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Showing results for tags 'renee stevens'.
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July C S R Discussion Day: Reece's Choice by Renee Stevens
Cia posted a blog entry in Gay Authors News
Did you have a chance to read this month's CSR feature, Reece's Choice, by our very own blog queen herself, Renee Stevens? I hope so, because she has some questions for you! Ahh, didn't know there was going to be a quiz this month, did you? Muahaha, I hope you're prepared!! Of course, I asked her a few question first. How do you approach creating goals for yourself as a writer? Do they help you? Honestly, I’ve tried doing the goals thing, and in most cases they don’t work for me. I try to tell myself on a daily basis that I’ll write 1,000 words that day, and at least lately, the majority of the time I don’t make it. I might not even make half of that. Now, if I have a set in stone deadline not of my own making, I can usually make them. For some reason they make the creativity flow a bit better. I think it’s because they force me to really focus on what I’m working on. On average, how long does it take you to write a story? Is it easier or harder to write different lengths? Wow. That’s actually a harder one to answer than you might think as it’s really hard to average the huge differences in time it takes me to write something. I have stories sitting in my folders that are partially done, but were started five or more years ago. Then I have stories that I can crank out within a couple weeks. It just depends on how focused I am. As for different lengths of stories, it’s hard to say because it depends on the stories. There are some short stories that I can crank out really fast, and others that it takes me months, if not longer, to get a first draft out. And the same goes for longer stories. What is one thing you would give up to become a better writer? Caffeine? Chocolate? TV? Or…? I thought about this one for a bit, but the answer is in the ones provided. I could give up caffeine. I’ve done it before, and actually gave up all soda for a few months. If it would make me a better writer, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If it would even help me write, I’d give it up. Does your reading taste reflect itself in the genre and style you prefer to write? Not really. My taste in stories varies depending on what I’m feeling like that day. Sure, I read some stuff similar to what I write, but that’s just a percentage of what I read overall. I read everything from fluffy romance, to sci-fi, to BDSM, to angsty stories. If you’ve read many of my stories, you’ll know that I tend to put my characters through hell. Some of the stories I read do that, but some of them have very little conflict. Where do you see yourself in 5 years as a writer? I’ve been struggling a lot to write lately. My focus has been shot, but in 5 years, I’m hoping to have a few more published stories under my belt and still be writing. In five years, I’d like to have completed my Jagged Edges novel that’s been sitting on my computer, half complete, since 2008, and the rest of the stories that are there. Of course, that means there would probably be a whole new list. I’d also like to see Reece’s Choice and Joined by Blood published in eBook format. And I’m working toward those goals right now. Hey y’all, Renee here. Cia was nice enough to let me ask some of my own questions. As you see up above, I’m hoping to eBook Reece’s Choice and I have been working on revising it. But I’m a little bit stuck and can use some help, so I have a few questions for you all, if you don’t mind. I can’t guarantee I can use all the suggestions, but I want to know your thoughts: the good, the bad, and the ugly! 1. What was your favorite scene in Reece’s Choice and why? Could it be improved? 2. What, if anything, did you feel Reece’s Choice was lacking? 3. Did you like the starting point of the story, or do you think it would have been better to start before that point, possibly seeing the scene of Josh trying to set Reece up with Dave before the ambush at dinner? 4. Would you have liked to see some of the adults coming around and their treatment of Reece improving? Possibly even backing him up? (I have some thoughts here, but am curious as to what my readers think). 5. Was there anything in Reece's Choice you absolutely detested or saw no point to and felt it didn't add to the story? 6. If you were to rate Reece’s Choice, as is, what rating would you give between 1 & 5, and if lower than 5, what would have made you rate it 5? (And let me say now, no blasting anyone for their rating. If you’re uncomfortable giving your rating here, you can PM it to me)- 15 comments
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This month's CSR announcement was slightly delayed so I could post it live so Renee wouldn't find out it was happening since she's the lead blogger... but Monday has arrived so I can let everyone know this month's featured story is Reece's Choice by Renee Stevens! Woo hoo! This is a nice contemporary novella, an easy read at just 25k, so make sure you've read it and are ready to discuss the story on Monday, July 31st! Reece's Choice by Renee Stevens Length: 25,483 Description: When confronted with his family’s bigotry, Reece is faced with the first of many choices. He can continue to tolerate the caustic atmosphere or he can walk away and finally focus on making himself happy. His cousin’s friend Dave unintentionally becomes the catalyst that forces Reece to make a choice. He can only hope it's the right one. A Reader Said: Thanks Renee for a wonderful story. I'm happy it ended here. Maybe there can be future adventures the boys will get into, but it's certainly not necessary. The title actually says it all. Reece's choice. He made a good one! ~ skinnydragon Don't forget this month's Discussion Day will be Monday, July 31st!
