Thursday, September 4, 2014

Bethune-Volusia Receives Legal Status from State of Florida

The Volusia County Assessor’s Office provided a copy of the plat from the county records. According to it, C. H. Moneypenny of New Smyrna Beach, did the survey and executed the appropriate drawings which were completed on September 26, 1944. On that same document, a county time stamp is affixed at the top, indicating it was received in their office on February 7, 1947. At the bottom of the plat is a handwritten legal description of the property. That portion was signed and notarized on November 16, 1946, bearing the signatures of corporation officers, G.D. Rogers, President and Mrs. L. G. Hale, secretary.

Once all the legal documentation was in place, the corporation went forward with the purchase of the land and began a campaign to sell parcels to blacks, not only of Volusia County, but those who lived throughout the country. The investors used black as well as white salesmen. One investor said sometimes blacks felt more comfortable buying from a white salesman than from a black.
In order to accommodate low-income blacks, which was the status of most in Florida and Volusia County at the time, lots were cheaply priced and sold on a liberal installment plan. Sadly, the use of the pay-along plan came back to haunt the corporation in future dealings with the county.

Even with the sale of lots, the corporate members dug deeply into their personal pockets to make the resort a success. They paid to have land cleared and some of the first roads cut. Later, the county did help the state to build a road to the beach. On one hand Volusia County officials wanted blacks to have their own beach, but they didn’t want to spend lots of money on it. According to one county official, “The reason the county did as much as it did was to keep the colored people down there.” But the county in no way helped the resort to become the grand one Mrs. Bethune had envisioned.

The corporation deeded several prime lots to the county with the understanding it would build bathhouses, picnic facilities, an auditorium, fishing pier and boat ramp. They were led to believe Bethune-Volusia beachgoers would have facilities likened to those on Daytona Beach. However, the county’s plan fell far short of the vision. It installed pilings, a few picnic tables and barbecue pits. Eventually, it piped in water. After many appeals, the county provided and paid for black lifeguards and sheriff’s deputies. But after one disappointing delay after another regarding other promised amenities, the corporation borrowed $14, 500 to build their own bathhouse and recreation building. Also when negotiations with the City of New Smyrna for utilities failed, the corporation raised and paid $12,000 to Florida Power and Light to extend its line from Edgewater across the river to provide service. 

