FIREBRAND's 10th Anniversary Celebration

October 2012 sees the tenth anniversary of FIREBRAND's publication! My, how time has flown.  Lots has happened in the course of those ten years.  My granddaughter was about six months old then and she and I were the first people to see the wonderful cover art Trace Edward Zaber did for the book.  I cried, she grapped for the computer screen.  Then came the agonizing wait for the book to actually come out in October. 

Everything was worth it though.  Firebrand was in the top ten best sellers at Amber Quill Press for it's first year in print.  It earned nominations for the EPPIE and the Dream Realm Award, plus many stellar reviews.

Not long after it came out, my husband and I moved from South Dakota, returning to our native Indiana.  Sadly, I had to leave behind my beloved Black Hills Writers Group.  All the friends who had read and critiqued and made FIREBRAND the book that it is.  They are the best of friends.  I will always be grateful for all their love and support.  But even harder for me was having to leave the most awesome job in the universe: working for Lori Spiers at Everybody's Bookstore in Rapid City, SD.  I could write a whole blog post just on that, but I would start crying, so it would take a long time to do! 

After settling back into Hoosier land, I found the Indy Writer's Group.  Kate Chaplin, the founder of the Indy Writer, is an independent film maker.  She GETS Lin.  There has been talk about FIREBRAND the movie.  I have samples of the script in progress posted here.

2007 saw the release of book two of my House of Pendragon series--The Recruit.  It has earned several awards and loads of fabulous reviews, too.

The granddaughter who was 6 months old when FIREBRAND was published will be 10 herself in a few weeks,  She now has a four year old brother!  They are, of course, awesome!

And that brings us to today.  It has been ten years.  The time has flown by.  It may not be a huge seller, but I am glad I went with Amber Quill Press because I doubt it would still be in print for me to be celebrating. 

Finding your characters come to life while shopping

Gareth of Orkney works at our local Meijer! Well, at least as I see the character. Same shoulder-length, straight, dark blonde hair. Tied back in a ponytail, with the front strands falling free. Everything about his face was just as I see Gareth when I’m writing. I even got to see him twice while I was shopping. Makes me want to make up excuses to shop there. Oh! I need a pack of gum. Need to go to Meijer, hun!

Seeing that young man, though got me thinking, which prompted me to write this blog. As I was driving home, it was like his spirit was returning to me. His character. I sensed his smile, like when I’m on a roll writing a scene with him and Lin. I sensed him wanted to be with Lin. That’s been too long for him since we’ve been crafting the story.

I realize this third book has been nearly impossible for me to write. It has taken far too long. I think part of it is Lin’s reluctance to relate her love of Gareth with Ris listening. And it’s like she resists me. But with the return of Gareth practically in the flesh—well, neither of us can ignore the issue. If it’s a reminder to me, it must be for her, too. She cared too much for him. Maybe this is a prompt to get us both to take up the story again.

The Arthur ap Morfudd episodes

New one goes live on 7-30-12! Squeaked in with an episode. Too bad I had to miss my other one earlier this month, but it fell during my time at InConJunction. Head-on collision with Doctor Who. But Arthur and Sian are now in London. They are free from the slaver, or are they??? Wiil post the link when I have it.

The Arthur ap Morfudd episodes

I hope everyone has been enjoying the episodes of Arthur ap Morfudd at the Once Upon a Time collective story. I'm due to get another episode by Sunday and I'm not sure which way to go. I know I need to get young Arthur to London by the end of the episode. But I'm torn. Do I get him to London for an auction, and possibly another character in the collective buying him? Or: have him and his friend Sian escape, and make their way to London on their own.

I got the new Rush studio album today, and they aren't helping me creatively. I am usually inspired by new Rush music.

Leave a comment on what you prefer!

Love and thanks as always for reading,
Debra

FIREBRAND: The Movie another sample

I haven't done anymore work on FIREBRAND: the Movie lately. Reached a point that requires condensing and composite sort of work. Much of Lin's interior thoughts will need to get adapted into dialogue with Dafydd. Some of it can be cut or moved. So, I'm doing the mental work with that right now.

