The Magnificent World Book Tour...

Welcome to the travelers on the World Book Tour! Should you stay on this trail to the "ends of the earth" you will be rich, indeed. A couple a day is all it will take, as a journey that circles the globe is still taken one step at a time.

Meet the authors... 

First of all, my many thanks and blessings to Carol Brown, who invited me to follow her enlightening World Book Tour post, over at: http://carolsporch.com/. 

Carol is a spiritual traveler (and adventurer!) of the calibre I rarely see. She makes you want to grab hold and take off with her as she describes the wonderful things she has seen and heard along her amazing spiritual journey. And well-qualified she is for that journey, too, as she has traveled through many dangerous places and lived to tell about it. Miraculous--don't miss getting to know her! Carol’s background is in education, teaching all ages from first graders to the university and adult levels before joining the Elijah House staff in the U.S. (a pastoral counseling ministry). Since she was diagnosed with M.S., in 1989, she has concentrated her ministry in writing. Her fiction writing happened as a respite from doing the "hard books" (non-fiction). She began story telling as crowd control for four boisterous brothers!

And now, on to my part of this writing world, as I answer the same four questions you will find throughout the entire tour, that invites you to take a look at how we actually work...

1. What am I working on?

I happen to be working on one of the most unusual projects of my life, right now. You might even say it's a form of "time travel" (I love that thought--don't get me started on it). It is combining fiction and reality (the theory of "real-ativity?"), launching into hyper-speed, and theoretically aiming for an amazing merge at the end. Either that, or a total collapse at the other end... I'm not sure which.

Let me rephrase that. I am on a sailboat, adventuring north to Alaska, writing about a group of friends who are doing the same thing (The Stella Madison Capers--I'm working on Caper #4 of a six-part series), and hoping the same things don't happen to me as must happen to them in order to make a good story. However, should any of that actually occur, I have taken the precaution of drawing up a last will and testament (all sailors do that), and am having the story published in installments along the way. Just in case it should turn into a "choose your own ending" type of a deal. 

NOTE: If you are reading this, I will have left three days ago, and not actually be here to host you (just like in that old movie The Time Machine--I love that thing). But don't worry, I'll leave instructions at the end of this post on how to make contact with me, no matter where I am. 

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Probably in the way that I have this incredible compulsion to "live out my stories" in real life, and a husband who goes along with it. But before you say, "How amazing is that?" I should probably confess that I began doing it purely out of self-defense against being married to an adventurer who (I felt) was continually putting my life in jeopardy. Somewhere along the line he turned into a hero to make up for it, so I can't complain. At any rate, we've survived all our accidents and keep doing the same sort of things over and over. Which is really all I can say about that because I don't understand it, myself.

3. Why do I write what I do?

Ah, now we get to the life-blood of art. Amazing stuff, blood. Especially considering it comes from deep inside the bones. I write Inspirational adventure fiction out of the sheer amazement of what I have observed along my travels. If I didn't, I would go crazy. Because I keep picking up all these lovely treasures along the way. I love treasure--especially treasures of the heart--it's my favorite theme. But it should come with a hazard warning, since the two always seem to go hand-in-hand. However, I have found it wonderfully satisfying to pass off my treasure to others, rather than stashing it somewhere. Not only does it help me keep my balance (gold is heavy!), the more you give the more you get. Heh, heh... 

4. How does my writing process work?

And so to the bones. I am an outliner, a plotter, and an avid researcher. Absolutely love all that. But before you think how utterly boring that must be... think, again. Think Indiana Jones pouring over a musty old tome, deep in the basement of some ancient museum, and it suddenly trembles beneath his touch. Now, time is not an issue. You are going to follow that thing no matter how long it takes, and go wherever it takes you to learn its secret. So, the first thing I do in my writing process is to search for something out of the past that responds to me when I reach out to it. But it must be something noble, and good, and full of light (all that is dark leads to death, and I am personally not interested in any of that).

Along the way, characters come to me (I love this part!), and we get to know each other. Then I ask the Holy Spirit what the purpose of this story is (what's in it for readers? what's the treasure?)... at which point I either begin following "His footsteps" along a very exciting path, or...

