Tearing Into History

By Annette Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine

Have you ever watched a building being torn down? Last week a 2300 year old Mayan temple in the Nohmul complex in Belize was leveled by a construction crew. Reportedly, it was destroyed to provide gravel for a nearby road under construction.What?

According to the Belize Institute of Archaeology, a small portion of the center of the pyramid mound was left standing. Although situated on private property, historical sites are protected by the government of Belize, and criminal charges may be filed.

Ironically, the day I heard of the destruction of the Mayan pyramid I was able to observe the destruction of a non-historical icon a former Mrs.Winners Chicken & Biscuit building. Not that this compares to the loss of a historical landmark, but it does compare to the edit process of a book 

In order to destroy a building, you need a big crane and an experienced crane driver. In editing a book, you need written pages and an editor. The crane driver/editor manipulates deep into the pages of the book and extracts what is not necessary. The unnecessary words are scooped up into a pile and deposited into your computer's trash bin. 

During the process of building-destruction, a construction crew member waters down the pile of trash so that it doesn't combust and cause a fire. For your book that could be a trusted reader(s) or critique group. Editing is a personal process even though it's part of the business. While some of your written words are going to trash, it's important to get positive reinforcement. 

When the dump truck is filled to capacity, it leaves the site. After editing is completed, one of the hardest things for me to do is hit the delete button on the trash bin. Once done, you are free from the edit process and ready to start your next project.

What does editing have to do with history? Your book or story contains history no matter the subject or genre. It represents the author's personal history. Life was happening around you while you wrote your book. I think that is why we sometimes have trouble in the edit process. If you are like me, the words I've written remind me of life events that happened, while my book and story developed. When those words are deleted, it's as if part of my history has been deleted. Sometimes it's hard to tear into history but it has to be done. You may be left with a small portion of the original but the heart of your book will allow your voice to shine through.

Do you have the next Bestseller?

By Ashley Fontainne 

Is the next bestseller floating around in your head? Better yet, have you already unleashed the tidal wave of powerful words and are now unsure what to do next? Does the fear of rejection letters make you cringe, causing you to withhold your manuscript from the world? Is your mind cowering from the thought of the dreaded negative review? Do you break out in cold sweat when you dare to dream about releasing your novel for the eyes of the world to read?

Fear no more.

The world of publishing has forever been altered through the introduction of the electronic book. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and numerous other ebook reading devices offer an opportunity to unleash your creative prose. If your computer or graphic design skills are limited, like mine are, then there are a plethora of companies/individuals available to take your words and create a masterpiece. From editing, interior formatting, cover design and marketing, the options are abundant. Personally, I recommend the design team at Blue Harvest Creative. (Simply take a look at the astounding covers they designed for me and you will understand why).

Support is available through various social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and LinkedIn. These are all free services and loaded with other helpful Indie authors. The close-knit Indie community works as one cohesive entity, helping to support each other in a variety of ways, for when one of us succeeds, we all do.

Think it can’t happen to you? Well, it can. After a few rookie mistakes in early 2011, I found my voice and by December of 2011, my first novel became an International bestseller. In the last twelve months, I have seen the second novel in my series achieve the same status. Then somehow, during all the online promotions and interviews, I was offered my own radio show at ArtistFirst Radio. Not only have my dreams become a reality, but they have been surpassed in ways I never fathomed, even in the wild ones!

So, let the pent-up story hiding inside you flow from your fingers onto the keyboard. Once the words are free from the confines of your heart and soul, follow the dream and let them fly.

And enjoy the journey.

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Ashley Fontainne's, Accountable to None, the first book in the trilogy, Eviscerating theSnake. The second in the series, Zero Balance focuses on the cost and reciprocal cycle that obtaining revenge has on the seeker. Born and raised in California, Ashley now calls Arkansas home with her husband and four children. She also enjoys writing poetry and short stories and recently published Ramblings of a Mad Southern Woman: ACollection of Short Stories and Poetry on Life, Love, Loss and Longing. Ashley is also a supporter of the Joyful Heart Foundation that assists victims of violent crime seek help and find healing, and donates 10% of all book sales yearly to the cause.Her website is www.ashleyfontainne.com,  

Tweet her @AshleyFonta  http://ramblingsofamadsouthernwoman.blogspot.com

Be on the Lookout, Photo is a Silhouette!

