I know most folks out there don’t pay much attention to journals like these. After all I’m not offering commission slots or a YCH auction. Anyway I guess this is mostly for me. Just to organize my thoughts and reflect on the year that has been.

2013 certainly has been a challenge. It’s kinda funny looking back on my post from the end of 2012 where my main thoughts were on trying to finish stories and thinking about what cons to try and go to. If you had suggested to me that I’d be writing this post in a new home, especially one where snowshoeing is a viable option as a winter activity, and I would have suggested you get professional help. Oh destiny, thou art a fickle bitch.

So yeah, changing jobs, moving to a new city and state to start over, finding a new place to call home – this year has seen its share of change. The new job has been a major challenge. Trying to learn the ropes and coordinate a million dollar renovation (that I had no part in the planning of) at the same time was not exactly something I would like to try again. Add to that changing out some of my supports staff for various and ultimately ridiculous reasons didn’t help. But all that is settling down and I am looking forward to getting into a regular routine and really getting the place into shape. I think for that 2014 will be a good year.

I like the area I moved to, it’s been fun driving past the lakeshore anytime I want and being able to walk on the beach when I’ve had free time. Granted I was so busy most of the summer I didn’t get to experience as much as I would like but again that’s something I’m looking forward to in the coming year. I’ve started to get back into some kind of an exercise routine and I have started to see some weight loss. I ran my first 5k race in September and I am looking forward to doing more.

From a furry standpoint I really have not gotten much done in the way of writing this year and that does suck. The 12 hour days at work kinda sucked out my creativity. Now as I settle into to winter and can’t go outside as much I hope to get back to many of the stories I’ve put on the back burner. I did make it to two cons over the past year, Furry Weekend Atlanta and Midwest Fur Fest. Can’t say I’ll make it back to Atlanta anytime soon but since I am now much closer to Chicago MFF is already circled on my calendar for next year. I’ll probably try and go to the New Great Lakes Fur Con in February and even look into volunteering as a way to meet some more local furs. Aside from those two I’ll have to see what other cons might fit into my schedule.

So there you have it, my year in a nutshell. If you made it to the end of this post, congratulations, you‘ve just read my biggest writing accomplishment this year – and it was all non-fiction and didn’t involve transformation porn… how disappointing. I'll try to do better next time.

Hey all! Well I’ve started my new job and so far I am liking it very much. Professionally speaking it’s a giant leap forward from where I had been. Maybe it’s just that extra bump in quality that they are empowered to deliver but the employees seem friendlier, too. (Of course they might just be trying to impress the new boss.)

Packing up my old apartment, stuffing it into a uhaul, and hitting the road was and adventure to say the least. As of right now all of my stuff is in storage and I’m still looking for a place to live up here in Western Michigan. I hope I’ll have something nailed down soon and then I can really get out and explore the beaches, sand dunes, forests, and bike trails around here.

Once I get settled in I’m sure I’ll get back to my writing, just haven’t had the time for a while. So thanks for being patient with my delay in producing acceptable transformation based smut.

Well after a little more than a month of unemployment I have a job offer on the table. I think its a good position and hopefully with a good company so career wise this is probably a step up from where I had been. So its a relief to think I may be going back to work soon. I suppose finding a new job in just a month it pretty fast by today's standards, but it was certainly stressful.

Thus the new stress and tension. The new job is 363 miles away. Now begins a mad dash to pack up my entire life and leave the city I have called home for the past 15 years or so, find a new place to live and settle in while starting said new job.Sheesh just writing that down makes my head swim. So much to do and so little time.

BTW - Any furs out there in the Western Michigan Area around Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Grand Haven? Just checking ;)

Well after 18+ hours in the car, 1150 or so miles, and more stairs than I care to remember I’ve made it back from FWA.
While it may not matter to you these are just my thoughts upon returning from Furry Weekend Atlanta.

The drive was fine, aside from being long I really didn’t mind it as I like to drive. Still 8.5 hours in a day is about my limit. Outside of some rain and snow through Kentucky on the way home the driving weather was perfect.

