The Year of the Rabbit

The Year of the Dragon is hot on the Rabbit's fluffy tail

2012-01-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

Fellow Rabbits, can you feel that? Can you feel the hot, moist breath of the Dragon on your fluffy little tails? Fear not. Open the window to a new year. Go with the flow and enjoy the celebrations.

January 23rd marks the new moon and the start of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Water Dragon. I am impressed to know that many famous, respected people were born in the Year of the Dragon.

Like the young heroine in my Novel, "The Year of the Rabbit", I enjoy learning about other cultures, I respect most traditions and willingly share in the celebrations. The year of the rabbit is a timeless concept for me and for my character, Sera Fletcher. I invite you to read excerpts where Sera is introduced to the Chinese zodiac, adopts her sign into her belief systems, presents it as a way to heal the wounds between friends and leans on it to welcome her new-born nephew into her sad and lonely world.

I invite you to enjoy comments from readers of the first, print on demand edition of the novel. Make sure you taste a free sample of the Ebook version at Smashwords. I also invite you to follow Florence T Lyon (my pen name) on Twitter. She's a child of the 1970s and is adapting slowly to this new-fangled Internet technology.

Although the timid rabbit may retreat from the joyful noise of the Dragon new year, its representation will always have a special place in my heart. As a consolation, one of my children was born in the year of the Dragon. I look forward to her success with achieving yet another (insert gush of pride) degree in 2012 and the many opportunities that follow.

Happy New Year!

Winter Carnival

2012-01-07T22:08:00.000-05:00

It's a cold, damp January 2012 in the Ottawa Valley. Before the Year of the Dragon pounces in, I thought you would enjoy an excerpt from January 1975, leading in to the Year of the Rabbit. Imagine yourself in a small town on the shores of Georgian Bay. Meet a lonely yet brave 11 year-old girl - a girl on a mission.

It was late January at the Winter Carnival celebrations at the town park that Sera approached Aunt Georgette for a couple of dollars.

“Don’t you want to go on a sled ride, chérie?” Georgette asked, “How about some hot chocolate and pastries?”

"I have to go... see someone," the girl responded.

"Where are you going, Would you like company?" asked her Aunt.

“Just somewhere, Aunt Georgette. I need to go alone,” Sera replied, choking back tears.

"Okay, chérie," Georgette bent and kissed her on the forehead while handing her two dollars.

"I'll see you back home, Aunt Georgette. Thanks." She quickly pocketed the money and turned towards Main Street.

The snow drifted down in a gentle, lacey curtain. Sera adjusted her scarf and pulled the knit hat down over her ears and dark curls. Her walk was slow yet determined with her boots making a steady ka-lump, ka-lump rhythm as she walked down the street.

She had no desire to join in festivities in the park or at the ice-fishing derby on the Bay. She needed to be somewhere familiar and comfortable.

Sera headed towards the Red Hare, digging up the warm memories of the place, anticipating a hot bowl of wonton soup and sitting in her favourite spot. I have to take things into my own hands, she thought while walking down the bustling sidewalk. "Someone has to fix this. I'm going to talk to Mrs. Young."

When Sera entered the restaurant, she was disappointed and angry to see Daryl MacDonald at one of the booths near the front, chatting up some of his police buddies, Constables Harrison and Brown.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," he feigned polite joviality, "It's the youngest of the Fletcher brood. Where's the rest of the crew? I haven't seen you people in here for weeks."

Sera felt a flood of fear and anger. He likely knew damn well why they hadn't come lately. Now he was sitting here gloating and rubbing it in. She hated this man for what he did to her friend's mother. She hated that they had to move away and she couldn't know where they were. At least he didn't know where they were. Look at him, what a big shot — just because his family owned most of the lumberyards in town.

Don't say anything stupid. Don't be afraid, she reminded herself. Remember why you are here.

"Hello, Mr. MacDonald," she responded while removing her hat and mitts, "Hello, Constables. People have been busy, I guess." She strained to see if her favourite booth was available. She felt relief when she saw Jenny clearing her favourite table near the back.

The constables shifted in their seats uncomfortably. They didn’t look like they enjoyed his company.

Daryl continued, "Now, how's that Daniel doing in college?"

"Fine, thanks."

"He's a fine young lad, " Daryl continued to his companions, "He's going to make a fine officer some day."

The other men nodded in agreement and sipped their coffee.

“Yes, siree. And I heard he’s going to be a father too,” he gaffawed and slapped the table.

"Excuse me," Sera said curtly and headed towards the back.

She walked at an even pace towards her booth. Jenny was clearing away dishes from the previous customers and stopped to smile at her, "Hello, Sera. How are you, sweetie?"

"Not great, really," she responded, removing her coat, folding it and tossing it into the corner of one of the benches. She scooped up a couple of plates and put them into the bussing bin that Jenny was holding, helping her tidy up.

"I miss you, Sera," Jenny said, still performing her work, "I miss your whole family." She pulled a handkerchief from her apron and blew her nose.

"I miss you too, Mrs. Young," the girl responded, "I miss Amy and Mr. Young, I guess. I miss this place." Their eyes met. Sera was frowning and looked down at the table. "I miss Victoria." She burst into silent tears, her shoulders shaking with each painful sob. She sunk her chin into her chest and hunched her shoulders.

Jenny put her arms around Sera and held her closely.

"I miss her so much. I'm so lonely and I don't know .. don't know what to do."

"I know. I understand, Sera."

"I miss … how things used to be. Mom is still not well enough. They say she's gone into a 'relapse'. Aunt Georgette tries to cheer me up but I just don't feel any better. I miss coming here, being here."

She gladly accepted the tissue Jenny offered her and blew her nose loudly.

"Here, sit down." Jenny slid in beside Sera on the bench with her arm around her shoulder and her head leaned in so she could speak softly. "Things have been pretty tense around our place too. Carl is embarrassed and angry with Amy. That is why he had her sent away to that place in Toronto."

