Oh oh… I don’t know why my mind went here but is this going to be a Walter and Margaret Keane situation? You’re up to something by choosing to not disclose whether Lefty shared the truth about the artist!
Firmly in Kelly's corner here with that "I don't know what to do next with my life" feeling. Hadn't even occurred to me that they might pull a Keane? We'll see...
What I love here, Ben, is when I'm totally absorbed and then you pull back slightly to remind me there's a specific narrator:
"When Lefty tells this story, he claims it was this moment that he understood the enormity of Kelly’s genius. He says it was like he had only ever caught glimpses of the raw power of her talent up to that point, like he had been observing it through a keyhole. Seeing the pieces spread out before him, he was speechless."
It's a great move. I really dig it. We're not just witnessing the story, we're witnessing how someone else *knows* the story.
It’s been a fun experience using this narrative device. You’ll see in the pages to come that I play with a few different POVs. Thanks for being here Nathan.
PS others have mentioned things that came to mind by the of this, but just want to also note my fave line: "By midafternoon, the festival was packed with noisy ensembles who slurped slushies and noshed on greasy funnel cakes as they moved amoeba-like in and around the long corridor of stalls."
You did a great job with the subtlety of Lefty’s frustration with Kelly and how it relates to his own sense of not having lived up to his potential. I think that’s such an interesting — and common — dynamic to explore.
I loved the description of Kelly’s smile and how it changed her face like how sunshine in the sea makes it shimmer compared to slate grey of an overcast day. It really struck me.
It's so perfect that nothing sold while she was there and the way it speaks to how much she gets in the way of her own brilliance. And I just adored her tracing where the sold piece had been. Can't wait to see how / if this shifts things for her. For them both...
It’s not been hard to write about a character who gets in their own way as much as Kelly does! I have quite a bit of experience with that. Thanks for reading, Chloe. ❤️
Ben, once again you have touched on complicated emotions. They felt so real here, I am feeling like I want to give Kelly a good shaking, tell her to get a grip! She obviously has talent, Lefty can see it, feel it even and yet she hides in the shadow of doubt.
Thank heavens for the sale! I really hope this will see a change in her attitude?
“At this point, he paused and looked up to meet her gaze. She nodded, and in that small gesture, a contract was signed—one that would endure beyond what either of them could have ever imagined.”
I’m getting caught up on this novel, literally and figuratively, Ben, and really enjoyed the audio chapters. What stays with me in your writing is the way we see your characters’ humanity even in smallest moments like this one ☝️ This delicate foreshadowing is one of the signatures of your writing voice that draws me into the rhythm of the story one compelling chapter at a time. Thank you for all the love and care you’ve put into bringing this story to your readers!
Aw, thank you so much, Ann. Honestly, anytime I write these days, I’m thinking of my readers like you and how much I want to get it right, to keep you engaged and connected. It really is like a conversation and I’m so lucky to have you here.
I loved the glimpse of the fairy nymph in a spiderweb - I am trying to imagine what is in the artwork, I want so much to see it, I wanted to stand next to lefty and just look for hours, to see what they’re seeing.
Hey Emily! I thought this book might be intriguing to you in particular. It has been a challenge to write the descriptions of art in a way that doesn’t completely bog things down but provides enough for the reader to imagine and engage.
That disbelief the first time you sell a piece of art to a stranger who falls in love with it at first sight. I’ll never forget that feeling—you captured it here so well!
The emotional currents in this chapter are so real. I hung on every word. The breathless daring trust fall of showing her work, the sheer audacity of it. It’s such a relief that one of the drawings sold! It wasn’t lost on me that Lefty’s salesmanship is a match for Kelly’s talent. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Oh oh… I don’t know why my mind went here but is this going to be a Walter and Margaret Keane situation? You’re up to something by choosing to not disclose whether Lefty shared the truth about the artist!
Yeah, exactly the same thought here!
(And sorry, Ben, I know I'm really behind but absolutely loving catching up!)
You’ll have to wait and see… 😉 thanks for reading, Kimberly!
Firmly in Kelly's corner here with that "I don't know what to do next with my life" feeling. Hadn't even occurred to me that they might pull a Keane? We'll see...
Yes, I think any of us with an artistic bent have spent time in this purgatory. Thanks for reading Troy!
