#72 Inside the Emotion of Fiction's "KALEIDOSCOPE JANE & OTHER STORIES" by Carolyn Breckinridge

Chris Rice Cooper 

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https://www.facebook.com/car.cooper.7

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****Carolyn Breckinridge’s KALEIDOSCOPE JANE & OTHER STORIES  is #72 in the never-ending series called INSIDE THE EMOTION OF FICTION where the Chris Rice Cooper Blog (CRC) focuses on one specific excerpt from a fiction genre and how that fiction writer wrote that specific excerpt.  All INSIDE THE EMOTION OF FICTION links are at the end of this piece. 

Name of fiction work? And were there other names you considered that you would like to share with us? What a difficult task choosing which of my works to discuss, as there are unique characteristics I’d love to share about each of them!  But I have chosen ‘kaleidoscope jane & other stories.’  Kaleidoscope Jane is one of the characters in this book, and I believe her story encapsulates the book’s main themes.  But there is another character, Ladybug Lou, who has a major part to play.  At first, I considered titles such as ‘Ladybug Lou and Friends,’ and ‘Jane, Lou and Friends.’ An ARC reader felt both these tended to sound like children’s titles.  So, I settled on the final title with no caps on any of the words.

Has this been published? If yes, what publisher and what publication date? The collection was self-published through AuthorHouse in 2018.

What is the date you began writing this piece of fiction and the date when you completely finished the piece of fiction? For me, writing is a process in which seeds germinate and sprout and only find their way onto paper at the very end of the process.  In this case, I was engaged in writing my third in a mystery series when fifteen unruly women began stomping around in my head, demanding to be released.  They were raucous and noisy and I finally relented and suspended work on the novel.  They were so ready to make a break for it that this creative process, including editing, ARC reading and publication took less than six months.

Where did you do most of your writing for this fiction work?  And please describe in detail.  The important part of my writing is done away from the word processor.  I create when I am most relaxed and not distracted.  This will be times such as weeding in the garden, playing with my animals, driving in the country, and so forth.  Most of my writing is completed in the garden.    My laptop sits on the dining room table because this room has windows across one side and allows me to feel as though I’m outside while I work. 

     

     I word process my works directly, brain to fingers, generally with my African Gray parrot (Left) on my arm and two dogs (Above Right) at my feet.  The conure prefers her perch and the koi prefer to stay outside in their pond! I read to the Gray and dogs as I write.  They are very patient listeners. After I finish writing a piece, I rest it for a couple of days and then return to edit it, rest it again a couple of weeks and return again to edit.  

     Once a month, I seek positive critique from the Tuscaloosa Writers and Illustrators Guild.  This is always an important part of the process, the comradery and helpful opinions of fellow artists. I value critique highly and seek it, also, when I am a book club guest.  Oh, I guess I should add that Carolyn Breckinridge is a pen name.

What is the summary of this specific fiction work? Kaleidosope Jane & Friends is a compilation of stories intended to reflect the many facets of human existence.  The stories range from funny to sad.  Most have endings I hope will surprise and challenge my readers, with plenty of twists and turns.  Some might be classified as slice-of-life stories.  All of my characters are eccentric, and hopefully, they remind us all of what it means to be human.

     It’s well-known that our Western culture glorifies youth and older members of society are often ignored or overlooked. This story challenges readers to recognize there’s more to those of every age than meets the eye.

Can you give the reader just enough information for them to understand what is going on in the excerpt? This excerpt helps set the scene for one of the major themes of this book—things are rarely what they appear and it is important in life to assume nothing.  As an author, I loved to write about this grandmother as my own grandparents played such a sweet and fundamental role in my life.  And, I love to celebrate the importance of the grandparent role in the lives of today’s children.

Please include just one excerpt and include page numbers as reference.  This one excerpt can be as short or as long as you prefer. The plastic crown parked itself sideways across Nancy’s forehead.  It was damned annoying, scratchy little plastic teeth digging into her skin.  Her hand started up toward her face, but halfway there her fingers fluttered, paused as though reconsidering their intent and lowered slowly toward the chair’s side.  She would indulge them.  After all, hadn’t she already?

     “Sit down, Grandma!  Sit down and let us put this on your head!”  She’d responded obediently, watching Judy pull the glittery silver children’s toy from its plastic wrapping.  It had a purple plastic rhinestone in the middle.  And if that weren’t enough, there was a plastic rhinestone ring to match.  The ring fit only on Nancy’s left pinky finger.  “Let me get this in your hair, Grandma! A person doesn’t turn eighty-five every day!”  (From ‘Nancy.’  Page 1.)