The area around the con hotel (this was my first FWA so I don’t know where it was before) was great. Downtown Atlanta is a very active place and I think it was more so this weekend. I may be in the minority but I like to explore a tiny bit of the city and life outside the con. Lots of stuff with-in walking distance and if I had more money or time I would have liked to have seen even more. I did walk over through Olympic Centennial Park, past CNN and Coca-Cola, and more. Saturday there was a St. Patrick’s day parade just outside the hotel and Sunday morning the Georgia Marathon was taking place nearby too. Food options were plentiful, super close-by, and even more appreciated - many affordable options. I didn’t sample many new places but the Irish pub (Meehan’s) right next to the hotel was good and a nice option considering the weekend. It was pretty cool that everywhere around the hotel and on these downtown street there were furries and fursuiters in the crowd.

The hotel itself was a nice hotel but in my opinion not well suited at all for a furry con. I am not an expert on cons by any means and I know this was their first time at this hotel, but the setup was not good. First if you went to the con or talked to anybody else who went, one word – ELEVATORS! God awful. I’ve heard the horror stories of elevators at AC and I’d say this would be right up there with that. Too high a hotel, and as much as furries hang around and go back and forth to rooms, fifteen to twenty minutes to wait for a elevator to pack into was not uncommon. That and stairs mostly were not an option at all, believe me I tried and my room was only on the 36th floor. So if you needed to run up to your room for anything in the middle of the day you were looking at at least 45 minutes to get there and back. Plus the convention space was clustered around the elevators in the center and spread between four floors so to go from one area to another you had to work your way past the folks crowded around the elevators. The pool and fitness center were nice, I had a nice short work out one morning and went swimming twice (early in the morning was the best time and also the easiest to get there on the elevators at that time).

The con itself was good. I went to several panels, mostly writing related and I think except for one (maybe two) were all given by Kyell Gold who seemed to be the entire writing track for this con, not that there is anything wrong with that. The dealer’s den was large and actually I though pretty spacious and did not feel crowded. Lots and lots of fursuiters and a very big parade. The best part of the parade for me was watching a woman next to me and her small (one year old?) girl and her reaction to all the furries that she was waving at and saying hi to as they passed by. The other events were good too but mostly a blur. Was able to say hi to a few folks I knew and meet lots of new furs and it would have been nice to hang out with some of them some more.

Overall a very good con and a nice experience. I’d have to say though, if it is at this Westin again next year I won’t be going back. If they find another location I may consider it. Yeah I know that may be a little over dramatic and I’m sure they don’t care if one small time fur from Ohio won’t be back but when I pay out good money for something I expect to enjoy it fully and this hotel’s setup just doesn’t work for me.

Oh well, now back to finding a new job.

Option A: Take a demotion and a paycut to move backwards in my career.

Option B: Take a hike after 10+ years of service

You know what, screw it I'm taking option b.

I am waiting to here on another job I already had an interview for, we'll see. Otherwise I guess I look around more for new employment.

Well not Death i guess, but it's kinda sucky.

So I'm still hanging on to my uncertainty with the job portion of my life. My current company has given me no official indication of what the hell is going on yet though my boss had tried to re-assure me that I will have a position in the new management arrangement but he can't say what.

Not enthused by what they are doing I have expanded my job search to seek my fortune on other corporate shores so to speak. I'm keeping my eyes open for other opportunities and I am sure something will come along.

In the mean time though I guess I have to watch my funds and stick around close to home. Sadly that means I will not be heading down to Texas for Furry Fiesta this year. I was really looking forward to getting away and going to this con because of the great folks I get to see down there. (I went ahead and canceled my room so if you're on the waiting list good luck!) Oh well Maybe next year I'll get back.

Don't know what cons I will actually be able to make it to this year... I hope at least one or two. Or maybe I should save up some portraits of dead presidents and try for FC next January?

So now I have to share my name with some stupid poser body spray?!?! Oh for frack's sake *facepalm*

So yeah just found out that the company I work for is eliminating my position. I had heard rumblings about it before now but now they have announced it officially.

No details on a timeline, no idea how is going to shake out for me or the others like me in my area. It could end up being 3 of us fighting for 2 positions.

