Unveiling Scenes from Minor Keys because ... Chickens.
I know, I know.
You were expecting my introductory story (Part 2 of 3) in which I describe how my husband's ex-girlfriend and I planned to have babies together and how she had my daughter. That story is coming, I promise.
Chickens. Chickens are the reason for this week's blog re-route.
(left to right) Sideshow Barbara, Ruby, Betty, Marge, Lavernne
In front of her house is a free book library. Apparently, it's popular enough that someone turned it into a Pokestop on Pokemon Go.
It struck me that I have a pile of books. A pile of books with my published short story in it. A pile of books just sitting in my office, collecting dust. Folks, my brain is smart. But not smart enough to have thought about putting my book in there.... until today. I can spare a dusted off copy for this adorable little library.
Free library and Pokemon Go Pokestop
I arrogantly signed the inside cover with "donated by local Brentwood author, Amber M. Davies", circled my story in the table of contents, including my linktr.ee address.
My published story, Minor Keys, in the anthology book An Election of Words
Honored to be amongst this eclectic collection of books
On my way home, I couldn't stop thinking about the music that inspired this story: Standchen by Franz Schubert. I wish for anyone who reads my story to "hear" the plot unfolding the way I did when I wrote it. I'd never really broken this down for folks before and ....
The idea seeded its way into my brain.
Have you ever had a song stuck in your brain? Who let the dogs out, do you do the fandango, so call me maybe stuck in your brain? Even if you don't know the words, you keep humming the same part over and over. You may not even realize you're doing it. Are you doing it right now?
When this happens to me, the only way to purge it is to indulge it. I listen to the song over and over until I'm sick of it.
So bear with me. Ex-girlfriends, unplanned pregnancies, and having each others' babies - all that Jerry Springer nonsense will return. In the meantime, you can enjoy a different flavor of crazy while I purge.
F. Liszt - "Standchen" Piano Transcriptions after Schubert - Khatia Buniatishvili
In a post-modern setting where artificial intelligence is ubiquitous and commonplace, my short story "Minor Keys" unfolds. Following her grandfather's enigmatic passing, Marisol and society grapple with the aftermath of his presidency.
You can purchase the book on Amazon and Scout Media (who published the book/story), or if you're willing to pay shipping and you reach out to me directly on any of my socials, I might just send you a signed copy because ... well, they're not doing me any favors just sitting in my office. Is collecting dust a favor? I wouldn't want that dust everywhere else, I suppose....
Before you read my story, I want you to listen to the song posted above. Now, I'm not telling you how to have your fun ... well, shit ... maybe I am.
Sidebar ... I love seafood. I love ordering seafood at restaurants. I often peruse their menus and notice suggested wine pairings - which are all white wines. I don't love white wine and when I order the fish, I stubbornly request the boldest spiciest red wine because I'll be damned if I let some restaurant tell me how to enjoy to my food!
So, you CAN read my story without having ever heard this song. If I crafted it well, you'll enjoy it regardless. But as the chef in this instance, I implore you to experience this story the way it was intended. Listen to the damn music and maybe I'll learn my lesson and order white wine with my next seafood dish.
The first listen-through, I only want you to notice it's serene and lyrical melody. The mood fluctuates between a reflective, intimate harmony and a subtle undertone of enigmatic darkness. And from this, I discovered my setting - a world in which artificial intelligence has made it possible for humans to live in a seemingly perfect utopia.
Envision a little girl with her grandpa. The main melody in the first half of the song leads with a tone as if she is curious, questioning, calling out, and seeking answers. The main melody repeats after, but it in a lower register. This is her grandpa, responding, answering and guiding her with his wisdom. Towards the end of the song, there's a big reveal and it changes the song completely. It's dramatic. It's traumatizing. And in the final moments, there's acceptance. A choice has been made. The harmony returns and though all may not be right, there's a path forward and the melody resolves.
NOW you have permission to read my story.
Whereas before, you may have only heard the music, now I hope you experience the passion it conveys. For those of you that are uber-nerds, and want to follow along line-by-line, I've provided an outline below of time stamps that align with certain sections of the story. (spoiler free)
0:00 - 0:13 - Opening funeral scene at the windows
0:14 - 2:00 - Marisol's POV and reflections
2:01 - 2:50 - Memories of Grandpa Timon's voice and guidance
2:51 - 4:59 - Back and forth discussion between Marisol (high register) and her parents or Grandpa Timon (low register). Over the course of time, you can hear Marisol question less and begin to mimic the lower register.
5:00 - 5:11 - Marisol makes a dramatic discovery and questions her future. The lower register resonates throughout this section, as if confirming what she suspects.
5:12 - 5:23 - Marisol accepts her fate, though she still has many questions
5:24 - 6:36 - Marisol leaves, receiving support from others (as echoed in the higher registers). Her path is decided, and though there's some fear of the unknown (a fleeting dark chord), she's at peace with her decision.
If, you have absolutely no interest in purchasing the book, but you're curious enough about my story, subscribe to my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@pertynerdy
One of my other lives involves working with voice actors, and wouldn't you know it, one of them has agreed to record a dramatic reading of Minor Keys. I hope to have that published on on my channel soon. This gives you the plenty of opportunity to get acquainted with Schubert and Standchen before I blow your mind with my awesome writing and storytelling skills.
Or, you can ruminate on the Jerry Springer story and predict how it will unfold - create a yarn board, like a private investigator, eat donuts, and pull out that magnifying glass.
Until next time, nerds.
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