When we started this contest, Jill, Joanne and I guessed how many stories we would get. I’m normally the cautious one, guessing low and hoping to be pleasantly surprised. But this time I threw sense to the scirocco and guessed that we would more than double the number of entries in the last contest, hitting . . . 55. Joanne, with the sunny optimism of the Aussi girl she is, aimed higher still, thinking we might get seventy. Jill, though, is savvy in the world of sales. She said we’d get a hundred. Amazingly enough, we’re almost there, and we still have a week to go. Who will put us over the top?

Here’s my next set of fifteen thumbnails. If you haven’t yet, make a point of reading these wonderful stories, and showing the authors some love with kudos and comments!

At the Midnight Hour

Writing a story from multiple points of view is hard; in this story of romance going sideways, Marissa Lynn makes it look easy. A simple plot, great characters . . . and a dilemma: Even when a transwoman finds a romantic partner who accepts her, there is still the not-so-small matter of the partner's family and friends.

My Hero

SuziAuchentiber's first story for BC, and hopefully the first of a very great many! Pete's a classic TG hero and Jake is his long-time friend, now a tall, strong, natural leader. We just know romance is bound to happen . . . but, on what terms? The author has some surprising thoughts.

I Will Confess!

Girlinthelight serves up a delightful tale of mistaken identity. Kenny, who identifies as a gay male who enjoys crossdressing, resolves to confess his love for Jason, his best friend. Simple, right? Well . . . there may be a few complications!

Convergence

Avia Conner's story of an old and bitter soul finding love, acceptance, and home is strikingly original. Yes, the story is set near Area 51, and yes, aliens are involved. But at its core this is a story about the human spirit, and how the very best of New Year's resolutions can come true.

Kissing Cousins

Sara Keltaine's characters jump off the page in this story of a closeted transwoman's visit with her extended family, and the openly trans cousin she ghosted after the cousin came out. Every relationship feels real and freighted with years of memories. Tightly focused, nicely paced -- a real gem.

Means to an End

Can a transwoman who financed her transition by making porn videos leave the past behind and have a "normal" relationship with a man? Rachel Moore's unlikely heroine confronts her fears and uncertainties about a future she made possible through single-minded determination.

My Promise to You

How often do we say nothing, when friends, or even just acquaintances, say things we know to be wrong, bigoted and cruel? But Kaily, the heroine in Maeryn Lamonte's story, has a reason not to stay silent when "friends" go on a rant about a boyfriend caught in a dress. How deep do her feelings go, and what will she do about them?

Your Promise to Me

Colin had it all — he was tall, handsome, and in a relationship with a beautiful woman. But their looks masked completely different realities, for Janet was a shrew, and as for Colin . . . . In an example of the adage that the truth shall set you free, Janet throws Colin out of their apartment when she finds him in a frilly pink dress. "Free," however, is very far from "safe." Maeryn Lamonte pulls off a very difficult feat— telling the same story from a different perspective, while keeping it fresh.

The Three P’s

Patience . . . Practice . . . Perseverance. A resolution and, in Greybeard's tale, a way of life. From the dojo to musical performances, a young man learns that discipline is an indispensable ingredient for excellence

A Life for My Child

13-year-old Brandon dreams of living as a girl, but his fundamentalist mother grounds him when she catches him in a dress. Support from an unexpected friend and an understanding aunt help Sylvia to emerge from her shell . . . but they can't protect her from her mother. Holly Snow's tale of a trans girl's struggles explores bigotry masquerading as religion, contrasting with science, rationality and acceptance.

Charlie

In Columbine's inaugural story on BC, an older gentleman is interviewed by a woman from a fashion magazine to explain how he acquired a collection of rare and exclusive designer outfits worthy of being exhibited by the venerable Victoria and Albert Museum. It seems that life was very difficult for single fathers in the 1970s. For a glamorous and attractive woman, on the other hand . . . well, life might not have been easy, but it was certainly more interesting!

Image Resolution

After a day at an exclusive spa, courtesy of his employer (who thinks he's female), Rene emerges looking like a beautiful woman. It's every transwoman's fantasy, and it's Rene's dream come true. But, can she find the courage to own her new look? A story of wishcasting and wonder from Daring Diane — what's not to like?!!

Working Break

Alwen makes ends meet with temp work serving drinks in pubs — which conveniently keeps her busy during the holidays. A chance encounter with another transwoman brings her into contact with a whole new family, and a momma bear of a drag queen who looks after them all. In Steph C's story, Alwen discovers the importance of knowing that she is not alone.

Girl Park New Years

Melanie Brown gives us a virtual tour of her virtual world, Girl Park, on New Year's Eve. Two gaming bros put on the headsets — but that's when the fun really starts, as they learn what it takes to win a very different kind of game. Will Steve score? Will "Tiffany?"

Finding My Muse

Where have all the muses gone, long time passing? TiffQ selflessly travels to an exotic South Pacific island paradise, sparing all of her fellow authors the arduous journey, to investigate rumors that the muses are all hanging out there. Will she find the inspiration she seeks to complete her entry for the BigCloset writing contest?