AUTHOR, JR STONE, another reclusive writer...

Frances Farmer and a nice surprise...

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:18:00 +0000

If you haven't noticed, I have been taking an hiatus from writing. But, that's not to say that my hiatus will be permanent. Not by a long shot. Instead, I have been immersed in reading autobiographies which always whet my appetite to write.

One of the books I had the pleasure of reading was about Frances Farmer. I had always heard the stories and even saw a clip from the show, "This is Your Life" that featured her very dark life. She was a hopeful, shining star in Hollywood that soon fell into the depths of her mental illness, causing years of chaos, bitterness and deep sadness.

I'm not sure why I am so drawn to dark stories, but I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised to learn that Ms. Farmer found happiness at the end of her tragic life. I also was amazed at the family that befriended her in her later years. They were the absolute rock of her regrouping herself. If ever divine intervention was in play, it was between these friends and Frances Farmer.

The horrors of the mental institutions she inhabited were almost beyond description. However, she was very deft in describing the torturous and inhumane treatment she received during her stay in these facilities. I promise you, it's a story you won't soon forget. I know I haven't.

Working on story ideas for my next novel...stay tuned, dear readers.

JRS

Featured in the Beaumont Enterprise

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:33:00 +0000

As I have been racking my brain for a new novel plot, I recently checked my email and discovered a request from a reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise.

She asked if I would give her an interview regarding my novel, "The Long Road from Perdition". I decided that I would, I mean, who doesn't want free press for their book? When the article came out, I read about the books that other Southeast Texas authors were producing.

I became fascinated with Jeffrey Hopper's book soon to be released, "Stealing Vegas". I went to school with Jeffrey's brother, Royal and remembered reading about their father and sons robbery of a Las Vegas casino. I remembered it felt so surreal to know that a former classmate was caught up in this type of situation. I felt badly that their father was the catalyst for the robbery. It revealed a troubled home life that none of Royal's friends at school ever suspected.

As I read more about the book's premises, I learned that each of the Hoppers were dealt prison time for the crime. Fortunately, Jeffrey turned his life around and studied at the seminary to pursue a life as a minister. He now spends his time talking to prisoners about the consequences of their actions and how to turn it all around. Very inspiring to say the least.

Jeffrey didn't reveal any information regarding Royal's current status, but you can bet that I'll be picking up his book when it is released. I think you should too. Check for the status of his book here.

Read the article, I'm honored to be in such talented company: SE Texas writers on either side of the law tell their stories. Sometimes I think my hometown is haunted.

JRS

Closing the Chapter

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:01:00 +0000

You may have noticed that I haven't posted to this blog in quite awhile. After promoting "The Long Road from Perdition", I began that journey of "what's next?"

Readers have been asking if another novel was on it's way to reveal Nicholas's life beyond the novel's final chapter. I'm not sure that I want to delve into that story at this time. I'm trying to stay open and see what inspires me to write. Coming up with a good story and believable characters is a daunting task regardless of whether you are a novice or a professional.

I've hit that proverbial writer's block of a wall. I promise to not be a one book wonder, but I do need to discover what needs to be said through another character. Stay tuned, dear reader. I promise to continue on that written path of being a writer. No matter how frustrating it becomes!

JRS

An Important Review

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:37:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was pleased to see an email from Indigene from Indie Review blog. I had sent her The Long Road from Perdition several months ago to review and after being slammed with work, she was able to finally offer a critique to my work.

You know, reviewers, avid readers and the like are so important to Indie authors such as myself. I have to say, the waiting for the review is the worst part, but I am pleasantly pleased with her comments on my novel. See what you think: CLICK HERE for the review posted on her website.

Do yourself a favor and bookmark her blog, INDIE REVIEWS. She is a voracious reader and offers exceptional insight into the books she reads. She's really something.

Thank you, Indigene.

