Welcome to the "Let the Music Play" Discussion thread.

Brandon's dreams had been crushed far too often for him to ever believe, especially in himself. Follow along as he experiances some massive changes in his life, along with a few bumps in the road, and a few high-pressure situations.

"Let the Music Play" is an action/adventure, with a touch of romance and humor, set against the background of the rock music industry.



Please take a look and let me know what you think.

I also want to invite all forms of criticism: Don't be shy. If you feel more comfortable doing so you can PM me, but feel free to criticize in the thread.

Thanks!
CJ

Nice first couple of chapters CJ

The prologue kinda threw me for a loop, since you released chapter one in the sneak peak area. Even more so with the second chapter, you can be assured I will always be wondering what 3 bombs will have to do with this story.

I liked that you established Brandon's character pretty well at the beginning. It seems you decided to make sure we all know what Brandon is like physically, as well as emotionally at the time. BTW, I don't like Gabe and hopefully he exits stage left very quickly.

As far as Jon, Eric (hmm, something about that name ), and Chase, it will look like we will have to wait for future chapters to have their characters developed. While everyone else reads the first three chapters, it will be interesting to see what they feel the "family secret" is and who is the cause of it. Also on how Brendon will react.

Well, you've got me hooked already, but that is to be expected with the quality or writing in the past and present .

Looking forward to see how the brothers let Brandon see the expression on the new guys' face when they announce the person. Maybe a mirror or a camera, should be comical.

Steve

Great start...looking forward to more. I think a human bomb (Gabe) will go off in Ch 3 when he finds out about the promotion. Perhaps we'll find out why he has it in for Brandon.

Jack

So polite. So formal. Not what we would expect from a creatively gifted goat....



After that prologue, I don't think you needed to indicate it was action/adventure. I can't think of many other genres (apart, maybe, from horror) that uses nuclear weapons....

A great start that introduces some of the characters while still moving the story forward -- always a challenge and I think you've done well

Thanks Steve! Yes, the old prologue in sneak peeks became Ch 01. There were some issues with the story, mainly that the genre wasn't clear, so I gave us a peek at what some as-yet unseen characters are up to via the prologue.

The name "Eric" has nothing to do with the one in FTL, I promise! LoL. There are entirely separate universes.


Thanks Jack!!!

We do find out why he has it in for Brandon soon.



With me as the author?
What about a lighthearted comedy where everyone does a gruesome death at the end? Or a cliche mushy romance, that just happens to have nukes?

Or maybe the nukes aren't bad... Ever seen "Doctor Strangelove"? Stop worrying and learn to love the bomb...



Thanks Graeme!!

God CJ

Why do you keep doing this to me.... Making such good stories so i have to read them, i mean dang i already have enough to read, and now you add more to my plate....

Did you ever know that your my heroo, your everything i wish i could be!!!!!!

Okay so wow i just read both part 1 and 2, and all i can say is WOW...

I love how we learn so much about brandon in such a short time....



If i didn't know what kind of site this was, i wouldn't even think anything about him being gay.



When i read this i had to take a double take, and read it agian, idk if anyone else got this feeling but to me it's seems if Chase is hiding a certian something about himself.


Anyway i can't wait to read more of this story Cj as always great work!

-LC

The prologue is great, though this "explosives in fiction" issue doesn't leave me the only one to be worried, apparently.

What worries me as far as Brandon is concerned is the three homophobic brothers who kicked out the gay singer, after giving him a derogatory nickname and whose generous, bleeding-heart liberal father, who cannot tolerate such vile macho behavior, had to ask them to stop living under his roof? Will Brandon manage to get them to accept homosexuality without being kicked out, asked to put his shirt on and maybe even gay-bashed? Of course one of them bearing a first name of ill repute in CJames' FTL doesn't help yo make him come across as pleasant.

Have to to say bond, after reading this story agian, i don't think they are homophobic, instead i think they know something, about chase and the ex lead singer that maybe we don't know about just yet..... Hell i could be totally wrong here but this is just what i got so far from the story....