Tuck it away for later, because it isn't time, yet. Either that, or it's part of a larger story altogether, and will make fabulous supporting material. I love it when that happens, too, because it means I am onto something magnificent, that will have to be constructed in stages. Great fun for me, there, and--oh, the adventures along the way! But sometimes, it's all just a false lead from my arch-nemesis of evil, and I will scrap the thing altogether. But I don't consider any of that time wasted, as I have learned those instances are usually smoke screens to keep me from hidden treasures, nearby, that are even better. Not to mention one begins to notice tell-tale hazard-signs to avoid (having run into them many times before) and they are more easily recognized as the years go by. I think that's called learning from experience. 

Available Now!

Eventually, I end up with a story that I hope will be half the adventure to read, as it was for me to write. At the very least, I can guarantee some bit of treasure one can take away that will be worth something to barter with, in real life. Sometimes, it's only a little something. A good recipe for goulash, maybe. But other times, it's pure gold. Which is why I like to describe my writing process as having an incredible case of gold fever... and what a fine, maddening, magnificent thing that is to have. In my own opinion, anyway. Which is always debatable. Just saying. But there you have it.

Up next on this Magnificent World Book Tour: Meet the Authors...

Now, on to the fascinating people I have chosen to follow me. You will love them, each one is a fellow adventurer in their own unique way. And, oh, what stories they have to tell you! Their posts will be up seven days after mine which is June 16.

Karla Akins: Besides being a fine author, she is a pastor's wife who rides motorcycles!  Her post will be at:
 http://karlaakins.com/blog/

Karla Akins is an award-winning, prolific writer of books, short stories, plays, poems, songs, and countless nonfiction articles. Her biography of Jacques Cartier went #1 in its category on Amazon. Besides writing biographies and history books for middle grades, she also writes fiction. Her first fiction novel, The Pastor’s Wife Wears Biker Boots was released in 2013.

Tanya Stowe: Has found unique fuel for her stories by traveling extensively and living abroad. Her post will be here:
 http://heartshavenbooks.blogspot.com 

Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual…gifts of the spirit and miracles, mysteries and exotic travel, even an angel or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a journey to the Old West or to contemporary adventures in foreign lands…be prepared for the extraordinary.

Eddie Jones: Wears so many hats, I didn't know which to pick. But my two favorites are that he writes fiction for boys, and is a fellow sailor. You will find his World Book Tour post here: http://www.eddiejones.org/

Eddie Jones is Founder and CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries. He is also an award-winning novelist of middle-grade fiction for boys. If you have questions about the book publishing industry, the writing process, or any of Eddie’s books, email him at: eddie@eddiejones.org.

Meanwhile, thank you for stopping by my blog today, and here's wishing you fair winds as you continue along this magnificent World Book Tour over the coming weeks. Oh, yes, and if you would like to follow my Alaska travels, my Armchair Travelers Portal is here:
http://www.lillysarmchairtravelers.blogspot.com

And for anyone who has managed to get all the way to the end of this very long post, I would like to give you a gift of Stella Madison's Caper #1: Home Before Dark. Just drop me an email at lilly (at) LillyMaytree.com, and request it (for delivery purposes only, I won't put your name on any list).

Suite T, Anyone?

I have always admired southern hospitality, and often wished I was in on some of those secrets that can make a guest--any guest--feel so welcome. It's beautiful country, too. Something I know first hand, having had the wonderful opportunity (thank you, Sally Apokedak!) to actually spend some time in the Blue Ridge Mountains, last fall, after having only visited via many months of research for a novel.

So, I felt very honored when I was invited to do a guest blog over on Southern Writers Magazine's author blog, "Suite T." It's a place where people share worthwhile tips and insights of the writing life, along with many interesting discussions on what has proved helpful in their journey. Personally, I've had a rather unusual journey. Still, I decided to share THE ONE THING that has made all the difference for me.

