YA LGBT Books discussion
Tales told - a.k.a free reads
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Group Profile Picture Short Story Challenge
Scylar wrote: "Hey, members. I took it upon myself to start this thread. Sorry, Juli. Sorry, Lori. Can I do this?But I challenge one of you writers to write a short story based on the profile picture for ..."
You are more than welcome to start new threads... please do.
Ooh...I like challenges! Some of my best books have come about because of challenges...I'll play along, but it's going to be a little while before I get to it. I have two other YA projects I have to finish by the end of the month.
I'm looking at the image and a few things are starting to churn. We'll see if a story pops out of that and if so, I'll share it here.
Hey, you guys. Can't wait to read the story. As I was driving down the road last night this dude "Johnny" started telling me the story of those two. So I started writing it down. Man, that dude Johnny is totally ADHD. But he knows those boys. If you guys want to read the short, let me know.
Scylar wrote: "Hey, you guys. Can't wait to read the story. As I was driving down the road last night this dude "Johnny" started telling me the story of those two. So I started writing it down. Man, that dude Joh..."Okay, you so know that we'll want to read it. Don't be a tease, just post it already.
Kaje wrote: "Scylar wrote: "Hey, you guys. Can't wait to read the story. As I was driving down the road last night this dude "Johnny" started telling me the story of those two. So I started writing it down. Man..."You first, Kaje.
Matt wrote: "Kaje wrote: "Okay, you so know that we'll want to read it. Don't be a tease, just post it already."Come on Scy. I second Kaje's request. I like stories where one of the guys has ADHD. Treva Hart..."
Hey, Matt. YOU would want to read what an ADHD dude would say:) Me, too. They (and we know who THEY are) are so cool. SOon, very soon. AFter Kaje and the others post theirs. ANd thanks for the suggestions about stories with ADHD characters. I'll have to check them out.
Scylar wrote: "You first, Kaje. ..."Me first what? I just pretty much finished a 15,000 word short for the Gay-Straight Alliance group. Are you asking for a story here too? (Aargh - it's already starting to write itself. Don't do that. I have three novels and two shorts in editing now. I don't need to start something new...)
Kaje wrote: "Scylar wrote: "You first, Kaje. ..."Me first what? I just pretty much finished a 15,000 word short for the Gay-Straight Alliance group. Are you asking for a story here too? (Aargh - it's alrea..."
Then I have a lot of catching up to do, don't I.
If yours is actually written you should post it. You're among friends (and if you wait for us, who knows when that will be.)
Alright, then. You convinced me. But just remember this is my first foray in short stories. And my first time writing in the first person. www.sebastianthegreat.com/Sweetness.pdf
And don't laugh at me. Matt, this one's for you! Now I'm off to more serious work. Like getting STG ready for electronic version.
Enjoy Sweetness!
Awww. Perfect title and I love the stream-of-consciousness voice of the narrator (and don't we wish there were more coaches like that around.) That's great Scylar!
Hey, Kaje. WHat are you, like a speedreader or something? I just re-read a classic, and his voice sort of came through. Care to guess the classic character?
I'm fast (but not easy.) I'll have to think about the classic. You managed a pretty distinctive voice; it doesn't ring a bell for me off the top of my head.
Hmmm.. I can't guess the classic either... but them I'm pretty backwards on the classic front..Nice story Scylar.. 'sweet'.. (although I haven't a clue what 'Aunt Jamima's is..)
Byron wrote: "Hmmm.. I can't guess the classic either... but them I'm pretty backwards on the classic front..Nice story Scylar.. 'sweet'.. (although I haven't a clue what 'Aunt Jamima's is..)"
Ah, you Aussie's! Dude, no Aunt Jemima syrup down under? It is a pancake syrup made from cane sugar. The plastic bottle is designed to look like an African American woman, a maid more precisely. The bottle looks so cool. We could never afford it though, when I was growing up. We had to make do with the cheaper syrups from a can. Now it's 11:20 here in Texas, and I have to get to bed. Good night!
Thanks to all you guys. GLad you liked it. Now I'm waiting to read yours!