-LC

You've lost me. Why do you think the brothers are homophobic OR that their ex-singer is gay? To me, they kicked him out because:

1. He was doing drugs
2. He wouldn't rehearse
3. He was unreliable

Given where the story is being posted, I'm expecting that Brandon will turn out to be gay, but it is by no means certain.

The clue to Brandon being gay is that he removes his shirt with quite a lot of pleasure (the others do it out of necessity). And we're not told they kick out Clump because he's gay. He's of course unreliable, but then they might have prejudice towards gay people's emotional instability.

And, thinking of it now, yes, I assumed Brandon had to flee from home because he was gay, but there's nothing completely explicit said about this. He still manages to find a cool boss, the "a bit tough but with a big heart" kind. I'm sure Gabe will love Brandon making it as a singer.

QUOTE

He still manages to find a cool boss, the "a bit tough but with a big heart" kind. I'm sure Gabe will love Brandon making it as a singer.

I hope your being sarcastic about the "cool Boss" thing becuase to me this guy is a down right scum bag, who needs to get laid or something....

=P

I was being sarcastic all the way through, and I seldom use smilies to underline it. Sorry!

Given where this story is being posted, I'm expecting that Brandon will turn out to be gay, and that Chase will turn out to be gay, and that Lump is the homophobe.

If Brandon is gay, it would explain his being tossed out of his home.
If Chase is gay, it would explain the problems the boy had with their father, who can't accept Chase's sexual orientation, and the possibility that Lump sided with the parents on this issue.

Oh, to CJ: great start to a story, though I think I might like it even better if these great characters had a chance to play about in a universe that stayed realistic in a tale that didn't develop into a thriller involving radioactive bombs.

--Rigel

I agree Rigel, but what's a story without radioactive bombs?? I mean really.... We know how much CJ likes his action!! And i can't wait to see what he has in store for us.
-LC

Thanks LC!!!!!!!!!!



It is entirely possible that ............... might occur in future chapters.





I hope the Echidna will allow what might be a bit of inside information...
What we have here are basically two storylines, which will stay largely separate for quite a few chapters. . I can't say anything more without giving too much away.

Thanks!!!!
CJ

CJ, this is awesome!!! I really love it.

The prologue was cool. It did tell us what is waiting for them in the future. And I see that it’s mostly an action/adventure story. Great. But the technical words bummed me a tiny winy bit. And I know that we’re going to meet more of these words in the future (I know you, CJ!). Just want to tell you to keep the words, not minimum, but rather optimum.

The first chapter was downright sad. Such a depressing portrayal of the protagonist. Defeated. Broken. Exhausted. Furious? You surprised in the chapter, CJ. I wasn’t expected such a chapter from you. Not that you’re incapable but I was thinking that your type is rather action, adventure and humor. But it was certainly a nice surprise.


I have to. I have to bow, CJ. Thousands of feelings in a few words.

The second chapter was great! Who won’t love to see their fav character being pampered by lady luck. J I liked it. But I think that you needn’t precise that he was blond before. The last scene just proves it. But I understand that he’s having self-estime problems. J

I got a few spoilers too:
1. At least one of the brothers is gay!
2. Brandon is gay

If you’re looking for flames, I vote for Chase-Brandon!

Ieshwar

P.S I saw the posts. Who believes that CJ is going to write stuff without no surf or no CBI or no action or no explosions? (No one raises hands) You all are obviously aware of the belligerent nature of our gay goat!!!

Thanks Ieshwar!!!
I,ll try to keep the tech stuff to a minimum... I'm assuming you mean regarding the bombs? In the actual chapters I'll be able to explain the tech in the narrative, but I couldn't do it in the prologue, I kind of wanted that to be a little vague.

And yes, he's both a bit blond and a bit too used to having his dreams crushed to pick up on what I even say in the narration is obvious. LoL. However, they did unintentionally misdirect him; they told him their manager had seen them play with the "new guy". He, however, didn't see her, and thinks no one saw. LoL

Glad you liked the first chapter; I posted it along with #2 becuase of it being a "downer", and didn't want to start the story off that way. And thanks, I've been trying to grow as a writer, so I've been experimenting with different ways to portray wording and emotions.

