Tuesday, December 25, 2018

"Prologue"

"The Prologue" is finally here. On this episode of Lilac Wine - The Podcast, author Bruce Janu reads the prologue to the novel, introducing us to the novel's main character, Abelia Brody.



This chapter was the first written some 25 years ago. After reading, Bruce talks about the challenge of writing a novel over many stages of life and how the prose sounds to him now 25 years later.

Please feel free to comment or ask questions about the episode by joining the forum.




Thursday, December 13, 2018

Inspirations, Music and Creativity - The Influences Behind Lilac Wine


On this episode of Lilac Wine - The Podcast, I discuss the inspirations for the novel and play a song from my favorite band, Over the Rhine.  In addition, I give a shout-out to a junior high school teacher who encouraged my writing more than anyone else.

Music plays such an important role in my creative process, especially in regard to this novel. How do you write? Music, for me, is a necessity, as important as air, especially in the pre-writing period.  On this episode, I talk a lot about music and, in particular, a band from Ohio: Over the Rhine.

Click on the image to listen to a selection of music from Over the Rhine and other bands who have played a big role in inspiring Lilac Wine.

A special thanks to Karin Bergquist and Lindford Detweiler from Over the Rhine for allowing me to play their World War I inspired song, "Flanders Fields" on the podcast. They are an amazing band and well-worth listening to. Their songs are folksy and soulful with a real truth at their center.  As I mentioned in a previous post, their songs play like old friends sitting late at night around the kitchen table, discussing love and life.  More information about them can be found on their website overtherhine.com

To get a sense of the passion and beauty of Bergquist's voice, check out the following songs:


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Monday, December 3, 2018

Preview Lilac Wine now!

The first episode of Lilac Wine - The Podcast has dropped! On this episode - a "preview" episode, if you will - I discuss the story of Lilac Wine and the purpose of the podcast.  Listen now. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.