Besides a love story, at the heart of Flowers and Stone is music—creating it, performing it, loving it, and living it.
Luke Stone was a songwriter. While he performed many cover tunes, his true passion lay in writing and performing his original songs.
In the book, I describe what Darlina saw the day she moved into Luke’s house.
EXCERPT – Chapter 8:
Hours later, as she put her belongings away in the empty dresser drawers Luke had provided, Darlina paid more attention to the details of her new home. When she had been there before, she didn’t notice the Akai reel-to-reel tape recorder sitting by the bed or the Colt 45 long barrel pistol that hung from the iron bedstead in a custom tooled black leather holster. Next to it hung a large Bowie knife, also housed in a black leather sheath. On the wall above the bed was an authentic Civil War sword, complete with CSA engraved on the handle, protected by a silver metal holder. She remembered the Martin guitar that sat beside the bed, which was still there.
Luke pointed to the recorder, “Lots of times in my sleep, I dream songs, so I sit on the side of the bed, grab the ol’ guitar, and turn on the recorder. When I listen back the next day, I usually have no memory of what I recorded, but that way, I don’t lose the song.”
She was fascinated by this kind of creativity. “I hope you won’t stop doing that just because I’m here. It won’t bother me at all.”
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As an author, I now understand the creative process much more than in 1970. Often, I dream of story ideas, so I keep a pen and paper beside the bed or record notes on my phone.
I’m sure you’ve all had similar experiences where the best story idea hits you at 4 a.m. You have to jot it down for fear of forgetting it. I’d love it if you’d share an instance where this has happened to you.
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I’ve missed a few, Jan. This is a great excerpt and wish I could do that with story ideas. All the best on this relaunch
I am not dreaming of songs. But sometimes during the day, there plays a melody in my mind. And if I can in that very moment, I record it for later.
I love that, Erika. A melody, as with lyrics can slip away if we can’t capture it in the moment of creation. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
That’s true, the same happened too often with spontaneous thoughts of subjects for posts. If I did not make a note, it was gone after a while.
I enjoyed the excerpt, Jan! There’s always a journal near my pillow. If I don’t write it down, it’s gone.?
It’s pretty much a general consensus today, Jill. If we don’t write the idea down, it disappears. Thanks for adding to the conversation! Hugs!
That 4am wake happens often. I have been joting down the ideas in my email and sending it myself lately. Otherwise they are gone forever.
That’s a great idea, Denise. I hadn’t thought of that one. Thank you for sharing!
I can so relate, Jan. I keep a pad and pen on my nightstand for jotting ideas down. One time I was so tired I convinced myself I would remember in the morning. Alas, the whole idea packed up and took a hike overnight. Now I’m far more careful.
Congratulations on another great day of celebrating Flowers and Stone!
Never fails, Mae. I’ve done the same thing, thinking I’d never forget the idea. But it disappears. Glad you learned to keep a pad and pen by the bed. Thank you so much for stopping by and for all your support! Hugs!
I keep my phone beside the bed in case I think of something in the night. Interesting about Luke (Rick) and dreaming about songs. I once read that Paul McCartney woke up from a dream with the words to “Yesterday.” At first, he didn’t think it was his creation, but something he’d heard before.
Wow, that’s pretty cool Beatles trivia, Joan. And “Yesterday” is one of my favorite songs. Since it came from a dream, I like it even more. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by today!
Jan, I keep paper and pen handy as well. We think we’ll remember something come morning but we don’t. I don’t want to lose an idea or thought. Love this post. I’m sure you were excited to move in with Rick. Mama was not happy. 🙂
You are right about thinking we’ll remember something in the morning. It never works. Best to write it down, even if it means missing a few minutes of sleep. 🙂 And you are absolutely right about Mama not being happy when I moved in with Rick. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Love you. See you soon!!
I knew authors dreamed stories and characters, but I didn’t know musicians dreamed songs. That’s cool!
Thanks, Vera. One song in particular, he dreamed of multiple times, resisting writing it until he finally gave in. It was entitled, “I Dreamed I heard The Angels Sing.” Strangely enough, he never recorded it, but a young man from San Saba, Mark Scott, did. I have the 45 rpm record. 🙂
Sounds like a very serious fellow.
That he was, despite the constant party mode. He was always serious about the music, and he got so close to making it. Thanks for visiting, Craig!