"I know. I heard it from Dela and Gwen."

"It's ... very lonely around here without her too. My own little girl," she blew her nose one more time and breathed out in relief, "Thank goodness for Gio arranging with the high school that she could finish her studies from there."

"He's not half-bad, then," Sera commented, "How is Amy ... feeling?"

"Oh, she's a tough one but still her little princess self," she smirked, "and she tells me on the phone that she has been eating a lot. I mean A LOT!"

"Great. I wish she was here. I wish I could see her big belly ... and feel the baby moving. "

Jenny looked down at her delicate hands and whispered, "Me too."

A small group of people entered the restaurant and seated themselves. Jenny sighed then gave Sera a half hug and squeezed her shoulders to her chest, "I had better get back to work. Where's that Carolyn? She's supposed to be covering the other side of the room. Are you hungry?"

"Yes. May I have a bowl of wonton soup?"

"Sure thing," Jenny replied as she rose to grab the bin and headed towards the kitchen. She turned and whispered,

"It's nice to see you again, Sera."

"Same here, Mrs. Young."

After she finished her soup and blew her nose again, Sera sat quietly and gazed at the rabbit painting above her booth. She took in the red, gold and green designs, the curves and simple patterns. She felt sadness. She felt a distant joy and contentment. She smiled. It was her first in a long time. I miss this, she thought.

The kitchen door swung open slowly. Carl Young emerged, wearing his kitchen whites, as usual and holding a towel. He approached Sera's booth with slow, even steps, wiping his hands.

Sera perked up nervously and smiled, "Hello, Mr. Young."

"Hello, stranger, " he responded.

"Would you like to join me?"

"Sure. Sure." he smiled briefly and sat across from her, "I guess I could take a break." He sighed and groaned as he sat down on the bench. Within seconds, Jenny swiftly brought over a coffee cup and saucer, filled the cup and dropped off the cream and sugar. Carl gave a curious look, almost surprised that his wife was so quick in serving him.

Sera bit her lip, looking down then slowly lifted her gaze to meet his tired eyes. He appeared old and sad. She rarely saw him sitting still for long periods.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Young."

"Happy New Year, Sera."

"Soon it will be the Year of the Rabbit, yes?"

"Yes, that's right," he responded, looking up at the painting.

Sera leaned forward, "It's my favourite year, you know, since I was born in it and.. that was the year you opened the restaurant."

Carl smiled slightly and nodded. "That's right. I forgot."

"I was wondering if you were going to have a celebration of any sort. You know, like an anniversary party?"

"Oh. I hadn't thought of that. I've been.... busy."

"You could invite a lot of people."

"Really?" he shifted in his seat.

"Sure. I could help with the decorations. I'm sure Dela and Gwen would like to help too."

"Sounds nice," he nodded, his eyes scanning the booths and front of the restaurant then took a sip of coffee.

"I miss Amy!" she blurted out.

Carl, closed his eyes, breathed out slowly and set down his cup.

"I miss her, Mr. Young. So do Dela and Gwen. So does.. Mrs. Young."

"Sera..."

"I may just be a kid but I know she didn't do anything horrible. She's pregnant and yes by my brother. Stupid teenagers," she rolled her eyes, "Stupid. But.. but, it's not like she killed someone."

Carl looked at her sternly.

"Please, Mr. Young," she pleaded with a soft whisper, stretching her hands across the table, "Let her come back home. The place isn't the same without her. I miss coming here with my family. I miss that, Mr. Young.

"Sera..." he said in a tired manner.

"Please." Her green eyes watered and bore pitifully at him. He did not want to destroy her youthful innocence.

"Sera. It's a matter of honour, of family pride. She shamed the family. I gave her the best of everything and this is what happens... If this was another place and time, a girl in her situation would be…"

"I understand, Mr. Young. Well, I don't really ... I respect your opinion."

"Thank you."

"If it's a matter of you not wanting her at home right now, can she come and stay with us? "

"Oh.. Now I see. Did your father send you here?"

"No! I came by myself. They don't know that I'm here. It was very hard for me to come here by myself especially seeing ... " she scowled, "seeing HIM here." her head jerked towards the front of the room.

"I see..."

"My friend was sent away with her mom because he hit her. I haven't seen her for months. I've only received one letter from her. I miss her. I also miss Amy. Dela and Gwen miss Amy. I miss coming here with my family. Please, please, can we just put things back the way they were?"

"I don't see how we can do that, Sera. My heart is broken. My family is shamed."

More people entered the restaurant, stomping the snow off their boots, shaking their hats and heading to join their companions.

"I.. I… should let you get back to work, Mr. Young." said Sera, rising, "Looks like the winter carnival has brought a lot of people out today."

"Yes, I should get back...."

Sera put Aunt Georgette's money on the table and slid it under her empty soup bowl. She grabbed her coat and got up to put it on.

Carl sat back and stared sadly at her.

"Thank you for the soup, Mr. Young. It was delicious and warm as usual."

"Thank you for dropping by, Sera."

"Happy New Year," she said as she put on her touque, turned and walked quickly towards the front door.

- - End excerpt - -

Sample more excerpts. See what others have shared after reading The Year of the Rabbit. Download the first 20% of the novel for free at Smashwords. Thanks for dropping by www.yearoftherabbit.ca.

The Year of the Rabbit as a Concept

2011-12-26T14:42:00.001-05:00

Have you ever needed a creative outlet to help you cope with tragedy or personal challenges? I have. For many years.

The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness provided me with a creative outlet as well as a structured approach to a goal and a dream.

The title represents hope, respect for traditions and the conquering of fears. While conceiving and nurturing it, I was able to balance creative freedom and basic project management skills. Yes, The Year of the Rabbit for me was a concept as well as a project.

This post will focus on the concept.

Events in the 1999 Year of the Rabbit forced me to be more assertive yet maintain a level of compassion and personal sanity. I sought ways to improve my family’s home life while living with financial uncertainty under a cloud of oppression. The four years prior and after that year were some of the most difficult in my life. I won’t dwell on that influence in this post. You can read about the novel and writing as therapy in another blog.

Short stories I wrote began to evolve and provided a welcomed creative outlet. I pondered and wrote poetry on the concept of time. Short story characters charmed their way into my imagination, encouraging me to write them into a novel. It was a personal quest that started as an idea in 2007, a way to distract my concerns of the reality of being a single parent and knowing that in five short years, my attacker would apply for parole.

I wrote many journal entries, asked many questions and explored different belief systems. I read my share of “self help” books. I declined suggestions by friends and acquaintances to write about my own life altering experience.

During my explorations, Buddhism was one belief system that appealed to me the most because of its respect for the natural world and encouragement to lighten one’s load. Although the woman’s role seemed limited in monasteries and Buddhist communities, I was still curious. Due to an overly creative monkey mind, I was not yet a good candidate for meditation. I enjoyed movies like Enlightenment Guaranteed and Up in the Air.

Writing, editing and sharing drafts of this novel provided me with opportunities to connect with other writers, published authors, to re-open myself to friendship and trust.

As mentioned in the project angle, there were delays and disappointments. Yet in April 2011, I released the Print on Demand edition of The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness under the pen name of Florence T Lyon. There was no way that I wanted my married name on my new creation. For the curious, Florence T Lyon is a pen name that represents a renaissance and a philosophical crossroad. I had accomplished a major feat and arrived at a “crossroad” along my difficult journey.

The reader feedback for the PoD version was encouraging. Over the next few months, I corrected chronological inconsistencies and grammatical oversights. In September 2011, I released the eBook version.

Visit www.yearoftherabbit.ca where you can follow links to enjoy draft excerpts, reader comments and other blog entries.

As for the missing chapters for the years in-between, they will become a short story collection that I hope to nurture, plan and release in plenty enough time for the 2023 Year of the Rabbit. For the next couple of years though, I have to focus on practical goals.

Yes, I was born in the Year of the Rabbit, the same year as the novel’s main character, Sera Fletcher. We both were able to tackle demons through reading and writing. Sera though succumbed to rage when encountering one of hers for the last time. I relied on the pen (or keyboard) as my weapon and as an escape. Forgiveness though will be a long time coming.

Thank you for reading this far.

The Year of the Rabbit as a Project

2011-12-26T14:05:00.000-05:00

Have you had long term goals that seemed out of reach or just impossible to achieve? With proper planning, organized teamwork and frequent spoonfuls of determination, we humans are capable of almost any positive accomplishment.

The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness provided me with a creative outlet as well as a structured approach to a goal. The title represents hope, respect for traditions and the conquering of fears. While conceiving, nurturing and planning for it, I was able to exercise creative freedom as well as practise some basic project management skills. Yes, The Year of the Rabbit for me was a concept as well as a project.

This post will focus on the project angle.

It started as an idea in 2007 and was documented in January 2008 with an anticipated delivery date in mid-2010. I had set targets for completion of various phases and milestones like chapter draft completion dates, novel edit version 1, version 2 completions, etc...

I acquired resources who helped as readers, subject matter experts and editors. Some services were obtained in exchange for lunches, dinners or for my own skilled offerings. Some were offered freely. Some required payment. I met new people, made professional connections and obtained some unlikely new friends.

Along the way, it became apparent that I would need to adjust the time span represented in the novel and the intended milestones leading up to the release. There were real life distractions with family issues, volunteer group commitments, working a day job plus preparing to downsize and move the family home in mid-2011 (yet another project).

Due to the quickly changing publishing scene in Canada, my dream to have the novel released on target by a credible publisher soon faded. There were other options but there was no way I was going to pay to have hundreds of copies of my novel printed and eventually end up storing boxes of them in my own home. No way - especially if this would hinder the moving project. I thought about the cost, the space, my energy performing the leg work plus... the possible waste of trees and paper.

My goal had to be delayed or re-imagined. I pondered options available to me. I explored alternatives.

Enter the liberating opportunities for Print on Demand and ePublishing.

In April 2011, I released the Print on Demand edition of The Year of the Rabbit, A Novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness under the pen name of Florence T Lyon. The reader feedback was encouraging. In September 2011, I released the eBook version.

Although the targeted completion date was delayed, I am proud to say that this project was completed in 2011. Visit www.yearoftherabbit.ca where you can follow links to enjoy excerpts, reader comments, tweets and other blog entries.

As for the missing parts of the final product, they may be part of a new project that I intend to nurture, plan and release as a collection of short stories by 2023. Another project I can envision is for the novel to be made into a movie. I think it has the potential to rank with the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird and Stand by Me. I also think I need time to re-energize before even drafting a plan for that project.

Yes, I was born in the Year of the Rabbit, the same year as the novel’s main character, Sera Fletcher.

Thank you for reading this far. Comments are welcome.

TJ

The gift of Reading

2011-12-03T09:19:00.001-05:00

Although unwrapping a new Ereader loaded with hundreds of titles may not bring the same tactile pleasure as unwrapping piles of books, I'm sure many avid readers will be thrilled to find one under the tree this Christmas.

If you have a loved-one who enjoys reading fiction by little known but promising Canadian authors, do I have a deal for you!

The Year of the Rabbit, (a novel about fate, family and forgiveness) is available in many electronic formats.

The following are confirmed distributors for the Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit :

Sony http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/_/R-400000000000000502066

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-year-of-the-rabbit-florence-t-lyon/1105870879

Apple's iBookshelf http://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/the-year-of-the-rabbit/id465221421?mt=11

Of course, if you purchase the Ebook through Smashwords, the author gets a better return ;o) and I can monitor sales numbers in a more timely manner. You can also enjoy a 50% discount coupon until December 24th.

While you're considering the offer, check out some deep blonde thoughts on giftmas.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

I made no sales at the book fair

2011-11-22T06:32:00.001-05:00

but I made plenty of contacts and stirred up some interest.

