He received the invite. Nashville's Grand Ole' Opry. Now, it was real. Satisfaction cut through the engraved stress marks on his face that belied his young years. He had earned it. Rough schedules, racking up miles across the country, opening shows with a mixture of envy and admiration for those who had paid their … Continue reading Making It
character material
The old woman next door
Three summers now, rude words cut through the cool morning air followed by a window shut with force that rattled the glass. The old woman next door started that damn lawn mower every Saturday morning at 6:45 am sharp. You could set your watch by it. A chain link fence, four feet from his bedroom window … Continue reading The old woman next door
The Missing Character
Born at the turn of the century from hard working good people. Dropped out of school at age nine to care for younger siblings. Calloused hands and bent fingers told a story of work. House, field, serving others. Blue-gray eyes told tales beyond their years. Raised a family of seven, and never missed a day … Continue reading The Missing Character
Believable characters: Dime a dozen
Get out of the office. Stand on street corners, visit coffee shops, go to a bar. The world is full of characters. Believable? Hey, I believe anything. Doesn't the juiciest gossip begin with You won't believe this, but . . . ? Weird-ass quirky character material is as close as my family tree. I don't … Continue reading Believable characters: Dime a dozen