A sample of her review:

"...I found the author's writing style to be quite an interesting mixture of realism and romanticism, with strong elements of the American southern gothic tale. While the author does not hold back in describing the harshness and horror of Nicholas' reality, in particular during the first part of the story, the writing style also provides somewhat of a buffer to this reality allowing the reader to safely remain with Nicholas through his journey and yet not lose the emotional impact of all that the character experiences throughout the novel ."

The Familiar Stench of Southeast Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 19:31:00 +0000

As I was glancing through some posts on Facebook, I saw an entry with a short video attached by Mary Karr, the famous memoirist/poet from Groves, Texas. I clicked on the video and watched as she and her sister filmed their journey into Port Arthur, Texas.

They shared memories of Luby's cafeteria, the countless refineries with "alien-like pods" or storage tanks that were plentiful on the grounds. Then, it happened. That familiar, God-awful stench of rotten eggs permeated the air. The overhang of pollution and sludge was thick in the air and the sisters giggled at the foul stench wondering aloud how they ever survived the smell!

The funniest comment came from Karr as she quipped, "I can't begin to tell you just how much of nothing there is out here." I chuckled. That's why I included that stench in my novel, "The Long Road from Perdition". Karr speaks of it as well in her own memoir, The Liar's Club.

If Nicholas hadn't made mention of the pollution and rotten smell of his home town, it wouldn't have been a major oversight for someone writing about southeast Texas.

No one knew better than Nicholas that there's "so much of nothing" in his hometown. But, it was his hometown nonetheless. Thanks to Mary Karr for that familiar journey that is pure Golden Triangle nostalgia.

JRS

Miss Boudreaux and The Bum

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:27:00 +0000

During Nicholas's journey, the reader finds that he is being fostered by Miss Boudreaux. When I was writing this novel, I sometimes contemplated, "What if The Bum never moved in with Miss Boudreaux?"

Would Nicholas stay until legal age and take care of his foster brothers and sisters? Or, would he run away regardless and start a new life? It's hard to say, because if you've read the story, Miss Boudreaux's love interest, aka "The Bum" is the catalyst for Nicholas leaving.

While most teens would consider his living environment at the foster home to be miserable and neglected, Nicholas seemed to be happy that at least he wasn't being beaten on a daily basis. Miss Boudreaux used the system and was lazy. Laziness is something he could live with, it was continued abuse at the hands of "the Bum" that he couldn't stand.

Have you ever been in a situation similar to Nicholas's? I think most people sometimes settle for "livable conditions" instead of great conditions. Because let's face it, even though Nicholas assumed Miss Boudreaux's responsibilities because of her laziness, he would have become lazy himself, in the long run by not finding a better home for himself.

I think that situation is where the saying, "Thank God, for unanswered prayers," came from.

Chi-Chi and Gitch

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Alot of people ask me about these two characters in my novel, "The Long Road from Perdition". Namely, if these two personalities really exist. I have to say though, that I have known some guys that gave me inspiration for their personalities. Go to any gay bar and you will likely see waitstaff that could easily be Gitch or Chi-Chi.

I envisioned them to be thin, wiry guys that flaunted their sexuality. I think they definitely gave Nick a crash course on what it is like to work in a gay bar! While I wanted these characters to be stereotypically effeminate, I wanted them to also show a strength and power when push came to shove. When Nick makes the mistake of wearing his handkerchief in his backpocket, it was these two characters who protected him and stood up to those who were ready to take advantage of him.

I also wanted to show that Gitch and Chi-Chi are hard workers...loyal to a fault and accepting. Cause that's what it's all about when you frequent a small gay bar. You're family.

JRS

I Could Have Sworn I Saw Greasy Adam...

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 19:01:00 +0000

Several days ago, I discovered some pages on Facebook that caught my attention. One was entitled, "I Grew up in Groves" and the other is "Gulfway Drive". I quickly scanned the posts from people that used to or still live in the area and memories of my youth started coming back to me.

I still remember the beautiful pecan trees, heavy with sap hanging over every car and carport in sight. The slower pace of life, riding bikes to Port Neches Park and Jefferson City. Visiting friends by walking to their house, discovering short cuts to and from Bruces Supermarket. Those are the days I remember.