The reason for no immediate sales is that I didn't have a printed copy of The Year of the Rabbit at the fair. That was my wicked plan. I was promoting the Ebook version of the novel with a take away sheet, luring puzzle lovers with a word search puzzle and a 50% coupon code for those who just may be interested in making an online purchase.

I'm not the type of person who can sit for long periods of time so I wasn't keeping roost at the shared table very long either. It's just a little overwhelming, having to yell over the noise and straining my own voice. That's not me. I think I had more interesting conversations with people after they approached the calmer atmosphere of the canteen where I was volunteering, selling hot drinks, warm drinks and cookies. I say "warm" drinks because the apple juice boxes were sitting out on the counter all day.

I invite you to explore some early draft excerpts of The Year of the Rabbit or to visit Smashwords where you can download 20% of the novel for FREE. That's right!

Distributors:

The following are confirmed distributors for the Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit (a novel about fate, family and forgiveness)

Sony http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/_/R-400000000000000502066

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-year-of-the-rabbit-florence-t-lyon/1105870879

Apple's iBookshelf http://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/the-year-of-the-rabbit/id465221421?mt=11

Of course, if you purchase the Ebook through Smashwords, the author gets a better return ;o) and I can monitor sales numbers in a more timely manner.

Just in time for the giving season:

Promotional price: $2.00 (50% off!)
Coupon Code: FV59E
Expires: December 24, 2011

Just right for book list ideas when preparing the Nook, Sony Reader, Kindle or iPad for your loved one's gift (wink, wink).

Invitation to publishers:

Since there was a great interest in purchasing an autographed, printed version of the novel, I am open to publishers who will take on this project without screwing me out of hundreds of dollars. Not convinced? Read comments from recent readers.

Thanks for dropping by. Do visit http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca often.

T

Fundraising for CHEO November 20th

2011-11-11T13:38:00.001-05:00

Ottawa Independent Writers will once again raise funds at their book fair for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. A raffle for a basket of books donated by The Dundurn Group will take place with all proceeds donated to CHEO. In past years the raffle has raised between $200 and $300 per year for CHEO.

You are invited to drop by the Ottawa Authors & Artisans Fair 2011 to purchase raffle tickets and browse the tables of local talent. Admission is free.

Date:    Sunday, November 20
Time:     10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Place:     Jack Purcell Centre, 320 Jack Purcell Lane (at Elgin) Rm 203
Details: http://www.oiw.ca/events.php

Yours truly will be there volunteering and promoting the Ebook version of my novel. See: http://www.yearoftherabbit.ca

Year of the Rabbit Ebooks to invade the book fair

2011-10-29T12:27:00.001-04:00

They laughed (and some scowled) when I mentioned I was going to present The Year of the Rabbit Ebook at the book fair this year.

Ottawa Authors & Artisans Fair 2011

Date: Sunday, November 20
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Place: Jack Purcell Centre

Details and updates: http://www.oiw.ca/events.php#bookfair11link

Do drop by.

Save a tree! Buy the Ebook. :o)

T

Get the Rabbit for your NOOK or Sony eReader

2011-10-23T16:55:00.000-04:00

Did you know?

The following are confirmed distributors for the Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit (a novel about fate, family and forgiveness) Yay!

Apparently, it's also available on the Apple iBook store but I can't find it. I likely need one of them new fangled iPhones or iPads to load the app first. Sigh... next time.

Of course, if you purchase the novel through Smashwords, the author gets a better return ;o) As a special treat, get $3.00 off until October 31st.

T

Appreciation and Regrets

2011-10-22T15:56:00.000-04:00

Before I went on a much-needed vacation a few weeks ago, I put up a poster in my place of work to promote the novel - and the Ebook discount (until October 31st).

The response was wonderful with people interested in purchasing a copy of The Year of the Rabbit. They wanted a printed, autographed copy.

I appreciate their request for the beloved, printed book format. Sadly, I have not yet had time or energy to produce a second printed version. If I do, I will have to make amends to nature due to my claim that "no trees were harmed" while publishing the book :o\

As readers know, the story contains a strong theme about trees.

Attention: For the wonderful people who purchased the first print edition, I am offering a limited-time SmashWords coupon for 100% off the Ebook price. Send me an email before November 30, 2011. You know how to reach me. I will send you a coupon code that you can use at Smashwords.

Anyone else can go to the Smashwords link and download 20% of the novel in many different formats for free. How can you beat that? At least you can get a taste for the characters and story before committing to a purchase. I am sure you will enjoy meeting Gio, Sera and Aunt Georgette.

Thanks again!

T

One more week for that Ebook discount

2011-10-22T08:48:00.000-04:00

That's right. Get $3.00 or 75% off the price of The Year of the Rabbit Ebook.

Go to: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160

Promotional price: $0.99
Coupon Code: JS28Y
Expires: October 31, 2011

See what others have said after reading the Print on Demand version. In appreciation of the people who purchased the first print edition, I am offering a limited-time SmashWords coupon for 100% off the Ebook price. Send me an email before November 30, 2011.

Cheers!

Peace, Rabbits and Frogs, oh my!

2011-10-02T12:05:00.001-04:00

The novel is mentioned in Deep Blonde Thoughts. Hop on over for an entertaining blog entry titled "Frog Princes and Ancient Wisdom".

Enjoy!

Word Search Puzzle

2011-09-30T17:43:00.000-04:00

Bored? Confused if you should purchase a Kindle, a Kindle Fire, an iPad or Kobo? Who isn't these days?

Well, once you are able to decide on a new-fangled reading gadget, hop on over to this page. You can get 75% off the Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit until October 31, 2011! No trees were harmed while publishing this Ebook.

Until then, just pull out the old fashioned stylus (a pencil) and print this Word Search Puzzle. Sit down somewhere comfy and enjoy an old-time favourite. Thanks to http://www.worksheetworks.com.

