Ten years doesn’t sound like much, but when you say “decade,” it suddenly sounds like a long time.
On October 17th, I will celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of the birth of Flowers and Stone, the book that started my entire writing journey.
Leading up to the bookiversary date, I will have a series of Ten Days of Flowers posts, sharing things you may not know about the story, character interviews, music, or a look behind the scenes. Plus, there will be a few surprises and opportunities to win prizes!
Let’s have some Fun!
Flowers and Stone is the book that launched a new career in a life-changing direction for me. I had a true story that begged to be told. I’ll never forget the day I woke up realizing I had to tell it. Not that I hadn’t believed for many years that the story would be told; I just didn’t know I’d have to do it. Looking back, I can see the Universe at work to steer me in a different direction, and I have to say it has been more than satisfying.
At heart, this True Story Series is a love story that spans forty years.
In different interviews through the years, I’ve shared the struggle I had in the beginning. I tried to write in first person, only to find the story too deeply personal to continue. I all but gave up. Thanks to Kelly, a long-time friend, I had a lightbulb moment when she suggested I create characters and let them tell the story. Thus, Luke Stone and Darlina Flowers were born. While this method may not work for everyone, it allowed me to back out and let the characters take over.
The story opens in the summer of 1970 in the West Texas town of Abilene.
Darlina Flowers adjusted her silver midriff top and black satin shorts while she stood at the counter waiting for the next food order. Her gaze wandered around the dimly lit nightclub. Plumes of smoke swirled around the large mirrored ball hanging from the ceiling as electric yellow, red, blue, and green reflected on the walls. The sights and sounds of the club had become familiar and comfortable. A vision of her strict, religious mother frowning at her flashed through her mind. Her mother never hesitated to express her disappointment with Darlina’s chosen lifestyle.
My goal was to immediately set the scene and provide a hint of backstory.
Then Luke Stone shows up.
Just as Darlina’s dance performance ended, a commotion drew her attention. Turning, she spotted Marketa personally escorting a group of customers to the best table in the club. It was totally out of character for this spitfire of a woman to make a fuss over anyone. Marketa flitted around with her long, elegant ivory cigarette holder in her hand.
Amidst enthusiastic applause, the bright spotlight now off her, Darlina hurried to talk to Sherry. “Who is that?”
Sherry rolled her eyes. “That’s Luke Stone and the Rebel Rousers. I can’t believe you don’t know that.”
“How would I know? You forget I don’t get out much other than here.”
“They are only the hottest band in the whole State of Texas.”
With overwhelming curiosity, Darlina proposed, “Let me wait their table.”
Yes. That’s how it all started. Darlina was drawn like a moth to a flame and into a lifestyle she knew nothing about. She was in for an exhilarating ride like she’d never imagined.
As I celebrate the anniversary of this book with different blog posts and giveaways, I hope you’ll come along for the journey.
A PERSONAL NOTE: I deeply apologize to everyone in the blogging community. I made a choice to revise this book and started on it last Thursday. I have been offline, barely functioning in any capacity at all since then, as I worked. I thought I’d finished it yesterday, then discovered I’d been working in two different documents, so It’s still not done. 🙁 But it’s close. So, if you’re considering purchasing this book, hold off, please. 🙂 Ever hear an author say that? You have now.
Why did I do it? As I pulled excerpts out to create the blogs for this campaign, I found mistakes I could not ignore. It’s been an emotional journey as well as a difficult one, but the end product will be much better. I’ve grown tremendously as a writer in ten years. I can’t promise I can catch up, but I will rejoin the land of the living soon!
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Congratulations on your bookversary, Jan
Thank you, Mark!
In a somewhat similar way, that’s how I chose to tell my prehistoric factual stories–with fictional characters. This sounds delightful, Jan. What a history you have!
Thank you, Jacqui. Choosing fictional characters was the only thing that worked for me. I like that you chose to share your prehistoric factual stories the same way. Thank you for stopping by! Hugs!
