That’s a question I get frequently – especially from people who know my family. Even the occasional aunt or uncle gives me a knowing side-glance when talking about The Summer of Grace. My answer is always an angelic smile followed by the words “I just have a terrific imagination.” Well, this leaves everyone unsatisfied. Why?
Readers desperately crave finding out the “scoop” on characters – things the story did not have time (or willingness) to supply. Family members want the “lowdown” on secrets kept hidden for years. And the writer wants to avoid a lawsuit. I jest, maybe. The writer wants to tell their own, personal, blazing, hair-raising and somewhat damaging story. Yet they will all remain unsatisfied because, you see, truth and the writer have come to an agreement.
In the dark of night, when truth is the only light by which to write, and this truth brings anguish and troubling clarity, there is a struggle. The writer and truth rage, then despair, then smile as they find their way through. And so comes the agreement. Truth can appear in bits and pieces and be satisfied that reality is being presented, and the writer will plumb the depths of their memory, scour the corners of their closely held secrets, linger lovingly on the way things should have been, and fly on the wings of imagination to supply the narrative. And The Summer of Grace is born.
So, who are my characters REALLY based on? I just have a terrific imagination. I jest, maybe – but Brown Hound is real.
I love it when readers ask, “How long did it take you to write this book?” It never fails to make me laugh. Should I include the years I thought about the story? How about the nights spent staring at the ceiling? And then there are the months I left the draft in the drawer, giving it time to “rest”. Can I tell them about the first, second and third drafts, and the years in between? Does the agony of submission count? If so, the rejections should be given three months each which includes ego recovery time. Perhaps I should count the time rewriting for my publisher. And then there are the weeks of copyediting, corrections, and draft revision.
The Summer of Grace began as a series of southern short stories I wrote back in the 1980s. I was living in Princeton, NJ and desperately homesick for the south. I volunteered at a local emergency room and, during the overnight down time, shared the stories with a young doctor. He loved reading them and encouraged me to write a book. Life intervened and I spent twenty years in television news as a journalist and on-air anchor/reporter. Daily broadcast news taught me to write fast, write well, and tell the story. I loved it and had little time for anything else. But during those years Miss Emily sometimes would show up and nod her head approvingly as I interviewed a celebrity, Marcell often visited me on the long drive home after the 11 p.m. newscast, Uncle Ben would stand over my shoulder as I banged out a story for deadline, and Jane … Jane would occasionally stand to the side of the studio, arms folded across her chest, laughing as I was on-air. Should I count these years too?
Early retirement led me to teach writing camps, mentor young authors, participate in writing conferences, and write four other books. But always, the characters from those southern short stories kept me awake at night. Aunt Martha sometimes peeked over the footrail, Great Granny Jane sat beside me as I read the stories out loud to my classes, looking for affirmation and courage. And Sissy? Well Sissy would occasionally drift by her snarl knocking the wind right out of my sails. But perhaps it was simply the lullaby of Brown Hound’s imaginary baying as she hunted in the sultry night swamp, that provided the push.
So, when readers ask, “How long did it take you to write the book?” I tell them ten. Little do they know I’m not talking about years, but characters. Characters who would not leave me alone. The Summer of Grace took ten characters to write.
For more information about Karen Jones and her book The Summer of Grace visit the book page on our website or kjwriter.com
Well The Summer of Grace comes out today and I feel like a cat with nine tails – all held straight up in the air as I prance about the house! This is such a fun time, following the long hours writing, the second guessing, and the agony of having to edit. I look at the graphic of Brown Hound and just smile. She was such a boon companion and wonderful keeper of secrets. I’m glad I am able to let readers love her as much as I did. The thing I most like about this book is not just the pure joy of Gracie and Jane hunting for old graves, sneaking out to the conjur woman, and scaring Miss Victoria half to death, it is the blossoming of young Gracie, as she grows into her very own authentic self. Something we can all relate to – a transformation that has a simple sweetness to it – a story that seems very needed in this time. Read it, if you feel so inclined. And know that Brown Hound would approve.
What a sweet coming of age story! I really enjoyed watching the protagonist (Grace) growing up. She made laugh and cry too at times. Family is everything back then. I miss that feel. I love the Southern setting of the novel too. This new to me author has described Grace’s home so that I felt like I was a part of her family. I didn’t want the story to end. This was mom’s era too. That’s why this book in a way was special to me. I loved everything about this story except for Sissy. I didn’t like her at all! I thought that she was mean and selfish. Jane and Grace tickled me pink with their antics and I appreciated their good hearted adventures. In a way I felt like the older ladies made the story. I laughed at Brown Hound’s name and I loved how she sensed that about Sissy. I could just imagine her reaction. A wonderful Southern heartwarming story that will touch your heart in more ways than one. 5 stars for a job well done. I highly recommend! My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own!
Large, small, on-line or in person, bookclubs are the best!
I’d like to be a visitor at yours to discuss any of my books, but certainly The Summer of Grace, which is the book closest to my heart – and interestingly enough, my life! Yes, some of the characters are based on real folks from my North Carolina family and some are just plain made up for fun! Lets talk about who is who. And let’s talk about Gracie, Brown Hound and of course, Marcelle.
I can attend in person if your bookclub is near me.
