You know, in terms of challenge and reward, I don't think there is much I've done in my life equals the body of work that I've produced here, and the angst that has gone with it. I've managed to explore a huge number of things about which I previously had little opinion, I've practiced my craft. Most importantly, I've been able to sit here in the corner and just tell stories.

 I'm not, in case you still wonder, the kind of guy (yes, I am a guy) who gets into the kinds of adventures I describe. I'm quiet, and sensible, and older than a lot of you think. I have stepped out of the closet in a way though, and gone places that my normal life has never taken me. I'd like to think I've managed to wriggle my way into a few headspaces, and see a few things I would otherwise not have. I've nervously waited, on many occasions, for the first of the feedback to roll in, just to check if I've upset some people. A few times, I did.

 I've 'met' an amazing number of peculiar people, and an even greater number of ordinary people with extraordinary imaginations. There's a somewhat clean sex shop in our town that has a motto that states their wares are for adventurous ordinary folk, and I think that's my audience as well. I am, despite some departures, a romantic. I do believe that love can conquer all.

 I've heard a lot of confessions, a lot of stories, a lot of questions. I've stolen the confessions, retreaded the stories, and tried to answer just a few of the questions. All your secrets are safe with me.

 So why would I feel the need to tell you all this? Why do you need to know what a hell of a ride it's been? Because, my friends, I need a break. I need to step away from the stories, and live my life a little more. I need to move on, in some ways.

 I've been pondering this for a while, and I've come to the conclusion that I just might not come back. I could be wrong, but I think I've done this. That's not to suggest that my work couldn't be improved, or that I've written about everything, but I've largely got it out of my system, at least for now.

 I've written and posted in excess of a hundred stories to ASSTR and SOL. I'm grateful to them , for putting me in touch with you . I'm immensely grateful to you for telling me what worked, and didn't; for laughing with me, and occasionally crying; for getting excited when... well, when you should. :-)

 I've been fortunate enough to receive two awards for different stories over the last few years. I know a large number of you played a part in that. Many, many thanks. I've recently reached the point where I've been sending out this email to over 500 people. Thanks for being one of them.

 I'm not removing the stories, and I hope you'll keep reading. I'll keep the email address going, I think, and check it now and then, but I'm going to remove the feedback forms from the pages. I'd still love to hear from you, and suspect I might get a response or two from this email. Don't be angry though, please.

 Some tidying up...

 

• Alys marries Dom, and lives happily ever after.
• Kaz gets her man, and keeps him.
• Akakia is rescued, by a man with big... muscles...
• Meg is an alien, and she has some talents Steve never dreamed of...
• Hail eventually finds a man, and rescues him .
• Amy wasn't at all upset at being cuddled by a naked Scott. He took advantage of it, and her. She was fine with that, too.
• Paul had adventures with all three girls, but in the end, it was Heather that stole his heart. Steph had to confess, eventually, that Heather wasn't actually a lesbian.
• The other Paul is utterly besotted with Chris, and she forgives him for straying... eventually.
• Matilda... well, you'll have to ask Tramp. :-)
• Joe fell into a regular gig with Stella. It got kinkier as it went on...
• Alice ? Well, you know what happened to her in Wonderland...

 

 That's it. I hope you're still here, and we're still friends. Now go find your partner / boy/girlfriend / spouse / lover / fuck buddy / neighbour and give them some fun.

 Gentle.