I would have very little remorse over loosing this job. But as we all know change is difficult and I find the most unnerving aspect of this is the uncertainty of it and how things will go.

Guess I just have to take it as it comes for now.

I am rather overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the numerous and enthusiastic responses to my "hiring ad." You guys are all fantastic and I wish I had time to do stories for each and every one of you. There were a lot of fantastic ideas and opportunities put out there.

Depending how the writing goes I can certainly see doing more open casting type stories in the future.

Thanks for watching and thanks for making this fun.

I took the names of all the responses and put them in a spreadsheet sorted alphabetically. I then numbered the entries, assigning the first half of the list odd numbers and the second half even numbers. I then sorted the list numerically. Using a random number generator online I picked two numbers. I wanted to keep this as random as possible and make sure everybody had an equal shot.

Congratulations to the two selected... now I just have to come up with a story.

If I do a good enough job on it then perhaps everybody wins.

Oh for fracks sake, not this again. I just had a birthday last year and here I go having one again. Whatever. I am so over this growing older crap. Still young at heart and in my mind.

Thanks again to those of you who've already sent your well wishes, I appreciate each and every one of you. For the rest of you that care, thank you as well.

And for those of you who don't give a damn, well neither do I, LOL. Just remember this is Apollo's day. it's mine and I may not feel like sharing.

2012 Review – My how time does fly. Seems like just yesterday we were beginning the year long count down to the apocalypse. So for the past year I did manage to get a few things accomplished. I finished four new stories (five if you count reposting School Pride) and did release my longest work to date in the form of the multi-chapter Wrestler Wolves Saga.

I did get a few new commissions done including a new con badge and started a sketchbook even though I only made it to two cons this year. Furry Fiesta was a blast and Midwest Furfest was as big as ever. My personal life has chugged right along without any major changes at least.

2013 Preview – I’d like to say I have big plans for 2013 but it is really just more of the same. I have a lot of stories to keep me busy and I would hope to post more of them much faster this year but that will all depend on the muse. I may be returning to Furry Fiesta depending on the affordability of flights and such and although I want to make it to AC the timing of being over the 4th of July weekend will make it a challenge with other family commitments and activities. Any other cons I will have to play it by ear.

Happy New Year Everybody!

For those of you out there celebrating the holiday tomorrow whether it be with family, friends, or a quiet day to yourself I hope you have a good one and that you will have lots to be thankful for.

For those of you not celebrating I still hope you have plenty that you are thankful for and maybe even have some good luck shopping on Friday or online, hah.

I am definitely thankful for all the fans and supporters I have out there in the furry world because without you I wouldn't have as much fun doing this as I do. I had a great trip out to Chicago for MFF and it was nice meeting and talking with those of you I touched base with. Those of you that I missed, maybe next time!

Lastly, since tomorrow is turkey day... when the hell is wolf day? And no we will not be eating the wolves, though we might do a little biting ourselves. *nom nom nom*

Just realized it is a month to go to Midwest Furfest. Provided work does not blow up in my face (and yes it happens) this will be my second time attending this con.

Anybody else going?

Hey all,

Just want to let you know there would be a slight delay in the availability of School Pride III. I am still putting the finishing touches on it and will have it as soon as possible.

Unfortunately I was hampered by the sudden death of my car's transmission and the need to find a replacement vehicle rapidly. Obviously that caused a bit of a demand on my time and stress that prevented me from doing much writing.

Now that that is all settled I intend to get back into the swing of things and get you the next installment of School Pride ASAP. I apologize for the delay but obviously if some of you hung in there for six years for the second one a few more days for the third won't hurt too much.

Thanks

Wow, time really has just flown by. Its hard for me to believe that Summer is almost gone and it is now September. I've had a real nice Summer and I hope all of you have made the most of it as well.

Anyway, I wanted to give a note of thanks to everybody who went and took my short little poll. I got more responses than I had ever expected (nearly 100) and a lot of good feedback on what type of stories most folks are looking for. As expected nearly every species was represented and requested so I will just try and see how many I can work in.

