For this story, I don’t plan to do the regular blog posts
that I did with the previous books. This could potentially be the only one I
do, so I will give you some advance information.
The first chapter of Coffee at 9 is “February.” Each chapter will be a
subsequent month. When the book is done — 12 chapters — you will have accompanied
Cooper in a transformative year in his life. Click here for Chapter 1.
It has long been my goal for each of my stories to have its
own angle. Whether it was Lance’s AA meetings, Trent’s journal or a
year-by-year account of Jakob’s life, each of my books had its own feel. While
the month-to-month format will partially define Coffee at 9. There are
many facets to this story that have pushed me as a writer: Cooper’s role not
only as a father, but a gay father; an older character; recovering from betrayal
and the effort to reconcile; family and religion; romantic temptation and
figuring out who you are supposed to be. I honestly found this book to be my
most rewarding. I hope you like it too.
In terms of chronology, this story begins about three months after Lance and Jakob move at the end of Hi, I'm Lance.
However, this might be your first time to read a story of
mine. If you happen to like my writing, here is a short synopsis of earlier
stories:
[1] Extracurricular
Michael Terry hadn’t realized his last breakup had
veered his life so off track. A risky and ill-advised encounter with a younger
man (and a former student) sets him on a whirlwind path to an unexpected romance. As feelings develop,
Mike has to weigh the consequences of hurting an impressionable man just coming
out with the obvious challenges their age differences entail. Click here to start at the beginning of my writing.
[2] If It Weren’t for the Two of Us
College student Trent Kyriazi prepares for graduation but
nothing much further. As he emerges into the gay world, having just accepted
his sexuality, he has to navigate his way through various aspects of life — a
new romance on hold, a future career and an uneasy relationship with parents.
To complicate things further, feelings developing for his best friend might
potentially stand in his way. Click here to begin Trent's book.
[3] Hi, I’m Lance
Lance Wheeling had everything a young college graduate would
want: good looks, a job lined up, a roommate situation solved — and a body with
enviable features. His one problem? He’s in love with a best friend he can’t
have. Following a drunken car wreck, Lance begins a journey through AA that
brings him to significant people who will play major roles in his life — and
recovery. Click here for Hi, I'm Lance.
[4] Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder
After being honest to his parents that he is gay, Jakob
Morgan is thrown out of his home by his family at the age of 17. With nowhere
to turn, Jakob must do what he has to just to find a roof over his head. His path
finds him struggling to climb from life’s lowest lows. Several years of taking
the next step find him climbing a step — or rung — at a time until he meets the one he was supposed to. Click to start this story.
And now we have Coffee at 9. Cooper is not your
typical gay man, but he probably has gone through or will feel something you
have. I hope everyone finds a little of themselves in Cooper. To my readers out
there who started — or are still in — a heterosexual marriage, I wish to know
how this story strikes you. Perhaps it will help you more deeply feel that you
are not alone.
I enjoy hearing from readers, so share your stories and
thoughts. timothylane414@gmail.com
Although comments are still possible to post on the blog even though I won’t be doing
routine posts, I enjoy email. Some of you have mentioned that you receive
an error when trying to “comment” too. Grr. Technology.
Thank you for your support. I cannot convey in words how much I appreciate the readers.
Timothy
I just read Chapter 1 of "Coffee at Nine" after enjoying the story of Lance's journey. Thanks for writing such good stories about engaging, believable and touch characters. Cooper's situation strikes pretty close to my own, so I'm especially eager to follow where he and this are going. I have also had much experience with addiction in my family, so there's that too. I wanted to express my appreciation and hope that you will continue.
ReplyDeleteE.
nice start. really loved it even though i was taken completely by surprise of the split of mitch & cooper.
ReplyDeleteR.
Damn man! Tears are flowing. Just jump right in with both feet. The last line makes me sad, and I hope Cooper is not alone the rest of his life. Good to see you back.