By Susan Reichert, Editor-in-Chief for Southern Writers Magazine

Interesting thing happened the other day. I was searching for an author, and was having a little difficulty in finding them. When I did find the author, their icon—the one most authors use to show their photo—only showed a silhouette. (I notice that a lot on one of the Social Media sites.)

It got me to thinking about branding. An author’s branding is one of the most important things they can do for promotion, marketing and selling their books, not to mention having a presence so agents, editors and publishers can find them.

I can understand why someone would be reluctant to put his or her picture on the Internet. But it is imperative that an author have a picture to build their branding. If an author isn’t going to use a photo, then what can they use?

Why not use a picture of your book? While it is not as good as a personal photo, at least it adds to the branding and certainly beats that silhouette icon.

Another option would be to have a logo designed for you, perhaps using your initials. That would also work. The important thing is to replace the icon of a silhouette with a picture of something that helps brand you as an author.

It’s the little things we do that bring us the biggest gains.

Can you think of other things that can be used to brand an author?

Why I love Cross-Genre

By Gillian Hamer

Recently my second indie-published novel Closure, released. This is my second novel that combines modern day crime thrillers with paranormal and historical elements.

I’ve been told that cross-genre is frowned on in the publishing world, as people like to pigeon-hole books and authors. I have to say that hasn’t been my experience, and my stubborn-as-a-mule, desperate-to-prove-I’m-right side wants to prove that I’m not alone.

I have no objection to writing straight crime as I love reading crime. I was raised on a diet of Enid Blyton, into Agatha Christie, onto PD James and all the greats. But some part of me adores adding the little extras that no one expects to get in a novel dealing with violent crimes and murder. I adore researching into factual history of the surroundings where I base my novels. And I love creating fictional characters to work within some of that historical element, and if I can run a parallel thread with the modern day story, so that the characters effortless interweave right up to the denouement … then to me I’ve got all the makings of a good book.

Besides, even when I listen to publishers tell me that crime readers read crime, horror readers read horror, historical readers … you get the drift … I’m inwardly shaking my head hard enough for it to fly across the room.

So far the majority of reviews of The Charter have been amazing, better than I could ever have hoped. Eleven five star reviews on Amazon, with nearly everyone getting exactly what I was trying to achieve. Even after KDP Free promotions, while ready for a deluge of negative comments, I’ve been delighted with the feedback, and I am increasingly certain that publishers have got it wrong. Not everyone wants to know exactly what they’re reading. Some people like the surprise element, they like experiencing that tilt of perspective, when what they thought they knew slips away from them.

So, this month I start the ball rolling again, with my Closure - this time the paranormal element concerns spirit guides and the hotly-debated topic of reincarnation.

Again, it won’t please everyone, but if one person who reads the book and studies the research I spent almost a year compiling, changes any preconceptions, I’ll consider it a job well done. If one reader tells me that they were captivated by this little boy’s story I shall be blown away. And if I manage to create characters – both real and spiritual – who impact with readers as much as I achieved in my first novel … well, you just know it’s going to whet my appetite for my next cross-genre adventure.

______________________________________________________________________

Born in the industrial Midlands, Gillian's heart has always yearned for the wilds of North Wales and the pull of the ocean.A Company Director for twenty years, she has written obsessively for over a decade, predominantly in the crime genre. She has completed six full length novels and numerous short stories. After completing a creative writing course, she decided to take her writing to the next level and sought representation. She is a columnist for Words with Jam literary magazine, a regular theatre goer and avid reader across genres. WEBSITE : www.gillianhamer.com

BLOG : http://gillianhamer.wordpress.com 

TWITTER : @gillyhamer

FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Gillian-E-Hamer/279383198798678

WRITE HARD

By Bernard Schaffer

Writers write.

