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Trebs

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  1. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    First off - cold's suck! Thanks to those who asked how I'm doing - much better now, just a slight cough lingering. And BIG thanks to Renee Stevens for covering this week in her usual fantastic way. Renee started this week off with a review on Reviewing, as we need YOUR help for continue great content on this blog, both in terms of wonderful articles but also in the reviews that are submitted. Think you're interested in writing a review but not sure how - check out Monday's blog article for all the tips on reviewing for the blog.
     
    Since we missed out on a Monday Featured Story - we flipped the week around and brought you a Featured Story review of Porcupines by Author Cole Matthews. Joann414 reviewed Cole's story and now it is on many of our to-read lists! Check it out.
     
    We ended the week in glorious fashion with two more of comicfan's Writing Prompts and oh my, these are so intriguing this week. I can't wait to read some of the responses to Prompt 270 - using a first line of "Because, I'm leaving you" but Prompt 271 with the scenario of a mystery murder sounds like a ton of fun as well. What? You think you can write something? Well - GO for it! Just be sure to share it with the community in the Writing Prompts forum.
     
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:
    Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    2014 Spring Anthology: Nature's Wrath - Due Mar 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    The Cassini Mission by Rob Colton, Book 2 of Galactic Conspiracies
     
    Do Over by dkstories, Book 1 of Do Over Series (reposting)
     
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    Durch Ferne Welten und Zeiten by David McLeod
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    The Secret Live of Billy Chase 8 by Comicality, Book 8 of The Secret Life of Billy Chase
     
    Take Flight by Cia
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    Arthur in Eblis by David McLeod
     
    Thwarted by Renee Stevens
     
    In The Arms of an Angel by Nephylim, Book 1 of Wednesday Briefs
     
    Life Changes by comicfan
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    The Shunning by JMH
     
    Broken Prince and Mismatched Eyes by layla
     
    So Little Magic Left by Mann Ramblings
     
    Pour Me Another by K.C.
     
    PS - looks like Mann's challenge last week worked! :-)
     
    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
  2. Trebs

    Featured Story: Porcupines

    By Trebs,


    Featured Stories
    Huh?!? Wut? Wacky Wednesday AND Featured Story? YES! Because we used this Monday's blog for a review of reviews (um - ya, I think I said that right) - we didn't want to miss featuring a story this week. Joann414 was gracious enough to lend her reviewing talents to give us a look at Porcupines by Author Cole Matthews. As we mentioned Monday, we always need more reviews as well as good informative articles, such as writing tips or author interviews. If you have an idea you want to work on, contact Trebs or Renee Stevens - we always appreciate the help. And now - joann's fantastic review:
     



    Porcupines


    by



    Cole Matthews


     

    Reviewed by: joann414
    Status: In Process
    Word Count: 78,351
     
    The title alone caught my interest, and being the curious,reader that I am, I had to check it out, and see what in the world porcupines were doing in a story. lol Well, this authors two lead characters were indeed, skillfully portrayed as two very prickly porcupines at the beginning of a wonderfully entertaining tale!.
     
    Dylan, is a twenty-four year old, good looking waiter at a restaurant called Sweet Noras,in the town mall. It is owned by Lynora, who considers her young employees her children, more than just workers. She wants Dylan to find a sweet guy and settle down.
     
    After leaving the restaurant one night, Dylan is mugged on the way to his car. When he comes to his senses, he sees the mall cop leaning over him, to see if he is ok. Dylan rudely tells the guy he is fine, and to just leave him alone. Realizing that he can't stand alone, he lets the mall cop help him to his feet. Needless to say, after being mugged, Dylan has to rely on the mall cop to drive him home. (Did I tell you that Dylan had been rude to the mall cop, just being an ass on more than one occasion? Yeah, he had, and now, the cop is his rescuer.)
     
    Chuck,the mall cop, thinks Dylan is a beautiful man, but well out of his league. He takes the young man home, and stays the night with him, making sure he doesn't have a concussion. Chuck loses his job, because he doesn't go back to work for over three hours,because he doesn't want to leave Dylan. I'm not going to spoil things by telling what transpired that night and the next morning. It's a key part of the story.
     
    There's a lot going on with these two, Chuck is manic depressive at times, and Dylan is still dealing with the loss of a loved one. Mix all of that together, and you've got an odd, opposites attract couple. Chuck grew up in a trailer park, and Dylan comes from money. But, there's a definite attraction between the gorgeous Dylan, and the pale, sad eyed Chuck, and Cole Matthews turns it into a beautiful love story.
     
    One of the pleasant surprises in this story is Chuck's culinary expertise, and it's greatly appreciated by Dylan, who encourages the shy mall cop to utilize his cooking talent.
     
    The authors mixes in Chuck's sister Kellie and her son, that Chuck presently lives with, and also Dylan's brother Kelly, and his little girl Susie. Yeah, both of their names are Kelly(Kelli), and they both try to look after their siblings the best that they can.
     
    Oh, and did I mention the prissy little antagonist Isaac, who loves to needle Dylan every chance he gets. Isaac's aunt is Lynora, the owner of Sweet Noras, but Lynora pulls no punches when it comes to dealing with her mouthy young nephew.
     
    The authors throws in a couple of other characters, and gives each of them their own little part to play in this crazy tale of these two guys lives, and how they become woven together. As he introduces each character, the reader just as well add another dot to a piece of paper, because the author begins to connect the dots, as the story progresses in a surprising way.
     
    If you haven't read Dylan and Chuck's tale of finding real love, you're missing out on a "feel good" story. Go check it out, and let the author know you like it, and leave a review.
     
    I'm going to go a little ahead here, and give the author a plug on his upcoming story for the holidays, Advent. I've already given it a read for him, and it's not to be missed. I love it!
  3. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    ANNOUNCEMENT: DAH-DAH-DUMMMMM!!! The 2014 GA Quarterly Anthology themes have been set. Thank you to all of the members who helped participate in choosing next year's themes, through theme suggestions and voting. Special thanks to Renee Stevens and the rest of the Anthology team for working so diligently on compiling these suggestions and compiling them down to the final choices. Looking at the five final themes - next year's anthologies should be very interesting to read!
     
    October's Can't Stop Reading Book Club entry was announced this week - Wrangler Butts by reddirtwriter! I can't wait for the discussion day on Oct 28th as this is one story I've read and very much enjoyed - and based on the comments we've already received, I'm not the only one. If you haven't read this great story yet - jump in now and join us on Oct 28th to talk about it.
     
    Our Writers' Support Team is always busy, helping out authors, editors and beta readers on our site. As a new project, Louis (LJH) and Joann (Joann414) are kicking off a Special Project - creating the first GA Self-Editing Handbook. Check out this post as it lays out their concept for the handbook, and they've already gotten some fabulous input and offers of help. This will be a treasured resource once completed - join in and help them out!
     
    We get a lot of join in when comicfan unveils his weekly Writing Prompts, and this week is no exception. Do you want to write about "The Change", or perhaps try incorporating a list of words (including pumpkin and giraffe) in a prompt response? Well - this week is your chance. Head over and check out this week's prompts, and be sure to share your writing creations with the community!
     
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:

    Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    2014 Spring Anthology: Nature's Wrath - Due Mar 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    The Cassini Mission by Rob Colton, Book 2 of Galactic Conspiracies
     
    Do Over by dkstories, Book 1 of Do Over Series (reposting)
     
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    Arthur in Eblis by David McLeod
     
    Take Flight by Cia
     
    Revenge by Bill W
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    Durch Ferne Welten und Zeiten by David McLeod
     
    Thwarted by Renee Stevens
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    So Little Magic Left by Mann Ramblings
     

    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
  4. Trebs

    Wacky Wednesday: Ask An Author #9

    By Trebs,


    Author Interviews
    OCTOBER!!! Not only is it officially pumpkin-spice everything month, we also get the most recent edition of the GayAuthors.org feature Ask An Author. Thank you as always to creator and implementor, Dark, for his work on this feature - one of our most popular. Enjoy!
     


