I wrote the bulk of this post earlier in the week, so the only thing I have for Linda’s prompt is this brief introduction. Not a normal Saturday post, but I like to shake things up every now and then.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “shake.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!
SoCS by Linda G. Hill
If we were having a beer, you’d be looking for answers.
“So, Dan. When were you going to tell me about the book?”
“The audiobooks?”
“No. I mean, the audiobooks are pretty cool, assuming you aren’t the voice behind that AI thing—personally, I hear enough of you every Saturday.”
“And I hear a lot from both of you. Can I assume I’ll hear the same thing today? One John Howell’s Bourbon Special and one Modelo draft?”
“Sounds good, Curley. Audio-boy is paying.”
“For the record, David, the audio is by a male voice with an American accent.”
“Accent? We don’t have an accent.”
“We do if you’re not from here.”
“Ok, none of that matters. I’m talking about the other book.”
“Here you go, Bourbon, seltzer, ice and cherries. Dan, here’s your beer.”
“Cheers Dan. Now, if you don’t mind, the other book.”
“I’m curious David…”
“You said you and Willow have been collaborating on a new book. Why wasn’t I informed?”
“You were. I mean not so many details, but I told you I was working on a new book.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t mention you were collaborating with Willow. Anyway, what’s it about? When will it be out? Are you giving me a copy like you usually do?”
“The book is a complex murder mystery.”
“You say complex like that’s something new. You make a recap of last night’s ballgame complex. Is this a Rascal Todd Mystery?”
“It is, but she’s not the sleuth, at least not the main one.”
“Is it set in Pittsburgh?”
“Yes, but the main character isn’t a native, and he visits a few other cities.”
“Is this a continuation of Bridge to Nowhere? I mean, you left some questions on the table.”
“It’s not a continuation. There’s no need to read Bridge to Nowhere first. But, if you did, you’ll get your answers.”
“So, how does Willow figure into this?”
“There’s a Poet in the book—pretty important character—Willow’s the Poet.”
“I can see that. How long have you guys been working on this?”
“About a year. Since last May.”
“Last May? A whole year? How did…”
“David, I know you have a ton of questions, but you’re getting ahead of me. I’ll have more for you in the near future.”
“Look, you got the audiobooks out, what else is there?”
“Well, I have another project I’m finishing next week. And then, the Thursday Doors Writing Challenge starts May first.”
“Are you going to write a story?”
“I hope to write a few, including one that might serve as the back story to a character in this next book.”
“Are you still taking doors? I was thinking that the door to this bar might be interesting.”
“It might be. Yes, if anyone has doors they want to include, there’s still time, but today is the deadline.”
“If they submit a door, do they have to write a story?”
“No, they can submit a door, actually three if they like, or create something or both. They don’t have to be a regular or even occasional contributor to Thursday Doors, either. Anyone can join the Writing Challenge.”
“Okay. I think I follow this convoluted story. I have to say, I thought you would take it easy after you retired. I think you’ve gotten worse.”
“Worse? You mean busier?”
“Depends on which barstool you’re on.”
“I see.”
“When do I get my copy of this book?”
“Early June—the second week.”
“Will you be asking for people to help launch the book?”
“Consider yourself asked.”
“Dan, I don’t have a blog. I doubt I’ll be of any help.”
“I am hoping to find some folks who’d be willing to help. Willow already has a couple of people lined up.”
“Sounds like you need to get your American accent in gear.”
I hope you will join me in welcoming the clear signs of spring showing up in our neighborhood. I’ve put quite a few in the gallery. It was a long cold winter, and I for one am happy to be walking early in the morning in a light hoodie.
If you are interested in helping us launch this book, shoot me an email (noFacilities at Gmail dot Com or my personal email if you have it) or leave a comment. We’ll have a nice package for people before the end of May.
All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.
No Facilities 
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