Forum: Literary Merit
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Topic: Lael
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I've only read the Explanation of Terms, and it was a trip back in time. I attended public school in the UK in 1958 & 1959, which is far before this story takes place but most of the terms were extant then. It's been decades since I heard anyone use the term Roundheads versus Cavaliers.
We certainly used it back then.
Rafael: thanks for the extensive definition of terms.
Now, onward to the story!
Bensiamin
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Topic: The Right Genes, by Nigel Gordon
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Bisexual_Guy
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Likes it here |
Location: USA Midwest
Registered: September 2015
Messages: 148
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I have just read "The Right Genes," the short story by Nigel Gordon. It is one of the best short stories I have read in years!
And as a bisexual guy who appreciates all sides of the spectrum, especially the male side, I can enjoy a huge variety of stories. The development of the story flowed well, and the story continually became better as it progressed.
Very well done, Nigel.
https://iomfats.org/storyshelf/hosted/nigel-gordon/shorts/th e-right-genes.html
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Topic: Colour Me Pastel Challenge Stories
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Bisexual_Guy
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Likes it here |
Location: USA Midwest
Registered: September 2015
Messages: 148
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Two really good stories, one from Pedro and one from Cole Parker.
I loved Cole's rewritten story originally published under another title. The new version, "The Boy on the Pedestal," is better than the original, which was also a great story. The new story has the same suspense of the original, but the order was also arranged to make better use of the internal timeline, and California's moped licensing laws. And the conclusion of the story! Still great!
Pedro's newest "The Challenge That is Tony" story, "It Should Wash Off,' hit all the proverbial right notes. It was great to see Ewan again, and learn more about Tom (Simon's father). The Narrator and Tony, as always, were enjoyable. And the scenes at The Indian -- each time we learn more about the uncles, Sabhya and Lilat, and some of the other relatives.
Well done, Cole and Pedro!
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Topic: lomax61 (AKA Brian Lancaster), author
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jbboucha
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Getting started |
Registered: May 2021
Messages: 8
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Do you read the stories of lomax61 (AKA Brian Lancaster)?
They can be found at this address: https://gayauthors.org/author/lomax61/
I strongly recommend "Inherited" which is being published and "Naked Calendar" which is complete. All the stories by this author are good and there are others that first appeared on gayauthors.org and have been published in e-books (kindle format) and paper (excuse my english).
JBB
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Topic: Back-up
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Fact or fiction? It is real enough, but is it non-fiction? A snippet from the life of parents, the father of a gay son who does the parental taxi thing and drops the boy off at a party only for it to turn into a drama when he goes to pick him up later.
"I now had to suddenly learn to know my son who until a few minutes ago was a person I knew and now was a complete stranger..."[/font]
The father and son seem both to have a close relationship and yet the son's life is a secret, although the father is very accepting when discovering his son is gay, even confiding his own same sex relationship in his younger years, a secret he has never revealed to his wife. [/font]
The story is full of dysfunctionality within the family and full of contradictions, are they a close family or not, I could not decide. Overall I wondered if everything was falling apart or coming together through adversity.[/font]
https://iomfats.org/storyshelf/hosted/peterg09/shorts/back-u p.html
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Topic: Puzzle pieces
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Topic: Mooring
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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Mooring raises very difficult thoughts. I have prefaced it on PeterG09's index page thus: "Mooring is a deceptively gentle tale leading to a difficult end point. It covers the important topics of victimhood and overpowering guilt. The 'path' trodden is understandable, but should be walked away from."
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: Happy Halloween 2021
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Topic: New Release for Sci-Fi Fans
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For those that are science fiction fans, a worthy thing to note is that today the second volume of Felice Picano's trilogy City On A Star released.
Piano is well known as a gay author (with nineteen novels and short stories, as well as poetry and dramas), and most recently for being co-author of the updated version of the classic The New Joy of Gay Sex.The first City On A Star volume, subtitled Dryland's End, has the sweep of Asimov's Foundation Trilogy (inter-stellar empires, star travel, conquest and failure, etc.) and the unique story elements of Herbert's Dune (power politics, medieval family structures, semi-religious orders, etc.). Like Dune, the semi-religious order is a matriarchy striving to be the interstellar power player, but coincidental with our own current events, the story is built around responding to a pandemic--though it was written in 1994 and released in 2004.
Given that Pisano is such a prolific gay writer, it should come as no surprise that human sexuality is part of the story line, and that gay sex is a normal part of life... but the unique wrinkle is that gay sex become an unexpected vehicle for resolution of the problems that the empires face.
That's all I'll say, but here's what QueerSciFi had to say:A rebellion of intelligent Cybernetic servants has left the Females of the galaxy virtually sterile, crippling the controlling political body the Matriarchy. The race is on to find a solution, but will it be enough to save the Matriarchy as other galactic authorities attempt to dominate them using sabotage and all-out war? Dryland's End is Felice Picano's science fiction adventure for the new millennium. The novel touches on many of today's most controversial subjects, such as interracial relationships, gender conflicts, gender identity, and same-sex pairings-and views them with a lens toward the future.
If you haven't read Dryland's End, be sure to read it first. Volume Two of City On A Star is subtitled, The Betrothal At Usk, and the Kindle version is available today at Amazon here.
Bensiamin
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Topic: Him in the Dust
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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How apposite that Him in the Dust arrived as chaos was created in Afghanistan. THere is to be a zecond part to the tale, for which we must await James's inspiration.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: Tim and Ross
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Topic: I Want To Know What Love Is
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Topic: There but....
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ivor slipper
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Likes it here |
Registered: September 2013
Messages: 122
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My thanks to those who read this story, and especially those who took the time to comment or participate in the various polls.
The idea for the 'Stop/Push' poll occurred to me when I reached that point while writing the story because I was struggling myself to decide what Julian would do. It was interesting to see that early on in the voting period 'Push' held a lead, but as time went by the voting drew closer, to finally end with a small majority for 'Stop'.
Because I'd posed the question I didn't cast a vote. For what it's worth, after much thought I eventually reached the conclusion that because of his love for Lance, Julian would, very reluctantly, have stopped Paul, while thinking how lucky Ryan was to have him as a boyfriend.
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Topic: A Walk in the Country
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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Not just any walk, but your imagined, maybe real, walk, A Walk in the Country opened for submnissions today.
[Updated on: Fri, 20 August 2021 08:03]
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: The Pretenders
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cm
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Toe is in the water |
Location: Somerset
Registered: May 2017
Messages: 63
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I just wanted to acknowledge Bensiamin's contribution to the three extra chapters of this story following on from the writing challenge. I originally wrote a brief 'postscript' to the story which I shared with him. His helpful (as ever) comments and observations encouraged me to write a fuller continuation, and the extra chapters are much improved as a result of his suggestions. Thanks, Ben.
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Topic: Never judge a book by its cover?
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Topic: Puppy for Sale 2 - A kind of sequel.
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Hi everyone,
Any of you who visit Gay Authors may have read Puppy for Sale. It's a story I wrote back in 2015. I took it down from GA and now all my stories are here. Anyway, this may be of no interest to anyone who does not like/read my work, haha. However for anyone that did read it. The sequel is finished and with Timmy to roll on after the republish of the first book.
Just sayin'
:)
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Topic: Not revealed yet...
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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Two chapters away from the end I think we might look at Revealed. Talo keeps us guessing, but can he keep it up for two more chapters?
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: The only way is up!
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Topic: Not Here
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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The next challenge has been chosen. I had trouble giving it a name, but I managed: Not Here.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: Alex in Wonderland
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I'd like to add another recommendation for a published book, "Alex in Wonderland" by Simon James Green. I believe it's available both in print and on Kindle and comes recommended by Becky Albertalli, the author of "Love Simon".
The book has all the good stuff in it, teen awkwardness, longing, lonliness, love, friendship, humor, intrigue, mystery, fulfillment, and a final paragraph twist that brings it all together in a great story about typical teenagers just trying to make it in the world while they work at the local fun arcade.
Very good read. Enjoy 
https://amazon.com/Alex-Wonderland-Simon-James-Green-e book/dp/B07Q5HXT6Q/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=alex+in+ wonderland%2C&qid=1596586635&sr=8-4
[Updated on: Wed, 05 August 2020 00:19]
“There's no grays, only white that's got grubby. I'm surprised you don't know that. And sin, young man, is when you treat people as things. Including yourself. That's what sin is.” - Terry Pratchett
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Topic: Logan
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luvtwinks
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Likes it here |
Registered: August 2018
Messages: 168
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I always like when a story has an epilogue. Even though we know the characters are fictional, it's nice to see what has transpired in their lives in the author's mind during the years since the last chapter ends. Logan has not one, but TWO epilogues. 😀
Spoiler alert: They really do live happily ever after. ❤️
[Updated on: Mon, 01 June 2020 20:51]
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Topic: Sofa Skater
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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I was a little slow getting this preview off the mark, but I have done it now. Sofa Skater is in preview as our next challenge
[Updated on: Fri, 24 April 2020 11:27]
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: The Pages of Chateau d'Autignac
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In 'Pages', I diverged away from my regular setting for a 'boy romance' story, i.e. school, holiday, adventure, and moved us into 13th century France and researched this setting. It's a period where there was high romance and intrigue in the 'Courts of Love'. Now I ask you the reader... could it have happened like this, amongst Pages, given the nature of boys? I'd be most interested to hear any comments about this.
Dominick SJ
[Updated on: Wed, 11 March 2020 05:40]
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Topic: Dome of Death by Rigby Taylor
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''Tis was is already shaping up to be another great contribution for us from Rigby. I'm sure there will be excitement, intrigue, love, and suspense. Can't wait to read the rest. It's an exciting story so far.
http://iomfats.org/storyshelf/hosted/rigby-taylor/dome-of-de ath/01.html
[Updated on: Sat, 29 February 2020 02:44]
“There's no grays, only white that's got grubby. I'm surprised you don't know that. And sin, young man, is when you treat people as things. Including yourself. That's what sin is.” - Terry Pratchett
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Topic: How I Got a Pet
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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I had to ask Sam to send How I got a Pet to me. He wasn't sure it was in our niche. I'm sure it is, albeit with an unusual slant.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: By Any Other Name
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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I don't know if I've taken to heart folks' need for a truly inspirational challenge picture or not! Different strokes, and so forth. This picture's been in my library for some time. By Any Other Name is now in preview.
I'm mindful of a request a while back to steer clear of sport for a while. I had a rather fun sporting picture in mind, but it can wait a while.
I had another picture I was going to use, but Ivor Slipper's entry to Scoutig for Boys has grabbed that picture, too all unknowing. I guess when I run it he can remind me and enter it as well if he likes
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: Zeek - chapter 40
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luvtwinks
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Likes it here |
Registered: August 2018
Messages: 168
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Please read the author's note at the end of this chapter. I've been on both sides of the subject matter, albeit years ago. It's an important issue...
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Topic: The Pick Of The Bunch
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luvtwinks
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Likes it here |
Registered: August 2018
Messages: 168
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Spoiler alert! Have a box of tissues on hand when reading this story. Could be useful for multiple purposes...
[Updated on: Sun, 12 May 2019 22:14]
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Topic: My Night Out
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luvtwinks
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Likes it here |
Registered: August 2018
Messages: 168
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Cute story. Reminds me of the time when a friend had me wank for him behind my parents garage one summer night when we were teens. Not exactly the same as in this story but there was the thrilling element of the chance of being caught and doing something "naughty" out in the open. I never got caught but my friend enjoyed the show! 😃
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Topic: Volunteer Beta reader?
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If a writer is looking for Beta support, I may be able to help. Contact me through private messaging at this site. I prefer realistic stories over Sci-fi, supernatural, fantasy
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Topic: Evan Carlton
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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Evan has asked me to remove his work from the site toay. He is editing the tales for mainstream publication. I hope he achieves success, for they are good tales.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: 2019 Challenge - Non Consent
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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We are in the preview stage of Non Consent. I was choosing between this and a picture. This won by a whiskerr
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: Thanking Authors
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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I make a point, when I read a tale, of thanking the author if I have enjoyed it. The exception I make is as a publisher, when I thank authros here by publishing their work. I kind of think that is an allowable omission, because they and I often talk about the tale while it is in production, and i never publish tales that do not have merit.