Since the last sample seemed to be a hit, I thought I would post more. This scene isn't in the book at all, but it explains a lot that gets told to Lin towards the end of the book. I coudn't write it into the book because of the 1st person point of view, but the movie will make more sense with it shown.

So here's another scen from FIREBRAND. Enjoy!

Int. Bedchamber - Camelot - day

A royal bedchamber, richly appointed. Large bed, piled with pillows and heavy furs. Tapestries on walls. Chests for clothes. Braziers for warmth and light. Chairs. Side table. On the floor near the bed is a cradle, draped with cloth. A WOMAN, early 20's with auburn hair, in a simple gown kneels over the cradle. Grief stains her face.

A door opens. A MAN, 25 with spun gold hair and clear blue eyes, enters. He wears 5th century period armor. Leather boots, ring mail and a deep red cloak draped over his shoulders. He watches the woman briefly.

Arthur

Gwenhwyfar? My son?

The woman turns to face Arthur, her hand still on the cradle.

Gwenhwyfar

She is dead, Arthur. We had a daughter, not a son. And she died in her cradle. I just got the message from Morgause a few days ago.

ARTHUR

Morgause? What does my sister have to do with our daughter?

GWENHWYFAR

She came to Camelot while you were gone. She got here just as my labor began. Arthur, she was so helpful. She took charge of the birthing.

(pause)

She was so wise, and very kind to me. She thought you might be angry to have a daughter rather than a son. And I see she may have been right about you after all.

Arthur stares at his wife. Then at the empty cradle.

ARTHUR

Angry? Did you really believe I would be angry to have a daughter?

Gwenhwyfar nods.

ARTHUR

And you sent her to Dunn na Carraice with Morgause?

GWENHWYFAR

To keep her safe until . . . Until you wanted her.

Arthur crosses the room and kneels beside Gwenhwyfar next to the cradle.

ARTHUR

What did you name her?

GWENHWYFAR

Helin.

ARTHUR

My love. I would have fought the hounds of hell for our little girl.


CRAWL: 5 years later

Firebrand: The Movie: a sample

Chapter 8 of Firebrand, condensed to screenplay format. Any critiques?

*****
Lin is alone, lying on the stone floor.

LIN 12

(whispers)

I'm sorry, Dafydd. Please come back. Don't leave me alone.

The door to the hut opens and closes. Muffled footsteps are heard crossing the room.

MODRED 17

So. Your precious brother has left you to suffer alone. About time the lazy idler returned to his duties. I should have him at the post too, for wasting so much time.

(pause)

How dare you look at me? have you no manners? Do you not know who i am?

He jabs Lin in the side with the toe of his boot.

LIN 12

I know you, prince.

MODRED 17

Why do you not address me properly? Are you not afraid of me?

LIN 12

Should I be?

MODRED 17

I am your master. I can have you beaten for your insolence. I can have you flogged simply because i desire to see you bleed.

LIN 12

Am I so special, that a prince desires to see my blood?

MODRED 17

Silence.

(pause)

You gave quite a show today. Much better than I expected.

He paces around Lin, still half-lying on the floor. He stops when he comes full circle. He stoops and hooks his fingers around Lin'd collar. He lifts her up, holding her a little off the floor briefly. Lin struggles to keep her torn gown on her shoulders.

Modred chuckles.

MODRED 17

You are mine now, did you know? Mother gave you to me as a gift. Just this morning.

Lin glares at him.

MODRED 17

You're still to proud.

Modred strikes Lin across her cheek.

MODRED 17

The overseer did not beat you hard enough today. I should have handled the whip myself. nest time, I think I shall. It's the only thing slaves understand. You're too stupid for anything else.

(pause)

I can do whatever I like with you now. Do you realize that?

Lin doesn't answer.

MODRED 17

Answer me.

(pause)

Answer me, cumal.