Congratulations, Jan! This is the first of your books I read! Beautiful story!
Awww, thank you, Miriam. I appreciate the kind words.
This is such an amazing book anniversary for you, Jan. I wish you all the best with revising and edits. I know they’ve been hard for you, but I also know you’re committed to getting them done. I hope many new fans discover the love story of Darlina and Luke (which mirrors life with your soulmate, Rick). Big hugs! ? ?
Thank you, Mae. It is a milestone anniversary for me, and even though revising the manuscript has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, I know it is worth it. I changed nothing of the story. But I tightened the writing tremendously. I appreciate the good wishes and hugs!!
Congratulations on your milestone, Jan. You’ve likely grown so much as a writer during that time, so it’s understandable and admirable that you want to take the time to revise.
I am not the same writer I was ten years ago and that’s for sure, Pete. It’s been a challenge to revise this manuscript, but I’m seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for stopping by!
Happy Book Anniversary, Jan;)
Thank you, Sandra!
Sister, I have watched you grow into a fierce talent over these ten years. You began as a babe and had to learn to walk before you could run. You have such an enormous gift and I’m very proud of you and your accomplishments. Wow! Once you got the basics down, you took off like a rocket and haven’t slowed down. I understand about wanting to fix the beginner mistakes in Flowers and Stone and you’ll always be glad you did. 🙂 You’re an awesome competitor and a person with ambition who always wanted to let your light shine. I’m just so proud of you. Much love.
Thank you, sister. Your comment made my eyes tear up yet again. I swear I’ve cried more in the last week, than the last two years. 🙂 Thank you for always having my back. I do want to let my light shine. It’s always been a desire. I love you so much!
Applesauce! Has it been 10 years, Jan? Congratulations. It’s a wonderful book. Hugs.
Ten years flies, doesn’t it, Teagan? Thank you for the congrats!
I know this has been tough for you (both reliving the story and the edits). Wishing you all the best. The updated finished product will be well worth the effort! <3
Not sure why WordPress didn’t attribute the comment to me. These WordPress issues are driving me crazy!
Lol! Between WordPress and Word, I’m about to pull my hair out. Thanks for commenting! And thanks for being my cheering section!
Happy book anniversary, Jan! I am so glad you wrote it. Sorry about working on two different versions, I’ve done that myself and know the feeling. Hugs xo
That was a sickening feeling, Denise. I thought I might throw up. 🙂 But everything worked out and I’m done. Hallelujah! Thank you for visiting!
How wonderful! Thrilled to join you in the celebration. <3
Thank you, Annette. I still remember talking with you about this book on your radio show many years ago. 🙂 Time has a way of slipping away, doesn’t it? I’m happy you’re joining in the celebration!
Best wishes
Thank you, John!
Congratulations on your book birthday, Jan! I applaud what you’re doing and cheering you on in the background. Hugs!
Thank you so much, Mary. It’s been a labor of love from day one and I am nearly finished with the revision.
Congratulations on the ten year anniversary! It takes a lot to revise a project you thought was long behind you. I wish you all the best and I know the end result will be amazing!
Thank you, Kymber! You are right about the magnitude of the revision. 🙂 But I’m nearly there. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, ten years. Congratulations ?
Thank you, Robbie!
Good luck with the revisions. I’ve had to do that as well. It’s amazing what we learn in ten years! The excerpts are great. Love the start!
Thank you, Darlene. It is amazing what we learn in ten years. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpts, and the revision is nearly done. Yay!
I enjoyed reading the excerpts, Jan. Hang in there…you’ll get it done! xo
I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpts, Jill. I am seeing a light at the end of this long revision tunnel! Thank you for stopping by!
Those revisions have to be tough. I applaud you for taking them on.
It is hands-down the hardest thing I’ve tackled since I began this writing journey. But I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for stopping by, Craig!
Remember that strength card.
Good luck with your revisions, Jan. I enjoyed the excerpts!
Thank you, Vera. I think I can finally take a deep breath as I finish the revision today. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpts!