Mom

I just wanted to be clear on something. Many of my readers know my mother passed away in May. This chapter is not in response to that. I finished writing Laramie over the winter, so all the text was already in place when my mother actually passed.

Click here to read Laramie, Chap. 22.

Writing about death is not easy. One's personal feelings get tied up in it. When applied to fictional characters, it is easy for an author to let their own inner thoughts on death creep into the wording, regardless of who the character is in the created setting. As well as health issues, relationships ... and joy.

When I wrote Coffee at 9, the driving force within all the plotlines was Cooper's desire to succeed in fatherhood. I loved writing that even though I am not a father. I feel I am more like Laramie who doesn't see himself as a father figure, but when placed in the role, develops a rapport with a young person. I have loved evolving the relationship with Corey and Laramie. My time-hopping narrative might let us see it at a rate a little too accelerated, but it is necessary to see Laramie's (and Corey's) full arc.

Had I not wanted to write into "the future," I could have shoved everything back four years, but since I started writing — all the way back to Extracurricular in 2020 — I've used the current calendar for things: Trent's journal, Lance's meetings, etc.

Corey and Laramie have been able to experience a lot. At home, Laramie has been an adult figure he can confide in, but a further bond has been established on the road: Christmas at Cooper's parents, Tampa, the beach, Vegas... Seeing how Laramie fits into his role with this "son but not my son" shows a maturity on both their parts. I never considered Laramie to be immature, but his soul as an adult has expanded. His heart has grown by becoming a "parent."

And, of course, there is the "oops" moment this chapter.

In this chapter, we see Corey becoming more of a teenager. Didn't we all torment ourselves during our teen years? I'd like to think I wasn't a prick to my parents, but my brothers and I were all different, so I'm sure my own parents had challenges. My intention here is not to turn Corey into an asshole but to realistically portray a human being who is going through body changes, self-esteem struggles, doubt and life's pressures. Fear not, I'm not going to make you hate him.

I have enjoyed sharing this story, but I'm truly saddened to know that only two chapter remain. The encouragement from readers has removed all doubts that I had when I first began posting this story. I am so grateful for you.

Gayfoundland

 

Chapter 21 is rather site specific. From the jokes about Gayfoundland to the real settings of Las Vegas, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, the fictional world of Jackson bend is left behind for real vacation destinations.

Click here to read Laramie, Chapter 21.

I have to admit that the whole skit about Gayfoundland makes me chuckle. I could just picture a group of my friends enacting the same scenario. Gay people can be a humorous bunch.

The vacation, however, has many rewards for me as an author. As this is Book Six, I’ve never really had opportunities for the main protagonists from all six books to have a lengthy passage where they are all together. With Corey thrown into the mix, it was a fun bit to write.

I also liked using Mike in the dual narrative. I haven’t had the opportunity to find his “voice” since the very first book, Extracurricular.

(Not familiar with it? Click here to go back to the very beginning: Extracurricular, Chapter 1. I do hope to revise it one day.)

Mike was my original guy. The origins of all my writing date back eons ago to when I just wanted to write a little erotic smut for the heck of it (just for myself). The first two chapters — which I really don’t like — were discovered during the pandemic. Stuck at home, I wrote another chapter, then another. I learned to like Mike as his character developed. More importantly, I liked the relationship that evolved between Mike and Trent. Who would have ever thought I’d be working on a seventh and eighth book back then? Certainly not me. It was writing that original story that I found the pleasure in crafting characters I liked and situations where love entered the picture. The sexual stuff was fine, but it took a quick back seat to the narrative of the relationships.

But then there is the final act to Chapter 21. Why include it, you might ask? I assume — at least hope — that I will eventually get to Book Nine, which will be Emory’s book. This creates some foundation that will be essential in his full story. Also, if everything is always hunky dory, then the story gets a bit too syrupy. Since I am taking a particular interest in Corey’s adolescence, I feel it is necessary for him — and all the characters — to have to respond to the highs and lows in life. There’s more heart to the story that way.

With such a multifaceted chapter — one that will have an impact on Laramie’s life (stay tuned) — I hope you found something to like about it.