I wasn't sure when I wrote Chapter 25 if I ended it appropriately. I thought the request to not come back to the bar would have been a good cliffhanger tease. But I decided to set up the date with Carter instead.
And here we are, with that date and following ones in place.
Click here to read Say Goodbye to Sparkleland, Chapter 26.
I liked this chapter. With the sexual content reined in, I enjoyed the mental aspects of the two characters figuring each other out. Some of the readers on my notification list have seen pictures I have found online that I use for reference for my characters. I had the picture of "Carter" on my screen as I wrote a few of the scenes. It helped me get certain descriptions on target. It is amusing that when I see those pictures now, I usually call them by their "name."
Carter and Mitchell (and even Layton and Mitchell) are not the only ones on the planet that have challenging work schedules. I'm friends with a couple that don't even live in the same city, but somehow they make it work. You are probably aware of couple who can't see each other as often as they'd like. These are the challenges that truly test strong relationships. And Carter and Mitch aren't there yet.
I think my favorite part of this chapter is how both characters made assumptions about the other and their "types." I enjoyed them revealing the truth, particularly Carter's softer side.
Having written eight books now, it is a bit of a challenge to create characters that are distinct, particularly when we all know they are going to have sex at some point. But I liked "creating" Carter. Even fleshing out Mitchell to where he is more than just a cheater has been rewarding. I'm grateful to the readers who have come along and given him a chance to be a human being.
Which may make some readers question: Timothy, did you cheat on someone? The answer is "no." I'm quite faithful and loyal. I pride myself on it.
With each new book, there are new characters. Heaven knows Soulmate virtually had an entire new cast. At some point, I'm going to need to make myself a "bible" to keep everyone straight. And I'm not kidding.
In a previous post, I mentioned Carter's secret. In this chapter, he tells Mitch that he had meet Laramie and Cooper back in the fall.
Click here to review Laramie, Chapter 19.
What are your thoughts on Carter and Mitch as a couple? Those glimpses into the future from previous posts (and other books) all come into play in the next two chapters, so ... as always, stay tuned.
And one last thing, I'm grateful. I appreciate people who simply read my work, but those that take the time to drop me a note, proofread, comment, etc., I hope you know that you are a bright spot in my world.
Okay. I'm kind of rooting for them. But I know from your future teases that Mitchell winds up with L.B. Who the hell is L.B.?! You're killing me, Timothy! Should I be on Team Carter or not?
ReplyDeleteI’m right there with you! Dying for the LB unveiling! I was convinced it was Layton as Mitchell had commented on “LBs crazy schedule” explaining why he wasn’t at an event in Corey’s story- I think….. maybe losing Mitchell to Carter is the kick in the pants Layton needs 🤔
DeleteI think Carters gonna get hurt tho which makes me sad. Loving this story!
Great story. I really hope they stay together but guess we will wait and see. BTW, I think Carter would be a great new story after Brad and Emory. I like him a lot.
ReplyDelete-M.Y.
Timothy, as usual this was an excellent chapter. Don't ever apologize for length, the longer the better as far as I'm concerned! Mitch is now one of my favorites of your characters and I want him to "find his prince." I am also growing very fond of Carter, please don't hurt him!! Something lurks within his psyche that has not come out, I think there is a lot of pain buried there but he is a gentle "Teddy Bear" I think. Mitch knows both the pain and growth that comes from knowing yourself and taking responsibility for your actions, he has grown so much and you have been very skillful in showing that to us. I am loving this story as much as all the others, and I feel you have created many characters for future work. I think there are many avenues among Corey's friends yet to explore. Layton is still an open book as is Carter and I think there is an "LB" somewhere. I follow some other authors on Nifty but none of them are as faithful as you in posting their work which is very frustrating for readers. Keep up the sharing of your craft, your work is excellent!
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Cooper taking Mitch to AA. What an affirmation of live. Larry and Cooper are totally team Mitch. That’s just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLove not live.
DeleteAs always, interesting to get the behind-the-scenes glimpse, with your anxiety about creating new and different characters, because this chapter is such a satisfying piece of writing and the characterizations feel not only full and engrossing but effortless! As dw said above about the chapter length, "Don't ever apologize for length, the longer the better as far as I'm concerned!"
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping the last couple of chapters are the darkness before the dawn. Not seeing Layton or Carter as long term partners for Mitchell. And Lorenzo Barker? Maybe, but not as he is now.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that maybe Mitch will find someone totally new. I'm still keen to hear Larry and Mitch get alone and talk out things, because if reading what Cooper says, Larry seems to actually like Mitch and they want him in their lives, but I still think that friendship is not quite there, yet both Larry and Mitch seem to want it to be. This needs resolution.
ReplyDeleteDuring gaps between publication I regularly go down the rabbit hole speculating how things could play out. This week I'm thinking Lorenzo will have a come to Jesus moment after watching Mitch first with Layton and now Carter. Jealousy can be a great motivator. Lorenzo promises Mitch he'll come out, but it's got to be gradual and for now when Mitchell introduces him to other people he'd rather just go by his initials: LB.
ReplyDeleteOK Tim, back to you.
Omg I think you cracked the case!!🤯🤯🤯
ReplyDeleteI’ve just caught up with chapters. Mitch certainly has turned around. I don’t like cheating but I admit even after 35 years together we are open now and then. Mitch and Cooper’s journey to realising that’s what they both wanted came at a high cost which is turning into a wonderful forgiving relationship for all involved.
ReplyDeleteJust brilliant writing thank you.
DeleteOmg that moment between Mitch and Larry at Larry’s party. The best resolution ever. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteSoon as I checked Timothy's blog I wondered what was happening and saw on Nifty the new chapter with Larry's party and the heavy sex content. It was great. I agree that the Larry/Mitch thing is resolved, but I hope readers don't judge harshly Larry for his affection for Mitch. It has nothing to do with affairs or Cooper, it's simply on reading that Larry is attached to Mitch. I know new partners can be very jealous if the ex partner remains friends with the former partner, but part of the charm of this book series is how everyone worked through their issues (Cooper/Emory, Corey/Aiden and especially Trent) and decided friendship and family over ruled the bad things. Now if only real life were like that lol.
ReplyDeleteLike others who post on here, the Larry party in the new chapter is one of the finest redemption of Mitch and what's in the card. I am not suggesting Mitch and Larry run off for an affair, I wouldn't care if you wrote that but others would, but as a reader, the right decision was made to make Mitch and Larry reconcile. The story could have gone with Larry and Mitch becoming like Dynasty hateful of each other, engaging in nasty fights. That would have been fun in a way but even though they are not real, clearly readers care for Mitch and Larry, so their friendship is very important to maintain. Also don't be mean to Lorenzo Mitch was rude to him, he doesn't have to like or even talk to Lorenzo but L is on his own path and does not need hate when Mitch has just come from a path of self hate.
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