LIN 12

(through clenched teeth)

Yes.

Modred hits her face again.

MODRED 17

Yes, what?

LIN 12

Yes, prince.

MODRED 17

Still so very proud. No matter. i shall break you of that soon enough. You shall learn to address me properly.

(pause)

I wanted your dear brother as well, you know.

LIN 12

Leave Dafydd alone.

MODRED 17

I can do as I please with him. And you. Never forget that. The next time you dare command me, i might not be as easily amused.

(pause)

Put your arms down.

She struggles to keep the torn gown up.

He gives her collar a twist.

MODRED 17

Are you deaf as well as stupid? I gave an order, slave.

Lin lowers her arms. Modred, still holding her by the collar, jerks her garment down.

MODRED 17

I can do whatever I please with you. I think I'll use you as my whore. Now.

He shoves her to the stone floor, and kneels over her. Lin struggles beneath him, looking for a weapon. The sheath for the prince's meatknife is empty. She uses the only weapon she has, her hands. She rakes her nails down Modred's cheek.

He recoils, and Lin is able to wriggle free. She creeps backward, but before she can get far, Modred grabs her ankle and pulls her towards him. He locks both of her wrists with one of his and flips her over. He sits on her and uses her gown to tie her hands. He flips her onto her back again and shoves a cloth into her mouth.

MODRED 17

Lest you get the notion to bite.

(pause)

Much better. Shall we start again?

He unties the laces of his trews and thrusts himself between her legs. He finishes. There is blood streaked on her legs and on him.

MODRED 17

You were still virgin. n How absolutely delicious.

(pause)

Well, now you're a whore, just like your mother. I could sell you this very moment.

He tucks his tunic back into his trews and relaces them.

MODRED 17

But I won't. Not yet, anyway, because I want the pleasure of seeing your pride finally broken to be mine. Be assured, I will do it, and Iwill enjoy it. i want your brother to be there when you call me "master". For that, slave, I am. You will not have a moment to forget it.

He jerks the cloth out of her mouth. She gasps for air. He walks from the hut, wiping his hands on his trews.

LIN 12

(whispers hoarsely)

Bastard.

She struggles out of her bonds and cleans herself up as best as she can before falling into exhausted sleep.

fade out:

The Hero's Journey

Thought I'd share the notes I prepared for InConJunction this weekend!

Joseph's Campbell's 'Hero's Journey' structure as revised by Chris Vogler in his "The Writer's Journey: Mythich Structure for Writers" 2nd Edition.

I think all writers use this struture on an instinctual level because it is so universal.

Not all these events will occur in every hero's journey. And the steps don't always appear in their exact order.

