Cia

I often feature older stories that readers might not have seen, but I'm switching it up lately and posting recent content. This story was very popular and garnered quite a few comments and several reviews. What did you think about it? Ghost in the Guitar by @Lee Wilson Length: 8,546 Description: A musically based story where a young guitar player takes over for a deceased member of a popular group and is guided by his ghost. A reader said: If you like helpful ghost stories then here is a story for you. I would definitely recommend this short story for anyone. It is short and sweet! A different Lee Wilson story! ~ @Sherye Story Reader Don't forget to come back to comment on the Discussion day, Monday, May 25th!

I like it cool and wet but it's been very dry this year in Washington. Our forecast today says we might even hit close to 90! I was up at 5:30 AM so I deboned some Costco rotisserie chicken, cooked chopped bacon, and boiled pasta. I mixed the chicken, shredded cheese, and ranch powder with dressing to go with salad mix, leftover tortilla wraps, or the pasta. Dinner is cold chicken ranch (bacon) pasta, wraps, or salad depending on the fam's choice at dinner time, and the house will stay cool. The bacon stays on the side because my daughter and I don't like it, ew! The heat sucks, but the family does like the start of sweet sun tea season. That is part of my southern roots; May-Sept I basically always have a jar going for the family to drink.

I told everyone you'd be seeing a lot from me this week!! Well, if you're not sick and tired of me, or you missed some of the updates from this week, here's the skinny. I won't bore you with a long personal update here, though, because it's warm and sunny in the Pac NW this weekend and my computer has been on my lap for editing all day. I'm hot and tired. Seriously, where's my rain! What's your preference? Cool and cloudy with precip or sun gazing all day? Do you like to stay in and read or write or get out on an adventure and become inspired? Share below! Monday I featured a newer site author. If you haven't tried Cap's story, why not give it a go? Tuesday Myr dipped into the boots and chaps genre with Westerns! Back to me again with the announcement for one of our popular writing events! Between all these of course were Myr's Words of the Day where you can learn something new. roam, ascend, charge, navigate, venture, drift, gallop Upcoming Writing Events 2026 Secret Author Contest "Forbidden Knowledge" - Due July 15, 2026 - Find all the information right here. 2026 Yearly Anthology "Horizons" & "Unspoken" - Due October 1, 2026 - Find all the information right here. Member Participation Blogs - Great way to promote yourself!! Ask an Author 3.0 If you have a author you want to get some answers from, write a PM to @astone2292 Author Guess Who Get our members to guess who you are and also let everyone know who you are. Also write a PM to @astone2292 Here is the look at the past week's postings on all our Authors and Poets! 8 Recently Updated 'Signature Author' Stories The Vega Vixen by Topher Lydon In Process The Holy Lance of Antioch by Topher Lydon In Process TRAVISTY by Mark Arbour In Process Hazardous by CassieQ In Process Something in the Water by Mark Ponyboy Peters Complete tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy In Process Right Then by Topher Lydon Complete Traditions by Mark Ponyboy Peters In Process 1 Recently Updated 'Classic Author' Stories Secrets 3: The Road to the Future by Bill W In Process 1 Recently Updated 'Promising Author' Stories Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process 39 Recently Updated 'Author' Stories Noah's Adventure by AquariusGuy In Process Of Orcs, Humans & Void Beasts by Celian In Process Role of a Lifetime by KKirk In Process Ghost In The Guitar by Lee Wilson In Process Sol by Boy Mercury X In Process Still Alive, Dumbass by Tony S. In Process The Quiet Between Them by andy cannon In Process Arcum Dawns by mastershakeme In Process CRUISING by Wombat Bill In Process IceBerg by J92 In Process The Brotherhood: Awakening Book II by The Writer X In Process Bring the Dawn by dragonthusiast In Process Knight and Squire by Albert1434 In Process The Son Who Stayed by ChromedOutCortex In Process The Curse of Love by Yeoldebard In Process A Jewel in the Dirt by Celian In Process Alex & Neil: Moving On by Robert Hugill In Process Monstrum by Laura S. Fox In Process Schadenfreude by Kileoli In Process Nothing But Fun Happens After Midnight by Ticklishboy30 Complete The Mirror of Dreams by Lupus In Process The Burden of Ash and Blood by Mike Carss In Process The Scandal by FV2112 In Process Exile to Érenn by Mark Paren In Process Aethan's Reign by ValentineDavis21 In Process A versatile Count by Thomas Lindblad In Process Borders and Bribery by Thirdly In Process Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process Alpha Awakened by Painawakened In Process Go Home by Boy Mercury X Complete The smile that changed a life by Stannie In Process Seaside Entries by ObicanDecko In Process Boy Meets Boys by Grayson Rose In Process Another Time by Celian In Process turmoil by Paladin In Process Beyond the Veil by Laura S. Fox In Process Jake's Story by Boy Mercury X Complete Missing by Stannie In Process Nox Memoriae by Stephen Wormwood In Process Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (Don't forget to Recommend too!)

