Two chapters have been posted, one in Book Seven and one in Book Eight.
Click here to read, A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate, Chapter 3
Click here to read, Say Goodbye to Sparkleland, Chapter 7
Both of these chapters are fairly powerful, and each one carries its own blow to the protagonist.
Mitchell had to live through yet another heartache, this time with Logan. As noted in a previous post, as the author, I have to determine why everything prior to Cooper (Number 19) didn't work. This discussion between Logan and Mitchell changes things somewhat, most notably for Logan. But it all helps define who Mitch is. We get to know him a little better.
We also get a more in-depth view of Logan as well. Although Dr. Horwood first appeared in Coffee at 9, his role in Book Seven makes him a principal character, and I'm enjoying developing him into someone that has a bit of a story to him.
And, well looky here, Mitchell shows up in A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate as well. Granted, the college years are four years past his sessions with Logan, but ... hmm. Who is Mitchell with??
BIG APOLOGIES to those who have not read Laramie or the previous works. All of this marriage talk has been long in the making. Readers have wanted nuptials — and flat out asked me — for quite a while. I could have put this in Book Six; it could have been a final chapter. But Laramie ended exactly where I wanted it to. But when it ended, I made note that I wasn't finished with the gentlemen and that readers would see them again. Well, here you go. So, if you don't know these parental characters that well, I'm sorry that you got dragged through all the joy surrounding the "announcement."
But the real gut punch is to Aiden here. Virtually everyone on Planet Earth has said something they wish they could take back. If you haven't, then consider yourself blessed. It hurts so bad to know you have wronged someone. To verbally belittle someone — even if unintended — it will torment you forever. Although Corey is the one hurt, Aiden is in pain.
The friendship between these two is so deep, this chasm now between them is harsh. I wanted to make sure that I didn't just show how it is tormenting only the two of them; their other friends are affected too. These types of stories (as my blog says, "Love stories for the gay male") are typically centered around a couple, but this story is so different; it is centered around friends, a different type of love. Writing it challenges me. I hope you are enjoying it.
"November" will be big.
I don’t agree Corey needs to grow up. In terms of story it’s good to bring that challenge but Cooper needs to intervene. Mitchell has more backbone.
ReplyDeleteSorry grammar I meant Corey should grow up.
DeleteWow! What great chapters. A wedding finally! YES! I still love reading about Cooper and Laramie so much. Corey and Aiden are so entertaining in their own right but man…. Aiden really blew it 😬 we all have insecurities and it’s very realistic that Corey would struggle with something.
ReplyDeleteI continue to love these characters and your writing. Thank you!
Cooper and Laramie need to get onto this situation. I understand teenage angst but Cory like that other poster above says is acting like a brat.
ReplyDeleteNow that was some writing. I remember feeling that way in college. Why is dick size so important? I am afraid without counseling Corey and Aiden are done. We shall see.
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I have said it before, you are an awesome writer. What a bombshell about Logan and Mitchell's relationship!
ReplyDeleteThanks to you I have more respect for Mitchell.
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Sparkland: I have watched and observed Mitch from afar...and this chapter was wow...and Logan's responses.... I wondered abt his willingness to see him as a patient and ...anyway this is so good to see the progression. Self reflection is always freeing.
ReplyDeleteCorey and Aiden: I have not had a chance to read it after chp 1 so read both 2 and 3 together.. It was very moving. and Chp 3 was heart wrenching, left me disturbed and sad, and a realization of how our words and action have an impact beyond us. It must have been emotionally exhausting to write both these chapters
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"When someone shows you who they are believe them..." Aiden did that twice this chapter. When he went for the dick size slur right after telling Corey the size of his dick was not important, and then when he talked to his new friend Josh about Corey's personal business. For all he claims he loves Corey, Aiden's behavior is not showing that. "Unfortunate soulmate' is a good title. Aiden is talking the talk but not walking the walk. If anyone is childish it's Aiden.
ReplyDeleteNonsense, it is understandable at that age to be secure, but Aiden didn't mean it. I hope Cooper and Laramie set Corey straight that it was just said in the heat of the moment. Can't wait also for his mother to find out. He goes to church but acts like this? Zero respect for the brat.
DeleteCorey has been a fairly good guy to date going through the usual teenage issues. While I wouldn't use the word brat, I do agree hopefully Cooper and Laramie step in. If Cooper can finally work out his sex act with Emory and move past, then surely Corey will, but if I were Aiden I'd be the one not forgiving that easily.
DeleteI agree David but maybe, and this is not you or anyone, we are jumping the gun. It's obviously likely it's just a temporary thing. I know guys Corey's age can be over sensitive, but I don't agree Aidan was childish, if anything Corey is. But I do see Laramie getting onto this issue more so than Cooper, so I really doubt C & A will split forever. Can't control Tim's writing, but I don't think many would be forgiving if he splits them up forever.
DeleteThank you so much for writing these awesome stories! I appreciate the small details, the "don't cuss" gets me everytime, counting the hugs is sweet and tells its own story. The characters are great, I love how you describe them, how you captivate the thought process of people in particular parts of their lives.
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I'm enjoying reading the two stories in tandem. One is reflecting back on the early years and how they inform who we become, the other is living those years, with the pleasures and pain in real time. We all make mistakes, it's what we do next that matters. Eventually character shows through, or doesn't. Corey is young, he's being challenged, but from everything written so far he has one of the finest characters in all of these stories.
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