Were there any deletions from this excerpt that you can share with us? And can you please include a photo of your marked up rough drafts of this excerpt. I edit relentlessly as this is the most important part of the evolution of any story.  But, once edited, I don’t save what I’ve changed.

Other works you have published? I can’t remember a time when I didn’t write stories so I’ve had some publishing successes and won some lovely awards and honors through the years.  But, since retirement, I’ve published two mysteries, a children’s picture book, and this book of short stories.  I have a file full of drafts and works in progress, as well.  ‘Tuscaloosa Moon,’ (2013) a mystery set in my adopted hometown, has enjoyed fun success.  Its sequel, ‘Tuscaloosa Boneyard’ followed in 2016 and received a delightful review on Alabama Public Radio.  I’m currently completing the third of this series, tentatively titled, ‘Tuscaloosa Trolley.’ It will be released this year.  I also love to write for children and recently released a picture book, ‘The Messy Room,’ (2019) under my married name, Carolyn W. Ezell.   

Anything you would like to add? Thank you for featuring me in this blog and thanks to everyone who chooses to read my works.  Thanks also to those who leave reviews.  They are so important to authors! 

          I was born in New York City to adventure-loving, risk-taking parents who offered my brother and me the opportunity to live in the faraway lands of Tanzania, Lebanon and Pakistan, and to travel the globe extensively.  In the process, I cohabitated with a pet monkey, bush baby, lamb, mynah bird, parrots, a Parson’ chameleon, and since then, all manner of creatures, as well.  
          I can’t remember a time when I didn’t read books and as a child (Above Right), I slept with all my books in bed with me every night.  It made for lumpy sleeping. 

     I graduated from the University of Alabama in cultural anthropology and English/creative writing and never left Tuscaloosa.  I returned to earn my Master’s degree in clinical social work.  All of my writing reflects my passion for this field in one way or another.  I worked as a child, adolescent and family therapist for more than twenty years and taught at the University during this time.  I live with my husband, two dogs, two parrots and a pond full of koi.  Over the years, I have been a parent, grandparent, foster parent, international host parent and youth mentor. My personal writing mentor is 98 years young and is still very active as a working author.  Every human being has so many stories to tell! 

www.carolynbreckinridge.com (website)

Carolyn Breckinridge (Facebook)

Carolynbreckinridge@gmail.com       

   INSIDE THE EMOTION OF FICTION links

001   11 15 2018 Nathaniel Kaine’s

Thriller Novel

John Hunter – The Veteran

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/001-inside-emotion-of-fiction-nathaniel.html

002   11 18 2018 Ed Protzzel’s

Futuristic/Mystery/Thriller

The Antiquities Dealer 

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/002-inside-emotion-of-fiction-ed.html

003   11 23 2018 Janice Seagraves’s

Science Fiction Romance

Exodus Arcon

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/003-inside-emotion-of-fiction-exodus.html

004   11 29 2018 Christian Fennell’s

Literary Fiction Novel

The Fiddler in the Night

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/004-inside-emotion-of-fiction-christian.html

005  12 02 2018 Jessica Mathews’s

Adult Paranormal Romance

Death Adjacent

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/5-inside-emotion-of-fiction-jessica.html

006  12 04 2018 Robin Jansen’s

Literary Fiction Novel

Ruby the Indomitable

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/006-inside-emotion-of-fiction-robin.html

007  12 12 2018  Adair Valerez’s

Literary Fiction Novel

Scrim

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/007-inside-emotion-of-fiction-adair.html

008  12 17 218 Kit Frazier’s

Mystery Novel

Dead Copy

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/008-inside-emotion-of-fiction-kit.html

009 12 21 2019 Robert Craven’s

Noir/Spy Novel

The Road of a Thousand Tigers

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/009-inside-emotion-of-fiction-robert.html

010 01 13 2019 Kristine Goodfellow’s

Contemporary Romantic Fiction

The Other Twin

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/010-inside-emotion-of-fictions-other.html

011 01 17 2019 Nancy J Cohen’s

Cozy Mystery

Trimmed To Death

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/11-inside-emotion-of-fiction-nancy.html

012 01 20 2019 Charles Salzberg’s

Crime Novel

Second Story Man

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/12-inside-emotion-of-fiction-charles.html

013 01 23 2019 Alexis Fancher’s

Flash Fiction

His Full Attention

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/13-inside-emotion-of-fiction-alexis.html

014 01 27 2019 Brian L Tucker’s

Young Adult/Historical

POKEWEED:  AN ILLUSTRATED NOVELLA

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/14-inside-emotion-of-fiction-brian-l.html

