Angela Rasch

Donation Fatigue

Does anyone else get sick of the constant pressure to donate to this site?

It seems like at least once a month we are faced with a plea for more people to step forward to contribute, or for the same people to contribute more.

These pleas are usually accompanied by a sad recital of need due to ongoing expense or emergencies.

It’s tedious.

The only thing that would be more tedious would be to have to ask for these donations.

Obviously, Erin asks because she needs the money. Obviously, asking works -- because the site continues to fiscally limp along.

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Should Number of Hits Tally Be Eliminated

A few days ago, someone made the suggestion that if it would help the site run more efficiently that the tallies for hits could be eliminated. Erin mentioned that these tallies consume large amounts of computer capacity. Maybe we should discuss this more.

This is Erin's site. She has the most at stake. More importantly to us users, through her leadership, this site has survived. She knows more about what her customers want than anyone and has skillfully implemented and monitored.

She also listens to comments.

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The High Bridge

I live about half a mile from what is called the “High Bridge” in St. Paul, MN. The high bridge has a well-deserved infamy as a suicide spot -- with seven people jumping from the deck of the bridge which is 160 feet above the Mississippi, during 2015.

The bridge has been closed for several months. They’re installing a nine-foot high barrier to cut down on the jumpers.

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Mein Manifesto

It has taken me eight decades to find the truth.

I’ve long suspected and only recently realized, that anyone who does things that are different than the way I live my life . . . is wrong.

It would be great if I could cut you a break and allow for variances depending on your individual circumstances, but that would prove foolhardy and dangerous for both of us.

Simply put – everything you do that is not something I would do, so should be terminated immediately before it’s too late.

In the future, you should add one simply step to your decision-making process.

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I Voted for W

In 2000 I voted for W. My tendencies are quite liberal, but he seemed much better than more Clinton years via gore. This week I was reminded why I thought so highly of W. when he said the following.

"Bullying and prejudice in our public life sets a national tone. It provides permission for cruelty and bigotry and compromises the moral education of children. The only way to pass along civic values is to first live up to them."

We need to demand civil behavior.

Jill

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The Ninth Fold

The Ninth Fold

by Angela Rasch


Chapter One

Jenny had been brushing my hair for over ten minutes. Hanging to the middle of my back, it felt sensuous as her soft but insistent caressing lulled me into quiet reflection of the peaceful way of life we had created.

"The strangest thing happened to me after church on Sunday," Jenny said in a wandering voice that told me she was concentrating more on my hair than she was on her words. Jenny had her church and I had mine, which I picked based on its acceptance of transgendered members, even though no one in the congregation knew of my inclinations.

Although I maintained a feminine appearance more often than not, my totally feminine expression occurred only within the confines of our home. When I went out for groceries or other household necessities, I pulled my hair into a low ponytail, wore at least a top layer of male clothing, and removed all my make-up.

Jenny stopped brushing for a few seconds, as if collecting her thoughts had exhausted her energy. "I'd just pulled out of the church parking lot when I heard that bloop-bloop noise police cars make -- you know -- instead of a siren. When I looked in my rearview mirror, all I could see were blinking red and white lights."

Something distracted her. "I absolutely love your new fragrance," she said. She nuzzled my neck from where she sat behind me on the bed. Her nostrils found the spot where I'd placed a small drop of Cashmere Mist. Its subtle, elegant blend of jasmine, lily of the valley, sandalwood, amber, and musk affirmed my self-image.

She buried her nose in my neck and breathed deeply. "You smell like sexy baby powder. I have this over-whelming urge to mother you."

That wasn't exactly the response I'd wanted; I wanted to be ravished.

continued...

The Girl Who Saved Aunt T’s

The Girl Who Saved Aunt T’s

 

By Angela Rasch

 

 

Eric’s has suffered a series of calamities that have left him desperate. His twentieth-year high school reunion is approaching, and he’s been invited to take part in the planning by a high school friend, Kevin, who has become one of the richest men in America. Eric and Kevin played doubles together on their high school tennis team and had been quite successful.
Remembering how effective they were as a team, his friend offers Eric a life-changing job that also would allow Eric to help his parents avoid financial disaster. The job requires that Eric become a much different person. Eric eventually realizes he must resolve old issues.

Fool Me Once

There is a definite way NOT to end a book.

Recently I purchased an e-book -- From Man to Woman by Lindy Smith on Amazon. It was a compelling story marred by typos and some continuity issues, but still worth spending considerable time reading, EXCEPT it stopped in the middle of nowhere. From the way it was written, to that point, I would estimate several chapters were missing.

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Binary Life

Yesterday, during the discussion of the military ban on Transgender a person who was anti-ban spoke to a newscaster.

He said that he’d served in the military and didn’t believe that trans people were a problem. He said, “You’re either a man or a woman, and once you’ve completed the transformation your become one or the other. End of problem.”

Arghhhhhhh!

I wonder what percentage of our society believes that?

What is this utter fascination with a binary society?

Jill

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Will Today Be the Day?

For the last few years, I’ve waited with baited breath every time I’ve tried to open Big Closet.

As I wait . . . I ask myself, “Is today the day?

