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Trebs

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  1. Trebs

    Toss-Up Tuesday: Perspective

    By Trebs,


    News Archive
    So - the format for Toss-up Tuesday is... a toss up /ducking
     
     
     
    But then again, so is life. (ya, I should write greeting cards, eh?)
     
    You go along, having a great year, husband and kids busy with work, school and baseball. Your days are watching their games and practices or working on campaigns and convention plans. Then you go in for a routine follow-up, because of the lymphoma that you kicked four years ago. And on that July 5, 2012 day, instead of "See you in six months", I get "It's back."
     
    Now, unlike last time, the lymphoma is so "indolent" that it hasn't changed my blood counts (last time, my red cells were non-existent because my overproduced white cells were crowding them out). And in the four years since, they've come out with two new great drugs - Treanda and Velcade. So the next Monday, July 10, I started on Treanda. I get the chemo as an outpatient every three weeks for three days. Day one is about 5 hours, with an infusion of Rituxan (which I had last time and isn't really a chemo drug, more gets your body ready for the chemo drug). Then the 2nd and 3rd days, I get the Treanda over two hours. That first week, it was Monday Rituxan and Tues and Wed, Treanda.
     
    That first treatment, not only did I head from the outpatient infusion directly into work, on Thursday, I flew to Charlotte to check it out for our delegation. Two 14 hour days, followed by a flight back to California, day in Disneyland and then staffing a contentious endorsement meeting between two sitting Congressmen. And got through it with no problem.
     
    It was really remarkable how my schedule went for the next couple of months - the every three weeks went right on schedule, and still let me do everything I needed for work such as an Executive Board meeting, 10 days in Charlotte for the Convention itself, and various other projects and trips. I did get an occasional mild nausea or fatigue, but compared to four years ago when I was totally on disability and out of work for 13 months, this time hasn't been bad. To try to get it more aggressively, we did add Velcade to the mix and I have been getting more side-effects with this drug, but still overall doing well.
     
    So - could be moping and depressed, or could be thankful that they know sooooo much more about my particular type of lymphoma (Mantle Cell Lymphoma or MCL, one of the rarest of lymphomas - lucky me).
     
    And with gentle pushes from a loving partner, as well as a private Facebook community of others going through MCL in various stages, I'm actually taking this really well (mentally). It's interesting when someone just finds out, as did one woman at work in late august who asked "So, are you waiting until after the National Convention to start treatment, and was shocked to hear I've been doing chemo for over 6 weeks at that point, including a session the day before she had asked me.
     
    But it's also been awkward when someone goes "You look great - lost some weight? How'd you do it?" and my instinct is to answer "Oh, the lymphoma's back". Weight loss isn't drastic - down to 210 (from a high of 230 at the beginning of the year - I blame holiday foods).
     

    So, I figured I might make a post about this at some point, and now seems appropriate. Because going back to the title, a lot of life is just perspectives.
     
    We've had some great discussions here about criticism and authors. And I can see a lot of very good points - between that the criticism is needed to keep this a place of quality writing, to the fact that some of the talent we have here is great but very raw - and sometimes the misspoken harsh word in public can cause shame or discomfort and any of a variety of feelings of rejection.
     
    And since we are not ONLY a community of quality writing, but also a COMMUNITY of LGBT persons and their friends and supporters, it would also prove beneficial to remember to keep in mind that there is a person on the other side of that screen, that these are not writings or posts by nameless/faceless automatons. Heh - at work, I frequently get emails that are shouting diatribes, and when I calmly send an answer back on what happened, usually get a "Oh - I'm so sorry, I thought this was just an automated service and no one would ever reply".
     
    Someone else pointed out a lot of it is "tone" - and it is. But some of it is patience as well. And lord knows, I am guilty myself. I recently loved a first chapter of a story, and dutifully posted a review, but in addition to commenting on what I liked, did I really need to point out that there were two typos in the chapter - that all future reviewers could then see. Just as easy to take an extra twenty seconds and put that part in a private message to the author. Or I could have phrased it better...
     
    A good sarcastic rant may feel good to get out of the system, but is it always really worth it?
     
    Just my thoughts at 1:30 in the morning with a new chemo session in eight hours. But to me, worth it, as I really love this community, heroes, warts and everything in between. it's why I eagerly took on the role of "Member Advocate" for the site when Myr needed additional help, and though at first I was skeptical about being the GayAuthors News Blog person when Lugh and Myr asked me to, now I am glad as it helped re-connect me with a lot of GA that I was missing and lets me read so many great reviews (and the stories that got reviewed), as well as all of the other information we feature here.
     
    I hope you enjoy this blog and consider some of what I've said.
     
    Trebs (aka Robert)
  2. Trebs

    Toss-Up Tuesday: Interview With Cia

    By Trebs,


    Author Interviews
    She can turn the world on with a smile... She can take a nothing day - well, you get the picture. Who am I talking about? Well Cia of course (though Radiant Renee Stevens gives her a close run for the money). So what better way to enjoy a Tuesday than with an interview WITH Cia, GIVEN by Renee? Double the trouble and double the fun! Enjoy!
     


    Interview with Cia


    Interviewer: Renee Stevens
     
    First off, Congrats on getting Pricolici published, that must be exciting! Now, onto the questions
     
    How does it feel to know that people are paying to read what you write?


    Awesome. I was leery of submitting to a publisher, so I picked a new e-publisher. RFP gave me a chance and I rolled with it. It's been an incredible amount of work getting my ebook out in the public eye though, way more than I ever thought as a reader. I am amazed at anyone who can do this for a living!  
    It must have been exciting when you first heard that the publisher had accepted Pricolici. What was your first thought/reaction on getting that acceptance letter?
     
     
     

    Holy freaking shit. LOL!  

    Then ... this is going to be a LOT of work. I had to completely re-write the story and add over twice the content I started with yet keep the integrity of the story intact.  
    What did your husband think when you told him you were being published?
     
     
     

    He told me congrats but he was pretty laid back about the whole thing. Now that it has proven successful he's a lot more enthusiastic and keeps asking me why the sequel isn't done yet.  
    So, there’s going to be a sequel?
     
     
     

    Oh yes. I've been outlining the sequel and doing an absolute ton of research for it. Pricolici has many elements of actual Dacian mythology, with a few special Cia twists, of course. I am a stickler for having any 'real' details be as accurate as I can possibly make them, so I don't just depend on the internet; I go to my local library for other resource sources too.  

    Stelian lived through ancient times and I plan to take the sequel to parts unknown, so I am trying to be extremely thorough. Elements of his past are once again going to be influencing Tucker's future, so it's not enough to know about current Romania, I have to research historical locations and events too. I anticipate the actual writing taking less time than the research!  
    You do a lot on GA as well as have a fairly busy life, how do you find time to write?
     
     
     

    I don't write nearly as much as I should, actually. If I buckled down and did an hour a day, like I want to, I could get probably twice as much done. Usually I do a writing burst once or twice a week for several hours in the afternoon or evening. I put my earplugs in if the kids are home and then zone out. If I can get in the groove, it's easy. If not ... well, I'm stubborn enough to push through.  
    Out of all of your characters, who would you say that you relate to the most and why?
     
     
     

    Oh that's hard. I've put bits and pieces of me into a lot of my characters. The one I identify the most with emotionally is probably Wes from 'With Open Arms'. I was in a car accident and it took over a year to be able to walk again. I wasn't hurt as badly as Wes but I put a lot of my fear, pain, and anger into him, as well as the love and gratitude I felt when my 'partner' stood by me through it all.  

    My photography is something I began to focus on again as an alternative to several of my hobbies I had a hard time doing for a few years. His love of photography, his artistic outlet as well as liveliehood, is a direct relation to that love I rediscovered. His story is a work of fiction; it's not exactly my experience, but it was definitely hard to write. It also reminded me a lot of how grateful I am to be whole again though.  
    What would you say to newer authors who are trying to get noticed?
     
     
     

    Writing is an evolutionary process. I'm always checking out articles, writing books, editing tutorials, etc ... to improve my writing. A story can only be as great as you can write it. A creative and enthralling plot won't draw in readers if your dialogue is stilted or you have no idea how to work a story arc.  

    Then you have to put yourself out there. There are untold amounts of stories available for readers. No matter what avenue you use, you need to promote yourself. On GA I interact with readers through reviews, forum comments, the Writer/Editor community forums, even chat! For my ebook I've found several websites and yahoo groups that allow me to promote my story with excerpts, plus I blog.  

    My blog has been an invaluable resource to gain readers for my free and e-published stories as well. I've created a network with a lot of fellow blogging authors that write material similar to mine and we help each other out. You just have to be willing to put in the time and effort. Writing is hard, promoting yourself can be even harder!  
    How do you feel your writing has improved since first posting on GA?
     
     
     

    By leaps and bounds! Seriously, my first story was BAD. Not the story concept itself, which I am still quite proud of thinking up and writing from start to finish, but my technical knowledge was seriously lacking. I didn't have any clue how to punctuate dialogue, avoid head hopping, or how best to show and not tell... etc.  

    Whenever I offer new authors advice and tips, I do it with that early writer I was in mind. I try to think of all the things I didn't know and then offer the tips I wish I'd had offered to me back then. It took a ton of research and a lot of trial and error to get to the point where I was even remotely ready to submit any of my writing for publishing. Then I had Pricolici worked over by actual publishers.  

    Boy was that an eye opener. There is always, always, something new to learn each day. Authors should strive for at least 30 minutes every month just looking up information on how to write, imo.  
    What is something that most people probably don’t know about you that you’d like to share?
     
     
     

    LOL. Does anyone think I hold anything back? Seriously, I hear way more often that I overshare and need to stop telling everyone every little thing that comes to my mind. I'm pretty much an open book.  
    You are very Pro-Beta reader, can you tell us why?
     
     
     

    Personally? I looooove getting sneak peeks at my favorite stories. I try to help new authors as much as I can, but I will admit to getting in with a lot of my favorite authors just so I didn't have to wait to read their updates, lol.  