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Well, it's here! Barbed Wire Cowboy (formerly known as Studly Ranch Hands) is now available in eBook! It has been re-edited, new scenes have been added, and there has been a bit of tweaking here and there. Here in the next couple of weeks, Barbed Wire Cowboy will also be available in paperback. If you want to be kept up to date, make sure to visit my website, friend me on facebook, or follow me on Twitter or Google+. I'll also be doing giveaways soon, so keep an eye on my site and facebook! Barbed Wire Cowboy Length: 85,000 Words Cover Artist: Mann Ramblings Available Now Amazon Smashwords Blurb: After having been kicked off the family ranch by his father, Marc Poulson has made a new home for himself as the foreman of the Double R Ranch. His fellow ranch hands are his family, but he’s still not complete without Casey Morgan, his counterpart at the neighboring Del Rio Ranch. In the middle of a feud with his one-time best friend, Marc struggles to understand why Casey would rather take a swing at him than talk to him. He wants to put the past behind them and rebuild what they once had and make their relationship stronger than ever, but Casey is having none of it. Casey has his own demons to deal with, and Marc serves as a reminder to things he’d rather forget. Casey can’t see beyond the past and continues to make mistakes that put both him and Marc in harms way. After one close call too many, Casey must decide whether his past is more important than his future, or if he can live with Marc walking out of his life—possibly forever. Excerpt: “EARTH TO Marc, come in, Marc.” Rick made a show of waving his hand in front of Marc’s face. He waited until he had Marc’s attention. “Did you hear anything I said?” “Sorry.” Marc glanced at him, but the lure of Casey Morgan was too strong to ignore. He returned his gaze to linger on the blond who had walked through the doors of the bar a moment earlier. “I was distracted.” Half of the bar separated them, but he knew from experience that the chances of avoiding a confrontation were slim to nil. “Obviously.” Their companion, and coworker, Jason snickered. “What is it with you and him?” Rick’s gaze danced between the two men. “You two can’t be in the same room together without going for the jugular.” “It has nothing to do with you.” Marc didn’t want to get into it and was desperate to stop the barrage of questions before they could start. “You concentrate on yourself and let me handle my own problems.” Marc tracked Casey’s progress through the bar until he sat at a table with two of the hired hands from the Del Rio Ranch. As the foreman for the Del Rio, Casey was the direct counterpart of Marc’s position at the Double R. The owners of the two ranches were close friends, and up until a few months earlier, so were Casey and Marc. It was amazing how one thing could cause friends to become bitter enemies, and it was nothing more than a misunderstanding. “We lost him again.” Jason needed to wipe the smirk off his face. “Knock it off.” Marc forced his attention away from Casey and back to Rick and Jason. “What were you asking?” “Never mind.” Rick shook his head. “Since we have tomorrow off it can wait until Monday. No sense in talking ranch work if we don’t have to.” “Sounds good to me.” Jason finished off the beer in front of him. Marc swallowed the last of his own drink and headed toward the bar for the next round. Despite being the sole bar in town, it wasn’t busy, and within a couple of minutes he was turning to head back to his table with three fresh beers. As he turned, his shoulder brushed against a newcomer, and Marc turned to apologize, but the words stuck in his throat when he found himself face-to-face with Casey. If he’d realized Casey had the same idea, he would have stayed in his seat and let one of the other two go. “Poulson.” Casey’s greeting dripped with hostility. “Morgan.” Fuck the apology. Marc pushed past him but stopped when Casey mumbled something under his breath. His entire body went stiff, and he struggled to breathe through the anger. He should have ignored it and walked away, but it built inside him until he was seething with every breath