Magnolia Blossoms: I LOVE These Characters!

The first thing I tell readers when they ask about my new book, "Magnolia Blossoms," is that it's NOTHING like Green Bayou.  While I thoroughly enjoyed Green Bayou and all of the characters that series encompasses, this new book has sparked an even deeper character connection with me.  I adore these people, and I would love to have them in my life.  So what's so great about them?  Here you go...

I'm going to start with the main character, Magnolia Picasso Berrybush.  The name alone should make readers do the equivalent of a double take.  Magnolia is a thirty-two year old train wreck.  Her parents have over the top personalities, but she prefers to live her life hiding in the shadows.  Her looks are atypical, (I suppose that's the nice way of saying that she's quite homely?) and she's pretty much scared of everything life has to offer.  She does anything and everything she can to avoid it, and by "it," I mean living a real, honest to goodness life.  Fantasies and scripted programs/publications (TV, movies, books, and smut) are her favorite places to hide until the day she finally craves something "real" so badly that she snaps.

She has such little confidence in herself that she figures the only way she can become noteworthy is by doing something infamous (serial killing).  Now before you groan, "I don't want to read a book about a socially inept murderess," know that Magnolia has never been successful at anything she's attempted.  Her thought processes, her feeble attempts to make a go of being The Red Daisy, they are what gently guide her (well, maybe not so gently) into socialization.

The first person to interact with Magnolia is Jace Taylor, a swoon-worthy paramedic who crosses paths with her on a fairly regular basis.  Jace, while his life may seem pretty straight forward and normal, readers will discover that there is something much more complex and meaningful happening with him.  Another male character who helps Magnolia along her journey, even though it begins with his arresting her, is Nick "The Dick" Ferrera.  He earns his nickname honestly, but after getting familiar with Magnolia's story, his icy demeanor begins to thaw.

Probably one of my favorite characters, though incredibly foul-mouthed and cynical, is Honey LeReaux, a hooker who was once highly demanded, but because the years have been unkind to her, she now slums the streets of one of the most depressing neighborhoods in Baton Rouge (real town, fictional neighborhood).  The odds of someone like Magnolia running into someone like Honey in most cases would be nil, but sometimes things just happen, thus putting the right person in your path at the time you need them most.  Magnolia doesn't  need coddling, she needs a harsh dose of reality, and Honey's there to give it to her in spades.  Despite Honey's candid and unconventional approach to being a "fairy godmother," readers learn that there is much more to her character, as well.

There is a supporting cast who bring much to the story.  Sunny and Murray "Big Daddy" Berrybush are seemingly polar opposites, yet they work as a couple.  Even though Murray is a high-priced, widely-mocked attorney, even he doesn't escape the book without learning a life lesson or two.  Smaller scenes don't equate to small impact:  Dan Wan, Porkchop, Mr. Gaines, Diablo, and a host of other characters dot the book with comic relief, cynicism, or cattiness at one point or another.

I sincerely hope that you'll give "Magnolia Blossoms" a read.  I truly love this story, and I hope that you will love it, as well.  It's available in ebook for Kindle and Nook, and as paperback through most retailer outlets such as Barnes and Noble stores.  For South Louisiana retailers, and for additional information on upcoming events, releases, etc, please visit my website, www.rhondadennis.net.

Kindle Ebook:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HRH18XW
Nook Ebook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/magnolia-blossoms-rhonda-dennis/1118016200?ean=2940148200628

Just Rhonda

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing is meeting fans.  Beyond that, the rewards are multiplied when fans become friends.  This painting is a result of one of those friendships.  It depicts Green Bayou so unbelievably well--the whimsy of Connie and Emily's relationship, the beauty of Greenleaf, the sinister feel of the floating camp, the light-hearted feel of an afternoon gathering on the lawn.  Caroline far exceeded any preconceptions I had of what this painting should look like.  So, how did this painting come about? 

I was scheduled for a book signing/meet and greet event at one of the local library branches and Caroline Simoneaux (owner of Studio C) happened to attend.  She was bubbly and enthusiastic--that's my attempt to sound humble when what I actually mean to say is that she was super excited to meet me--and we hit it off instantly.  I struggle with finding the appropriate words to say when strangers approach me as huge fans of the series.  Though it's incredibly flattering, it's awkward because I see myself as "just Rhonda", and I hardly see where visiting with me is worth getting excited about.  But, it happens, and I'm glad it does!!!  I LOVE meeting people.  Anyway, she gave me her business card, which had a sample of her artwork on it, and I was incredibly impressed with her talent.  I asked if she would do a Green Bayou painting for me, she agreed, and it went from there.