I've had some movement on this contest already... and a promise of a story from a rarely posting author. Hmm... who could it be? How many stories will we get this year? 🕵🏻‍♂️

I think that may be what first caught on and helped make it so much fun! Authors can try whatever they want because the whole point of this contest is to trick readers! It lets authors explore something new, whether that is a genre, trope, voice style, etc ...

2026 GayAuthors Secret Author Contest: Forbidden Knowledge This year’s Secret Author contest theme lends itself to rebellion, intrigue, drama, romance, fantasy, mystery and more! What will you come up with and where will you take your ideas? It’s not just something that’s hidden; it’s something that shouldn’t be known. Why? Who or what forbids it? And the most important part… who rebels against that boundary, and what will be the consequences? Deadline: July 15, 2026 2026 Secret Author Contest Information Write the story in Word, Docs or preferred editing software. EDIT it first! Then send via email to Cia (cia@gayauthors.org) or PM (please PM Cia if you email or share via Docs to make sure she got it). Stories will be posted via our Secret Author account. Games will be played! Guess the Author is a fan favorite where members try to match the authors & the stories. We will also do "Favorite Forbidden Knowledge" this year. Do NOT reveal your Forbidden Knowledge of any authored content! Yes, authors can play the games. Yes, authors can comment on their own content. Yes, authors can LIE. That is not forbidden! Stories will be returned to the authors and the winners of the Guess the Author (Reader winner) & Favorite Forbidden Knowledge (Author winner) game will be revealed. Authors will then be able to reply to comments & reviews. Story Rules Information Stories must be between 1k - 30k in length. Stories will be posted as 1 singular chapter but can be separated with double space breaks/timeline jumps. Stories must adhere to all of GA's content & editing guidelines. Please plan for appropriate genres, GA tags, rating, and content warnings if needed. Stories must have some use, even tangentially, of the theme "Forbidden Knowledge". Metadata needed/must be sent in the message/email/manuscript for staff posting: Title: Description: Story Note: Chapter Note: (Content Warning, if needed): Genre(s) (3 Max): Audience Rating (Everyone, Teen, Mature): Tags (8 Max):

Aww!! Sorry!!

Because I have summers off and run the event solo. I'd never manage it, timewise, otherwise! It's very popular, which I love but also sort of didn't expect when I started it! Admin also keep pushing the new school year start earlier and earlier too, so I have to go back for set up and training earlier in August (boo, hiss) so we do mid-July to mid-August. If you can get them to change that, I'll change my dates? 😆