he took. “What the hell did you say to me?” “You heard me.” Casey leaned against the bar and tried to stare him down. “That’s bullshit and you know it.” Marc took a determined step forward. He had a couple of inches on his former friend and wasn’t above trying to intimidate him. Not anymore. “It’s not bullshit if it’s the truth.” Instead of backing down, Casey straightened up, anger flashing in his eyes. “I’ve had it with this crap.” Marc clenched his jaw. He’d tried to keep his cool, but if Casey was itching for a fight that bad, Marc was ready and willing to oblige. He ignored the little voice in his head telling him it was a bad idea. Marc plunked the bottles he was holding onto the bar, flexed his hands at his side, and waited. He wouldn’t throw the first punch, but if Casey did, he wouldn’t walk away. “I wasn’t the only one there, and you damn well know it.” “You may as well have been.” Casey sneered and grabbed the beer the bartender set down. He tried to shoulder his way past, but Marc refused to move. Marc reached out and grabbed ahold of Casey’s arm to keep him there. “Oh, I don’t know about that. When are you going to admit you liked it?” With a wrench of his arm he whirled Casey back around. The bottle clutched in Casey’s grasp slipped free, shattering on the floor, and beer splashed up onto their boots. Their gazes collided, and Marc could see the fury simmering in Casey’s eyes. Determined to use his height advantage, he took a step forward until there were a mere couple of inches separating them, forcing Casey to look up to meet his eyes. When Marc didn’t release his hold on him, Casey knocked his hand away. “Don’t.” As cliched as it sounded, if looks could kill, Marc would drop dead on the spot. “You have no fucking right to touch me.” “Like this?” Marc reached out with one hand and shoved Casey’s shoulder. “Bastard,” Casey replied. “Point being?” Marc repeated his earlier action, this time putting enough force behind it to cause the infuriating man to stagger into the table behind him. “Go to hell.” Casey growled and turned toward his table. “I’ll meet you there.” Marc laughed and moved to grab the beers from the bar. He heard one of the Del Rio hands yell and turned a second too late. Casey’s fist connected with his jaw and sent him stumbling back into the bar. “Fucker!” Marc launched himself toward Casey and placed a couple of well-aimed blows to Casey’s stomach and ribs. It didn’t bring near the satisfaction he’d expected. Instead, regret trickled through him and was enough to throw off his concentration. Casey didn’t hesitate to take advantage, but Marc managed to deflect the blow with his shoulder. He grunted in pain as the next one connected with his ribs. Thank god Casey hadn’t managed to land a shot to his liver. That would have had him writhing in agony. Shelving his feelings of remorse to study later, Marc shoved Casey hard enough to send him careening into a nearby chair. Taking advantage of gaining the upper hand, he pressed on and within moments Marc was rolling on the floor with Casey as they each tried to gain domination over the other. Marc managed to land a few more punches, but then someone grabbed his arms and pulled him away. His entire body hurt, but he ignored the pain and struggled to get free. “Fuckers. Let me go.” The more he fought, the tighter he was held. Despite his attempts, Marc was no match for the men intent on dragging him away. Through the haze of anger he saw two men pull Casey to his feet and resumed his struggles, but there was no freeing himself. The adrenaline drained out of him, and, as his vision cleared, he recognized the two men holding Casey back as the two hired hands from the Del Rio Ranch. He turned his head to see who had him and met Rick’s gaze. A groan slithered from his throat as he looked on his other side and found Jason regarding him as if he was a snake about to strike. “You can let me go now.” Marc tried to jerk his arms free. “Sorry, boss man, can’t do that.” Rick’s grip tightened to the point Marc was sure he’d have bruises. On top of the ones he’d have from Casey. “You’ll fucking pay for this.” Casey struggled against the two men holding him, blood flowing unimpeded