Conner

As prologues go, that was a doozy! Remind me not to piss Grace off. Shades of Dorian Gray here. Oscar Wilde will be pleased. So I'm guessing that Richard will have to use his guile, rather than his looks, to get a young gay man to kiss him. Maybe he'll just need his cheque book. More, more, more... Conner

I'm not an author either but I have had to deal with professional/personal ethics my entire career. I agree with James, it depends. You've been a little short on specifics but your observation (quoted below) does compel me to conclude the changes sought are substantial. With your permission, let's use GFD as an example. It's a great example for me, because if I were a publisher, I'd gobble that story up quicker than you could say, "Just think of the movie rights!" But, of course, my marketing people would get on my case. So let's make a list of what they want to change (feel free to add): -no gay sex -only one gay couple allowed -Justin must be straight and have a girlfriend -don't make parents look/sound so bad -no religion -no politics -no potential rape scenes -no vampire party club So that's a lot, needless to say. I would suggest that you look at what's left or, rather, what could you strengthen with what's left and decide if it's enough. It's one thing to be a well respected and well read amateur author and say, "I will never compromise myself and my art for money." It's quite another to try and say that when you're looking at a publisher's fat advance cheque....and all the good stuff that may lay down the road. Personnally, I'd go for the cheque. Conner

"The name's James. CJames. I always get my own goat."

Can't say that I agree with you, Steve. That sentence looks good to me....well, except for "ark", that should be arc. I don't think Noah was invited to the bar-b-que. Conner

*waves to Carl who's just down the road* In my mind, suicide is a subject that needs more open discussion. I find that it's still treated now as mental health issues were treated long ago i.e. not talked about. Story telling is a good way of doing that. I'm enjoying the story very much. The ending of chapter 2 had a real kick to it. Conner

That's a great ghost story for around a campfire. I like the thump-click part. Goatmen definitely has merit. Conner

So far I like Goatsters and CJ's Kids. Let me toss some in... CJ's Junkies or CJunkies CJ's Jerks or CJerks CJ's Hounds (dogs like to chase goats? :wacko: ) CJ's Fanatics CJ's Rascals CJ's probably the James Bond of goats.....world traveller, high tec, knows guns, always gets his goat. Can we play off that somehow? I couldn't come up with anything. Conner

I have to go with west. I'm from a western culture and I love sunsets. Wax crayons or coloured pencils?

Well, that's not what your relic mother said! Of course, this raises the old double standard issue.....believed by all men and many women as well. Men who get laid a lot are studs. Women who get laid a lot are sluts. In all fairness, it has changed considerably from my day (Early Iron Age). Never have I bitch slapped anyone.

Write me a love story and I'll follow you anywhere. This story is for romantics everywhere. So, as it turns out, LC's not a lost cause afterall. Beautiful, beautiful story, LC! So, tell me, how does it feel to lose your author cherry? Hey, someone's got to ask the tough questions!!! LC, you're a joy to work with. Conner

Yes, the pizza nurse! That would have been perfect! Not evil at all....just incredibly hilarious. Now I'm really disappointed. I guess I was just trying to get some details on how the whole 'Veronica having their baby thing' went down. But that's ok, I can make it up...all to my liking too. Oh yeah....your new story about Carlos and me could be called "I Wanna Have Your Baby". Conner

As to my favourite part, I'm going with Bondwriter's choice as well....Jacob discovering the mural in his room. You know, Steve, you could have really milked that scene. Frankly, I wish you would have done so. I'd still be tearing up. Fave character has to be Jacob, hands down. I also have a thing for firefighters. Now there's a loaded question if I've ever heard one!! How about writing a spinoff story about me trying to get Carlos to join our team??? You'd have to shave about 30 years off my character...yes, that works! Conner

I'll be dead and buried before anyone wins that game. If that game ever has a winner, he'll be assigned to a village that doesn't have their own idiot yet. Never have I ever been a boy scout.