Have fun! Remember to follow Flo on Twitter.

75% off the Ebook price until October 31st

2011-09-25T21:15:00.000-04:00

That's right. Get $3.00 or 75% off the price of The Year of the Rabbit Ebook.

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86160

Promotional price: $0.99
Coupon Code: JS28Y
Expires: October 31, 2011

See what others have said after reading the Print on Demand version.

Come on down!

YOTR coverage in the Citizen's "The Wrap"

2011-09-15T13:58:00.000-04:00

There was mention of The Year of the Rabbit in the Ottawa Citizen's "The Wrap" Volume 53, #1 September 2011.

Title: "Domestic Violence Survivor uses her writing as therapy"

Read an electronic version of the article in PDF or JPG.

Read T's ramblings about writing as therapy here.

By the way... The Wrap wants general interest stories from Ottawa citizens, neighbourhood news and information. They also spotlight charities and non-profits. Read more here.

About the novel:

Read selected excerpts
Read comments from others
Go to Smashwords.com where you can read or download a sample then… purchase a copy in one of many supported formats.

Thanks for stopping by. It has been an interesting journey.

T

Save a tree! Buy the Ebook

2011-09-12T21:32:00.001-04:00

Announcing the Ebook version of The Year of the Rabbit

Released September 3, 2011 at Smashwords. Hop on over to nibble a sample in one of MANY formats.

See comments from readers of the Print on Demand version. Read some interesting newspaper snippets from the Seguin Sounder.

Seguin Sounder newspaper clipping - Gruesome Discovery

2011-09-03T14:04:00.000-04:00

Curious? Read some excerpts from the Novel. Read some more news clippings unearthed on the long weekend.

Thanks to the awesome Newspaper Clipping Generator at Fodey.com. http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp (Sure beats hours of tweaking around in MS Word!)

Zodiacs and the Bible

2011-08-07T11:13:00.001-04:00

This is a continuation of this Chapter 3 excerpt where nine year-old Sera Fletcher endures Gio's presence in the new sanctuary of her booth at the Red Hare: http://novel-yotr.blogspot.com/2010/12/red-hare-family-restaurant.html

August 8th is Sera's birthday. Happy Birthday, Sera!

- - -

He stirred, stirred and stirred, gently tapped the spoon on the edge of the cup then placed it on the saucer. His pudgy hand took the cup’s handle and raised it to his mouth for a sip.

“So,” Gio asked as he set it back down, “What are you reading then?”

“A book.”

He breathed in sharply and then out slowly, “A book about…?”

“The Chinese Zodiac.”

“Ah, well, then that makes sense. Are you familiar with the other Zodiac?”

"Yep, a little. Dela and Gwen have a book on it too."

"So," Father Gio pondered, "Since your birthday is August 8th, that makes you a Leo. Leo the Lion. An early Lion I am told."

"Yep," She lifted her gaze, impressed that he knew her birthday was coming up in a month but slightly creeped out, "How do you know that, Gio?"

"Because it's in the Baptism registry."

"Oh, yeah. That."

Father Gio sipped his coffee, "You know, Sera. In a few years it will be time for your Confirmation."

"So I've heard," she sipped her pop and leaned slightly to the left to look over at her parent's table. Marie smiled back at her and waved.

Sera rolled her eyes and let a sigh puff out from her lips, "Did she tell you to come and talk to me about that again?"

"She may have. Your father and Father O'Reilly also want you to be prepared... to grow within the Church."

"No offence, Father but I don't like church. It’s boring. It’s creepy. I keep hearing stories about an embarrassing event with a pigeon and dropping my bible into the Seguin River. Besides, I learn enough from Mrs. Johnson."

"You what?"

"I learn about the bible stories from Mrs. Johnson, and sometimes Mr. Johnson when he is — was — feeling up to it. I used to read to him too."

"Really?"

"Yes, Gio. I do know about some of the stories, although they don't always make much sense logically."

"I...I did not know the Johnson's were Catholic." Gio said quizzically.

"They're not. They're Coptic — from her home country ... in Egypt."

Gio raised his eyebrows, impressed to hear this report from his precocious child.

She continued, "Well, she’s Coptic but he isn't. Wasn't. I think he was Catholic — or maybe it's Baptist."

Gio let out a loud roar of a laugh. "Well, there IS a difference, Sera."

"Whatever. They both believed in a God, read their bibles and didn't get into big arguments about the differences."

He sobered his tone, "Yes. Yes. That is important to keep in mind."

"Plus, Mr. Johnson told me that he'd rather see her less sad when he's gone than push for ... what was it .. 'geological differences'."

"You mean 'ideological differences'?”

"Sure."

"That's very big of him. Very ... Christian. And I think it was very compassionate, very Christian of you to read to him and play cards."

Sera's eyes widened, "Wha... no, I was just doing it to be nice, to help him feel better."

"Well, we can call it what we want but caring for others and easing their pain are Christian goals, Sera." He frowned and lowered his voice, "Are you embarrassed by your religion, by your Church?"

"I didn't get to choose, now did I?"

Their debate was interrupted by a loud male voice from the front of the restaurant. "Hey, Carl! What do I have to do to get a coffee around here?"

It was Daryl MacDonald, Victoria's father. A chill went up Sera's spine. She scowled in his direction, retreated into the corner of the booth, dragging the book and soda glass with her.

- End excerpt -

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2011-08-06T13:31:00.000-04:00

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Flo

Gio Meets Sera

2011-07-23T11:33:00.002-04:00

It has been a hot, humid week in the Ottawa Valley this mid-July. I thought I'd share an excerpt from Chapter 1 so we all could enjoy a refreshing breeze from Georgian Bay. Yes, Seguin Sound is a fictional place. It is very, very similar to 1970s Parry Sound, Ontario.

Travel back in time with me to a slow-moving town. Enjoy the breeze and the shade of the cherry tree...