    That self-serving aspect aside, there is nothing like a second, or third, or even fourth pair of eyes on your story. When you write, you see your story the way it is to you, but that doesn't mean readers will see it the same way. It's great to get that outside viewpoint before the story/chapter is released to the public.  

    Beyond catching mistakes, betas are great to discuss a story. If you get stuck, or are at a crossroads, or just need someone to bounce ideas off or to motivate you, a beta can be there. I love talking over my stories to get ideas. Being able to give authors my opinion on where their stories could go satisfies the pushy reader in me. Betas are a creative and technical godsend, imo.  
    Is there anything you’d like to say that wasn’t covered in the previous questions?
     



    My email/pm box is always open. I love to hear from readers and/or fellow authors. I can never have too many online friends, and I love talking about reading and writing. I probably read several hundred thousand words each week too, so I'm always looking for good recommendations for stories to read too!
  3. Trebs
    What better way to start off a week, than with a review by Radiant Renee Stevens - and especially when the review is of Hosted Author Libby Drew's The Art of Walking in Snow. Enjoy!
     




    The Art of Walking in Snow


    By



    Libby Drew


    Reviewer: Renee Stevens
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 10,666
     
    Scanning through Libby’s story, the title of this little piece caught my eye. I’ve read a few stories by her, but I had not yet had the pleasure of reading this one. I’m so glad that I found it as it is a sweet little story that grabbed me and kept me entranced as I read.
     
    This story is about a young man who has seen much in his twenty years of life. Jamie has been on his own, homeless, from the age of fifteen and is no stranger to hard work. As Christmas nears he is looking for a place to lay his head for a little while when he comes across a sign that is advertising for help on a Christmas tree farm. He almost turns away, but finds himself drawn to the place and asking for the job.
     
    There’s a definite spark between Jamie and John, but Jamie is determined that he will not act on it. He makes it clear that nothing can happen between them and is determined to stick to his guns. He’ll help John out in exchange for a roof over his head, but that’s it.
     
    There is so much emotion in this relatively short story. At just over 10K, it grabbed me and refused to let me go until I’d read the last work. I found myself really feeling for both of the characters and really, I didn’t want this story to end. It has it’s light hearted moments, and those definitely brought a smile to my face.
     
    I would strongly suggest this story to anyone as it’s such a sweet story and it’s written in a way that really made me care about what happened to the main characters. Libby definitely showed her skill in weaving a tale that can pull at the heartstrings.
  4. Trebs

    Writing Tip: Using Description

    By Trebs,


    Writing Tips
    First, Happy National Coming Out Day (NCOD)! First started in 1988, with the date picked as the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington, the simple theme is to come out - to those you love, those you know, as people's opinions of LGBT persons and rights is better if they know someone who is LGBT.
     
    Now on to our tip, generously contributed by CassieQ, on Using Descriptions in writings. Enjoy!
     


    Using Description



    by



    CassieQ


     

    I like to use description to help set a mood in the story. I try to visualize the scene and what is going on in it and then match the description to the feel of the scene. Is it a happy scene, with light, airy description? Is it a scary scene, with ominous, dark description? Is it a sexy scene with hot steamy description?
     
    For example, here is a scene I wrote for one of the anthology stories.
     
    The sky above Toumas was a dull slate gray, with occasional swathes of clouds snatched away for early morning sunlight to bleed through.
     
    and later in the same scene…
     
    Satisfied that they would not break when he started to struggle, Toumas relaxed back, staring up at the diseased sky.
     
    The feel I wanted for the scene was tension and dread. My character was making a decision to end his life in a very horrible way and I really wanted to create a mood that would match that. I was thinking of the sky and I wanted to describe it in a way that would provide good imagery without going over the top. So I simply described a very odd sky I had seen one morning while driving to work and used specific word choices, like bleed and diseased in the description to kind of help set that mood.
     
    The only precaution is to be careful with how much description is used. The story that I used as an example was criticized for "overwriting" which I think was a result of too much over the top description I would say use it in moderation, mainly when a description of a person/place/object is important to a story or when you are trying to set a certain mood for a scene.
     
    All that is my opinion of course. Anyone want to add something or weigh in, feel free!
  5. Trebs

    Blast From The Past!

    By Trebs,


    Author Interviews
    Looking back on old newsletters, I'm reminded of a program that we had of Author Chats. This was before we had a regular chatroom, and so it was a special occasion to schedule a time that an author would go into chat and talk to the community. I very clearly when DKStories had such a chat time, and I got to ask him some questions, that led to PM's and eventually meeting him for a movie. Unfortunately, now I'm stuck with him ;-)
     
    So with these fond memories, here is an article from our October 2006 GAzette (the GayAuthors.org newsletter name at the time), which is a transcript of such a chatroom chat with Hosted Author Viv!
     



    Author Chats... Your Chance to Talk to Your Favourite Author


     

    Have you ever wondered which one of their characters an author would have over for dinner? Perhaps you've sat and pondered how they thought of a story title? Maybe you've even wondered with which of their characters they most identify?
    Well wonder no more, dear reader. GA is pleased to offer a series of activities designed specifically to answer the questions you have about your favourite authors and stories. These "Author Chats" will occur twice monthly and will be held in the GA Live Chatroom in a subroom named after the author whom the chat is featuring.
    The first author chat was held Saturday, September 23rd at 7pm Pacific Time and featured hosted author Viv. Here are a few paraphrased highlights of the event:
     
    Chatter: Where do you get your story ideas?
    Viv: Mostly I just imagine situations that I think are intriguing, hot, or emotional. Sometimes though I just start with a character, like Lucas in "Days of Silence", and just go from there.
     
    Chatter: How do you come up with titles?
    Viv: With "From Behind Those Eyes" it's a play on words. With "Days of Silence" it was about a 'day of silence' (an annual event in the gay community designed to increase awareness and support), but I also wanted to emphasize the fact that they had gone so many days in silence because of fear, denial and stubbornness.
     
    Viv: When I write the sequel to "Days of Silence" I'm going to retell it from Lucas' point of view; how do you guys feel about telling the same story from a different point of view?
    Chatter 1: I think I'd like that!
    Chatter 2: You’re not really "retelling" the story. Each individual sees the same thing in a different way. I love seeing multiple points of view.
     
    Chatter: If you could have any character over for dinner who would it be and why?
    Viv: Probably Lucas from "Days of Silence" because he's so mysterious or maybe Jesse from "From Behind Those Eyes".
     
    Chatter: Where do you see yourself in five years?
    Viv: Ideally I'd like to be selling books as well as helping people with their problems (by giving them someone to talk to).
     
    Chatter: How has GA changed you?
    Viv: I think GA has not so much changed me, but instead has given me a place to do what makes me happy.
     
    Chatter: How do you feel you have changed GA and those on it?
    Viv: Why don't you guys tell me?
    Chatter 1: You were the first woman to be hosted here.
    Chatter 2: Well if I hadn't met you not only would I have missed out on the very important friendship I share with you, but I also probably wouldn't have gotten to know several of my other close friends here.
     
     
     

    Viv on being nervous about posting at GA for the first time:
    I was worried about how people would respond to me because I’m a straight woman married with kids, but I’ve gotten nothing but compliments and acceptance from everyone here. I've also made some strong friendships, so for that I say thank you.  

    Viv on one such friendship:
    Dave is the one person who I can’t hide from, even if I tried he’d know. So I like that he forces me, provokes me to be real…we’re like family…it’s not even an option to not be in each other’s lives.  

    Viv on another author who has helped her:
    Comicality has had a big impact on me. When I first started "From Behind Those Eyes" he spent a lot of time reviewing it with me, and it really touched me that despite being such a busy guy he was willing to take some time out of his life to do that. Sometimes it takes giving someone a piece of themselves to make you believe in yourself.  

    Viv on providing support to another author:
    Recently I had to talk a new writer out of quitting because he'd received a bad review. I reminded him that he writes for himself, not anyone else, and that not everyone has to like his stuff. The important thing is to stay true to yourself.  

    *These selections have been reformatted from their original versions. Every effort was made to retain the original content.*
    So for more insight and all around fun interaction with your favourite authors please check out subsequent Author Chat events! The next on will be held Sunday, October 8th at 9pm Eastern Time and it will feature hosted author LittleBuddhaTW. It's sure to be a blast!
  6. Trebs

    Writing Prompts #174 & #175

    By Trebs,


    Prompts
    Thank G*d It's Friday! A chance to relax for most, a time to look forward to partying or time with family. For us, it is also a time to take a chance, for one last dance for romance... errr - I mean for writing.
     
    Thanks to our Prompt-Guru Comicfan, we have two great new prompts this week, The Storm and The Job. I'd love to see how YOU might respond to either (or both) of these prompts. And then, please, share what you have with the Writing Prompt Community!
     
    Prompt 174 – Creative
    Tag – The Storm
    The news has been talking about a rare cosmic storm heading for earth. They are unsure what it will do. The night it arrives people all over the world watch the freak storm create an unusual light show in the sky. A week later doctor’s begin to notice changes in the plants, animals, and people of earth. What happened?
     
    Prompt 175 – Creative
    Tag – The Job
    Since you were laid off things have been bad. Bills are piling up and you are unsure what to do. Then you find an unusual advertisement for a job. It states you must apply in person and be ready to start immediately. It also states your pay for the year. What is startling is the fact it says you will be unable to communicate with anyone you know for a year. What is the job and do you take it?
     
    Now - prompt responses don't have to be long, it's an exercise, trying your creative fingers to see where you can take the prompt. Prompt 156 from this past summer was
     

    Tony803 took up the challenge with
     

    Well, what do YOU think of that for a start. Let Tony803 know - he's relatively new and immediately jumped into a writing prompt. I think that's fantastic! I think he has an interesting start and may just need a little push to continue, and maybe someone willing to step forward and see if Tony803 might be willing to work with an editor/beta to really flesh out this out idea. Our community has fantastic resources and I look forward to seeing new writers like Tony803 and others flourish and grow.
  7. Trebs
    First, thanks to everyone for their feedback yesterday - and if you haven't chimed in with your thoughts, you can still go back and comment on yesterday's blog.
     
