It is bittersweet when I come to the end of a book. I’m pleased that I have managed to complete it and tell the story I wanted to tell, but it is also a little bit like saying goodbye. Deep down, I feel we never truly say goodbye to these characters. They always seem to turn up in future stories. But this was Mitchell’s story, and each book has its own protagonist that allows us to see inside them.
I’ve mentioned that when I started Say Goodbye to
Sparkleland that it would be my most challenging book. So many people didn’t
like Mitch and didn’t want to give him a chance. I set out to build a story
that would let readers see all sides to Mitchell. Maybe everyone didn’t warm up
to him, but they got to see him as a human being and not just a “cheater.” Like
all my characters, he’s deeply flawed.
If you haven’t read the final chapter, stop reading this
post here. Click: Say Goodbye to Sparkeland, Chap. 29
Several things happened in this final chapter that I didn’t
see coming. Originally (weeks ago), I debated the Christmas gathering when
Mitch turned down Arlo’s and Seager’s proposition to be an opportunity to just have
a new sex scene. I felt stronger about the plotline when Mitch turned them
down. In this concluding chapter, it made more sense, bringing the story’s “search
for sparks” to its conclusion. I felt it was full circle, even though readers
might be appalled that the two of them did it. The pair’s reaction to it was
something I decided I wanted to write.
There was a slight (very slight) temptation to have Mitch
see sparks with Carter when they got home after the party. But that seemed too cliché.
I wanted to keep it grounded. I liked the tear-filled lovemaking scene better.
Having Cruz, Logan and Arlo in the finale also made it all seem
to tie together nicely. The book really is in two halves: the black book and
Mitchell moving forward. This tied it all together.
Something I did know I wanted to do was the epilogue. I had
written the wedding a few months ago in A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate,
Chap. 4. We didn’t know who L.B. was then. That telling was seen through the
eyes of Corey then, not Mitchell’s. I really liked this variation.
It’s funny, when I wrote the first Friendsgiving back in
Book Two, who knew it would become a continual plot point in so many subsequent
books?? See If It Weren’t For the Two of Us, Chap. 39 here if you wish
to review.
Also: "How's Ross?" Hmm. I'll just leave that there.
Some of you may recall — in my time-hopping universe of Jackson Bend — that Emory’s stroke was first written in Larami.e, Chap. 21 I will let this be my segue in telling you that the next book will be Emory’s. It will be called Heart and Soul. Many of my characters will be in it, and I'm excited that it is the first story I've done with a "mature" protagonist (meaning older). Book Eight is college kids and Book Nine will be retired men. That's a jump.
However, I have a big BUT here. But I don’t know when
that will be. For a few months, this is farewell. This last story was
challenging in two ways, it’s content and the deadline. I started Soulmate
and Sparkleland at the same time. I thought I could stay ahead. I couldn’t,
and eventually I was consumed with deadlines from work and a crazy travel
schedule. I don’t want to feel that pressure again. I liked how the first six
books were finished before I began posting. I want to go back to that. So, even
though I have a few more books planned, I need time. I want to finish each one
before I begin posting. That takes a lot of weight off my shoulders.
If you want to be notified when it starts, drop me a
message. timothylane414@gmail.com
And if you liked the book (or hated it), let me know that too. While I am
taking a break, I hope to hear from many of you. I know I will miss you.
With that farewell, I will look forward to the day when I
get to reach out to you again.
Until then …
Ok it was an excellent conclusion but not ending. There are a few things that ran through my head but they are just my views. I felt Lance was being a hypocrite when meeting LB and Mitch. Remember in the other story Lance, Mike, Jakob and Trent had group sex, so ok cheating is not good sure, and that was friend sex, but it still was like Lance didn't have to take a moral highground, although that changed later in the story. Second, clearly the group sex LB and Mitch did taught a lesson and I like how the other two guys were mature about it. Sure Mitch carried on about it but he learned the lesson. Open relationships are not for everyone, but neither is monogamy, so the story, without moralising either way, shows us as difficult as it can be, partners need to address that soon in the relationship to avoid issues. Finally, the story leaves unspoken but very real confirmation that Larry has a thing for Mitch. To clarify, Larry went out of his way to accept and support Mitch when he could have hated him and caused Mitch harm. That's friendship that Larry was not going to hate Mitch. Ex partners leave issues with each other when they are with someone else, that's natural, but deep down many wish for the friendships that are solid with the ex and the newer partner. The story shows that is more than possible and negative emotions are just fleeting. Well done.