Now that we are moving to another transformational season when leaves and weather start to change I feel the time is ripe to post some more stories. I just put up a real short one based on Project Proteus. Soon I will be putting up a longer story again inspired by some of  rackun very impressive artwork. I still need to proofread that one though.

After that, in honor of the start of the new school year I will be posting School Pride and the two sequels as I am putting the finishing touches on Part III.

Cheers and Happy Reading!

First off I wanted to thank everybody who has checked out and kept coming back for more of this story. It was a long time coming and it feels good to have it complete and out in the world.

I haven’t been able to go in and individually thank folks for the Faves and the new Watches but just know that each and every one is appreciated.

So now the question is: What next?

Well I have multiple projects that I am trying to get complete, some for possible publication, others just for fun. But really I would like to know what the TF fans out there would like to see next. So I am trying something new, I made up a little survey that you can take and give me your opinion. It can be found here: Take My Poll!


Don’t worry its completely anonymous and is only two questions so it shouldn’t take but a minute of your time.

You can also note me with feedback or give me as much or as little information as you would like here on my journal as well.
But seriously please respond! While I just try to write what I would like I am very interested in writing stuff others will like.

OK I just can't help myself. This is so freaking adorable I just have to share this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oDD.....p;feature=plcp

What the heck is up with the image not found going on on my submission? Its in there and shows up in full view. I've re-uploaded it to see if that clears but nothing. Just annoying.

Anybody have a recommendation or two on who to turn to for a good character reference sheet? I've been wanting to get one done for a while.

So it looks like my plans for heading back to the Lone Star State are firming up nicely. I'm looking forward to some fun and frivolity at this con and would be great to meet up and chat with anybody who is interested in doing so. As such I have borrowed the following con meme that seems to be standard fair. If you want more information feel free to comment or note me.

Laters!

Q: Where are you staying?
A: Non-con hotel. Why? Because I work in hotels and my company has one about a block away from the con hotel and it will cost me nothing to stay there. Can’t argue with that price.

Q: When will you be arriving and leaving?
A: Thursday the 23rd through Monday the 27th

Q: Who will you be rooming with?
A: Just me myself and I, that’s crowded enough.

Q: Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
A: I’ll take that a day at a time, like to take in some of the panels, events, and shows, Paruse the dealers den and artist alley and all in all do some fur/people watching.

Q: What/where will you be eating?
A: Multiple places I am sure.

Q: Will you be having a room party?
A: The stars say no.

Q: Will you be drinking and/or getting drunk?
A: I may have a drink or two, no I will not get drunk.

Q: What is your gender?
A: Male

Q: How tall are you?
A: 5'10"

Q: If I approach you, will you chat with me?
A: I don’t see why not.

Q: If I see you, how should I get your attention?
A: Polite introductions work well, just come up and say hello.

Q: How many furry conventions have you attended?
A: This will be my second Furry Fiesta, I have done Indy Fur Con twice, Morphicon once, and Midwest Furfest once.

Q: Do you own a fursuit?
A: No, but I would not be opposed to getting one at some point.

Q: Can I hug or snuggle with you?
A: Introduce yourself and chat a bit first, then we’ll see.

Q: How can I find you?
A: Note me and we can figure something out if you want.

Q: Can I buy you drinks?
A: If you feel like it.

Q: Can I look in your sketchbook?
A: Don’t have one but I’m thinking of starting one.

Q: Can I draw in your sketchbook?
A: Once I get one you probably can.

Q: Can I take your picture?
A: Why would you want to? But seriously it will depend on how ridiculous I look at the moment.

Q: Do you do do free art, trades, commissions, badges?
A: I’m not an artist so I would have to pay you to take a drawing from me.

Q: Do you have a table in the Artist Alley / Dealer's Den or a panel in the Art Show? If so, what are you selling?
A: No Sale!

Q: Do you plan to volunteer?
A: It could happen as I am a helpful person, but I have no current plans.

Q: What's your goal for the con this year?
A: Have Fun!!! Looking forward to meeting up with my good friend  nuwisha55 again, meeting more new friends I hope, getting some more art drawn, and in general just having a really good time.

So what is the best cure for writer's block... or maybe it's writer's apathy?

Funny, I don't feel any older today...

