Peter on writing.
A love and respect for the English language was instilled in me from an early age by my father who regularly taught to me find alternative ways to say things and to express my thoughts. He more than once said, "A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a thousand words will let you build your own picture." This was simple concept that had profound effect on my use of our language. Precise and colourful diction has always caught my attention no matter who the speaker may be. The challenge for me has been to draw pictures with my chosen words that paint the pictures that my mind's eye sees. It is my hope that the reader will understand the actions my characters take and the language they use is appropriate for their social, economic and chronological place they are found in. As an experienced writer for both television and radio I have found that the knowledge of how the spoken word is perceived is far different from how a reader interprets the written word. It has been my aim to write in such a manner that the images my message try to convey conjure up similar pictures in my reader. Writing, like reading should be a pleasure and not a chore. Mine most certainly has been. |
Peter's life has been all about his ambition of becoming an interesting old man.
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The story's origin.
The original story came out of a dream and was taking place in Buffalo New York in the 1950’s. Upon deciding to write the story I quickly learned there was very little basis for my characters behavior so that led to Research this lead me to invent parents, grandparents and great grandparents each with their own values and attitudes dictated by the period and society in which they lived, reaching back to 1820’s. Building the family lineage backwards allowed me to encompass England, Africa, The Mediterranean, Australia, The Caribbean and Buffalo NY, USA, where the tale has it conclusion. Each era and location carried peculiarities to the other locations. These finally collide in an ironic case of murder. Racism, sexism, class distinction, violence and colonialism are all ingredients in this mix. For one blood line, sex is for procreation and little else. These people are far too busy with the business of surviving. To the other blood line, sex is a man’s right and plaything regardless of who gets hurt. Their arrogance and wealth lead to their undoing. |