Featured in the Beaumont Enterprise

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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?

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...

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

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?

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