And while I started out to write something helpful about character development, I have to admit it turned into an explanation of why I so often end up literally "jumping into my characters' shoes" to see if life could really be lived that way. That same thing that has landed me--at this very moment--afloat on the Pacific Ocean, aboard the Glory B, in the middle of an "adventure of a lifetime." For which I can make no apologies, because everything I said in that article is absolutely true. Not only is it how I arrived at this place, but how I have every intention of continuing on.

Go to Suite T

Simply because I find being an "inspirational adventure novelist" one of the most exciting professions in the world. Utterly divine. At the same time, I believe in telling the absolute truth of the way things really are. Which is why I will be available over at the Suite T site, this evening, to answer any questions that might come up about my "divine encounter." And whether it has, or hasn't, stood "the test of time." I would love it if you would join me there, to chime in on your own opinion of the matter. 

I know you will be more than welcome!

10 commandments of writing...

(just for Lilly Maytree)

Many thanks to Delia Latham for coming up with this wonderful idea of sharing our own "10 commandments of writing" today. I'm looking forward to blog-hopping around to the rest of the participants, so I can learn a few tips from my colleagues! 

NOTE: I added examples to mine, so for readers in a hurry (aren't we all?) just stick with the bold print.

    1. Have something of value to share

   "The secret ingredient had been passed down through her family for generations…"

    2. It must be entertaining

   "Stella made his favorite breakfast that morning, because she knew he would hit the roof when he heard heard what she had to say…"

    3. It must be complete in itself (with a beginning, middle, and end), even if part of a series

   "Are we happy, dear?"

    "Oh, yes. Extremely happy," she replied, unable to take her eyes off the neatly stacked gold coins that made up her very own half of the treasure. "At least, for now."

    4. It must be realistic, and not cross readers' "willing suspension of disbelief"   

   Mildred had a close call that morning on the way to work, and thanked heaven she could still make herself invisible whenever she heard sirens. (Um… no. Not for me)

    5. It must have engaging characters

   Most of the passengers moving slowly up the ramp, gasped when they saw the little girl fall, and stood frozen. As if some giant director-voice had suddenly yelled, "Cut!" But not Stella. She jumped into the icy water, fully-clothed, in spite of her sixty-one years, and the Gucci purse that had cost a quarter of her monthly allotment. 

    6. It must have believable conflict

   She wanted to be a movie director. And--to be truly happy--she would have to win an Academy Award… even though she was only sixteen. (Um… not unless her grandfather was Frank Capra)

  7. It must have a universal message "threaded in" throughout the fabric of the story, that brings the reader to that conclusion, without having to actually state it in the narrative.

   Martin wrestled with demons, last night (oh--did he ever!), and wouldn't be surprised if a few weren't still clinging to his clothes on the way to the store. He would put back every one of the items he hid behind shelves for that ridiculous "escape" they had been planning. Start dealing with the crisis like normal people. 

   "Choices, Marty," he reminded himself as he pushed through the double doors without even stopping to talk to Sam. "From now on, there will be no such thing as a new normal. Not for me!"

    8. It must have rising action (or tension) from beginning to end

   (I am in favor of the "one darn thing after another" method… yes, indeed!)

  9. Must have a clear conclusion, preferably with a believable twist.

   "If I thought I could get away with it," said the Professor, "I'd run off."

     "I'd go with you," said Harriet.

     Which was why the entire dismal little group rose up from the bench, with one accord, and followed the familiar figure, like robots, when--to their amazement-- he suddenly passed by. So. He hadn't gone on alone, after all!

     "Did they confiscate your ark, Gordie? Is that why you're still here?"

     "Not on your life, Harriet. Implemented a slight modification on Noah's method, and that made all the difference."

     "What sort of modification could you make on an outlawed vehicle that wouldn't be considered against the law?" asked the Professor.

     "Well, since I never felt called to preach, I decided not to build it under everyone's noses. To the wilderness, dear friends--our carriage awaits!"

    10. I must love the idea enough to spend the time it takes to succeed in all the above points 

   (which happens to be a LOT of love, let me tell you)

Click cover to download

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today! In honor of the subject, I dragged out one of my notebook studies on the writing craft (from the days when I had enough time to do such things!). Feel free to download the PDF, here.

