Saturday, December 1, 2012

IF I BUT TRY, I KNOW I CAN

Before I begin, I would sincerely like to  thank Marta for the opportunity to share a little about myself and my writing journey.

My life began in several obscure situations, being the fifteenth of sixteen children, and born on Leap year to a loving mother and not-so-loving father. With so many children in one household, needless to say, none of us knew about birthday celebrations until we became adults. So it really didn't matter whether I had a birthday once every four years, or once a year.

Growing up on a dairy farm simply meant work and school lessons, with little in the way of play in between. The boys in the family received the brunt of the backbreaking work, while my job was to assist my mother with endless laundry, housekeeping, cooking, and work in our vegetable garden. That's all I remember about childhood, still, I gained experience and love of siblings most never have.

Having absorbed so much of life in my busy brain, I began to desire to write. Although I attempted to keep notes or at times, a journal, unfortunately, I never did. Instead I built a vault inside my head and stored everything, good, bad, beautiful, ugly, painful, happy, etc., in the vault.

It wasn't until I left home at age fifteen, that I realized there is more to life than work, work, work. I married very young. As one might guess, marrying so young I ran back into a similar situation that parralled my mother's life experience with an alcoholic, abusive, neglectful husband and before I knew it, I had four children to raise. I experienced such harshness and still I was only twenty two years old.

That is where I found my talent for writing poetry however, and by that, I decided someday, I would write a novel, which is exactly what I have done.

Although I fictionalized my story, "Before The Rooster Crows," in order to protect myself and family from scrutiny, the story is one of passion, abuse, poverty, human endurance, faith, and love of a mother during the Great Depression and beyond. Her determination and struggle to raise her children, mostly alone and give them at least love, if nothing else.

The story begins in the Southern U.S., set in a post Antebellum era at the turn of the century 1900, and continues through World War l and The Great Depression 1930's, under extraordinary circumstances. Although the story has taken at least eleven years to write, re-write, edit, and find the courage to let go of it, Before The Rooster Crows is finally reached it's end and is ready to be published.

Below is an excerpt of chapter one- Enjoy.

 BEFORE THE ROOSTER CROWS

 “Good Lord woman you sound like a caldron stirring witch! I’m a Christian man; I won’t sanction your ridiculous demonic superstition.” Liam Shane expressed to the Voo-Doo practicing midwife and root doctor who delivered his baby girl.

 CHAPTER ~1~
1900

To say Meagan Shane was born under unusual circumstances is to admit her birth is the start of a life prophesied to be unusual, moreover challenging; It begins with her father, Liam Shane’s frightful awakening from a peaceful sleep in the darkness of a rural North Carolina night.
Frightened to his core by disturbing screams traveling from the opposite end of his southern mansion, Liam slings the bedcovers off his body and leaps from the comfort of his warm bed. Half asleep, he fumbles to light a bedside lantern. Close to dropping it, he reasons, I’m dreaming, I must be dreaming. He sets the lamp down on a table and shakes his body with a brisk shiver, confirming he is awake. His beloved wife Abigail sleeps alone in the master bedroom at the end of the long hallway during her final month of pregnancy. It is her heightened piercing screams echoing through the hall. With desperate resolve, Liam grabs the lantern and dashes through the long dark corridor towards the opulent master bedroom, shouting.
“I’m coming Abigail! Hold on, I’m coming!”
Just as he turns the corner of the hallway Abigail’s excitable house-servant Ruth, bumps into Liam and all but knocks him down the winding staircase. An expression of absolute horror appears on her frightened, telling face, as she fumbles to pull him up and comes close to dropping him to the floor again.
“Jesus Christ Ruth, get out of the way! Liam exclaims and continues sprinting toward the disconcerting screams.
“I’s sorry Mista Liam I thinks Miss Abigail be havin her baby, you got’s ta hurry Suh!” Ruth shouts, trembling from added anxiety.
Another horrifying scream lurches outward. In a quick step, Liam jolts inside with Abigail. An unbearable searing labor pain rushes through her spine as the infant she carries in her womb, their first and only child, pushes into the world with force ahead of schedule.
“Liam ... pleeease ... help me!” Abigail cries in frightful agony and muffles her screams with a pillow she presses over her mouth biting into it as her body writhes in horrific pain.
“Dear God, What do you want me to do Sweetheart, how can I help?” Her inexperienced husband shouts in uncontrolled hysteria.
“Send for the doc...tor…, pleeeease?  The baby is…. coming!” Abigail screams.
“Hold on Abigail!” Liam shouts once more as he races to the hallway.
His minor servants gather at the bottom of the stairs awaiting instructions. At once, Liam bellows an order. “Hurry upstairs everyone! Miss Abby is in labor she is having the baby!
One in front of the other, they dash upstairs with eagerness while frantic pleas from Liam resonate throughout the house calling for his faithful manservant Moses...