Over the course of it all, Caroline and I began to speak more and more often.  We realized that we had a lot in common and that we got along really well.  One of my favorite days came when she called me to tell me that I came up in conversation for something non-book related, and the person she was talking to asked her how she knew me.  She told me that she completely drew a blank.  I was no longer "Rhonda the author" in her mind; I was "just Rhonda."  That made me so incredibly happy! 

Long story short, even if you're the biggest Green Bayou fan the world has ever seen, I'm just Rhonda.  I'm the farthest a person can get from snooty, arrogant, or any of those other politically correct terms for "She's a total bitch."  I couldn't believe when someone messaged me to say that she saw me in a store, but was afraid to say hello.  I'm actually kind of shy by nature, so if you see me, PLEASE come say, "hi."  I love talking about the stories, I love meeting new people, and regardless of whether we meet just that one time or we become life-long friends, I'm the type of person who will treasure the interaction always. 

Sending you lots of Green Bayou love!

Mossy Oaks, Shadowlawn, and a Little Ghost Named Charlie

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Shadowlawn Plantation

 

 

     I'm a total history nerd who also loves hearing, researching, and checking out stories of the paranormal.  Many of the plantations that I've been fortunate enough to tour are reportedly haunted, and some carry stories that will make your goosebumps have goosebumps!  I toured one such house a while back, however the ghost who haunts the place decided to stay quiet during my visit, and that was fine with me!
     Recently, I was able to spend time at Shadowlawn Plantation (906 Main Street, Franklin, LA) two weekends in a row.  The first weekend was spent familiarizing myself with what the place had to offer.  I'm always looking for new locations for photo shoots/ cover shoots.  I met with the very lovely and knowledgeable caretaker, Julana Senette, who gave me some incredibly interesting facts about the place.  Of all the things she mentioned, the one that stood out the most was the story of a little boy named Charlie.  Poor Charlie drowned in the Bayou Teche when he was around ten years old, and he's rumored to have remained ever since.  I enjoyed hearing of Charlie's antics, especially of how he loved people in uniform--so much so that he routinely set off alarms to get them to come visit.  Well, Charlie didn't make his presence known that day, but I thoroughly enjoyed taking in all of the beautiful sights the plantation had to offer.
     The next weekend, I can't say for sure it was Charlie, but I did notice some oddities.  For example, as soon as I walked into the room pictured below, it was as if the atmosphere suddenly changed.  I thought it was just me, but my friend noticed it, as well.  I'd been in that room several times before and never felt a thing, so it was a little eerie to all of a sudden have the change.  Also, lights flickered quite a few times and the alarm chirped (a sign that we were welcome in the house).  Not anything huge, but still interesting, nonetheless.  Julana can't say the same.  She hears Charlie all of the time.  He runs up and down the stairs, jiggles doorknobs, moves things, etc.  Despite the mischief, I believe she enjoys his antics--most of the time.
     If you'd like to experience the majesty and mystery that is Shadowlawn, please be on the lookout for the multitude of events that will soon be taking place there.  There are so many wonderful things in the works!  One of which, I'll be leading--a writer's workshop in November!!!  Shadowlawn is also available for weddings and other events.  If you'd like more information, please call (337)828-2092 or write to St. Mary Chapter Louisiana Landmarks Society, P.O. Box 400, Franklin, LA 70538.
     Enjoy the pics!!!

 

The Parlor

 

 

The Dining Room

 

The Main Staircase

 

Beautiful and majestic oak.

 

The Green Bayou Novels nestled neatly on the third shelf from the top.  They are in a building called The Tavern, which is believed to be one of the first buildings ever erected in Franklin.  It wasn't just a tavern, but a boarding place, as well.  It now functions as a gift shop and gallery for visitors.

 

The main entrance.

 

This doll totally creeped me out!

 

The back stairwell.

 

A peek up the back stairwell.

 

Beautiful sitting area.

 

Massive oak tree dripping with Spanish moss.

 

Beautiful front porch.

Note:  All photos are courtesy of Caroline Simoneaux.