CJ

Comments will come later, first I have to read .

Exactly! I have noted instead of the first person narration like in FTL, you chose the third person narration. But it was good. Was it difficult?

God, I'm already missing Brandon and Chase. I want more!!!! You can send me the next chapters privately, you know.

Ieshwar

P.S Don't forget to let the music play!!!

Hey!

Awesome start.

I really couldn't say anything else but wow.

I like the way you portrayed Brandon. Just by describing his environment and what he's doing and eating, you gave me a clear picture of the kind of person he is and the kind of person he wants to be. Kudos!

Rad

I'm going to agree with Rigel 100% here. I believe that Brandon was kicked out of his family, his band, and his life for the simple fact that he was gay. What other secret can usually evoke these responses from everybody to wards someone (except maybe if his parents found his secret Milli Vanilli CD collection) .

I also believe that Lump is the homophobe. With the brother's and their parents having a falling out, it is usually the parents and their generation that don't accept homosexuality, not the younger generation. Lump obviously saw the boys dad as being his ticket to have the money to buy the booze, drugs, and sex, so he would stick with their Dad. There was also a reference to the brothers waiting to see how Brandon would react to the family secret. How many homophobes keep their feelings sheltered and away from anyone who will listen? Whereas the opposite, telling one is gay is still very much a decision most people have to make on an individual basis after they learn a bit about other people.

My guess is that Chase is also gay, and Dan and Eric will stand by their brother. Chase's obvious hate of Lump being the strongest, leads me to think that he is the object of Lump's homophobia. Some of the things giving that away was Chase immediately taking off his shirt, and the way the Chase had to immediately get into the shower after the rehearsal. Both brothers seemed to know why Chase needed the shower so quickly and also knew his answer for letting Brandon join when Helen called.

One question for you CJ, you made reference to "Drumbeat" magazine that made Brandon uncomfortable when questioned about it when he didn't play drums, which Chase was also very excited with the prospect that maybe he did. You also made reference when Chase first took off his shirt that drummers did this because of the intense workout. So what is Drumbeat magazine? I'm expecting a magazine with pictures of hot drummers without their shirts on.

Steve

Nice one, CJ!

Though the prologue threw me a bit, I'm still grinning like a total fool, and can't wait for chapter 3!

Camy

Sometimes I think gay readers are a bit paranoid There is no need to believe any of the characters will be homophobes. There is ample reasons already given in the story to dislike Lump, but until he shows himself to be a homophobe, I see no reason to believe him to be one. It's like Eric in FTL -- we have ample reasons to dislike him without having him be homophobic as well. Indeed, I think you could make a good case that Eric in FTL is not homophobic. It's the same here. People can be disliked for other reasons. Even being homophobic doesn't mean that they are disliked, depending on how they express their homophobia.

It is almost as if some readers require that there be a homophobic character to "oppress" the gay character....

Ok, let's everyone chant:

Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump! Dump Lump!

I feel so much better now.

CJ!

I love this story! The music industry is a fantastic setting for a story. How exactly the bombs fit in escapes me as well. I'm totally taken with Brandon.



That line was just perfect.

I also think Brandon'and Chase are gay. What helped me decide that, though, were the sixteen clues CJ put in the story. Brandon buying a drummer's mag? Brandon having a single poster on his wall of his roach-infested room? Could the poster be from the drummer mag? Nicely done, CJ!

So here's what I'm looking forward to in the short and long term:

-Brandon's reaction to getting the lead singer's job
-Chase telling Lump that he's history. Chase will say, "Hey, Lump, I have some good news and some bad news for ya. The good news is you're going to be able to focus a lot more of your time and attention to your drug and acohol addictions. The bad news is you're going to have to find a new source of income to feed your habit. Your ass is grass, dude! Be careful not to let the door hit you in the ass on your way out!"
-Chase and Brandon coming together!
-Chase and Brandon meeting Chris and Steve and they start having pool parties!

Conner

Sweet story CJ.

I got the impression that Brandon was kicked out because his parents found out he's gay.

