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Man on
the Street
The
anthologies have really taken form in 2006 at GA and look set to
coninue being a great source of entertainment for us all. The themes
chosen by members allows any writer, hosted or not hosted, to join
in and it is a wonderful way to see how many stories can develop
from one theme. It is also a great way to see new authors stories
and allows us a chance to offer encouragement and advice and its
also a good way of getting more stories from your fave hosted authors.
The
winter anthologies were no exception and produced 14 great stories
all based around the theme Blizzard. If you have not had a chance
to read the entries take some time to read them all and leave some
comments for the authors who have put some hard work into the stories
for everyone to enjoy.
We
asked various members if they had read the winter anthologies and
which they liked the best and if they had not read all or any yet
we asked which stories they look forward to reading, here is their
response.
Trebs
It is amazing that a single theme can produce such an array of different
stories. Although 'A Family's Sorrow' (by NickolasJames) is my fave,
due to the strong depiction of eternal hope that we can make things
better no matter how bad things are, each story had a poignant moment
or two that brought tears to my eyes. Well done, one and all.
Rknapp
I did not read all of the winter anthologies, however of the ones
that I did read I would have to say that my favorite was Viv's "A
Story for Mikie." I liked this story because it was interesting
to read about events through the mind of someone who had only four
out five human senses. The story was excellently executed as the
main characters disability only served to enhance the experience.
Even though Nathan could neither hear nor speak, he and Andy were
still able to maintain the communication level of those who are
blessed with all five senses. One could even say that the communication
between these two young men was uncanny.
Sinbad -
Submitting a story for inclusion in the 'Blizzard' Winter Anthology
was a great thrill for me - a first attempt. My story is a straightforward
story of a budding romance set against an event in a blizzard. Once
submitted I immediately began to have doubts: I certainly hadn't
explored any different, off-the-wall take on the blizzard theme,
and my story could be seen as clichéd. So reading the other stories
in the anthology was a revelation to me: what a remarkably varied
set of stories, all in one way or another fitting the theme. Do
I have to pick a favourite? Personal preference influences my choice,
since I prefer more realistic, less fantasy stories. All the stories
are wonderfully written, to a standard that I can only dream of
achieving. But my favourite has to be Viv's 'Story for Mikie' because
of its sensitive portrayal of the issues around communication for
a deaf gay person. Viv took on a greater challenge than the rest
of us. I can only bow in admiration.
Bondwriter
I read a couple. My favorite was Colinian's (Christmas Break)
because it dealt with outdoor adventures and the scenery description
was grand. Plus the relationship between the narrator and his friend
was well observed and nicely told. I must confess it's quite difficult
to read all the stories. I already read the serials that were not
too advanced when I got here in December, and I tried to read lots.
If a story doesn't grab me after forty lines, I give up.
Hollaburoo
I would definitely say that "A Family's Sorrow" by NickolasJames
was one of the best of the winter anthologies I read. Nick wrote
a very touching and convincing story about love and acceptance,
and it just drew me in.
It also drew some strong parallels with the relationship between
me and my mother since I came out to her and perfectly captured
how people can drift away without us being able to stop it.
So
those are some opinions of the winter anthologies and unfortunately
we cannot ask all members what stories they enjoyed so remember
to let the authors know what you think of their story as it encourages
then to continue writing. I would like to thank the members who
responded and gave their opinions and to remind you all to look
out for the upcoming anthology based on fairytales which should
produced many great or at least interesting stories.
Mark
L
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The
Editing Process: From the Writer’s Point of View
By
Talon Rider
Finding an editor can
be a problem sometimes. You think to yourself, where can I find
someone? Do I ask another author who they use? Do I post something
in a forum somewhere? Has an editor made their presence known? Either
one of those methods may work. GA is making this step easier.
As
an author, you need to be clear on what you are looking for from
an editor. Do you want a minimal amount of editing done, such as
spelling and punctuation, or something more serious like spelling,
grammar, flow, plot, and character development, etc.?
