This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Eric Grandy will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
I enjoy story telling. Because I came to writing late, I have a lifetime of knowledge and experience to draw from. I use those memories to create intriguing characters, generate absorbing plots and weave unique situations. I assign peculiar traits and tendencies to my characters that make them memorable. For instance, a main character, Wilson Davenport, always rises onto the balls of his feet to emphasize a point when he stands to talk.
Fiction, in my opinion, allows for reality based creativity. I like to incorporate real life occurrences and I introduce my audience to my character’s thoughts and actions, strengths and weaknesses, thereby making them more relatable.
I enjoy the challenge of problem solving; writing myself into a corner and figuring my way out in an interesting and absorbing way. On page 85 of “Accidental Paradise”, my character, rookie talent agent named Darien Cheek, bares his soul in his attempts at signing LaVern as a client. Initially, I had no idea how this scene would unravel. How would he convince the leery LaVern Whitaker to sign with his agency? I think I resolved the dilemma in a reader-pleasing way.
Writing also keeps me in close association with other creative people. There is a vibrant artist community here in Baltimore of writers, poets, painters and others. Their creativity stimulates me. Darien Cheek explains it perfectly, “Artists start with a blank slate. A sculptor begins with a slab of marble, a painter begins with a blank canvas, a writer starts with an idea. After they apply their artistry and ingenuity they have, seemingly out of thin air, created this amazing work of art.” That’s how I feel about writing.
Being published makes me a member of an exclusive club. Most people start, but don’t finish their novel. Finishing “Accidental Paradise” only whet my appetite to write more. It feels good to know that my work will be here long after I’m gone.
Natural talent, hard work, and a childhood friend help LaVern Whitaker find her calling as an actress. When her life becomes overwhelming, they discover a small town where her true identity can remain unknown and she can stay out of the spotlight. The more she visits her secret getaway, the more deeply she feels connected to the history, the lifestyle, and the people. Could this place be her home away from home, or become the home she has dreamed of? Or will sinister forces rip it all away?
Enjoy an Excerpt
“Make me a promise, Shaundra. Promise me we will always be best friends.”
“I promise, Peaches.”
LaVern stood up and said she had better head back. “Are you coming over tomorrow?”
“Hell yeah.”
Both girls had a hardy laugh at that one.
As Freeman and Jackie watched their daughter recross the street, they noticed a more delighted and relieved child than the one who left a few minutes earlier.
The girls resumed their old routine of talking and gossiping in LaVern’s bedroom. Shaundra asked more questions about her new school; how did she like going to school with White kids? Did she hang out with the other Black students? How was she treated? LaVern did her best to answer; No, she wasn’t completely accepted by everyone, she wasn’t friends with all the Black kids, she still felt very self-conscious being one of a few Black students in an all-White school, sometimes she felt very alone but she had made a few friends.
“My daddy said it would take a little while, that I would get used to it. He said I would get a better education.”
“Well, you’re already smart Peaches. You’ll be smart no matter what school you go to.”
“Well, it is harder than 139, but I’m doing OK.
“I know you, Peaches. If you say you doing OK, I know you killin’ it.”
LaVern looked down at her feet. “Well, I’m doing alright.”
But the Big Dog was right. She was killing it.
About the Author: Eric Grandy was born and raised in Baltimore City and graduated from City College. After he graduated from Essex Community College, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played six years for that team. He went on to a variety of jobs: photographer, lab manager, driver for DHL and warehouse manager. After retirement, he decided to devote himself to writing, producing several short stories and Accidental Paradise, his debut novel.
Grandy still lives in Baltimore with his wife Rhonda and his daughter Marti.
Buy the book at Amazon.
Thank you for hosting today.
Thank you to Long and Short Reviews for promoting “Accidental Paradise”. I look forward to communicating with any reader who enjoys my book.
Thank you for stopping by today, and best of luck with your book!
Thank you. I hope you give it a read.
This sounds like a great read.
Thank you. I hope you enjoy my book.
Thank you, Sherry. I hope you enjoy my book.
I liked Life magazine as a kid, too!