As far as Lump goes, he's got a drug and alcohol problem which is why he's not that reliable anymore.

Chase I hadn't thought about, but for all we know, any one of the brothers can be gay, we just don't know who at the moment. Chase could be protecting one of his brothers.

I can see CJ having one of the brothers taking a mirror off the wall and holding it up in front of Brandon when the break the news to him that he's in.

I think Gabe will do a lot of shouting when he first finds out that Brandon is now a member of the band.

Now to go past a link at The House.

Jan

The story is very good so far and I cant wait to see Brandon's reaction! Lol I already have my first suspect whos gonna cause problems for our band but I could be wrong just gotta wait and see!

Jees, I just got email a few minutes ago about CJ's new story, and I see from the discussion that it went up last night. I guess the e-Fiction bot isn't exactly speedy. I can't believe everyone got to it so quickly - especially on a weekend. Doesn't anyone here have anything else to do? I feel like I've arrived late to the party.



I, too, couldn't agree more with Rigel. I think it's a given that Brandon's gay, and that one of the brothers is gay - most likely Chase. I look forward to some very awkward dancing around the issue until Brandon and the gay brother manage to come out to each other after falling in love. There could be some very interesting and, hopefully, humorous rather than tragic scenes until they do come out. The s**t could really hit the fan, however, if/when they're relationship becomes public.

CJ, it's not up to me to tell you how to write your story, but I'm loving it so far. I would just hate to see it side-tracked by secret plots and nuclear bombs. You've already got a great start on a story without the need for espionage and intrigue, but knowing how you write, it will all come together in the end.

Thanks Bob!!

I had to go with third person in LTMP: there are a few subplots that remain separate for quite some time, and there was no way I could maneuver anyone into "knowing it all" as I would have to do in 1st person, so I had to go 3rd, and I find 3rd a much more flexible way to write. I'm loving it. I am new to it, with only my short story "The Muse" (fall 2006 anthology) as prior experience, but it's not as hard as I'd thought.

Ch 3 should be posted fairly soon.


Thanks Rad! That's what I was going for. He's in a fix, for sure.



Okay, who leaked the plot?


Thanks Camy!!!


Thanks Conner!!!

BTW, for those unfamiliar with my other stories, I do put clues in my stories, often quite a few. But I give fair warning; there may be misdirections, too.


Thanks Jan!!! I can't comment on the plot, but thanks!!!


Thanks Trevor!!

Thanks!!
One of the benefits of 3rd person is being able to do both; one storyline won't impact the other much, until much later on. At least, that what I'm trying to do. Ch 3 will be a good example, as it parts from both, even though mainly focusing on the goings-on with the band.

See, I totally agree with you here Steve... but one little change I would make is that Lump and Chase might have started something, and Lump backed out, turned him in to protect himself from his own father, or refused to support Chase when they both got outted... Hence why he fell to drugs and whatnot, as self medication for his guilt, remorse, and denial of his own truths...

Listen up, goat-face, there better not be any misdirection when it comes to Brandon and Chase getting together.

It's a done deal! If it isn't, you'll rip my heart out. I've bonded already.

Conner

This part brought me to tears.

I remember watching a movie with Kevin Costner where he and a young lad only had mustard sandwiches to eat. That was a sweet movie.

Btw, why do wolves get the credit for swallowing things almost whole??? Goats can do that. "Brandon goated down the bread and mustard..." I like it!

Conner

I can’t believe you guys are already speculating on any possible outcome after the first posting! I’m guessing Clump and Gabe are going to be the heroes, as they don’t come off as very nice characters right from the start. CJ has vowed not to use clichés, and these Hanson Bros look-alikes are not going to be the heroes.

Who knows? Maybe they’ll be the terrorists using their band as a cover-up for using the nuclear bomb. They look way too nice to be honest, from my point of view. Like pulling the poor guy out of the gutter… And after all, maybe Brandon had to flee Phoenix because he’s being sought after by the police for armed robbery, and lost the loot, so he has to eat mustard sandwiches. Only time and future chapters will tell, let’s not hastily jump to conclusions, just because it is posted on a gay site!