54 comments:

  1. Pat, I am honored and grateful that you agreed to share your life story and an advance of your book with us.
    You have the makings of a great writer, and will shine bright in Parnassus.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Marta, Thank you again my beautiful friend and supporter. Knowing how you feel about my work means more to me than gold. I am so honored to say you are my friend.

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    3. Linea, Thanks so much for commenting. I am so pleased you like what I posted, and I do hope you will continue to follow. You know I feel the same about your writing as well.

      Blessings

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    4. Beautiful Story! Sounds like a southern story!!!
      Glad the gentleman did not tumble down the stairs or drop the lantern!!

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    5. Louise, Yes it is a southern story with many twist. I had to laugh with your comment about falling down the stairs. When I wrote that part, I could imagine Liam falling down the steps tumbling and fussing.

      Thanks for posting,
      Blessings

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    6. Pat, the opening of your story has captured my interest. I would love to read the entire novel! All the best in your writings.

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    7. Debra, thank you so very much. The beginning is always the hardest part to write. I wanted so much to grab the reader and pull him/her in, and I appreciate yout comment. I'm hoping to send it out by Jam.01, 2013. The title will remain the same, however, I will more than likely use a pen name. Keep your eyes on the title.

      Blessings,
      Pat

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    8. Hope all goes well for you Pat x

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  2. Wow, Patricia! What a life you have lived! Major kudos on finishing your novel. The opening scene is riveting. My very best wishes on the publication process. I plan to follow your success.

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  3. Pat, congratulations for this huge honor. You deserve it.

    I was privilege to be able to get a sneak peek at Before the Rooster Crows. I was mesmerized the whole way through. This is such an interesting riveting story, and it doesn’t let up from the get go. Each character will bring you more into the story until you feel part of the crew. Pat has an amazing talent, and I look forward to reading all of her future novels.

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    1. Oh Kat, you are such a love. Thanks again for your comments and I wish you all of life's best my friend.

      Blessings

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  4. I read this early this morning, I don't know where my comment went, but I loved it. looking forward to reading the rest of your work. Now I have to go find where the heck my comment went to. You have an amazing ability to draw your readers into the story and take on one of the characters. I do have a question though, how much is fiction and how much is fact. I would like to know sis. :o)Kudos it is going to be a best seller.

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    1. Thanks for you appreciated comment Pat. I always respect what you have to say. The story is more truth than fiction, however, peoples names, certain places, and some "small events" are fiction.

      It is a story close to my heart and written by memory of occurances whispered when I was small.

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  5. Hello Patricia,
    Great job doing what I have been trying to do for 15 years now myself. I have written and rewritten my own such story but it was my mother that was abusiive. This sounds to be a great story and I wish you all the very best. It is so difficult to write about abuse as a child and the abuse that follows into adulthood.
    Thank you for sharing. I would love yo know how you finally were able to turn it into fiction instead of nonfiction-I do not seem able to accomplish that talent.

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    1. Hello Mamie, I can understand why it has taken so long to write your story. I never knew it took so long to write when I started. It is painful to write about family situations and I thin that has ssomething to do with slowing down the writing process. As I go along it gets easier however. Changing the name of the characters, towns, some dates, and a few twist, helped turn it into fiction based on truth.

