astone2292

Writing... schedule? That phrase is not in my dictionary. Poor Anton. I just hope Shelly can catch who did this.

Arric pressed the end-call button on his phone, "Wendel has the APB out on Eike's truck, but I imagine he'll be ditching it ASAP." He wanted to chuck the black rectangle across the bar parking lot. How could have we been faster? Should I have used my voice on Hauser and sent Shea towards the lake? No, it wouldn't have done any good. Shelly found the camp in her report and went south. He was already gone then. His snarl echoed into the night as he kicked his Sierra. Another shout followed a

What is this? Is it the first Wednesday of the month? What does that mean? Why am I asking all these questions? Maybe I should... Ask An Author! We have another three questions for a wonderful author. Let's get right into it! Due to potential spoilers, some details will be redacted. • • • • • Effigy Geron Kees Michael finds himself in a predicament: someone knows his darkest secret, and hates him for it. But who? A brief tale on the subject of fear. This story spoke to me. I connect with Michael and his fears, although I was not outed in high school. Because of the area I was brought up in, it was vital to keep my true self bottled up. Did Michael have these fears beforehand, or was this not an area where he had to be concerned? Let's say that before the incident that launched the story occurred, Michael was living a cautious life. I'd say the place he lived in was about average for being gay, in that the responses to it could be expected to vary across the spectrum, and so that caution was a reasonable course to chart. He was living with the knowledge that his parents pretty much knew who he was, but also that they were comfortable with not openly speaking about it. He had no reason to feel anyone else suspected that he was gay, and so he wasn't living in fear on a daily basis. He was not out. But even so, this state generates a sort of fear-but-not-fear that lends to a moody awareness of what might come, and that it's there at all allows for it to be easily inflamed by small things. The incident of the effigy in his yard was scarcely a small thing; it virtually screamed to Michael that someone did know about him, and that they aimed to make him pay for being the way he was, as well. So he went from the moody awareness that there could be fear in his life to having it arrive full blown, all at once. Fear, depression, and paranoia go well together. To me, one can start with any of the three, but eventually the other two will follow. Writing a story that combines them hooked me. What was the inspiration to use this theme? I don't think anyone that has ever lived with what they feel is an uncomfortable secret is ever far from a little bit of fear of exposure. Paranoia is too strong a word for the way most people would probably react to having a secret they fear having exposed, but they do have a heightened awareness of the way people react to them. An alertness to the signs that others suspect. And a comfortable sense of complacency over time when it becomes obvious that they don't. A lot of gay guys are extraordinary chameleons. They so obviously fit in that no one ever suspects otherwise. For others, living a secret life makes them nervous wrecks. And still others are OUT with a force of their own, and so open about who they are that there is no doubt at all. It's an individual thing, how you handle it. So personality plays a great part in the response that someone in Michael's position takes. Fear breeds paranoia and depression, certainly. I chose to have the forcefulness of the situation initially overwhelm Michael's fairly complacent defenses, but then to have his innate strength slowly rise to take charge as he realized that he was on the run from his own fears. For this to happen he needed to transit the worst parts of living in fear, that included some paranoia and depression, but not to have any of it take him over. I wanted him to learn to deal with others possibly knowing, and become comfortable with living with it. And, I wanted him to learn to defend himself if the need arose. To not be a victim of his fear. Or the attitudes of others. When John was arrested, Michael seemed rational when stating he would be out before him or Barry would know it. While I admire Michael's attitude in this, was this secretly produced from his fear/depression? Michael's interest in mystery novels and what he had learned of police procedure from them was what prompted his comment that John would be out of jail before either Michael or Barry knew it. At least here in the US, a young offender on a first arrest is likely to be released back into the custody of his family very quickly for most anything short of a capital crime. Michael was just cautioning Barry not to feel like his troubles were over. That may have surely been a result of Michael's new awareness of his own problems, though. Confronting any fear would tend to heighten a person's awareness of where trouble might come from next, I would think. Michael was sharing his experience at that point, but it's fair to say that the warning came out of his new, heightened sense of caution. • • • • • Looks like I'm adding another story to my reading list! These answers got my mind pumping. Forget adding it to the list, this one's going right at the top! Y'all know the drill! Send me three questions about a story, I'll go bother the author, and we'll see you next month!

