By:
On:
In: Uncategorized

Surrender is inspired by the scene in SWEET JANE when Jane, at her father’s request, selects a dress for her mother’s burial. Jane’s reluctant return to Odessa, after running away at sixteen, catapults her back to the events that made her the women she is. https://anthonywatkins.wixsite.com/btsjul2019/poetry-free-verse Surrender Like forgotten flags from defunct nations I placed them on the bed They fell Limp, synthetic, pastel rags Which should l choose for her burial gown? Pallid florals did not befit the memory of my mother Rather, there should be clothing of Blood red for her anger Midnight black for her depression White for her surrender Rouge, noir,Read More →

By:
On:
In: Uncategorized

I just completed the first draft of JUST ONE LOOK, the story of the many loves of Dani. The book is set in Chicago in the sixties and seventies and moves to Augusta Georgia and Knoxville. Dani always wanted to see the hills of Tennessee with her first love, John. That was not meant to be.Read More →

By:
On:
In: Uncategorized

When Dani first saw the rundown Greystone her husband purchased, she wanted no part of the renovation project. No yard, no parking, no way. This project did not end well. While finishing JUST ONE LOOK. I thought I had two chapters left, but darn it, my characters surprised me again. I am in the midst of planning Dani’s second wedding.Read More →

By:
On:
In: Uncategorized

John taught Dani to drive stick in the parking lot of Ford City Shopping Center when the stores were closed. In 1970, he signed over his beloved car to Dani before he left for basic training. To Dani’s consternation, John chose to go airborne. While I am querying SWEET JANE, I am writing JUST ONE LOOK. This month, I committed to reaching 80,000 words and crossed the goal line last night. Still have two chapters to write, then the rewriting begins. My critique group is providing excellent feedback.Read More →

By:
On:
In: Uncategorized

My new book Just One Look is coming along. Currently I’m writing the chapter about 1970, the year Dani’s pre-fiancé, John, is drafted. When he comes home on leave before shipping out to Viet Nam, he signs his beloved silver 4-4-2 over to Dani. He had to draw her a diagram when he taught her how to drive the Olds. I am in the midst of another edit of Sweet Jane. More querying after that. The business end of writing is not my favorite way to spend my time, especially when I’m working on a new novel.Read More →

By:
On:
In: Uncategorized

Busy writing my new novel, JUST ONE LOOK, while querying SWEET JANE. Dani grew up on the southside of Chicago, in a post-war GI bill neighborhood. She was a bit of a tomboy until she met John, a tall, dark Tennessee transplant. The novel encompasses thirteen years, from 1965-1978, and explores first love, tainted love, and lasting love.Read More →

By:
On:
In: Uncategorized

One of my new projects is untitled at this time. It is the story of Dani who, at the age of thirteen, falls in love with John. People scoff at the thought of real love at that age, but Dani knows her heart. They are inseparable during high school and John gives Dani a promise ring for Christmas of 1969. Uncertainty hangs over their future when John gets drafted. While anti-war protests rage around the country, Dani and John’s little GI Bill neighborhood is an island of patriotism. Everyone’s dad served in World War II, and the sentiment of the day is “America- Love itRead More →

By:
On:
In: Uncategorized

Jane will never forget the night of the epic Talking Heads concert, but not because of the music. Jane groans inwardly when Joshua tells her he has tickets for the September 7. 1982 concert. The band isn’t her favorite. Her preference-straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll and the blues. But, the Talking Heads were a cut above the current hair bands. Joshua’s proposal takes her by surprise but she accepts without hesitation. No doubt in her mind that she has found her soulmate. As she contemplates the state of their marriage in 1984, the recollection of the initial joy of meeting Joshua forces her to admit thatRead More →