      I'm truly sorry you had to live as an abused child, especially from your mother. My mother was so patient with all of us, and I don't know how she did it when she was the one being abused.

      Thanks for posting. I appreciate your kind words.

      Blessings, Pat

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  6. Thoroughly enjoyed your excerpt Pat - please do let us know of subsequent publishing availability - would love to read the entire book! Congratulations on getting to the end of a very long road! Wishing you all the best literary success, PJ

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    1. Hello P.J. Thanks for posting. I'm so glad you enjoyed the excerpt, and I will definitely let everyone know when I am published. Thanks for asking.

      Blessings,
      Pat

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  7. I always like seeing authors support one another.

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    1. Hello Ken, I agree, Author supporting each other has brought me a long way on my journey. I love helping others, and having been given this huge opportunity from Marta and other writer's has been an extreme blessing in my life.

      Thanks for posting,
      Blessings,
      Pat

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  8. I love it when a writer can capture my attention right off the bat and make me want to keep reading. Some stories take a few pages to grab me, but this story is clearly a page-turner. Thanks for sharing this.

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    1. T.R. What a lovely compliment. Thank you so very much. I've done my best to make it a page turner, and I believe it is. Many twist and turns. I will be looking for a publisher in Jan.2013.

      Again Thanks and Blessings,
      Pat

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  9. Congratulations on finishing your book Pat. It is a huge labor of love. You write well and your story is captivating. Best of luck and much success!

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    1. Randi, this page still has glitches, probably because it's new. So I don't know what happened here, but thank you very much and all the best to your own fine work.

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  10. Pat, this is what Jon Magee intended to post but couldn't, so I'm doing it for him:
    Pat, thank you for sharing your life with us. Real life has so much that needs to be revealed to the world, no matter how painful it maybe. Your tory is clearly one that the world must be opened up to.

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  11. First I must state how delighted I am to see Marta sharing Pat's information, knowing this writer could not do so. It is a sign of professionalism.

    Enjoyed it Marta and hope to see much more on the blogroll.

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    1. Monica, this blogroll was created for other writers to speak about their work, so I hope to see you writing here too, and everyone else in our support group, whose picture is under "Community".
      Thank you so much for your comment!

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    2. Monica, your comment is very kind. I appreciate it more than I can say.
      Marta is a blessing, a wonderful friend and mentor.

      Blessings,
      Pat

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  12. Hello, Patricia. Enjoyed the part with respect to your young, and seemingly over with life. Glad you removed that apron that usally tied most women to a life of "Kitchen dities". Laughed at the way Liam attempted to handle the situation. Very well illustrated.
    Hope to read more about upcoming accomplishments. The best to you. Blessings.

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    1. Johnny, your comment is so appreciated, Thanks so much. Yes I agree about the apron. I do love being a mother and grandmother, however discovering more to life, at least for me, has been a joy. I'll do whatever I can to keep everyone posted.

      Blessings,
      Pat

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  13. 15th of 16 children AND born on leap year! Sounds like quite a story to tell. Glad you've risen from a trying childhood to follow your dream of writing. Much success to you.

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  14. Alexander, Indeed it is a story to tell, actually lots of stories to tell. This particular story is about my beloved mother's struggle as I wasn't a twinkle in her eye until much later. It's hard to believe, but there is only three living children, two brothers and myself. If there is a sequal, it will involve the last half of the kids, including myself.

    Thanks for your appreciated comment.
    Blessings,
    Pat


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  15. Patricia, I was very interested in your blog on your book, having written a memoir myself, that also includes abuse. The excerpt from your book has a great opening hook-mesmerizing in its appeal and I hope to dig my way out of my books waiting for reviews so I can read Marta's wonderdul book and your book, which I know I'll love from the part I just read. Noe get selling--not nearly as much fun or rewarding :)

    Hugs, Micki

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    1. Thanks Micki,I always love to hear from you. I value your wonderful comments, and respect you greatly. I have a few pages left to edit,(about 18)and my deadline is Dec. 31, so I guess we'll see then.