ReplyDeleteCan I pick up, yes I was surprised how Larry acted.. I couldn’t see readers reacting well if Larry and Mitch fought. I’m glad too it didn’t go down a hateful path,
DeleteI love that all the books had a mixed fairy tale life changing ending. This is another. Team Mitch forever.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all the time you’ve taken over all these many months to bring these characters - these friends - to life. They’ve very much been a part of me and I can’t really express my gratitude enough for what you’ve offered.
ReplyDeletej.n.
WOW, Timothy. That was a tear jerker. I loved it. Thanks for all your HARD work. You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis was my favorite story among all those you have written.
ReplyDeletekm
Thanks, Timothy, for showing that past mistakes don’t have to haunt us forever, but can help us to moderate our behaviour. The human condition comes with a capacity to be Mitch, or any of the characters who populate your writing!
ReplyDelete- P.
Thank you for making me love Mitch.
ReplyDeleteI really didn't want to but I came to understand him, and even love him as much a Laramie.
Thank you for this ride. It was wonderful and like all of your work, I hate to see it end but you did it beautifully.
I can't wait for what's next.
B.L.
I wasn't appalled at Mitch and LB getting drunk and stoned, starting sex with the other guys, then cancelling it. The two other guys were mature about it and again friendships saved because people were honest. No it's not cheating in this case but an affirmation Mitch wanted not to do it. Handled well without moralising.
ReplyDeleteAs I stated I still find an element of double standards over Mitch. I'm not debating the cheating bit, but the Lance, Mike, Trent, Jakob orgy happened and it's become a dirty little secret. Mitch said no to the orgy in this story, sure did something with LB there and LB and the two other guys WERE respectful. I agree with another post on here that if you get into a relationship that is lifelong, you discuss monogamy and open relationships so even though it may be cruel, you can accept it and stay or go. Mitch in the end was dealt a blow but learned to go ok I want with LB the relationship to be X not Y. Sadly, I see many gay men don't do that and then they or the partner cheat, they break up and it's all drama when being upfront early is the way to go.
DeleteThe whole story has been a lesson about honesty for sure. Good point.
DeleteI admit I was among those who were quick to condemn Mitchell for his cheating on Cooper, but have softened considerably and don't begrudge him the happiness he has found and will continue to enjoy and cherish, I hope, with Carter. I realize I am talking about him as if he were a living person instead of a literary creation. But such people do exist. Also I am much looking forward to your new venture about Emory.
ReplyDeleteG.
I have enjoyed this story and you have done justice for Mitch's story. The end is always hard.
ReplyDeleteYour writing keeps me wanting more, so thank you.
MW
While I was sorry to see this story end, I thought you did a great job. I don’t know why, but I’ve never hated Mitch. I’ve always felt sorry for him on some level.
ReplyDeletej.m.
I have loved all your books with a special place for Laramie. That being said, Say Goodbye to Sparkleland may have moved to the top spot. I’m sure you felt the “pressure “ as you felt very few thought Mitchell was a redeemable character. Me included. Some of your best writing came through in this book. As every chapter progressed, I found my sympathies and then genuine love for this character grow. Such a human character.
ReplyDeleteOf course we will wait for Emory. Take the time you need but know we are an impatient lot.
T.
I have to totally agree, to me although LB was the shining catalyst for Mitch's recovery, I think the Laramie/Mitch dynamic shifted things. Many who have ex's often have the ex's fight with each other, but not having that in this story, in fact Laramie feeling a form of guilt over Cooper's decision for a while, helped Mitch to reassert his place in the coffee group.
ReplyDelete