Well, friends, Coffee at 9 is now completely posted.
Click here to read the final chapter.
I would have to assume those who are reading these very
words have finished reading the book. However, I won’t delve too far into the
ins and outs of the book’s conclusion. More than anything, I hope it was a
satisfying finale for those of you had invested the time to read more than 500
pages. There were several ways I could have wrapped it up, but the “ending” was
what I envisioned from the start.
Relationships can be very hard, and an unfortunate drawback
is that people can be hurt in the process. It was inevitable with how Cooper
made such a mess of his life. Some of you may have wanted Cooper to choose differently.
Of the five books I’ve posted on Nifty, Coffee at 9
touches me deeply. I’ve enjoyed each of my works.
Extracurricular
If It Weren’t For the Two of Us
Hi, I’m Lance
Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder
Coffee at 9
I think the humanity in each one can make the lead character relatable to the
reader in some way. Those who don’t fit the mold of my Jackson Bend individuals
have probably moved on to less romantic offerings that are readily available. I
continue to be touched by readers who take a moment to reach out to me. Thanks
for that. Coffee at 9 has moved me the most so far.
I’m not sure what prompted me to write the sledding scene,
but for some reason, I love reading it. Typically, my books are written months
before I get around to posting them. [But not next time.] While I always retain
the direction of the story after I have written it, there are always details and dialogue that are fun
to rediscover when I go back to refine/proofread each chapter before submitting
it for posting. I love it that my own creations can seem fresh after I’ve
stepped away from it for weeks and months.
I digress. Although this is the last chapter, I should note
Cooper’s story isn’t over. We’ve just joined him on a year-long journey. We’ll
see more of our divorced gay dad on the horizon.
The next book will feature Laramie as the protagonist. The
title of it is … wait for it … Laramie. I pondered many options, but for
the first time, I’m just letting the character’s name take the title. Even
though the name of the story isn’t necessarily my most dynamic masterpiece in
creativity, the format is VERY different. You’ll see.
Like Jakob’s book, we knew some background on the character before
an individual story started. Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder went back to his
years as a teenager (which we knew about), continued on to where he met Lance
and then went on to years past the text of Hi, I’m Lance. Book Six will
do the same. Laramie will start with him growing up in Kansas. The move
to Jackson Bend and meeting Cooper and all the boyfriend encounters in between
will play out. And everything between Cooper and him will play out but from his
perspective. It will also go years past Coffee at 9, so expect to see
the Jackson Bend cast along the way.
As mentioned before, usually I am done with the next book by
the time the current one wraps up. I’ll be honest that I have not finished Laramie
yet. I’m about two-thirds the way through it. I don’t like to start posting
until the book is done. If you would like to be notified when that story
begins, drop me an email if you aren’t on the notification list: timothylane414@gmail.com I’m working
on a scene in my head at the moment that just grips me by the throat. I want to
make sure I get it right. Give me a few weeks.
When I finish a book, I often think I will stop writing. But
then a character has grown on me during the process. When writing Trent’s story,
Lance evolved so much — I knew there was more there — that I wrote a parallel
story to Trent’s. I thought the trilogy would complete it all. But dang, Jakob
grew on me, and Cooper seemed to be a story also. And now … Laramie. The
question is, will Book Six be my last? I found myself challenged. I’d like to
do a book on Mitchell, but so many people probably harbor resentment for him
being a cheater. Would anyone care for such a book? That challenges me as an
author. Emory is an interesting character. I’ve never written a story about
someone older than me. I actually have mental outlines for both of them if I
pursue it. Would any of you have a preference? And, of course, Brad is a hoot.
However, I’m not sure what direction to take Brad. Yet. I suppose we will see
how long my creative drive lasts.
For those of you reading this in real time as I post it,
Happy New Year. I hope 2023 is full of blessings. I count my readers as one of
mine.
Ok just read it. It had an unsatisfactory ending but I still liked it. I don’t agree with people being upset over Mitch’s cheating. I rate the story ten. Obviously if I was writing it, I would have had Mitch just accept it find someone and restart friendships with Cooper, Larry and Corey and others. As for Books six up yes I’d live to explore characters but even though there is real life I’d prefer you don’t kill any person or animal. But it’s in your hands and all I can say is Cooper is likeable and became a good person, and he needs to be congratulated for how he dealt with life not condemned.
