The Bet and The Wedding

 

Some of you may wonder how my books come together. My “process” is to have a vague outline of where I want the chapters to go, and I typically have an ending in mind (except for my very first story, which was kind of cliffhanger-esque, but at least Extracurricular was hopeful). For A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate, I knew where I wanted to take the story and some key things that would happen along the way, but the framework was skeletal, to say the least. I had many more details thought out for Say Goodbye to Sparkleland.

When Laramie ended, Corey had grown into such a formidable character, I wasn’t ready to just let him drift off — and a “college” story challenged me. His and Aiden’s dynamic was interesting too, and I loved their friendship. I was totally ready to jump into this story right away, although Book Seven already had a few chapters written.

Click here to read Chapter 7, A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate.

So … this bet. It was never in the outline. In fact, none of the supporting characters were. Once Geoff, Sam, Ace and others were introduced, more plot threads wove together. As their personalities were more fleshed out, things began to come alive. The whole bet between Ace and Sam was an idea that popped into my head. It was fun to write, but I knew it had to further the plot as well. The characters have to evolve. I just had to place a young version of me in that room and ask what impact seeing such a wacky spectacle would have on me. What would I feel? That night will still have an impact on a certain character.

Another surprise for me was the character of Slater. He was supposed to be a momentary plot device — an ass — early in the book. Making him into something more has been rewarding for me as the author too.

And then the wedding…

Before submitting Chapter 4, I had intended to place yet another apology at the top in the opening remarks. For any readers who just started with Book Eight and didn’t really know the development of Cooper’s and Laramie’s relationship, there is a whole bunch of sentimental fluff in this chapter. I am so sorry to the new readers. You may have no idea who all these people at the wedding are — and I encourage you to find out in the previous stories — but I hope you feel like a guest at the wedding of Corey’s fathers and enjoy what’s going on (like Aiden’s parents).

For those of you who have been with me since seeing Cooper introduced in Hi, I’m Lance, develop into a strong enough character to deserve his own book, Coffee at 9, and then form a new family with Laramie and Corey, you are probably saying, “FINALLY! At last!”

For the many, many people who were hoping for a wedding way back in Laramie, I hope you are pleased with how it turned out. I have to admit, even as the person who wrote it, when I went back to reread it all, my eyes would water as well. Cooper and Laramie are special to me. I love all my characters, but these guys…

Ironically, when I started Book Six, I knew it was NOT going to end in a wedding. I didn’t want all my stories to become Hallmark movies. For Laramie, it was about him becoming his whole self. That was the conclusion. I didn’t want weddings to become the default conclusion. That was too predictable. However, in the course of their relationship, it did indeed make sense for the two of them. Its impact on Corey’s life made it logical to include it in this book as Corey begins to form his own adulthood. And Aiden.

Also, once I knew Corey was going to get his own book, it was clear Cooper and Laramie weren’t being left behind. I planned for the wedding before Book Six ended, but I intended to keep my original planned ending for Laramie.

I hope how all things have turned out are fine with you. Let me know.

Gut Punch

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.

Cruz

The format for Say Goodbye to Sparkleland introduces numerous characters — albeit briefly. From time to time, one or two of those just evolve naturally into more principal characters, even if I hadn't intended for that to happen.

Cruz was a character I liked developing for Chapter Six.

Click here to read Say Goodbye to Sparkleland, Chapter Six.

When going through someone's whole life, such as Jakob's [Book Four] or Laramie's [Book Six], occasionally I stumble across a character I hate to leave behind like Graham or Roman. Cruz is the same. While technically all these guys could develop into a book of their own, I just don't feel strongly enough that a full story is there.

Every now and then, I feel like doing a one-off. Just a single chapter about one of these characters. I have a handful that would be suitable. Cruz is one of them. He seems likable and has enough drama in his life to create an interesting tale, even if short.

With these therapy sessions with Logan (who also could be a one-off) introducing someone new each chapter, there could be a list.

But back to Cruz, so many things happen here with Mitchell. Saying "I love you" is so easy for some people and so tough for others. There is an impact on Mitch though. Whether easy or difficult, those three words can be magic. I felt this was his introduction to the deeper qualities of a relationship beyond the simple joy of sex. It was a big step in his journey.

And sometimes steps hurt. This one was challenging to write in that regard. Not that I haven't gone through it with Laramie and Jakob, but writing heartache can be tough on the author too.

This type of format paints me into a corner in that I have to get to a certain point. Jakob had to reveal all the hardships he had hinted at before meeting Lance. Laramie had to get to the point to where he bumped into Cooper. We had already determined that Cooper was Number 19 in Mitch's book, so ... damn, I have to think up eighteen other people and why they didn't work out. That isn't necessarily easy. I certainly wasn't that guy in college — or in life. I was in denial for as long as I could be, but reality set in eventually.

