Much to my surprise, I did not think this chapter would be this long. I was wondering how I was going to make Spring Break an interesting thing. (Who knows? Maybe I didn't.) I enjoyed writing about Geoff and Emanuel having a greater understanding of Corey after having spent a week in his hometown.
Click here to read Chapter 8 of A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate.
Once again, Corey's family and friends in Jackson Bend from previous books appear, but I think everyone is caught up by now.
When Laramie finished, I knew I wanted Corey and Aiden to have a story of their own. While I was in the "moment" of Corey's graduation, I wanted to keep writing. I jotted a skeletal outline of where Book Eight would go. With that thin outline, I had NO supporting characters at all. Now, I have an entire cast. As I journeyed through Spring Break, I tried to devote time to all these characters who just seemed to deeply evolve over the previous seven chapters. I've come to like all of them.
The biggest surprise is Forrest. I only intended him to be an asshole for a few pages. Now, I am drawn to him.
I can't picture myself at 19. My college years are well past — WELL past. I still feel confident that the insecurities of fitting in and wanting to belong are still engrained in human nature. The fragility of self-esteem is a constant. I do hope our cast of characters come off as authentic.
My first seven books were in "Adult Friends." A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate was my first entry into "College." I sometimes wonder if there are actual college readers out there. I hear from the adults, but those in college don't seem to reach out. Let me hear from you! Do you see yourself in any of these wonderful friends?
There is something I like about each individual I've written for Notre Dame. I am actually relating to one of them. I am the least like Emanuel, but I'm on a similar quest. I'm not losing weight, I'm just cutting out sugar in 2024. Like Manny, I try to stay strong — one day at a time. I'm dang tired of my "numbers" being higher than I want on those dreaded doctor visits. I'm committed to getting them down by the beginning of summer. So when I write about Manny's sacrifices, I'm right there with him.
In addition to all the emotional development of our gents over Spring Break, we now have Zoey entering the picture. I wasn't sure where to take her, but as I started writing the final arc of the chapter, she started to become a clearer picture.
It's curious that I went round and round deciding on how to handle Geoff's morning move. It could have gone several ways. I tried to think long-term and not just the moment, but I really wrote it in my mind several times.
Did you have a favorite passage in this chapter? Forrest's breakdown? Brad's gesture? Geoff's unexpected surprise? Ace's awkward bit with Beth in the room? The AA meeting? Corey watching Aiden and Donny?
We have two "months" left of the freshman year, which means two chapters remain. I don't think they will be as long as this one, but then again, I didn't think this one would need the length. We'll see.
OMG, that AA meeting ! I had to open a new box of kleenex. Worth the wait !
ReplyDeleteAnd the developing story of Forrest is also really great.
Thanks, as always.
I went to school in the late 70's and things were a lot different back then than what it must be like today, both good and bad. I am envious of the openness these boys are experiencing in your story and this chapter was very heartwarming during the interaction between each of the boys and with the adults they came in contact with. Man, I love your work!
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Was ok, length of story was not an issue. I did like how Corey responded to Geoff, but also how Geoff once returning to the university seemed to have forgotten about it. Only two more chapters, I have a feeling Corey will go straight but I still can't get over how Corey's gay experiences are something he does not see as sexually confusing or in fact gay at all. That's fine for the story, I'm just in a different era where boundaries were clear - Corey is not gay but he had sex with a man in some form. Also liked Forrest like Mitch we change our minds about these guys.
ReplyDeleteI don’t understand Corey’s sec as well. Also Corey going straight and not with Aiden to me defeats the purpose of so much of this story. It could have wrapped up so much better earlier in the story and while we wanted Aiden and Corey together fine. But after all of this for it to sill end that way just makes it feel disappointing. To me anyway.
DeleteI meant Corey’s arc
DeleteGood points
DeleteI think what I would have liked to have seen is Corey telling Cooper and Larimae about his sexual activities with Aiden and Geoff. What would have been their reaction?