Act 1
The scene is set and the hero sets out.
1. Ordinary World
The story starts in the ordinary world where the hero is going about everyday existence, oblivious of the adventures to come. This anchors the hero as a human, just like you and me, and hence we can associate our selves with the hero.
2. Call to Adventure
The hero is next presented with a wrong done, a problem or challenge which she feels she must resolve. Thus the king calls for someone to save the realm from a marauding enemy, a private detective has a client bring in a difficult case or an attractive other person is spotted in a bar. Thus the challenge is set, to defeat the enemy, solve the murder or win the heart of the other person.
3. Refusal of the Call
The hero may well balk at the thought of the task ahead, perhaps refusing the challenge or has second thoughts. The problem seems too much to handle and the comfort of home seems more attractive than the rough wilderness or dangerous streets.
This would be our own response and we thus bond further with the reluctant hero.
4. Meeting the Mentor
The mentor appears to help the hero prepare for the road ahead. Thus Gandalf, Obi-wan Kenobi and a host of other wise and experienced people teach the hero the skills she needs and gives her critical knowledge to help her survive.
5. Crossing the Threshold
Eventually the hero is ready to act and crosses the threshold, often literally as she leaves the family homestead on their journey into the unknown.
Act 2
The main action happens as the hero survives the road and achieves her goal.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies
Once out in the big wide world, the hero is confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that she may face, ranging from minor skirmishes and struggles against weather and terrain to riddles and various setbacks that would defeat a lesser person.
In this way the hero's character is both highlighted and developed. Now bonded to the hero, we feel a vicarious sense of pleasure as these challenges are met.
7. Approaching the Inmost Cave
At last the final destination lays ahead and the hero, battered but wiser from her trials along the way must prepare for the ultimate test. In ancient legend, a typical 'innermost cave' is the land of the dead or a labyrinth. It is the lair of the dread enemy where no help may be found and only deep courage will win through. Another threshold must be crossed here to enter the dragons' den of the innermost cave.
We swallow hard, as does the hero, at the thought of what might go wrong. To approach the innermost cave is to face death and still go on. This pause helps show the hero as still human and helps build the story tension before the high point of the story.
8. The Crisis / Supreme Ordeal
At last the hero must face her deepest fears, typically in battle with the dark villain. This is the ultimate test that the hero takes, where the real story perhaps is the inner battle whereby the hero overcomes her own demons in facing up to the enemy outside.
As observers, we feel scared for the hero and may be terrified that she might fail or die. In so doing we also face and, with the hero, overcome our own inner fears.
9. Seizing the Reward
In defeating the enemy, the hero is transformed into a new state where fears are vanquished and the new fearless person is born. The reward in the story may be gaining new knowledge, a treasure or rescuing a princess, but the inner reward is in the personal growth that is achieved.
Act 3
10. The Road Back
After the story has reached its main peak the transformed hero sets out home again. Having gained the treasure she has no need for more adventure and nothing left to prove and so sets out back home again.
The return home is a reverse echo of crossing the threshold when setting out on the adventure. In contrast to the earlier anticipation of danger, the anticipation now is of acclaim and rest.
11. The Climax / Resurrection
The story has one last trick up its sleeve now, having lulled its audience into a false sense of security, as one last challenge faces the hero. Perhaps the villain was not completely vanquished or perhaps there are other people in need on the way back -- whichever way, we are again plunged into another climactic event, just when we thought it was safe to breath easy again.
In ancient stories, the hero has to be purified before return. After the toil of the journey and the ordeal, they are formally reborn into a new and beautiful form.
12. Return with the Elixir
Finally, the hero returns to the hero's welcome, gives the treasure to the proper recipient and receives her just reward, whether it is the hand of the princess, the acclaim of the people or simply a well-deserved rest.
In this final part, all tensions are resolved and all unanswered questions answered, leaving the reader of the story satisfied and replete.

Common Archetypes in the Hero’s Journey

1) HERO: represent’s the ego’s search for identity and wholeness. The hero must sacrifice for the betterment of her society. The hero must transcend the boundaries of the ego and incorporate all aspects of her personality into the SELF.
2) MENTOR (wise old man or woman): usually a positive figure who aids or trains the hero. The mentor may teach, give gifts, or act as the higher moral conscience of the hero.
3) THRESHOLD GUARDIANS: represent obstacles that the hero must overcome as they cross into new worlds. They are menacing, but they can be bypassed or overcome by the worthy hero.
4) HERALD: a force that brings a challenge to the hero. A herald will issue a challenge and announce the coming of significant change. This challenge or announcement shifts the hero’s balance, and forces her to make a life changing decision.
5) SHAPESHIFTER: an elusive archetype, often of the opposite sex, who constantly changes from the hero’s point of view. They may mislead the hero, and their loyalty or sincerity is constantly in question. Shapeshifters may often appear in disguise or masks.
6) SHADOW: represents the dark side; the unexpressed, unrealized, or rejected aspects of something. Shadows are the things humans do not want to admit about themselves (stored in the unconscious). The Shadow is often projected onto a villain, antagonist, or enemy of the hero.
7) Trickster: embodies the energy of mischief and the desire for change. Clowns and comical sidekicks often represent this archetype.

I found a good worksheet on this website:
http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/00800/journey.htm
Need to scroll down for the link.

