The final chapter has been posted.
Click here to read Hi, I’m Lance, Meeting No. 130 [Chap.
34].
When I finished writing Hi, I’m Lance, there was a
sense of relief. I was done. Actually, it was a swirl of feelings: rewarding
accomplishment, sadness, joy. I suppose that is evidence to how deeply rooted
the story was in my soul.
I never set out to write these love stories. When it started during the beginning of the pandemic, it was just a whimsical diversion. I had no intention of ever sharing them with anyone. We all know that changed. I wasn’t sure how to wrap up Extracurricular, so I left it simply “hopeful” and unwritten. But then I got the itch to write some more, and I started thinking about Mike and Trent’s story and thought it would be fun to look at it from the other’s point of view. So I started writing again. Many readers will recall the flashbacks in this chapter from Trent's and Lance's college days back in Book Two. In the middle of If It Weren’t For the Two of Us, Lance grew on me. I loved writing about his struggles, and — as you know — splintered off his own story in the middle of Book Two. Hi, I’m Lance was a favorite of mine.
I considered those three stories the trilogy. All starting
from the catalyst of that (cringey) shower scene, each one had his story told.
We looked into the minds and hearts of Mike, Trent and Lance. I finally felt I
had accomplished what I needed to do. I could put that writing to rest. It had
been enjoyable. I was finished.
But.
But doggone it, Jakob was a character that became a part of
me too. By the time Book Three was done, I felt we knew enough about Jakob to
love him, but we didn’t know the full story, just the threads he shared with
Lance.
If I entered into a story about Jakob’s life, we would need
to see all of it. That would involve some dark parts. Was I up to something
that different? Hopefully, readers are pleased that Jakob found love and
happiness. Would they want anything further? Was where he left off enough, or
would they like to know more of his future?
It wasn’t long before Book Four started. It’s different. But
I wanted it to be. Many readers on this type of platform enjoy the raw, gritty,
rough world of sex. Everyone has their own tastes, and those readers probably
abandoned my stories, as I centered too much around love, rather than sexual
hook-ups.
Book Four is titled Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder. It’s
vastly different than the trilogy, not just because it has dark moments but
also because of the span of time. The trilogy took place in a span of less than
two years. Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder will take him from the age of 16 to
a few years beyond Hi, I’m Lance. About half his life will be covered in
the book. Readers will get the full picture of Jakob — where he came from, how
he survived and where his life goes. So, no spoilers there, just a heads up to
expect the unexpected in comparison to the first three stories.
I’m taking a short break from posting. I have a notification
list that will be alerted when the next story begins posting. If you’d like to
know when Book Four starts, drop me an email: timothylane414@gmail.com
As always, your support to go on these journeys with me has
meant the world. I don’t believe I can convey my appreciation. Thank you. I
hope it has been an enjoyable read for you.
A lovely ending to a heartwarming story arc. Well done, Timothy! I look forward to learning more about Jakob's back story in book four.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to see the story end. I just want to thank you for your excellent writing and for shring ths story.
ReplyDeleteMM
Well done, my friend. I am so glad you had them attending a meeting. Can't wait for Jakob's book. In the meantime, rest on your laurels. You have earned them for such fantastic stories.
ReplyDelete-G.
Thank you for sharing the story. It was alive and such a pleasure to read and feel part of.
ReplyDelete-R
As everyone else has said: a nice conclusion to Lance's book. And I'm glad to know that Jakob's will take us "a few years beyond" this one. I'm looking forward to it, and am preparing to "expect the unexpected." Thanks again, Timothy!
ReplyDeleteKen
It has really been a pleasure reading the trilogy thus far. You developed the characters so well that I really felt "invested" in their lives, and as I moved through the episodes, I found myself hoping that Mike and then Trent would appear more frequently, because I didn't want to "lose touch" with them, as weird as that sounds.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful saga. I can hardly wait for it to continue.
- E.H.
I just finished reading the last chapter a couple of days ago. Yes, I admit that I cried (and I do want you to know that!) as I read the emotional "goodbye" exchanges. To be honest, the depth of Trent's emotions was a surprise to me -- which increased my own response and caused a few tears to fall.
ReplyDeleteEnding the book with their move to a different town makes such a logical "fade out" for Lance and Jakob. I think you chose a clever way to wrap things up... while still leaving room for you to go back and pick up some threads again at a future point.
Be assured that I am among the many readers who will be eagerly anticipating the next book!!
Life isn't great at the moment, and your stories have always been cheering, even when they've been sad. (If that isn't too ridiculous a thing to say.) But you must put a lot of effort into writing these stories and surely you've earned a break. I just hope that it isn't too long!
ReplyDeleteIt's an odd truth that growth, progress and development very often bring grief and pain as well as satisfaction and hope. I suppose the birth of a child is the classic example of this. Anyway, it's entirely plausible that Lance and Jakob should feel they have to go and still hate leaving. I wish them both the very best in their new home and jobs and town. It reminds me of the comment that any real choice will leave you forever regretting the path you didn't take; even if you made the right decision and would do the same again.
And so I look forward to the new stories when they do come. When "Hi I'm Lance" first appeared it seemed rather secondary to "If It Weren't For the Two of Us" but as the characters grew and developed — and they have — they became at least as important as Trent and Mike. It will be good to see more of them (all of them), this time through Jakob's eyes. I just hope (being of a gentle disposition) that Jakob's story has lots about moving on and up with Lance in their new environment. I'm sure there will be material — flashbacks? — covering the dreadful time that came before. It would be very odd if there weren't reflections on his past and to understand him we have to know about them.
Many thanks for your stories so far.
-C.
I have been a reader on Nifty for years, and this is the first time alcoholism and recovery has been properly covered. Lance, Jakob and the others show the work and rewards involved in recovery and the part AA plays. Great writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you from a recovering alcoholic!
S.