Geoff

Many things happen in this chapter. I could have called this post "The Date" or "Patty" or a number of things. But I am going to take a moment to focus on Geoff.

Click here to read Chapter 6 of A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate.

The more I read and the more I hear from readers is that no one's life is exactly like anyone else's. The common thread I do see is that virtually everyone deals with something. Some of you have family dynamics that are a minefield. Some of you have been in troublesome relationships. And some of you aren't able to be your true self. I sympathize for each of you as you have something in your life to contend with.

During Geoff's breakdown, I liked the scene where each one of the guys opened up with what embarrassed them or what they were holding inside. It is not easy to let down those walls. I sometimes feel that people who can't connect with others — who just don't have the opportunity to share — miss out on so much in life.

Everyone feels like garbage at some point. Humans make mistakes. We're flawed. It was hard for me to write Geoff's struggles this chapter. I've never been "addicted" to anything. The closest I get is probably Diet Coke. Ha. For some people, I know it happens over a long period of time. But I have to assume that if something fills a void and is a temporary escape, it can capture you more quickly.

Sexual feelings provide a distraction when they aren't a part of a loving relationship. Sometimes that is healthy, and sometimes those desires lead people into mistakes. In our youth, self exploration is dependent on the need for privacy. I wanted Geoff's situation to come off as authentic, but that was a challenge. He wanted to be left alone because sexual gratification was the one time when he could shut out the world. He just let it steamroll over him in rampant abandon. Luckily, fictious as his case is, he has a support system.

I'm also waiting for your thoughts on Corey and Aiden. I'm expecting some backlash regarding the night of the date. Were you happy about it or are you made at me for letting them do it?

One plot device I could have done was for Corey and Patty to take things to completion and THEN Corey finds out more about Patty following. But the plot points made more sense (to me) for it to happen this way.

Finally, the belly talk between Laramie and Corey amused me. That all started in Book Six, Laramie, and turning the tables to have Laramie put his head on Corey's stomach was kind of funny — and sweet — to me.

Tell me what you liked and what you didn't.

Relatives

No gay experience is very likely to be exactly alike another. Each one is bound to be unique.

In my stories, I have dealt mostly with parents and occasionally siblings when it comes to family. In this chapter, Aiden comes out to aunts and uncles, as well as grandparents. I felt it important to show the different experiences one can expect. 

Click here to read A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate, Chapter 5

I'm sure there are individuals who have been incredibly fortunate to have amazingly accepting families. That's awesome. On the flip side, I'm certain that many people have suffered negative reactions — sometimes possibly traumatic.

Curiously, I never came out to extended family. After my partner had been with me for many years, I think it just got "assumed." The word "partner" got thrown around occasionally, but there was never a big Out Moment for me.

And I'm okay with that. I didn't need either any drama nor fanfare.

Ironically, it was almost the same for "his" side of the family. He had a discussion with his parents before we moved in together, but there was never a real time with his siblings or relatives. It was most likely discussed behind our backs or just organically assumed.

What about you?

After writing eight books, you'd think I would have covered the bases in terms of sexual interactions. The final one in this chapter intrigued me. I found it kind of erotic while also being curious, as Corey wondered if he could do it with a girlfriend and it not count as sex.

I never want my  primary erotic scenes to become too rote and "phoned in." The platform insinuates that readers can find sexual content, so I do feel some sort of responsibility of providing that, but having written thousands of pages now, moving the plot and developing the characters are far more important to me. Corey's "idea" just intrigued me.

This love story surrounding friendship instead of a romantic couple has been a rewarding experience for me as an author. It has pushed me.

I hope you are enjoying it.