You can't say that in a public forum, Robbie. It's un-American. What will our advertisers think? Actually, what's really bothering me is I'm most probably older than your mother. No Silverchair at all. Not familiar with their music.....and just about every other group the youngins here mention. I'm a relic, remember! Do you own a classy chess set? (nice wood or marble)

Not really. I would put in on par with the invention of sliced bread. The person below me is not worried about eating soy 'cause he's already gay.

It's odd to see a self-proclaimed "health nut" put down another widely accepted health food. Vegetarians, for example, often use soy as an alternate source of protein. Soy extracts do appear in many "women formula" health products. Maybe someone, like the whey protein sector, is paying this jerk to punk out soybeans. I'm a red meat lover, myself. Conner

Geez, Bran is sensitive too. My kinda warrior. It was nice to see him comfort Anyon the way he did, even if Anyon had something else on his mind....that was wont for comfort. I can see where Anyon is confused as hell with Bran; the reverse likely holds true as well...but we're not inside his head. I see no choice for Anyon but to spill the beans to Bran, hopefully on their current trip. I like the way you keep the eroticism of the story simmering somewhere on a back burner. That's great stuff. Conner

This story just begs for a sequel! That's my vote anyway. I enjoyed the ending very much. I completely bought into Seba's explanation that, due to his childhood trauma and then losing the 2 people who loved and cared for him, some sort of damper had been placed upon his libido. So whether he's gay or straight, their loving relationship has emerged intact. Love is great no matter what form it comes in. Thanks, yaalc. Conner

Superb job on chapter 9, Duncan! Yes, I think Bran could start a "Dear Ann Landers" type column and make a real go of it. To his credit as well, he also "walks the talk". Unfortunately, he's an endangered species. So, based on that chapter, Scott's direction seems clear, if not to him, then to the readers. Have a relationship with Josh and be Luc's friend. Something tells me, though, that being Luc's friend can only end up in grief, for a multitude of reasons. We all know, of course, that when things seem clear to the readers, the author's going to step in and mess things up again. Authors can't help themselves. Conner

Delightful chapter, Rad. You did an absolutely excellent job in describing Zach's emotions in the early part of the chapter. I found it most compelling. Well done! The trio scene was incredibly humourous. I was pleased to see Max back in the story. He's really a neat dude. Conner

Next time, Joe, put the short version first and label them. It wasn't long for a blog. But if you're offering sympathy, I'll take it. Your workplace does seem messed up a bit in their staffing and training practices. As a manager, hopefully you may be able to improve that situation or at least pass on your views to your boss. Being the boss can be difficult, especially at first. Like every other job, it's really a matter of gaining confidence. You strike me as a dude with a lot of initiative and a take charge attitude. In other words, you're a leader. If on top of that, you have people skills, the sky's the limit. You'll be fine. (Yes, I know that's easy for me to say; that's why I said it! ) No fashion sense, eh? You're not alone, bud. Remember that. I generally stay away from giving relationship advice. Frankly, I think men (gay, straight or what-have-you) lack relationship skills. One good thing is that it seems you at least got some closure or completion around why the ex acted the way he did. Definitely talk it out with him in person first and go with your gut or heart or whatever internal check you use in making such decisions. So, yeah, see ya next month. Conner

Happy B-day, BW!!! Conner

This story is definitely following my fantasy of how it should go. Good for you, CJ! Next chapter will have a scene where Chase accompnaies Brandon to his "hotel" to recover his personal belongings. Overwhelmed by all the events so far as well as being with Chase, Brandon completely forgets about the poster of Chase on his wall. Yes, I think you can all see it now. The scene ends with a tonsil massaging kiss. Gabe is just your average every day petty thief asshole. Anyone involved in a nuclear explosion plot would not want Gabe aboard. If he is aboard, it would only mean that he is being used by others for their own ends. I'm really enjoying Helen's character. I can't wait to see the handcuffs being slapped on Gabe. Conner