I also remember the teenage years of cruising the drag on Gulfway Drive. One of the characters in "The Long Road from Perdition" would have been riding shotgun if he really existed. Greasy Adam was the easygoing and clumsy substitute brother for Nicholas during his hospital stay in Beaumont.

I can see him smiling broadly, taking occasional swigs of beer and reaching for his ever present cigarette tucked in his greasy curls, behind the ear. I loved his character, he was able to be himself while still fitting in wherever he was socially. Nurse Trahan had a love/hate relationship with him because he liked to goof off and always broke her stringent rules.

He was a big kid and I think that was important for Nicholas to observe when he was going through some of the roughest times of his life. It's almost as if Greasy Adam taught him how to be free. I'd like to think that after Nurse Trahan and Greasy Adam meet Nicholas, that she has a bit more patience for Adam.

Sometimes that's all you can do when you're at the mercy of a workplace that is less than desirable. As for Greasy Adam, I can still see him hot-rodding on Gulfway Drive while listening to Van Halen with a cigarette planted in his greasy hair behind his ear.

JRS

Some of my Favorite Characters in TLRFP

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 18:17:00 +0000

In my interview with Linda Della Donna, we discussed alot of topics, but due to space and time constraints, she had to pare down my interview somewhat. She asked me an interesting question that made me have cause to pause as they say.

Who were some of your favorite characters in the book and why? The first one that came to mind was obviously, Nicholas, the main character. He has obvious endearing qualities but some of the other characters were a bit rough around the edges. For instance, Nurse Trahan was one of those characters for me.

She's described as a no-nonsense type of nurse running her department with the efficiency and methodology of a military captain. She continues this efficiency until she takes Nicholas under her care. Her reaction to his heart wrenching plight is met with distance and aloofness that puzzles most people. But, the reader knows it is simply a coping mechanism. One of my favorite lines summarizes this feeling: "Although she had a brusque demeanor, it provided thesafety net needed from becoming entangled in my emotional disarray..."

Living and breathing someone else's hardship becomes your own if you're not careful. In fact, it's something Nicholas wondered about when he first met Nurse Trahan; " I didn't understand why the coldness and distance was necessary, I only wanted relief from my emotional wounds." Becoming entangled in someone else's emotional problems can almost feel like you're drowning, even when you're trying to save someone else. That's why I loved this character. She took her chances knowing that she may very well be entangled in Nicholas's misery.

And, that could be enough to change her entire way of life, as well his.

JRS

Spread the Word

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 03:34:00 +0000

That has to be the best way to give a book steam once it's released. A publisher can send a truckload of novels to Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com and give it the best marketing blurb in the world. But, unless the reader picks up the book and is moved enough to suggest it to a friend or acquaintance, that book will more than likely sit on the proverbial shelf and collect dust.

That's one of the reasons I have sounded like a broken record recently, requesting that readers post a review on the Amazon site. I don't know about you, but as a reader myself, I am more inclined to purchase a book when I read reviews that are heartfelt and genuine. Heck, sometimes I've read reviews that were less than kind and because of the topic or the buttons the writer pushed in order to get that person to read the book in the first place, I'll read it based on that bad review. It just depends.

I know that it takes time and effort to write a review so I genuinely appreciate any comments posted on behalf of my book. Even if they are less than kind. The fact that someone posts their thoughts means the book warranted some kind of attention, whether good or bad.

I believe in my book and I hope those who have read it believe in it's message too. And, I've been fortunate that some are willing to spread the word on my behalf. I continue to ask for reviews because I just can't stand the thought of Nicholas's journey collecting dust on a bookshelf.

JRS

Interview with a Recluse by Linda Della Donna

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:56:00 +0000

I'm not much on interviews but when the lovely Ms. Linda Della Donna asked if she could interview me, I couldn't resist. She is everything her readers would imagine she is; kind, funny, thoughtful and talented. And, she lives in my favorite city in the whole world: New York. I've been following her writing for awhile now and I never tire of her written word. Ever.