Matt wrote: "Scylar wrote: "And don't laugh at me. Matt, this one's for you!"Scy, just like the title, that was so sweet! And you've totally got the ADHD "stream" down pat! (I'm still trying to find the "dedi..."
Thanks, Matt. You know I love my ADHD friends. I hope Johnny wasn't to Loopy for you.
I would so have a go at it, but I'm flat out at uni :| I love writing :)
@John - Everyone needs a break.. hehe make it yours!@Matt - Srsly??? Your TEACHERS??? O_o
Byron wrote: "@John - Everyone needs a break.. hehe make it yours!@Matt - Srsly??? Your TEACHERS??? O_o"
yeah, teachers can be asses... and when they are, it's even worse than being ripped on by other student, because you're supposed to trust them... :S
Okies, so mines not professional like SOME people around here.. but you wanted short.. I made short! (I know a picture is worth a thousand words how did I miss the mark by 1900 then?? O_o)Alex was just sitting at the cafe after school, head hanging down looking upset. I was the one who put that look there. I made him look like that. I was the one who told him that he was a ‘dip shit, irresponsible moron, for crying out loud, what were you thinking?’ Really what could I say Alex had jeopardised his school record.
He’s so beautiful with those plump lips of ruby. His dark chocolate brown eyes that matched his milk chocolate hair. Just thinking about him causes a sigh to escape from me ! But it causes me to regret making him sad. I know that he is ‘my guy’.
I sidled up to him whispered in his ear how - “Throwing the cricket ball at Tony’s ball’s after he punched me in the guts, is still the sweetest thing anyone has ever done, and will ever do for me”. I then proceeded to kiss the smile back on his face that I love.
Aww. I like it. Short, simple and catches the moment.
Ta Kaje.. This thread has been disturbing me since Scy posted it..
Man that's a shame. {hugs} My kids were lucky; the small elementary/middle they went to was really kid-friendly and I never heard any teasing/bullying that didn't get an immediate reaction from everyone in sight. The teachers were great too. (It was Montessori and all the kids worked at their own pace and no desks so the ADHD kids could get up and move whenever they needed to, except right in the middle of their own lesson.) I know teaching is hard and frustrating, but there's no excuse for getting on a kid for his/her differences.
Yeah, teachers can definitely get burned out. I have enormous respect for anyone who does that job. I used to substitute sometimes when a teacher got sick (it was a really small school) and a full day was just exhausting. But they are so important in young kids' lives and can do so much damage with a careless/impatient attitude. A good teacher is such a gift.
Matt, I just find it difficult to imagine teachers giving a child schtick for anything really. I know people burn out, but it's a teachers duty of care to not encourage kids like that.. ~shudders~ But you got through it to be stronger (on the positive side!)
John wrote: "I would so have a go at it, but I'm flat out at uni :| I love writing :)"Well, come on, then, BJ. We want to read one from you, too. But your studies come first. ALWAYS! But write us one when you get a chance.
Byron wrote: "Okies, so mines not professional like SOME people around here.. but you wanted short.. I made short! (I know a picture is worth a thousand words how did I miss the mark by 1900 then?? O_o)Alex w..."
I love it, Byron. So sweet. I love it when a boy defends his lover the way Alex did. And the kiss did the trick, too.
BUt dammit, I said a thousand words. Now give us some more! Just kidding. I love it, Byron.
Matt wrote: "Nice, Byron.... I like that "whisper."Byron wrote: "@Matt - Srsly??? Your TEACHERS??? O_o"
Yeah, teachers can be the worse. You sorta expect it from other kids, but when it comes from a teac..."
Matty, that picture reminds me of you and Brad. SO why don't you write us one. I can just picture Baby Boy sneaking up around you like that to plant a kiss on you while you study. But like I said to BJ, your studies come first.
OK, Scylar, here's mine:He's so serious, right? I mean, I get that a high-school junior has to study and make the grades. And Drew's family isn't rich. He's scrambling for scholarship money. But still...an occasional smile wouldn't kill him.
He calls me a clown and a brat. In private, he likes that though. When we're cuddled up on his couch, after, and his mom's not home yet. Sometimes the feeling gets too intense, you know? Like he's part of me and I'm part of him. And yet in a little while we have to separate and act like there's nothing there? He likes it then when I act like a fool and tell dumb jokes or snort soda up my nose. It lets us break apart.