ReplyDeletei have to agree with you that cooper's story is so far the best. patiently waiting for laramie's story and with the introduction of don, i surely hope that book six won't be your last.
ReplyDeletebravo !!!
ron
Dave here. Thanks for story loved it. Where I can relate is I got cheated on but like lovely Cooper I felt I was not enough. I got a Larry and my other ex acted like Mitch but not for long. Biggest problem was my cheating ex, my boyfriend and my cheating ex’s boyfriend all became friends. It was not sexual. This was 2014. We are all still friends but some queen found out and spread gossip we were all cheating on each other. My ex was very hurt by my breaking up with him and acted the same way Mitch did, but as he told me as uncomfortable and awkward as it is to hang out with your new partner, ex and Ex’s new partner it hurt more not to be friends. I think Cooper is awesome and made the right choice. But as the other person said a repair with Mitch would have been nice.
ReplyDeleteI was definitely wanting Cooper to choose Mitch but Larry is fine. What I liked about the story was Cooper and Emory finally settling their night of sex and remained close in Chap 9. Overall Cooper is a hero and although Lance's story is so still a favourate, Cooper is an amazing man.
ReplyDeleteI'm honestly very glad you didn't have Cooper choose Mitch at the end. As someone who's had life experiences that have led me to have significant struggles with being able to trust people after they hurt me or let me down majorly, I could barely wrap my head around the idea of Cooper still wanting Mitch so much, and to me the idea of the story ending with Cooper and Mitch together again was something that would have felt so tacky. And I think even the moment where Mitch, listening during Coop's 2yr chip share, only just then realized he was the reason for that previous stumble off sobriety, drove that home for me.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I think that with your writing skills you could do an amazing job with a story about Mitch, especially if you were to take it past the end of Coffee at 9 and have Mitch eventually grow and find someone who can accept his baggage. As uncomfortable as it can feel to have someone who you're used to looking at as a villain be given a sympathetic backstory, I could see Mitch getting redemption in his own book, as long as it's not in the form of Laramie and Cooper eventually breaking up and Cooper coming back to Mitch. Not without a lot of soul-searching and personal growth from Mitch, at least.
As far as ideas for Book 7, though, I would love to see a story based on Aiden. I know he only appears in like 2 chapters of C@9, but to me at least he seems like he could be an interesting story that, unlike the other 5 books so far, could be set starting at or a couple years before C@9, and then extends into the timeframe of the end of Jakob's Ascension and/or the latter part of Laramie. I don't know if you already have woven Aiden into Laramie's book, but regardless, I really do think he could be interesting to see more of as he gets older and deals with his family situation.
What you fail to recognise is Cooper does want Mitch just not in that way. I hope Mitch comes back in the future.
DeleteAnd what you fail to recognize is that I did recognize that Cooper wanted Mitch, and wanted to still have Mitch around as a friend. A large part of the last two chapters of Coffee at 9 were explicitly about him working through those thoughts. All I states was that I just struggle to personally relate to wanting so much to be around someone who violated an intimate level of trust so deeply. I literally even said that I could see myself potentially enjoying a book about Mitch where he goes through some personal growth and comes into his own place as a healthy member of Timothy's community of characters. Please learn to actually read what other people say in the future.
DeleteI had a long list of chores to get done when I go the notification email. I told myself reading "Coffee at 9" will be a great moment tomorrow... a relaxing way to start the new year. 15 minutes later... LOL
ReplyDeleteI love this story. It's real. Cooper, like me, and so many others, is inundated with storylines about how you fall in love once, it's your one true love, and you live happily ever after. I'm also a recovering alcoholic and feeling unworthy of love contributed to my drinking like Cooper. I've come to realize that love is messy. I have exes that I loved. I still love them, each for their own reason and I'm still close with some.