    Ask an Author #9


     
    Welcome back to another quirky question and answer session with your favorite authors!
     
    In AtA #8, we had questions for authors JWolf, K.C., and Mann Ramblings.
     
    In AtA #9, we hear from authors dkstories, FleetingRainbows, and Layla.
     
    For their protection, the members who asked these questions shall remain nameless (unless they choose to reveal themselves). Please note that all author replies are copied as is, spelling errors and grammar eccentricities original to the individual.
     
    dkstories is the writing name for GA Hosted Author dkstories. A new generation of GA members have been able to discover the joys of a dkstories story this year as Dan returned to us after a lengthy absence. He admits that the homefront is a little easier now since his return, but that’s not to say his life has slowed down any! Dan likes politics and sci-fi, two things you find plenty of in his stories, but his realistic portrayal of his characters gets you hooked no matter what the genre. Which one is your favorite?


    To dkstories: Do you find yourself being influenced by readers' comments? If you are, are you willing to change important things like certain character features, the plot etc. or do you refuse to do this in principle?  

    Reviews might have an impact on future stories, but not on the story being written. Most stories posted by me are fully written by the time the first chapter posts. When I see something reviewers like a lot, or things that a lot of people are critical about, I try to incorporate that feedback into future stories. I believe it makes those stories far better as a result.  

    Seeing so many reviews on a story helps motivate me to spend more time on a new story.  
    Today’s next author is FleetingRainbows. This lovely lady loves computers! But she also makes beautiful rugs. Check out her gallery to see for yourself. In January of this year, FleetingRainbow passed the two-year mark here on GA. In that time she’s posted 7 stories and one collection of poetry. The world would be a better place if we all had someone who thinks we’re special, just like the beautiful poem In his Eyes.


    To FleetingRainbows: How did you first start writing male/male stories?  

    I started writing Male/Male romance more then ten years ago. It was 2001 as I recall, and my friends and I were roleplaying. I was a big fan of VC Andrews (everything up to Landry for those who know the author) and we hd a roleplaying group complete with characters and made up ones too. One day while on vacation I decided there needed to be a gay character. I was a part of my GSA at school and I thought there just needed to be more literature out there, so I created my first gay character, a closeted college graduate who was trying his hardest to make his father happy. I've been creating stories and characters ever since  
    The last author today is newcomer Layla. She’s a Midwestern girl who you don’t want to mess with in a dark alley (she has a black belt in Tae Kwan Do!). Besides taking care of her family, writing, and winning acclaim for her photography and jelly, Layla is also going to school for animation. If you don’t think that’s quite enough yet, Layla made a list for her New Year’s Resolutions, like camping and hiking and hunting and gardening and music and …. And don’t forget to check out Guitars and Crossdressers, a story about figuring out what’s important in life -- and let’s not forget the endearingly flawed characters.


    To Layla: Which of your stories/books are you most proud of?  

    The story I'm most proud of right now is Guitars and Crossdressers. At chapter 10 I'd put this story away, unsure if i would complete it. I second guessed myself so many times through the writing of it, afraid the direction might make readers quit reading, and yet, in the end, I guess i found a way to get over that fear. Where Desolation Angel had it's moments of drama, I didn't feel the emotional connection with it on the same level I've felt in Guitars and Crossdressers. The biggest thrill has been in reading the feedback from the readers and seeing that they've connected with it to.  
    That’s it for now! For more info on these authors, go check out their stories, post in their forums, and/or catch them in chat!
     
    Coming next time: Mark92, James Savik, and Iarwain.
     
    Want to ask your favorite author a question? Simply PM me (Dark).
     
    Until next time!
     
    Dark
  5. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    ANNOUNCEMENT: Sorry for being late to the party, but want to make sure to recognize and congratulate GayAuthors.org's newest Promising Author - Stellar!
     
    REMINDER - This Monday, Sept 30th will be the discussion day for our Can't Stop Reading (CSR) Book Club and this month's book, Accident's Happen by Hosted Author comicfan! Finish reading and prepare your thoughts and join us Monday to give your thoughts...
     
    Our week started strong, K.C. not only reviewed Ice Fairy by Author stephanie l. danielson, he also interviewed the author and it's a fantastic read.
     
    For our midweek, Renee Stevens announce the opening of the voting for the 2014 Anthology Themes. The final twenty-five choices were culled from YOUR suggestions and now we're again looking to you to help us choose those final themes for next year - polls close October 9th. Renee also gives some additional details for our 2013 Winter Anthology - Recipe for Disaster. Remember, submission deadline for this anthology is December 8th.
     
    And what would our GayAuthors.org News Blog week be like if we didn't have our Writing Prompts? Comicfan tempts would-be writers with a prompt based on Fall, as well as the ever amusing list of words. Try them out and share with the community - let's see what you can do!
     
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:
    2014 Anthology Theme Voting - Polls close October 9th Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    The Cassini Mission by Rob Colton, Book 2 of Galactic Conspiracies
     
    Do Over by dkstories, Book 1 of Do Over Series (reposting)
     
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    The Secret Life of Billy Chase 7 by Comicality, Book 7 of The Secret Life of Billy Chase
     
    0300 Book 1 by David McLeod
     
    0300 Book 2 by David McLeod, Book 2 of 0300 (formerly published as Finding Danny - updated and revised)
     
    Take Flight by Cia
     
    Arthur in Eblis by David McLeod
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    Pour Me Another by K.C.
     

    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
  6. Trebs

    Featured Story: Ice Fairy

    By Trebs,


    Featured Stories
    Happy Monday! Um - why do you have pitch and feathers out? Hmmm...
     
    Maybe if I told you that today we've got not only a great review, but an even better interview? K.C. has done of review of Author stephanie l. danielson's Ice Fairy AND interviewed her as well. I hope you enjoy this treat - I did!


    Ice Fairy


    by



    stephanie l. danielson


    Reviewed and Interviewed by K.C.
    Word Count: 57,393
    Status: Completed
    Since I’ve been pressed for time, I’ve found myself waiting (impatiently at times) for stories that intrigue me to finish posting before starting them. I was immediately interested in Ice Fairy when Stephanie started posting and hearing the buzz around GA about this story. I couldn’t wait to start reading and when I did I was very impressed with Stephanie’s creation.
     
    Sam and Brett are from two different universes, the only thing they have in common is ICE. Sam is a champion ice skater and Bret is a fiercely competitive hockey player. The ice in this small town isn’t big enough for both. One afternoon a major collision on the ice, sends both of their worlds spiraling.
     
    Sam and Brett are the spotlight of this story but there’s a bigger issue at hand, bullying! I sat down and talked to Stephanie about her story and got to dig around in her brain to find out where the ideas for her story Ice Fairy came from and a little more about this amazing new Author on GA. Here is what she had to say:
     
    Stephanie, how long have you been writing and what brought you to GA?
    Hello, KC! Thank you for the interview! Let's get started. How long have I been writing? Since I could hold a pen, to be honest. It's been a lifelong love and hobby for me and I'm thrilled to finally be able to get somewhere with it and be able to bring my stories out for people's enjoyment. I started writing them to sell in 2006.
     
    What brought me to GA? Actually, it was a couple of people. Nephylim and Sid. I work closely with both of them and they talked about it so much I just had to see what all the fuss was about. I'm thrilled I joined! I've never gotten so much positive feedback and kind remarks on my stories in my life and absolutely love it here.
     
    Your story ‘Ice Fairy’ deals with a lot of bullying, have you ever been bullied in your life?
    I usually thought of bullying as being someone who beat you up or threatened you. In that sense; no, I'd not been bullied. But as the definition evolved into teasing, name calling, harassing; then yes, I'd definitely been heavily bullied most of my school years. It's what drove me to be a complete introvert and very anti-social for many years. To this day I am still shy at times; but have learned at least to express my opinions openly and not be afraid of being teased anymore for what I write or what I look like.
     