ReplyDelete-G
Nicely done. I was surprised where it started. I thought it was going to be about the history of his and Mitch's relationship. I think you did it correctly, and I look forward to the next addition.
ReplyDeleteK.
Lovely writing and once again you invest your protagonist with such likeability and goodness — I get the feeling you really love your characters — maybe some affection spilling over from the various people in your life who have been woven through these fictional men.
ReplyDeleteec
So pleased to see another story from you. I have read your other stories that have been posted on Nifty. The first chapter of this story was excellent; it capture attention at he beginning and gave a good backstory of the characters. While it is starting with a painful and sad event (which happens in life all the time), the underlying strength of Cooper you have provided him with gives hope. I am looking forward to another well-written, enjoyable and hopefully one of many chapters making for a long read.
ReplyDeleteJ.D.
I hope all is well. I finally got time to read Coffee at Nine chapter 1 and I am in love with Cooper’s character. I really enjoyed the other characters from previous stories that are present as well. This chapter laid a great foundation for what comes next.
ReplyDeleteM.
Cooper definitely struck me as a character it would be interesting to know more about, so I'm happy to have the chance!
ReplyDeleteLoved Chapter 2, but didn't have a chance to respond before Chapter 3 is posted. You've got me wondering all kinds of scenarios now.
ReplyDeleteR.
Lots for me to identify with Cooper though I never did anything with women - ew! - but I've never been a good fit with the gay community. In my 30s I spent some time working on my hang-ups and baggage because I was told this would make me a better prospect for relationships.
ReplyDeleteI find most of our protagonists so likeable.
-E
LOVING IT!
ReplyDeletetg
Just do not know how I feel about Mitch. Perhaps therapy might help Cooper and Mitch heal. I do not know I would feel, if in that position. There was no "play" arrangement — and it was in their bed. I must wait most patiently for the next chapter. Glad he called Lance and did not drink.
ReplyDeleteG.
If Mitch is serious he needs to sit down with Cooper and ask what questions that Cooper has about the betrayal. Then he needs to explain 1) How he met the guy; 2) He needs to explain how long they have known each other; 3) Why he thought it would be OK to fuck the hot guy in their bed! If he honestly answers Cooper's questions, then the subject will probably drop. If he doesn't provide some candid answers, they probably won't get back together.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that he has been with this fellow before, and possibly he has cheated on cooper before - or all along. It is possible that Mitch feels sorry - sorry he got caught!
Trust is a pretty important thing: you have to earn it.
Good story, as usual.
-th
Shame on Mitch. Other guys might have been able to forgive Mitch, but he made the wrong choice -- a choice I understand on some level, strange to say. Part of me feels for him, and part of me feels the sense of loss that Cooper is forced to endure. One of my father's favorite expressions is "yous pays your moneys and yous takes your choice." Both cooper and Mitch have paid too much, it seems. And now they're stuck with what they (unwittingly) paid for.
ReplyDeleteYou, Dear Author, are amazing. Thanks.
T.
This has been my favorite of your stories.
ReplyDeleteCooper's background and feelings resonate deeply. I am still married and do not intend to change that. But I empathize with Cooper's situation, especially with how he does not feel like he fits or belongs. And his family ... too close to reality for many with families like his.
D.
I just finished the first four chapters of "Coffee at 9." I am completely torn up! I am so into these characters, and I am feeling all the raw emotions of each of them. Cooper and Mitch's situation has ripped my heart in two. I don't know when I have ever gotten so tied up in the emotions of two fictional characters. You have done a great job of bring your characters to life (maybe too good a job for my fragile emotional makeup!). I so much want things to work out between Cooper and Mitch.
ReplyDeleteWhen Cooper admitted to Emory that he had cheated on Natalie with Mitch before he was divorced, I thought that would sink into Cooper's mind that he was guilty of cheating just as much as Mitch was. But it didn't "take" for some reason.
I am going to be on pins and needles waiting.
D.