And so it ends.
But not really. Jakob and Lance will continue to love each
other, and we will continue to see them in the following stories.
I knew going in that Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder was
very different than the original trilogy. The darker edge of the first half put
off some readers. I can’t say I blame them. In this instance, the book was more
about the character — and the growth of the character — more than the erotica.
For readers who stuck with the whole story, I hope you adored this final
chapter. In my heart of hearts, I sincerely hope you felt it rewarding as you
made it to the end. What did it make you feel? This book really did have a
long-reaching arc, but the payoff delivered, particularly with the slight twist
in the last chapter. Or at least it did for me. Now that it is all posted, I
think it would be easier to sit down and read it from start to finish over a
few days and really get the full impact.
What’s also interesting about this book is that you could
read the story from beginning to end and NOT read any of the blue flashback
text. It would just be the discussion between Trevor and Jakob, and it still
works. That would probably be easier for people who couldn’t handle the tough
parts. Or at least until Jakob and Lance find each other.
Click here to find the final chapter of Ascension, Jakob’s
Ladder.
This final chapter was a longer one. Hopefully the conclusion was worth the investment of your time.
So… thank you, Jakob fans. I can’t tell you how much I
appreciate you.
—
But now what?
Next up is Cooper’s book. Most of you will remember Cooper
from Hi, I’m Lance. He was a strong secondary character, and now he will
receive his own story. Each of my writing efforts has had its own unique take, and Book Five definitely will. Writing a character of a father coming to terms
with his sexuality is very different for me. The father-son dynamic gives the book
a feel all its own.
The title is Coffee at 9. I hope you will keep an eye
out for it. I’m stepping away for a few weeks though. If you would like a
notification when it drops, just send me an email at timothylane414@gmail.com and I’ll
send you a quick note when it posts in September.
Not only is the father-son storyline different, I include a
few new characters, one of which is in his 60s. I enjoyed writing a character
older than me.
If you don’t remember Cooper much, it won’t be necessary to still enjoy the book. But it might be more engaging if you wish to review some of the
final chapters of Hi, I’m Lance.
Coffee at 9 starts off a few months after Jakob and
Lance move to Von. There are 12 chapters, and each chapter is one month (contrasting
to Jakob’s book being in years).
So until we connect again, please drop me an email. I enjoy
hearing from you. It is the best reward for an author.
Wishing you a pleasant close to your summer.
Timothy
You ended this incredible story beautifully. I cannot wait for you to write Cooper's story. Thank you for so much enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteG.
i thought it was wonderful - even the dark parts. i hope to hear more from jakob & lance in the future, their new home & thanksgiving. something tells me that cooper's son is going to be a very lucky & special young man with so many decent, male influences in his life.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the book. The length of your writing is perfect. I enjoy the storylines, and you are very good at creating an excellent read. I look forward to your future work.
ReplyDeleteGreat story and excellent conclusion.
ReplyDeleteI did think the story of an amazing turnaround in Jakob's life was too compressed. A lot happened and it seemed rush through.
I was very taken with how all the way up through Chapter 11 Jakob's self-image and sense of self-worth was so negative. Taken with it because I thought it was realistic; that's a hard hole to dig out of. (This reinforced my assumption these were therapy sessions.) Then he quickly become comfortable with and happy with himself in Chapter 12. As above, it seemed a little rushed.
I loved how Jakob and Lance's relationship and marriage developed, how they dealt with changes in each other's lives, stresses and strains on their relationship. It was very realistic and well-handled, both by them and by you! I really liked how their sex was so integral with their love for each other. Also liked the "dick privilege" discussion.
Like you, I have been surprised how Lance turned into such a sympathetic, complex, fully developed character. His character seems to get more revealed with each book. In many ways, he seems to be the most emotionally-vulnerable and emotionally mature of everyone.
Thanks for all your talent and effort.
L.
I just finished "Ascension" and I realize how deeply the story affected me. You're right, it was lot darker than the trilogy, but it worked for me as a celebration of the power of love, friendship and perseverance.