Did you read Cap's story, Parker & Brody: An Alliance? This recent submission has 5 stars, 3 reviews, and several comments on every chapter which is impressive for a new site author! Wonder how Cap writes realistic military men? Hmm... check out this interview! Do you eat your fruits and vegetables? Yup! I’m an avid fan of fruits—essentially my candy. I currently have some pineapple next to me (I’m told it has many benefits). On the veggie front, I do a 'Let’s Go Green' day at least once a week. Soups usually get better the next day, so those often turn into a two-day affair. Plus, if you haven’t tried Japanese okonomiyaki, those cabbage pancakes are great and easy to make. What’s one location you’d love to go to research for a story? Hmm… Honestly? My bed with the right kind of music playing. But when the weather permits, my primary research coordinate is my boat. There is something about being on the water that clears the mind. (The second volume taps into that). What is something about you readers would be surprised to learn? That I have served? Ha—that probably hit everyone's radar long ago. Perhaps the real one might be that I actually find the sex scenes the hardest to write. They function as the physical side of the character studies; but keeping the 'what am I trying to say here’ alive and the text relevant is hard. I never thought I’d do text like that, since I don’t personally see the need or point to write about that… personal fantasies or preferences. The narrative is in the third person, the goal is to get inside the characters' heads and reveal something new—not just repeat positions and mechanics. Honestly I thought to cut them all out, not to be prude, but to keep the text fresh and moving. On the other hand then the characters would lose that side and it’s a part of human experience. Also... I have a garden that produces a harvest of different berries. It’s my version of maintenance—good for the sweet tooth, cooking, and making jams! What brought you to GA? The active community. This looked like a site that allows readers to interact with the text more than any other platform, and the engagement seemed right. Witnessing that signal firsthand has made the writing more fun; it makes it much more rewarding to learn from the feedback. What’s the first thing you do when you start to write a story? I explore the different facets of the possible narrative. I try to ask myself honestly: What am I trying to say about this topic, and what is the most authentic way to deliver it? I look at the overall trajectory and check if it 'feels' narratively hardened. Usually, this is a mix of background research and sketching out outlines. Is there anything you find particularly challenging when you’re writing? Feeling the authenticity… sometimes it doesn’t come naturally, and other times it just 'comes out like a rocket'—to quote my favorite writing advice. For example: in the first installment, the big breach scene at the Nail. I knew I wanted to include the real part of the culture where bars are just seized for real, but then that took about half a page. Plus the Navy reveal. But those two together are not much of a scene, so… I had the idea that maybe they just sing it all out, but within that culture… errr. Unlikely? Certainly not unheard of, but just a tad bit too camp, perhaps? Anyhow, I just rolled with it; brooding men can do stuff other than shooting beer cans as well, so sue me! It happened, and then I got the feedback that some of you read it twice. That was my answer right there. Authenticity, as I see it, is a mix of buildup and having the right circumstances—devices—in place, but the really hard part is keeping it true to the characters. I wrote the second installment in a blur; it just came out, and once I read it again, it felt like a thriller with some spice. I wasn’t happy at all, so I did the rewrite and it expanded from five parts to seven. And actually… waiting long enough after writing. Before posting, I mean. That’s hard. Plus, writing the sex scenes. Especially the dialogue during them. What inspired the military characters/theme in Parker & Brody: An Alliance? Originally, it was just supposed to be that one scene in the chow hall. A slice of life and nothing more. It was intended as a character study on how two serious, adult men who were very much boxed into a mold could begin their joint life. Then came the opening scene (I figured we needed some setup, right?)… then the gym. But those needed a bridge. And finally, the narrative had to lead somewhere, since the tension clearly promised a sweaty collision. So I found myself writing the way out of this pickle I created. The characters simply wouldn’t leave me alone. I realized I had something to say about men in those environments that force them to be a certain type—to fit the mold. The norms cut them off from things that civilians can approach with more freedom. The environment gives them a level of brotherhood and camaraderie that is bizarre by civilian standards, but that makes everything so much more dangerous if you have 'the illicit taste.' The fear is crippling. One might lose everyone; every touch might come loaded. So, I wanted to show a utopia where things don’t have to be that way. Where everyone can give their full self to the service. There’s also the aspect that masculine men are often labeled as either performative or toxic. Sure, there are toxic masculine traits, but not all of it is automatically radioactive. Even the brooding guys need a safe hug. And maybe a solid dude to sleep on top of. I’ve also witnessed the cost. I’ve seen the absolute ruins of where that path can lead for some men—the ones at the tip of the spear. Do you identify more closely with Parker or Brody? Parker is crafted from many of my own experiences… Ex-Navy. Survivor of the true horrors of the pasta aisle alone. Uses dry humor to deflect. Loses the ability to speak when facing a mountain of smoking hot capacity… Though to be fair, there’s someone else who is more precisely a sort of author's alter ego in the full series. Seeing inside Brody’s head is actually fun and challenging at the same time. He could so easily slip into a caricature—flat and one-dimensional. Just the jock, the stud, the meat. But these men have vivid internal lives, just like we all do. I also have a weakness for writing Brody as too comical or too vulnerable. Partly because I find it so endearing and straight-up cute when those kinds of guys feel safe enough to drop all their defenses. So, sometimes I need to remind myself to stay true to the character, or as close to it as I can get. Do you have a favorite line or scene in the story? Should I be picking favorites? Now looking only at the 1st part… I am quite happy with how the bar 'breach of masks' turned out in its full length male mayhem. The parts involving the silkies—ranger panties—are fun to write. And yeah, I’ll admit it: I'm weak for when Brody uses his brows to communicate with Parker. Like the morning after in Qatar, or the morning after the bar. Okay, I’ll do it: it’s the moment when Brian 'vanishes' in bed and Parker diffuses it instantly by calling the PsyOp bluff. That was a very late addition to the script, but I find myself going back to it often. I like the playfulness of it. …or the very first sentence ever appeared on the screen: “You smell perfect.” Or the “Bossy” in the shower. …or Mack teasing Brody about the walk and ‘the alien.’ See! I can’t decide! 😅 Can you share something about your current or upcoming work with readers? Well, I guess this is the right place to tell you: the duo hasn’t let me be. I’ve taken some long walks and found a new aspect to explore. Then a conflict. And now, finally, the thing that I feel needs to be said. So, the third part will happen—their story is going to be a trilogy. Consider this as your WARNO (Warning Order) being dropped. 😉 Don't forget to leave your thoughts on this interview or Cap's writing below!