Writers read.

Writers find inspiration in the work of others and

remain vigilant not to ape anyone else.

Writers seek out criticism from those that

deserve to give it

and they listen.

(Most of the time.)

Writers work alone

without seeking approval from others

and finish with something

before showing it to anyone

because a writer is like a lonesome captain

on a sailboat steering through uncharted waters

expecting to arrive at a lost city of ancient riches.

But nobody wants to hear what you intend to find

expect to find

or say you'll find.

They just want to see it.

When I write, I think about those that came before me

who sat in a chair plinking away at the keys

or loading fresh paper into the typewriter

or putting quill to fresh ink

and I go at every single one of them

like their ghosts were sitting across from me

saying, "Come on, kid, you can hit harder than that."

Not because I don't love them

and not because I don't admire them

and not because I don't appreciate them

but because when I am writing they are my competition

and if you aren't trying to outdo everyone else

then you're just taking up space. 

People often ask me for advice

and I suppose that's the purpose of this column

that I was so graciously asked to contribute to. 

Well, here it is.

Write hard. 

Read hard.

Find an editor who will critique you hard.

And when you find some level of success, repeat those same steps

but on an even greater scale. 

Now go get to it. 

____________________________________________________________________ 

Bernard Schaffer is the author of February 2012 Kindle Top 100 Book Superbia, international best-seller Whitechapel: The Final Stand of Sherlock Holmes, and the Guns of Seneca 6 series. As a teenager, he starred in Nickelodeon's "Don't Just Sit There," musical productions, television commercials, and a skit on Saturday Night Live. He later left acting to pursue a career in law enforcement. Since 1997, Schaffer has worked as a patrolman, detective, and narcotics officer in the suburbs of Philadelphia. In 2012, he released Superbia, a book about a dysfunctional police department that reached the Kindle Top 100. As a result of the Superbia series, he was stripped of his detective rank. Schaffer is the founder of the Kindle All-Stars. The project's first release Resistance Front featured Harlan Ellison and Alan Dean Foster. All profits from that book are being donated to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

ApiarySociety.com Official Website  

Amazon Author’s Page for a full list of publications

Author’s Tea

 By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

Author's Tea is a program for elementary age students where family is invited in to hear their children read their written word while viewing it on a screen behind them. After the children read they serve their attending family members tea and cookies. It is a great program and one I have had the pleasure of attending.

Another program is Reading Time and having a guest reader. A parent, grandparent or guest will come in and read during their reading time. There is then a Q&A afterwards. I recently had the honor of being the guest reader for my granddaughter Lana’s 2^nd grade class.

Lana had invited us for lunch and to stay for Reading Time as the guest reader. The teacher had been given a book of short stories about pets, in which was one of my shorts. I politely suggested the teacher read it prior to me coming. I realized the school has certain guidelines. I didn’t want to be a problem for the school or Lana.

Once her grandmother and I arrived at her class we were invited in and given a book on Lorax and his concern for the environment. My short would not be read due to the story line dealing with a pet that lived full life but passed on due to a serious illness. The teacher felt it was too dramatic for the small ones. I understood.

I was seated in front of the class with my wife, Lana’s grandmother by my side, and introduced to the class by Lana’s teacher. The teacher introduced me as Lana’s grandfather and a “famous author” and here is his book. She held up the copy of the short stories on pets. I thought my ego was inflated by that until I saw the face of my granddaughter. She was beaming! I quickly looked to my wife to be sure she had kept a straight face during the introduction and was amazed to see she had. She is good to keep me in my place so that came afterwards.

I read the book about the Lorax’s concern for the environment, saving energy and some great ways to do so. The kids obviously had heard the story before and seemed to know the next line but sat quietly and appeared interested. When finished, the teacher asked if there were any questions. A little girl in the back raised her hand and said, “I didn’t know Lana had a grandfather that is a famous author.”  I did not want to say, “Nor did I” but instead took this opportunity to tell them about the anthology of the pet stories and how a portion of the proceeds benefit the local animal shelter. I then told them about Southern Writers Magazine and our mission to promote authors. I thought why spoil a good thing. After all, her teacher said it and that should be it. The other questions were about pets. No one seemed interested in what Lorax had to say.                            