So, without further adieu, here is the long awaited interview. Click HERE

Have a question that Linda didn't cover? Go ahead...ask me. I dare you.

JRS

I'm Breaking My Own Rule

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:43:00 +0000

Yep, I agreed to be interviewed by Linda Della Donna, blogger of Book or Bust. I've long been an admirer of Ms. Della Donna and since she has graciously agreed to interview me and was so kind to offer to do so, I decided to break my own rule and talk at length about the writing of "The Long Road from Perdition".

I hope you will visit her site and leave some comments. Of course, I'll post the interview here as well...Be watching for it, the interview should be up in the next few days or so: http://bookorbust.blogspot.com/2012/06/coming-soonmy-interview-with-author-jr.html

JRS

How Young is Too Young?

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:45:00 +0000

There are several topics in my novel, "The Long Road from Perdition" that are considered controversial. One of those topics is the debate of how old should you be when you have your first sexual experience? Does it matter? And, why is achieving that first experience the proof that a boy has become a man?

In the novel, the main character, Nicholas has a sexual encounter at the age of 15 years. One could argue that 15 is a bit young for sex, however, in his case, I imagine he felt very much an adult at that age. The encounter wasn't a moment of tenderness or even puppy love. It was the allure of physical excitement and transitioning from a boy's pleasure to a man's pleasure in every way.

If I were mentoring Nicholas, I would most likely remind him of the dangers of casual sex. Unwanted pregnancy, disease, confused feelings, encountering emotions that one is not ready to experience at this time. All the wisdom that adults can offer at that clumsy, exciting time in a teenager's life. But, in the story, I think his clumsy, yet exciting moments venturing into adulthood reflected his difficult journey he had experienced since his own birth. His bumbling birth into adulthood captured the boyhood trauma and heartbreak he was leaving behind, if only geographically.

The true migration into his manhood occurred at the same age, with a different partner later in the story. One of his choosing who had captured his heart, scars and all. The mechanics of making love were of major concern until he discovers the moments of intimacy answered all of the unknowns for him. To find a soul mate who reciprocates love and tenderness at that awkward moment in time is more than anyone can ask for in a "first time."

Nicholas was lucky to experience those moments as a clumsy teenager in a chance moment in time. He was fortunate to experience love with the tenderness and patience with a partner of his choosing to enter manhood.

15 might be too young for most, but I think it was old enough for Nicholas. Pick up a copy of The Long Road from Perdition and let me know what you think.

JRS

Fact or Fiction?

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:14:00 +0000

It's no secret that I've written a novel entitled "The Long Road from Perdition". When I asked writers to read the book and offer some constructive criticism, I was a little taken aback that they thought the book was factual. Some even believed that I was Nicholas and was narrating my life through his character.

Since then, I have had others read the book and wonder the same thing. I don't want to give away the plot, but there are some absolutely heartbreaking moments that are intertwined throughout the book. I feel that it is much like life really is; heartbreak, anguish, joy, happiness and back to heartbreak again. I want to emphasize that the book is not factual. I did write about certain events that are known to me and used certain characteristics from a variety of people I've known throughout my life to create characters. I believe every fiction writer does this.

The fact that people are wondering about this book tells me I've accomplished what I set out to do. I want readers to think about Nicholas and his struggles long after the last page is turned. I have to admit, he almost seems real to me as well. And, at times, during the writing of this book, I felt I was typing as fast as I could to get the plot, emotion and dialogue down as I was seeing and hearing it in my head. It's almost as if I was watching a movie playing of it in my head. Perhaps it was watching Adrien Grenier on an episode of Entourage that encouraged Nicholas's physical features...or maybe the plot developed after hearing Jonny Lang's anguished Wander this World.

All I know is that it all came together and became a novel that I'm very proud to have written. Thank you readers for your comments...I'm grateful.