I'm sold and hooked. Time to binge read...

Oooooooh! Looks like someone stole my 'I'm Calling It' ball cap. I'm not sure though; Kap had a lot going on while planning Cyrus' inauguration. I'm sure the beta has something in store for his bear. This made me cackle. I can't wait to see what kind of post you got cookin', Philippe! I couldn't have Remis always be happy with ladies and booze, now could I? He needed a little fire and reasoning why he was revered by Cy and Ty before the Mesker Park interviewing process. I wouldn't want to be known as the guy who incurred the wrath of someone who always seems so happy. And then there is Alex... I'm so excited to share his upcoming adventures! I forkin' loved this comment! Some of the backstories for my characters seem a little extreme, but I like spreading the message that anyone could have come from anywhere. You don't know the history of the man who delivered your pizza fifteen minutes late, nor the snobby lady who acts like she owns the world. These people may have gone through hell and we'll never know. Thanks Zeke. Your comment caused for me to review some of the other characters' histories and I'll be reigniting those old flames. Your praise makes me smile, Patch. I knew this chapter would be somewhat rough for you, considering you love Kap and Cy. I've been debating on making the next chapter a little bigger, but I'll work on that after I finish up a Cernunnos chapter.

You know me... bringing in all the emotions as possible. Vincent probably had intention of putting Keller in his place in the nicest way possible, but we'll never know. Thanks for commenting, everyone! I love seeing all the reactions and thoughts.

Thank you for reading! I'm happy you're enjoying this story!

It's a sad separation, but one for Cyrus' need. I'm sure there will be more information about them as Kaplan learns more about his boyfriend. Can't help it! It was a difficult decision to put Cy's backstory here as I dreamed of writing it as a whole sidestory, but it fit well here for me. I would have been interested to see how Vin would have handled Keller on his own, but I think Remis took care of it well enough. Stay tuned! It's coming and it's coming fast! Wagner's making a rebound of sorts; trying to right his wrongs. I wonder if anyone knows the song he referenced in his letter. It was Bo Burnham's Problematic (warning: it's NSFW, but very funny.) While it is a sad story, I'm glad y'all are very receptive of it! Sorry if it took some time. Writing has been somewhat slow. Life's been hitting pretty fast as my AC went out and work has been hectic. Next chapter is being edited and I'm working on the next Cernunnos chapter

Breathless, Kaplan stared into the emerald irises. He did it; he gave himself to Cyrus, and there was no regret. The soft fingers caressed his chin, “I will make you the happiest man alive.” He reached for Cyrus’ hand and held it in place, “You already did. That was amazing, Cy.” “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Shaking his head, Kaplan whispered, “A little at the beginning, but it was better than everything I imagined.” Cyrus’ smile was heartwarming, “Good, because I’ll be

Time to do some research, Essell! I agree that spending time with Mereval will be productive.

I love this idea! I'm interested to see what stories end up here. Here's mine, and it's still in progress with weekly updates: I love a good sci-fi adventure, and @Cia is nailing it with this one! The story has my attention, which is hard to maintain. With the goal of keeping the chapters around 1,000 words, I find it amazing of how much detail is placed in each one. There are other stories similar to Ancalagon, but they don't come close in multiple aspects. The characters are wonderfully crafted, particularly Essell. The plot is constantly evolving, leaving many dreaded cliffhangers in its path, and there are still plot points in the back of my mind. Early Wednesday mornings do not come fast enough for me, as I anticipate every update. If you like sci-fi adventures and romances with four-armed, muscly men, you need to check this one out!

What a scorcher! This chapter made my Kentucky heat seem like an autumn breeze. I am concerned with Garjah's ending statement, but I won't delve on it. Either Garjah was tending to his mate, or has left out crucial information. Next week can't get here fast enough.

