The writer and two imposters faced the panel and answered questions. Among the highfalutin words sprinkled in the questions were artistic, clever, imaginative, inspiration, and creative spirit. He could be profiled as visionary or daydreamer, but so could the plumber and banker beside him. The author wanted to discuss the force that drives him to … Continue reading The real writer please stand
identifying with characters
Making It
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
Stale donuts from the bakery
She loaded the children into the shiny Lincoln and drove down the tree studded drive to the highway. Every Saturday, the mother watched from the window as her aunt took brother and sister to the bakery. The donut run, as the mother called it, never failed to bring joy to her children. When they returned, … Continue reading Stale donuts from the bakery
Cowboy
Some said he was born on a saddle. Others said he was one hell of a man. Didn't matter what you believed, he was an authentic cowboy and wore the title well. One night he cleaned off the dust, slipped into his best shirt, new Levis, and drove to a dance in the valley. A fiery redhead caught … Continue reading Cowboy
Invisible
She sat in the assigned seat although her demeanor expressed dislike in leaving the far back corner of the classroom. The corner protected her from sounds of gun shots fired in the middle of the night, boisterous laughter, groans, cursing, and rhythmic squawking of the lone bed separated by … Continue reading Invisible
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
Keep them strong
It's the fight. It's not winning the game. Protagonists of contemporary fiction might not win or come out on top, but they remain strong throughout the conflict. If they lose, they go down fighting. Additional strong characters support and help the protagonist achieve victory. If not joining the fight itself, they offer compassion and empathy. Life struggles … Continue reading Keep them strong