    For today's Author's Showcase, we have two great stories - first is my review of Facing the Demons, by Promising Author Dezlboi. Then CassieQ gives us a great review of Author Stellar's Hidden Sunlight. Enjoy!
     


    Facing the Demons


    by



    Dezlboi


     

    Reviewer: Trebs
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 8024
     
    October is the perfect time for a Halloween story, so I took a read of Facing the Demons, a story that Dezlboi wrote for our 2006 Fall Halloween Anthology.
     
    The story is of Tyler, a freshman at college who comes home for the weekend, starting with meeting up with friends at his high school's football game on Friday, October 30th. A carefree night of watching the game with his friends, including a new guy Nick that he tries to get to know. At an after-party, he unexpectedly gets to see a bit more of Nick, and even gets his phone number.
     
    Dezlboi has a nice gift for description - you really see the town as Tyler initially drives in from college, the gathering at the football game and the scene at the party. Afterwards, Tyler has a nightmare that chills you as you see the Demons from the title. This also sets up the remainder of the story.
     
    Short stories are a very hard format to pull off - and while the story left me with some unanswered questions, I think Dezlboi did a great job with this one. I enjoyed it and am planning on checking out a few of his other stories and gave this four out of five stars.
     

    Hidden Sunlight
    by
    Stellar
     

    Reviewer CassieQ
    Status: In Progress
    Word Count: 85,230
     
    I'm more of a fantasy than a sci-fi reader, but I checked out Stellar's Hidden Sunlight after a recommendation by Myr and it soon became my favorite story on this site.
     
    Hidden Sunlight starts with the journey of Shay Anderson, a teenage boy in the year 2104, to the planet Lucere for an experimental treatment for the degenerative disease that is slowly destroying his body. This treatment involves Shay undergoing medical stasis in a Hoffstadt chamber for a weeks time. When he emerges, Shay finds himself alone, in a deserted, demolished hospital in a post apocalyptic landscape. Completely unaware of what has happened to his family, or the world around him, Shay sets out in search of answers. During his journey he encounters dangerous enemies, unexpected allies, and the mysterious predators that roam the planet.
     
    Then there is Mira. And he is perhaps the most mysterious enigma of all.
     
    Hidden Sunlight has such a rich, fascinating plot that giving a short synopsis without revealing all of the surprises in store is damn near impossible. Stellar takes you through the story flawlessly, with never a dull moment and plenty of surprises and suspense that keeps you going for the next chapter. His characters are fantastic. I dare you not to like Konstantin. All the characters, even the despicable ones, are well developed and genuine. It is quite a feat to intertwine characters and plot the way that Stellar does, and he makes it seem effortless.
     
    The only downside is that the story is incomplete, but Stellar posts with a frequency that only makes the wait for the next chapter only slightly maddening instead of excruciating. It also helps that the chapters are plenty long, usually around 7-8,000 words each. Definitely worth reading, even if Sci-fi isn't your genre. Give it a chance. You won't be sorry.
  8. Trebs
    Start of another week and here at the GayAuthors.org News Blog, we want to help you start on a great footing with a review by Radiant Renee Stevens of our Hosted Author Nephylim's Memories of Forgotten Love. This fantastic story was Nephy's entry in our first Novella contest in 2009, and I remember reading it - riveted to each passing event. I hope you enjoy Renee's review and check out Nephy's story for yourself. Enjoy!
     




    Memories of Forgotten Love


    By



    Nephylim


     
    Reviewer: Renee Stevens
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 48,733
     
    Nephylim is an amazing storyteller, which is why I always enjoy reading her work. I couldn’t remember if I had read “Memories of Forgotten Love” before but once I started reading I realized I had. It was certainly no hardship to read it again, and to be honest; it was almost as if I was reading it for the first time.
     
    The story follows Noah, a young man recounting his experience of waking up in the hospital with no idea how he got there. He has a brain injury and has no recollection of his past. He even has to relearn things such as talking, walking, etc. He has visitors that he doesn’t remember, not the least of which is his family, friends, and Luke. All he knows is that him and Luke used to be friends. Enough people tell him that, but he knows that there is still something that they are keeping from him, he just wished he knew what it was.
     
    There is a lot of angst while Noah tries to cope with all the things he doesn’t know, especially those he feels he should know. This story is full of emotion with an underlying mystery that continues to unravel the further you read. There are twists that as a reader I wasn’t expecting and a few that I kind of guessed about. Even those that I guessed about were brought about in a way that surprised me.
     
    If you’ve never read anything by Nephy before, then this story would be a great first story of hers to read. It’s one of her shorter chapter stories, but it is no less enjoyable than those stories of hers that are over 100K. I highly recommend this story to anyone who wishes for a story that will pull you in and not let you go.
  9. Trebs

    Featured Story: End Of The World

    By Trebs,


    Featured Stories
    Yay - Saturday and a start to a great spring weekend.... Well - spring if you live upside down like Graeme, though fall for all of us normal people ;-)
     
    Speaking of our antipodean friend, Radiant Renee Stevens has done a great review of a 2007 Anthology story written by Graeme - his End of the World.
     
    And on the subject of reviews - once again, we need help. If you are interested in helping us by reviewing a story here on GayAuthors.org, please let me know. We can't do it without your help. And now, please enjoy this review!
     
     
     



    End of the World


    By



    Graeme


     

    Reviewer: Renee Stevens
    Status: Complete
    Anthology: 2007 Endings & Beginnings
     
    I’ve enjoyed most of Graeme’s work, so when I went looking for an old Anthology entry to review for the blog, I saw this one by him and decided to take a look. I hadn’t read it before and especially with our special anthology coming up that’s titled “End of the World” I thought it was fitting for me to read this one.
     
    This is a very bittersweet story about several colonies that have been built on the moon. Different nations have different colonies and the reason they are still moon bound quickly becomes clear as the reader finds out about the issues going on with Earth. The story is centered around Joshua, and to a lesser extent, his husband Chris. Joshua is the Admiral in charge of the United States Moon Base. He has many burdens to shoulder and depends on his husband Chris to help keep him grounded. It’s his job to keep everyone busy so that they don’t focus on what is happening on Earth.
     
    When they face the end of the human species, some hard decisions have to be made, and both Joshua and Chris are smack in the middle of it. This is a story full of turmoil and drama and I can safely say that I don’t recall a single moment of lightheartedness. The ending really surprised me and I wish there was more to the story. Maybe one day Graeme will write a sequel to this story to let us know what happens with these characters.
     
    Until then, Graeme shows his skill in pulling the reader into the story, though there’s a pretty good size twist at the end that threw me for a bit of a loop. The one warning I will give is this, if you are only interested in reading happy go lucky stories, then this one probably isn’t the one for you. Otherwise, why not give it a looksee and then leave Graeme a review to let him know what you think!
  10. Trebs

    Writing Tip: The Mystery Story

    By Trebs,


    Writing Tips
    The Mystery Story - Crafting a Tale of Suspense



    by



    Comicfan


     
     
     

    The mystery is one of those things that just can’t be jumped into. You really need to plan out a mystery before pen hits the paper, or in most cases before fingers hit the keys. There is a lot that happens in a mystery and it is important for you follow some basic ideas before you embark on such task.
     
    First up is the mystery itself. Did someone have something stolen? Was there a murder? Is it something that has been hidden for a long time? Not sure what you want to write about for your mystery, then turn to your local newspaper and see what jumps out at you. This will be your springboard for what you will create.
     
    Your detective is the next crucial part of the story. Who is it going to be? Will it be a teenager who has been all over the world, snotty and well read? Will it be the shy librarian who just can’t seem to get over her stutter? Maybe it is a pair of brothers like the old Hardy Boys? Whoever you decide to create make sure they are both interesting and have either flaws or skills that will help move your story in the right direction.
     
    The minor characters or sometimes the side kick is another important element. For Sherlock Holmes, his trusty Dr. Watson was a sounding board and a way for the reader to see what Holmes was really doing when he investigated. Sometimes this role is a close friend, the client, or even the hired help. Whoever you use may not be there to help. Is there the man who is out to stop your character from solving the mystery out of fear of another secret might be revealed? Maybe she is the villain out to prevent being caught? Or are they the mother who just doesn’t want to see their child hurt?
     
    Once you know who you are dealing with and what you are planning to have your character solve it is important to create the list of clues that will lead your character to solution of the mystery. If it is a case of a hidden family fortune, what clues did great great grandfather leave for his children to find the hidden gold? Where were the clues put, and how did one logically lead to the next? If it is a murder mystery how does the first clue left at the scene lead to the next logically? Remember, if you are having a cast of characters they will need alibis. Whose alibi will not hold up once all the evidence has been collected?
     
    Ever read a mystery and been taken in by the red herring? This is the clue that just seems to scream “HE DID IT!” Later on you realize you were so caught up in that clue you missed when the author casually mentioned the muddy shoe half hidden under the bed, which later proves to be pivotal to the real crime. A case of misdirection can be helpful and keep your reader guessing and interested in your story.
     
    Don’t forget the importance of setting in a mystery novel. There is the old house that the family has deserted that holds the secret to the family fortune. Maybe the seedy hotel where the body was found? The creaking stairs and near misses while trying to find the next clue. Then there are the dark alleys, foggy streets, and scary shops where your character can run into trouble.
     
    Perhaps the most important thing you need to know before you begin to write your mystery is how the whole thing will end. You don’t want to begin, letting the mystery build and then your character suddenly finds himself without any way to get the problem solved. Know how your snotty teenager finds the clues that direct them to the thief, or how the sweet old gentleman discovers the family fortune which will allow the family to stay together now that they aren’t facing the poor house.
     
    Mystery stories are real work. They don’t just happen. They take careful planning and sometimes include a lot of research before you ever begin to write. If you decide to take on this challenge plan it out, enjoy yourself, and take your readers on a ride that will keep them guessing till the end. We are waiting to see your mystery story and hope it is something you can be proud of.
  11. Trebs

    Featured Story: Never More Lonely

    By Trebs,


    Featured Stories
    October - time of pumpkin spiced coffee, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, .... Ummm, excuse me while I grab a snack...
     