That is why we have such a wide range in length range allowed. Do what you can as long as we get some sort of beginning, middle, and end (yes, some of my grade levels are doing narrative writing right now, lol). I am announcing with 2 more writing weeks this year for authors, trying to give some extra time, too.

Well, you're getting a lot of me these next few weeks! I had a few features this week, I'm doing the Wrap Ups for a bit, and next week I'm doing a few more blogs too. Pay attention, there's a special event announcement coming this week. Speaking of special, did you catch the return of this week's featured Signature Author? 📣🎊Check out those posts below. We also need to thank @Valkyrie for ALL her hard work on the Poetry Anthology. She's the one who takes charge on those events, managing every aspect (it's a LOT!) That's wrapped up, so it felt appropriate to do it here. So, thank you so much to her, her proofing team, the poets, readers, and reviewers. We can't do events like the Anthologies and other special events without you! Monday was Bossy Nanny by Mrsgnomie. I scanned this story again to do the ad graphic, or intended to. Hours later, I hit The End, having done a full read. LOL Tuesday Myr featured the Thriller/Suspense genre. Are you on the edge of your seat? Wednesday I found a tantalizing tidbit from the story that was probably about when I became hooked into a reread. How about you? Thursday was the 2026 Poetry Anthology Wrap Up by Valkyrie, giving you all the deets on the event! So you've seen the Daily Blogs, but Myr also shared the Words of the Day: secure, traverse, surge, vault, plunge, pursuit, sprint Upcoming Writing Events 2026 Secret Author Contest "Theme TBA Thursday!!!" - Due July 15, 2026 - Look for this week's blog! 2026 Yearly Anthology "Horizons" & "Unspoken" - Due October 1, 2026 - Find all the information right here. Member Participation Blogs - Great way to promote yourself!! Ask an Author 3.0 If you have a author you want to get some answers from, write a PM to @astone2292 Author Guess Who Get our members to guess who you are and also let everyone know who you are. Also write a PM to @astone2292 Here is the look at the past week's postings on all our Authors and Poets! 8 Recently Updated 'Signature Author' Stories Right Then by Topher Lydon In Process The Vega Vixen by Topher Lydon In Process tim's Bits and Pieces by Mikiesboy In Process TRAVISTY by Mark Arbour In Process Charlie vs the Demon Ex by Topher Lydon Complete Hazardous by CassieQ In Process Traditions by Mark Ponyboy Peters In Process Peace of Amiens by Mark Arbour In Process 1 Recently Updated 'Classic Author' Stories Secrets 3: The Road to the Future by Bill W In Process 1 Recently Updated 'Promising Author' Stories Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process 34 Recently Updated 'Author' Stories Uncut Control - Taming the Spanish Bull by Soren Kraft Complete Blades of Ashes by lilansui In Process Jake's Story by Boy Mercury X In Process A versatile Count by Thomas Lindblad In Process Still Alive, Dumbass by Tony S. In Process The Son Who Stayed by ChromedOutCortex In Process Bring the Dawn by dragonthusiast In Process Exile to Érenn by Mark Paren In Process Pigsty by Jack Poignet In Process The Quiet Between Them by andy cannon In Process There Goes Reality by PhillMakracken Temporary Hold Role of a Lifetime by KKirk In Process Arcum Dawns by mastershakeme In Process Ghost In The Guitar by Lee Wilson In Process Knight and Squire by Albert1434 In Process A Change of Worlds by Josh Aterovis In Process Boy Meets Boys by Grayson Rose In Process The Curse of Love by Yeoldebard In Process Alex & Neil: Moving On by Robert Hugill In Process Aethan's Reign by ValentineDavis21 In Process Alpha Awakened by Painawakened In Process Monstrum by Laura S. Fox In Process The Burden of Ash and Blood by Mike Carss In Process The Mirror of Dreams by Lupus In Process Ruin The Friendship by irivera In Process Broken Hate, Broken Heart by Celian In Process Look, But Don't Look, Look by Lee Wilson Complete A Jewel in the Dirt by Celian In Process Out Of The Closet by RichardWrites Complete A Two Man Job by Boy Mercury X Complete Taurus by Kileoli In Process The Art of Living by Robert Hugill Complete Beyond the Veil by Laura S. Fox In Process turmoil by Paladin In Process Read, Write, and REVIEW!!! (Don't forget to Recommend too!)