I left that day a proud grandfather and a happy writer. A group of kids became interested in writing, I had an opportunity to show our books and Southern Writers Magazine and I had a beaming granddaughter.

I would suggest to you to visit your local school and see if there is an opportunity to read to the kids there. See if there is an Authors Tea. If so participate, if not assist in starting one. Share your craft, and while doing so share your book, poem or short story. Give back to your community and you may raise the interest of a child to the point they will someday be reading to their granddaughter’s class as a “Famous Author”.

  

Pssst: So You Want To Be A Writer?

By Lucy Burdette

Often when I tell someone I'm a writer, a haunted look washes over his or her face. "I've always wanted to write a book," he or she says. "Do you have any advice for how to get published?" Well, yes, after ten published novels and a pile of published short stories and articles, I do have a few suggestions. But you'll see, some of them really have to do with writing, not publishing.

1. MAKE A PLAN THAT INCLUDES LOTS OF LITTLE, MANAGEABLE GOALS: As I begin a book, I look ahead to the due date and figure out how many pages I’ll need to write each week in order to hand it in on time. I build in time for trips and family and time for my writers group to read and critique, and then time for me to rewrite. Then I end up with a page goal for each week, and then a word goal for each day. In the morning, after I've read my email and toured my group blogs, I write until I’ve hit the goal, sometimes even getting a little ahead. If I have an unproductive day, I know I have to write a little faster later in the week to keep up.

2. HAMMER IT OUT. Get it all down, even if it's awful. You can always go back and fix things later. Anne Lamott called this “the sh***y first draft”—she had it right! I don't always know where I'm going, but as a mystery writer, I generally know who was murdered and why, and several people who might have been involved. And I know quite a bit about my sleuth, food critic Hayley Snow. But lots of points and details evolve as I type. As my pal Hallie Ephron says, just hold your nose and write.

3. SET YOUR SIGHTS HIGH: As a psychologist, I know the importance of having "big goals" for my subconscious to aim at. So I keep a copy of the NY Times bestseller list pasted up over my computer. Yep, that's where I want to be! Then I forget about it and work on the books word by word…And I'm not shy about getting help either. I've hired a professional editor in the past, and I have a writers group and several outside readers. This is a wonderful career because there's always, always room for improvement.

4. TAKE YOUR TIME: Don’t rush off too soon to try to get your work published. This business is extremely competitive so it’s crucial to have your writing polished before sending it out. The Internet makes querying and even actually publishing a book very, very easy—don’t press "send" until you’re sure the piece is the best it can be. And meanwhile, there are many conferences that are attended by literary agents and editors. It’s not a bad idea to get some face time with a professional—this personal contact could be what helps your manuscript get a serious look. And now even more with a surge in the eBook business; it seems so easy to get work online. Again, don’t make a move until you’re sure these pages are the best they can be! And learn everything you can about the business, so your chances of making smart decisions about your career increase.

5. YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE FRIENDS: Writing can be such a lonely, discouraging business. I’ve gotten very involved with mystery writing organizations (Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.) I also have a very supportive and loyal writers group and three group blogs, Jungle Red Writers, Mystery Lovers Kitchen, and Killer Characters. The friends I’ve met have saved my sanity and supported me endlessly along the way. I highly recommend it!

________________________________________________________________________ 

Lucy Burdette is a clinical psychologist and the author of ten published mysteries, including eight written as Roberta Isleib. The first two Key West food critic mysteries, AN APPETITE FOR MURDER and DEATH IN FOUR COURSES are now available  TOPPED CHEF released May 7, 2013.  www.twitter.com/lucyburdette, www.facebook.com/lucyburdette, www.lucyburdette.com She also blogs www.jungleredwriters.com and at www.mysteryloverskitchen

Calling Yourself a Writer

by Gary Fearon, Creative Director, Southern Writers Magazine

Several conversations I've had recently with writers included a recurring theme, and a surprising one.  They find it difficult to tell people that they're a "writer," even though they've been writing their whole lives.