    Sam is a talented ice-skater, where did you come up with his character?
    I'd always wanted to do a story about a figure skater. I've watched the sport for years and can remember quite a few Asian skaters that caught my eye (as well as most of them have). I love the sport and to write about it and have a lovable character embody my passion for the sport is a dream come true.
     
    Do you ice-skate?
    Yes, and I'm finally getting back into it after a nasty fall 18 months ago nearly ended it completely. But I can't let it stop me. I'm not getting any younger and my goal overall is to reach level 5 so I can become a coach (like Sam wants to do)
     
    What would you tell a teen or young adult who finds themselves being bullied?
    I would say that the best defense is to be comfortable in your own skin. Love yourself first and no one can stop you or put you down. If you're having trouble, talk to your parents, siblings, friends, but only those that are supportive and understand you or help you to make things better. Don't be with those who are into activities you disagree with just because they see themselves as 'cool'. Trust me, they are dragging you down with them. Don't let it happen. Love yourself, respect yourself and stand up for it.
     
    I see that you have started posting part 2 to Ice Fairy, where do you see this story going? Is there a message you want readers to come away with?
     
    Yes! I had such an overwhelming response that I had to start book #2 right away. So far I'm not sure where it's going;

    Message to the readers? Stay tuned. I'm writing this without an outline and am using feedback to form the tale as I go.
     
    Can you give us any clues to Sam and Brett’s future?
    Right now everything's coming up roses; but there are thorns in the bush. I won't say that all will be smooth sailing; my tales never are happy all the time But I do see a happy ending and sharing an apartment for sure. Beyond that will be years away for them and 2-3 more books just to get there. Ideally it will end in the future with a wedding and HEA*. But you never know...
     
    Thanks Stephanie! It was great getting to know her and getting an inside view on this story. Ice Fairy 2 is in progress with 13 chapters already posted. Go read, review, and enjoy. Winter will soon be coming and this is a heartwarming tale to keep you warm on a chilly night.
     

    * Happily Ever After
  7. Trebs

    Writing Tip: Flashbacks, Friend Or Foe?

    By Trebs,


    Writing Tips
    As we've mentioned before, FictionStoriesOnline.com is a "sister" site of GayAuthors.org with some great writing advice and tips. With permission, here is one that ran last year, but the advice is great and we hope you enjoy it!
     


    Flashbacks: Friends or Foe?


     

    I had a discussion in a chat room recently over flashbacks. Specifically, how does an author relate history in a story of another character that isn't the main POV? This was especially important, as he wasn't known to the main character at the point where his actions impacted the plot, and the story was written in third person limited. So there wasn't a logical way to simply introduce him to the reader by showing a scene in the present timeline.
     
    One of the ways discussed to provide that information on the character's personality and his history with the main character was a flashback. While I don't prefer them myself, we all agreed there are a few simple guidelines that are vital to ensuring a flashback is used correctly to help the author tell their story.
     
    1) The flashback needs to clearly relate to the specific point in the plot where it begins. If it is a memory triggered by a specific drink the character has, the memory should start with a situation where the drink was involved - such as a date in a coffee shop. It wouldn't, however, be clear to the reader if you had the flashback start while the character is making the date days before then.
     
    2) The scene shared in the flashback must have a purpose. Why does the reader need this information? If it is just to share the history of the characters, and it doesn't move the story forward, then don't add it.
     
    3) The most important rule we agreed on was very simple. The story must return to the exact point the flashback started. To do anything else removes the legitimacy of the 'flashback' and makes it become a scene out of timeline sequence instead.
     
    For example: A woman waiting for her husband picks up her cup of coffee and takes a sip, then she has the memory of their blind date in the same coffee shop. She puts down the cup, then her new husband walks in. She smiles at him when he sits down and repeats the corny line he used on her when he first sat down in the memory. They laugh.
     
    The coffee drink/shop in the present scene relates to the memory of the first date directly. The memory is vital to explaining the line, why she'd use it with her husband, and why it is funny. Without it, the reader wouldn't understand the scene that the author returns to as the woman puts the cup back down and her husband walks in.
     
    Using those simple guidelines, a flashback can enhance your story. Just remember not to overdo the flashbacks scenes or the timeline can become muddled. It can be a very useful tool, however, when used sparingly.
     
     
     
    What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with these guidelines? Are there any other tips about using flashbacks that you've found in your writing or in stories that you've read? Let us know in the comments - Trebs
  8. Trebs

    Featured Story: Boystown

    By Trebs,


    Featured Stories
    I want to thank Lisa for offering to do today's review - she had written us since she loved this story and wanted to bring it to more people's attention. I hope you enjoy it and check out JBlankeview1's story, Boystown!


    BOYSTOWN


    by



    JBlakeview1


     
    Reviewed by Lisa
    Word Count: 30,904
    Status: In Process
     
    Have you ever read an online story where every chapter ends with a cliffhanger and you just cannot wait until the next chapter comes out? Sort of a silly question since you’re reading this on GA. Now I know why a lot of readers like to wait until a story is completed before they begin reading it. But I’m already hooked on this story, so it’s too late for me.
     
    “BOYSTOWN”, by JBlakeview1 is a prime example of what I’m talking about. I was just perusing the “Latest Story Update” section when I came across a story that was just added. I don’t know about you, but I’m very impulsive when I see a new story has been added. No matter what I was doing previously, I stop it and click on the new story. This particular story I clicked on was entitled “BOYSTOWN”, by JBlakeview1. I clicked on the story and read the summary. It sounded good. I never heard of the author before and I was excited to read something new.
     
    Boy, was I glad I did. “BOYSTOWN” is a fast-paced story centering around a group of friends and relatives who live in the Chicago area. There are many plots going on simultaneously and it’s sort of like “Six Degrees of Separation” because the lives of each character are so interwoven with the other characters that when something happens to one character, other characters are affected. The reader will certainly feel anticipation (and anxiety!) as to what will happen next and who will be affected.
     
    It’s definitely not your typical boy-meets-boy, boy-loses-boy or boy-gains-boy story. Plus there is a male/female married couple in there also, just to add to the mix. Except the male in that relationship isn’t so into his male/female marriage, unbeknownst to his ‘female’.
     
    I have been reading the story since the first chapter was posted on June 24th. The chapter left me with some anxiety regarding one of the characters and this anxiety has carried me through all the chapters so far, with my trepidation focusing on a different character throughout each chapter.
     
    “BOYSTOWN” is a very detail-oriented story. While reading the various chapters, I feel like I’m the one in Chicago (and in the little bit of Notre Dame that we have seen in the story), seeing everything from the perspective of the character. The dialogue flows and it is very believable. I can also relate almost every single character in the story through some of my own personal experiences in life. The story will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will make you feel anger towards some characters. But that’s what’s best about the story: it will make you FEEL.
     
    There are a few chapters posted so far, but I am looking forward to devouring the remaining chapters of this wonderful, entertaining, and sometimes nail-biting story!
  9. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    We had a really full week here at our GayAuthors.org News Blog. We started with K.C.'s review of Man of Montana by carringtonrj. As KC mentions, "Man of Montana captivated me right from the beginning or should I say the end? [...] This story starts in an intriguing way by starting with the ending!"
     
    Transitions was the theme of our Wacky Wednesday. After a bit of reflection and introspection that focused on the role of social media, I talked about GA's recent efforts to engage the community through various means of social media. We also started a Lounge topic both for social media ideas, as well as a way to offer your help and expertise in making GA a better place.
     
