weblog/wEssays archives | home | |
Where Is This? (June 16, 2006) Today's mystery location, like key scenes in my little novel I-State Lines, lies in the Southwest. It's the kind of setting where the unexpected tends to happen, especially if you're young and working your way across country: you agree to take a hitchhiker to the Grand Canyon, but your journeys become more entwined than expected. A crummy motel becomes a magical place once you sneak into the pool for a midnight swim. And then you miss someone who wasn't even in your life a week ago. Scott Snyder, whose own short story collection Voodoo Heart is getting rave reviews from the likes of Stephen King, had this to say about I-State LInes: I-State Lines is a breath of fresh air. Told in its own brand of original, teenage vernacular, the book tells the story of Daz, a tough but sensitive nineteen year old, who sets off on a cross country trip with his best friend, Alex. Along the way the two encounter a cast of memorable characters - from the enigmatic (and beautiful) hitchhiker Tracie, to the charming Benny and Tita - and have a slew of enthralling adventures (one of my favorite moments occurs when Daz discovers an old travel journal hidden in the car - a record of a cross country trip made years before). At once touching and thought-provoking, I-State Lines is a page-turner to check out.So if there is a young person on your gift list this summer--for a graduation or birthday-- consider ordering my little novel from my favorite online independent bookstore, The Kaleidoscope: Our Focus Is You (Shipping is free on all orders). Or if you have an open order at amazon.com, you can of course add I-State Lines to it for a very reasonable $13 (orders over $25 ship free). Be the first to identify this locale, and I'll send you a collector's copy of my book I-State Lines. So email me! For more on this subject and a wide array of other topics, please visit my weblog. copyright © 2006 Charles Hugh Smith. All rights reserved in all media. I would be honored if you linked this wEssay to your site, or printed a copy for your own use. |
||
weblog/wEssays | home |