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?
Wow, this one really got to me, especially the ending. I'm finally starting to see Mitchell in a different light. Your story goes right to the essence of the song that Bernadette heard: 'that there were sorrows to be healed, and mercy, mercy in this world.' (Leonard Cohen)
ReplyDeleteBoth your new stories are great, hope you're getting lots of positive feedback.
ReplyDeleteI'm particularly enjoying A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate. It's a wonderful new direction for you. Looking forward to seeing how the young men develop.
I might note, this story so far does not have any explicit sex scenes, only references. I think this is fine, though I'm sure there are some on Nifty that won't care for it.
Say Goodbye to Sparkleland is good as well. I haven't had the animosity towards Mitchell that many had. Not to defend him, but if you're going to write about real people as I imagine is your goal, there will be detours on the path and that makes for a good story. The theme of getting over something that lies in the past sure seems to be a major goal of therapy. While it's necessary to move on or break ties, I always feel compassion for the pain of grief this causes people - or myself.
R.
Is Mitch getting a little close with his therapist? Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Say Goodbye to Sparkleland. I can't wait to find out where that title comes from. Very powerful chapter, and Sucker Punch is sure a good name for it. Logan may have learned more than he bargained for about what makes Mitchell tick. OK, on to a Bed, a Desk, and My Unfortunate Soulmate! Your writing is wonderful. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteSucker Punch should have been Gut Punch. I need to set up an ID so I can edit my mistakes! I just finished a Bed, a Desk, and My Unfortunate Soulmate. Another great chapter. Now I got to go read some old chapters to remind myself who L.B. is!
DeleteAhh. But this is the first we've seen of L.B. But always go back to refresh yourself on details. (wink)
Delete