I have enjoyed this entire series. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your skilled writing. I just finished Coffee at Nine, and just as with the other stories, I waited for the release of each new chapter with enthusiasm. I'm sorry to see it conclusion!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your stories. I loved all of them. I was happy with the choice made by Cooper. I expected that Mitch would come back but I think this would have been a mistake. The fact that he showed up for 2-year celebration and the email exchange lead to think that as he heals their friendship will resume in some ways. Readers can use their imagination to continue the story.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to the next chapter. Laramie is like many others in your stories, a very interesting character.
Thanks again
All good things must come to an end — unfortunately, in this case.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the chapter and think you brought all the elements to a fine ending and closure. Congratulations.
J.D.
Thank you so much for that amazing story. Please keep them coming. Happy New Year, my friend, and don't let anyone tell you that your stories are anything less than amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat stories of Cooper’s journey. I liked how you left Mitch’s presence open for a return somewhere. It does mess with trust when you are cheated on, but I don’t regret doing what Cooper did nor remaining friends with my former partner. Well done.
ReplyDeleteA lovely, warm conclusion to Coffee at 9. Nothing unexpected. I was hoping the Laramie connection would fully materialize. I'm glad you left Mitchell somewhere out there. I think it would be good to pick up his story and spin a real tale of his self-discovery that his "cheating" was part of a polyamorous need for him. Not all love is monogamous and although multiple FWB is often messy, many gay men have a network of lovers that is honest and meaningful for them.
ReplyDeleteWell written. A lot of people have been hurt so that’s understandable to feel that way. But not everyone is monogamous and the expectation we all have to be is as bad as the conservatives who want us to be straight.
DeleteWhat an AMAZING story and so well written. You have outdone yourself.
ReplyDeleteDD
Liked it but I thought too much blaming Cooper for his problems. He is just a normal guy confronted with a bunch of problems. My god, if someone had the problem of being wanted by several men. Anyway we have not heard the last of this drama queen but I hope the Larry book isn't an exercise in self-pity like this one.
ReplyDeleteI just finished the story and loved it, no problems how it turned out. I do agree a bit too much blaming Cooper when he was just doing his best. I quit AA I still follow their way of living sober for 20 years. Overall a good story.
ReplyDeleteAs for your future writing ventures, I'd suggest Emory, partly because I am an old fuddy-duddy now myself and would enjoy reading about oldies for a change. Although, obviously, there is vicarious pleasure in reading about attractive youth, right down to the veins on Laramie's penis (a nice touch, that!).
ReplyDeleteOh yes please.
DeleteAlas, "Coffee at 9" has come to an end. Nicely done. A happy outcome for almost everyone, except poor Mitch. Larry is a super guy and clearly the right partner for Cooper — also a super guy. They should make a very successful couple. I'm looking forward to finding out how they get on in the later chapters of Larry's story.
ReplyDeleteThat does leave Mitch in the cold. Some might say that he got what he deserved when he cheated on Cooper. I prefer to see it as cause and effect rather than crime and punishment.
So on the whole and despite his (disastrous) cheating, which seems in the end to have caused the most lasting damage to him, I like Mitch. So does Corey, of course, adn we know he's a good judge of character. And so, yes, I for one would be delighted to see a story centered on Mitchell. If possible, I'd like him to find a happy and honest relationship that meets his needs.
C.
The ultimate would be Mitch finding someone and coming back into Corey, Larry's and Cooper's lives without chasing Cooper, but knowing he needs their friendship and they his. Of course that would require it being written as sensible adult behaviour and Tim does not always do that. Then there is the question of, if Mike et al have a four way, what if Mitch had a four way with Larry et at? I really don't care as it's not my book series, but from what I have seen of gay men's behavour, ex's do actually get along without causing drama, but no drama = no series like this I suppose. Sad.
DeleteLoved it, had to admit I didn't take it seriously, but the writing and stories, characters and outcome were good.
ReplyDeleteJust finished. So damn good, man.
ReplyDeleteThanks for some incredibly satisfying narrative in this, your latest story.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize how much this would affect me; but I really shouldn't be surprised. I was married to a woman for 25 years and came out at 48.
I so deeply appreciate that you've given light to some of the more unconventional aspects of being gay. You make it so enjoyable and actually get me to identify and invest with many of the characters.
Overall good but having Mitch back as a friend would be awesome.
ReplyDelete