    Ok - um, back - where were we? Oh yes, our Featured Story! This week, LouisHarris gives us a great review of Never More Lonely by Hosted Author Cia. Enjoy!
     



    Never More Lonely


    by Cia


     
    Reviewer: LouisHarris
    Status: In Process
    Word Count: 2,050
     

    I read this story because the title Never More Lonely hooked me. Then the first word of the first paragraph hit me, and I couldn't stop reading, not for a second. It tells the story of Owen who met Connor online and this line sums up the entire story for me. Maybe it's the fact that my inspiration isn't someone I know in real life. My sunshine is someone I've never even met.The pacing is fast and there is an element of suspense to the story. When I heard the bangs, I really thought there could be robbery or a murder taking place next door, but boy was I pleasantly surprised. The story grabbed me emotionally, and as you well know, emotion does it for me. I didn't cry or anything like that, but my beaming smile made even my yorkie smile, such was the effect.
     
    A great flash. It has all the elements of good story telling.(Anything less from Cia would be a disappointment). All the elements are there. Plus, I felt it was a good character building exercise. The descriptions of Owen and Conner mix well with the dialogue and narrative.
     
    First Impressions: I loved the strong, fast pacing. It held me glued to the screen straight through.
    Characters: Both are equally well developed and realistic. Intense personalities.
    Plot: Strong, well planned with a beginning, middle and end. realistic.
    Dialogue: Authentic. It gave me details of place and character.
    Content: Well, placed. Precision and clarity abound. Easy to follow. It catches and hold the reader with flair.
    Emotion/Imagery: Strong emotions from me towards the end, adds drama and realism to the characters.
    Likes: Skeevy, geeky,sleek,
     
    Final thoughts: A delightful, interesting read that I would certainly reread (and I have). Amazing characters by the way! Thank you for sharing this Cia.
  12. Trebs

    Weekly Wrap Up!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    TWO ANNOUNCEMENTS: Again, don't forget, voting has started on the 2013 Anthology themes! This is your chance to have a voice in what our themes for next year are. Voting ends sometime on October 5th, but don't wait until the last minute, get your vote in now! Go to the Anthology forum and vote on the five 2013 theme choices!
     
    Also - Radiant Renee Stevens is taking a much-deserved vacation for a couple of weeks. We also are fortunate to announce that Andy021278 has joined the GayAuthors.org News Blog team. So, in the meantime until Renee gets back, if you have anything for this GA News Blog, (such as a review or tip), please PM Andy021278 or me. Thanks!
     
     
     
    We started the week looking at a great review of Furlough by Hosted Author Mark Arbour. After Renee had done a previous review of Mark's Wars End, she found out it was a continuation of this story - one that Mark even mentions he likes better than Wars End. Have you read both? What do you think?
     
    Tuesday, we had a feature on Author Feedback written by Renee that while the article was great, the comments were even better. With 18 comments so far, this is one of our most commented articles in some time. I love going back and checking to see if there are new comments on previous articles - and this is one where that was much worth it as we've continued to get new comments, including one fantastic one yesterday by The_Round_One that starts with the observation
     
    For our mid-week Author Showcase, we looked at a review by Andy021278 of Barrett The Beggar by Promising Author David McLeod as well as a review by LouisHarris of To Move Forward, by Author Randomness. Two great reviews of interesting stories that I need to put on my reading list.
     
    Thursday was a bit of a departure from our normal schedule, as in honor of Trevor Project Day, we highlighted both The Trevor Project as well as the It Gets Better Project, and PodiumDavis compiled and presented a GA version. After asking a number of site members, PodiumDavis pulled together their answers on "How does it get better" - great reading and again, be sure to check out the comments on this one!
     
    Our weekly writing prompts from the Prompt-guru ComicFan include a Challenge prompt as well as a Creative one - and we looked at a response to last week's prompt made by JamesSavik. I love going back to see how people decide to tackle these inventive prompts.
     
    Then we ended our week looking at a Blast from a Feb 2007 GA newsletter, with Literary Jokes.
     
    So - how was your week?
     

    Anthology Announcements:
    Winter Anthology "Desperate Ends"- Due Dec 8th Special Mayan Tribute Anthology "End of the World"- Due Dec 14th

     
    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    Chosen of Honorus by Quonus10, Book 1 of Champions of The Gods
     

    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    GFD 12: Blood Ties by Comicality, Book 12 of Gone From Daylight
     
    Paternity by Mark Arbour, Book 12 of Chronicles of An Academic Predator (CAP)
     
    Ebook: Pricolici by Cia - available for purchase at Amazon and All Romance eBooks.
     
    City Under the Waves by Nephylim
     
    Never More Lonely by Cia
     
    Circumnavigation by C James
     
    Adverse Effects by Cia, Book 2 of Saving Caeorleia
     
     
     
    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    Angels Ascending by JMH, Book 3 of The Centurion Cycle
     
    The English Year by Jwolf
     

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

    Humor: Literary Jokes

    By Trebs,


    Fun Stuff
    Saturday is a great time to relax, and for our GA News Blog, a time to look back. Here is a great and very humorous article from our February 2007 newsletter - "Literary Jokes". I hope you enjoy these as much as I did...
     
    February 2007

    Literary Jokes


     

    A visitor to a certain college paused to admire the new Hemingway Hall that had been built on campus.
    "It's a pleasure to see a building named for Ernest Hemingway," he said.
    "Actually," said his guide, "it's named for Joshua Hemingway. No relation."
    The visitor was astonished. "Was Joshua Hemingway a writer, also?"
    "Yes, indeed," said his guide. "He wrote a check."
     
    A linguistics professor was lecturing to his English class one day. "In English," he said, "a double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative."
    A voice from the back of the room piped up, "Yeah, right."
     
    A writer died and was given the option of going to heaven or hell.
    She decided to check out each place first. As the writer descended into the fiery pits, she saw row upon row of writers chained to their desks in a steaming sweatshop. As they worked, they were repeatedly whipped with thorny lashes.
    "Oh my," said the writer. "Let me see heaven now."
    A few moments later, as she ascended into heaven, she saw rows of writers, chained to their desks in a steaming sweatshop. As they worked, they, too, were whipped with thorny lashes.
    "Wait a minute," said the writer. "This is just as bad as hell!"
    "Oh no, it's not," replied an unseen voice. "Here, your work gets published."
     
    There was once a young man who, in his youth, professed his desire to become a great writer.
    When asked to define great, he said, "I want to write stuff that the whole world will read, stuff that people will react to on a truly emotional level, stuff that will make them scream, cry, howl in pain and anger!"
    He now works for Microsoft writing error messages.
     
    A screenwriter comes home to a burned down house. His sobbing and slightly-singed wife is standing outside. “What happened, honey?” the man asks.
    “Oh, John, it was terrible,” she weeps. “I was cooking, the phone rang. It was your agent. Because I was on the phone, I didn’t notice the stove was on fire. It went up in second. Everything is gone. I nearly didn’t make it out of the house. Poor Fluffy is--”
    “Wait, wait. Back up a minute,” The man says. “My agent called?”
     
    How many science fiction writers does it take to change a light bulb?
    Two, but it's actually the same person doing it. He went back in time and met himself in the doorway and then the first one sat on the other one's shoulder so that they were able to reach it. Then a major time paradox occurred and the entire room, light bulb, changer and all was blown out of existence. They co-existed in a parallel universe, though.
     
    How many publishers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
    Three. One to screw it in. Two to hold down the author.
     
    How many mystery writers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
    Two. One to screw it almost all the way in, and the other to give it a surprising twist at the end.
     
    How many screenwriters does it take to screw in a light bulb?
    Why does it *have* to be changed?
     
    How many cover blurb writers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
    A VAST AND TEEMING HORDE STRETCHING FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA!!!!
     
    How many screenwriters does it take to change a light bulb?
    Answer: Ten.
    1st draft. Hero changes light bulb.
    2nd draft. Villain changes light bulb.
    3rd draft. Hero stops villain from changing light bulb. Villain falls to death.
    4th draft. Lose the light bulb.
    5th draft. Light bulb back in. Fluorescent instead of tungsten.
    6th draft. Villain breaks bulb, uses it to kill hero's mentor.
    7th draft. Fluorescent not working. Back to tungsten.
    8th draft. Hero forces villain to eat light bulb.
    9th draft. Hero laments loss of light bulb. Doesn't change it.
    10th draft. Hero changes light bulb.
  14. Trebs

    Writing Tip: Author Feedback

    By Trebs,


    Writing Tips
    For today's toss-up, Renee Stevens gives some good thoughts and important questions on author feedback. We hope you enjoy...
     


    Author Feedback



    by Renee Stevens


     

    Today, as our Toss-Up Tuesday, we'd like to focus on reviews, both negative and positive. It's no secret that many author's on site thrive for feedback. For myself, I absolutely love to get reviews, I'm sure my eyes light up when I see that little notification that I have a review waiting for my perusal.
     
    I don't mind getting contructive feedback from my readers, if there was something that didn't make sense then I would love to know. However, this is a double edged sword as far as I'm concerned. While I don't mind the majority of critical reviews being public, I think that any that are overly critical should be sent privately.
     
    The majority of us on site are not professional authors. Many of the authors on site are posting their first foray into writing. Instead of discouraging them and saying "don't post if you can't take the criticism" please take a moment to think about if you really want to risk discouraging a new author or if doing the simple kindness of PM'ing the author with your criticism is a better route to take.
     
    Bill W said it best in December of last year and I would like to take a moment to share his post with you:
     

    As this was nearly a year ago, some people have for sure noticed that Bill is still active on site and is still writing. What I would like everyone to focus on is the rest of his post.
     