    And our special treat - the unveiling of our Fall Anthology entries one day early! Pandora's Box went live on Thursday and already have been a fantastic success. Thank you to all who submitted stories for this anthology and to all of our readers, as well thanks to our anthology team, led by Renee Stevens.
     
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:
    Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    Do Over by dkstories, Book 1 of Do Over Series (reposting)
     
    Picked at the Peak by Cia
     
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    Arthur in Eblis by David McLeod
     
    Flash Fiction - Second Shot - The Senior Year by Andrew_Q_Gordon
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    More Than We Bargained For by Bill W
     
    Lunch Box by comicfan
     
    Statuary by CassieQ
     
    Dual Edged Hope by Cia
     
    "Waiting Outside The Lines" by Comicality, Book 0 of "Waiting Outside The Lines"
     
    Take Flight by Cia
     
    0300 Book 1 by David McLeod
     

    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    Under the Sun by Dolores Esteban
     
    Apartment 3C by K.C.
     
    The Pyxides by andy021278
     
    Pour Me Another by K.C.
     
    Guitars 2 by layla
     
    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
  10. Trebs

    Birthday!

    By Trebs,

    So - I started trying to put some of this in today's News Blog, but it got to be too much info, so splitting off the more personal aspect which involves my birthday this past Saturday.
     
    As I said there, birthdays are definitely a time for introspection. I'm now 48 - four full turns on the chinese zodiac (or 4/5ths of one if you count the elemental aspect too).
     
    This past year has caused an inordinate amount of introspection - with so many changes, many at times overwhelming. I long for a quiet year, to get out of the cursed chinese "Interesting times". In 2013, I've gotten my lymphoma into remission, had a bone marrow transplant from my sister to try to prevent it from ever coming back, separated from my partner of almost eight years, had the kids go back to living with their mom (which I fully supported), and recently been struggling to get fit enough to go back to work.
     
    Throughout this, my viewpoints have changed on many things. I used to hate my birthday. I'd call in sick (or schedule a vacation day) and hide, either at home or on a day trip. This year, I enjoyed it by treating myself to a great concert (saw OneRepublic and Sara Bareilles in Reno). I had splurged and gotten the VIP Meet and Greet package so got to briefly meet the band and get pictures with them.
     
    OneRepublic's new album, Native, is fantastic - I haven't stopped listening to it since it came out in March. I love every song on it (but then again, they're one of my favorite bands because I haven't heard a single thing they've done that I haven't loved). I was really happy when as part of their setlist Saturday night, they played the song from the album that I love the most - I Lived.
     
     
    The song is a mantra to living it all, hoping that at the end of your life, you "did it all." Hearing this song on my birthday, after such an ... interesting year - really hits home how things can change, how you never know what's around the corner. Even before my birthday, things have been getting really better. Labor Day weekend, I went camping on the north coast with a new friend who had never seen California's redwoods. We spent six days traveling up and down the coast, just going to places without any real set agenda other than what we came up with on the fly. The scenery was incredible - the redwoods, the coastline, beaches, little shops and towns. We had a fantastic time just exploring, as well as really getting to know one another much better.
     
    One limitation on my going back to work has been my stamina, and I had been worried prior to the camping trip that I wouldn't be able to do much. It turns out, that was able to do a lot over those six days and I'm still so thrilled with all the hiking, kayaking and activity I was able to do, without feeling exhausted at anytime and not needing a nap at all. It is too early to be sure, but right now, it looks like I'll be able to go back to work ahead of schedule.
     
    So even after a trying time where things simply suck - It can also Get so much Better. You just have to be there and open to enjoy it. To close with another song lyric that has been going through my mind recently, as Another Day from the musical Rent puts it "Forget regret, or life is yours to miss."
  11. Trebs

    Featured Story: Man Of Montana

    By Trebs,


    Featured Stories
    This GayAuthors.org News Blog thrives because of our community - so many of the reviews and articles are offered up by our wonderful members. For this week's review, we K.C. asked if he could do a review of one of his favorite stories - not only did we say yes (of course) but were thrilled when we got this great review. I hope you enjoy it, and if you are interested in reviewing a story or offering a Wacky Wednesday article (such as a writing tip or site tip), let me know!
     



    Man of Montana


    by



    carringtonrj


     
    Reviewed by: K.C.
    Word Count: 71,565
    Status: Complete
     

    Richard is one of my favorite authors. His views on sexuality might be unconventional, but they are utterly amazing. He brings a fresh twist to every new story he writes. With such a large collection of stories, CarringtonRJ had contributed over 40 stories for GA’s readers to enjoy.
     
    When he started posting Man of Montana, I waited with baited breath to get my paws on the finished story.
     
    If I didn’t have one of those pesky little things they call a job, I would have finished this story in one sitting. Man of Montana captivated me right from the beginning or should I say right from the end? Richard threw in a major twist right from the start. This story starts in a very intriguing way by starting with the ending!
     
    The main character, Chris was born and raised on a ranch in Montana, but he has never connected with country life. He’s always been an outsider amongst his family and everyone in the small town where he grew up. Excelling in school, Chris was sent away to boarding school at an early age. Studying away from the ranch, Chris has found his place in life until one day it’s all turned upside down by a mysterious accident back home.
     
    It was his older brother, Jed who excelled in everything to do with the ranch and inherited the family business. After Jed’s sudden death, Chris comes home to run the ranch and quickly finds himself in a world he doesn’t belong.
     
    There are secrets in this small country town that Chris can’t put his finger on. From Jed’s unexplained death and Chris’s mother’s strange behavior when he returns home, to the strong, silent, sexy ranch hand named, Carson that turns out to be Chris’s biggest mystery yet.
     
    The story starts with a climax and suddenly fills with questions. It is a slow and steady build. The characters that Richard created are very believable. They are well rounded, full of mystery and endearingly flawed.
     
    Check out Man of Montana for an excellent read.
  12. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    ANNOUNCEMENT: Tomorrow is the DEADLINE for our Pandora's Box Fall Anthology!
     
    ALSO - A reminder that the Anthology team is soliciting theme suggestions for the 2014 Anthologies - deadline September 13th!
     

    So we kicked off September with our newest CSR Book Club Selection - Accidents Happen by comicfan! I can't wait for the discussion day on this story (Sept 30) as this is a story I've already read and love. It is a bit longer than the past CSR Book Club selections - but as we have five Monday's in September, everyone will have one extra week to read it.
     
    The beginning of the month also means a new Ask An Author - September's installment #8 covers Andy021278, Nephylim and podga.
     
    And prompt day Friday - oh my, I can only imagine where this week's two new Prompt Me's will take our writers. One is a Tag prompt called "The Changling" and the other... well - use a list of words and... um, one of the words is "nude statue." Hmm - naw, our bunch won't take these anywhere unexpected, will they?
     
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:
    Fall Anthology: Pandora's Box - Due Sept 8th - ONE DAY AWAY! YES - THIS MEANS YOU - WRITE, WRITE, WRITE :-) Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    Do Over by dkstories, Book 1 of Do Over Series (reposting)
     
    Picked at the Peak by Cia
     
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    Arthur in Eblis by David McLeod
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    In the Arms of an Angel by Nephylim, Book 1 of Wednesday Briefs
     
    0300 Book 1 by David McLeod
     
    Recovery by Nephylim
     
    Thwarted by Renee Stevens
     
    Untouchable by Comicality
     
    The Secret Life of Billy Chase 7 by Comicality, Book 7 of The Secret Life of Billy Chase
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    Pour Me Another by K.C.
     

    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
     
    PS - Four dozen... a lot? Not so much? Or at least better than zero... Discuss ;-)
  13. Trebs

    Wacky Wednesday: Ask An Author #8

    By Trebs,


    Author Interviews
    New month, new set of author interviews. Thanks go to the efforts of Dark for his GayAuthors.org News Blog series - Ask An Author. Enjoy!
     


    Ask an Author #8


     
    Welcome back to another quirky question and answer session with your favorite authors!
     