JRS

Sometimes being Bellied Up to a Bar brings Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Sometimes when I'm seated at a bar and get an idea for a character, I wonder to myself, "Is this how Ernest Hemingway started in Key West?" I would then imagine a bunch of six-toed cats running freely throughout a home on the edge of lapping waves where sunrises and sunsets are celebrated daily by the locals.

While Hemingway wrote classics while he lived in his tropical paradise, he certainly is THE master of the written word and I am just another wordsmith. But, I do think we share the propensity for observing others at any cost. It is this quality that brought to me some of the characters in "The Long Road from Perdition". I remember I was seated at a bar in New York where a couple of gals were tending bar. Both were older than the average barkeep and that much more interesting to watch in action.

One of the ladies was dressed a bit too young for her age and had a pair of eyes that she used to stare down an unruly customer or to flirt shamelessly with a new face sitting across from her. I watched with interest as she mixed drinks, slammed them down and put the gents in their place. I swore if I ever had a book where I could fit in these bar lovelies, that I would. Voila!, she became 'Bug-eyed Sue.' The other woman was older than her counterpart but oozed a sensuality that left every man vying for her attention.

I was fascinated. These women had every customer whether male or female, wrapped around their french manicured fingers. The sultry one gave me a look and actually made me blush. "Oh look, the quiet one is shy..." I was hooked, I grinned like an idiot turning more crimson by the second.

Everytime I go back to New York, I make a point of seeing the gals. Funny, the bar is not in the best area of town, but these gals are woman enough to keep their customers firmly under their spell. I always look forward to gazing at the sultry one and her friend with the eyes. It makes the scotch I'm drinking go down that much smoother under the slow moving fans which conjure memories of Key West.

JRS

Buddy, Can You Spare a Book Review?

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:43:00 +0000

It's true, I've been hounding people to post reviews of my new novel onto Amazon.com, Good Reads.com, Facebook, Twitter, anywhere there is a connection between the written word and people.

So, imagine the smile on my face when I logged into my blog to see a comment from a new friend, Linda Della Donna, author of "Book or Bust" blog and Griefcase.com:

"I have read this book and it is a riveting read. Couldn't put it down." Linda Della Donna - author of Griefcase.net and Bookorbust.blogspot.com

She wrote me in between chapters with updates such as, "This Nicholas fellow is really worrying me," and I smiled thinking she would become more than worried in a few more chapters. I wanted her to "get it" and that she did. She offered some constructive criticism and glowing compliments and encouragement. What else could you want from a fellow author?

Ms. Della Donna and I have yet to meet since she lives in the New York City area, but hope our paths will indeed cross one day. The woman with the lyrical name even twitters on my behalf...God bless her.

I've also met another author who I've dubbed as my "brother from another mother". He too, is a recluse who only wants his book to get the attention it deserves. His name is Brandon Shire and his novels prove to be dark, contemplative and rich with plot line and dilemma. We've become Goodreads buddies and virtual friends. A comfortable distance for two recluses who only want their books to do well.

Wordsmithing and finding like-minded scribes such as myself in the virtual beyond is one of the best things ever. Go ahead, check out their writing, you'll be glad you did. Thank you Ms. Della Donna and Brandon Shire.

JR Stone

Obliging the Readers...

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:07:00 +0000

It seems that my email bin is getting thick with questions, so I thought I would answer some of them in this space.

1. Are you really from the Golden Triangle area in S.E. Texas?
Yes. Born and raised in the Groves area although I have moved around since.

2. Why are you so secretive about your identity?
I don't think of it as being "secretive," but I am a very private person.

3. Is the main character in your novel real?
Nicholas and his story are completely from my imagination. I've been thinking about his story/plot line for several years, so I got to know him and his pain very well. In fact, when I was fleshing out Nicholas's personality, I wrote down some questions that I would ask him if he were a real person. Being able to imagine his answers only helped me to delve further into his psyche. I've had other authors ask me the same question after reading the book and I think my quirky way of fleshing out characters helped to make Nicholas and his family seem real.