“Is today the day Erin’s financial woes will finally make life so miserable for her that she’ll give up.”

“Is today the day Erin has to umpire that one more contentious spat between site users that will push her over the edge?”

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Everything -- including the Kitchen Sink

My life has gone through many recent changes.

I sold another business and am now semi-retired which has dropped my income by two-thirds -- at least until I can get more consulting work.

We bought an old house (1906) and are doing extensive remodeling.

Although I have limited current resources for contributing money to BC, I am buying quite a lot of remodeling supplies on Amazon and using the link you provided. Yesterday's purchases included the kitchen sink! Hopefully, since our purchases are adding up to a large total, BC will receive a nice commission.

Jill

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Movies of Interest

I love movies almost as much as I love books and reading.

This time of year the worthwhile available new movies are slim pickings.

I decided to review "TG" movies as rated by Rotten Tomatoes. I realize Rotten Tomatoes isn't always right, but the audience scores generally provide good direction. After reviewing this list I added about thirty movies to my Netflix queue.

I hope you find some value in this list of Rotten Tomatoes audience scores.

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Top 32 Sexiest Actors of All Time

The following lists is in order of my personal opinion based on each person when they were, again in my opinion, at their peak. There are a least a few on the list who would challenge my firm beliefs about my sexual preference.

For example: Robert Redford in The Natural is . . . quite attractive.

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Any "ic" Is Icky

Often TG fiction features characters who go to great lengths to establish that they are transsexual. They go through a huge amount of angst to prove, or at least to assert, that they are NOT GAY, and/or NOT A TRANSVESTITE.

Can anyone tell me why that is such a frequent theme?

We used a term in Catholic school to describe zealots. That was “holier than thou”. It seems sometimes that some authors want to express a “trannier than thou” attitude.

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New Hatbox Story

Erin has agreed to post my new story, The Girl Who Saved Aunt T’s, in Hatbox. Hatbox is one of the ways you can support this site. Make a contribution to Hatbox and Erin will send you a password allowing you access to a group of stories that have been set aside for this purpose.

The Girl Who Saved Aunt T’s is a 50K novel.

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Lil Abner

After reading Erin's story and the comments my thoughts centered on the musical Lil Abner.

The lyrics to one of the songs are as poignant today as they were sixty years ago.

The Country's in the Very Best of Hands
– Li'l Abner and Marryin' Sam

Them city folks and we-uns
Are pretty much alike
Though they ain't used to living in the sticks
We don't like stone or cement
But we is in agreement
When we get started talking politics

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Double Your Pleasure

Last week I attended a large sales meeting. I had to hang my overcoat on the back of my chair. During the meeting, the person next to me rolled his chair over part of my coat and ripped it.

On Friday I went on Amazon, using the link you've provided https://www.amazon.com/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl2&...

I found just the London Fog I wanted, at a great price far below what I thought I would have to pay.

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The Big Head

My grandmother often warned against "getting the big head."

She believed in humility and, of course, she was right.

Damned if I didn't go against her sage advice -- and grew a melon of above average size.

I've been able to order extra large wigs from Paula Young in the past, put they seemingly have stopped making them.

The searches I've made for extra large wigs have brought me to sketchy sites that appear to be selling poor quality products to desperate people for exorbitant prices.

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Please HELP

According to Erin’s numbers about 8,000 unique visitors a day read at least one story on BC.

I’m going to assume that many, many BC users are frequent users and will guess that about 25,000 people read five to ten stories a month.

Those 25,000 readers are enjoying an immense service. About 1-3% of those are authors who also have the satisfaction of a great place to post their fiction.

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Call It Kharma or Lucky Charm

It has become increasingly apparent that there is direct correlation between when I send money to Hatbox and good things happening to me.

I don't own a rabbit's foot. Although there are several bunnies in our backyard, they're intact with all four paws.

There are probably some four leaf clovers in my yard, but they would be under a foot of snow and not functional.

I don't have any special amulets or lucky charms.

It seems that my good luck is created by the kharma that accompanies a donation to Hatbox.

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Broken Heart Syndrome

I was watching the news last night on the local FOX affiliated station. Much to my surprise they were interviewing my cardiologist. He was explaining “broken heart syndrome” in connection with Debbie Reynolds' death.

Not too many years ago he had given me the same explanation. We were in his office going over my medical history, including my family’s health.

I had told him that my father had died in his sleep from a surprise heart attack. Less than a week later, my mother, who had not displayed any heart problems, died from a “heart attack.”

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Are You "Good For Nothing"? Here's Why!

In 1849, it was written in the Polite Manual for Young Ladies:

Novel-reading strengthens the passions, weakens the virtue, and diminishes the power of self-control. Multitudes may date their ruin from the commencement of this kind of reading; and many more, who have been rescued from the snare, will regret, to the end of their days, its influence on the early formation of their character. It is, too, a great waste of time. . .If you wish to become weak-headed, nervous, and good for nothing, read novels."

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Lest We Forget

From time to time Big Closet writers become upset by comments -- or even lack of comments.

I just read about Angharad’s decision to cease writing for BC. She has been worn down by what she considers to be negative remarks. What’s negative and what isn’t, is her decision . . . as is how she reacts.