Communication
is the first and most important step. The author should provide
the editor with a brief description of the storyline and provide
a small sample of the story to give an editor an idea of the story.
This may also help to pique the editor’s interest in the story.
The
method that the editor uses should also be discussed. Does the editor
use the “Track Changes” function in Word? Does the editor make the
suggested changes in the document using different colors? With Track
Changes, the editor can make the changes and leave a comment to
the side, giving the author the option to accept or decline them.
The
other method of editing can be time consuming. Here the editor may
make changes within the document, typing them in a different color,
showing the suggested changes, and then writing his comments elsewhere.
An
editor who doesn’t explain the reasons behind the suggested changes
isn’t helping the author, especially the new or beginning writer.
In time, as the team works together, a one or two word reason may
suffice.
Once
the edit is complete and sent back to the author, the author should
then review and decide how to proceed on the suggested changes.
Once this step is complete, the author should send the story back
to the editor for a second edit. The author should not be afraid
to ask questions or to explain why a change was rejected. An important
thing to remember is the editor helps the author fine tune the story.
It is the author’s right to accept or reject any suggested changes
to his/her work.
Once
the author is satisfied with the editing portion, it is recommended
that it be sent to some Beta Readers. The beta reader’s job is to
give the author that all-important first feedback on the story before
it’s released to the public. They will look into things like, flow,
character development, plot, etc.
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Member Interview with Trebs
GA:
Hi Trebs:! How are you doing today?
Trebs:
Doing pretty good, thx
GA:
For those that don't know you, how would you describe how you came
to be at GA?
Trebs:
I've been a long time reader of nifty (and before that, usenet groups
such as assgm and other gay oriented fiction. A little over two
years ago, one of the stories I was reading - the author misposted
a chapter - putting up 15 when he should have put up 14...So when
I opened chapter 14 - and it seemed to jump, I wondered what happened,
and went to the website the author had at the bottom – gayauthors.
It was when I got there, that I had the GREAT surprise...of not
only finding the correct chapter 14, but that he was up to about
chapter 26 or so at the time...The story was "Do Over"
and the author who linked me back to finding GA was Dan Kirk
GA:
I think a great many of us discovered Dan's writing elsewhere and
found GA as a result. That's how I found GA too. So, you and Dan
are one of the true happy stories that GA has created. Is it true
that you and Dan met in person due to GA?
Trebs:
Yes - after coming over because of Do Over, I started reading other
stories both by him and other authors such as Dom Luka, participating
in the forums and reading some of the blogs. Dan mentioned quite
a bit of his past in his blog, and knew that we lived relatively
near each other (90 min trip each way)...He even talked in his blog
at one point of having just been in Sacramento, where I live, with
his friend/ex Manuel. So I dropped hints via email, some forum posts
and things about "If you're ever in town again and want to
have coffee..." but other than "sure, I'll think about
it", no real nibble. But as many of you know, Dan also has
been very involved in politics in his past, as am I - and...I realized
we may know some of the same people from when he used to live in
Sacramento (95-97). In relating stories back and forth about people
we knew, heh - I think he came to realize I wasn't a total nut/stalker.
Then one day in chat, he mentioned not having seen Hitchhikers Guide
to the Galaxy, which had opened the prior week. I hadn't either
- and when I asked if I came to Modesto (near...him), would he go
see it with me - and finally got a yes. And that was our first "date"
Ironic thing... I used to work with one of his roommates - who I
remember saying that he had a gay roommate (back in 96). But though
this roommate and I worked together in the same office, I never
met Dan at that point.
GA:
What a small world, and what a wonderful way to meet! Is your new
job as Member Advocate working out OK? I know you can't discuss
specific cases, of course.
Trebs:
So far, I haven't done a lot with the position, but I personally
feel good about what I have done. My main focus is trying to make
sure alternate views are listened to - sometimes administrators,
like all people, see a ton of criticism, and so when a new item
comes in, possibly from the same source, they may feel overwhelmed.