Meanwhile, I'm heading over to enjoy all these other wonderful blogs, and learn something new today...

Paula Mowery on Creative Christian Writers Crank Up 

Delia Latham on Write Right!

Clare Revell on The World Can Wait  

Jayna Morrow on Jayna Morrow.com 

Brooksie on Groovie Brooksie

Julia M. Toto on JuliaMToto.com

Linda Yezak at 777 Peppermint Place (posting on Thursday)

Therese Travis at Paperfaces

Blogging Secrets...

This week, I am so excited to have Elaine Stock, author of the EVERYONE'S STORY blog as my guest. As writers, most of us wrestle with blogging of some type. But why are some so much more successful than others? 

While there aren't any "silver bullets" to answer that question, I have found that successful blogs have certain things in common. The most important of which is take-away value. Something Elaine's blog has plenty of. How does she do it? Well, here's a few questions I just had to ask her, to find out...

Welcome, Elaine, it's great to have you here. You have such an uplifting blog, what gave you the idea to have other people's stories as a blog theme?

Oh, thank you so much, Lilly, for your kind words. And thanks for having me as your guest. A couple of years ago as a pre-published author I felt the heated push to establish and grow an internet presence in addition to joining social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. I was plagued by the thought: who would really want to know anything about “Me”? So, fascinated by the dynamics of what makes people the way they are, and wanting to encourage others, I started to invite weekly guests. Since I’m a writer and reader, and seem to hang out with other like-minded people, I targeted EVERYONE'S STORY for readers, writers, and all those in-between.

Well, it was an inspired idea, that's for sure. How do you find so many people with the encouraging kind of stories you like to write about?

I have a confession to share: I’m addicted to seeing what has shaped people, and seeing how they’ve risen from unenviable circumstances. Actually, what I think I’m truly addicted to is encouragement. I think one needs more constructive and kind feedback, especially as the world seems to be getting tougher and rougher these days. Hooking up with people and sharing on Twitter, FB, or through one connection or the other, introduces me to many beautiful people. I am grateful when they accept my invitation to be my guest. I also have received queries of people asking to be on my blog…who would have thought?!

With so many positive responses, I'd say it proves you're on the right track. Were you a "novice blogger" when you first started EVERYONE'S STORY, or had you already enjoyed blogging on other subjects?

EVERYONE'S STORY is my first blog—I was definitely a novice. Actually, I’m still learning so much about blogging. For instance, take formatting. If you look at the first year of my blog segments I think the formatting was pretty hideous, or at least unprofessional. I’m not saying it’s gold right now, but I do try to make it presentable.

I’d also accepted guest spots on others’ blogs about the same time as I started blogging, giving me a feel for things on the other side of the table.

That was a good move, too. Mind if I ask why you choose to go with Blogger? Are you happy with that decision?

My neighbor, who sat beside me and “held my hand” while she helped me set up my blog, showed me Blogger vs. WordPress. There are probably other private blogs available via website designers, but at the time I wasn’t ready for that, nor had the means to cover design expenses. I chose Blogger because to my eye, it has a more cozy appearance to it that seems more suited for one’s individuality. But, that’s only my opinion. Many writing industry professionals seem to bow down to WordPress, but Blogger works for me and my present needs. It’s a personal choice.

Definitely the right one at the right time for you. Other than the technical side of things, what factors do you think have contributed most to your success?

Although I receive praise for EVERYONE'S STORY, my head isn’t swelling with “success.” But, thank you, Lilly, for thinking that! Blogging is the proverbial labor of love. I put a lot of sweat into it, though I’ve discovered a few ways to conserve time. I think the biggest tip I can give anyone who wants to blog—since blogging is an invitation to others to comment back—is to thank/acknowledge each commenter for bothering to take a couple minutes of their time to pay a visit. It’s very humbling and necessary. And nice.

It is, indeed. What is your opinion about sticking to one style and subject area for a blog, as opposed to branching out? Do you have any opinions on maintaining multiple blogs?