Friday, August 29, 2014

Chapter 2 of Isn't This God's Water

Early Hands In
The Man with the Land
     Dana Fuquay, a native of Hastings, Florida, once owned one foot of every five feet of intercoastal land in Flagler and Volusia counties. Besides acquiring beachfront and other real property, he worked as an architect throughout the state on federal, state and private projects. In Daytona, where his main office was located, Mr. Fuquay participated in community affairs, including serving on the Board of Trustees at Bethune-Cookman College.
     Fuquay, along with another entrepreneur, George Moody, invested in the Flagler Hotel in Flagler Beach in 1924, but Moody sold his interest the following year. Fuquay completed the three-story structure which had forty-four guestrooms, each with running water and a bathroom, either connecting or adjoining. In the middle of the hotel was a fourth floor ballroom. It is reported that during winter season, guests dressed in fine attire, mounted stairs and spent an evening dancing. The Flagler also had a full basement with offices, a barbershop, and an arcade.
     The hotel had some down days, but from the late 40s until the early 70s, it was fully operational, but did eventually succumb to the wrecking ball.
     The site on which Flagler Hotel was located is one block west of A1A. Fuquay donated the block facing the ocean and stipulated nothing could be built on it to obstruct the ocean view. It had a shuffle board court on it, and sidewalks surrounding it, all in compliance with his wishes.              The grand Flagler Hotel, with its imposing coquina columns that stood to each side of its entrance, is gone. Its site is now the venue for a weekly Farmer’s Market.
     This biographical sketch of Dana Fuquay shows he was a man with ideas and he who went forward to make them a reality. Without documentation, but based on his actions, it can be assumed he had an open-mind toward African Americans, or at least toward Mrs. Bethune. Otherwise, he would not have accepted the invitation to sit on the Board at her school. Some credit must be given to her power of persuasion, however. Her ability to draw people of substance into her circle is legendary. Once they stepped in, she helped them to see her vision. So, a visionary, such as Dana Fuquay, perhaps was not a hard-sell when she disclosed her plans for a black-owned beach town. Besides, it was a money-making opportunity. According to George Engram: “…If Fuquay harbored any prejudice toward blacks, he wasn’t going to let it get in the way of a business deal. He sold quite a bit of property to whites and blacks. It didn’t matter to him.”
     Dana Fuqua showed Mrs. Bethune and the core group of investors beach property up and down Volusia County. They agreed upon the location on the south end of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula. The 189 acres of undeveloped land cost $132,000.00. This was a miniscule amount for some during that era, but not so for others. With the realization funds would very unlikely be acquired from standard banking institutions by a group of Negroes, Dana Fuqua permitted the core of investors to pay a modest down payment. Standing on faith, Mrs. Bethune believed there was a way to generate the balance owed.  
~*~
Garfield Devoe Rogers
A Plan to Pay
     G. D. Rogers suggested to Mrs. Bethune and other primary investors they form a corporation and go through steps to legitimize it with the state of Florida. By doing that, the corporation could sell shares and with the proceeds, the mortgage with Dana Fuquay could be paid off. A brilliant idea for a man with nothing more than a rural high school education.
     Garfield Devoe Rogers, a Georgia native, is said to have walked along railways from his home in Thomaston to Bradenton, Florida. His daughter said G. D., as he was commonly known, came to Florida in 1905, at 19 years old when a friend convinced him better opportunities existed there. He, as perhaps most of his 15 siblings, had no college education. But in spite of that, he became a perceptive businessman and prominent figure in Central Florida. One of his earliest enterprises in Bradenton, FL was a dry cleaning and tailoring business. He made custom-fitted suits for $13.50, and when the same customers needed their expensive apparel cleaned and pressed, they returned to G. D.’s place to have that done.
     Less than twenty years after arriving in Florida (1922), G.D., Mary McLeod Bethune and C. Blythe Andrews of Florida Sentinel Bulletin, a black newspaper, started the Central Life Insurance Company and by 1935, the company was conducting business in almost every city in Florida. The first offices of the Central Life Insurance Company were on Harrison Street in Tampa, with a staff of six employees. After eleven years, G. D. took the helm of the company, which had assets of $75,000. Under his leadership, company assets quickly grew to almost one million dollars and employed over 300 men and women.
      Eleanor Gittens, one of G.D.’s daughters, said her parents and Mrs. Bethune were close friends, and they dedicated themselves to the success of her college. G. D. drove truckloads of cabbage and fish to the school to feed students and supported Mrs. Bethune in many ways at the college. So when the beach town proposal came to mind, G.D. signed on without any prodding.
     In 1943, Zora Neale Hurston, famous African American writer and reporter for the American Mercury magazine, attended a statewide meeting of the Negro Defense Committee where G. D. spoke. She quoted him as saying: “The only citizens who count are those who give time, effort, and money to the support and growth of the community. Share the burden where you live.” From the many services he provided and businesses he started to meet the needs of blacks, it is evident he lived out the true meaning of his words.
     G. D. Rogers, astute businessman and trusted friend of Mary Bethune, knew the route to take to advance the beach project. So under his guidance, they agreed to form a corporation.

~*~

Monday, August 25, 2014

To Dispel Darkness Turn on a Light

Recently a man of good character died at the age of ninety-six. His obituary was in the local newspaper and of course, I read his since I routinely read all of them. His covered more than the usual few lines. I soon learned why. His life had many stellar moments, many in regard to others rather than for self- aggrandizement.

One thing he said really struck a chord with me, and it has been ringing in my mind. I will paraphrase: Put right information in proper hands to get rid of petty biases and prejudices. I read and reread this and had to agree with him. To give someone a different opinion, act and be contrary to a preconceived notion. Refuse to validate a false impression. Fight to have correct and impartial information included in school curricula so that young people can learn to value everyone who has contributed to our society.

If you are a member of a group( minority, women, senior citizen) who is perceived in the wrong light, put forth the effort to dispel misconceptions. Rather than commiserate with each other, mingle with those who need to be enlightened so that they can begin to see you in a different way.