She has proven her character through her diligence to her craft. BC would be a much different place without her involvement. I hope she reconsiders and keeps writing for BC.

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Beta Readers

I've just completed a draft of a new story for Hatbox called "Aunt T's" and need beta readers.

The story involves the semi forced feminization of a late thirties male.

I need an unsullied eye to find those inconsistencies that invariably happen.

I don't get any of the Hatbox revenue . . . so consider any help you give me an ultimate gift to Erin. Hatbox usually attracts more subscriptions when new material is offered.

This story is a bit dark . . . but travels toward the sun.

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Attitude

Yesterday I read Melanie's recent great story, which is a worthy addition to her wonderful library of work. After reading it I read the comments and became incensed by remarks that seemed to condone the character's suicide decision because of the bullying she'd experienced. I've read these kinds of comments too many times on BC. Being trans is NOT a reason for suicide. What happens to you because your trans also is NOT a reason for suicide.

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Please Sir, I Want Some More

As usual Rasufelle has made a wonderful point. I would like to add to it without high-jacking her thread.

Although most of the writers on BC are on the distaff side, there is a right way to ask for more, as Dickens has shown us.

When an audience rises as one and asks for more at a concert, they're taking part in a dance in which they know the singer/band have held a favorite in their pocket for an encore.

Writers normally don't hold back. When they add "The End", it usually is.

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You've Gotta Have Heart!

According to a study I once read, about 60% of U.S. citizens donate money once a month -- about 75% in UK.

"Bike" enjoys about 600 hits a day. If 10% of BC's consistent readers are "Bike" enthusiasts that would indicate about 6,000 consistent users.

If 65% of those donated to BC that would be almost 4,000 donors per month.

Erin struggles to generate $2,500 in monthly donations.

If those 4,000 donors were to contribute just seventy cents each, the monthly nut would be met.

So why isn't that happening?

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Does Fiction Influence Life?

For the last nearly twenty years I've been writing TG fiction. Most of my work contains one basic theme. "People know more about us than we think they do, and accept more that what we imagine."

I continue to regurgitate this theme because I hate the guilt feelings that I, and others like me have about our desires.

Sometimes I feel like I'm shouting into the wind. Other times, worse.

I wonder of what we read does shape how we think?

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Why Don't Authors Support Hatbox

It's a simple question.

Why don't more BC writers support Hatbox by contributing stories to it?

I can't think of one valid reason.

It would seem logical that more people would subscribe to Hatbox if their was more quality content. Content seemingly is king. If Hatbox added a new story every week, from authors with followings, there's no doubt the number of subscriptions would skyrocket. More revenue, less doubt about the sustainability of BC. BC is NOT a given.

Hatbox subscriptions are one of the vital supportive measures for BC.

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Trash Bags, Stain Remover -- and BigCloset

I just bought trash compactor bags and stain remover for my pool. The combined purchase price was about $500.

Erin will receive somewhere between $15 and $35 simply because I entered Amazon through her portal.

It was painless. And, I feel good about it.

Jill

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On the Origin of Speak-sys

Several phrases were coined by one source. They include:

1.) Pursuit of the almighty dollar.
2.) The great unwashed.
3.) The pen is mightier than the sword

What (or who) is the source?

a.) The Bible
b.) Charles Dickens
c.) Ambrose Bierce
d.) Edward Bulwer-Lytton
e.) Mark Twain
f.) Ben Franklin
g.) William Shakespeare

Please make your guess and give your reasons for that choice.

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Why Do I Read Stories on Big Closet?

I read TG stories because they affirm my belief that there are a lot of people in the world who think somewhat like I do. I feel threatened by what I see as a less than compassionate attitude expressed by many in RL. The more I believe there are millions of TG people, the less I fear my own reality.

So why do I come to Big Closet for TG literature?

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God Bless the Child - An Opportunity

K.T. Leone recently passed away. Coincidentally I was reading her God Bless the Child. I haven't read much that Katie write for the last ten years or more. I didn't care for some of her themes and we "spared" years ago.

I just finished God Bless the Child. If you haven't read it, you should consider allowing yourself this treat. It's graphic and not for the faint of heart. It contains some religious sentiment, but not more than what is needed to be true to the story.

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Thank You Rasufelle

Once again Rasufelle (Melanie E) has been the inspiration for a raft of new standalone stories.

While I applaud the skill and determination of the serial writers, I long for more short and intemediate stories.

Over the last few years Melanie has pushed, cajoled, and coaxed writers through contests and challenges to produce stories, mostly short stories. I shudder to think how few short stories would have been posted had she not been such a driving force.

She's my Easter bunny carrying baskets full of short stories.

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Alternatives PLEASE!

1.) If we didn't have BC where would the authors post their stories? There are other sites, but none as welcoming and as author-friendly as BC.

2.) If we didn't have BC where would readers find stories? There are other sites, but none offer the quality of BC. Why? See 1.).

3.) If we didn't have BC where would bloggers post their thoughts? There are other sites, but are bloggers on other sites able to post with confidence that their thoughts will be appreciated and handled with respect.

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