Power and blessings to anyone who has the time and energy to run their own blog or blogs and engage on multi-contributor blogs. I do not have time. I can only handle so much. Whatever works for you, go for it! Just enjoy it. Have fun.

A very important ingredient, I'm sure. What have you enjoyed most about writing your blog?

The interaction with my guests and commenters. I have been so blessed by their generosity, compassion, support, and the sharing of life lessons. 

Sort of one of those "the more you give the more you get" type things, right? You know, Elaine, so many bloggers start out strong, get tired of the same-old-thing, and then fade away. Do you have any advice for staying in it on a long-term basis?

Make it work for you. Enjoy it. If you’re feeling too pressured and bored by it, maybe time to reconsider things—like anything else.

Well, you definitely have a great thing going with EVERYONE'S STORY, and it's a blessing to me whenever I get a chance to stop by. Meanwhile, what are your plans for the future?

I daydream of publishing these stories floating around my head and when I do I’d like to establish an eye-appealing website that is linked to my blog. Maybe somehow expanding on this whole interaction thing that seems to be developing on EVERYONE'S STORY. Please, don’t laugh. Indulge my dreams.

Wouldn't think of laughing, as all success starts with dreams. Thanks so much for visiting with me, Elaine, and here's wishing you many blessings and much success with those dreams! 

Meanwhile, dear readers, you can check out some of these encouraging stories, yourself, by visiting EVERYONE'S STORY.

Famous People...

There's a reason I write about famous people. It's because I have walked awhile with them and heard, in their own words, about some of the experiences that shaped their lives. Described so perfectly, that I usually feel as if I had been right there beside them. 

Some of these experiences have tugged at my heart (often moved me to tears), and I've come away having learned something so deeply profound that I wanted to make it a part of my own life. Never wanted to forget it. Most of all, these unique experiences have made me want to be a better person. To maybe do something worthwhile with my own life. At the very least, I have wanted to introduce them to others, so that others might experience these things, too. I didn't care that they were dead (these famous people). It didn't matter to me in the least. 

Because the experiences themselves are not dead. 

One day, a young woman (barely twenty-thee), wanted a job on one of the most prestigious newspapers in New York, so badly that she offered to get herself committed to the most notorious "insane asylum" of her day. In order to "get a look at it from the inside out." This because there had been rumors of the deplorable treatment of patients within those walls that were hidden away on Blackwell's Island, which stood in the East River of New York City. It was said, that even if you were put there by mistake (which an alarming number of people were, especially if they were vagrants), there was no way to get out, again. Oh, and what a sensation of a story that would make for the great newspaper!

The publisher said if she could actually pull it off, she could have that job.

She only required one thing. The famous man must do whatever it took to get her out, again, after two days. Which he promptly promised to do. Except he had no idea when he made that promise, that it was practically impossible to get anyone out of there, no matter how much influence they had in the city. Here, in her own words, is some of what Nellie Bly was feeling on the night she went out to get herself arrested, and subsequently committed...

"I remembered all I had read of the doings of crazy people, how first of all they have staring eyes, and so I opened mine as wide as possible and stared unblinkingly at my own reflection. I assure you the sight was not reassuring, even to myself, especially in the dead of night. I tried to turn the gas[light] up higher in hopes that it would raise my courage.

...when I thought of what was to come, wintery chills ran races up and down my back in very mockery of the perspiration which was slowly but surely taking the curl out of my bangs.

…who could tell but that the strain of playing crazy, and being shut up with a crowd of mad people, might turn my own brain, and I would never get back. But not once did I think of shirking my mission. Calmly, outwardly at least, I went out to my crazy business…"

Well, she barely did get out, and very nearly went mad waiting for that rescue. Because it was a whopping ten days (with no word from the outside) before the publisher finally succeeded in appealing to the highest authorities in order to get her released. But because of her daring mission, Blackwell's Island was exposed, laws for the treatment of the insane were changed, and Nellie Bly rocketed to fame. Which was only the beginning of her many audacious ideas.