I see my role more of taking a breath, taking a step back, and ...saying
"You know - part of what this is saying is very valid."
Additionally, helping to look at policies/announcements and giving
some feedback on "Be careful - you might want to rework this
section as it could be misinterpreted." Bottom line - text
is a VERY hard medium to get across at times, and the same sentence
to three different people may be taken four different ways. I'm
hoping to ...just show both members and administrators (though -
all admins are ALSO members) that there may be more than one way
to look at certain situations...Benefit of the doubt, and all...
GA:
This is a wonderful idea. It is indeed true that text is notoriously
prone to misinterpretation. How does the process work for the members:
Do they contact you right away with a problem, or do you become
involved later?
Trebs:
Like I said, not a ton has happened yet - its been more my own interaction
with the board, pointing out trends I've seen in peoples messages.
I am open to receiving any info, complaints or comments anyone wants
to send to me. But most of what I've done so far is hard to describe
without revealing certain personal details. I guess a generic idea
that can illustrate things is that...People build up their online
persona through all the various things they do, their postings,
etc. So if someone all of a sudden had a much different "voice"
- that might be taken as the person got pissed at the board for
some reason and is trying to undermine the board. BUT if you factor
in some of that persons recent posts about negative things that
have happened, and realize it is more of ...anger/lashing out at
the world/depression talking - it makes more sense that it's not
about the board per se, but more about the person reaching out and
needing help. Totally different views of the same message
GA:
That is a good thing to bear in mind. I know all too well that everyone
can have a bad day, and say the wrong things. If you add that to
the miscommunication and misperception inherent in text communications,
it is very easy indeed to misjudge someone, and that is without
a major problem affecting them. This is a wonderful concept, and
I want to add my thanks for you doing it.
GA:
How is it working with the Admins? Do you agree with Myr and all
GA policies?
Trebs:
Working with the admins has been a learning process. Every once
in a while, I worry that I'm putting my toe in somewhere that someone
will object to - but so far, it's been very positive in appreciating
my input. I don't agree with Myr all the time, nor some of the GA
policies, but I absolutely respect what Myr has done, that is ultimately
his responsibility (especially in the legal aspect), ...and that
he listens. Before I formally accepted and took the position, I
bounced quite a bit off of Myr, and vice-versa. And if he hadn't
at least been open to listening to me and my ideas, I wouldn't have
taken the postiion. Myr not only listened, but took quite a few
of my suggestions. I don't expect him to take everything I say -
but I do know that he listens and that's what's important to me.
GA:
Is there anything that you would like to say directly to the members,
such as what to do, or how you prefer to be contacted?
Trebs:
Best way to get a hold of me for any reason is a PM through here,
AIM at "RJsLaptop," or via email at "robertjordan
(at) surewest.net". Please, if you do use the instant messenger
services - immediately mention "This is re: GA" or something
so I know you're not a spammer And realize, I keep my messaging
on at work, even when I'm not sitting there, so starting with Hi
- u there - this is re:GA" can be REALLY helpful to me. Email
is a bit spotty as I usually only check it once every two days,
but it is there if anyone feels they need a totally outside source
of contact.
As to message to members:...The great part of being a part of GA
is the community we are all helping to build here. I met my partner
via GA and made many friends, as well as seen so many lives touched.
The stories posted here are fantastic, the writing help, workshops,
teen resources, and everything else that the website offers are
wonderful - BUT...
it is the members that truly make this place special. My ultimately
goal is to help ensure the thriving success of the board - a lawsuit
closing the board or other action that causes Myr to find it not
worth his time and energy will be a blow to us all. So the overall
board must be protected - but within that framework, I also see
the satisfaction of the members as being a priority.
GA:
Trebs, thank you so much for all that you do. And thank you very
much for this interview!
Trebs: No problem - thank you
© CJames |