Writing FIREBRAND: Year One

There wasn't a single entry in the 1992 journal for March. Now I'm curious as to what I actually did in that time period. Seems like, if we don't write it down it's forgotten and like it never happened at all. I no doubt bundled up in my winter clothes and parka and boots and all and tucked the cassette walkman in my coat pocket and took long walks, like to the frozen lake. One of my favourite winter spots to walk to: the lake on K I Sawyer. I'd trudge across the frozen snow covered park and climb up the life guard's chair and sit, listening to my music and listening to what Lin might have been saying to Dafydd, or whoever. Then I'd go back home and warm up and wait for the kids to get home from school. Often Bill would come home from work early and then Lin would shut up, like she was guarding a secret from Bill. I was still learning to fit into my new role as a writer.

Diva Night Event @ the Art Bank

A booksigning in an old bank--inside the vault. And no camera. But I was captured on canvas by talented Indiana artist, Gretchen Ten Eyck Hunt.

Birthdays and memories and perseverance

Today is my birthday and instead of me writing a blog I want you to read my friend Kate's blog today. She made me cry with her beautiful tribute not just to me but to Lin and Firebrand and the Pendragon series.

My best birthday present!

Discussion Question for Firebrand #1

1) Authors are often asked: do you have a favorite character? For me
it's: Dafydd or Lin? (and I admit a partiality to Dafydd.) I'd like to propose a variant of that for my readers. Which character do you admire more: Lin or Dafydd or another in Firebrand, or even Recruit? Why? Which do you relate to more closely?

Writing FIREBRAND Year One

I'm glad I started this project--re-reading and posting old journal entries from when I was creating the first part of Lin's story. Through it I have embarked on an interesting personal journey. It's fun to see what I planned to have in the book and compare it to what it evolved into.

But enough of 2011 for now. Let's swirl back in time to 1992.

*****

More snow. Eight inches over night-ick. Great neighbors. Someone cleared our driveway with their snow blower. Yes, there is a god. There is no way I would have been able do that myself with a shovel. Yes, David (teenage son) could have helped--tag-team! And if Bill were home and not in California!! Anyway, the neighbor must have seen us struggling and like a knight in shining armour came to our rescue. Bless him!

I'm making forward progress with the book. Wish I could get backwards as well. Guess I just need to get chapter one refined before I can move on. It's going like a jigsaw puzzle--one piece here, another there, yet another somewhere else all together. How will it all fit together?

Yikes! Chapter one is depressing. I can't wait to get out of it. It's so down and somber and dark. I was not made to be a soldier. Wow! Lin just snuck that one in on me. Thanks. Nothing short of a complete re-write will do. It all seems to be there now. If I could just shape it so that it flows better. And stop worrying about making it too long. This is a novel, I don't have to think about length--there are no such restrictions. I am my own bitterest enemy in this journey.

So. What do we have? Lin and Gareth. He's what? Six years older? A love match? Where do they meet, if Lin doesn't grow up in Camelot? Meet in the kitchen of Camelot. The Beaumains story from the Malory tradition? Gareth goes off on his fate first. Within a year Lin ends up learning her birthright. How? We'll work it out later. The friendship of Lin and gareth resumes, etc. Did Gareth and Lin marry? Good question. And what about Dafydd? And how does Lin get to the kitchen?

Lin's marriage would definitely be a frequent topic, since she's Arthur's daughter. Gawain (15 years older)would be first choice as husband. Gawain was head of that clan. Age wouldn't matter to parents. It would to Lin. She could work to convince them of a love match. She and Gareth are at least hand-fast/betrothed before he dies. (Malory tradition: Lancelot kills gareth in Guinevere's rescue.) In our story: how? Why? At Camlann?

Lin doesn't marry Gaheris (seven years older) right away after Camlann. A year later? When is Bear/Arthur conceived?

My head hurts! Time to rest and let things stew a bit. We'll come back to this later.

