried to get across what it'd be like to be and to be with someone like Wolfgang. Someone who could feel what their partner does. Someone who would never have to doubt or wonder. Then you've got Jed and the Beast, acting as an echo-chamber to Wolfgang. They're irresistible in the realm of the physical, but now they're connecting emotionally too - deeply. I'm glad you liked the scene! 🙂

Initially it was a mistake! I noticed it about a month back ... but ... I decided to leave it. Hint, Hint! 🙂

They are. But as you said, it's a step in the right direction. We've got many more to go, but this is encouraging, all the same. Every time I hear someone has gotten it, it makes me happy.

Fantastic to hear you got the first dose, Mac.

Jumping on the birthday train! Happy Birthday, @Reader1810 and @mollyhousemouse!

Thanks for reading and for the nice comment. I do like how this one turned out. It’s not perfect, but it’s about as well as I can do. 🙂

Good to hear from you, Chris. When is the next step for you? Surgery, right?