ReplyDeleteI don’t get how by this point in the story Corey isn’t at least questioning his sexuality. At least considering bisexuality. Also seems so anticlimactic for them to end up as friends with Aiden with Donny and Corey with this new girl. I thought this story was their path to becoming soulmates, true and fully together at last. If it is going there this chapter did nothing to move things along, in fact it’s going the other way again, I thought we hit that grow apart and come together phase a few chapters ago. Idk 🤷
DeleteI’ve been invested in this story and I get that it’s the Authors decision how it plays out. The writing is fantastic, I’m just not really captivated like I was in the first few chapters. Seems like the two main characters have stalled. Is it because there are so many other characters? Idk. But I was invested him Corey and Aiden, the latter who’s basically taken a back seat and is just sex sex sex. If Corey is straight and Aiden is gay and with Donny I feel that could have been wrapped up chapters ago. Even the mutual masturbation scene between them in this chapter was hallow, it felt like nothing. Corey is having these sexual experiences with Aiden and Geoff and yet he doesn’t seem confused at all? Not even to consider bisexuality? This chapter felt like a dud in their relationship. Again if the end to this story is Corey and Aiden are friends, fine. It could have wrapped up nicely a few chapters ago when they were sort of distant and then came back together realizing they can hug again as friends, boom end of story still feels good. If it’s going to be Corey and Aiden together for real than where are the changes, where is Corey questioning his sexuality, where is his and Aidens angst for one another. I thought it would have happened or at least started to happen at this point. Again no offense to the author, the fact I’ve read this far as have many others shows they have talent. The story just isn’t working for me anymore.
ReplyDeleteAgree it’s dull now. Whatever way Corey goes is fine but his detachment from everyone is irritating.
DeleteFor Corey and Aiden to just end up as friends seems like a journey to nowhere as they were best friends in the beginning of the story. I’m confused. Their relationship seems to be less intimate now than it was at any point in the story. Again confused on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed by the disappointed responses to this installment, which I consider one of the best pieces of writing you have ever done. What you are achieving in the combination of Soulmate and Sparkleland goes to the heart of young male sexuality in its many forms: gay/straight; romantic/physical; virginal/experienced; aspiring/jaded; compulsive/reticent. It really is a magnum opus. Of course I enjoy your vivid sexual encounters, and wonder how the plot might work out for your characters, but first and foremost I come back week after week for the ideas. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your observations. Thank you for your support.
DeleteTimbo
Has Corey always worn boxers? Seems all the other guys wear briefs. I think it is hot he wears boxers and hopefully will get Aiden to switch to boxershorts too.
ReplyDeleteI read the whole long chapter of soutmate last night. As with all the rest i loved it. You have knitted out the most interesting set of people (As Emanuel says "are we boys or adults...."). I hanker for Corey and Aiden to finally find each other, and you did a great job of ending on an "open note."
ReplyDeleteGreat story, great writing, cant wait for the next chaper.
JiB
I really don’t understand some of these comments about this stellar chapter. This is a coming of age story about Corey and Aiden coming into their own and becoming young men developing their own lives IMO. You have always been clear on who Corey is and who Aiden is in previous stories. It wouldn’t make sense to completely change their dynamic now. I absolutely loved this chapter. I loved when Manny and Geoff said how they completely understood Corey now that they experienced his wonderful family. I love the character development of Forrest, Manny and their friends. I love the way they support each other and are building deep true friendships. You are a terrific author and the way you build out the worlds of these characters is just beyond touching and entertaining. I live for your story updates. Also dying to learn who “LB” is and why his work keeps him away from meeting up with Mitchell at group events. I continue to love your character development and the way you make me care so much about these guys. You are an amazing story teller and I remain completely invested in everything you create.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it immensely. Loved the boys going to AA. They all all gained some insight to life.
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The thing about first person narratives is that the narrators are not always the most reliable, especially about themselves. I think Corey is great at observation and is a true over-thinker but his observations on his own sexuality and feelings toward Zooey, and previously Patty, are very telling. I think he wants someone safe to be with, someone who gives him a diversion with any sexual pressure. I think Zooey is happy to oblige. I agree with the other comments that some of the tension in the story has dissipated. But who knows. Maybe with the stakes going up with Aiden telling Corey that Donny used the love word, there will be some urgency to the boys figuring out what they are to each other.
