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.
I don't consider it a dark chapter but what I liked about it, and made it one of the best I've read in the series, were the possibilities, hints and tensions. Now before I state, I am not concerned the direction the last chapters go in, who does what. A love fantasy world where people in it (most) love each other etc and work out life's problems and support each other is beautiful, sadly not the case in real life most of the time. But there are two things which although I am not suggesting going down the incest path (there is enough of that on Nifty for those that want it), I can't help thinking the following. 1. Cooper and Larry are entranced by Lance while Mike seems entranced by Larry. I also thought the 4 way the others had in other stories was beautiful so a six way would be awesome. Lance did not outright reject in the kitchen but he's respectful of Cooper and Larry, but even Cooper hinted at wanting to see Lance naked. 2. I think it was genius at the end of the chapter to hint that Corey may not be 100% straight. To hint he may be bi or gay leaves that chapter with anticipation for more on that.
ReplyDeleteThe point is, it's not about telling an author what to write, I don't care what the characters' do and that includes if it goes extra marital which it has with M J L T 4 way in previous chapters and it didn't ruin any friendships (hell what if Mitch joined in too wow that would have the internet melting down), it's more what is going on with Corey that is gripping? We will find out, but that spark of oh he could be into guys as well as girls was brilliant.
Yeah just read I can't help feeling Corey might be heading towards the bi route. Good writing too.
ReplyDeleteI think what makes a story or novel exciting is the possibilities that hinted at but not always come true. Same with movies. I would like to think if there are only two chapters left, if Corey said hey all I'm gay or bi that it would be accepted. Natalie and Daryl not accepting would be awful and make the chapters go on and on with negative. If Corey likes girls fine but if he does not wow that would be interesting to explore without writing about under age stuff.
DeleteI can't believe that it's going to be over soon. I loved "Coffee at Nine" and I fell in love with all the characters in "Laramie." You have an amazing writing style that brings all the characters to life in one's mind when reading the story.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have Corey to break down the barriers and will convince Laramie and Cooper to get married. In a few months time maybe you could write an epilogue bring all the characters to the new stages in their lives.
I just want to say thank you, and I know life hasn't been easy this past year, but you're a wonderful writer and a wonderful man. I just wish I could get to know you in person.
Agree but don’t forget four of them are have group sex. That should continue.
DeleteWhile I understand the confusion and worry young men have if they have a sexual or any encounter with another man, I thought that was a bit over the top. Also regarding Cooper's one off sex thing with Emory, Larry seemed to be cool about it saying it happened before they were in a relationship. That was good going, it is the adult thing to do not how some men carry on, so i am stumped Cooper went on about it like some old woman with regret. Emory has not approached Cooper for sex. But who knows the gay man's human mind it's polluted with drama.
ReplyDeleteI cant believe how long ago "Coffee at 9" was the original start of this story and each of these people/characters are so alive to me. I cannot imagine how real they are to you.
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Best quotes of the week:
ReplyDeleteBest quotes of chapter 23: "My moral code screams out cuss words during sex with a man now."
"Hell, I'd brag if I ever bagged a young, good-looking stud like you in the sack."
I love Laraimie!