    What are your thoughts on this matter? Should overly negative and critical reviews be posted publicly?
  15. Trebs

    Featured Story: Furlough

    By Trebs,


    Featured Stories
    Hard to believe we're in the last week of September... Hoping you're enjoying your fall, and at the same time - here's a great review by Radiant Renee Stevens to get you through your day!
     
     
     



    Furlough


    by



    Mark Arbour


     
    Reviewer: Renee Stevens
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 5,206
     
    Back in May I did a review of Hosted Author: Mark Arbour’s story Wars End. In the comments, he had made the comment that it was a continuation of one of his previous anthology stories, Furlough. I didn’t know that at the time, but he also said that he liked Furlough better as well as gave some insight into what prompted the two stories in the first place. I decided I needed to read the other story so that I could form my own opinion on which I like better. In answer to that, it’s a really tough call as I really liked both of them.
     
    Furlough has the two main characters, both of them soldiers during World War I. Jack is a soldier from Canada who is on leave in Paris. He quite literally trips over Gabriel in his quest for two. There are a few misconceptions from their first meeting, but rather than being humorous, they are heart wrenching. Both men are suffering from what they have endured during the course of the war. For Jack, the majority of his issues are on the inside, for Gabriel, he has much more permanent, and physical, problems. Both of them need to find some type of healing, but for Jack, he only has a few days before he has to go back to the frontline.
     
    This tale goes through so many emotions for being such a short tale that it really showcases Mark’s ability to draw the reader in and make them empathize with the main characters. In my opinion, there are very few authors who can really make a reader care for the characters in a short story, but Mark is definitely one of them.
     
    If you haven’t already read this story, I highly suggest that you do so. I seriously doubt that you will be disappointed. Also, if you enjoy it, I would recommend that you immediately go and read “Wars End.” Together the stories are just over 11,000 words. Also, if you enjoy them, then why not leave Mark a review and let him know!
     
    To read my previous review of Wars End as well as see what was Mark’s inspiration for the two stories, visit the other blog entry here.
  16. Trebs
    The Trevor Project is national organization in the United States, dedicated to providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth since 1998. They provide a toll free lifeline at 866-488-7386866-488-7386. The Trevor Project has set today, September 27 as "Trevor Project Day." This is part of National Suicide Prevention month and their "Talk to Me" campaign.
     
    A second organization started up in September 2010. The It Gets Better Project was started by author/columnist Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller, to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives, they wanted to create a personal way, through videos and other messages, to tell youth that yes, it does indeed get better.
     
    In honor of Trevor Project Day, Podiumdavis reached out to OUR GayAuthors.org community and asked them:
     
     
     
    Admin: JSmith
     
    It gets better doesn't only apply to gay teens. It applies to everyone. Life is a series of challenges that everyone attempts to overcome. When you overcome those challenges, that's what defines you as a person. It gives you the strength to carry on in life and improve not only your life, but those of others as well. Being gay doesn't define an individual. It's only a small part of someone's life. Once they accept it and learn to love themselves, life can only get better.
     
    Author: Mark92
     
    Don't really know what to say, but it's about the Trevor Project. I don’t know if you know or not? But I have attempted many, many times. Not because I'm a teenager or that I am gay. My circumstances and the situations I find myself in are the cause.
     
    I am trying to keep the depression thread going, and it seems to stand up on its own now. The reason I wanted to write this is because of what helped me.
     
    These days I rely on a few kind words from the depression thread, or sometimes a kick up the arse, from friends here and Stuby.
     
    But before GA there was just me, alone. I've been so low I have choked on a gun barrel before, even had a row of cartridges ready. That would be the easiest and quickest way. My remoteness and the medication I take, would sort the rest.
     
    What has stopped me are my animals. Who would know they were here with nobody to look after them? Not just the farm animals, but my pets, my three cats and faithful friend Max my dog. He knows when I am down and puts his head on my knee.
     
    Having that responsibility stopped me. Without me they would die.
     
    I completely forget about my troubles and concentrate on their needs. It helps me, it might help others.
     
    Author: K.C.
     
    First, I'm almost 40 so both the "It gets better" and the "Trevor project" were not around when I was growing up. When I was 14 one of my classmates committed suicide. It was the mid 80's. He had not come out, but at that time most teens (even myself) kept our sexuality to ourselves, so we may never know if that was the reason or not. I've had my speculations but I do know that he was bullied. I never participated yet I didn't do anything to stop it either, which I regret to this day.
     
    Over the years, I've thought about him during special milestones in my life, ones that he would never experience. It gets better...I wish someone older and wiser would have told him this. Almost 10 years later, I almost took my own life. It was startling how little I cared for my own life. My actions were a wake-up call. 15 years later, I know for a fact that it gets better. I would have missed out on so much if I didn't take it day by day...and just breathe. It gets better.
     
    Author: Curti
     
    As you get older you realize that the people’s opinions that matter are the ones that love you no matter what. Everyone else really isn’t important. You'll learn that every person you meet will come and then go; the most important thing is being true to yourself. The day that you love and accept yourself fully without the least bit of degrade then that will be the day that you just don't care what others think and essentially you'll be as happy as you can possibly be.
     
    Author: Johnathan Colourfield
     
    Trust me, it does get better. Five years ago, I was a shy embarrassed teenager; I hated even looking at myself in the mirror. Five years later, I'm far more confident than I was and I’m a successful university student. I never gave up and I was strong for myself; no one else. I focused on what I wanted and I became more confident as a person. Sure, I’m not all the way there yet; but I will get there! And so will you!
     
    Editor: Harcallard
     
    I grew up in a small southern town where being gay was unheard of and very seldom seen. I guess you could say I come from the most redneck family you ever want to meet. I knew early on that I was attracted more to guys than girls. I tried to do the things my cousins and other family members were involved in. I can hunt, fish, work on cars, etc... However, this still did not change the fact that I was attracted to guys. I was close to one of my cousins and we were like Siamese twins. However, that quickly changed the day that he found out I was gay. He yelled, screamed, and even punched me. I felt extremely betrayed and hurt. He has not talked to me in over 30 years. Several of my family members still to this day do not speak to me. If it had not been for my oldest cousin, I do not know where I would be today. He never once judged me. Instead he hugged me and let me cry on his shoulder. He was an outlet for me to come to when I needed someone to be there for me. I can never repay him for the love and kindness he should me that day. I was given the best advice from him when he told me to live my life and be who I am. Then find someone who can love you and you in return. This is the mantra I have lived my life by today. What I am trying to say is if you’re suffering and in pain, find someone you can talk too. You may not believe things will get any better, but take it from someone who has been there, it will get better.
     
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  17. Trebs
    We've got a wonderful midweek treat for you... First, Andy021278 gives us a great review of Promising Author David McLeod's Barrett the Beggar. Then we have an equally compelling review by LouisHarris on Author Randomness' To Move Forward. Take a look at these reviews and hopefully check out one or both of these stories. Enjoy!
     
     
     



    Barrett The Beggar


    by



    David McLeod


     

    Reviewer: andy021278
    Status: Complete
    Word Count: 13,404
     
    This is the first of David McLeod’s stories I’ve read, and I was drawn in from the very beginning. David McLeod has created a truly believable medieval world as his setting for the story, and he has populated it with barons, princes, a powerful clergy, and of course beggars.
     
    The story starts with one of the central characters, Will, entering the city of Norfolk. The first thing he sees is a beggar being mistreated by three local tweens (which unlike the modern meaning, seems to indicate older teens), and it both shocks and angers him (being a tween himself). Down an alleyway whilst trying to find somewhere to sleep, he meets another beggar; the eponymous Barrett. Barrett informs him of dark goings-on, of people being abducted and pressed into service by the city of Eblis; and worse it seems that the local clergy and the town’s Council are complicit in the abductions somehow. Will and Barrett quickly become friends and allies, and they both quickly get drawn into this conspiracy.
     
    They look for a place to sleep, and they meet Edward who runs one of the local inns. He agrees to let them stay at the inn, in exchange for providing manual labour. Edward seems a nice enough person, trusting and caring and he honours the old ways, but he hides a secret; one which could bring serious trouble to Will and Barrett. Edward’s son was one of the abducted, so just how far can Will and Barrett trust him? Though, Edward is not the only person hiding a secret, so is Will; and Will’s secret is much bigger.
     
    Join a world of secrets, conspiracy, and what story isn’t complete without a little love thrown in? But watch out for the Semblers (people who can tell if you are lying to them).
     
    For there having been no editor or beta involved in this story I was impressed with both the standard of grammar and punctuation, and the flow of the story. This was a truly enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading another of David McLeod’s stories.
     



    To Move Forward


    by



    Randomness


     

    Reviewer: LouisHarris
    Status: In Progress
    Current Word Count: 17,381
     
    I came across To Move Forward on a lazy day when I had nothing to do and I'm glad I read the first chapter. It propelled me to wait for the next and the next and the next. Okay, there are only four chapters so far and I'm looking forward to the next four because I am totally engaged by the characters thus far.
     
    The blurb reads: Patrick has been unable to let go of the past. He finally decides to make an attempt to move forward but realizes there may be more chapters to add to the old story before starting a new one.
     
    Ben and Patrick HAD been more than friends at college before they went their separate ways.Ben obviously had a major impact on Patrick's life once upon a time. In the years that followed, Ben married and Patrick remained true to his sexual orientation as a gay man. Patrick takes life seriously. This is a good thing, considering that he has recently had a fallout. By chance he and Ben meet at a fair, where Patrick discovers that Ben is divorced. Suddenly, Patrick is thrust into Ben's life once again, and he has no idea what he is getting himself into because, as much as Patrick desires Ben and vice versa, there are skeletons in the cupboard that are dying (excuse the pun) to be laid to rest.
     
    Indulge with me for a moment as I reveal exactly what Ben and Patrick have confided in me, you see, I have become one of their best friends, and as much as the author knows and talks to his characters, I do the same, especially with characters who invoke in me certain emotions: Ben wants readers to get to know him better. He has good qualities. He lives in the present and is a good listener. He wants readers to tell him when he goes wrong. He wants readers to care. He will not force Patrick into anything he does not want to do. Ben is patient and caring too and he's unforgetable. He knows that Patrick has other friends, but he's a little worried that Patrick isn't sharing all the details of his life with. Patrick's friends, just as Ben's friends, are an inmortant part of their past and future. However, he is leaving the choice up to Patrick.
     