4. What do you want people to take away from this book?
Everyone has their burden to carry and each person will deal with that load in various ways. I want people to know that spirituality and religion doesn't come in a nice, neat package, so don't assume there is only one way up the mountain. Spirituality should be all inclusive, not divisive.

5. What is your favorite part of the novel?
I have several and I don't want to give the plot away so I'll try to answer this without being a spoiler. I love the relationships Nicholas develops with certain characters in the book. For instance, I love the relationship between Nicholas and Greasy Adam. He steps into a big brother's role somewhat carelessly for Nick. Yet, he fills that vacant role well.

I love the way Nick's co-workers become his family. Every last one of them are odd ducks, yet they find each other and you can feel their bond. I love the way Charley and Nick connect. The trust they have with each other is amazing considering the path they each traveled before finding one another.

I wrote this book hoping the reader would be able to envision the characters and action. Those are the best kind of books.
*************
Now, if YOU have questions that you would like me answer, don't be shy! Contact me at authorjrstone@aol.com and ask away. By the way, if you've read the novel, do me a favor and post a review on amazon, will ya?

JRS

Bullied

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:50:00 +0000

I used to think that I was the only kid that had been bullied when I was growing up. As time passes, most "odd ducks" realize that they were not the only ones.

I often wonder what drives someone to become a bully? Insecurity? False sense of superiority? I don't know and I suppose I'll never know. All I know is that I've seen, experienced and read about some really horrible accounts of those who were bullied and it's enough to bring you to your knees at times.

My own account of bullying began early. It's the primary reason I hated school as badly as I did. Every day was a struggle to get up and face my opponents. While I experienced a garden variety of bullying tactics, none hurt as badly as when my school was adorned with graffiti that was directed directly at me. There's something about seeing words on display that were written with the intent to hurt and demean.

Thank God, I wasn't pushed to the point of ending my life over it. I've seen the PSA's about "It Gets Better". Yeah, it does. But damn, waiting for that day to come when it gets better can seem like a lifetime. That's one of the reasons I wrote The Long Road from Perdition. The tag line, "The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal," ring achingly true.

God bless the Odd Ducks.

JRS

Who IS JR Stone?

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:07:00 +0000

I hate that question. I bet if you were to interview as many authors as you could (me included), you would find that one of those authors absolutely HATES interviews. And, if you haven't figured it out by now, I am that author.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't want to get the word out about my latest novel. I do. I'm just not sure that I have enough charisma to tempt the potential reader into reading my book. Every author feels like they have written the best novel in the market and I'm no different. I want to read feedback from readers and see it reviewed in the newspapers and magazines. The only problem is that in order to do that, the author has to put him or herself "out there" along with their book for literary consumption.

Believe me, it's not a marketing scheme to claim the personality of being a recluse. I am what I am. In fact, I had a reporter from the Beaumont Enterprise approach me about an interview for the paper. I had to level with her; I don't do face to face interviews. I've been a writer for alot of years so it's not the fact that I'm a newbie. I can't make myself do them anymore. I prefer to let my writing do the talking for me. That's why when I found authonomy.com (Harper Collins's U.K. sister site) I was so pleased to find fellow authors praising my work. Writers are basically supportive of each other, but I was even surprised at the glowing reviews and references.

"...The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal." A book well worth reading from beginning to end. How many people can carry an unspoken burden for 23 years? Nick is a very sympathetic MC, with the brooding personality that suits his looks. I know some such . . . quite a few. Is all of this fiction? You manage to portray your characters in such a real way, I have to wonder. Very talented writer with the ability to sustain interest in the reader. Happy to have backed it and best with it."

The written word is powerful. Much more so than an author telling you that fact. So, Beaumont Enterprise, if you are still interested...allow me to stay in the shadows while you expose my words to your readers.

JRS

Charley

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:23:00 +0000

When I decided to write my novel, there were a few characters that I had in my head that I wanted to bring to life. One of those characters was a guy named Charley. Granted, he is a fictional character, but he is based on someone I used to know some years ago.

