Bill W

William and George couldn't remember the date of a lot of the firsts in their relationship, so when would they celebrate the anniversary of their relationship? Eventually, they chose a special date in their lives and it added a bit of fun to the celebration. Read this short story to find out what it was and how they celebrated.

What happened to the SMALL gifts? Will this change their future anniversary celebrations? I didn't think George would be foolish enough to talk about his plans in a spot where William might overhear, but it played out nicely.

If this short story doesn't touch your heart, then nothing will. This story is well thought out and beautifully crafted, and it discusses some issues that we often don't think about or consider. Just a note before you read it, though. Have a box of tissues handy, because I'm sure there will be multiple times when you'll need one.

Kids can often be cruel with those who are different from them and often revert to calling them names. It's cruel and unwarranted, and I'm always happy when someone calls them out for their actions. This was a beautiful and tender story that brought out a lot of emotions as I was reading it, most of them positive, and I don't think I've ever read a more fitting story about Valentine's Day. I also loved the way you tied it to the theme - very clever. Great Job, Val.

A character's commitment drives the narrative forward by anchoring their motivations, raising the stakes of the conflict and making their personal transformation or ultimate success and failure emotionally satisfying for the audience. Without a clear "buy-in" to their choices, the plot stalls and readers lose interest. Driving the Plot and Tension: Active choices: Committed characters make hard decisions that push the story forward rather than letting events happen to them passively. High stakes: When a character is fully invested in a goal, every obstacle they face carries heavy weight and danger. Pacing control: Strong resolve keeps the narrative moving at a steady, engaging speed instead of wandering aimlessly. Fostering Emotional Connection: Audience empathy: Readers root for a character who cares deeply about what they are trying to achieve. Meaningful growth: A deep commitment makes the pain of the struggle and eventual self-actualization feel earned. Avoidance of flip-flopping: Firm dedication prevents characters from changing their minds too easily, which keeps relationships and subplots grounded.

Commitment comes from the Latin verb committere meaning to unite, connect, combine, or entrust into someone's charge. It combines om- ("together") and mittere ("to send or put"). It formed in English from the verb commit plus the suffix -ment (first recorded in the late 1500s). It evolved from meaning "to entrust or bring together" into legal uses for sending someone to prison, and later transformed into a modern promise, pledge, or dedicated focus. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun commitment was first used in English in 1579 and found in the medical and writing work of English physician John Jones to mean putting someone into custody or prison. The modern sense of making a promise, pledge, or engaging oneself came in 1793 and in 1864 the meaning shifted to mean a general duty or binding obligation.

Ben, you've created an interesting world here with interesting characters. I'll be looking for more.

Intention in storytelling is the core purpose that guides every creative choice, giving clear direction to both the character's goals and the author's overarching message. It creates meaningful tension, connects deeply with audiences, and prevents narratives from feeling random or empty. Why Character Intention Matters: Drives the Plot: Gives characters a clear goal so they take action instead of just reacting. Creates Conflict: Pits what a character wants against heavy obstacles to build suspense. Builds Empathy: Helps readers care about the outcome because the stakes feel real. Why Authorial Intention Matters: Focuses Creative Choices: Ensures every scene, line of dialogue, and theme serves a distinct purpose. Resists Noise: Keeps your unique voice and human values alive in an era of automated content. Delivers Impact: Transforms a simple sequence of events into a resonant emotional journey.

The word intention comes from Lattin intendere, from in- ("toward") + tendere ("to stretch"), meaning to turn one's attention or stretch the mind toward an object. It came to Middle English via Old French entencion, with meanings like intent, purpose, thought, or desire. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun intention was first used in English in 1340 by the religious writer Richard Rolle. The word intent was first used in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500). The noun intent was first used around 1225, recorded in the religious text Ancrene Riwle. The verb intent was first used before 1300, recorded in the verse text Cursor Mundi. The earliest known use of the adjective intent is from 1606, appearing in the writings of the administrator and writer Lodowick Bryskett. The adjective intentional was first used in English in the mid-1500s, with the earliest recorded evidence dating back to 1530. It was first found in the writings of John Palsgrave, an English scholar and language teacher. The verb intend was first used in English around 1374 in the writings of the poet and administrator Geoffrey Chaucer.

First, the MC's parents and other relatives turn their backs on him because he's gay. His luck seems to change after that, but will it last? You'll have to read this interesting short story to find out the answer to that question.

First he has his parents and other relatives turn their back on him and then his lover cheats on him before throwing him out, and that was after he helped turn Franco's worthless manuscripts into something that will sell. I'm glad he got his revenge, but when he reached into the backpack, I thought he might pull out a gun.

Ok, I've read each of the stories in this collection and commented on each one and left a review. Thank you for bringing it to my attention that I didn't do it when this Secret Author collection first came out.

This is an unusual take on the theme "Secret Admirer", This story is set in 3rd century Rome and focuses on a Roman soldier who's currently working in a prison as a guard, since it's a time of peace. A new prisoner is delivered into his custody, and the guard is immediately drawn to the man and wonders what he had done to put him in this situation. The prisoner is very thin and doesn't have much muscle mass, yet he's considered dangerous and scheduled to be executed. It's apparent that the prisoner has been badly beaten and abused, which the guard doesn't understand, since the guy doesn't appear to be a threat. The guards aren't supposed to show empathy or compassion to prisoners, but this guard does anyways, so what will happen. Will the prisoner be executed as scheduled, will the guard be disciplined for not following orders, or will both things happen? You'll have to read this fascinating short story to find out.

An interesting take on the theme "Secret Admirer". I didn't catch on at first where this story might be going at first, but it became clearer and clearer as it went along. However, there was still the question about it would happen. Thank you for this tender and compassionate tale.

Terry had been married to Danielle and they had two grown daughters that now had families of their own. He also had a "gay issue", so when he was laid off from his job of 18 years and the financial stress built up, it led to a divorce. Terry was able to find a new job in another area and moved away. How will this work out and will he find a gay partner and be happy in his new life. You'll have to read this short story to find out.