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Joyce Scarbrough
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
443
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 15, 2004 - 07:20 am: |   |
I read a book entitled My Sweet Charlie when I was a teenager. It was about an uneducated Southern white girl who had been kicked out of her home by her father for getting pregnant and a Northern black man on the run after an incident at a protest march. The two are thrust together when they choose to hide out for the winter in the same empty summer house. Their initial hatred slowly changes as they reluctantly get to know each other, and they end up with a bond of friendship strong enough to change their lives.
I never forgot the book for its moving message and memorable characters, and many images from it stayed with me every single time I did certain things (like drink a Dr. Pepper.) So, when I found a used copy for sale on Amazon.com, I ordered it immediately and read it again over the weekend. I loved it just as much as I did the first time and--now that the Internet has shrunk the world--had to write the author, David Westheimer, and let him know how much his book means to me. He's in his eighties now but is a regular contributor to the Senior Women's Web. In my message to him, I mentioned that since he is still writing, I'd keep hoping for the sequel I had always wished he'd written. He responded graciously and said he had never considered writing a sequel to My Sweet Charlie, then he gave me his permission to try writing one myself. 
I didn't mention anything about my book or even being a writer, but there was a link to Authors Den under my name, so I guess he went there and read some of my work. I can't tell you how flattered I am that he would give me permission to write a sequel to his wonderful book. I'm not sure I have the guts to do it (how daunting to live up to a book so moving!) but his confidence in my ability meant the world to me.
In the face of all the rejection, criticism, and doubt we all face daily in fighting to make it in the writing world, moments like this are rare and precious, and I just wanted to share mine with folks who would understand how much it meant to a struggling writer.
Keeping the faith!
Toyce
True Blue Forever
Read the first chapter at http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1
Read two chapters of Different Roads at http://www.authorsden.com/visit/mtr.asp?id=7737&loc=ShortStory
Read my interview at http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=authors.interview&interview_id=44
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Joy Lee Rutter
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
393
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 15, 2004 - 07:39 am: | |
What a wonderful opportunity! My vote is to go for it. You may not be able to copy his writing style, (or even want to), but you can make the characters come back to life, add a twist that is all your own, and do keep us posted on your decision.
Joy
Joy
http://behlerpublications.com/titles-rutter.asp |
Mary Erickson
Hunger Member
Post Number:
67
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 06:54 am: | |
Toyce, that's indeed one of those moments that make being a writer all worth it. It sounds like fun, and I'll bet you'll do a great job.
Mary |
Bill Nelson
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
733
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 09:22 am: | |
In a heartbeat. Don't even think about "his" style when you do it.
That's a great story, kiddo.
bn |
Joyce Scarbrough
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
447
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 11:25 am: | |
Thanks, folks. I think I'm gonna do it. Bill, have you read it? I loaned my copy to my 15-year-old daughter and told her it was required reading. If the schools can get away with it, mothers should be able to!
Trouble is, I just got worked up about a historical novel I've decided to write set in post-Civil War Texas, so I'm deep into Lone Star history right now. More good news for you, Bill. I may be calling on you with some questions about your beloved state.
Toyce
True Blue Forever
Read the first chapter at http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1
Read two chapters of Different Roads at http://www.authorsden.com/visit/mtr.asp?id=7737&loc=ShortStory
Read my interview at http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=authors.interview&interview_id=44
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