Cruz

The format for Say Goodbye to Sparkleland introduces numerous characters — albeit briefly. From time to time, one or two of those just evolve naturally into more principal characters, even if I hadn't intended for that to happen.

Cruz was a character I liked developing for Chapter Six.

Click here to read Say Goodbye to Sparkleland, Chapter Six.

When going through someone's whole life, such as Jakob's [Book Four] or Laramie's [Book Six], occasionally I stumble across a character I hate to leave behind like Graham or Roman. Cruz is the same. While technically all these guys could develop into a book of their own, I just don't feel strongly enough that a full story is there.

Every now and then, I feel like doing a one-off. Just a single chapter about one of these characters. I have a handful that would be suitable. Cruz is one of them. He seems likable and has enough drama in his life to create an interesting tale, even if short.

With these therapy sessions with Logan (who also could be a one-off) introducing someone new each chapter, there could be a list.

But back to Cruz, so many things happen here with Mitchell. Saying "I love you" is so easy for some people and so tough for others. There is an impact on Mitch though. Whether easy or difficult, those three words can be magic. I felt this was his introduction to the deeper qualities of a relationship beyond the simple joy of sex. It was a big step in his journey.

And sometimes steps hurt. This one was challenging to write in that regard. Not that I haven't gone through it with Laramie and Jakob, but writing heartache can be tough on the author too.

This type of format paints me into a corner in that I have to get to a certain point. Jakob had to reveal all the hardships he had hinted at before meeting Lance. Laramie had to get to the point to where he bumped into Cooper. We had already determined that Cooper was Number 19 in Mitch's book, so ... damn, I have to think up eighteen other people and why they didn't work out. That isn't necessarily easy. I certainly wasn't that guy in college — or in life. I was in denial for as long as I could be, but reality set in eventually.

Which bears the question, by the end of this book, does it stop the count? Laramie hinted in spots that Mitchell was with someone else in later chapters. Coming up quickly are two chapters in A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate, in which Mitchell appears with ...? Hmm. Who is this? 

Two

 

Most of you know I am posting — and writing! — two stories concurrently, one in College and one in Adult Friends.

Click here for Chapter 5 of Say Goodbye to Sparkleland

Click here for Chapter 2 of A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate

If there are any other authors out there reading this (or those who wish to be), this is not something I would recommend. I’d probably be done with one story if I just concentrated on it.

So why am I doing it?

All along, Mitchell’s story was to be Book Seven. It flowed with the narrative of Laramie. I had already started planning where I wanted to take it long before I finished Book Six. But by the end, Corey (along with Aiden) had developed into a strong character. I was really "into" telling his/their story too. While I had that enthusiasm for both, I just dove in. I’ll work a week or so on one, then I’ll flip back to the other. This requires a little backtracking and rereading. Again, NOT a writing method I’d recommend. Ha.

That said, it does allow me to weave threads between the two. Before Christmas, you will see (preview) details of Mitchell’s story in Book Eight before they happen in Book Seven. It will be fun to see it all come together.

So far, three chapters in Say Goodbye to Sparkleland have combined to make one “session” with Logan. As he gets into his third and fourth session, things dive deep into Mitchell’s thought process. You’ll get to know more about him, who he is, and who he was before he met Cooper. For the “haters” who didn’t care for him, I hope he will continue to grow on you. All my characters are flawed, and we’ve seen through the first six books, many of them strive for some sort of redemption. Count Mitch among them.

This most recent chapter was the hardest to write. I was intrigued with the blind character of Dominik. I thought there would be some interesting questions that both he and the world in general would have, and I tried to explore that. At the same time, I was on eggshells trying not to misrepresent that community. Hopefully it came off sincere and delicate.

Now with the second chapter of A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate out, we have one narrated by Aiden and one from Corey. This dichotomy will dig deep into this friendship. I’ve written many stories about romantic love; this one of a loving friendship is a different mindset for me. There will be hope and heartache, growth and gratitude — and some of that sexual stuff too. I hope seeing it from two sides will help define both of these very different characters.

Let me know how I’m doing.

"A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate"

So. Here we are.

Book Eight fully immerses me into the "College" category. As it has been way too long for me to think about my own college days, I hope this story still comes off with realism and heart.

If you are new to my writing, let's catch up. The first seven stories — and they are all connected — are posted in "Adult Friends." While the first book deals with Trent in his senior year of college, the series is more geared to adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. However, the cast of characters in the fictional town of Jackson Bend are diverse in ages, backgrounds and family dynamics. I like that. Hopefully, most readers can find a character to which they can relate. I pride myself on my characters being flawed and fallible — and human.

For my regular readers, you saw Corey become an established character in Coffee at 9. Then we watched him grow up in Laramie. It's kind of nice to see him feature in his own book. Well, actually, he shares the protagonist role with Aiden.

Click here to read A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate, Chapter 1.

To better inform you on what's to come, each chapter will alternate. Aiden will be the lead protagonist in the first chapter, Corey the second, and so on. This story will take place during their full freshman year.

And unlike the ongoing Say Goodbye to Sparkeland, this new book's title makes sense from the very first chapter.

If you are a new reader and you are wondering if you should continue reading since you haven't read the earlier material, trust me, you'll be fine. You have probably been intrigued with the two leads enough to make it this far. The story will stand on its own. However, if you enjoy the characters, you might enjoy seeing their adolescent years in the previous books.

And if you are a new reader, please know that I enjoy hearing from people who like my work — or don't like it. Don't hesitate to email. You can make comments on the blog posts too. timothylane414@gmail.com Welcome. And if you'd like to be on the notification list when chapters drop, I can do that too.

Book One: Extracurricular
Book Two: If It Weren't For the Two of Us
Book Three: Hi, I'm Lance
Book Four: Ascension: Jakob's Ladder
Book Five: Coffee at 9
Book Six: Laramie
Book Seven: Say Goodbye to Sparkleland