015 01 31 2019 Robin Tidwell’s

Dystopian

Reduced

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/15-inside-emotion-of-ficton-reduced-by.html

016 02 07 2019 J.D. Trafford’s

Legal Fiction/Mystery

Little Boy Lost

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/16-inside-emotion-of-fiction-little-boy.html

017 02 08 2019 Paula Shene’s

Young Adult ScieFi/Fantasy/Romance/Adventure

My Quest Begins 

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/017-inside-emotion-of-fiction-my-quest.html

018 02 13 2019 Talia Carner’s

Mainstream Fiction/ Suspense/ Historical

Hotel Moscow

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/18-inside-emotion-of-fiction-talia.html

019 02 15 2019 Rick Robinson’s

Multidimensional Fiction

Alligator Alley

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/19-inside-emotion-of-fiction-rick.html

020 02 21 2019 LaVerne Thompson’s

Urban Fantasy

The Soul Collectors

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/20-inside-emotion-of-fictions-soul.html

021 02 27 2019 Marlon L Fick’s

Post-Colonialist Novel

The Nowhere Man

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/21-inside-emotion-of-fictions-nowhere.html

022 03 02 2019 Carol Johnson’s

Mainstream Novel

Silk And Ashes

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/22-inside-emotion-of-fictions-silk-and.html

023 03 06 2019 Samuel Snoek-Brown’s

Short Story Collection

There Is No Other Way to Worship Them

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/23-inside-emotion-of-fictions-there-is.html

024 03 08 2019 Marlin Barton’s

Short Story Collection

Pasture Art

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/24-inside-emotion-of-fictions-pasture.html

025 03 18 2019 Laura Hunter’s

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Beloved Mother

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/25-inside-emotion-of-fictions-beloved.html

026 03 21 2019 Maggie Rivers’s

Romance

Magical Mistletoe

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/26-inside-emotion-of-fictions-magical.html

027  03 25 2019 Faith Gibson’s

Paranormal Romance

Rafael

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/27-inside-emotion-of-fictions-rafael-by.html

028 03 27 2019 Valerie Nieman’s

Tall Tale

To The Bones

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/28-inside-emotion-of-fictions-to-bones.html

029 04 04 2019 Betty Bolte’s

Paranormal Romance

Veiled Visions of Love

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/29-inside-emotion-of-fictions-veiled.html

030 04 05 2019  Marianne Maili’s

Tragicomedy

Lucy, go see

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/30-inside-emotion-of-fictions-lucy-go.html

031 04 10 2019 Gregory Erich Phillips’s

Mainstream Fiction

The Exile

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/31-inside-emotion-of-fictions-exile-by.html

032 04 15 2019 Jason Ament’s

Speculative Fiction

Rabid Dogs

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/32-inside-emotion-of-fictions-rabid.html

033 04 24 2019 Stephen P. Keirnan’s

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The Baker’s Secret

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/33-inside-emotion-of-fictions-bakers.html

034 05 01 2019 George Kramer’s

Fantasy

Arcadis: Prophecy Book

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/34-inside-emotion-of-fictions-arcadis.html

035 05 05 2019 Erika Sams’s

Adventure/Fantasy/Romance

Rose of Dance

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/35-inside-emotion-of-fictions-rose-of.html

036 05 07 2019 Mark Wisniewski’s

Literary Fiction

Watch Me Go

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/36-inside-emotion-of-fictions-watch-me.html

037 05 08 2019 Marci Baun’s

Science Fiction/Horror

The Whispering House

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/37-inside-emotion-of-fictions.html

038 05 10 2019 Suzanne M. Wolfe’s

Historical Fiction

Murder By Any Name

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/38-inside-emotion-of-fictions-murder-by.html

039 05 12 2019 Edward DeVito’s

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The Woodstock Paradox

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040 05 14 2019 Gytha Lodge’s

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She Lies In Wait

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041 05 16 2019 Kari Bovee’s

Historical Fiction/Mystery

Peccadillo At The Palace:  An Annie Oakley Mystery

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/41-inside-emotion-of-fictions.html

042 05 20 2019 Annie Seaton’s

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043 05 22 2019 Paula Rose Michelson’s

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Rosa & Miguel – Love’s Legacy: Prequel to The Naomi

Chronicles

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044 05 24 2019 Gracie C McKeever’s

BDMS/Interracial Romance

On The Edge

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/44-inside-emotion-of-fictions-on-edge.html