from his nose. Marc glanced at his hands and winced at the blood coating his split knuckles. With his quarry now out of his reach, he allowed Rick and Jason to lead him toward the exit. He couldn’t believe he’d been goaded into yet another fight. Though, if he was honest, he’d egged Casey on as well. Now he had to figure out how he was going to explain the night’s events to his boss, once word got around, and it would. That should be fun. Rick and Jason almost had him to the door when it opened and revealed the lean body of the sheriff blocking their escape. Author Bio: Renee Stevens first started writing in her teens but didn’t get serious about being an author until her mid-twenties. Since then she’s written a number of contemporary stories, as well as delved into the paranormal. When not writing, or spending time in the outdoors, Renee can usually be found working on GayAuthors.org in her capacity of Admin, Blog Coordinator, and Anthology Coordinator. Renee resides in Wyoming with her wonderfully supportive husband and a menagerie of four-legged critters. Making the most of the nearly constant negative temperatures and mounds of snow, Renee spends much of the winter months in hibernation with her laptop, the voices in her head keeping her company while her husband works. When she needs a break from writing, Renee takes to the sewing machine to design, and make, beautiful quilts. When the snow finally disappears, usually around May or June, Renee can be found in the great-outdoors. She spends her time on the mountain, at the lake, and just anywhere that she can do some camping, take some photos, and ride the four-wheelers with her hubby. Once back at home, it’s back to writing. Website * Facebook * Twitter * Google+
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Happy September, we're in the home stretch of 2021! This month, in honor of Labor Day in the U.S., I'm featuring a story about soldiers. For all those who work with their hands, who build, who labor, thank you! I hope you enjoy reading Renee Stevens' story, Thwarted. Maybe we can lure her back to writing again with some comments! Thwarted by @Renee Stevens Length: 62,434 Description: After getting out of the military, Mark is unsure what he wants to do with his life. Then he meets Trey, a current soldier in the US Army. Sometimes it seems like everything is conspiring against them. Can they make it or will they be... thwarted. A reader said: Finally managed to read the last chapters. I've enjoyed the story and your great characters, and I like to think they will have a happy life together. A sequel sounds good ~ Suvitar Don't forget to come back to share your thoughts on Monday, September 27th!
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Just a short little snippet to what will hopefully be the Prequel novella for the Sci-Fi story I want to write.... “Day?” Dayton looked up from his seat at the kitchen table. “Yeah?” He stood when Colin looked like he was going to fall over and helped his husband to a chair. “You okay?” He was surprised to see Colin up and about. For the last week, Colin had been sick and all but quarantined himself in their bedroom. The only time Dayton had even seen his husband was when he took him meals, and even then, Colin made him leave immediately. Dayton understood. Colin didn’t want him getting sick, or passing on whatever he had to their daughter. As much as he understood, Dayton’s back missed their bed, and Dayton missed his husband. “I don’t think so.” Colin didn’t look it either. His face was pale, his skin sweaty, and even his voice lacked life. “I think we should take me to the medical center to get scanned.” “No.” Dayton refused to believe that Colin could be infected. “It’s just a cold. You’ll be better in a few days.” Colin shook his head. “It’s been a week, Day. And instead of feeling better, I’m getting worse.” Colin reached out and took one of Dayton’s hands in his cold clammy one. “We have to know. I can’t risk you or Sheena getting infected. You know I’m right.” Dayton did, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. If Colin was infected, that was it. He’d lose his husband as soon as he walked through the scanners.