Which bears the question, by the end of this book, does it stop the count? Laramie hinted in spots that Mitchell was with someone else in later chapters. Coming up quickly are two chapters in A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate, in which Mitchell appears with ...? Hmm. Who is this? 

Two

 

Most of you know I am posting — and writing! — two stories concurrently, one in College and one in Adult Friends.

Click here for Chapter 5 of Say Goodbye to Sparkleland

Click here for Chapter 2 of A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate

If there are any other authors out there reading this (or those who wish to be), this is not something I would recommend. I’d probably be done with one story if I just concentrated on it.

So why am I doing it?

All along, Mitchell’s story was to be Book Seven. It flowed with the narrative of Laramie. I had already started planning where I wanted to take it long before I finished Book Six. But by the end, Corey (along with Aiden) had developed into a strong character. I was really "into" telling his/their story too. While I had that enthusiasm for both, I just dove in. I’ll work a week or so on one, then I’ll flip back to the other. This requires a little backtracking and rereading. Again, NOT a writing method I’d recommend. Ha.

That said, it does allow me to weave threads between the two. Before Christmas, you will see (preview) details of Mitchell’s story in Book Eight before they happen in Book Seven. It will be fun to see it all come together.

So far, three chapters in Say Goodbye to Sparkleland have combined to make one “session” with Logan. As he gets into his third and fourth session, things dive deep into Mitchell’s thought process. You’ll get to know more about him, who he is, and who he was before he met Cooper. For the “haters” who didn’t care for him, I hope he will continue to grow on you. All my characters are flawed, and we’ve seen through the first six books, many of them strive for some sort of redemption. Count Mitch among them.

This most recent chapter was the hardest to write. I was intrigued with the blind character of Dominik. I thought there would be some interesting questions that both he and the world in general would have, and I tried to explore that. At the same time, I was on eggshells trying not to misrepresent that community. Hopefully it came off sincere and delicate.

Now with the second chapter of A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate out, we have one narrated by Aiden and one from Corey. This dichotomy will dig deep into this friendship. I’ve written many stories about romantic love; this one of a loving friendship is a different mindset for me. There will be hope and heartache, growth and gratitude — and some of that sexual stuff too. I hope seeing it from two sides will help define both of these very different characters.

Let me know how I’m doing.

"A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate"

So. Here we are.

Book Eight fully immerses me into the "College" category. As it has been way too long for me to think about my own college days, I hope this story still comes off with realism and heart.

If you are new to my writing, let's catch up. The first seven stories — and they are all connected — are posted in "Adult Friends." While the first book deals with Trent in his senior year of college, the series is more geared to adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. However, the cast of characters in the fictional town of Jackson Bend are diverse in ages, backgrounds and family dynamics. I like that. Hopefully, most readers can find a character to which they can relate. I pride myself on my characters being flawed and fallible — and human.

For my regular readers, you saw Corey become an established character in Coffee at 9. Then we watched him grow up in Laramie. It's kind of nice to see him feature in his own book. Well, actually, he shares the protagonist role with Aiden.

Click here to read A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate, Chapter 1.

To better inform you on what's to come, each chapter will alternate. Aiden will be the lead protagonist in the first chapter, Corey the second, and so on. This story will take place during their full freshman year.

And unlike the ongoing Say Goodbye to Sparkeland, this new book's title makes sense from the very first chapter.

If you are a new reader and you are wondering if you should continue reading since you haven't read the earlier material, trust me, you'll be fine. You have probably been intrigued with the two leads enough to make it this far. The story will stand on its own. However, if you enjoy the characters, you might enjoy seeing their adolescent years in the previous books.

And if you are a new reader, please know that I enjoy hearing from people who like my work — or don't like it. Don't hesitate to email. You can make comments on the blog posts too. timothylane414@gmail.com Welcome. And if you'd like to be on the notification list when chapters drop, I can do that too.

Book One: Extracurricular
Book Two: If It Weren't For the Two of Us
Book Three: Hi, I'm Lance
Book Four: Ascension: Jakob's Ladder
Book Five: Coffee at 9
Book Six: Laramie
Book Seven: Say Goodbye to Sparkleland

Say Goodbye to Sparkleland

First things first, "What's up with the stupid title?" It will become clear as the book proceeds.

If you are new to my writing, welcome. Say Goodbye to Sparkleland had "Book Seven" above the title. I have always said each story stands on its own, but if the character of Mitchell intrigues you, he was developed in Book Five, Coffee at 9. I think you'd enjoy learning more about him.

Click here to read Say Goodbye to Sparkleland, Chapter 1.

Most of my regular readers know Mitch very well. As was clearly reviewed in this first chapter, Mitch cheated on Cooper. So, as an author, I have several challenges. The first is to make people actually care enough to read a story about Mitch. I hope my readers give it (and him) a chance. Secondly, we knew that Cooper was the 19th person he had slept with from the journal discussed in Book Five. So, not only do I have to review the previous eighteen, I have to make it into an engaging story.