But in school, not so much. Sometimes he even acts like I embarrass him, and that stings a little.
Not that we see each other much in school. He's a year ahead of me, so we don't share classes. And the cafeteria? Let me tell you, that is sooo not the place to be friendly. Too many guys horsing around, that rough playfulness that becomes just plain roughness all too easily. He keeps his distance there.
But in the library, sometimes, we find a secret space. A moment of time when there is no one around , and we can share at least a glance. Maybe a touch, if we dare. A brush of my hip against his shoulder as I go past to get a book off the shelf. A foot climbing my calf under the table, as he stares so studiously down at his math book. So serious.
Today, the librarian gets called out to deal with some catastrophe in the hallway. I lean across the table. “Think someone puked on one of her precious books?”
All I get is a little frown, and a small headshake of the “Don't be a dork” variety.
I move a little closer. “A rare book-eating baboon? A famous author with a vendetta over being shelved wrong?”
Drew heaves a long-suffering sigh and lifts his book a little, pointedly.
Someone comes in and sits at the table behind me. I freeze for a moment, thinking I'd better cool it. But then I see it's Mandy. She's my best friend and one of the only people who knows about us. She gives me a wink and pulls out her cell phone. Which means the librarian must be busy or Mandy wouldn't take the risk.
I whisper to Drew. “Bet I can make you smile in ten seconds or less.”
He snorts. “Your jokes are beyond lame.”
“Maybe. But this isn't.”
I lean in and brush my mouth against his ear. He stares down at his book but I see the corner of his mouth twitch just a little. So I move my lips to his, leaning, awkward around the table, just the crooked ghost of a real kiss. And my Drew smiles. Score.
Byron wrote: "Okies, so mines not professional like SOME people around here.. but you wanted short.. I made short! (I know a picture is worth a thousand words how did I miss the mark by 1900 then?? O_o)Alex w..."
Byron wrote: "Okies, so mines not professional like SOME people around here.. but you wanted short.. I made short! (I know a picture is worth a thousand words how did I miss the mark by 1900 then?? O_o)
Alex w..."
John wrote: "I would so have a go at it, but I'm flat out at uni :| I love writing :)"
That is a very sweet story:).
Damn Kaje - Good one.. really got the whole feel of the pics.
Kaje wrote: "OK, Scylar, here's mine:He's so serious, right? I mean, I get that a high-school junior has to study and make the grades. And Drew's family isn't rich. He's scrambling for scholarship money. ..."
Kaje, You rock! This makes me want to know more:).
Kaje wrote: "OK, Scylar, here's mine:He's so serious, right? I mean, I get that a high-school junior has to study and make the grades. And Drew's family isn't rich. He's scrambling for scholarship money. ..."
Wo! I mean, wo, Kaje! That is absolutely fantastic. So real! SO real! Jeeze, Kaje, I absolutely love it. And I love the dude narrating. Man, but Drew is so lucky to have a boyfriend like that. KUDOS to you, Kaje.
So go tell him it's his turn. I've read that blog. I know how well he can write.
No pressure. I'm sure he's still pretty busy, given how recently you guys moved. But I'd love to see what he could come up with, if he has time.
I think I might give it a shot too. I think I'm a mediumish-decent writer. I just have to write a scholarship essay first
Ok, ok. This is getting fun, now. So Byron, see what you did? By stepping up to the plate, you made Kaje, who was lounging on the sofa eating Chips Ahoy cookies, biting off the little chips because she's a total chocolate freak, giving the little left over chunk of chocolateless bites to her little dog on her lap because of course chocolate is poison for dogs. And the dog is looking at her thinking, "what the hell is wrong with this woman? Why can't she eat Dunkin Doughnuts like the cool people so I could havebbig chunks of real food." And then she saw your cool story, and she said, "now you did it, Byron. Because she was all letting me flounder out here by myself. So she wrote a story.So now we have Byron's story from p.o.v. of brunet. My story from p.o.v. of third person ex-lover. Kaje's story also from p.o.v. of brunet. So now we need story from p.o.v. of the boy being kissed.