I also have a Zoom Room where we can meet, discuss the book, answer questions, and generally have fun!
Just received the GO from my publisher for the 3rd edition of Death for Beginners. And a new website will be up soon. Looks like it is a “working” summer after all!
Presented by Island Path Writing ~ Karen Jones Instructing
Join author Karen Jones for this 2 ½ day writing adventure exploring your creativity, honing your craft and making your writing sing while enjoying the pristine beauty of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
The camp includes:
13 hours structured workshop/seminar class time
1:1 mentoring
Workbook and handout materials
4 hours of informal discussions with visiting, working authors
Time to learn, write, reflect and enjoy the island
Seminar/workshop descriptions:
Friday: Manifesting Your Creativity
Discover why you want to write, your passion, and your purpose
Learn how to deal with the “inner critic”
Practice exercises for accessing your creativity and maintaining “the flow”
Explore practical “pen to paper” creative techniques
Find your characters using the character sketch
Develop your story timeline with storyboarding
Conceive your setting (real or imaginary)
Practice creativity on demand with flash writing exercises.
Islandpath stone exercise: access your higher self, gain deeper knowing, and creative flow
Saturday: Developing Your Craft
A discussion of mythic structure’s importance in developing the story
Plot organization strategies
The proper use of scenes, sequels and bridges, the climax scene
Characters, their defining traits, incorporating them into the plot
Setting as a character and dramatic device
The dramatic scene, building tension, create questions to move the story
The theory of illumination and advancement
The dreaded “showing versus telling” trap
Sunday: Living the Writing Life
Finding the proper time and space to write.
Recognizing your creative cycle.
Thinking like a writer
Formulating personal writing goals
How to examine your chosen genre
Building a road map for a successful writing life
Venue: The Lightkeepers House, 61 Creek Road, Ocracoke, NC 27960 Cost: $400 to be paid in full at time of registration [wp_paypal button="buynow" name="Writing Camp Registration" amount="400.00"]
Housing: The Lightkeepers House has a few selected rooms available for rent. For more information and to apply for residence please contact Ruth Fordon [email protected]. Other housing can be found within walking distance in Ocracoke Village https://ocracokeguide.com
Deadlines & other considerations:
April 1 – registration deadline
April 1 – camp cancellation if minimum number of attendees not met
April 1 – no refund for attendee cancellation but may substitute another attendee
March 15 – attendee cancellation with full refund Minimum attendees: 10 to ensure supportive group dynamics
Maximum attendees: 15 to ensure individualized attention
Daily Schedule:
Thursday 12:00 Venue open for arrivals 5:00 – 7:00 meet/greet, wine/cheese, hand outs Friday: Manifesting Your Creativity 9:00 – 12:00 class 12:00 – 3:00 lunch, personal writing, island exploration 3:00 – 5:00 class 6:00 – 7:00 non-mandatory – creativity experience with Danielle Creeksong. Saturday: Developing Your Craft 9:00 – 12:00 class 12:00 – 3:00 lunch, personal writing, island exploration 3:00 – 5:00 class 6:00 – 7:00 non-mandatory . local writers discuss & answer questions about their creative process. Attendees who have published are welcome share their experiences Saturday: Developing Your Craft Sunday: Living the Writing Life 9:00 – 12:00 class 1:00 check out
Venue:
The Lightkeepers House Wi-Fi internet connection in all rooms. A large well-equipped communal kitchen is available for preparing meals and snacks. (Complimentary tea, sugar, basic staples, coffee maker, microwave, toaster). A grocery store is in the town.
About Karen Jones
Author, broadcast journalist and freelance writer Karen Jones has taught writing seminars at the University of Richmond, Christopher Newport University, Louisiana State University and Old Dominion University. She currently teaches writing workshops, writes scripts for a major media company, and teaches weekend writing camps for adults on Ocracoke Island, NC. Her published works include both fiction and nonfiction: Up the Bestseller Lists! A Hands-On Guide to Successful Book Promotion, Kingdom of Hearts, The Highland Witch, and Death for Beginners.
In addition, she has written for various publications including Virginia Super Lawyer, The Daily Press, Tidewater Women and has had her short work, “Chic’s Beach” performed by Playwrights Premiere Theatre.
Jones is a veteran of radio and television, having spent fifteen years at WVEC, an ABC affiliate as an on-air anchor and feature reporter. She also wrote and produced the series “The Haunting of Virginia” which won an Associated Press Award. She has directed the Chesapeake Writer’s Conference and belongs to the American Pen Women and The Authors Guild.
757 peeps. I’m giving a workshop this Saturday evening at the PA Area Library 1444 Nimmo Pkwy 6-8 PM: Karen Jones author of Death for Beginners will present a no-nonsense, money-saving guide to planning for the inevitable, will provide attendees with sound, practical, financial options for pre-planning for death. The seminar will provide you with pros and cons for every choice regarding death planning, and will acquaint you with hidden and unnecessary costs. Registered attendees will receive a seminar packet. Adults. Registration is required (but they seem ok with walk-ins)
Nice short piece about one of my favorite authors (no touting of incalculable intellectualism here – just total love of a story well-told) and yes, my sister and I will be in Cornwall one day, following the du Maurier trail where her stories were set. In Praise of Daphne du Maurier