So... when do we get to hijack this thread and tie it to FTL's thread?

Cuz over there we now know Cj's real name and purpose, and to quote an "old rival"

"Dark side his ways have become, misdirection and lies are his weapons now." Or something like that.

Would *I* misdirect?



Thanks Conner! Brandon's definitely living on the very edge, barely able to exist. The reasons for that will be told soon.



Maybe they just want to make sure their next concert is a blast?



Hehe, Sorry, but we can't hijack this thread; that would give FTL two threads, and be against forum rules.

Story Note: Chapter 3 should be along soon. Now that I've finished writing (though not posting) my other serial, "For the Love", I can devote more attention to this story. Ch 3 and 4 are already written, and 5 is underway.
Thanks everyone!
CJ

Begin's chanting loudly... "PART 3 PART 3 PART 3 PART 3, I NEED PART 3 RWARRRRRRRRR PART 3, PART 3 PART 3 PART 3 PART 3, I NEED PART 3 RWARRRRRRRRR PART 3,PART 3 PART 3 PART 3 PART 3, I NEED PART 3 RWARRRRRRRRR PART 3,PART 3 PART 3 PART 3 PART 3, I NEED PART 3 RWARRRRRRRRR PART 3" ENDS RANT


Now give us part 3!!!!! <3

-LC

The "bombs" really troubled me as to what they are relating to the story, Brandon wiring bombs? Geiger counter? Then he is given his dream chance...oh by the way his parents probably threw him out because he wouldn't keep his room clean then outed his nasty ways

It will be along soon, but it's not back from my editor yet so I can't post.
BTW, thanks!!!


Hi Benji!
That was a prologue, and the "A few months hence" meant it's a few months into the story timeline.

It's not Brandon who is wiring the bombs; but that's a good on my part; I should have described the man in the lab gear a little better. I wanted to leave it vague, but not have Brandon as a possibility. I should have said "rubbed his hand across his balding head" or something, to make it clearer. The tech is one of the bad guys, but only a minor player.

It's a common technique in mainstream books to have the prologue be different, timewise, than the main story. Either some hisotry, or in some cases (like mine) a peek forward.

The reason I did the prologue is that, due to the way the story is written, we don't even get a peek at the bad guys until Chapter 3, and even then it's just a peek. So, I wanted to try and show that, while this is somethign of a band story, there is a lot more going on.

As for the geiger counter, he'd need one.

I strive for technical accuracy in the derails of my stories, so that bomb assembly is technically accurate, for that type of bomb. Kryton switches, for example, are very real. There is no online definition of these switches, but just doing a google search on the name (click here for search results) give you a good idea of exactly what kind of bombs these are. The sphere of high-explosive shaped-charges is another clue. It's a little vauge, as all i really wanted to convey was that the bad guys are building bombs.
CJ

I gotcha this time, CJ. hehehe You couldn't have said "rubbed his hand across his balding head" because the work he was doing took place in a clean room. In a clean room environment (intended to minimize or eliminate airborne particulates), personnel are gowned, head to toe, and, of course, wear non-shedding gloves, mask and headcover. hahaha

I feel good da da da da da da da Like you know that I would da da da da da da da

Furthermore, you have a prologue so that you'll mess up the efiction counting system again.

I feel good da da da da da da da Like you know that I would da da da da da da da


Conner

Edit: Btw, that was my best James Brown impersonation! Not bad, eh!

CJ,

I finally figured out why there is a bomb in the prologue!!!

You have finally created a plot that you can use the seldom used icon in your posts!!!

Steve

You're right!!!! OK, I'll avoid editing that into the chapter. Maybe I'll allude to his age in some way.



ROFL!!! That's a good point! I think I'll need a character named Jerry, too.
Hmmmmmm....

Don't know about anyone else, but a sign of age comes from arthritic movement from being hunched over tables too long, moving stifly because of joint locks and pain (one part exposure, one part age.)

Sorry for the delay!