Full confession here, while I know how the book will end up, I haven't finished writing it. I wish it were completely done, but I'm only halfway there, if that. I'm confident that I will stay ahead of my posting schedule, so hopefully nothing will interfere. I am very dedicated to the progress of this book.

Part of this is hindered because — as some of you may recall — I am writing two books at the same time. This is NOT something I would advise. When Book Six: Laramie finished, Corey had developed into a principal character. I was into continuing his and Aiden's story. And I still am. Book Eight is about halfway done as well. For Corey fans, I am not waiting for this book to be finished posting to begin posting the next one. In fact, in just a couple of weeks, you should see the first chapter of that story.

But back to Mitch. Of the two stories in development now, Say Goodbye to Sparkeland is the more sexually charged of the two, owing to the nature of Mitch's "black book." The following book has steamy content as well, but Mitch's book leans more toward that content (if that is something you appreciate).

When I wrote Jakob's backstory, much had been revealed in Book Three, so I had to flesh out all those details. This situation is similar, but it is not the same. Jakob shared some of his life to Lance, but there were a lot of blanks to fill in. There is even more pressure here, because the narrative recalls each one of his former partners. I will strive for each of those to keep the story moving. Once we get "caught up," it will be fun to fully evolve Mitchell's story  — and get to those hints we saw in the later chapters of Laramie.

So for now, I welcome new readers. For my regulars, I have missed sharing and connecting with you. I missed you. Stay tuned.  

Book One: Extracurricular
Book Two: If It Weren't For the Two of Us
Book Three: Hi, I'm Lance
Book Four: Ascension: Jakob's Ladder
Book Five: Coffee at 9
Book Six: Laramie

Laramie: The Conclusion

 

Hello everyone. This has been an emotional journey. When I finished Coffee at 9, I thought it just might be the best thing I could ever attempt to write. Judging by feedback, many of you put Laramie right up there with it. It’s just downright humbling.

And sort of sad.

Yes, I hate to see it come to an end. When I began posting Book Six, I feared that the split narrative would be annoying to readers, and the time leaps would be too big. It would appear that you all were fine with it — or at least didn’t email me to give me grief. Thank you for being flexible so that this book could have its own writing style.

Click here to read the final chapter, Chapter 24.

For this story to make sense, I had to include dates. I had never done that before. When I did Extracurricular during the pandemic, 2020 was my reference point, and things just flowed from there. Projecting Laramie and Corey and Cooper into the “future” is slightly quirky, but mentally, the dates are just placeholders. Technically, I could have backed it all up four years. But with Lance’s AA meetings and Trent’s journal, it all just worked this way. I just planned all along to end it with Corey's graduation.

I’ll share with you that when I write something and continue to the end of the story, I usually don’t go back to proofread it until it is time for that chapter to be posted. It had been close to half a year since I read this final chapter. Sure, I knew how it ended, but some of the details were refreshed in my mind as I went through it — and I enjoyed it! I hope you felt it was a satisfying conclusion too.

While we have given Laramie a complete arc to his story, there were moments with other characters that touched me personally as well. I liked seeing Judith in this last chapter. I liked revisiting Lance’s insecurities and the love shared between him and Jakob. Roman made another appearance, as did Laramie's father. I enjoyed bringing these people into the conclusion.

So, thank you, thank you once again for your support. There truly are no words that can convey how much it means to hear your kind and thoughtful comments — and predictions and wishes and criticisms. If these characters seem real to you, then I know we have something in common. I care about them, fictious as they are.

But are we really saying goodbye to them? Nope, not really.

With Books Seven and Eight in the works, we will definitely see these people again.

So, here is some information about those two stories.

Book Seven is Mitchell’s book. I’ve provided slight hints into this story. It will be very challenging as Mitch is the one who cheated on Cooper. But he still has a story of his own. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you will give him a second chance. Book Seven’s title is Say Goodbye to Sparkleland. Yep, it is my weirdest title, to be sure. It will make sense as it unfolds.

Book Eight will be my first foray into “College” stories. Okay sure, Books One and Two had the last few months of Trent’s and Lance’s years, but this story starts with Corey and Aiden as freshmen. It will have its own take as well (as each of my stories typically have a niche of their own). This book is called A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate. So many readers have become attached to Corey as he has grown up. Our little valedictorian is still fairly messed up and insecure, so he and Aiden have a journey together.

Mitch's book will probably be a little more sexually charged, while the young men going to college will have a deeper story about friendship. Of course, there will be erotic passages in both and also emotional reflection in each.

If you are not on my notification list and would like to know when these new stories begin, please drop me an email: timothylane414@gmail.com

Both stories are in the works — and I would never recommend working on two stories at once, but I’m “into” both stories currently. They have a long way to go. I prefer to be finished before I start posting. We’ll see how long that takes. It won’t be August. But I hope early fall. In the meantime, your emails are still always welcome.

Thank you, my friends. You are the best.