In some cases, it's because they haven't been "formally" published yet.  In other cases, they have one or more books out, but somewhere along the line someone gave them them the impression that what they do for a living isn't as important as other things they could be doing with their lives, so they hesitate to claim the credential of "writer."

One had the especially telling explanation that she doesn't have a degree in writing.  I call that the "diploma syndrome."  Life trains us that we need to earn certain pieces of paper that say we can graduate, we can drive, we can vote, etc.  As a result, some wait for that magic document that declares them valid.

I'm encouraged by the perspective of poet Sara M. Robinson, who reminds us in the latest issue of Southern Writers why classics are required reading in school. Likewise, Georgia Author of the Year nominee Gerald Gillis spells out why he vowed to become a full-time writer, despite his respectable and successful earlier careers. We read about lawyers who became writers. Nurses who became writers. Writers who tried something else and came back to writing.

If you've seen the movies Courageous and Facing the Giants, or are familiar with the best-selling Love Dare, you will find new inspiration in Susan Reichert's cover story interview with filmmaker Alex Kendrick, who is committed to making movies that matter. Phyllis Porter Dolislager shares how writing is changing the lives of her writers groups as well as their families. Throughout the May/June issue we revisit the reasons why what we do is important, necessary work. (We already knew it was work!)

As a writer, you come from a long and noble heritage: Shakespeare, Dickens, Twain, every author you've ever read and enjoyed.  They are our teachers, our mentors, our own family tree of literacy.

Next time someone asks what you do, be proud to tell them you're a writer.  Many times, people are still impressed by that.

Basic Marketing Steps for the Newbie Writers & Authors

By: Tanya Eavenson

Published and unpublished writers often hear how important marketing is. So let’s start with some basic ways to market yourself. Here are a few things you should have already been doing before or while writing your book.

Attend writers’ conferences. There are many different conferences to pick from, so find one that best fits your needs. For those starting out, try to choose a conference that offers mentoring appointments. Meeting with a published author who knows the business is a wonderful opportunity, but they’re also able to point you in the right direction in your writing career. Here is a link to a list of conferences to check out. http://oaktara.com/conferences

Start a blog or join a group blog with other writers. Before starting a blog, visit other blogs to get an idea of what type of content you’d like to post and how many times a week to post. Once you’ve gotten an idea, it’s time to find a blog that will suit your needs. I would suggest a free blog from either Wordpress or Blogger. I use both, but I’ve found Blogger to be somewhat easier for first time users. If you’re more of a technical type and like bells and whistles, Wordpress might be more your speed.

When joining a group blog, make sure you find out about the details before joining. The type of content they want you to post and how many times a month you’ll be responsible for posting.

Connect with people, including family, friends, and readers, using different social media outlets.

Guest post on other blogs. Find blogs you enjoy visiting and contact the authors to see if you can be a guest blogger.Now for those who want their novels to succeed, which is all of us, here are some marketing musts and one final thought.

Start a website. There are websites to purchase and some for free. Find which type of website fits your needs. I recommend buying your own domain name. I’ve purchased several from Hostgator and they are wonderful, always answering my many questions and happy to do so. http://www.hostgator.com/

Blog tour: Set up certain days around the time your novel is set to release and invite people to those blogs to learn about you and your novel.

Ask for influencers. Find others who will be willing to help you promote your novel before the release date and then after. Ask them to post reviews, for guest appearances, to tweet, and to use other types of social media. For authors who are about to embark on their first release, here is an important tip I’m learning as my debut novel Unconditional released in January of 2013.

You can never do too much to promote yourself, and you can never do enough. So relax. Enjoy the moment, because your debut novel only comes once in a lifetime.  

