Tiger

That's an interesting question. Since only 10% of the population is gay, it is more interesting to have more straight relationships. As far as sexual encounters, I have actually written one even though I'm gay. As far as friendships, there should be. Actually, it does seem that there's almost always a straight best friend in most of the stories on GA. I think they are in some stories. There is one story that I recall where there really weren't any, and it was still a good story, though the fact that most of the guys in the small town were gay was rather unbelievable. Yes, they should be played down when the main characters of the story are gay unless the main character is a closet case who is dating or married to a woman. Again, it depends on the story. I think a good author can create stories in which there aren't any major relationships and still have a solid story. In fact, there are people who only socialize with other gay people, and they are perfectly believable. By the way... welcome to GA, Alex! Feel free to drop by the New Members thread to say hello.

I would like to thank all the authors, beta readers, and editors. If not for you, the anthology would not be possible. Of course, we couldn't do it with you, Graeme. There's also a goat of a mentor we should thank as well. He trained Graeme well!

Since there is only one poem this time, I figured I would post the link here. This one is called "The Tears of Solitude". Feel free to leave reviews, and as always, feel free to drop by the Impressions and Reflections topic. Feel free to critisize if you must! I like feedback, and that includes constructive criticism.

I have no idea. I thought he left the chapters with Joe or Myr for safekeeping.

I do believe you're right about that. Then again, you might get kicked instead.

Ummmm... I am not into animal lovin'. You can keep CJ.

I can't believe you all don't like facial hair. Goatees are super hot. That's what he needs. I might get something on his goatee if I have the opportunity.

"One Step At A Time" by Jordin Sparks Hurry up and wait So close, but so far away Everything that you've always dreamed of Close enough for you to taste But you just can't touch You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it You know you can if you get the chance In your face as the door keeps slamming Now you're feeling more and more frustrated And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting [Chorus:] We live and we learn to take One step at a time There's no need to rush It's like learning to fly Or falling in love It's gonna happen and it's Supposed to happen that we Find the reasons why One step at a time You believe and you doubt You're confused, you got it all figured out Everything that you always wished for Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours If they only knew You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it You know you can if you get the chance In your face as the door keeps slamming Now you're feeling more and more frustrated And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting [Chorus] We live and we learn to take One step at a time There's no need to rush It's like learning to fly Or falling in love It's gonna happen and it's Supposed to happen that we Find the reasons why One step at a time [bridge] When you can't wait any longer But there's no end in sight when you need to find the strength It's the faith that makes you stronger The only way you get there Is one step at a time [Chorus x2] We live and we learn to take One step at a time There's no need to rush It's like learning to fly Or falling in love It's gonna happen and it's Supposed to happen that we Find the reasons why One step at a time

Robert, I hope you get better soon. I hate to see such a wonderful guy go through so much. I have no doubt that Dan is spoiling you while you recover, so it should be all good! Hugz, Tim

Perhaps he does. We'll have to ask him when he returns.

Two years ago, Altef left Pakistan due to the fact that he would die otherwise. His father is dying and has requested to see his son one last time before he dies. Pakistan is still not a safe place for gays, and he risks his own life just to see his father one last time. The Imam is sure to find out that he has arrived. Will the Imam decide to kill Altef? If so, will Altef be able to escape his clutches, or will Altef become a ghost? This story is a great addition to the Napertown Tales, a series of stories I highly recommend both as an author and as a reader. You will find yourself considering many truths and exploring your own beliefs about Islam and indeed how lucky many of us are to live in western society where we do not have to fear death for being who we are. Even in the worst times politically, our lives are much easier than theirs, and I believe that part of the author

Wildone has written his first story entitled "There All Along" for the fall anthology. Interestingly enough, the story is about a man who has recently found out that his son is gay. There are plenty of struggles along the way as the son grows into a teenager. Mom and Dad struggle with him as he meets someone and starts his journey of further self-discovery. Will they be able to guide him through his trials and help him to blossom as a gay teen? Steve, I must say that this is a solid start for you as an author. You should be proud of yourself for this piece. I definitely recommend this story to our GA's readers, because it looks to be just the beginning for a blossoming author. Great job, Steve.

Life doesn't always turn out the way we expected. Our children are never as perfect as we want them to be, and we do not have the promise of tomorrow. A letter to the one you love is not always a happy one. Do not be surprised if the tears flow. At the end, you may feel empty and wish for the Earth to swallow you whole as you fade into oblivion. This one is indeed a somber one. Feel free to grab a tissue or two, because you might need it. The story does have a beautiful and poetic flow, and it is definitely one for those who like to read a story that may not be a happy one. Good job Rose! I suspect that some readers will cry.

College days are often filled with antics. Sometimes those antics take frat boys to locations that most would find creepy to say the least. Matt is about to find out what it

The world can be an evil place. Greg has been murdered, and there is not enough evidence to convict his killers. Gary, his brother, finds out about the murder and wants to do something about it. Though relations with his parents are strained, Gary returns home in order to find the answers that he seeks. Those who are responsible are sure to be on his target list, and he knows he has to try. How can he possibly find justice for his brother? Will he be able to do so without finding himself dead as well, or will he succeed at bringing them to justice? This was a great story. Graeme has a way of making his characters come to life with the style we

Jerry and Michael have had some problems and need to get away. They decide to go to a bed and breakfast that happens to be an old farm with a Victorian house. Interestingly enough, they enjoy a game of crochet with the owners. Michael sees some children, children who have some secrets. It

This story takes you into a world where the past haunts a mother and her son. Andrew has recently come to terms with who he is, but Lee resents Andrew. The house becomes a place where most would not want to be, but sooner or later, someone will discover what the most dangerous place is. Will Joyce be able to protect her son, or are they doomed to suffer a terrible fate at the hands of a malicious ghost? I really enjoyed this story, because it delved into issues that are so important even in today

That's an interesting theory. Oh, he also faints, so he has the fainting gene.

That sounds about right.

Well, excuse me for living.

Steve, that was a good story. I left a comment in the thread.

That was an interesting story, Steve. You should write some more stories. I'd love to read them.

Thank you! I like yours too actually. It does take a while for some to update. I have no idea why. Hopefully, you'll be able to see it soon.

Of course I miss my pet goat Eric.

I like it, Eric! I changed mine to a beautiful sunset. There's little that is more spectacular than an oceanic sunset.