Go Forth and Teach!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Bethune Beach of Yore

I just posted on www.bethunebeachofyore.com. Please check it out. I hope you find it informative. I am sure you'll notice how far I backed off the creative aspect of the project, and am now following a purist path of non-fiction. Let me know what you think about the excerpts. If you have your own story, please share it with me. It would be much appreciated. I have received a couple of great ones which I will include. Take care.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Cinematique

The book release and Ken Burns documentary went very well today. There were about 50 people at the Cinematique. I hope they get the word out about Julian Carlton--I am not just another George: Taliesin Murders. The 100th anniversary of the event was on Friday, August 15, 2014, so I felt this was a great time to release the book on the alleged murderer. Please go to www.amazon.com to get it. The Kindle version is $3.99. It is historical fiction and a worthwhile read. Now I got to get cracking with my Bethune-Volusia Beach, Inc. project. So far, it's going well. I want it to continue that way. Take care.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Creative Non-Fiction

The creative non-fiction work about Bethune-Volusia Beach, Inc. has taken a significant turn. It will now be the facts, nothing but the facts. So little is known publicly about this wonderful venue that boomed from the late 40s until the mid-60's that I feel compelled to keep it fact-based. The few pages I've done have been shared with several of my writing groups and friends, and they are hungry for the truth. So, that is the path I will take. Besides, it is much easier than the franken-genre, Creative Non-fiction.

By the way, what is that exactly? I read sections in several trade books and online explanations and can't get a firm grasp of its definition. Some instruct that it can be embellished! Really? Well, that defeats my reason for doing this project. A lot of lore and misinformation already exist about the beach town, so I feel justified in sticking to documented facts.

Digging through musty historical archives or spending hours on line looking up information would drive some people bunkers, but I quite enjoy it. As a matter of fact, as I said in an early post, I volunteer at a museum. I also nest in several of the libraries throughout the county, working on the project. So, I think non-fiction is a good fit for me and the project.

If any of you have stories about Bethune-Volusia Beach, please share those with me. There's a web site: www.bethunebeachofyore.com where you can put your stories. I think you have the ability to respond to the blog, here, as well. Come on. Help me out.

Friday, August 1, 2014

This Has Helped Me

Many authors sit at a computer and write out of their heads. I am one who does that. Oftentimes, I think I get a pretty good flow going; after all, the page is full of words when I finish. However, I have learned, simply to fill up a page does not equate good writing.  To get a true assessment, some other eyes and ears need to be on your project. The writer's fingers and thoughts alone are not good enough. As a matter of fact, a writer needs to get his mouth and ears involved. After finishing a piece, take time to read it out loud. So what if your neighbors think you're crazy for reading to yourself for hours. Better you catch your mistakes in privacy rather than  have them disclosed on an Internet site. I just advised a fellow writer, if your tongue starts tripping over what you've written, maybe something needs to be deleted or some words need to be rearranged. Take the time to do this, and it will save a lot of extra work and perhaps embarrassment later. Oh gosh, I hope everything  in this post is right!

Monday, July 28, 2014

Be Open to Opportunities

It's never too late to learn. We so often hear that, but more than likely we grunt then say "right".  Well, I've always been curious. Learning, trying new things and doing stuff I haven't tried before have always been important in my life. Well, since I retired (for the second time) some wonderful opportunities have found me. I actually didn't go looking for them. My dental hygienist referred me for a dog sitting job. Never before had I mentioned that I liked dogs, but for whatever reason she thought of me when her neighbors needed a live-in sitter for a week. I accepted. After all, it was at their beach house! So, I luxuriated for a week while I kept company with two delightful (well-trained) pooches. Did I mention the pay wasn't bad?

The next surprising opportunity happened when a fellow writer in my group wanted to get another computer. She saw that I always schlepped around with my tiny one, so she wanted something similar. After group one day, she approached me and asked if I would help her when she bought one. I told her I would be glad to. It was going to be my pleasure to show her all that I knew. I promised nothing more, since I have never professed to be a geek or IT wizard. She would not let me share my knowledge without compensation.  I told her definitely I was not comfortable with her paying me. She said she would not do it otherwise. Well, she has a delightful restaurant in my hometown, so I told her I would gladly work for food. So, lucky me, I get coupons to the restaurant. She still insists on currency, too. Believe it not, even with my non geek status, we have made a lot of progress in getting her comfortable with her little computer. As for me, I am gaining weight and enjoying every minute of it.

A third unexpected gift came about just this past week. I've been researching at a local museum my next project. Whenever I find articles and documents I need, the docent makes copies for me. So far, I've been economically prepared for the expense. However, when I went in on Tuesday, she needed a volunteer. I hadn't plan to stay four hours, but since she needed me for that block of time, I agreed. Once I went to digging through all the articles, time took wings. Before I knew it, she was waving  me out the door so that she could close for the day. Before I left however, we came up with a scheduled time for me to volunteer. Guess what I get for compensation?  A really cool place to sit in for four hours and all my documents copied gratis!