    In AtA #7, we had questions for authors JWolf, K.C., and Mann Ramblings.
     
    In AtA #8, we hear from authors andy021278, Nephylim, and podga.
     
    For their protection, the members who asked these questions shall remain nameless (unless they choose to reveal themselves). Please note that all author replies are copied as is, spelling errors and grammar eccentricities original to the individual.
     
    Today’s first author is andy021278. Aside from being English-challenged, this Brit works behind the scenes here at GA. You’ve probably seen his name on the blog a few times, but that’s not all! No indeed, for Andy’s story A Friend in Need was nominated for Best Anthology of 2012. He also likes to cook (but sadly not clean), reads horror and sci-fi, and is celebrating 15 happy years with his man Brett. Congrats for an amazing year, Andy! Is 2013 treating you well?


    To andy021278: Tell us about your first-ever story. (How old were you, name, plot, etc.)  

    The first story I ever wrote is one I'm actually rewriting at the moment (45k words and still going), which Wayne (Comicfan) and Rob (Yettie One) are beta reading for me and I should start posting sometime in the summer. It was never actually given a title, nor was it ever properly finished; it was only ever given the working title "The Vampire Murders" and I've never changed it.  

    I started writing it when I was twelve, primarily out of my love of writing but also to see if I could write a story, instead of just essays; I stopped for numerous reasons when I was about fourteen and 30k words in, then I lost the floppy disc with it on and only found it again last year. There are two basic elements to the plot; the first is that there have been a series of murders in London, which on the surface appear vampiric in nature, and the second is an eighth grade class trip to London. The story revolves around the class, the trip, and how four of the eighth graders get dragged into the "supernatural" world of the story.  

    Although I've rewritten large chunks of it, cut bits out, and added new scenes to it, much of the original has survived. I've always thought that it was well written for a twelve year old, but reading back over it some of it really had come from a childish over-active imagination who had seen one too many horror B-movies (hence the need for the rewrites). Since I'm going to be posting it here, I won't give any more away (just in case one or two peeps decide they want to read it).  
    Today’s next author is Hosted Author and fallen angel Nephylim. She is another GA alum who has made forays into the realm of the published author. These days she spends a lot of her time publicizing her work and putting herself out there through weekly flash fiction on her website. Lucky for us, she’s also posting her flash fiction here on GA and the first of those is In the Arms of an Angel, a charming story about what might happen if you -- quite accidentally -- run over an angel? Of course it was an accident! Don’t be silly.


    To Nephylim: Imagine your life without Silver, your larger than life character from Enigma. What would it be like?  

    A life without Silver? No way! From the moment he was born he's dominated me. He's inspired me to write four books which I've never done before, and to take up painting again. He's inspired others to paint and draw him and he's even got his own twitter identity (@SilverandRiver). Silver is so very real to me and I'm so totally in love with him I can't imagine not having him with me, in my heart. Life without Silver would be empty.  
    Today’s final author, podga, comes to us all the way from Greece. You should know never to play Monopoly with this fella. Podga has read romance stories from his youth. As he grew older, however, he started to realize that there weren’t many stories about guys his own age, so he wrote some! His story All that Matters. has been featured in the blog and with good reason! Try it for a little dose of love at first sight.


    To podga: The narrators in your stories often seem to have a lot of insecurities and lack of confidence - catharsis or coincidence?  

    Is it catharsis? Yes, in the sense that I try to write about guys and situations that readers can feel a certain familiarity and connection towards, that I hope they find the emotions born between ordinary men during mostly mundane moments absolutely convincing and that, in the end, they come away believing that falling head over heels isn't only reserved for the young (or the ancient of vampiric persuasion).  

    That being said, I don't see my characters as particularly insecure or lacking confidence. They hold down responsible jobs, have friends (if not always the time to spend with them), and are generally content with their lives. Still, they are in their forties. Have they accomplished everything they set out to? If not, is there time to do so? Can they still afford to make mistakes or take wrong turns? Were past decisions necessary compromises or taking the easy way out and settling for less than they could have had? And where the hell have their abs gone? These aren't issues they agonize over day in, day out, but when they, or their friends, experience a disruption or significant event in their lives, questions can, and often do, surface, even if it's only to reaffirm that they've done everything right (I guess that could happen! ) So not coincidence so much as how I think a guy in his mid- to late 40s would react to the disruption of romance and love suddenly entering his life.  

    That’s it for now! For more info on these authors, go check out their stories, post in their forums, and/or catch them in chat!
     
    Coming next time: DKstories, FleetingRainbows, and Layla.
     
    Want to ask your favorite author a question? Simply PM me (Dark).
     
    Until next time!
     
    Dark
  14. Trebs
    There have been times where I've cajoled and pleaded for someone to write a review - today's review and the next few that we have, are all from readers coming to me and saying "I just read a story that I want to write a review on - can I?" I hope you enjoy this great review by joann414 of Author InTheMindOfSunshine's The Paradox of Friendship!
     
     
     


    The Paradox of Friendship


    by



    InTheMindOfSunshine


     
    Reviewed by: joann414
    Status: Completed
    Word Count: 143,832
     

    Many times you read a story and try to figure out how the title pertains to the story. You won't wonder that after reading this fantastic piece of work. All you've got to do is read to get a clear meaning of paradox. I felt like I was in a game of connect the dots for geniuses and I was determined to master the game!
     
    Nix is your all-american, athlete, popular, in the click high school boy. Spencer is his opposite He's the invisible, insecure, poor high school nobody. This strange mix of personalities weaves a plot to be reckoned with, the challenge of being able to figure out what's going to happen next and who's going to have to deal with the aftermath that drips down from someone else's actions.
     
    After Nix gets between Spencer and two of his homophobic friends, the two become firends. Did I say friends? I meant, they become something. "shrugs" You'll have to make that call when you read it. I found myself confused, intrigued, but desperately seeking answers that seemed to be right in front of me throughout this story., Little,did I know. Nothing is as it seems.
     
    Nix has a host of friends, that have friends, that have friends. Yeah, I meant to write that twice. I pieced together, connected dots, and read on to find that once again, I was wrong. It was him,,no, it was him. She's a bitch, but, oh, she had a reason to be a bitch.. What? This girl is harboring a deep, dark secret, and Nix knows. Why doesn't her boyfriend?
     
    What happened that night, and who caused who to get killed? Wow, what an unholy mess! Yep, I just sent you a jumbled, figure it out yourself when you read it. If you do choose to read, you'll thank me for recommending it. I started reading it and couldn't stop. Forty-two chapters of homophobia, mystery, bdsm,rape, and friendships bleeding into friendships that you would've never guessed was friendships. Or, was it just a paradox? The title says it all.
     
    Let me throw one more thing out here. There's some pretty heavy stuff in some chapters, and a few of the reviewers slapped the authors hands, unjustly. The warning is there at the beginning of the chapters. Read the warnings before reading if you're easily offended. It's there for all to see.
     
    This is a great read to fall into on a quiet weekend when you've got a lot of time on your hands and a clear mind. I'll be re-reading it again on a long winter's day, because mystery is great in the dark of winter.
  15. Trebs

    Healthcare in U.S.

    By Trebs,

    I saw a Facebook post about a reddit discussion on "Redditors who live in a country with universal healthcare, what is it really like" - from a US posted trying to get an understanding of health care in other countries, ones that do have universal healthcare. I posted a FB reply, but thought I'd share it here since many of you know my recent health history.
     
    Some other details - even with decent health care coverage through work, my out of pocket has usually been about $2000 per year, if not more. This year, because I had to get a lot of dental work done (chemo did a lot of damage at the gumline and could not do the bone marrow transplant until all potential decay was taken care of) - I paid $6000 just for that dental care (on top of what my dental plan additionally covered).
     
