Florence is the protagonist of my novel. She's single-minded, opinionated, strong-willed, and a nonconformist. She's also my grandmother, or who I imagined my grandmother to be. I wasn't alive when she died and there are very few pictures of her. I don't know much about my grandmother, except she had a wicked sense of humor, loved to tease, and was the life of the party.
She also lived in the Japanese Internment Camps during World War II and that's where my novel takes place.
On Saturday, I took a trip out to visit her grave. Something within me said, "Go visit her. Now." So I did. In my book, Florence wears an iris necklace, so I thought it appropriate to bring my grandmother irises. I have no idea if she liked irises, but I figured she wouldn't mind some fresh flowers on her grave.
Visiting her was surreal. I haven't visited her grave since I started the novel. I felt closer to her more than I ever have. And as I write this, that feeling only gets stronger.
What's the status of my novel? It's in major revision mode. Like, overhaul it almost completely. The agent who was interested in it eventually said, "No thank you. But I really like Florence. She's a very good protagonist." So I'm changing things (a lot of things) and it feels really really good. It's a much different story than I originally intended, but every time I think about the changes ahead I get giddy. Real giddy.
But Florence will be staying the same. Her essence is embedded throughout and I'm determined to keep it that way. I think my grandma would appreciate that.
Do you ever feel oddly close to your ancestors?
Are you active in your own family history research?
That's such a lovely thing to do, as I don't have any children or relatives I always think, pfft, there will be no one to put flowers on my grave" I'm cheery that way!
ReplyDeleteI never met or have even seen pics of any of my grandparents.
This is really beautiful and I am so impressed that you are working on a book! Best wishes...maybe get yourself some iris' too. :)
ReplyDeleteFlorence sounds great.. and I really wish you all the luck with your book!
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly multi talented. I like the setting of your novel & the idea of creating a character based on your grandmother is such a wonderful one. Best of luck in continuing this project.
ReplyDeletemostly everyone had passed before i was born - so when i'm in a bad rut or things just seem to go 'wrong' i pray to them while i lay in bed - i feel like they will 'listen' b/c i'm their granddaughter - :o)
ReplyDeleteps pass it along - giveaway going on at my blog :o)
A book is in the making? Good for you! Your grandma lives on! XX
ReplyDeleteOddly I've never really thought much about my ancestors. The only person I've really thought about is my dad's uncle, who died long before I was born. The only things I really know are what I've been told growing up.
ReplyDeleteFlorence sounds fun though, someone who'd be great to hang out with!
i wish for your novel to be overhauled and published as soon as soon can be. i want to read it. i think it will be wonderful.
ReplyDeletei love my grandmother very much as well. she passed away now, but some memories that we have together i cherish. i love this post.
ps: my "we found out" video is up! :) do you have a certain guess?
www.livingnotesfromnyc.com
I think it is really cool that you are writing this. I have done some digging into my ancestry but there is a lot I don't know and would love to uncover!
ReplyDeleteYou are so brave to be writing a novel. I will be the first to buy it when it is published.
ReplyDeleteOh and I love the name Florence.
xo
I want to read it!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear more about your book.. keep the teasers coming! And how special to visit your grandmother's grave. I'm certain she was smiling down on you as you did so.
ReplyDeletecan't wait to read your story!
ReplyDeleteI've been very interested in my family's past and ancestors. Their stories, pictures, and lives have always fascinated me. I'm glad you used your grandma as inspiration.
ReplyDelete@Tabitha- you know I would. And I'm serious about that.
ReplyDelete@Rachael- I absolutely love that thought. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your grandmother, and such an amazing opportunity to get closer to her. Around Christmastime, I suddenly felt my grandfather's presence; it was such a wonderful moment, even if they don't happen very often.
ReplyDeleteyour grandma would be THRILLED! how many grandmas have the starring role in a book?! that is an awesome gift. as are the irises. she would be so proud!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat was so sweet of you. I don't know much about my family-- I know more about Ben's!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I love that your grandmothers presence is so strong. I have no doubt that the revisions will be excellent!
ReplyDeleteI feel very close to my grandfather, who also passed before I was born. Not sure why but I do.
Florence sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI've always been closely tied to my family's history, especially on my mom's side. My great-grandparents emigrated in the 1930s, so it's a little more fresh in our family memory. My grandmother has an old register of her parents' town in Romania that I've looked through a few times. My great-grandparents lived in Montreal and died when I was still in grade school, so things like this book, letters, and photographs let me remember them more.
I love that the main character is based on your grandmother! And how special that you got to visit her grave. She would be proud indeed.
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