    This is Patrick's response:
     
    Patrick is cautious because he doesn't want to get hurt . More to the point, he does not want to be hurt by Ben. His other friends, (Greg, Rob, Emily, etc.), he can deal with, as long as he knows that Ben would stand by him.
     
    Yes, others give character.
    Who does define me?
    Does who change definition?
    Friends? Confidants? A Lover?
     
    Yes, we are reunited.
    Where do we go now?
    Do we ignore these past years?
    Apart? Lonely? Still longing?
     
    Yes, Ben told me he missed me.
    What does that really mean?
    Does he miss me in his life?
    As a lover? A toy? Friend?
     
    Yes, the words can make me weep.
    How do I tell him?
    Do I toss caution aside?
    Blurt it out? Confess? Confide?
     
    Yes, I have waited many years.
    When is the right time?
    Do I be ordinary?
    At dinner? A party? Fair?
     
    Yes, I have waited too long.
    Do I need do this?
    Why extraordinary?
    To breathe, to live, To Move Forward.
     
    Randomness. I love it. It is well written and struck an emotional lump inside me. The writing is fresh and elegant. I look forward to following Patrick's journey. I hope every chapter will allow me to express my feelings. If there is one story you read this year, make sure it is To Move Forward. I certainly cannot move forward without the next chapter.
  18. Trebs

    Anniversary Week - Weekly Update!

    By Trebs,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    Did everyone enjoy Anniversary Week?
     

    We started the week with a review by Cia of Hosted Author Myr's Terran Confederation - Jeremiah. See, not only does he bring us all this fantastic website for the past ten years, he writes too!
     
    For our Toss Up Tuesday, we then continued with an interview with Myr!
     
    Wednesday, we had a bit of a change up and instead of our usual reviews, we had some thoughts from one of the other original GayAuthors.org authors - Comicality. It was a great read to see Comicality's thoughts on GA and the past ten years.
     
    Thursday, September 13th was the actual tenth anniversary itself - and for the occasion, Myr gave us a great article showing the state of GA through the years.
     
    Instead of our normal prompts, for this week, we had two anniversary themed prompts - but no fear as to their quality, as they still came from the prompt-meister himself, Comicfan.
     
    And then to end the week, we looked back at a December 2006 newsletter that also had celebrated the beginnings of GA - and interesting to note the changes since then.
     
    So - how was your week?
     

    Anthology Announcements:
    Winter Anthology "Desperate Ends"- Due Dec 8th Special Mayan Tribute Anthology "End of the World"- Due Dec 14th

    NEW READING
     
    In Premium this week:
     
    Chosen of Honorus by Quonus10, Book 1 of Champions of The Gods
     

    By our Hosted Authors this week:
     
    Adverse Effects by Cia, Book 2 of Saving Caeorleia
     
    City Under the Waves by Nephylim
     
    A Legend is the Key by Cia
     
    Circumnavigation by C James
     

    By our Promising Authors this week:
     
    Remember my Heart by Dark
     
    The Game by Dolores Esteban
     
    The English Year by Jwolf
     

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

    Blast From The Past!

    By Trebs,


    News Archive
    This isn't the first time we've celebrated the beginnings of GayAuthors.org (nor will it be the last). In December 2006, we had a great newsletter entry that we want to share again with you, in this Blast From the Past. We also have a bit of an update posted below the entry. Enjoy!
     
     
     

    Dec. 2006

    A Man, A Computer & A Dream



    The Birth of Gay Authors


     
    It was September 13, 2002 when the vision of one man began to become a reality. That late summer day would change the face of online gay fiction and substantially raise the bar for a quality fiction site.
     
    Tired of having to dig through fiction super-sites for quality stories, the idea formed that a site was needed that didn’t have your run of the mill smut, a place where people could go and click on any story and find a quality piece of writing. With this vision, a years worth of planning and hard work the day arrived that GA was born.
     
    With its first and then its only hosted author, Comicality, and about 75 members GA persevered through its first year, each year there after gaining members and more authors such as DomLuka and Bill W, soon to be joined by dkstories.
     
    All these great authors had fans, of course, and they had plenty to say. This was the reasoning behind the birth of the forums, which came just under a year later in July of 2003. Fans got the chance to talk about their favorite stories, to have open discussions and be part of a community that was growing rapidly.
     
    Everyone has their favorite authors, favorite stories and favorite features. There’s something for everyone at GA. I asked Myr, the man behind the dream, what his favorite feature is and his reply was:
     
    “For a long time, it was the Story Archive. I programmed the original one. I also did extensive medications to the current one. At the moment, I’m working on the design specs for the brand new one. I don’t really have a favorite feature now. I think now that is the combination of everything, including the community.”
     
    Getting a site such as GA up and running and molded into what it is today was no easy task, but through hard work and diligence it has been accomplished. For Myr, the rewards have been well worth the effort.
     
    He says that, for him, the best reward has been, “The kind words of thanks from teens and others along the way that said that Gay Authors made a big difference in their lives for the better.”
     
    This past year has seen immense growth for GA, with new authors joining, new features and facilities emerging and so much more still to come, even Myr never imagined the site would get so big.
     
    “We’ve gone through a lot of servers now because we kept outgrowing them all," he told me. "We are now on our dedicated server, of course.”
    From seventy-five members the first year to just passing the 3,000 member mark last month, and now having over 55,000 posts, 18 hosted authors, 8 shared hosted authors, and a place for up and coming authors to post their works, the numbers themselves speak for the immense popularity and quality of the site.
     
    GA has indeed become a dream to be proud of. For all the lives it’s changed, all the entertainment it has provided and all the friendships the community provides. A man, his computer and his dream have changed the face of story sites for the better and forever!
     
     
     

    Pretty cool, eh? And look at those statistics. From passing 3000 members in Dec 2006, to 13,097 this week. And instead of 55K posts, we have over 374K posts. We went from 18 Hosted to our current 31 Hosted Authors, and from 8 "shared hosted" to 28 Promising Authors - and we're still constantly recruiting and reviewing authors to build up these pools. And we have a lot to build from, with an overall total of 701 Authors who have currently written 2606 stories, comprised of 15,566 chapters (for a total of over 65 MILLION words). We're also VERY proud and happy that for these stories, there have been over 36 thousand reviews!
     
    - Trebs
  20. Trebs
    How can we have an anniversary week, without anniversary prompts? But oh - Comicfan, the ever resourceful has solved this dilemna with these two wonderful writing prompts. As always, we hope you share your responses with the community in the Writing Prompts forum...
     
    Special Anniversary Prompt #1
    Tag: Anniversaries
    Anniversaries are always something special and unusual. What makes the one you are attending that way?
     
    Special Anniversary Prompt #2
    Tag: Save the Date
    I know I had been asked to save that date for a special occasion but so many things have come up I forgot. What was the reason you were to save that date?
     
    Looking back on past prompt responses, what would be more appropriate than a prompt and response posted about a year ago. Prompt #66 was:
     

    Dolores Esteban wrote a wonderful and fun response, The Quest. Here's a taste of it:
     

    Love it as much as I did? Check out the rest of The Quest.
  21. Trebs

    Author Showcase - Thoughts From Comicality

    By Trebs,


    Author Interviews
    With Anniversary week in full swing, we're making a substitute for this week's Author Showcase and instead of reviews of two GA Authors, one of them a Promising Author - this week, we're thrilled to offer this piece from one of the first GayAuthors.org authors, Comicality. Radiant Renee Stevens reached out to Comicality, and wrote the intro for this. We hope you enjoy!
     
     
     

    We are bringing you something that was written from the heart. We all know what GA means to us and so I wanted to see what some of the earliest members thought of the site and how it's grown. In this avenue, I contacted Hosted Author: Comicality. He was with the site from the start and has seen every change that has happened. He knows what it was like from the start compared to what it is today. Comsie was gracious enough to provide us with a wonderful little piece to help us celebrate Gay Authors 10th Anniversary! Thank you Comsie!
     
    - Renee Stevens


    *****


     
    Wow...how time flies when you're having fun, right?
     
    Am I really getting that old? Hehehe! One has to wonder what would have happened had things gone differently. If that one chance meeting online all those years ago had been missed by a fraction of a second.
     
    As one of the very first authors to appear on GayAuthors, I've had the pleasure and honor of seeing it grow into the amazing place that it is today. I got to see the boards become populated with a loving and caring community. I got to see the roster of talented authors get bigger and bigger every month. I got to see the support, the feuds, the anthologies, the many different designs and set ups...it really has been one hell of a ride for all of us so far. And I expect that the ride will only get more exciting from here on out.
     
    When I first started writing, I had a dinky little website that I built with the best HTML that my 'non-techie' mind could come up with. Unfortunately, the server that I was on at the time was going through a rather homophobic stage at the time. They didn't want to have anything to do with gay fiction. CERTAINLY not gay TEEN fiction. I was storing all of my files there, a ton of notes and stories and ideas. Then one day...poof. All gone. I got a rather cold email from them saying that my account had been erased, and that my content violated their terms of agreement. I'll never get that work back. That was a devastating blow, as I was writing like a madman at the time.
     
    Hearing the news, one of my readers said that he would pick up the site and host it for a while. Then, once things got rolling again...he vanished from online. And I had no way to update or even erase the site. For all I know, it might 'still' be floating around in cyberspace again. No warning. He just disappeared. And I was feeling really down about it, because it was starting to look like I'd never be able to settle into a place that I could call home.
     
    In comes Myridian....
     