The only similarities between the character in my book and the guy I used to know was the number of years that it took to completely harness his hopefulness about life in general. You see, there was a time when "Charley" felt like he could make a difference. There was a time when he fell in love and didn't worry about getting hurt in return. It was just before the latter years that I wrote about Charley.

To me, he was a pure spirit. He had his faults as we all do, but he really tried to love better than he was loved, work harder than others worked for him and sometimes, people took advantage. It was during these times that I saw him help those down and out even though he couldn't see they were dragging him down with them.

Never mind trying to help him or warn him. People see what they want to see. While those who took advantage of Charley took on an ugly reflection, somehow, Charley was still able to see the beauty that had been lost long ago on these souls. It is then that I imagined Nicholas meeting Charley. Full of emotional baggage but able to love someone who felt totally unlovable without taking advantage.

Sometimes watching life happen is a cruel vision while being a writer can give solace to the weary.

Read about Charley in my novel. You'll be glad you did.

JRS

Now Begins the Marketing Process...

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:07:00 +0000

They say the easy part is writing the book. (I might beg to differ with that) Now, post novel, the author must bring out every nuance of their book to make it absolutely impossible to resist to their potential customers.

Easier said than done, my friends. I've held this story close to my chest for at least 3 years. I know the characters as if they were breathing, living human beings. I see this book as a movie because I can see expressions of my characters, the horror of discovering the death of a loved one, living through what seems to be hell, to live and re-live trauma until you're sick of it, questioning faith, questioning sexuality, not knowing where "home" really is and finally, going through the emotional work it takes to find your way back.

The book starts with a jolt and the main character, Nicholas becomes our guide into living within a dysfunctional family and trying to find some semblance of happiness. Sometimes we make it, sometimes we don't. That's our challenge.

For some reason, the actor Adrien Grenier reminds me of my MC, Nicholas. I guess he was my honorary muse. Who knows what will happen with this novel? The last word was written to the story, so I twittered Grenier to let him know. I've kept him apprised of my progress all along and offered links to my work along the way. I'm happy to say that the links were used. Now we'll have to see where this goes.

Next post, I'll talk about "Charley", the owner of a small drag bar in New Orleans and how he revealed himself to me.

JR

Purchase YOUR copy of My Novel HERE with a 30% discount while they last!

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:41:00 +0000

There is something powerful about holding your novel in your hands, the previews all in place, the fonts embedded and re-reading sections to make sure it's really YOUR book!

Well without further adieu; You can now purchase a pre-sale book right here: Coming to Amazon & other retailers soon.

Simply click on this link,
https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyProduct=18875409

and when it asks for a coupon code type: FEBRUARYCART305USD for 30% off!

Do me a favor will ya? Post a review for me. Or, just write me here and let me know what you thought of it. Be looking for more news about my novel soon!

JR

Discovering another Groves, Texas author

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:24:00 +0000

The other day, just for the hell of it, I googled "authors from Groves, Texas." I was expecting to see authors close to Groves, but no cigar. Well, I was wrong.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered Mary Karr's name staring back at me. I guess there was a pompous side of me that was convinced that no one from this little town boasted literary credentials. Now, if you're talking musicians, the Golden Triangle is bursting at the seams with such notables as Janis Joplin, The Winter brothers, George Jones, Percy Sledge, Jerry LaCroix, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and the list goes on and on.

I have to be honest though, while it is a well-known fact that musical pioneers are plentiful in southeast Texas, I find it intriguing to find another author who knows my town like I do. Granted, she lives in the New York area now, but now literary types have someone to look up to from our area now. They know the stifling heat, the oil refinery as the employment of choice and that life stops for the Pecan Festival each year. I remember picking up pecans in my family's yard so that we could sell them to pay for our taxes. Groves is a way of life. It just is. I can't say that I was always happy with the type of life it presented, but my main character in my new novel knows it as well as anyone.

I'd like to get Mary Karr to review my book before it goes to print. Maybe she'll be reminded of how it is to be from Groves and offer to do it for me.

Synopsis

Young Nicholas witnesses a horrifying scene leaving him emotionally broken only to discover, “The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal.”