****
This was a fun entry to rediscover. Great insight to my process. It hasn't changed a bit. I still go roundabout with things. Get on tangents that I think are important to the book and fixate on them. Funny how none of that working in Camelot's kitchen ever wound up in Firebrand! I had some interesting scenes running through my head. And the book would have been very different had I gone that route. But I think I saw how cliched the scenario was.

Had to laugh about me fretting over things getting too long--I still have that trouble with book three!!

Thanks for reading,
Debra

Writing FIREBRAND Year One

K I Sawyer AFB, MI
(Marquette, MI)
February 5, 1992

Well, Gareth has made his intro in a grand way yesterday. From out of no where, he stepped into a scene with Lin. So now I have Lin, Gareth, Gaheris (Ris), Bedivere, and Dafydd for sure. Gwen is still silent. Also still silent: Arthur, Lancelot, Merlin, Modred . . . The list of characters is endless!

But today? It's quiet in Camelot. I'm procrastinating. I have to re-write chapter one again and don't want to. It's a lovely, sunny day. I think I'll go into town awhile. Then I'll work on the re-write.

****

I remember that scene of Gareth and Lin talking. It never made it into FIREBRAND, of course because the book wound up taking a different course; focusing on Lin's years of slavery in Orkney. At this point in the brainstorming, I was still thinking that the slavery years would get glossed over. That in the course of the character relating her life story, she'd mention the slavery and then move on to meeting her dad and getting to Camelot. I still had a long way to go. And the scene didn't make it into RECRUIT either, but it led to something I did eventually use in RECRUIT only without Gareth. If you've read RECRUIT, it's the scene right after she's broken Cerdic's nose and she's sweeping out the stable as her punishment for fighting in the ranks and her dad shows up. Originally it was Gareth first and then dad. I decided that we didn't need both and dad was more important. But Gareth got the scene going for me, so thumbs up to him.

My list of characters is also interesting. People who have read FIREBRAND and RECRUIT will notice that there is no sign of Merlin! And there will be none in the rest of the series.

And as for putting off the re-write? I was still doing it long-hand at the time. On loose leaf paper, with fountain pen. And there were about 35 of those pieces of paper that I would have to re-copy like a medieval monk in a scriptorium.

Thanks for reading,
Debra

Writing FIREBRAND Year One

As promised!

K I Sawyer, MI
(Marquette, MI)
January 27, 1992

Journal time. My word. Such progress. And content. How did I know all that? Wow. Weekends are nearly hopeless. Summer will be impossible. Well, one thing about the kids coming home from school--they bring me back to the 20th century every now and then. And that's not a bad thing. Not good to stay too long in the Dark Ages.

Keep saying I'm going to take a a walk, but never do. Just not the same as the country lanes I wandered in England. My, it's nearly a year since we had to leave. Talked to Bill (hubbie). He is really encouraging. He likes the samples I've sent so far. Been reading and re-reading what I've written so far. The latest 2 pages gave me shivers and the fear for my own sanity--that I could 'dream" that up!

Lin is telling the story to her daughters! She has two and she's about 4 months pregnant with another child. Possibly a son as well? (Art?)

*****

A bit of brain-storming there I see. So, Bear didn't exist right away. Interesting how things evolve in creating stories. I had forgotten that bit, that I thought of the daughters first, but not her son. Must have been a feminism thing I was striving for deep down. Not sure what I wrote thast gave me shivers though--maybe the bit towards the end of chapter one where she's recalling the horrors of the battle-field. It must be that cuz I couldn't have had much more of the story by then.

Colosseum Saved by Shoes?

This may not be Arthurian, but it is historical. And preserving history is always cool.

Colosseum Restoration

Besides, there was no entry for today in the '92 journal.

Thanks for reading,
Debra

Go Bears!