I must add, with each of these, I've had the time of my life with those whose company I've been in, and that's the best compensation of all!

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Contest Fever

The malady, Contest Fever, finally wore down my resistance! In the last few weeks, I have entered three separate writing competitions. Earlier in the summer I signed up for an event, in which contestants would receive the prompt 24-hours in advance, with the mandate that the finished product  must be submitted within that time frame. In other words, the story had to be finished and done in 24-hours! Well, I was busy fluttering from one activity to another on Saturday, and missed out on  four of the allotted hours. Lost time had to be made up.

Sitting at the computer, it appeared  my Muse had gone on vacation. I put down a few words then more came. Toward the end of my composition, I could not think of a good conclusion, so I started to trash what I had and start over. Before I took that drastic step, my Muse told me to take a nap. I had barely put my head on the pillow when the conclusion came to me. Of course, I sprang up and typed the end with a fury before it escaped me.

Trying to follow some of the rules of writing I've run across lately, I put the story to bed overnight and I did the same. When I awoke this morning, a nifty thought came to me on how the ending could be better; so that was included.  After reviewing the story and looking over the contest rules again, I sent it!

In six weeks or a bit more, the results will be announced. I would keep my fingers crossed, but I just read that sustained periods of doing that causes "trigger finger". Since I already have a thumb claiming that ailment, I will pass! Instead, I will wish the best for all the entrants, but please let me win!


Tuesday, July 15, 2014

There is Wisdom in Following Sound Advice

Earlier I wrote about persistence. Well, I followed my own advice and did just that. I persisted, and OMG (Oh, I know I am too old for that, but it's so appropriate). I had just about given up on a very vital source I needed for my creative nonfiction project. I thought to circumvent it, I'd use the Internet and thrash around for bits of information on various sites. Well, I decided I'd try one time to contact the source before I dug in too deeply with that tact. I went online, looking for  the director of the organization, and  Lo and Behold, it was the person I had communicated with face to face about a month ago. I sent her an email explaining I had not received the packet we had discussed and nicely asked for assistance. It was about 8:30 P.M. when I hit send, thinking it would be a few days before I got a response, so I planned to go information hunting at the Courthouse in the County Seat. When I got up the next morning (early), I had a response from her, apologizing. She thought the person to whom she had forwarded my request had taken care of it. She immediately got someone on it. While I was sitting at the library in the County Seat, trying to get my vision back from using a microfiche machine, I got an email. The info was ready. I jumped up and hurried to my car to make the hour drive to get  it. I thought, Oh please don't let this be two or three fuzzy sheets of lines that can't be deciphered because they have been copied to death. Well, it wasn't! I had a trove of documents on great quality paper, including magazine articles and pictures! I have been handling them with kid-glove care. For regular use, I made a fuzzy copy of each on my own poor quality printer. The originals I have in a coveted box in which I am saving my good stuff. So, don't give up. Keep trying. Now, I am on a roll.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Narcissistic, Manipulative, Antisocial--Keys to Success? Really?

The second Friday of each month, I participate in a marketing group led by Peggy Holloway and hosted by Bonita Sierra at the lovely clubhouse in her community. Today there were four of us brainstorming ways to be as successful as booksellers as we are book writers(smiles). That's quite a task, but, again, to be fruitful  we have to keep at it. I must admit this has been a weak area for me. Before, I've been reluctant to talk about my product. I figured if it were any good, people would find it.  Well, that's a bit of magical thinking with hundreds of thousands of books on the Internet. But it's still hard to toot, toot, toot my horn.