045 06 03 2019 Micheal Maxwell’s

Mystery

The Soul of Cole

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/45-inside-emotion-of-fictions-soul-of.html

046 06 04 2019 Jeanne Mackin’s

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The Last Collection:  A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and

Coco Chanel

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/46-inside-emotion-of-fictions-last.html

047 06 07 2019 Philip Shirley’s

Suspense/Thriller

The Graceland Conspiracy

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/47-inside-emotion-of-fictions-graceland.html

048 06 08 2019 Bonnie Kistler’s

Domestic Suspense

The House on Fire

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/48-inside-emotion-of-fictions-house-on.html

049 06 13 2019 Barbara Taylor Sissel’s

Domestic Suspense/Family Drama

Tell No One

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/049-inside-emotion-of-fictions-tell-no.html

050 06 18 2019 Charles Salzberg’s

Short Story/ Crime Fiction

“No Good Deed” from Down to the River

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/50-inside-emotion-of-fictions-no-good.html

051 06 19 2019 Rita Dragonette’s

Historical Fiction

The Fourteenth of September

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/51-inside-emotion-of-fictions.html

052  06 20 2019 Nona Caspers’s

Literary Novel/Collage

The Fifth Woman

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/52-inside-emotion-of-fictions-fifth.html

053 06 26 2019 Jeri Westerson’s

Paranormal Romance

Shadows in the Mist

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/53-inside-emotion-of-fictions-shadows.html

054 06 28 2019 Brian Moreland’s

Horror

The Devil’s Woods

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/54-inside-emotion-of-fictions-devils.html

055 06 29 2019

Epic Fantasy

Wings Unseen

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/55-inside-emotion-of-fiction-wings.html

056 07 02 2019 Randee Green’s

Mystery Novel

Criminal Misdeeds

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/56-inside-emotion-of-fiction-criminal.html

057 07 03 2019 Saralyn Ricahrd’s

Mystery Novel

Murder In The One Percent

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/57-inside-emotion-of-fiction-murder-in.html

#058 07 04 2019 Hannah Mary McKinnon’s

Domestic Suspense

Her Secret Son

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/58-inside-emotion-of-fiction-her-secret.html

#059 07 05 2019 Sonia Saikaley’s

Contemporary Women’s Literature

The Allspice Bath

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/59-inside-emotion-of-fiction-allspice.html

#060 07 09 2019 Olivia Gaines’s

Romance Suspense Serial

Blind Luck

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/60-inside-emotion-of-fiction-blind-luck.html

#061 07 11 2019 Anne Raeff’s

Literary Fiction

Winter Kept Us Warm

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/061-inside-emotion-of-fiction-winter.html

#062 07 12 2918 Vic Sizemore’s

Literary Fiction-Short Stories

I Love You I’m Leaving

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/62-inside-emotion-of-fiction-i-love-you.html

#063 07 13 2019 Deborah Riley Magnus’s

Dark Paranormal Urban Fantasy

THE ORPHANS BOOK ONE:  THE LOST RACE

TRILOGY

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/f063-inside-emotion-of-fiction-orphans.html

#064 07 14 2019 Elizabeth Bell’s

Historical Fiction

NECESSARY SINS

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/064-inside-emotion-of-fiction-necessary.html

#065 07 15 2019 Lori Baker Martin’s

Literary Novel

BITTER WATER

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/065-inside-emotion-of-fiction-bitter.html

#066 08 01 2019 Sabine Chennault’s

Historical Novel

THE CORPSMAN’S WIFE

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/66-inside-emotion-of-fictions-corpsmans.html

#067 08 02 2019 Margaret Porter’s

Historical Biographical Fiction

BEAUTIFUL INVENTION:  A NOVEL OF HEDY LAMARR

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/67-inside-emotion-of-fictions-beautiful.html

#068 08 04 2019 Hank Phillippi Ryan’s

Suspense

THE MURDER LIST

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/68-inside-emotion-of-fictions-murder.html

069 08 08 2019 Diana Y. Paul’s

Literary Mainstream Fiction

THINGS UNSAID

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/69-inside-emotion-of-fictions-things.html

070 08 10 2019 Phyllis H. Moore’s

Women’s Historical Fiction

BIRDIE & JUDE

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/70-inside-emotion-of-fiction-birdie.html

071 08 11 2019 Sara Dahmen’s

Historical Fiction

TINSMITH 1865

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/71-inside-emotion-of-fiction-tinsmith.html

072  08 19 2019 Carolyn Breckinridge’s

Short Story Collection

KALIEDESCOPE & OTHER STORIES
https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/72-inside-emotion-of-fictions.html