    I have to admit, when he offered to host my site for free, no questions asked, hehehe...I kinda felt like, "Here we go again." But I took a chance. He really seemed like he believed in me and what I was trying to do with my writing. So I thanked him and said "Let's do it." The server had a different name back then, I think. Hehehe, what was it? Like 'a site' or something? Hehehe, well, it wasn't GayAuthors yet. But what happened after that proved to be a match made in Heaven. He truly saved me from vanishing from the net completely. Because after the second incident, I had lost my inspiration and felt as though I just didn't have the strength to rebuild a third time. But Myr believed in me, and together we made an effort to start all over from scratch. That wasn't easy. I had to switch to a new service for the message boards, my previous readers had no way to find my new site location...it was exhausting. But I kept writing, kept advertising, trying to bring people in whenever I could. And in time, as the Shack grew, GA grew, and vice versa. We basically leapfrogged over one another to get more and more attention from a public that was looking for stories with a bit more substance than what they could find in a lot of the free sites online. By the time GayAuthors had become official, it had become synonymous with quality gay fiction. Romance. Emotion. A place where people could go, and leave feeling better than when they clicked on that link. And that's something really special, you know? I'm honored to be a part of that.
     
    I truly consider Myr a close friend of mine. Over the years that we've been in contact, it has almost been a good time. Hahaha! Except for a few 'high spirited conversations' that occur from time to time. But if there's no conflict, then it's not a real friendship, is it? There have been many times when we would catch each other online at the same time, and end up talking for an hour or two. LOL! With neither ONE of us getting our online work done. But it's still fun! Sometimes Myr is stressed out, sometimes I'm stressed out, and we can talk about it. We can let off steam and get back to normal. And sometimes, we're both so busy (or exhausted) that we can barely get in a quick hello. If that much. But I wouldn't trade it for anything.
     
    This past June, Comicality's Shack Out Back celebrated it's 14th year online....and that wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for Myr and GayAuthors. It is because of GA that I'm still around at all. And I am forever grateful. There's nothing that he can't ask of me. And even if I give him grief, bitch and moan and complain about it...I know what this place has done for me....and I know that I owe them a debt that I can never repay with anything other than the words from my heart. And they can have it. Forever and always.
     
    So happy anniversary, GayAuthors! Websites have come and gone over the years, but we remain strong! We just keep growing and getting better! Not many people can say that! So raise your glasses, folks! My every success is due to the kindness and understanding that GA gave me way back when people were still saying 'Comicality who?' Let's wish them well for another ten years! To you, and to all of the amazing talent that you've sponsored on the site!
     
    Love, Comsie....
  22. Trebs

    Toss-Up Tuesday: Interview With Myr

    By Trebs,


    Author Interviews
    Can you feel the love tonight....
     
    <ahem> I mean, are you loving our Anniversary week entries so far? Today, for Toss Up Tuesday, Radiant Renee Stevens interviewed the one, the only - MYR!!!
     
    We hope you enjoy!
     



    Interview with Myr


     
    Interviewer: Renee Stevens
     
    What prompted you to create GayAuthors.org?
    I wanted to put all my favorite stories in one spot.

    So, would it be fair to say that GA surpassed your expectations and grew beyond what you originally had planned for it?
    Oh yes. Quite so.

    Ok, it's got to be stressful working full time and keeping GA up and running, especially when you throw school into the mix. How do you manage?
    A distinctive lack of a personal life.

    In looking at your list of stories, most of them are Harry Potter fan fic. What appeals to you the most about Harry Potter?
    When I first started sharing my writing, I decided to write to appeal to a very large audience of readers. To this day, I get far more feedback on my writing from FanFiction.net then I do here on GA. I have leveraged this and the feedback to improve my writing over all.
     
    And I just happen to love Harry Potter stories.

    That would definitely help . So, you've been writing for quite a while, what is something you have learned that you think all authors could benefit from?
    Try to have at least an idea of where you are going before you start.

    What are some of the things you are most proud of the site doing?
    I'm rather proud of our story hosting software, GA.Stories

    Why are you so proud of the hosting software?
    Because I spent so much time studying how stories were hosted here and elsewhere and the older, clunkier software we had, eFiction. I designed GA.Stories to answer all the problems of the old systems while giving us a path forward. We're coming up on two years of using it now and it has proved to be very successful at improving the reading experience.

    What further developments would you like to see happen?
    Well, we are always looking at ways to improve the reading experience and increase the feedback to our authors.

    Out of everything that has changed on GA over the last ten years, what surprises you the most and why?
    The amount of crazy straight women hanging around. Shouldn't that be obvious?

    The site is constantly on google and others as we see from the main forum page, what does that mean for the site?
    Google, Bing, Facebook and others are constantly on the site updating their search engines. It makes GA easier to find and more likely to pop up in search results.

    So, theoretically, it might help bring more authors and readers to the site.
    Yup

    Okay, out of all of your stories, which one is your favorite and why?
    Nick Cringle. I wrote it for the first Anthology we did on the site and it tends to reflect my general humor.

    Is Nick your favorite character as well? If not, who is?
    Probably Jeremiah in Terran Confederation - Jeremiah. He was challenging to write because his emotional response is... different... from others.

    What is one thing most people on GA would be surprised to find out about you?
    That I'm not an ogre.

    Anything else you'd like to tell the members of GA? (Like maybe how to stay on your good side?)
    Be kind, review what you read.

  23. Trebs

    Writing Prompts #166 & #167

    By Trebs,


    Prompts
    So - since there may be a malicious rumour going around today, I just want to verify, today is NOT my birthday...
     
     
     
     
     
    Couldn't be - I stopped having them about 20 years ago
     
    BUT - if for some reason, you decide to listen to such spiteful drivel, well - maybe give me a gift. Like - don't just read the wonderful prompt responses from other members, take a stab at one of these great prompts from our ever clever Comicfan, and share your response with the community in our Writing Prompts forum.
     
    So, this weeks prompts are:
     
    Prompt 166 – Creative
    Tag – List of Words
    Use the following words in a story: thunder, surgery, alien, cake, and oak tree.
     
    Prompt 167 – Creative
    Tag – Memory
    For the past ten years you have lived your life day by day never really knowing who you were. Today on the way home you stopped for coffee and as the man handed it to you it spilled on your hand. Just like that the wall cracked and you slowly begin to remember who you are. What is your story?
     
    Cool, eh? So give it a try!
     
    We also love looking at past prompt responses each week, and last week's prompts have already generated some great responses. Prompt 165 was:
     

    Dolores Esteban took up that challenge in a story that made me hold my breath, as well as a response from JamesSavik that actually combined both this and prompt 164. But Andy021278's response is my favorite so far as it was not only suspenseful, but I loved the format he used.
     
    Now, you may have a different favorite, but I think we can all agree that it was great of these authors for sharing these with us!
  24. Trebs

    Writing Tip: Why A Beta?

    By Trebs,


    Writing Tips
    We have a great tip below, written by our own Dark on "Why a Beta?". But before we launch into this tip, Podiumdavis recently approached Renee and I on another of his wonderful compilations. For this one, instead of privately gathering interviews and/or questions and pulling them together, the thought is to put out the inquiry and invite anyone interested to submit their responses privately to Podiumdavis. Then in a short bit, we'll post the best ones (and as usual, if there is enough and the answers are varied, we might have this as a two-parter.
     
    So the inquiry is:
     

    Definitely a more substantial question than we've typically done, but very timely and relevant as well. We invite any GA member to participate, and look forward to your thoughts.
     
    And now, on to our Thursday Tip!
     
     
     


    Why a Beta?



    by



    Dark


     

    Newbies everywhere have asked the question “What is a beta?” An explanation is usually followed up with either a disbelieving “I don’t need no stinking beta!” or a mad rush to find someone who will tell them they’re the next Stephen King! and their writing is too darn awesome for a beta!! Don’t forget the exclamation points.
     
    The truth is that all writers no matter our level of experience need someone to review our work before we submit it to a larger audience. Why? Because words are pictures to authors, but those pictures sometimes come out fuzzy.
     
    Professional authors use many betas for a variety of purposes. Just like we go to certain of our friends when we want expertise on certain things, so, too, do authors use betas. I would never go to my sister for style advice, but she’s good at spotting emotion in things. I have a friend I send stuff to when I’m not sure if a character is staying in character. You can also use betas to help in areas you have no experience with. You’d want a doctor to review that essential medical scene, maybe a lawyer to help you with a court case, a contractor to help with that remodel … get the idea?
     
    A smart writer will employ both a beta and an editor. Many betas are also editors, but not every editor is a beta. Typically, an editor looks only at the technical aspect of the craft: punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Betas, however, can serve a number of different purposes and this is why every writer (and every beta) has a different definition for what a beta is.
     
    Beta-readers (or betas for short) have been around for a very long time, but the term itself is fairly new. “To beta” something is generally attributed to the dawn of the computer age when programmers give their work to coworkers/friends/family and have them “break” it. That is, beta-testers use the program and see if it does what it is supposed to do. Generally, this is the stage right before the final version is shipped to distributors for sale. For writers, a beta serves a similar purpose.
     
    In my experience, betas typically fall into one of two categories: the line by line commentator and the summarizer. Each can be helpful; which type you use depends on what you respond to best or what you want for a particular story. You might use both for a single story. It’s up to you.
    I am a summarizer, as are many of the betas I have worked with in the past. Summarizers give comments to the writer in paragraph form, generally either separate from the text like in an email, or at the very beginning or ending of a chapter or story. For example, this is an excerpt from comments I wrote to a friend of mine: The sex in the tree seems really uncomfortable! LOL. Not just the positions, but do any of these guys believe in lube? This sex scene, like the one at the beginning, is superfluous and does nothing for the plot. It should be cut out.
     
    Line by line commentators typically find a way to make a comment on particular lines of a story and these are very specific. Remember your English teacher and all the red marks and notes written in the margins? Yeah, like that. Since most of us on GA send our work to others electronically rather than as a hard-copy, notes and questions to the writer are easy to insert using a word-processing program as comments or by using the track changes tool.
     
    Sometimes, a writer has a specific list of requirements for their beta but a lot of times writers don’t know what we want. Even when we specifically ask for something, a writer does not always know best.
     