What all authors on thsi site are seeing is somethng understandable.
A new author often receives a goodly email load. After the novelty factor wears off, though, they are 'establishment authors' whose work is expected to be of top quality. This means that they have to do something exceptional to be written to, more still to have a thread about their tale.
This, then, is a plea to you all, those who post and those who read.
If you like a tale, drop the author a line, or start a thread, or both. And I mean that whether you read them here or elsewhere. If you start a thread, let them know. They might want to read it 
Yes, a number of you do this well, and all authors are grateful for it. I'm not going to thank those who do it! We coudl end up with a circle jerk of thanks!!!
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: Parkers Love - Scooter and Malachi
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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Two chapters im the scene is set. When Nicholas Hall sent me the piece he was a smidgen concerned that the tale contains a word that is societally unacceptable today, but there are no words to replace the sentiment behind its use. And so it is present.
Scooter and Malachi is far more than that and, as chapters unfold, you will find it an excellent read.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: Unseen Solutions, by C M
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Bisexual_Guy
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Likes it here |
Location: USA Midwest
Registered: September 2015
Messages: 148
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Good story with a premise that threw me for the proverbial loop after I saw where the story ended up. I liked it.
[you gota learn how to link! ~ Webmaster]
[Updated on: Mon, 27 August 2018 08:24] by Moderator
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Topic: Fine Young Animals
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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The challenge is up and running.

Three entries only, which is a shame for lack of quantity, but the quality is excellent, as you would expect. Tell us here what you think of the stories, and tell the authors by email
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: Refugees and Aid Scandals previewed in literature
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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William King's four parter, Refugee, seems to me to have been after the start of the problem but well in advance of the scandal of certain aid workers using displaced persons for their own ends. I suspect the news story will advance beyound 'prostitues' and will encompas children in due course.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: We are to lose an author to happiness!
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13673
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Not a bad reason to retire, that. AB has sent me The Chronicles of Valana Volume 3: Open Doom and T5A. The former has started today, the latter will start after Valana comes to an end. And then he withdraws from authorship. It has been and will continue to be a pleasure publishing his stories. There is a certain lilt to them that tells you English is not his native tongue, and that detracts not at all from the tales.
I have placed a note about his retirement on his page.
Meanwhile, I am already enjoying what will be the culmination of his fantasy adventure series in and of Valana. All too soon we will start and then end T5A but we will not forget our friend.
[Updated on: Mon, 15 January 2018 17:32]
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Topic: REQUIEM FOR THE BEE.
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Jackboy
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Toe is in the water |
Location: North UK
Registered: August 2016
Messages: 69
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REQUIEM FOR THE HONEY BEE.
Oh furry bee where did you go?
you came this way three months ago.
The sun was warm, the weather dry;
you buzzed "hello", as you flew by.
As I was there amongst the Brambles;
full of pollen you did amble.
Then off to store your daily treasure;
filling your hive up to full measure
Oh Honey Bee, come back to me;
amongst my Brambles you're safe you'll see.
Your armed with stinger, that is true;
but yet, I love the look of you.
When sat with dog, we're ne're alone;
kept company by your melodious drone.
The sounds of Summer now complete;
with your deep song, the birds compete.
The Blackberries form, so black and round;
as through the bloom your wings resound.
We share the space amongst spider and grub;
I watch enthralled as you rub and rub.
But as Summer Moons both wax and wane;
I wonder will you be back again.
I see you struggle until you fall;
the saddest thing to see of all.
Your Season of life so short;
there's little more for me to report.
With one last urge you, try for flight;
but t'ween lawn and path, you lose the light.
Sounds of my boyhood, you have been;
though a little scared, I've sat and seen.
Your lovely fur of black and yellow;
makes any heavy heart, ease and mellow.
And now alas we see and hear;
news of Honey Bee extinction, drawing near.
I could not bear to hear, or see;
A requiem for the Honey Bee.
BY JACK D . HARRISON.
06-11-2017.
Perhaps, the saddest thing I ever wrote.
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