Loss

I can hear your words now: "Why did you write this chapter!!?"

Read Hi, I'm Lance, Meeting 33 [Chap. 17] here.

This chapter was not about sexual content, it was about plot. As an author, who has come to care about these fictious characters, it is important (to me, at least) to convey a sense of realism. People who wrestle with addicitons have huge challenges. These obstacles can be serious. I didn't want to give the impression that if you join AA, life is suddenly milkshakes and blowjobs. People suffer hardships and loss. Sometimes the pain is great. In a long-runnning story, that pain is inevitable.

This chapter is not expected to be one of your favorites. But it will ripple into both books and to plotlines in the weeks ahead. It is part of the ongoing story and the relationships between characters.

The book was written months ago, but the timing of this chapter has some cruel irony behind it. Just this very week I have been faced with heartbreaking news. I am feeling this pain, this loss, even if it isn't exactly the same. Being helpless is a horrible feeling. And we all feel it. I pride myself in trying to craft stories that are relatable. When you can understand what a characcter is going through, then I feel we are connecting.

Thanksgiving is coming. This chapter leads into that. From my standpoint, it is an impossible web of chronological alignment, but you will see upcoming overlap between If It Weren't For the Two of Us and Hi, I'm Lance through Thanksgiving. I think if you get through this chapter, rewards are to follow.

Stay with me. Share in the comments below.