Keith

Noticeably, a new character has taken hold in Controversy. Keith and Ramona have been around for a few chapters, but now Keith is taking a more significant role.

Click here to read Chapter 12.

When I outline a book, I have a very simple framework. I was going to introduce a new love for Brad. I knew it was coming about halfway through Brad's story. What I didn't know is how taken I would be with Keith.

When writing A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate (Book Eight), Geoff was the college freshman whose sexual development just exploded on him. His addiction to porn and all things sexual placed him in a bisexual (or pansexual) realm, if his identity needed labeling. But Keith, as an older adult, is a new type of character for me.

It's also a challenge. To my knowledge, I don't know any bisexuals personally. I always strive for authenticity in my books, so sometimes I have to make assumptions. (By authenticity, I mean not every character is an idealized quarterback — blond, of course — with an eight-inch schlong. And naturally, everyone on the team has a huge dick and all like to get off together even though they are straight. Right.) As a writer, I prefer the real world. I want every reader to find someone with whom they can identify. I'm hoping Keith comes across as true. I wish I had some bisexual friends: I'd really enjoy talking with them. I'd find them fascinating.

Keith has a wonderful innocence, coming out later in life. It is this youthful quality that Brad (and ME!) find endearing about Keith. I've really enjoyed developing this character. His impact on Brad's life in the upcoming chapters is massive. I hope you are drawn to him as I have been "creating" him.

Watermelon

I will freely admit, Chapter 10 was very different.

Click to read Chapter 10.

Brad thinking of watermelon to take his mind of Will moving on was humorous in its own way, but how many of us have suffered through it? I remember when my first boyfriend (and we were long distance) told me he slept with someone else. My heart was shattered glass. It only seemed natural. But he was my first, and I was head over heels. I think I was No. 17 for him. (We're still great friends, and he is over a thousand now; yes, that isn't a typo.)

Can anyone else relate to their heart being broken by a former love moving on from you?

And then there's that three-way. It's VERY rare that I write about sex with females. For good reason: I have zilcho experience in that department. But because I like to keep my stories grounded — and heterosexual sex is certainly out there — it's appropriate for it to make its way into a story now and then. Certainly, Corey is going to have to debate it in the next book.

The final line of the chapter (mirroring the Prince song title of the chapter) begs the question: How important is Keith going to be in Brad's life?

And has anyone experienced a situation like that?

Stay tuned. 

Will

Since this book (Controversy) started, Will has mentioned throughout.

Chapter 7 — one of the steamier ones — shows us Brad and Will coming together in a flashback. As an author, it is nice to finally show the love growing between the two, even if it is a past love.

Will Fitzgerald is one of my stronger characters. In so many ways (in my mind, at least), he is very different than Brad, almost an opposite. Perhaps that is why they work so well together. It's also why the separation is so heartbreaking because the love was authentic.

Because I have so many things worked out in my head, I have no idea how readers will — or do — picture Will. Is he Brad's true love? Is he a total jerk for moving and not asking Brad to come along? And how will Brad's former partner affect his life moving forward? Can Brad find new love? Or was Will his once chance at the real deal?

Interestingly, a line from this chapter references Corey's statement: "Brad's in love." I didn't just make it up; it happened in Book Six, Laramie, Chapter 23. You can relive it here: Laramie, Chapter 23. So yeah, years ago when I wrote Laramie, I hadn't conceived of Will's character, but I set up something just in case I wrote a book about Brad one day. I like how it all fits.

Oh yeah, there is something else in this chapter — a three-way. As someone who writes love stories, it isn't really a scenario that I go to often. But here is a bit of insider info ... it won't be Brad's last. And I will leave you with that. And do you have any thoughts on them? Too dangerous? Completely hot? Messes things up?

Much more to come...

Hudson

I've been pleased that I have introduced several types of characters. Obviously, the main ones are gay, but I've included straight ones, as well (Corey, Natalie, Daryl, college schoolmates and numerous family members). Even the gay characters are very diverse. I have a variety of body types, penis sizes, sexual preferences, financial situations, supportive/nonsupportive families, etc.

Hudson is different. I've never had an asexual character before. It's not that I'm trying to show some specific message, I'm just letting people like Hudson be seen. Some people might view asexual-aromantic individuals as being lucky as they never have to endure dating. Others might feel sympathy because these people don't enjoy sex. But I don't think everyone, whatever you are, fits perfectly into a one-size-fits-all mold. All people are different.

I do like seeing the friendship between Brad and Hudson though. If I had to choose one word that describes Brad, it would be "kind." Hudson sees it. I think the readers do too.

Click here for Chapter 5.

First Times

Chapter 2 of Controversy recalls Brad's first time with a young boy. I like those passages more than the "experienced" guys who go after it. There is something pure and innocent and real about two males figuring things out — and trying things out — for the first time.

Click here for Chapter 2.