Well, on this past Thursday as I was preparing to go to my writing group in Holly Hill, a segment on CBS, the show with Gayle, Charlie and Nora, caught my attention. During this segment, a young man talked about "jerks" (his word, not mine) who become extremely successful. He pointed out three common characteristics: Narcissistic, Manipulative, Antisocial (not meaning a lack of desire to be around people, but not caring about others in a quest to get something). As I listened, I cringed. I didn't want to be any of those if that's what it took to get ahead in the game. However, as I rode along, I realized we must have some small portion of each of those characteristics to survive in a competitive arena, sadly. So, forgive my narcissistic, manipulative, antisocial ploy, but please go to amazon kindle and purchase one or both of my books. They are very affordable. My Mother's Southern Jewels and Julian Carlton--I am not just another George are both there. I would be most appreciative if you would write me a review afterwards. To repay you, I invite you to a lovely Sunday afternoon event in downtown Daytona Beach, Florida on August 17, 2:00 P.M. at 242 S. Beach Street at the Cinematique. It's FREE.  I'd love to see you there. Take care, Ethel

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Pre-Writing

What is pre-writing someone might ask? It's a myriad of things; however, simply put, the process involves any experience which feeds ideas that can be put into words. Presently, I am in the pre-writing phase of my next project. I'm doing a lot of grunt work to get information. As I talk about the project, I share the information so that I can become very familiar with it. Once, the writing process begins, I want to be so familiar with the facts that they will flow freely onto the page.

In the pre-writing stage, I always do a lot of thinking about writing. As I ride along, I formulate ideas for an opening or introduction; I think of chapters headings. Since this project is creative non-fiction, I am trying to get the elements of that genre clearly delineated. I can't interject or fabricate events as  can be done in historical fiction. The big draw back to this phase, one might ask. Well, when in a writing group, members expect each writer to produce work to be critiqued and discussed. For several weeks, I haven't. There's nothing on paper yet. But once things start flowing, I hope what issues forth is worthy.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

I just left my Wednesday writing group at the HUB in NSB. Several members were absent today, but the intimacy of two members and the group facilitator lent itself to some flexibility. After we critiqued last week's submissions, we lapsed into other writing-focused conversations.  I shared my foray into audio book production. The two who were listening started to lavish me with praises. I immediately told them about my friend who gave me the courage to try this avenue ( Yes, I gave her name, Peggy Holloway). It's important to give credit to others. None of us has arrived at this juncture in life without the help of others. And just as Peggy has been so willing to share information about marketing, others of us should be willing to share that which we have a knowledge of.  What we put into the universe comes back. Let it be something good! Happy Writing.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Persist!

I've done a couple of posts about the new project I'm undertaking. It's my hope to do a creative non-ficiton, which entails lots of research. Since I dove into it about two weeks ago, I have been digging like a prairie dog(they do dig, don't they?). One of the main archives I need to access has been a bit difficult, however. But, I refuse to give up. I will persist! In all due fairness, just as difficult as it has been to get into that place, it has been equally as easy to get into others. I have met  wonderful, helpful resource people in my area. They have shared articles, contacts and leads. Of course, the Internet has been an invaluable tool, but I want as much primary source information as possible. To that end, I have done the web page www.bethunebeachofyore.com, hoping to get some anecdotes. A few people who got the message about the site, called, texted or emailed. After talking to one of these folks, he shared how badly he wanted to get to the beach sometimes that he started walking, hoping someone would come along and give him a ride( it is ten miles south of NSB). I said, "You must write that up. I want to include it."  I also want pictures, letter, souvenirs. I believe this is going to be good. Ethel

Monday, June 30, 2014

Why I Write: Bethune Beach of Yore

Why I Write: Bethune Beach of Yore: If you remember weekends and major holidays at Bethune-Volusia please tell me your memories. I would also love to have pictures. This is suc...

Junior Prom 1960

Prom Night was a huge event in 1960! It was most teenagers' first formal outing. Months of preparation went into making that night absolutely perfect. Looking back a few years, like 54, I am sure my parents wanted to throttle me. I would not accept just anything, not even a local boy as a date. My date was a graduating senior(college), already accepted into dental school. Oh yeah, I had my eye on the prize. Ta-da! I must say my parents were much more insightful than I. They sensed something in the young man that I didn't--innocence. Or maybe my father's reputation had preceded his acceptance of the invitation. Whatever was the case, he was most respectful.

As usual, after the prom, we went to the beach. Yes, Bethune Beach. I still had on my Southern Belle long, tiered, pink gown. He parked the  beautiful borrowed T-Bird, and all four of us got out for a walk on the beach. Four? Well, he brought a classmate along to be a date for my classmate. See, all was innocent. To make it even more so, before we crossed the first sand dune to reach the hard-pack of the beach, my second oldest brother, Jimmy, drove up in Dad's white and green Olds. He didn't say much, just eyed my date real hard. So, we walked and held hands and talked about my college plans. I had already thought of several institutions that I wanted to attend after I graduated, but I really honed in on one option when I learned he would be in professional school in the same city.