    While I was still with Dan, since he was self-employed, we had him as a spouse on my health and dental plan, and my "cafeteria" payments were a little over $900/month (pre-taxes but still).
     
    And then on top of this, in the middle of me fighting the lymphoma and trying to recover, there have been two incidents of the insurance company turning down payments, even though they were pre-approved. They eventually did pay the hospitals, but that was about 20 hours of my life in phone calls and follow-ups, while I was barely able to maintain myself (as in getting up, eating, not constantly curled in a ball on the bed).
     
    In addition to the direct benefits of the Affordable Care Act (ie, ACA or Obamacare), such as elimination of denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions, allowance for parents to keep their kids on their insurance until they're 26, elimination of lifetime limits on health benefits, forcing insurance companies to spend at least 80% on actual health care - these are all great, but the act also has some other interesting provisions.
     
    One of them, is the new disclosures. My bills now have detailed breakdowns of what the hospital or clinic charged. The US government also has been releasing data on the healthcare costs - one of the many articles about this came out in May showing such things as how two hospitals in Los Angeles, just 12 miles apart - for the same procedure (hip replacement), on hospital charged $297,000 while the other charged $84,000. And based on my own bills, I can see it happening often because no one sees how much the insurance is being charged, so hospitals add on here and there to the bill up to what they think the insurance would cover (whether it happened or not), the insurance company rubber-stamps it, the patient just pays their copay, and everyone wonders why their premiums are going up the next year.
     
    One last thing I want to address - the cry of "We can't go universal coverage because the sponges in society will just have health care without working and the rest of us will pay for it." Reality - we're already paying for it, in covering emergency room visits for indigent patients who should have gone to a clinic a week earlier to have a simple round of antibiotics, but are now so sick that they require days of hospitalization. We pay for it when in the food service industry, which typically does not offer health care coverage nor sick time leave - workers are forced to come to work sick and diners go home to spread the cold/flu/whatever to the rest of their families, friends and co-workers. We pay for it when the GDP of this country is stifled because we have people working 60 hours a week, but still in poverty and with no health care coverage, and dying because of not being able to see a doctor about a tooth ache that develops into an abscess and kills them.
     
    Reuters reported last year, that it's estimated that 26,000 working-age adults die prematurely in the US each year, due to lack of health insurance. If a terrorist attacked a US city and killed 26,000 people, this country would be mobilized to react instantly and effectively. Yet because of the health insurance and related industries, the lack of universal healthcare in this country kills about that number each year. In California, we're lucky to have a Governor and Legislature who have embraced and moved to implement the ACA - and have already started showing health care savings in this state. Elsewhere such as Florida and Texas, the Governors have put up as many roadblocks and obstacles to implementation, and health care costs continue to rise and citizens continue to suffer.
     
    We know how to effectively manage a universal health care system - we've done it for many years for the U.S. Military. Why do we still allow so many to die?
  16. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    ANNOUNCEMENT: Congratulations are in order for GayAuthors.org's newest Hosted Author - CassieQ!
     
    Can you believe - August is OVAHH - and with it, two-thirds of the year is done. And with the end of the month, this past Monday our Can't Stop Reading bookclub held its discussion day for the August story - Don't Shout by Sasha Distan. Lots of good discussion on the story, and there is a poll for what you want the September CSR story to be - GO VOTE if you haven't yet!
     
    Speaking of voting - we've started the process for the 2014 GA Anthology themes. Step one is soliciting suggestions for themes (because how can you vote when we don't have things to vote on yet - heh). Check out the Wednesday blog for more information on the process and how to put in YOUR ideas for anthology themes.
     
    Friday - oh Friday, the start of a three (or four or in my case, five) day weekend! And to make it even more perfect, we have two new prompts from our prompt-guru, comicfan. Check out this week's prompts and a delightful response to a previous prompt!
     
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:
    Fall Anthology: Pandora's Box - Due Sept 8th - ONE WEEK AWAY! YES - THIS MEANS YOU - WRITE, WRITE, WRITE :-) Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    Picked at the Peak by Cia
     
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    Belovéd by Don H
     
    Flash Fiction - Second Shot - The Senior Year by Andrew_Q_Gordon
     
    In the Arms of an Angel by Nephylim, Book 1 of Wednesday Briefs
     
    Take Flight by Cia
     
    The Secret Life of Billy Chase 7 by Comicality, Book 7 of The Secret Life of Billy Chase
     
    Arthur in Eblis by David McLeod
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    0300 Book 1 by David McLeod
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    Pour Me Another by K.C.
     
    GA Writing Prompts by Dolores Esteban
     
    Princes of Mir by JMH, Book 2 of The Gods of Mir
     

    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
  17. Trebs

    Writing Prompts #258 & #259

    By Trebs,


    Prompts
    Yeah I know it says Trebs but this is actually comicfan. Trebs needed to get this done and set it up before I could, so I am taking it back.
     
    Yes August is nearly a memory but the month isn't over yet. I still have time to tempt you with some new prompts. So with no further ado, here they are.
     
    Prompt 258 – Creative
    Tag – First Line
    “So you decide to tell me that now!”
     
    Prompt 259 – Creative
    Tag – Last Goodbye
    The tests are conclusive. You have only six months till you go into space on a twenty year mission. It is top secret and you don’t know if you will see any of your family or friends again as this mission is an attempt to save the earth. How do you go about saying your last goodbyes?
     
    Last week there were a few takers for the prompts. Totally attempted one of them, and while he didn't strictly adhere to the prompt the story is so worth the read. The original prompt was - It has been years since you have even thought about your first love. However they were on the news today and before you had a chance to find out why there is a knock on your front door. As you answer you find yourself face to face with them. What brought about this encounter?
     

    Did it catch your attention? Do you want to read more? The rest of Totally's story can be found by going here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37534-prompt-257-creative/
     
    Want to see the other response to last week's prompt? See it here - http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/37533-prompt-256-creative/
     
    Don't forget there is just over a week for you to finish an entry in the Fall Anthology - Pandora's Box is the theme.
     
    Otherwise just remember to read, write, and review. Have a great week everyone. - Wayne
  18. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    ANNOUNCEMENT: If you hadn't seen the news yet, please help us welcome GayAuthors.org's newest Hosted Author - the one, the only (due to court injunction) - COMICFAN! Congratulations comicfan on your new status!
     

    Kids are back in school (or about to be) and I think that helped make Monday's Featured story feel even more relevant - The Paradox of Friendship by InTheMindofSunshine. Joann414 gave us one her fantastic reviews of this tale (which now has a sequel that's started coming out) and many of you related to the story as well. Check it out if you haven't already.
     
    Lots of member participation with our Wacky Wednesday item on Meaningless Words with a Purpose - including Sasha explaining what "Nghhhh" means.
     
    Hmm - I wonder if comicfan could use some of those words in a future Prompt Me! This week's entry did include a list of words, and also a creative situation that will be fun to read responses to (and we already have some).
     
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:
    Fall Anthology: Pandora's Box - Due Sept 8th - TWO WEEKS AWAY! Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    Incomplete Recollections by Johnathan Colourfield, Book 3 of Summer Premium Anthology
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    Troll by comicfan
     
    0300 Book 1 by David McLeod
     
    Recovery by Nephylim
     
    In the Arms of an Angel by Nephylim, Book 1 of Wednesday Briefs
     
    Flash Fiction - Second Shot - The Senior Year by Andrew_Q_Gordon
     
    Durch Ferne Welten und Zeiten by David McLeod
     
    The Secret Life of Billy Chase 7 by Comicality, Book 7 of The Secret Life of Billy Chase
     
    Prompt me not, for these are my prompts by comicfan
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    Roadhouse Reds by layla
     
    Pour Me Another by K.C.
     