First times can be awkward and clumsy and full of mistakes, but its the exploring of two bodies that so often sparks pure magic. Whenever a first time happens, the two boys (or men) feel a sense of connection they were longing for. Even if the sex isn't perfect, just like that first kiss, there is a sense of "wow." Sure, some first encounters are traumatic owing to a bullying or controlling participant, but for the most part, two boyfriends acting on what they are feeling inside is so impactful.

In contrast to erotica featuring perfect male specimens with ridiculous anatomy, real men are much more interesting than fantasy figures — at least in my opinion. I try to make a wide range of body types in my stories. Any reader can find themselves there, right in the romantic mix.

The drawback is I only have my own personal experiences and the handful of friends that are open enough to talk about sexual "stuff." The bulk is my imagination. My dream would be to interview gay men about their experiences (good and bad) to really give a sheen of authenticity to my writing. When I wrote about the older men sharing at the meetings in Heart and Soul, I was thrilled that so many of those were from readers who shared with me their own tales of coming out later in life.

Wouldn't it be fascinating to hear how other people's first times went?

Controversy

Controversy is Book Ten.

If that confuses you, then perhaps knowing that the characters in my various novels cross over into others helps that statement make sense. Is it necessary to have read all that before? No. Jump in. Hopefully you will find them enjoyable.

Read Chapter One

If, after diving in, you want to know more of Brad's friends, you can find all my books under my author's tab (Timothy Lane). Or, here are links:

[One] Extracurricular
[Two] If It Weren't For the Two of Us
[Three] Hi, I'm Lance
[Four] Ascension: Jakob's Ladder
[Five] Coffee at 9
[Six] Laramie
[Seven] Say Goodbye to Sparkleland
[Eight] A Bed, A Desk, and My Unfortunate Soulmate
[Nine] Heart and Soul

As usual, I try to give each book its own characteristic flair: Trent's journal, Lance's AA meetings, the Notre Dame dual narrative, etc. Controversy is named after Prince's album, and each chapter will be named after a Prince song. It's just something fun and quirky.

Brad had already been a secondary character in five books up to this point. I felt he deserved his own story, but I didn't know what it should be. I struggled for a bit. Someone once told authors that they should "Write what you know." Well, like Brad, I grew up a preacher's kid. (This novel is NOT my story.) I think there are things to tap into there.

Also, Corey and Aiden will be a framing device. This book begins as they are coming home from their freshman year at college. By the time it all concludes, they will have graduated. So that can help you keep up with the time. Brad references their college friend, Manny, and his weight. If you want to go back to that, it was Soulmate Chapter 8.

For my readers who have been with me the last five years, I apologize. When Book Nine wrapped up, I didn't expect it to be this long before I posted again. Life got in the way, and I didn't have the free time to write as I had hoped. My fingers are crossed that you will enjoy this ride. I've missed being a part of this community.

I love email: timothylane414@gmail.com 

Husbands: The Conclusion of "Heart and Soul"

Well, Book Nine is now complete.

Click here to read the conclusion, Chapter 16 of Heart and Soul.

Certainly, it has ended dramatically differently than previous works. I have never killed off a major character before. Yes, there have been some deaths for protagonists to deal with, but never someone so significant to the plot. I will fully admit I was teary as I wrote it.

For those of you who will say, "I'm going to miss Don," please realize that was a significant time jump in this chapter. Don will still be around in subsequent books.

When Emory first mentioned meeting Don in Coffee at 9, I thought it a good seed to plant if I ever did a story on Emory. Don appeared heavily in Books Six and Seven. Please note that I didn't create him just for the purpose of killing him off. It wasn't until I sat down and outlined how Heart and Soul would go that I felt that would be the true finale of showing their love.

When I began Heart and Soul, I assumed a story of retired gentlemen wouldn't have the heat of "young studs." But I still wanted to show all ages in my stories, and I know men of all ages experience love and are still sexual individuals. (If anyone is wondering, I am younger than our two gentlemen.) For those readers who told me they appreciated a story showing senior men falling in love and enjoying sex, I hope the conclusion still played true. Honest, authentic emotions are always my primary goal.

So, what's next?

Book Ten will be called Controversy. Brad, our favorite barista at Joe, will be the headliner. In our timeline — while Brad will certainly look back on his life's backstory — it will take place as the first story to follow Corey and Aiden's freshmen year in college. It begins with them returning home. Eventually, that sets the stage for our lads heading off to Notre Dame for their sophomore year (the following book).

Brad always seems sassy and confident, but we will find out that the gentleman has a lot to unpack. In addition to established characters, there are new friends to meet along the way.

If you don't want to overlook it's debut in a couple of months (yes, unfortunately, it is not finished), send me an email to be notified. timothylane414@gmail.com And feel free to email at any time. I enjoy hearing from readers.

Before I wrap up things With Heart and Soul, I once again thank the friends who did some proofreading for me. Their assistance was invaluable. I also thank the readers who shared their own lives. Writing their experiences into the sharing sessions really meant something to me.

Five years ago as the pandemic started, I never would have dreamed I would ever write nine novels. Just putting an open-ended conclusion to Extracurricular was enough. But our gentlemen of Jackson Bend have a way of burrowing into my brain. Bless 'em.

Stay tuned.