Bill W

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.

James get a job working for a company developing software that will retouch photos and will be easy to use by novices. When dealing with HR to fill out paperwork, he meets a young man whom he is instantly attracted to, but he's not sure if the guy is gay. At the end of his first week, he ends up calling in sick so he can keep his promise to help his brother move, and then something else happens that may expose his lie. This is a cute story with good pacing and interesting characters, so if you want to find out what kind of mess James has gotten himself into, you'll have to read the story. I think you'll find it interesting and clever, and it has a positive ending.

I was expecting that the project Trevor and James were working on would be used on the video of "The Lady in the Flames" and that's when it would become known who really saved Tom. Rather than have it come out like that, James finds a way to tell Tom before the news became public. Anyway, cute story, but you could have used an editor to catch some minor issues I encountered along he way.

Not everyone looks forward to Valentine's Day and are eager to participate in the "day for lovers". Those who have gone through a bad break up, suffered through the death of a spouse or partner, or just object to the commercialization of the day. They often prefer to sit out the festivities. This is a sad, tender, and very emotional story about Mike, whose boyfriend had left him six months before Valentine's Day, The pain was still too raw, and worst of all, that day was also a special day for another reason. If you read this well written short story it may gave you an idea about how to deal with or help anyone whose is still dealing with grief or loss when it comes to Valentine's Day, or any other holiday.

Thank you for this wonderful, yet sad, story that reminds us not everyone is fond of Valentine's Day - but for different reasons. This was a tender, touching, and emotional story and I'm sure if will bring back a myriad of bad memories and emotions for those of us who have suffered through similar situations.

This is a powerful and very moving story about a person with an illness that affects many elderly people. It also shows how the condition affects the rest of the family as well. It's brilliantly written and very touching, and it's something every young person should read in case one of their loved suffers from the same disease. This way, they'll have an idea what to expect and an idea about how to handle the situation. Great job, Cole!

This touched me very deeply, because my father-in-law and one of my aunts both had dementia. We took my in-laws to live with us when my father-in-law not only started to show signs of dementia, but he was having severe mobility issues as well. Our children were also greatly affected by his condition, because whenever they passed the open door to his bedroom (which was on the first/ground floor) and he wanted something, he would call out "Boy (or girl) come here." He couldn't even remember the names of his grandchildren. He lived with us until he had a stroke and was taken to the hospital, where he died. My aunt could never remember my name when I visited her at her home, and sometimes she didn't even recognize or remember her own children. It was sad and she had to be moved to a nursing home for the last couple of years, because her husband and children all had jobs and couldn't deal with her condition at home. It's a terrible disease and affects the entire family as well, only in a different ways, and I was pleased to see that you showed that in your story. Kudos.

Even though the first paragraph lets you know that this story won't end well, it is a captivating mystery with plenty of vivid action. If you're not turned off knowing this story's conclusion will be sad, this short story is well worth the read. It is well put together and the writing style will keep you entertained, so give it a try.

A well written and well told story, although pretty dark. Although I knew it wasn't going to end well, since we knew from the beginning that the MC was killed, it was still captivating and kept me reading until the end. Well done, W_L.

Momentum in storytelling is the vital forward drive that captures a reader's attention, builds emotional investment, and prevents a narrative from feeling stagnant. It relies on core elements like dramatic questions, cause-and-effect actions, and rising stakes. Why Movement Matters: Holds Attention: Keeps the audience actively engaged instead of clicking away or putting a book down. Drives Stakes: Makes outcomes feel consequential so the audience cares what happens next. Prevents Stalling: Moves the plot past boring filler and repetitive descriptions. How to Build Momentum: Intent and Reaction: Connect scenes through clear character goals, failures, and immediate reactions. Raise the Costs: Force characters to pay a heavy price for their choices, creating natural turning points. Unresolved Tension: End scenes or chapters with lingering questions or sudden shifts in safety.

The word momentum comes from the Latin root.s, meaning "movement", "moving power", or "Impetus", and is a contracted form of movimentum, derived from the verb movere ("to move"). It is formed with the suffix -mentum (used to turn verbs into nouns), yielding movimentum and shortened to mōmentum. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the noun momentum has its earliest known use in English during the Old English period (pre-1150), long before its modern adoption in classical mechanics. In the 1690s it was adopted into scientific mechanics for the "quantity of motion" (mass times velocity). In 1782 the first recorded use of the figurative meaning ("force gained by movement or impulse").

Gabriel is a young guy (not an angel) looking for someone to connect with and might eventually want a relationship. Unfortunately all the guys he hooks up with don't have the same desire and only want a casual relationship or there's other problems with them. Gabriel is about to give up hope when a slight mystery arises. If you like a romance story with a little mystery and intrigue involved, then take the time to read this short story. Although I came to despise one of the characters, it's a sign of a good author when they can rouse your emotions and get you to intensely like or dislike a character.

I'll admit I was a little confused at first. Seeing the name Gabriel and the title of the story beingCupid Complex, my first thought was that "Gabriel is the archangel". Silly me. Other than that, I felt sorry for Gabriel. As the song goes, he was looking for love in all the wrong places. Brad was a real dick to take the photo and spread it around. Denny seemed to be a good possibility, except Gabriel had the rule about not dating co-workers. There was a string of other guys we didn't really get a chance to know, and some we didn't even know their names, only that they were all only looking for a casual relationship (a hook up or a friends-with-benifits), but none of them wanted a relationship. Gabriel failed to seriously consider the guy that was right there! To tell you the truth, if I'd been in Avery's apartment and saw a picture with Avery and a girl, I would have said something like, "I don't want to be nosey, but whose the girl in the photo with you?" That would have saved Gabriel a lot of agony and trouble. Other than that, I enjoyed the story.

This is an Angel and Imp (demon or devil) short story, with this one focusing on Cupid Central, or CC. You'll also become aware of another group, Guardian (Angel) Central (GC), and learn how those two groups of Angels sometimes have conflicts. You even find out the meaning of the different color arrows the Cupids use and discover a lot about how CC operates. There's a great deal of humorous incidents along the way in this tale. It's a short and fun read, so give it a try. I highly recommend it.