    The Talents of the Fallen by JMH, Book 1 of Fallen
     

    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
  19. Trebs
    Not everyone knows that GayAuthors.org has a number of sister websites - also operated by CDEJR Web Services Inc for various purposes. One of those sites, fictionstoriesonline.com is the source of today's blog and we thank FSO for allowing us to use it.


    Meaningless Words With A Purpose


     

    What's a meaningless word? How could one have meaning? Well, I'm talking about interjections! What is an interjection really? Well, it's a word that doesn't have any part of speech but is put in a sentence to indicate an emotion. Sometimes they're not really even words, but through their use, they've come to mean something. They can be very useful, though I believe they should be limited to dialogue.
     
    Below is a list of frequently used interjections and their commonly held meanings. Feel free to add to this list, as it is by no way complete.
     
    Mmm: Indicates thought or sort of a lazy pleasure
     
    Mmhmm: Indicates agreement
     
    Aha: This indicates triumph or a sudden moment of understanding.
     
    Um: Is just a place holder for a pause, but sometimes expresses confusion.
     
    Oh: Very versatile. It can express surprise, pain, pleasure, add emphasis to a statement, Oh my god! or could be used to indicate a question with the addition of a question mark, Oh?
     
    Hmph: This one is very Scottish sounding, lol. It expresses indignation or annoyance.
     
    Ew, Ick, Ack: These all can express disgust.
     
    Duh: Expresses disdain to someone who is being dense.
     
    Eek: This could be fright or an unpleasant surprise.
     
    Bah: Indicates derisive dismissal.
     
    Shh: Indicates a need for silence.
     
    Aw: This one is also versatile, it can be disappointment or if extended, it could be an expression of sympathy, like awww.
     
     
     
    BTW - did you know that we're on Facebook too? Give us a "Like" to see updates...
  20. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    The magic letter for the week is "c" - as in Cia and comicfan!
     
    We started off with a wonderful review by joann414 of Cia's newest complete story: Burden of Secrets. As joann says about the story, "I was enthralled with the story from the get go. Cia writes in a way that always makes me take sides when it comes to her characters".
     
    For Wednesday, we had a great blog article on "Leaving Reviews" - that I basically stole borrowed from comicfan. Based on the comments, looks like it was a great choice for our GA News Blog - thanks again comicfan.
     
    And Friday was a double-c day - we had our intriguing Writing Prompts from comicfan as well as great wishes on Cia's birthday.
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:
    Fall Anthology: Pandora's Box - Due Sept 8th - THREE WEEKS AWAY! Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    Picked the the Peak by Cia
     
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    0300 Book 1 by David McLeod
     
    In the Arms of an Angel by Nephylim, Book 1 of Wednesday Briefs
     
    Thwarted by Renee Stevens
     
    Arthur in Eblis by David McLeod
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    Durch Ferne Welten und Zeiten by David McLeod
     
    Recovery by Nephylim
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    The Talents of the Fallen by JMH, Book 1 of Fallen
     
    Prompt me not, for these are my prompts by comicfan
     

    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
  21. Trebs

    Featured Story: Burden Of Secrets

    By Trebs,


    Featured Stories
    This summer has been a fantastic time for GayAuthors.org in terms of Premium content, We've had two great Premium Anthology stories, Save Tonight by CassieQ and Coin in the Fountain by comicfan. Cia has also started and is going strong on her new story Picked at the Peak. And we had the completion of two wonderful stories - Binding by Lugh and Burden of Secrets by Cia.
     
    These, and all other Premium content, are available as a "Thank you" to those that are current Premium members. The current pricing scheme for Premium membership is:

    1 Month - $8.10



    3 Months - $24.00 (save $0.30)



    6 Months - $47.00 (save $1.60) or



    12 Months - $93.00 (save $4.20)


     
    You can see how the longer you subscribe, the more you save so please consider joining as a Premium member if you are not already one. Here now is joann414's review of Cia's newest completed story - we hope you enjoy it!
     


    Burden of Secrets


    by



    Cia


     
    Reviewed by: joann414
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 25,443
     

    When I was approached to write this review, I pulled up the story and was thrilled when I realised what story it was. I've read this and loved it! The first paragraph of this story is branded in my mind. I barely had to skim it to remember this great plot and its two main chacters.
     
    Chris works in his father's restaurant, in hopes of one day being the chef in his own restaurant. He is dating one of the waitresses until they have a big blow up in the kitchen, resulting in Neil (the busboy) getting burned with melted sugar that Chris was cooking on the stove. Avoiding a plate the angry girlfriend throws at him, Chris sloshes the hot liquid and is shocked when he hears the cries of anguish and sees the boiling sugar on the skin of the young man.
     
    The story of Chris and Neil is unique to say the least. As you read about these guys, you can't help but fall in love with them. We all have our secrets, and some we hope we never have to reveal. I wouldn't dare spoil the story by revealing secrets, but one of the boys has a BIG secret, and it's worth every minute you take to read their story to find out what it is.
     
    I was enthralled with the story from the get go. Cia writes in a way that always makes me take sides when it comes to her characters, and I seem to pick the good guy everytime, so far.. I promise you. Her imagination can take you places that you've never imagined or dreamed of, and she does this in 'Burden of Secrets'.
     
    The plot has a little bit of everything. You have the drama from beginning to end. There's sex and romance, and a little bit, or maybe a lot of fantasy thrown into the mix. It is definitely something you need to read and find out.
     
    You can't go wrong with such a great writer and captivating story. Go read and let Cia know how much you enjoyed it. It's definitely one to be put on your list of "must reads" if you haven't already done so!
  22. Trebs

    Writing Tip: Leaving Reviews

    By Trebs,


    Writing Tips
    This is a first - normally we solicit articles or pull up things from the distant past, but for this week's blog article, I was looking around last Thursday and saw a personal blog that comicfan had written. As I read it, I went "Self - this is PERFECT." So after a little cajoling and offers of first-born puppies, I was able to steal borrow his blog to share it with all of you.
     
    I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
     


    Leaving Reviews



    by comicfan


     

    I noticed someone had commented on leaving reviews. I've been on both sides of this, reading them and leaving them. I just figured I would note a few things.
     
    1) I love a review. It is nice to know what what people think of the ideas I have in my head. I have had great reviews and bad ones.
     
    2) Bad reviews - I have no problem if someone doesn't like my story. However saying "You suck as a writer," or "Why did you write such crap," really doesn't tell me much, other than feeling it is a personal attack on me. I would rather read, "your characters don't seem real to me" or "people don't talk like you have them doing here." These sort of comments are something I can now focus on and see about fixing. The reviewer is presenting to me what they see as the flaws. Sometimes mistakes happen and by being specific it gives the author something they can go and look at.
     
    3) Good reviews - Every author loves an ego boost. Reading such things as "This is wonderful" or "I love your work" will always make us feel great. However, just like the bad review it doesn't let us know much about what you liked if you leave that out. "I really connected to the mother in this story, she reminds me so much of my own mom," or "I've had times when I felt just like that and those comments have passed through my own head" allow the author to know we are connecting and how with the reader. A favorite line or favorite character that is commented on allows the author to realize where we have succeed and can hopefully do so again in the future.
     
    4) Finding an error. Most authors on the site have a beta and editor. However, even the best of us are still human. If you find something (The author changed Karen to Karren, or misspelled experience in the middle of the story) isn't something to note in a review. A simple note to author goes a long to making the correction and saving the embarrassment for the author and their team. Remember, the review will stay even after the correction will be made.
     
    5) Answering the review. You have taken the time to read and comment on an author's story. You have giddily commented on what you seen, enjoyed, and now wait to hear back on your comment. Yeah, as you have taken the time to write, it is also now on the author to answer those reviews. With a published author, they made their money and may have someone else answering their fan mail. Here the reader is much closer, reading weekly an author's contribution to their tales. Responding to those readers also lets them know you appreciate their time and the kindness they have taken in responding to what you have written. Personally I try not to let any review go more than a day without answering it. I like my readers to know I really am interested in their comments and ideas. It is just a courtesy I try to keep.
     