What I love here, Ben, is when I'm totally absorbed and then you pull back slightly to remind me there's a specific narrator:
"When Lefty tells this story, he claims it was this moment that he understood the enormity of Kelly’s genius. He says it was like he had only ever caught glimpses of the raw power of her talent up to that point, like he had been observing it through a keyhole. Seeing the pieces spread out before him, he was speechless."
It's a great move. I really dig it. We're not just witnessing the story, we're witnessing how someone else *knows* the story.
It’s been a fun experience using this narrative device. You’ll see in the pages to come that I play with a few different POVs. Thanks for being here Nathan.
PS others have mentioned things that came to mind by the of this, but just want to also note my fave line: "By midafternoon, the festival was packed with noisy ensembles who slurped slushies and noshed on greasy funnel cakes as they moved amoeba-like in and around the long corridor of stalls."
"Amoeba-like" is fantastic!
Yes! That’s exactly how I’ve observed people moving through festivals
You did a great job with the subtlety of Lefty’s frustration with Kelly and how it relates to his own sense of not having lived up to his potential. I think that’s such an interesting — and common — dynamic to explore.
Thanks, Stephanie. So glad you’re along for this one.
I loved the description of Kelly’s smile and how it changed her face like how sunshine in the sea makes it shimmer compared to slate grey of an overcast day. It really struck me.
Hi Sheri! It’s great to see you here. It’s been a while. Thanks so much for the comment. I’m glad that image landed with you.
Oh my goodness, you’ve captured the phenomenon of artists getting in their own way so well!
I think we all need a Lefty. :)
I sure as hell need a Lefty in my life! Writing him is about as close as I’ve come to finding such a creature.
It's so perfect that nothing sold while she was there and the way it speaks to how much she gets in the way of her own brilliance. And I just adored her tracing where the sold piece had been. Can't wait to see how / if this shifts things for her. For them both...
It’s not been hard to write about a character who gets in their own way as much as Kelly does! I have quite a bit of experience with that. Thanks for reading, Chloe. ❤️
Ben, once again you have touched on complicated emotions. They felt so real here, I am feeling like I want to give Kelly a good shaking, tell her to get a grip! She obviously has talent, Lefty can see it, feel it even and yet she hides in the shadow of doubt.
Thank heavens for the sale! I really hope this will see a change in her attitude?
I’m glad it feels like the emotional complexity feels real and grounded. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Susie!
“At this point, he paused and looked up to meet her gaze. She nodded, and in that small gesture, a contract was signed—one that would endure beyond what either of them could have ever imagined.”
I’m getting caught up on this novel, literally and figuratively, Ben, and really enjoyed the audio chapters. What stays with me in your writing is the way we see your characters’ humanity even in smallest moments like this one ☝️ This delicate foreshadowing is one of the signatures of your writing voice that draws me into the rhythm of the story one compelling chapter at a time. Thank you for all the love and care you’ve put into bringing this story to your readers!
Aw, thank you so much, Ann. Honestly, anytime I write these days, I’m thinking of my readers like you and how much I want to get it right, to keep you engaged and connected. It really is like a conversation and I’m so lucky to have you here.
This is such an engaging chapter. The art show moves the story forward in a positive direction--selling a piece of work, yes!
Thanks, Diane!
I loved the glimpse of the fairy nymph in a spiderweb - I am trying to imagine what is in the artwork, I want so much to see it, I wanted to stand next to lefty and just look for hours, to see what they’re seeing.
Hey Emily! I thought this book might be intriguing to you in particular. It has been a challenge to write the descriptions of art in a way that doesn’t completely bog things down but provides enough for the reader to imagine and engage.
You’re doing it brilliantly Ben. I’m loving the pacing and anticipation and the otherworldly nature of Kelly’s art, and their shared half brokenness.
Thank you, Emily!
That disbelief the first time you sell a piece of art to a stranger who falls in love with it at first sight. I’ll never forget that feeling—you captured it here so well!
Thanks, Shannon! It is a life affirming experience when your work connects with a complete stranger.
The emotional currents in this chapter are so real. I hung on every word. The breathless daring trust fall of showing her work, the sheer audacity of it. It’s such a relief that one of the drawings sold! It wasn’t lost on me that Lefty’s salesmanship is a match for Kelly’s talent. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
They have been a fun pairing to write about. Is it obvious that I’m looking for my Lefty?!
Ummmmm 😶 Let’s just say, I can relate.