The Year of the Rabbit - A novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness

Chapter 1 (Gio meets Sera)

It was an August morning when Father Giovanni Vinoletti found the courage to drive to the Fletcher house. He learned that Matthew had a woodworking job out on the Bay and he really wanted to take this opportunity to spend some time alone with his wife.

As he cruised along River Road in his shiny black Lincoln, he smiled gratefully as the refreshing breeze blew through the driver's window. He loosened his collar and reached over to the passenger seat to make sure the bottle of wine was well cushioned in his cardigan. He turned up the volume on the radio to hear the news report on the Woodstock concert from the weekend before. Almost a million young people had travelled to a farmer's field in upstate New York.

"I wish I’d been there," he thought. Those youngsters seemed to have so much freedom, and the ability to pick up and go on a whim. He was turning thirty soon and realized that he really hadn’t had that taste for adventure when he was a teenager — not like his brother Roberto.

As Gio came to the intersection of River Road and MacDonald, he noticed a black and white police car to his left. Its exterior was covered with a dusty grey film — Likely cruising some of the dry back roads, he thought. Someone had written “wash me” on the rear passenger door.

Smoking a cigarette and smiling, Constable Paul Brown let his left arm dangle through the driver’s window. I guess his job must be boring in this small town, Gio concluded, nothing much seems to happen.

Brown waved Gio through. Gio smiled and waved back. He was glad that he had been able to convince the diocese to let him use the car his family had donated. He appreciated the reliability of a solid vehicle and the ease with which it could get him around town. Lately, his knees had started to hurt from his increasing weight.

He approached the Fletcher property at the foot of Harbour Hill, pulled the large Lincoln into the driveway and turned off the engine.

Gio leaned back on the leather seat then promptly corrected his position as he felt the sweat dripping down his large, hairy back. The gold crucifix dangling around his neck reflected the summer sunlight onto the dashboard. He sat with the windows opened and mentally prepared himself for the visit.

He had only arrived in Seguin Sound a few weeks ago. It was a refreshing improvement to the inner-city parishes in which he had begun his work. He appreciated the small-town atmosphere, although it was boring, the closeness to nature, the constant, slow movement of the river below, and the refreshing openness of Georgian Bay. Most of the people living here seemed to move at the same relaxed pace.

Gio wiped perspiration from his brow, adjusted his black-framed glasses and scanned the property. On his right was the Fletcher home, a large, sturdy green two-storey house with an attached shed. The front lawn was well kept, as were a few patches of irises and tiger lilies.

To the left, there were what looked like two garden plots. Leftmost, between their yard and the neighbour’s, were a few small, twisted pine trees growing atop a small knoll. He saw two young redheaded girls and a dark-haired girl climbing, swinging and jumping from the little pines then running to a hammock strung up between one of the trees and the clothesline pole. They seemed to be having a great time. Weren’t they hot?, he thought. Father Gio had already met the redheads after church on Sunday. They were the precocious ten-year-old twins, Dela and Gwen.

One of the twins (he could not tell them apart from a distance) seemed preoccupied with burying something in the soil and patting it down with a small spade. Behind her and at the back of their neighbour's property was a pine forest that stretched up the hill and beyond.

To the rear was a large flat rock with a fire pit with log benches. Straight ahead, stretching towards the trestle of the high and looming CP Rail bridge, ran a small pathway which led towards another cluster of buildings. Beyond this view was the refreshing Georgian Bay.

Near the back of the house was a large tree, a deciduous of some sort, thick with green leaves casting cool shade onto the backyard. The Fletcher property looked pleasant and provided a safe place for children to play.

Children. He sighed. Gio placed his hands on the steering wheel, almost in an embrace and bowed his head. He softly repeated words he used seven years ago when confessing to his mentor after his carnal indiscretion. This was different.

"Heavenly Father, please give me courage to face this possibility, to accept the facts as they are presented. Please forgive me for my indiscretion so many years ago. One act of weakness... Whatever you will for me, I accept."

The scorching reflections from his cross bounced around the interior of the car as he prayed for courage and forgiveness. His heart was pounding in anticipation.

Children. A child. What if she is my child? His curiosity had hounded him enough to check the baptism registry at Saint Peter’s church. Her birth date was too coincidental. Why do they spell her name S-e-r-a? Why on the very first Sunday I am serving at this parish do I learn this information? That woman looked so familiar. The one-and-only time I ever had intimate relations with a woman and ... I have to find out if it really is her. I have to solve this mystery.

Gio took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, prying his large body out of the car. He stood for a few seconds adjusting his glasses and cross. He fluffed his damp short-sleeved, black dress shirt to cool his round torso, wiped his greasy, black curls back and pushed the straw hat down firmly. He reached in and grabbed the bottle of 1962 Vinoletti Red — his gift to the Fletchers.

As soon as Gio closed the car door, the redheads and their friend turned their attention to the driveway and came bounding down to greet him.

“Hi, Father Gio!” called Gwen and Dela in unison. At this point, he still didn't know one from the other. They were wearing matching shorts and T-shirts.

“Hello, girls.” He responded politely. “Are you enjoying this hot summer day?”

“Oh, yeah,” chirped in one, “We’re going to the beach with Amy and her Mom later.”

“Hello,” said Gio as he extended his chubby hand to the friend — a petit Asian girl, “Are you Amy? I’m Father Gio.”

Amy looked straight up at him with her dark eyes while shaking his hand, her delicate fingers squeezing two of his,

“Hello, Father Gio.”

"We're treasure planting," chirped the other redhead.

"Oh, really? What does that mean?"

"Oh, we're putting small treasures around the yard so they can be discovered in one hundred years. You know, like they found in Egypt with King Tut? Except, we're not using real gold and jewels, just trinkets."

"Ah," Gio nodded and responded politely. He smiled at them and wiped the perspiration from his brow. He looked at the twins one by one. Ah, yes. I think it was Gwen who had the crooked smile and ear. “Girls, are your parents around?”, he asked.