    So those are my ideas and comments on reviews. Might help someone with what they are doing. Anyway, enjoy.
     
    Thanks again comicfan for your viewpoint on this - I think it really is helpful. What do you think? Let us know in the comments! - Trebs
  23. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    How's your writing going? Everyone know that the Fall Anthology, Pandora's Box, is due just one month from now? Give it a try - and realize, that month is going to go by faster than you think!
     
    So, first monday in August, beside being a bank holiday for some of our community, was also the launch of this month's edition of our Can't Stop Reading book club - and the August story is Don't Shout by Author Sasha Distan. Join us in reading this story and talk about it on the August 26th discussion day.
     
    We also had a new Ask An Author, with this month's questions going out to JWolf, K.C. and Mark Arbour Mann Ramblings. Great new insight on these three authors and as always, we're thankful to Dark for creating and managing this monthly feature. (sorry Mann - accidentally listed Mark as the third interviewee)
     
    And then the best recurring feature - our Friday Writing Prompts by comicfan. Oh my - these two new prompts, #252 giving a list of words and #253 tagged "The Secret" - they've both already generated some great responses.
     
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:
    Fall Anthology: Pandora's Box - Due Sept 8th Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    Coin in the Fountain by comicfan, Book 2 of Summer Premium Anthology
     
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    Arthur in Eblis by David McLeod
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    In the Arms of an Angel by Nephylim, Book 1 of Wednesday Briefs
     
    0300 Book 1 by David McLeod
     
    Recovery by Nephylim
     
    Hercules III by CarlHoliday
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    Roadhouse Reds by layla
     
    The Talents of the Fallen by JMH, Book 1 of Fallen
     
    Prompt Ramblings by Mann Ramblings
     

    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
  24. Trebs

    Wacky Wednesday: Ask An Author #7

    By Trebs,


    Author Interviews
    We are deeply grateful for the time and work put in by Dark for these great Ask An Author articles. Here is August's edition - we hope you enjoy it!
     


    Ask an Author #7


     
    Welcome back to another quirky question and answer session with your favorite authors!
     
    In AtA #6, we had questions for authors Luc Rosen, Libby Drew, and Mark Arbour.
     
    In AtA #7, we hear from authors JWolf, K.C., and Mann Ramblings.
     
    For their protection, the members who asked these questions shall remain nameless (unless they choose to reveal themselves). Please note that all author replies are copied as is, spelling errors and grammar eccentricities original to the individual.
     
    Promising Author JWolf is today’s first author. Just two years ago, Jwolf took GA by storm with his popular story The List. It was no surprise when he became a Promising Author a few short months later. His latest story, The English Year, has garnered 119 reviews; reader Lisa had this to say: ‘"He's one skittle away from completing the rainbow." has to be one of the funniest lines I've ever read! You are such a comedian Jon!’


    To JWolf: What inspired you to begin writing?  

    I started writing when I was a kid, probably eight or nine years old. And the reason I started writing things down is because I would tell myself these outlandish stories while I was trying to fall asleep. And the next day, I'd try to keep going where I left off, but I'd forget. So without even thinking, I started jotting down the plot points in my sketch journal that I used to sketch clothes in. Eventually, I'd take these plot points and turn them into stories. They were AWFUL at first. Third rate versions of my favorite movie or TV show at the time. TERRIBLE. But they got me writing. And the got me thinking. And they got me creating. And they got better. And they got me to access a place in my mind that I hadn't been able to archive before. So in short, I started writing to help myself fall asleep, and I haven't really been able to ever since.  
    Today’s next author is the semi-obnoxious but loveable K.C.. Did you know he’s a twin? Just ask him sometime about his secret name! Although 2012 started out rough for K.C., it ended on a good note when JMS Books published KC Grim’s first book, “Love is in the Cards.” This is another story that started its life here on GA and so lucky were we to experience it first! Nowadays, we can enjoy the sexy vampire Garrett McQuinn in Chasing the Shadows.


    To K.C.: You have had some unique ideas as the basis for your stories, making your readers wonder where they come from. Is there anything in particular that motivated you to do something like that?  

    As a kid, I always had a very active imagination and was completely enthralled with science-fiction and mythological creatures. My home-life was very difficult and as a result, I found myself wishing that I could live in another world. I started writing my own stories as an escape, it was a place that I created and I could control what happened to my characters, unlike my real life. Most of my stories have an element of some kind of supernatural, because the possibilities are so deliciously endless.  
    Today’s final author is yet another Michigan Man, Mann Ramblings. New to GA as of Sept 2012, Mann has already posted 3 stories, and with plenty of variety. Mann’s latest offering is The Luxorian Fugitive, a rousing sci-fi story with space ships, travel, and santa claus! Now how could you pass that up? Of course, Mann has a wicked sense of humor (and a quiet love affair with chardonnay). Give him a chat sometime; you won’t regret it.


    To Mann Ramblings: What are your primary sci-fi influences and how did they inspire you in writing your current story?  

    I've always been a fan of Ridley Scott's "Alien" and "Star Trek" when it comes to the first thing I think of when I hear the words, "Sci-Fi." I always like the human story being dominant with the sci-fi providing the setting. I loved "Alien" for it's harsh realism and I wanted a lighter version of that for "The Luxorian Fugitive." Living in space doing blue collar work would never be a luxury, but didn't have to be a death trap either. I also wanted the light military/family interactiveness that I always recognized between crew members in the Star Trek franchise. Even with those influences, I wanted the characters to drive the story, not the environment.  
     
     
    That’s it for now! For more info on these authors, go check out their stories, post in their forums, and/or catch them in chat!
     
    Coming next time: andy021278, podga, and Nephylim.
     
    Want to ask your favorite author a question? Simply PM me (Dark).
     
    Until next time!
     
    Dark
  25. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    ANNOUNCEMENT: In case you missed it - we are happy to announce our newest Hosted Author: David McLeod. David has been a Promising Author here and has a great body of work - hope you check it out!
     
    Another month ended - can you believe it is already August?!? O.o I don't know about you, but the calendar has been moving fast. Before we said goodbye to July, we had a great Discussion Day session of our CSR Book Club, featuring The Degan Incident by Author Rob Colton. Based on the comments, looks like it was another great month for the book club.
     
    Good writing has many features, and we are always fortunate when we get another writing tip from Libby Drew - this Wednesday's was on Conflict is Key. As she puts it, "Creating powerful conflict and weaving it tightly throughout the story is a difficult skill to master [...] But the reward is worth the learning curve."
     
    Comicfan is constantly on the prowl for new victims talented writers interested in taking up his wonderful Writing Prompts. This week's prompts include using either his given First Line, or ... well, as his tag goes, a creative prompt on "They're Real"! Are you going to take the plunge - I hope you do!
     
    So - how was your week?
     
    Anthology Announcements:
    Fall Anthology: Pandora's Box - Due Sept 8th Winter Anthology: Recipe for Disaster - Due Dec 8th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    Coin in the Fountain by comicfan, Book 2 of Summer Premium Anthology
     
    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    9.11 by Mark Arbour, Book 13 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    In the Arms of an Angel by Nephylim, Book 1 of Wednesday Briefs
     
    Odyssey by Mark Arbour, Book 6 of Bridgemont
     
    0300 Book 1 by David McLeod
     
    Crosscurrents by Adam Phillips
     
    Flash Fiction - Second Shot - The Senior Year by Andrew_Q_Gordon
     
    Recovery by Nephylim
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    Roadhouse Reds by layla
     
    Pura Vida by KingdombytheSea
     
    Pour Me Another by K.C.
     
    Prompt me not, for these are my prompts by comicfan
     

    Have a great week everyone! Read, Write, REVIEW!!!
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