ReplyDeleteIf you consider Cooper's story to be your finest work, I can't wait to read it, because "Ascension" was VERY fine itself! You're a great writer and your characters live and breathe.
E.
Looking forward to Cooper's story. I like men falling in love. Will be different having a child involved. Might be interesting having some commentary/observation from the child's first person perspective (maybe even the wife's).
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the well-crafted stories. I sure appreciate the mix of what you bring to the table. None of the stories feel contrived, and the character development is meaningful along with the sexy parts too. I really enjoy your creative effort.
ReplyDeleteR.
The last chapter was amazing! Love the story as much as the other three. I am so glad that life worked out for all four of them. Would love to have that love in my life.
ReplyDeleteB.
I just finished the last two chapters of "Ascension: Jakob's Ladder," and I have to say, beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteI loved that Jakob's dad finally got over his unwillingness to accept Jakob as being gay; all it took was the play.
D.
Something I particularly like in a story is some specific issue that affects gay men. Lance and Jakob's problem with alcohol is an example. The foursome group that emerges is interesting as well.
ReplyDeleteR.
Don't worry so much about getting too dark. I honestly think that is what made Jakob's story my favorite.
ReplyDeleteRC
I've just finished reading your stories in Nifty and I must say that I love them. I can't wait for the next series. I've never writtent his kind of email, but I found your stories quite moving that I need to let you know. I hope we get to see more of Mike and Trent as well as Lance and Jakob (with a K). I love reading your stories as I found a perfect balance between story plot and hot action scenes.
ReplyDeleteSome others stories I read in Nifty can get a bit monotonous after a while, but your stories seem to evolve over time.
I hope this finds you well and I'm really looking forward to read more about the lovely characters in your series!
E.
I finally circled back to the middle of "Ascension" and finished it. I needed to wait until the next chapters were ready, so that I could read about Jakob in a good place. The darkest chapter was certainly overwhelming, but I certainly loved where it all ended. I found it interesting that Graham and (finally) Victor reappeared and, of course, I love the group sex on New Year's Day. What a way to begin a new year!
ReplyDeleteThis is a deeply moving piece with so many overtones of things that many have dealt within their lives as gay guys. I am still a part of the church, serving as a church organist, but not at a congregation that would approve. I learned that our personal walk with Christ is so personal that no one on earth as the right to question it. So, I keep my faith and my man.
My partner experience the rejection of his father , and that never had a positive outcome. His father died many years ago, and my partner does not mourn him.
This is an overwhelmingly powerful story! Thanks for sharing with the readers.
M.
The story was great. It is lovely to see Jakob's life going so well after such a dreadful time. Not a gift, though (apart from meeting Lance) since he has had to struggle for it. I look forward to seeing more of him, and the others, in the new stories even while they focus on other people.
ReplyDeleteFascinating to see both Mike and Lance feeling slightly insecure as they see their respective husbands flourishing. Not feeling quite worthy of them, even. All the more so since Mike and Lance were better established or better positioned than Trent or Jakob when the stories began. Not that either of them has done badly. Far from it.
A very human group. I really like them.
C.
Honestly, I didn't think it possible. But at the end of the day, it must be. Your writing gets better and better. I held out as long as I could but finally binged the last two chapters. What a great Saturday night. Thanks for entertaining thoroughly.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to Book 5.
tg
I enjoyed "Ascension." You answered my questions, and I was not disappointed. At one point, I was just sure that Jakob’s dad was going to feel so much remorse that he was going to harm himself, and THAT was why Jakob and Trevor were spending so much time together. But those would be the longest, most expensive shrink sessions ever, so it still didn’t make sense, except in fiction.
ReplyDeleteAnd it seared my heart just a little when you made Lance tell Jakob that he didn’t want kids. Those two would be great parents!
I disagree that "Ascension" was too dark. After "Hi, I’m Lance," I was more than prepared for the tough parts. I know it’s fiction, and I’m all growed up now.
I am looking forward to the next book, whenever you get around to it. I think I’m gonna identify more with the Cooper character, but we’ll have to see…
Take care.
— B.J.