This is the third story in the Werebears in America series. As mentioned in my reviews for the previous two in the series, this story continues with great writing and solid world-building. Compared to them, this one brings more emotion, rather than fearsome situations. We delve into one of the more mysterious, yet loved characters, Axel. I've loved this character since his introduction in Trophy Cub. Because of this, and the tales we learn of about him, this story stands above the rest. The reader is treated to many different tales within the same story, and travels to different time periods for each one. All the while, we go on with the adventure we've come to know and love. The reader is treated with glimpses of familiar faces, as well as hot and steamy scenes. Just when you think you have a potential plot-line figured out, the author throws a curveball. Another wonderful story from a brilliant author. Great job, Grumpy!

While I am sad to see the story end, I'm excited for the potential for a new addition to the series! Axel and Adam's adventure has been my favorite, by far! Hmm, Central America? Do I smell a mini-spin off series involving two Kodiak bears? A series of short stories, perhaps? Another wonderful story, Grumpy! Onward to writing the review!

Thanks Zeke! I'm not sure when the next one will come, so you'll know it when I do Always love your comments, Patch. I'm glad the build up was worthwhile. I'll accept a good "DAMN" as feedback. Ooof! I didn't think about that kind of magic. My characters in the In the Shadows series came immediately to mind, as they control various elements.

Thanks, JR! Nope, no magic in this book, but I can imagine a ninja bunny in a spin off... Now I have a movie to go hunt down. Yes indeed! APB time! Metal jaws eating Eike seems very fitting. I like this, but now I can't use it. 😕

I love building tension! It's so much fun! Well, the question's now "how many more chapters?" Even I don't know the answer to that one... The bunnies! What would Sam and Pam do? Carrots in every orifice? Brilliant deduction! Can Eike get away? Does he even want to continue hiding? Or which pack member will fall first? I sense the readers' dread rising...

They were woken up by Shea’s phone, but only when his mate flung the covers did Cyn know something was serious. “Sheamus? What time is it?” “Just after midnight, pup. Hauser’s at Arric’s. He gave himself up.” Hauser? The charcoal wolf? Understanding Shea’s seriousness, Cyn scrambled out of the bed and found his pants from last night. “He gave up? Is… he there too?” Shea shook his head as it popped out from a hoodie, “No. One of the alpha’s guards called and said it was just him. A

This chapter is spot on! The hot scenes with Logan and Chad were... well... hot! I saw Chad's disappointment coming, and I think him and Adam would have been an adorable 'ship. Matthias' speech was riveting. I lost it when you incorporated Goldilocks and the Three Bears into were-bear history, further insinuating the version we know today is perverted. Was it originally Papa, Mate, and Cub? Was Goldilocks a guy instead of a girl? This... this is good writing, Grumpy. Axel and Adam, the expedition team? Do I smell a spin off series of short stories? I sure hope so!

Delegating his authority onto his pack. If he does get Vin involved, Ty would ask him as a favor, not as a delegation.

This is interesting. On one hand, I'd think about it because it's a brilliant strategy. On the other, Ty might be too proud. He is/was the alpha of NY.

Please stay safe, Grumpy!

Isn't there a rule about mentioning a gun? Something like, "if a gun is mentioned in act one, it must go off in act two." Edit: Chekhov's Gun.

I love leaving my readers curious! The shadow affinity; the ability to control the darkness. Out of the types of magic we've seen, if I were to label one as "evil" or "malignant," it'd be a tie between shadow and fire. It's a very rare affinity and the only way to possess it is by sheer luck, or committing terrible acts. Cyrus and his bear are an emotional hot mess, and I'm not sure if some readers are getting it. There is a lot of dependence going on there... I'm writing! I'm writing! This is a true, but unsettling statement. How... would you know blood is easier to deal with? Abjt, is there something you'd like to talk about? I mean, Stefan hasn't dug his tendrils around New York, as far as I know at least. There are so many alphas doing so many things! So. Much. Testosterone! And I love it. I'm looking forward to creating Cyrus' dance! There will be light...ning!