Goddess Fish Promotions Presents
Accidental Paradise
by Eric Grandy
A randomly drawn winner will receive a $25 Amazon/BN GC – Enter Below
Natural talent, hard work, and a childhood friend help LaVern Whitaker find her calling as an actress. When her life becomes overwhelming, they discover a small town where her true identity can remain unknown and she can stay out of the spotlight. The more she visits her secret getaway, the more deeply she feels connected to the history, the lifestyle, and the people. Could this place be her home away from home, or become the home she has dreamed of? Or will sinister forces rip it all away?
About My Research
In “Accidental Paradise”, my main character, LaVern Whitaker, began performing by appearing in high school plays. She soon received her introduction to the professional world through local theater companies before she moved on to performance arts college. My research began in Baltimore. A close friend had been involved in the stage scene for many years, and I interviewed him and several of his cast members. Even in a small acting community like Baltimore, many of these performers had extensive stage credits going back years. They were a landslide of experience and information. One actress shared that, as a child, she would learn her lines with a bell ringing, simply to hone her concentration skills. I was amazed at the dedication and desire they put into their work. They were not going to become rich or famous; they did it for the sheer enjoyment of the art.
I was backstage at live shows and witnessed the energy and angst that is a part of every performance. I was even allowed access to one rehearsal. This was a rare privilege because outsiders are normally expressly forbidden. I saw their mistakes, the corrections, the adjustments, the whole creative process that takes place before there’s an audience. Much of the information I gathered was applied to LaVern’s time in art performance college.
My research was both fun and interesting. I enjoyed it. I was careful to merely observe, not interfere. I got a whiff of what happens before the lights come on, and I know that any stage performer who reads my book will know that I did my research and I got it right.
“I’m going to miss you so much sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.”
The tears began to flow.
“I’m going to miss you too, Mom.”
“I miss you already, Peaches,” cried Shaundra. “You better text me every day.”
LaVern broke her tight hold on her mother and transferred it to Shaundra.
“I told you a long time ago that nothing will ever come between us. I meant it then and I mean it now.” She clutched her best friend even tighter. Then it was Freeman’s turn. He’d been holding off his goodbye intentionally. He wrapped his arms around his daughter and held on. He rested his chin on her head. LaVern was sobbing uncontrollably, but she didn’t let go. He finally relaxed his grip and looked directly into LaVern’s crying eyes.
“I want you to know you have made your mother and me so proud, Peaches.” He wiped a tear from his daughter’s face with his thumb. “You’re ready for this. You’ve been preparing your whole life.”
“Thank you, Daddy. I love you so much.”
He released his daughter, picked up the luggage and, along with everyone else, headed outside. LaVern turned to take one last look. The realization that she wouldn’t be back for months was just hitting her. It’s really happening, she thought. I’m actually leaving. She closed and locked the door. The second part of her life was about to begin.
Eric Grandy was born and raised in Baltimore City and graduated from City College. After he graduated from Essex Community College, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played six years for that team. He went on to a variety of jobs: photographer, lab manager, driver for DHL and warehouse manager. After retirement, he decided to devote himself to writing, producing several short stories and Accidental Paradise, his debut novel.
Grandy still lives in Baltimore with his wife Rhonda and his daughter Marti.
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Thank you so much for featuring ACCIDENTAL PARADISE today.