It’s a special Saturday at the bar, so I’m going to dive right in and try to wrap our conversation around Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt, which is:
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘ground.’ Use it as a noun or a verb in any tense (i.e. grind). Have fun!”
If we were having a beer, you would be in for a big surprise.
“Ah, my young friend, you’re here early today.”
“Well, David, it’s a special day.”
“Aw, I’m honored. Cheryl, get this man a beer.”
“I’ll get him that beer, but I don’t think you’re what’s making the day special, David.”
“Oh? Oh well, it doesn’t matter. Set me up with some John Howell’s Bourbon, ice and a snifter of seltzer, anyway.”
“Coming right up.”
“So, Dan, if it isn’t me, what is making this day special?”
“A friend is visiting. Her virtual plane in on the ground; she’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“Have I met this friend?”
“No, I don’t believe you know her.”
“But I do. Here’s your bourbon ensemble, David. I added some cherries to make you feel special. I’ll be back with your beer, Dan.”
“Thanks Cheryl, but I’m confused. Both of you know this person, but I don’t?”
“Correct, but that will change, I think I see her coming.”
“Hmmm, that face looks familiar. Is that…no, it couldn’t be…Is that Damyanti Biswas?”
“Yes it is. Damyanti, how are you?”
“I’m fine Dan. Delighted to be here. Cheryl, it’s great to see you.”
“Hi Damyanti. It’s so good to see you. Dan, here’s your Corona, Damyanti, is it trite to assume you want a Singapore Sling?”
“Ha ha – it goes with the territory, but it is bright and colorful, and I like that.”
“Hel-lo…”
“Oh, David. Forgive me. Damyanti, this is David.”
“Hi David. It’s nice to meet you. Dan has told me a lot about you.”
“I didn’t even know he knew you. Dan…?”
“I’m sorry, David. I ‘met’ Damyanti years ago when she was writing in the April A-to-Z challenge. I’ve followed her ever since. I previewed her book and when available, I bought – You Beneath Your Skin.”
“I think I need to get a copy of that, Dan.”
“Here’s your Singapore Sling, Damyanti. This is on the house, in honor of your book and the great cause you’re supporting.”
“Supporting a cause? I’m not sure I understand.”
“Thanks Cheryl. David, I work with Project Why, a charity helping Delhi’s underprivileged children. All the proceeds from this book are going to that charity.”
“That’s fantastic. Good for you! Would you mind if I ask you a couple of questions about the book?”
“Hmmm, ask an author to talk about her book…yes, I think that’s OK.”
“I’ve only read some reviews, but I like to know why authors make certain choices. For example, your main character is Indian American.”
“Yes, Anjali is Indian American. She has the perspective of both an insider and outsider, having lived all her life in the States, and only the last twelve years in New Delhi.”
“In the blurb, you make New Delhi sound rather similar to Dan’s childhood home in Pittsburgh in the 50s.”
“If that equates to a menacing smoggy, cold place, then I think it’s the right comparison.”
“Well, I wouldn’t have called Pittsburgh menacing, but…”
“If I can chime in, I like the fact that you didn’t sensationalize the violence.”
“Thanks Cheryl. I tried not to, even though there was no way to avoid it. Like the poverty and rage, the violence is all too real.”
“I liked the fact that, it wasn’t the typical crime novel, you know, it’s not just a whodunit.”
“I tried to make it more of a ‘whydunit’ Dan, you know, examining how family can lead to crime, and how crime affects families.”
“It would seem it would be hard to work acid attacks into that.”
“Acid attacks didn’t become a part of the plot until the second draft, but once I met Acid Attack survivors, I knew there was no looking back—the experience was overwhelming and moving.”
“I can only imagine.”
“You guys doing OK over here?”
“I could use another beer, Cheryl.”
“I’ll have another splash of bourbon.”
“Damyanti?”
“Oh, I’m good. One of these is quite enough.”
“OK, before I load these two up again, I need to know something.”
“What’s that Cheryl.”
“Anjali is a perfectionist. Is she modeled after anyone we know?”
“Ha ha – I am a bit of a perfectionist. I’m trying to get over that, but I always do more than required, and am baldly honest about everything.”
“Clearly, but you care about people.”
“I also care about my causes: Project WHY and Stop Acid Attacks—and I work for education and women’s empowerment, which are the long-term solutions for violence against women.”
“Let me get those drinks. Dan, why don’t you tell David how he can buy the book.”
“Good idea, Cheryl.”
David, and anyone else who’s interested, you can follow these links to purchase You Beneath Your Skin:
Hashtag for all social media: #YouBeneathYourSkin
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