      Hugs backatcha,
      Pat

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  16. Pat, as I was reading the intro to the book, I got to the end and gasped because there wasn't more. I need to finish reading this. It's a great start to the story and has me salivating for more.

    And sharing a little of the story of you has given me even more reason to admire you. I am praying for the best publishing experience for you so that you can get this novel out to the world.

    Blessings,

    Yolanda Washington

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    1. Yolanda, I've said it before and I'll say it again. You are precious and I appreciate your kind words so very much. It looks like I have achieved what I set out for eleven years ago, and that is, leaving the reader wanting more, and a great beginning with a hook. I can promise you It is worth it.
      Thanks again for your lovely comment, you are so kind.
      Love and Hugs

      blessings,
      Pat

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    1. Gill thanks for commenting. Take care of yourself dear.

      Blessings,
      Pat

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  18. Pat,

    It is a compelling first chapter and that's a great accomplishment in itself. I can't wait for more. You are a great "new" writer with lots to tell. I am also immensely impressed with your tenacity. You are inspiring to me and many others.

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  19. jmvr, thank you for your wonderful comment. I appreciate your kind words more than I can say. I learned a long time ago, tenacity is what gets us through life, and then standing up for what I believe in. All of that has led me to know folks such as yourself and the wonderful people here. I am blessed.

    Again thanks and Blessings,
    Pat

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  20. Just testing the comments, to fix some issues

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  21. Wonderful post Pat! So glad to call you friend and a talented writer.

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  22. Thank you Viv. Your comment is appreciated and the fact that you worked so hard to open the blog tells me you are a caring person who loves good writing. I am seeking publishing by the first of the year 2013. Again thanks.

    Blessings,
    Pat

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  23. I am posting by Shardanand's request.

    Dear Pat,

    "Pure gold does not fear the flame" and you are 'pure gold'!
    It's not an exaggerated comment. It's heartiest feeling of mine!

    I'll give all the credits to your struggles, experiences and the ways
    you handled the situations in your life.

    What you have done as a writer, you have conceived well and delivered
    after a complete maturity.

    You have sown well; so now, it's time to reap well!

    Best of wishes!
    -- Shardanand.

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    1. Shardanand, Thank you for your lovely comment. My dear, you area a poet. I am filled with joy with your beautiful description and understanding of my work.

      I'm pleased to tell you, I finished editing last night., Dec. 6th., and now I will take your advice and attempt to reap.

      Blessings my dear.
      Pat

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  24. An intriguing start, Patircia. I like the tightness of your opening. No wasted words and the reader is left with just enough questions to want to keep reading. Well done!
    Elaine Cougler

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    1. Elaine, I appreciate your comment and thank you. You have a way of making me feel good about my writing and myself.

      Blessings,
      Pat

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    1. TWOTBBT, Thank you. I hope to be published soon so you can read more as well. So glad you like my work.

      Blessings,
      Pat

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  26. Hi,

    First of of congratulations on your debut here by Marta. It is so nice seeing you highlighted, and I, personally, am extremely happy for you.
    I read your sample and the beginning pulled me into the story. I wanted to read more, and hope that your book quickly finds a publisher. It not only sounds interesting but it is a book that I would like to read until the end to see what happens. So, I wish you the very best and hope that the doors open, which will lead you into being a first time in print sucessful author.
    Ciao,
    Patricia

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  27. Patricia, Thank you for your comment and encouragement. Your opinion is so important to me as a fellow writer and all around beautiful person. I have finished editing and will now step out and seek a publisher.

    Blessings,
    Pat

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  28. Wow! lovely! Please hurry up and get published, Pat. I want to read more!
    I'm sure it's a load of hard work, but we're all rootin' for you and talent will out. Please be sure to keep us posted on progress.
    Go Pat!

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  29. Replied to Roger in private e-mail

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