ReplyDeleteI could not take my eyes off your latest chapter--and wonder, what you have up your sleeve concerning Aiden's fear of anal penetration, Corey's hang-up about sex and also, Geoff's orientation... Now although I could be these youngsters' grandfather, you have their growing-up pains touch me deeply; at the same time I am surprised at their emotional maturity: myself I was immeasurably more immature at that age.
ReplyDeleteI see a lot of comments that are upset about readers questioning the story’s direction or part of it or some of the plot. I see nothing wrong with this, I’m fact I think it’s a mark of a fantastic writer that you can get reactions from both ends of the spectrum as they relate to the characters being written about. It shows readers are engaged and invested. What no one has complained about is Tim’s writing which is obviously amazing. In my opinion the discourse is a great thing and just validates that the author is good at what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteYes but people have a right to their view. Everyone will have a different view on a character, a situation in the book, story direction etc. Don't forget people still criticise great literature works like The Great Gatsby. I have no issue with anything except Corey. I think the initial we feel sorry for him and understand how difficult it is to work out sexuality. But clearly he's using others and has become a nasty self-absorbed brat. But in last two chapters what if he redeems himself. I'm sure a few hope Corey and Aidan get together. Also take one of the early stories. Queens got upset over Mitch cheating on Cooper, now Mitch is, thankfully, loved even it seems by Laramie. Then there is the early question that people were titillated by, namely Trent, Mike, Lance and Jakob's orgy, yes it was love making of four partners even though Jakob would not do penetration except with Lance. Some would have been disgusted but most were like oh they are friends it's ok and oh now Mitch is happier and Laramie and Cooper want him in their lives it's all good, yet when reading anger and hurt would have been felt by some readers. So it's not about criticising Timothy, he did ask for feedback, but as readers we don't control the story or the writing, but we control our response. If that's negative that's fine, writers put up with that.
DeleteCorey’s a a “nasty self absorbed brat?” Just….wow… I don’t think we are reading the same story……. That’s a take… I guess?🙄
ReplyDelete👏
DeleteNo I agree with that poster he is a brat. Focus on your own opinions not others.
Delete👏
ReplyDeleteWow, it's getting to be like not-twitter here. One wingnut gives the impression poor Tim's readers are crazy shut-ins.
ReplyDeleteWhat’s a shut in? Some American thing? Had a look over this blog it’s not Twitter at all it’s just opinions. I like the stories that are written. I concentrate on them and not worry about the stuff on here.
ReplyDeleteA shut in is an insult about one's mental state so the troll that typed that obviously has the issue. Best thing about Spring Break was the signalling of the old to the new. All of the college boys are working on sexual and friendship relationships, like Geoff and Ace, boundaries and seeing how the families they went to visit with live. While not exactly exciting and gripping, it was fine. Look forward to the last two chapters.
DeleteI want to tell you that I can't even express in words, how wonderful this story is. There have only been a couple of other stories that I have enjoyed this much or more. I like your writing because it truly is writing. It isn't a bunch of sex scenes loosely hooked together. It is a real story with real characters. How you keep all the characters str8 in your head is beyond me. I know you must have cheat sheets that are quite full of data by now. I love this story because it is addressing so many things. Friendship. Love. Relationships, both gay, str8, casual. You also address so many human problems. Addiction. Sexual addiction. Virginity. Big cocks. Small cocks. It is a wonderful story. I like how you so seamlessly bring these issues to life in a very believable manner. I also like how you don't put down morality or chastity. How you don't make fun of homosexuals. To put it bluntly, I have fallen in love with this story.
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up vote
DeleteYour dialog was so much fun in this chapter. I loved the banter on the car ride to the parents. And the AA meeting was a two kleenex moment. I loved how the boys realized that they are all dealing with demons. Excellent chapter!
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