Come-on, now. You college boys. Matty and BJ, I've read every word of both of your blogs. I know you dudes can write. and where the heck is Brad? That dude can write just as good as Matty. Jordie, I haven't read anything of yours, but you're a college boy. That means you can write.
Hey, we are just playing here. We don't judge. THis is not a competition. Just for fun. So come on, now. Give us something.
Now I am leaving Omaha to drive 150 miles to Aurora, NE to pick up a load. Then I have to drive 150 miles more before I can sleep. I hate that you guys can just play around while I have to work, dammit.
Good night sweet princes of Maine and princesses of New England.
The more the merrier; anyone who has time and inclination should go for it.@ Brad - good luck with the cleaning; I'm sure you have a few incentives that might motivate Matt (although motivating without distracting him might be a trick.) I hope you enjoy your grandparents' visit.
@ Kit, Good luck with the essay and the scholarship!
Scylar wrote: "Ok, ok. This is getting fun, now. So Byron, see what you did? By stepping up to the plate, you made Kaje, who was lounging on the sofa eating Chips Ahoy cookies, biting off the little chips becaus..."Scylar, have you been spying on me and my dog? Although not the couch but my chair at the table where I write.
Drive safely and stay alert out there.
Actually, I kind of like scrubbing tubs :) But apparently, essay writing is good for me. Sigh. It's due on Monday. And thanks, Kaje!
Kit wrote: "Actually, I kind of like scrubbing tubs :) But apparently, essay writing is good for me. Sigh. It's due on Monday. And thanks, Kaje!"
Chocolate and music - my answers to a writing deadline.
Sweet! I just bought some Toffifay at the store. And I have a CD of what I call "study music". I think I'll have to try that
Toffifay is great. Hard to eat slowly, but one of my favorites. Go for it.
Kay. I need to get off the Internet and just do it. Ttyl
Well, this is probably more of a blurb than a story--but how could I resist that fabulous picture!David Mitchum hated school. His entire junior year had morphed into an exhausting game of hide and seek. As the semester wore on, it had gotten more and more difficult to hide his love for Drew from… well from everyone. Why was he so afraid of what people would say? Why couldn’t he be brave like Drew? Drew. Even thinking the name caused his heart to flutter and his breath to hitch in his chest. Beautiful Drew. David closed his eyes for just a moment and felt the image of his lover drift into his mind. As if going over a checklist, David drew forth the memory of that face. Those deep brown eyes that alternately flashed with laughter and burned with passion. Smooth, rosy cheeks that had yet to be kissed by the blade of a razor. That mop of curly brown hair that seemed to catch fire at its tips when the sunlight caught it just right. And that mouth—that perfect, beautiful mouth… David trembled as the memory of their last kiss filled his mind.
Slowly, as if coming out of a deep trance, awareness began to filter in to David’s brain. Why had the cafeteria gotten so quiet? Oh hell, had he missed the start bell for next period? C’mon Mitchum, open your eyes and get your but in gear before you get another detention. Wait—what the…? Who was kissing his cheek? Slowly David’s eyes drifted open. No! It can’t be. As if on cue, Drew’s scent filled his senses. David felt his lips begin to curve into a smile. Drew Thomas was kissing his cheek. Right there in the cafeteria of Woodmont High. Drew was kissing HIM! Realization dawned as David began to understand what this little kiss meant. No more hiding. No more games. Now the world would know—now they would see. David felt his smile stretch and grow, as laughter bubbled up inside him. Then the world ceased to be as Drew swept in for a kiss.
David Mitchum hated school…no more.
Remember I'm a playwright not a novelist--be kind=:)
But I challenge one of you writers to write a short story based on the profile picture for this group.
What are their names? Where were they when this picture was snapped? School library? What is the boy reading? How long has the bushy-haired brunet been staring at the other before he started planting kisses on those cheeks? Tell the story!
So which author will step up and take the challenge? Hey, it doesn't have to be an author. It can be any member who wants to take a stab at it. But you have to admit, that picture is worth a thousand words. Now give us the thousand words.