I like this evolution, Ben. Can’t wait to see how this partnership continues to form. And I have to say again, this narrator—what he knows and doesn’t, shares and doesn’t, supposes—just so damn good!!
Thanks, Holly. I was inspired to use this narrative device after reading Less by Andrew Sean Greer. That book was such a fun read precisely because the narrator was so clearly opinionated and you had no idea who he was until the very end. So glad you're hear reading along.
Riveting, Ben! An image that stays with me is "the roots of the trees were tunnels that connected." It's so mysterious, and feels mythic, which made me think of the tree in "Pan's Labyrinth," the world that opens up beneath it. At this point in the story, I'm wondering if Kelly's travel beneath the surface world is taking a toll on her psyche. Also really enjoying how Lefty is finding his groove, that what comes naturally to him seems to be just what is needed to sell the art. . . . But is selling the art what Kelly needs? (on a spiritual level, not material) Such big questions!
Thank you, Julie! You’re definitely picking up what I’m putting down - there’s a lot of labyrinthian imagery in this book. Kelly will get lost and found many times before it’s all over.
You leave me a little lost for words Ben. I know how Kelly feels. Original art is hard to let go of. It has part of our soul inside it. Every time I sell something I’ve made that’s one of a kind, I’m excited yes - but then when I pack them up to send, it’s hard to let them go. I understand how Kelly can’t find the words to talk about her work, I’d want to run away too…
I am left wondering, likely as you planned, just how this partnership will progress Ben. I hadn't anticipated Kelly's, I will call it loss of reason being quite so immediate or dramatic, neither Lefty being such a fantastic salesman, there seems to be such a rabbit warren of possibilities appearing!
You had me utterly captivated by this chapter... the sort that makes me want the next immediately!
This is so interesting; the way his deception and her conviction that she’s been in the way of them because she can’t let go —somehow works together. Complicates the right and wrongness of it all.
Fascinating turn Ben. This multi-dimensional space Kelly inhabits feels fraught with creative potential and trauma. Have you seen the film Die My Love yet? We just watched it last night and it’s going to be with me for a long, long time. The main character played by Jennifer Lawrence reminds me of your Kelly. Untameable. Fractured. Instinctual.
I’ve not seen the movie yet, but I caught an interview with her a couple of weeks back and she talked about it. I will definitely check it out. It’s fun that you’ve cast her in this role of Kelly. Weirdly, I don’t think I ever picture actors for any of the characters in my novels as I’m writing them. Thanks so much for being here, Kimberly. ❤️
It’s one of Lynn Ramsay’s best. And the cinematography is outstanding, each frame could be a painting. That beauty contrasted with unnerving, weird and feverish performances and I think this one might live in my top five all time favs.
I like this evolution, Ben. Can’t wait to see how this partnership continues to form. And I have to say again, this narrator—what he knows and doesn’t, shares and doesn’t, supposes—just so damn good!!
Thanks, Holly. I was inspired to use this narrative device after reading Less by Andrew Sean Greer. That book was such a fun read precisely because the narrator was so clearly opinionated and you had no idea who he was until the very end. So glad you're hear reading along.
Me too!
Riveting, Ben! An image that stays with me is "the roots of the trees were tunnels that connected." It's so mysterious, and feels mythic, which made me think of the tree in "Pan's Labyrinth," the world that opens up beneath it. At this point in the story, I'm wondering if Kelly's travel beneath the surface world is taking a toll on her psyche. Also really enjoying how Lefty is finding his groove, that what comes naturally to him seems to be just what is needed to sell the art. . . . But is selling the art what Kelly needs? (on a spiritual level, not material) Such big questions!
Thank you, Julie! You’re definitely picking up what I’m putting down - there’s a lot of labyrinthian imagery in this book. Kelly will get lost and found many times before it’s all over.
You leave me a little lost for words Ben. I know how Kelly feels. Original art is hard to let go of. It has part of our soul inside it. Every time I sell something I’ve made that’s one of a kind, I’m excited yes - but then when I pack them up to send, it’s hard to let them go. I understand how Kelly can’t find the words to talk about her work, I’d want to run away too…
Hi, Emily. Thank you. This book is kind of a love letter to the artists of the world so it means everything that it’s landing with you.
I am left wondering, likely as you planned, just how this partnership will progress Ben. I hadn't anticipated Kelly's, I will call it loss of reason being quite so immediate or dramatic, neither Lefty being such a fantastic salesman, there seems to be such a rabbit warren of possibilities appearing!
You had me utterly captivated by this chapter... the sort that makes me want the next immediately!
Thank you, Susie. A rabbit warren is exactly what every fiction author hopes for! There will be lots to unfold with these two in the pages to come.
This is so interesting; the way his deception and her conviction that she’s been in the way of them because she can’t let go —somehow works together. Complicates the right and wrongness of it all.
The dynamic between these two has been a fun tension to manage throughout the project. Thanks so much for being here Stephanie. ❤️
(That should have said “been in the way of her work selling because she can’t let go of the pieces…” Anyway!)
I caught your drift. 😉
I really enjoyed this, Ben.
The way you have drawn Kelly and Lefty, and brought in the presence of deeper mysteries beyond the surface of things captured me completely.
I’m very happy to have found your writing and look forward to reading more.
Hi, Kay 👋. Welcome. I’m so glad you found me. I’m happy you’re here.
Fascinating turn Ben. This multi-dimensional space Kelly inhabits feels fraught with creative potential and trauma. Have you seen the film Die My Love yet? We just watched it last night and it’s going to be with me for a long, long time. The main character played by Jennifer Lawrence reminds me of your Kelly. Untameable. Fractured. Instinctual.
I’ve not seen the movie yet, but I caught an interview with her a couple of weeks back and she talked about it. I will definitely check it out. It’s fun that you’ve cast her in this role of Kelly. Weirdly, I don’t think I ever picture actors for any of the characters in my novels as I’m writing them. Thanks so much for being here, Kimberly. ❤️
It’s one of Lynn Ramsay’s best. And the cinematography is outstanding, each frame could be a painting. That beauty contrasted with unnerving, weird and feverish performances and I think this one might live in my top five all time favs.
Wow that’s high praise. I’ll definitely have to check it out.