One piped in, “Dad’s working away on the Bay but Mom’s inside.”

“Oh, I see," he said feigning disappointment. "Well, if your mother is not too busy, may I speak with her please?”

“Sure, come on back to the shade,” the girl said as she grabbed his hand and led him past the driveway to a set of lawn chairs under the tree. Amy and the other one ran across the back porch and into the house.

“Thank you...Gwen...." he thought he'd take a chance at the name and seemed to have succeeded, "It’s so nice here in the shade,” Gio removed his hat, wiping his handkerchief across his brow, “I can even feel a breeze.”

“Uh-huh,” the girl responded, “Would you like a cold drink?”

“Oh, I would love a cold drink, Gwen!”

“I’ll be right back!” she shouted, already running towards the house.

Okay then, he concluded, Gwen is the one with the crooked left ear. At least I've got that straight — as long as they’re not wearing hats!

Gio tested the sturdiness of one of the lawn chairs then sat quietly under the tree, enjoying the calm and the gentle breeze. The cicadas buzzed loudly around him, seeming mostly to come from the pine forest. He looked around the immediate area. This seemed to be a favourite spot for the family as he observed the chairs and lounger.

A small red object plopped onto his lap. Another bounced off his belly. He picked up one of the small orbs then turned to look up at the tree, squinting into the sunlight radiating through the leaves. Ah, it’s a cherry tree, he concluded, likely one of the Pin Cherry species. I wonder how they are for wine.

Gio's family had operated a vineyard in the Tuscany region of Italy for many decades. When he was small, his parents immigrated to Canada to start a vineyard in southern Ontario. Growing up on his family’s land, he had learned quite a bit about grapes, wine and other fruit-bearing trees.

He rubbed the small orb in between his large fingers then popped it into his mouth for a taste. Ooh!   A little sour, he discovered, puckering his face as he leaned over the side of the chair to spit out the pit.

As he sat cooling off, he recalled meeting the family after mass last Sunday.

. . .

Father O’Reilly had introduced him to the entire congregation during mass and again, individually, it seemed, in the reception hall. Gio had shaken hands with many parishioners, husbands, wives and children. The older priest called over Matthew Fletcher whom he referred to as the godsend carpenter who had repaired some of the aging pews.

Matthew was a muscular, tanned man with rough hands and gentle, blue eyes. Shaking his hand, Gio had felt a warm connection with him.

Matthew gestured over to some people at the other side of the crowded hall to call them over. Two redheaded girls of the same age clung to a woman's side while they mischievously stared at the new priest.

“Father Gio,” he said, “I would like to introduce my wife and a couple of our children.” He pulled closer to his side a small, attractive woman with reddish-brown hair and vivid green eyes whose face became clearer as she raised it to meet his gaze.

“Georgette!” burst out Gio. His knees nearly gave in and he felt the blood leaving his face. His mind flashed with memories of a beautiful woman, sweet desserts and a winter’s night of passion.

“No…” responded Matthew quizzically, “This is Marie.”

“Oh, ohhh. So sorry. Mea Culpa. Nice to meet you, Marie,” fumbled Gio with a prolonged handshake. “You look very much like someone I knew years ago...” Her hands felt so soft and cool. He didn't want to let go.

One of the redheaded girls piped in, “Georgette is our aunt in Montreal.” Gio forced his gaze to the twins standing side-by-side in their Sunday best, smiling at him with their sun-burnt faces. The only difference he could perceive was that one had a crooked grin and her left ear was slightly bent. The odd-looking twin asked, “Do you know Aunt Georgette?”

Gio stuttered, “Uh, err, I'm not sure. It was long ago.” He grimaced awkwardly at the girls, then Marie. He could feel the perspiration trickling down his back and into the crack of his buttocks.

Marie spoke next, smiling nervously, “It is nice to meet you, Father Gio. These are our daughters Dela and Gwen. The boys, you have met... they were the altar boys today... Daniel and Perry.”

“Yes,” he agreed. “Good boys.” He turned and smiled to the redheads, ”Hello, Dela. Hello, Gwen.”

“I want to be an altar girl,” said Dela.

The grown-ups laughed nervously at this young girl’s bold statement.

“Seriously,” she continued, “I really do. How about you, Gwen?”

“Sure,” replied her twin, “Sounds like fun.”

The rest of the conversation was polite with O’Reilly praising Matthew for the work he did for the church. Gio only remembered smiling and nodding, while gazing a few times at Marie. He was damn certain that she was the woman he had known intimately as Georgette seven years ago. She smiled and added politely to the conversation, avoiding eye contact with him.

Father O’Reilly piped in, “Now, where is the wee girl? Sera?”

Marie responded quickly, “Oh, she’s with her new friend at her family’s cottage. She’ll be back tonight.”

Gio’s heart jumped a beat. A wee girl? Another child?

. . .
A train whistle interrupted his reverie. The girls came skipping out of the house; Gwen, though, approached carefully with his drink with a theatrical expression. She handed it to him and offered her crooked smile.

“Here you go, Father Gio,” she curtseyed, "I even added a little more sugar for you."

“Oh.. well. Thank you, Gwen.” He took a sip to taste, concluded it was lemonade then took a few long gulps. “Ahhh! This is very refreshing. Thank you.”

The trio of girls ran back up the little slope to the pine trees. Gio felt another cherry bounce off his head. Another bounced off his belly and into his glass. It felt as if a force greater than gravity was aiding in their delivery.

He adjusted his eyeglasses in preparation for a closer inspection of the tree. His peripheral vision caught movement: a woman’s form approaching from the house. She was walking slowly, holding a tea towel and a glass of lemonade. She wore a light green summer dress. As she came closer, he recognized that walk. Those hips. As she came nearer, he was certain by that smile and those green eyes, this was the woman he once knew as Georgette.

“Hello, Father Gio,” She smiled nervously.

“Hello… Marie,” he responded, raising his glass while struggling to rise from the chair. He reached down beside his chair to retrieve the wine bottle he brought.