    Betas serve many functions for a writer. Betas develop their own style and a way of doing things just like writers do. (At the bottom of this article are a few links to help the developing beta.) Writers and betas do not have to like each other, but without mutual respect the partnership is doomed. Betas need confidence and a balance in their critiques. I do not make a good beta because I focus too much on the negatives. Other betas focus too much on the positives. Some betas give light feedback and some betas provide so many comments it’s like reading a novel.
     
    The hardest part of using a beta is finding one! I have worked with several through GA and other sites and for every successful collaboration, there’s ten failures. The key is to not give up. I have a few go-to people when I’m looking at specific aspects of a story, but finding what I call my Perfect Beta took me three years. Three years to finally find someone who can follow my rambling thoughts, be tough with me, and yet pinpoint the exact spots in a story to turn it from okay into great. Three years! I thought it would never happen.
     
    What I can advise when beta-hunting is to not wait for someone to find you. There are websites and forums where you can go to advertise (on GA, look in the editor’s corner). You can also look at the stories you read to see if the author lists his beta(s). Here on GA there’s a special search tool for betas and editors. Simply click on the GA Stories link and on the left-hand side you can select Editors or Beta Readers under in the browse list. Sometimes, authors you read are willing to beta, like Cia, for example, one of our hosted authors here on GA.
     
    An author’s writing style appeals to different kinds of people. Some of the best insights you can glean on your writing is from the comments you receive. I’ve received several comments that were so amazing that I just had to continue the dialogue and indeed led me to my perfect beta.
    When I first came to GA, I had no beta. After getting to know some of the folks here, advertising, and doing some snooping around, I started working with some folks as betas. My editor helped me make some connections and being in chat helped me get to know even more people.
     
    As an author, you will work with many different beta readers. You will out-grow some or drift apart, just like we do with our friends. The important thing to remember with a beta reader is that you should get something out of it. Sometimes the best way to do that is to think like a beta.
    Here are some links that I have found helpful:
    Ten Tips to be a Better Beta Reader by Corrine Jackson The Beta Reader's Bible by online author Tania What is a Beta Reader & Where Do I Find One? from literary rambles dot com

    Good luck on your Beta Hunt!
  25. Trebs

    Toss Up Tuesday: Interview With Cailen

    By Trebs,


    Author Interviews
    Before we give you our Toss Up Tuesday, we want to remind you of what today is. If you planned to participate in the 2012 Gay Authors Fall Anthology: Friends and Enemies the deadline is TODAY!
     
    Now that we've given you that little reminder, onto our Tuesday content. Today we have another interview for you. You have probably seen his work on the site as the interviewee is our resident graphic artist, Cailen. Thank you Cailen for answering some questions and a big thank you goes out to the interviewer, Comicfan. Thanks guys!
     
     
     

    Interview with
    Cailen


    Interviewed By: Comicfan


    Cailen you have been with GA for just over a year and a half now. What was it that drew you to this site?


    One person: AnytaSunday. It seems like an eternity ago, but at the time I was writing Raven and posting it on Nifty. One of the stories on Nifty that I was reading was so good I decided to email the writer. She told me I could find the rest of the story on GA so I went to the site and proceeded to read all her work. That story was Shane and Trey, she then encouraged me to join and post my own work. So it began… Cailen is your pen name. Some of us have been around when you have stated how the name is actually pronounced. Care to let the whole site know once and for all how you say it and why it was chosen?


    Cailen is the male Gaelic form of the name we now use as Catlin. I pronounce it (be it right or wrong) Kai (as in Sky) Len (as in Lynn.) Cailen of course is also the name of The Elvish Prince in Raven. Cailen plays the love/mentor to the main character. I took the inspiration of taking the name as my own pen name from another GA Author who took his pen name from one of his characters. I am of course speaking of Comicality from his story Gone From Daylight where a young boy meets his vampire mentor named Comicality.
    I had been using Kalien (kay-lee-in) as my gaming tag in my online games for years. So when I was writing Raven I researched elvish and Gaelic names and thought Cailen was a good mix and close to what I had been using. I put a lot of thought into choosing Cailen before I went ahead with it. I wanted my pen name to represent me, but I also wanted the name to be androgynous to readers. I got that idea from my mother who wanted to be an engineer but her professors told her she should be a housewife and forget about becoming an engineer. She took to using only her Initials A. E. Rivard when applying for jobs after that. During your time here on GA you have been busy creating signatures for multiple individuals. What helps you decide what you will use in the creation of them?


    My GA Signature Archive is the largest private signature collection on GA . I created so many signatures that I was given the special privilege of extra space so I may keep adding to it.  

    I like to get to know who I am making a signature for as I make signatures to suit. I generally ask people what colors they like, if they are hot or cold tempered and so on. I take as much information as I can and use it to form a conceptual idea. By getting to know a person’s likes and dislikes I can form an Idea that they will hopefully enjoy and they usually do.  

    I make the signatures for fun, I don’t get paid and I get nothing from it other than knowing I helped someone and made them happy.  

    I work to find a way to make the various elements fit. I will blend these elements always keeping in mind scope, pictures, size, and even the colors to make the whole thing balanced. The signatures are levels of compositions. I work with a basic background first and build images on images. Sometimes I use tones and color, images, proportion, and then juxtapose all these ideas to get the final product, one that will best represent the author I am creating it for. Now that we have been talking about your art is there any particular artist who has had an effect on your work?


    I was wondering if there was going to be more art questions. Yes, a major influence on my art is Salvador Dali. His surrealist influence can be found in much of my art work. What first attracted you to writing?


    I was a dismal student in high school; it wasn’t until I got to college that I had a great teacher, Professor Dern, who really got me excited about reading and writing. It was his encouragement to explore my creativity that led me to taking up the pen and start putting my ideas on paper. Among the pieces you have included on the site are your wedding vows. What made you decide to put something so personal up for public scrutiny?


    I am one of the rare, (but growing in number) people who are gay AND legally married. I married my long time best friend from elementary school, but we didn’t come out to each other until college. My love for Ace is vast and as deep like a sea of stars on a clear night. He is my everything. I lost a lot, and went through a lot to be with him, but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. I wanted to share that openness, that joy and pain, the hope and sorrow, and show it to you all, so everyone would know just how much I care about him.  

    He is my other half; the other part of my soul, he brings out what is the very best in me and I give that to him. I won’t even begin to tell you what he gives me… (wink wink) Every author has a story they are most proud of. For you which story is that?


    Somewhere Only We Know . The story came to me nearly fully formed in a dream and as I have been writing it, the story seemed to come alive. SOWK is also the first story which I have worked directly with an editor and the process has been, for the most part, one of the best collaborative projects I have ever done and the reviews have been very positive. What piece of yours do you feel is most overlooked?


    Raven, that is why I have taken the story down. I am overhauling it with a major re-write. I hope that the newest version is better received. Besides writing what other outlets do you find for your creativity?


    Well, obviously there’s the graphic art, but I also write music, sing, and I am a general manager for a restaurant. I cook a lot. What is one thing about you that might surprise most of your readers?


    When I was in high school I didn’t have a lot of friends, my parents were distant and to this day I must combat low self-esteem. I do signatures for people because the recognition I receive doesn’t inflate a huge ego, but reminds me that my life is of value and the reviews I receive tell me that the stories I write might be worth sharing.  

    GA has been such a positive influence to me, and I am happy to be part of this family. You’ve stated on the threads you live on the East coast of the United States. What is one thing that you love about the area you live in?


    I grew up in a small town called Ashburnham, Massachusetts it’s a town with seven lakes. I grew up on the shores of one of them. Sitting at the water’s edge and looking up at the stars. That feeling of awe and wonder is something I still miss. Do you have something you are working on at the moment?


    I am working on Somewhere Only We Know and I am starting the overhaul to Raven. Unfortunately my work seems to be doing everything in its power to keep me from writing, as you can attest; I am hard to get a hold of. What have you learned, if anything, from publishing your work on GA?


    That I know diddly-shit about writing…  

    Sorry, that was crass. Cia and Louis Harris have been kind and have pointed me in the direction of what I ignored in high school. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage, were all elements that I have been improving on over time.  

    When I first started writing I wanted to believe that writing was like art, and that it was up to interpretation. The simple fact is that without proper grammar and spelling, the message you are trying to relay is often garbled or lost, and it is more effective when written properly.  

    I also learned that the economy of words is often better than lengthy descriptions. Tell the readers what they need to know, readers are smart and can read between the lines, you don’t need to tell them everything... and for the love of god don’t tell the reader cock sizes. Your poetry is very moving and heartbreaking. Do you find that poetry is one of your strong points or is it something you write when you are at your most emotional?


    Someone read my poetry?  

    My poetry is nearly always written when I am most emotional, it allows me to ‘vent’ and relieve the pressure. It’s generally powerful and something I am sensitive to, so I consider it one of my strong points, but also one of my weakest as it is too close to my heart. What would you like your readers to take away from your work when all is said and done?


    My stories have a message; since Somewhere Only We Know isn’t finished and Raven is down I’ll tell it to you.  

    Collectively, as human beings, we need to give as much as we take. I’m not talking about money. I see people everywhere with this ‘me, me, me’ attitude and it is really bothers me. Love is a game of give and take, so loving thy neighbor is much of the same. Be generous, be open, and be kind. You’ll see my main characters embracing this notion a lot.  

    There is a lot of cynicism and doubt, but I for one cannot accept that ‘good people’ don’t exist. Recently a bicyclist hit my car, it was his fault, and he was okay; but my car sustained a fair amount of damage. It’s going to cost me $500.00 to fix it, when I went to track the guy down I learned he had recently divorced and worked sixty hours a week as a waiter to pay his bills, and he couldn’t afford his own car.  

    So I’m paying to fix it myself.  

    Some people jump and say ‘sue the guy,’ and ‘he deserves to pay’ but that’s not the world I want to live in. I don’t believe in karma, but I hope that people believe that being good and kind to one another is a virtue and something we should strive for.  

    Somewhere Only We Know and Raven have some deeper messages too, but I’ll let you find those out for yourself.
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