What marketing steps have you taken as a writer?

_______________________________________________________________________

Tanya Eavenson and her husband have been in the ministry for fifteen years teaching youth, adults, and counseling. Tanya enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and writes for Christ to the World Ministries sharing the Gospel around the world. You can find her on Twitter at @Tan_eave and contact her at her website www.tanyaeavenson.com  Want to learn more about writing? Stop by her blog http://guidedgirls.blogspot.com

Are You Ready To Be A Published Author?

By Rebecca Cuadra George

I Thought I Was Ready

At 17, I finished writing my first novel and believed it was ready for publication. I wrote short stories on Saturday mornings for 10 years, read a library of writing books, conducted hours of research on agents and publishers, and spent weekend evenings studying Nitty Gritty Grammar for fun. Unfortunately, the same strength that fueled my ambition also fueled my naiveté. My passion and drive had strong roots, but the fruits of my writing needed to ripen.

                                                                                     

The Need for Growth and Perspective

Many events—some expected, some not—transpired in the following 11 years. I wrote my first women’s fiction manuscript, Amber Vines, while going through the milestones of adulthood. I went to college, joined the corporate world, got married, relocated four times, and lived. But sometimes life meant pain and loss. During those times, writing became difficult, rejection chipped away at my self-esteem, and frequent revision cycles drained me. Years passed, but I refused to give up. Instead, I waited.

Nathan Bransford recently wrote a post on authors and depression. In it, he says, “Writing is not therapy. Therapy is therapy.” I agree wholeheartedly, and I would like to add another important lesson:

Therapy improves writing.

This year, I completed therapy, and it freed my writing through incredible growth and perspective. When I resumed my manuscript revisions, what I saw amazed me. There were so many nuances and opportunities for improvement I had missed while I was shortsighted. Completing therapy gave me fresh eyes, fresh insight into my characters and story, fresh hope, and fresh inspiration to make my manuscript blossom.

I knew I would be ready soon.  

How Do You Know When You're Ready?

Looking back, I’m thankful I didn’t publish my first book at 17, and I’m glad I didn’t publish the first draft of my women’s fiction manuscript. I had to grow, live, and heal to prepare my book—and myself—for the next step in the journey.

Now I challenge you to reflect on your own writing and life, and see where you are in your journey.

·        Do you feel frustrated, stuck, or discouraged?

·        What could you do to grow and gain perspective?

Sometimes the writing journey includes seasons of waiting, growing, and learning before we’re ready to continue, and that’s okay. But don’t let the journey’s challenges dry the roots of your inspiration and dreams. If you need time away from your manuscript to replenish and grow, the best thing you can do is take it.

All writers are ready for publication at different ages and stages of their writing careers. I believe we’re ready for publication when we have a sense of peace about our work…the peace that comes when we’ve matured our souls and ripened our work through beta readers, critiques, revision, and study of the craft.

No matter what unexpected turns life brings, we're on this road together, and together we’ll reach our dreams.

Are you ready?

_________________________________________________________________ 

Rebecca enjoys all forms of writing, from novels to eLearning scripts to children’s books to songs, but women’s fiction is where her heart lives. She resides with her beloved husband in Santa Clara, California, where she dreams up metaphors, plays the Celtic harp, and keeps an eye open for quaint wooden swings. 

www.rebeccacuadrageorge.com  www.facebook.com/rcgwriter

www.twitter.com/rcgwriter   rcgwriter.tumblr.com

Mud and Mark

By Annette Cole Mastron, Communications Director For Southern Writers Magazine

What do you think of when you see this picture of a boat stuck up in a tree? Can you imagine what modern day Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer would do?Jeff Nichols, a native of Arkansas, has written and directed the film, "Mud". Matthew McConaughey plays Mud; his love interest is played by Reece Witherspoon. 

Nichols weaves a multi-faceted coming of age tale of two 14 year olds that makes for a unique and enjoyable two hours. It's the kind of screenplay that makes me research the writer to find out more about him and his influences. His setting is the river areas around Dewitt, Arkansas. Nichols was obviously influenced by Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer". If you are a Mark Twain fan, you will enjoy his contemporary spin using Twain's backdrop of the Mississippi River. 