Now its the day after my b-day and I do feel older, though that probably has more to do with the multitude of adult beverages forced upon me last night.

Well here we are at entering the final hours of 2011. I’m not real big on celebrating New Year’s any more than I routinely celebrate a new month, week, day, etc. mostly I just feel it’s a different page on the calendar. Still I suppose one can’t help but take stock of the past and look to the future at this time.

2011 was a mixed bag of new stuff and same old same old and both had their elements of good and bad. Still working the same job and while it grates on me at times I should just be grateful that I am employed (despite my best efforts to get fired). I hit the road on my bicycle a lot and can’t wait to get back to that when nice weather returns to Ohio in the spring. My travels took me to a few favorite old places and some fun new ones. I had a great time going down to Dallas for Furry Fiesta and hope the budget will allow me to do so again this February. I also attended cons right here in Columbus, over at Indyfur Con and Midwest Furfest. I also had a very relaxing vacation traveling up along the shore of Lake Michigan and hanging out at a nice beach house near the tip of lower Michigan.

Ok so what many of you may be concerned about what about the writing and the TF stories? Well 2011 did see an increase in production; I think I might have posted five new stories this year. I know that’s a drop in the bucket compared to some authors on here, with so much going on sometimes it is tough to find time to write and hope that some form of inspiration strikes when that time is available.

On to 2012! I still have countless writing projects in the works all nearing various stages of completion, some are just rough ideas while others are nearly finished. There will be more stories from the Gene-pool Company, one or two more tales from Arden’s woods, and plenty of other transformations to come. I have a huge story that has a rough draft finished and now I’m working on getting some illustrations for it by the artist who inspired the story (you know who you are and I am so appreciative of the awesome art you do *winks*). Some of you may be familiar with my School Pride story and parts two and three are underway with part three kicking into high gear. So all in all I hope to improve upon the quantity I produced in 2011 and if certain individuals (you know who you are too *double winks*) continue to push and inspire me then I have high hopes for this year.

Like I said earlier I would really like to go back to Furry Fiesta this year but aside from that I have no set plans for any other cons. I hope to continue my travels and find new places whenever possible. I will continue to tolerate my job until another opportunity presents itself.

So I wish you all the very best for 2012 at least until December 21st when the world ends *eye rolls* (damn I can’t wait until we are past that date so I don’t have to hear about it anymore.)

So first off Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone out there. Hope you have a nice holiday should you choose to observe it or a nice regular day should you want to ignore it.

So I went up to MFF and had myself a good time. Thanks to those of you who I got to hang out with or just said hello. This was my first MFF and it certainly was the biggest con I have been to to date. I didn't stay at the con hotel and as a result the parking situation was a bit f'ed up (so much for the parking being free for all con attendees as was stated on the website, guess they meant free for those with rooms at the hotel). I suppose if I could afford a room at the hotel or had some furs I didn't mind rooming with, staying at the con hotel itself would be the way to go in the future. Panels were good, entertainment was plentiful (as were the fursuits) and the dealers den was very impressive. I imagine my next con will probably be back down in Dallas at Furry Fiesta if I can swing the transportation.

Now ON to the scraps. just posting a few quickly story bits in the scraps folder. some Delta Academy stuff purely for fun (thanks Corgs) and not polished off in any way.

More Stories will be on the was soon for fans of Roos, lions, probably some horses, and whatever else I come up with.

Now pass the stuffing!

Ok and before you even say it allow me...

About Friggin Time!!!

I finally finished off my junkyard dog story, though I still need to proofread it at least one to try and catch any glaring mistakes. I should get it posted by midweek so consider this your warning.

After that its on to another story I have been dragging my feet on. I'm thinking I need to finish off my School Pride Trilogy so that will probably be my next task.

Other than that I'm just hopin to get some work in on these things where and when the creativity strikes. If anybody has any useful comments, criticisms or suggestions for my work I am all ears and willing to listen even if I can't always accommodate.

In related news I do hope to be spending a day or two up at MFF. This will be my first attempt at that con so I'm hoping for good weather and a goo time. The good news there is that going to a con usually gets me writing more.