"A gift from my family's vineyards."

"Thank you," smiled Marie as she accepted the bottle and put it on her lap as she sat in the other chair.

A cherry bounced forcefully off his head. Another plopped into his glass. As he looked up to see the source, he heard the train approaching, its horn blowing louder and more frequently as it approached the bridge.

Marie stood up and shouted to the tree, “Sera! What are you doing up there! Come down this instant!”

The train rattled through the forest on the hill and onto the bridge, three diesel engines were pulling a trail of cargo cars and wheels clack-clacking over the rails above them. It blew its horn again and rolled on towards the other side of the valley, dragging an assortment of boxcars, tank cars and flats in an endless stream behind it.

Gio looked at the train and winced at the noise. Marie gave him a look of embarrassed apology then moved closer under the tree. In the middle of the noise and commotion, they observed two bare feet then legs extend down from one of the limbs. Gingerly, a small blonde girl in blue shorts and T-shirt, hung from a low branch, then dropped to the soft grass below.

Gio’s heart was pounding. Could this be? No, she’s so fair and has dark blue eyes. She looked like an angel with her fine blonde hair, messed up and decorated with twigs. She had a peaches-and-cream complexion with rosy cheeks and a small brown freckle under her right eye.

“Is this Sera?” he shouted nervously over the noise from the train.

“No,” responded Marie with a slow shake of her head, “This is her friend, Victoria.”

Victoria smiled and waved at them then held out her arms upwards to the tree. Down into her arms dropped a stuffed rabbit, which she kissed on the nose and put on Marie’s chair. Then she ran back and held out her arms again, catching a golden-brown teddy bear. It received a kiss on the nose as well.

By this time, the train had left. Its horn sounded in the distance, as it approached another level crossing. The air was finally quiet with only a light breeze rustling the leaves, the Chickadees and the distant calls of Blue Jays.

Gio’s curiosity was peaked. He put his lemonade glass gently beside his chair, shuffled closer to look under the tree limbs, up into the green canopy. Down from one of the branches dangled two dirty bare feet, as another small girl hung from a limb.

-- End excerpt --

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Reader Comments for July

2011-07-09T14:39:00.001-04:00

I am happy that positive reader comments are trickling in!

See this page.

If you have an account with any of the services listed, you can also add a comment to this post.

Enjoy the Year of the Rabbit in a personal and a literary sense.

The Apple

2011-07-07T15:01:00.000-04:00

In The Year of the Rabbit, the apple appears many times - mostly as a symbol of innocence and discovery. It leads Sera through thoughts of life after death then the accidental revelation of her true paternal origin. There is another scene where its innocent influences cannot prevent Sera from acting on uncontrollable rage.

Enjoy!

Another Public Reading for the Rabbit

2011-07-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday June 29th, "Florence" made an appearance at the Ottawa Independent Writers Reading Night at the LAC.

I had to alter the text that I read aloud from my novel in order to hide the identity of the corpse in the "murder scene". Are we intrigued yet? Some people were!

After my reading, I sat at the back of the room listening to the others. As I gazed out one of the large windows into the dimming daylight, I noticed a patchy brown rabbit nibbling grass in one of the flowerbeds. I was excited to bring it to the attention of my seating companion. He responded with a smile and whispered the title of my novel.

I don't know why I would become excited at discovering this little mammal - although it was a lovely coincidence. It's not like there are any live rabbits represented in the story. The only ones referred to are those that appear in drawings, paintings at the Red Hare restaurant and a native boy's dream. The rabbit reference is more about the Chinese Zodiac character. It refers to young Sera Fletcher's unique coping methods after losing a friend in 1974 then gaining a newborn nephew in 1975. She creates a connection to the baby's birth in the same Zodiac year as her own and uses it as a sign of hope. Little does she know that she would eventually -- (Oops. I have said too much already).

During a lull in the readings, one member agreed to my request for a book exchange. He gladly traded a copy of his children's book for a copy of The Year of the Rabbit. I had to warn him that mine was NOT a book for children.

Another member was very interested in reading and purchasing the book but did not have cash on hand. I graciously advanced him a copy for his summer reading and we agreed on payment at a later date. I trust him. Besides, I know where he lives...

Do you want a taste of the Rabbit? (in a word sense, that is...)

Venture down the Rabbit hole (the novel's domain)
Follow Florence T Lyon on Twitter (Please Retweet my request to convince a certain English Literature High Honours Graduate to read her mother's book. The agreed-upon condition was that she would only do so after it had sold 100 copies)
Read some excerpts
Please Like the Rabbit on the Facebook Fan Page
Buy the book

Thanks for dropping by!

Follow the Rabbit

2011-06-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

On Friday, June 24th, The Year of the Rabbit had a quiet, public debut. You can read about the public speaking adventures in the Deep Blonde Thoughts blog.

"Florence" will perform another reading at an event on June 29th.

Do you want a taste of the Rabbit? (in a word sense, that is...)

Venture down the Rabbit hole (the novel's domain)
Follow Florence T Lyon on Twitter
Like the Rabbit on Facebook!
Read some excerpts

Thanks for hopping by!

No Stranger to Trains

2011-06-25T11:33:00.003-04:00

In The Year of the Rabbit, readers will encounter the mention of trains. Yes, the towering Canadian Pacific Rail trestle over the Seguin River had an influence on my own childhood in the 1970s and on the lovable character, Sera Fletcher.

For Sera, trains passed through giving children something to observe with counting their boxcars and an opportunity to wave at passengers. It was a treat if somebody saw you and waved back. Trains also took people away and left lonely gaps in her life.

I have a fondness for trains as a preferred form of land transportation. I look forward to taking more trips around my province, into Quebec and some day... a romantic journey across Canada. In the meantime, I will have to be satisfied by catching the occasional story or movie with a train theme.

Thank you for reading this far. Sample some excerpts from the novel. Buy the book :o)

T