I’m unsure how this chapter will strike readers.
Click here to read Hi, I’m Lance, Meeting No. 99
[Chap. 30].
The last chapter had so little erotic content, so those fans
might appreciate this one. But for all other aspects, this chapter was more of
a signpost than anything really happening. I’m not sure if the character
development was there enough for readers.
It was a time for me to reflect on who Lance is. Many of you
know that the first two chapters of Extracurricular (not even titled at
that point) were written years and years ago. Having discovered them while
cleaning as the pandemic started, I typed them up (yes, they were handwritten).
As this type of writing became a fun
diversion as we were all stuck in our homes, I never could have dreamed of
finishing five books. Lance was thrown into that story as the token “huge dick”
guy. He was all but a throwaway character. But as Extracurricular actually
became something to develop into more of an engaging love story, his role as a
secondary character was important enough.
As I wrote If It Weren’t For the Two of Us, Lance
started to fascinate me. His subplot of being in denial made me want to peel away
the layers shielding him from exposing who he really was. I learned to
empathize with Lance. Loving what you can’t have is heartbreaking. It wasn’t
long before I felt the third book developing. I loved writing about Lance, and
I knew his story — quite different from Trent’s — seemed worthy of telling.
His share in AA at the one-year point this chapter really
does bring home how much he has grown as an adult. His car wreck made him grow
up fast. However, Jakob really brought out the real Lance.
Like I said, this meeting was a signpost. I think Lance’s journey
had some significant moments that defined his path. That insane shower scene
(which I have come to hate) started his relationship with Trent (and indirectly
Mike). The night of the Detrell incident really cemented the close bond between
Trent and Lance. Following the hot college apartment sex scene, Lance had to
confront a load of internal dramas: coming to grips about the denial of his
sexuality, the wall closing on sex with Trent and his realization that he was
in love with Trent. Post-graduation, the car wreck, Jakob’s birthday card to
his mother and the two of them moving in together were key moments that helped
his growth.
I hope readers aren’t disappointed that more didn’t happen
in this chapter, but it is a good realization of not only who the character of
Lance was but also of the amazing heart that has grown in his transformation
into a wonderful man.
I read this last night before going to bed - and before you had posted on your blog. No complaints about this chapter at all. Lance and Jakob seem to be headed off into wedded bliss. I hope Jakob (with a K) can resolve his family issues before the big day.
ReplyDeleteLoved the song – you put a lot of creative effort into this book!
ReplyDelete-D.
One Year … what a great chapter. So many emotions around that event. Well played Timothy. Loved Trent’s song. So, so good…reading is like sitting down with a Diet Coke and bag of chips watching "The Big Chill."
ReplyDelete- G.
I will say that I am excited to see what the Morgans say about Jakob getting married to Lance. I know that Jakob's sister, brother and mother will not have a problem with him marrying Lance. His father, on the other hand, is the wildcard in this. He could go either way. I am also happy that Lance had his 1-year token for his sobriety.
ReplyDelete-D.
I loved the latest chapter of this story. Seeing Lance get his 1 year chip was marvelous and to experience the maturity you have put into this character is great! I love the hot sex scene between Lance and Jakob. I wondered initially if Jakob could ever be comfortable on the bottom again, but he is there. Finally, their wedding should be something special to read about when you get there.
ReplyDeleteEvan seems to be on the outer edge and it feels like something is brewing with him.
Love reading your stories.
-M