The next chapter of my other serial, "For the Love" will post Tuesday, and if I get the next chapter of LTMP back from proofreading in time, I'll see if I can get it online here by Thursday night.

CJ

Chapter 3 has been posted.

Sorry for the delay; I try to keep a weekly posting schedule, but life has been getting in the way this week.
CJ

WO.oT! Going to read it now! and Im first to respond... mwhahaha!
-----------------
Notes: Master, you're other lackies are lacking "his uinfuence to get"... Beta readers... yeash...
-----------------
Note on the story... there's sumthin' fishy about those shorts ... hmm, like maybe they shouldn't get wet or they'll disolve or something... hmmm...

Another great chapter CJ

I love how they play mind games with Brandon, making him figure out which of them is gay, good touch!!

You answered a lot of my questions in this chapter, and i still can't wait to see the look on Brandon's bosses face when he finds out what happened ><

Now can i start ranting for chapter 4? Pretty please!!!

-LC

I knew I was going to love this story. The stage seems well set for Brandon and Chase.

I fully agree with LC on the teasing scenes. I had this silly-ass grin on my face throughout the whole chapter. So I'm most anxious to see how Brandon will do with gaydar test #2. I just know he's going to say Eric, if only for the fact that Jon needs to punk on Eric a bit. Also, it's too much fun for CJ to pass up. As well, my sense is that Brandon thinks Chase is a stud, but more importantly, a straight stud. Brandon's going to have a total meltdown when he learns it's Chase. He will try to cover up as best he can. I'm thinking the tight black swim suit may have a bigger role to play in chapter 4.

Hot tub scenes are just as good as pool parties.

So once again we have a strong woman figure in the story who does the mother thing at the edge of the story. Interesting. Can't call it a pattern yet, but....I'm wondering what Sigmund would think.

The goat sub-group literary committee has ruled that the ending of this chapter does not constitute a cliffhanger.
Rule 224(2)(a)(viii) states that any ending that leaves the reader smiling cannot be a cliffhanger.

Absolutely a delightful chapter, CJ. You know, it's nice reading a story where no one is being kidnapped, shot at or lunch for some desert vultures. It's coming, I know.

Conner

Hey CJ,

That’s a great chapter. What I really appreciated is the ‘gaydar’. It was funny and so true. For me, the ‘gaydar’ is such a myth and poor Brandon became a victim. So are all of us, at one time or the other.

That was pretty heroic to come out like that. Brandon must be really courageous! And Chris is really cool. I would love to see him more trying to impress Brandon. Might be fun.

And have you noticed that CJ has something for tough lesbian bosses? First, Betty in FTL and now, Helen in LTMP. Ha, our goat has a small fetish?

Waiting for the next chapter!

Ieshwar

.......CJ, another great chapter! Very funny with the gaydar I think I could actually feel the heat from Brandon blushing!

Cj,

I have to admit that I was chuckling or outright laughing my way through the entire chapter!! Right from the start when they are putting Brandon in front of the mirror, to when he gets asked to guess who is gay in the hot tub, I was in stitches.

I don't know if you planned the chapter the way you did, but inserting the little segment on "The Scar" kinda had me laughing even more. But I'm sure we will find out in the future more about him, and what he has against Instinct or if it is or is not personal.

The thing I liked about the chapter the most is that I think a lot of people can relate to Brandon through out the chapter. The way he is among new friends, unsure if they will accept him. Then when they have no problem with him, it builds his confidence and he is ready to make decisions with his gaydar. Hilarious .

With the references between Betty and Helen, I'm wondering if Helen will have some traits of Betty. Will she start showing some feelings towards a guy in this story? Hmmm, maybe they will be towards Gabe since he really is the only other male character so far. .

Finally, loved the way you set up the end for Brandon to guess yet again wrong which brother is gay. We have Eric giving Brandon the lycra shorts, letting him use his shower, offering him clothes, and deciding what pictures of Chase to put on the cover of the magazine. The start of the next chapter should be as good as the start of this one!! At least Jon won't be the only one to be mistaken for being gay, and can enjoy in a little payback.

Steve

P.S. Hopefully there is more hot tub or pool parties in the future