LA/Book 2, in which the novel kicks my butt

I’ll make this short. I have a deadline for my next revision of CURSE OF A DARK GOD. It’s November 20th. But the book is kicking me around like a tin can. I sat down Saturday to work on my current revisions and as I unpicked the chapter I was working on the whole story unraveled in my hands. I worked for 8 hours trying to put it back together, but it resisted all efforts.

I’m not one to take this lying down. I’m going to San Diego this week, but will fly back early to work on the book, which means I will not be visiting Los Angeles. Alas. This wild beast will come under control. And that should please all those who have read SERVANT and are waiting for the next installment.

“Wally” by Aslyn

My daughter was playing this song on her internet list. The tune and singer’s voice grabbed me. I downloaded it based on that. Then I really listened.

Oh, man.

I cannot tell you how much I love this song. I love the melody and phrasing, Aslyn’s voice. I love the lyrics. I love the true story behind them. Gracious Lord, this is what it’s all about.

This youtube is of a live performance. She gives a great into to the song. She tells how her grandfather Wally, who was in the Coast Guard when he young, met his wife Fae. They were married for 55 years. Then Aslyn tells how she found Wally, a few days after Grandma Fae died, sitting in his rocking chair holding a black and white picture of his wife, his eyes wet with tears. Fae had written on the picture: “to sweetest boy I’ve ever known.” You gotta listen to that intro. Then you have to get the Lemon Love album version of the song. It’s 99 cents on Amazon.

Here are the lyrics. I’ve added the little spoken part you get on the Lemon Love version that’s not in the live performance.

“Wally”

[Aslyn’s grandfather]

Hello, I’m Wally. I’m the man that had the good fortune of one day of finding a companion that would live with me for more than 55 years. No man could have ever asked for a better wife, or better friend, than the one I found across the dance floor at the USO.

[Song begins]  

Dear Wally, I’m writing this letter sincerely.
To tell you you’re the “sweetest boy I’ve ever known.”
Remember that USO when we met.
You almost didnt go.
Well, me and your two sons are very glad you did.
Cause when your eyes found me I could hardly breathe.
I wanted you.
Glad you wanted me.

I never stopped falling in love with you, Wally.
From the first day I saw you
I was sailor-bound, I just knew.
You had me, I was yours.
We danced out on the floor.
And with each passing day.
I only loved you more.

That night was pure magic.
Who would have imagined.
It would become 55 loving wonderful years.
Your job was not all easy.
Those last years I could hardly speak.
But when I looked at you I knew nothing had changed.
And when I was leaving.
I could feel you hurting.
But then I saw those angels and I knew your love would want this for me.

I never stopped falling in love with you, Wally.
From the first day I saw you
I was sailor-bound, I just knew.
You had me, I was yours.
We danced out on the floor.
And with each passing day.
I only loved you more…more… more…more… more

So while you’re waiting
Know that I’m saying I love you
I love you………

I never stopped falling in love with you, Wally.
From the first day I saw you
I was sailor-bound, I just knew.
You had me, I was yours.
We danced out on the floor.
And with each passing day.
I only loved you

You had me, I was yours.
We danced out on the floor.
And with each passing day.
I only loved you more..

Dear Wally…

Tour venues for Phoenix and Denver set

The three amigos (David Farland, Larry Correia, and I) have locked down venues for Phoenix and Denver.

Thursday,
November 19
7 pm – 9 pm
Meet public, discuss book, signing Scottsdale, AZ The Poisoned Pen
4014 N Goldwater Blvd. Suite 101
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 947-2974
Saturday,
December 5
5 pm – 7 pm
Meet public, discuss book, signing Denver (Lone Tree), CO  Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
8374 South Willow Street
Lone Tree, CO   80124
(303) 706-9660

Positive Review from James Maxey on Orson Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show

James Maxey is a writer I admire. For his work ethic. For the quality of his prose. For his imagination. His story “To Know All Things That Are In The Earth” is one of my favorites. So you can be sure I was pleased to find and read this today.

I will say, in utter candor, that Servant of a Dark God is a work that truly stands out from other fantasy books on the market. What makes this book work so well is that it’s a story about family first, and a fantasy adventure second. Full review.