So, a lot of good stuff was accomplished on Prom Night. I left with only sand in my shoes.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Bethune Beach of Yore

If you remember weekends and major holidays at Bethune-Volusia please tell me your memories. I would also love to have pictures. This is such a great place that needs to have a book written about its advent and its present status in Volusia County. For a few years, I have been pondering doing this project, but I knew it would involve a lot of digging and leg-work. Now that I have released Julian from the writing nest, I am up to the challenge. However, I really do solicit help of others. It would be fantastic to have a lot of primary source materials. Write me here at the blog or on Facebook or email: lanoche_1@msn.com. This is a story that is begging to be written. Help me do it!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

The Importance of Writing Cohorts

After much working and reworking of my manuscript, I definitely realize the importance of writing cohorts. They can provide invaluable information that can add to the success of a work.  I do warn against having too many "fingers in the pie" because that increases the likelihood of contradictory views being espoused. So, I suggest sampling several writing groups and find one which provides: honest critiques, not warm and fuzzy unwarranted compliments; encouragement; helpful suggestions for improvement; resource materials and for the aging, someone with good eyesight to pick up typo's and omissions.

In regard to the last characteristic, I find it so disheartening to finish a manuscript, pore over it for hours, upload it, only to see once it's gone public a N or some other str4ange character in the middle of a word. It is great some authors can make corrections to the work and repost. For the ones who don't have that option, be sure to have a one last combing through by someone with 20/20 (or better) and a mind for detail.

Well, let me go download my manuscript for the 15th time!  Happy Writing, Ethel

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Alone doesn't mean Lonely!

I listen to Public Radio and while waiting to go into the library a guest made a remark to which I could relate. He spoke of a famous writer who eschewed  public appearances; even though, perhaps, his influence could have affected change. It was reported he preferred being alone with his creativity!

Only a few days earlier, my brother and I were talking of a cousin's passing--a relative we will both sorely miss. He was an artist and a hunter. He, a mosaic of interesting facets, never married because he realized a wife would be in either third or fourth place in his heart. And for someone who would hold him in first place, that would've been unfair. Just as the unnamed author mentioned above, Old Crow enjoyed being alone with his creativity.

I am pretty much the same. I do enjoy being in the company of others, but I have no problem spending extended periods with only my laptop and my thoughts. Ethel Cook-Wilson

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Why I Write: Julian Carlton--I am not just another George! Tali...

Why I Write: Julian Carlton--I am not just another George! Tali...:      Yes! Just finished a complete rewrite of Julian Carlton--I am not just another George! Taliesin Murders. The hundredth anniversary of ...

Why I Write: Why I Write

Why I Write: Why I Write: I like to talk, but there are just some things that can be expressed better in the written word. For example, I love dialect which can serve...

Why I Write

I like to talk, but there are just some things that can be expressed better in the written word. For example, I love dialect which can serve as a great characterization tool. I fell in love the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar in junior high and ever since I have been enthralled with regional dialects.

I have looked at my latest projects and realized that I love to have a life lesson in that which I write. I like shedding light on human inequities. In some of the writing groups in which I participate it has been suggested sometimes by other members that I use unflattering epithets, and I quickly inform that my narrator doesn't talk like that. I like to entertain, but most of all I like to educate and foster understanding of other.

Julian Carlton--I am not just another George! Taliesin Murders

     Yes! Just finished a complete rewrite of Julian Carlton--I am not just another George! Taliesin Murders. The hundredth anniversary of this event is approaching rapidly and I wanted to have this project redone. I feel that this is a vast improvement. You, the reading public will let me know, I am sure.
     Since my first attempt to write this historical fiction, I made a trip to Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin and into Dodgeville where Julian was taken to jail after the murders. There in Dodgeville I met a docent in the Iowa County Historical Society who got me to thinking quite differently about Julian and this event. I learned some interesting facts about Frank Lloyd Wright during my visit, too. Upon learning those bits of information, I had a different view of Julian. In addition, I moved from the West Coast to Florida. Since I've been here, I've had the great fortune to participate in several writing groups. In those situations, invaluable information regarding writing is shared. With what I've learned, my approach to the novel became different.
     If you are in the Daytona Beach area on Sunday, August 17, 2014, 2:00 P.M., there will be a book release and movie (documentary) of the life of the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright. The event is free to the public. Please come and enjoy the outing.