Growing up on the bluffs over-looking the muddy Mississippi River, Mark Twain was required reading. I'm a Twain fan and have re-read his books numerous times. As I watched Mud's character evolve on screen I was reminded of Mark Twain’s, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, quote; "Human beings can be awful cruel to one another". Another Huck quote that is a primary theme of the movie is; "Just because you’re taught that something’s right and everyone believes it’s right, it don’t make it right.” 

Nichols put a lot of Tom Sawyer in his screenplay, too. As Mark Twain wrote in The Adventures if Tom Sawyer, "He had discovered a great law of human action, without knowing it--namely, that in order to make a man or a boy covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to attain." 

This movie has inspired me to write a story using the constantly changing fast-moving Mississippi River as a backdrop. Thank you for sparking my muse, Mark Twain and Jeff Nichols. 

Why don't you join me in writing a story using a river as your backdrop?

Real Lessons From a Make Believe World

By G. S. Lindberg

Alone, she sits in the bow of the riverboat in a pale yellow, sleeveless sundress, her delicate skin glowing pink, her eye lids shuttered against the relentless Florida sun. She is surrounded by people but no one sees her. Not even the ones who wheeled her aboard. With formless legs strapped tightly into the foot rests and withered arms drawn against her body like gnarled tree limbs, she has become part of the chair. We pass an Indian village with crackling electric campfires. Warriors and squaws, rendered in brightly painted fiberglass, stare off into space while the riverboat’s wake laps against a canoe pulled partway up on shore.

She glimpses a beige teepee flicker between the multitude of legs in front of her. Her short dark hair is buffeted by a sudden breeze as we make our first turn. No danger of grounding in the shallow waters ahead--this riverboat is on steel rails. Three teens hurry past, vocally annoyed that they have to walk around the girl’s chair to reach the upper deck stairs. She looks down, embarrassed. It’s more than I can bear. I take the Tinker Bell nightshirt I bought for my granddaughter’s tenth birthday from the plastic bag and cover the girl’s shoulders. She draws it together at the neck with a crooked finger and smiles a thank you. I crouch beside her and rest my hand on her forearm. She is surprised. So am I.

The riverboat blasts its whistle as we pass Tom Sawyer’s Island, startling me. She rolls her eyes in amusement. I smile. She grins. We lock eyes for the remainder of the voyage. Silence speaks volumes. The boat glides to the dock and stops with a bump. Two hundred new voyagers have gathered, waiting anxiously to board. An expressionless figure unlocks her wheelchair and spins it toward the exit ramp. With a Herculean effort, she twists to see me one last time. 

“Wait!” I shout. Thirty people turn and stare. I run to her and crouch again. Her driver clicks his tongue. I need to hear her voice.

“Are you having a good time?” I ask. She rubs her cheek against the silky nightshirt and says, “I am now.” Seconds later, she dissolves into the crowd that passes beneath a fifty-foot banner, which proclaims “Where Dreams Come True.”

Someone once said fiction won’t change the world. I would have to agree. But I do believe it can make it a better place. Each well-written novel, short story and poem offers up a slice of life and connects the reader to a conversation that has existed since language was invented. The writer is, in essence, a guardian of language. Noam Chomsky said language is the single most important tool we have to articulate our reality. I grew up during the social turmoil of the sixties. Our artists--writers, poets, musicians, even movie stars--galvanized an entire generation to raise our voices against injustice. I believe it's time for a new generation of artists to do the same.

________________________________________________________________________ 

I have worked as an Ophthalmic Physician’s Assistant for 28 years and enjoy helping people see clearly. I began writing in high school back in the Jurassic Period, studied English and Economics in college and Philosophy with the Franciscans. I am on Facebook and at vonbromson.blogspot.com as well as georgelindberg.com. My E-mail address is vonbromson@aol.com