This month I'm featuring a cute family story... because I can! Not to say there isn't a good bit of drama, hanky panky, and some intrigue in there... because there is! But come on, squishy baby thighs. So cute! (as long as no one leaves the baby at my house either ) Did you catch Monday's feature ad? Check that out or this excerpt if you haven't read Mrsgnomie's story, Boss Nanny! Want to read more? Click here

Another month, another author and great story for readers to enjoy. This story was posted a few years back, so newer readers might have missed it. Let's get some new likes, comments, and reviews for @Mrsgnomie story, Boss Nanny! Length: 118,545 Description: It's college. Matt should be worrying about classes, friends, and parties. Not a baby. At least his supervisor is cool when he shows up to work with his infant brother in tow. The owner on the other hand? Matt's sure he'll be an issue. Except, Seamus helps Matt more than anyone. A reader said: These are characters you can wrap your heart around and fall in love right along with them. Adorable child, college student who has serious and unexpected life changes, successful businessman with an intriguing backstory, professional athletes, good coffee, great laughs, hot sex... what's not to check out? This story is well paced and the dialogue will have you hooked. ~84Mags If you want to spread the word about Mrsgnomie's story, download the graphic below and add it to your signature! Make sure you come back on Wednesday to see the excerpt I chose to share!

We've already hit one quarter of the year down! How time flies. How about a story about two men who found their time once they found each other? Read this first story posted by a newer site author @Cap recently. Don't forget the interview & Discussion day at the end of the month where you can share additional thoughts you don't add to the comments/reviews! Parker & Brody: An Alliance by @Cap Length: 61,671 Description: The exploits of the P&B duo; 1st story. Parker: the ex-officer turned contractor/fixer. Brody: the Tier-1 operator who holds the line. Both men built for impact, with zero tolerance for games. Brothers in arms, partners, and solitary souls searching for a forever home. A military alliance of two against a rotten world. A reader said: A deep and thought provoking tale of two men living somewhat shallow and unfulfilling lives in the military, men who meet by chance and soon realise they have found what they thought they never would - being seen by another, becoming important in the life of another, being a safe haven for another and mind-blowing, wholly satisfying, sex. A brilliant debut @Cap. ~Summerabbacat Don't forget to come back to comment on the Discussion day, Monday, April 27th!