Nicholas Fontenot is a precocious yet sensitive teenager who lives in an abusive home with his family. After witnessing a horrifying scene, his world is torn apart and leaves him emotionally broken. As the only witness of a grizzly crime, he is shuffled through the Foster Care system until he escapes his life of misery and abuse. Through his journey, Nicholas meets a kindred spirit in Charley, a drag queen and owner of an off the beaten path gay bar in New Orleans. A host of colorful characters within this bar become Nicholas’ extended family. Yet, his troubled past continues to haunt him until he is forced to leave the only happy home he has ever known . His struggles give new meaning and insight to the thought; “The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal.” His journey is a long one, but his travels to find peace is even longer. It is through his journey that he discovers "The Long Road from Perdition."

JRS

The Long Road from Perdition - Almost Set to PRINT

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:19:00 +0000

Days like today is always a proud day for an author. The manuscript you've been laboring over, staying up until all hours of the night rewriting, thinking about, wondering about it's success...is finally done.

Having said that, the easy part is over. What? The easy part? Hell yes. Now the marketing, promotion and social networking must be in full throttle. What I've been doing with this blog was only a warm up. So, now that the novel will soon be out, you'll be hearing alot more from me.

I dare say, I think this is the only novel ever to take place in the GT (Golden Triangle of SE Texas). You know, Groves, Port Arthur, Beaumont and the like. It's about time, really. I've always felt this area deserved some notariety for something other than the rich musical heritage.

I worked hard on this novel. Now it's YOUR turn to tell me if you like it. Here's a short synopsis on the back book cover:

Young Nicholas witnesses a horrifying scene leaving him emotionally broken only to discover, “The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal.”

Nicholas Fontenot is a precocious yet sensitive teenager who lives in an abusive home with his family. After witnessing a horrifying scene, his world is torn apart and leaves him emotionally broken. As the only witness of a grizzly crime, he is shuffled through the Foster Care system until he escapes his life of misery and abuse. Through his journey, Nicholas meets a kindred spirit in Charley, a drag queen and owner of an off the beaten path gay bar in New Orleans. A host of colorful characters within this bar become Nicholas’ extended family. Yet, his troubled past continues to haunt him until he is forced to leave the only happy home he has ever known . His struggles give new meaning and insight to the thought; “The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal.” His journey is a long one, but his travels to find peace is even longer. It is through his journey that he discovers "The Long Road from Perdition."

Well?

So, What was it like growing up in Groves? (The City on the Grow)

noreply@blogger.com (Author, JR Stone) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:54:00 +0000

I can tell you that I'm old enough that my generation grew up very different than the Gen Y'ers of today. I know it's hard to believe Virginia; but there weren't computers in every home. The only phones around were landlines. No cell phones, smart phones, Droids, texting are anything else.

It was a much quieter time in Groves back in the early 60's and 70's. Sometimes I think that's why more people in small towns branched out and moved to larger cities. While technology wasn't exactly exploding back then, there was nightlife, clubs, restaurants and a host of other places and circumstances where you could pick your poison.

Meanwhile, kids rode their bikes or walked as a means of transportation. There were basketball or football games in the park or someone's yard. Once you left home in the mornings, your time was your own until reporting back to dinner at the end of the day. If your Mom wanted to call you home, she simply stepped outside and yodeled your name which almost broke the sound barrier. There was more freedom without the technology.

It wasn't unusual to see kids reading a book on the front porch or just talking to friends that stopped by to say hello after riding their bikes to Jefferson City and back.

Today, I go to restaurants and notice people waiting in line, texting, phoning, Facebooking, Twittering and glancing at their watches impatiently. It amazes me that their children are completely mesmerized by video games and can text without even looking at the number pad on their phones. Why are we so fixated with technology all of the time? I can tell you this; Swamp Witch, Sarah Jane Road and other tall tales would never be discovered if everyone had their nose buried in their Ipads, cells or other media device 100% of the time.

It was a slower time, back then. But, it was also a better time too.