Well I'm *just* a reader. I'm the socket that fits the author's, well... leave that to you imagination. Well the truth be told we need each other. For where would I be without you and where would you be without me. Most of your questions really pertain to authors not readers, but never one to hold back my opion - here goes.
"What is it that connects you to tale itself?"
The connection for me in any good tale, is whether I can get so inside a character, that I actually become that person. I'm not really reading any more I living inside the story, lost in the magic you guys create.
"...as a reader, do you remember the first time you found a story and said, "WOW!"
The first story I really connected to was Kayden- by Ryan Keith on nifty. Let me find it for you in case you've never read it. Hold On. Ok. Got it. It's here. Keyden, this was the first story I read on the net that wasn't a porn story wrapped in dialog. In moments I became Zac and fell in love with Kayden. Since I came to Comsie's Shack, I've been Randy in love with Ryan, Taryn protecting his little brother and then Justin in love with Taryn. With non-gay authors I've been Sparrow in "The Dark Beyond the Stars" by Frank M Robinson and Kid in "Dhalgren" by Samuel R. Delany.
For me to love a story and author, the character in the story has to fit like a glove. Well that's this readers opinion. I hope it helps you guys. You can put your you know what in my socket any day. OMG I don't believe I said that. I'm a such a slut! Hehehe.