So, after the first passage in Chapter 18, there was this M-7 in red. What was that? Actually, that was a note for readers where the seventh book begins. Click here to read Chapter 18.
If it were a perfect world, I'd have Book Seven ready to go. But ... work, things, life — it all gets in the way. A couple of months from now when that story is ready, I'll let you know, along with its title. Mitchell will be the lead.
I have tried to make every book somehow different than the others. Each has its own identity, whether it be journal entries or time spans or AA meetings or alternating narratives. That book will too, but it also has a twist the others do not — not everyone likes Mitchell. Several readers were pulling for him and Cooper to work things out. Some still wanted that to happen even when Laramie entered the scene. But some just thought of him as a cheater and wrote him off. No matter what feelings may exist, I hope everyone will still see where the story goes.
This chapter wasn't as long as some, but I found each of its parts essential. The wedding scene certainly moves the narrative along as it should. Each character's views on it varied. Cooper's perspective was the most fun to write.
Before the "year" is out, another marriage comes into play.
A moment that really touches me is when Laramie and Corey have a bonding conversation. For reasons of his own, Corey finds it easier to open up to Laramie more than he does with his father. Not that I routinely see it, but every now and then, I will find a pair of individuals who will lie perpendicular, one with his (or her) head on the other's stomach. It makes me smile. Tummy talk. Corey felt comfortable enough to do that. In my own mind, I enjoyed picturing that.
The amount of affection Corey has received growing up compared to how Laramie was raised is vastly different. Although teenage hormones are bound to kick in, Corey has an emotional depth to him that is fun to observe. Expect it to evolve.
I'm not sure if you noticed, but the first "date" on this chapter is pretty much NOW, if you check when this was posted. We are now moving into the future. Quirky.
I'll leave it at that. Oh, Chapter 19 is a doozy.
I LOVE IT!! I just love Laramie so much. In some ways, I feel a lot of the same feelings he did about being undateable, and at the same time feeling mistrust towards my ex like Cooper did with Mitch.
ReplyDeleteIt's all very relatable.
E.
I have loved all your stories but this one is my favorite. I’m very invested in Laramie and his happiness. I admit to being in the disliking Mitchell camp but it is a testament to your excellent writing skills that I feel so strongly about these guys! I anxiously await your updates. It makes my day when one lands. Thank you for creating such well rounded characters and great stories. I also love hearing more from Corey. I know I will enjoy reading Mitchell’s redemption arc too
ReplyDeleteHaving finished (and, of course, thoroughly enjoyed) Chapter 18 — primarily on ’the wedding’ — I began thinking back on Cooper’s issues with Mitch cheating on him.
ReplyDeleteThe more I think about it the more annoyed I get, but at Cooper! Yes, Cooper. Is he really all that self righteous he wouldn’t forgive his lover for cheating on him ONCE? Now, I REALLY do like Cooper. I do. But I question if he’s unable to forgive someone who he claimed he loved, and who obviously loved him, for one mistake, if maybe Mitch is better off.
And I repeat that I really do like the character, Cooper, but I think he needs some self analysis to determine why he thinks he’s so righteous … On the other hand, I do love having him and Laramie in a loving relationship that includes Corey, but of the two, Laramie is my favorite.
In this chapter I loved how Roman was able to eat a little crow when he realized he’d been very judgmental toward Laramie, yet Laramie in no way held it against him.
I don’t know how you keep all your characters straight (that’s really not a pun😏) as they ebb and flow in and out of one another’s lives.
My best to you, and thanks for all the hours you devote to this.
J.