Just saying. Besides, there's nothing in the 1992 journal to share today. Lin talked to me a little yesterday. Wrote a few pages for book #3 in the House of Pendragon series--The Shield-bearer. She just called her dad a liar and a fraud. In the Round Table Hall. In front of all the knights. And she has walked out. (After being a knight for less than a whole day.) Now she's realizing what she's done. Do I send her to the tavern to drown her sorrows in ale? Or do I send her to her room to pack, intending to leave Camelot?

What would Lin do?

Update from the Indy Branch of Camelot

Although written in 1992 my journal entry for this date inspired me to return to my roots. Not sure if I actually went downstairs to watch CAMELOT that night--probably just Arthur's soliloquy. I did watch it today and felt a familiar jolt. I think may Lin have returned. Or even Arthur himself. I paid particular attention to the second part when Mordred comes to Camelot. I know I was drawn to Arthur's sorrow and loneliness and the destruction of the Table. It must have struck a chord back then too. I wish they had drawn out the story line of Mordred just a little more. David Hemmings played him well and I wanted more! I also found myself crying for Guinevere for the first time ever! I have never cried for Gwen. But Vanessa Redgrave's portrayl was so moving in that final scene when she's talking about forgiveness. I guess I just haven't watched it start to finish in quite a long time. I usually just watch Arthur's speech and that Round Table scene.

Writing FIREBRAND Year One

Settled on the brown ink for this one.

K I Sawyer AFB, MI
(Marquette, MI)
January 18, 1992

It is after 1 am and I'm still wide awake. Nothing new to write. Had a small bit for the story "Visions of Avalon", continuing with events happening the day after. Introduced two new characters. Who are they? They will be interesting to get to know. Tighan and Elen. Plus mentioned two others. Lots to do. People to meet and learn about. Become friends with. And me as shy as I am!

Nowhere near being tired. Maybe I'll watch Arthur's soliloquy in "CAMELOT". Good idea!

****

Fun, both Tighan and Elen wound up in FIREBRAND. Elen as Dafydd's mother and Tighan as a slave. Lin and Dafydd meet her in the slave's camp after being transported from Orkney to Britain's mainland. Dafydd and Tighan become instant friends. Lin, as usual, isn't so sure. She resists making friends with anyone because she's afraid she will lose that friend because of their slavery.

Writing FIREBRAND Year One

I'm still awake. Thought I would get this one up early. I volunteer at my local library's book sale room a few hours on Sundays, so I may not get to this!

Are you ready?

K I Sawyer AFB, MI
(Marquette, MI)
January 16, 1992

At least two volumes.
Dedicate to A. E. (Arthur Erickson)

****

There are only a few people in the world who know the significance of Arthur Erickson in my life. I will leave it that way for now. But I changed my mind when the time came for a dedication when the book came out. Still searching though and he's half of the reason for my e-mail--FerchArthur.

Writing FIREBRAND Year One

This is a colorful entry! I started in black ink--ball point. Switched to brown ink--fountain pen. Tried green for a few words. Then red - the line: "I've died and gone to heaven". (The line of my letters was very smooth.) Then there are a few sentences in a bright blue and I really didn't like the pen, but I do like the color. I finally ended in brown.

K I Sawyer AFB, MI
(Marquette, MI)
January 15, 1992

Journal time. Not much new. No new earth shattering inspirations on Camelot. Not that ideas have stopped! They keep coming faster than I can sort them. They've been keeping me up to the wee hours lately.

I'm sure the neighbors will be glad when I get some new music. Wish I could find a new Marillion or Chris de Burgh CD. That would be brilliant. Need to write some letters. To Bill, Jan, etc. Need to get groceries, go to finance. Payday errands. The usual. More later!

(Brown ink) Wow! Check this out. A brown Berol. (Loved that pen company!) Got a red and a green as well, plus a few more blue! Yippee!! Found a place that can order them for me. All right. Check it out, great color. I've died and gone to heaven.

Check out the Varsity. Nope. Not the same, too splotchy. Nice color though. Save it for emergencies only. Ick.

Love the Berol!

***

There is just something about the write pen in hand. It's weight and balance. Kinda like a sword has to be right. Right, Lin?