To read Nellie Bly's writings is to be influenced all over, again by her daring and her nerve. Under which she had the golden heart of an amazing Christian woman. Which is why I wanted to introduce her to more readers by way of THE PANDORA BOX. Because, you see, I was wondering just what might happen if someone were to try and do such things, today. I might even go so far as to say I am making a small effort to do some of those things, myself. In my own way, of course. Except I found out I'm not half so brave! But more importantly...

I found out that part doesn't really matter.

Have you ever been influenced by a famous person? Tell me about it in the comment section to have your name (and email address) put into the Captain's Hat. The winner of a complimentary ebook copy of THE PANDORA BOX will be drawn out, next week (don't worry, he's very fair, and promises you won't be put on any lists for anything else).

The Story Behind the Story...

Week Two of 

THE PANDORA BOX 

release...

I don't always have such an interesting "story behind the story" for the plots I think up, but for THE PANDORA BOX, I do. It happened a very long time ago. A time when the Captain and I were, once again, living aboard a boat. That one was a forty-three foot sloop that we also shared with our three teen-aged children, and one derelict cat.

I never liked that cat. Mostly because it was some half-wild thing my daughter dragged home that she found living under a house one winter. It was not a kitten, just some scrawny feline that never trusted anyone but her. Ever. I won't go into why we even considered letting her bring that cat aboard the boat. Suffice it to say that when you have a tender-hearted daughter you do all kinds of things you never would have thought of.

Anyway, that left me as the cat caregiver when daughter was away. Which didn't amount to much more than leaving a porthole open so she could come in and out for food and such. However, once the glories of catching minnows off the docks was discovered, we didn't even cross paths for meals. Even the litter box was clean. Hmm... 

Which is why, one night, when I was coming home late from the newspaper (I was a journalist back in those days), I happened to see that cat come out of the porthole of someone else's boat. Not just any boat. A beautiful classic ketch from days gone by. Rather run down, but you could tell it had once been luxurious. So, there in the moonlight, I climbed aboard and peeked inside. Not that I could see much of anything. But I immediately got a horribly distinct whiff of cat. I felt mortified.

The next day, I hunted up the secretary at the marina office and confessed that my cat had been using someone else's boat as a litter box. So, what could I do to make things right as I couldn't exactly fit through the porthole. Could she give me a telephone number for the owner, maybe? 

"Oh, that old thing?" She replied after seeing the one I pointed out the window to. "Don't worry about it, honey. It's going up for auction, again, at the end of the month, but no one ever buys it because it used to belong to Hermann Goering. Everyone thinks it's cursed. Sailors are superstitious about things like that."

At which point, my writer antenna began to inch up like a periscope in dark waters. Which led me to some intensive research, and the discovery of the infamous man's strange fetish for hoarding stolen jewels. Of how he would even carry a vase of them around on his wartime travels during WWII. How he liked extravagant living, and would often charter local boats in various countries for several days at a time. And especially how most of those cases went unsolved because nearly all of the owners were dead. In fact, a lot of that stolen plunder was still missing. Not to mention there are still old Nazi war criminals being caught and prosecuted for their war crimes to this very day.

Anyway, that's how the story of THE PANDORA BOX got its beginnings. Of course, it immediately took off in directions of its own, but that's the mysterious part of writing fiction. Because for the most part, I really don't know where all these ideas come from.

Don't forget...

Did you get your free copy of NIGHT VISITORS, yet? It's the story of how Dee Parker (my heroine of THE PANDORA BOX) met the best friend she took along on her great adventure (they say there's safety in numbers). There's also a recipe in there for one of my favorite... oh, but I'll just let you find that out for yourself.

Meanwhile, my first winner of the four complimentary copies of the ebook version of THE PANDORA BOX is Kathleen. Congratulations,  Kathleen! I hope you enjoy reading this story that was more than a typical story for me... in many more ways than one!

The Big Day...

THE PANDORA BOX releases today... and I am very excited about that. It's the book that got me on a boat and sent me off on my next great adventure! 

   By way of celebration, I am giving away an ebook called NIGHT VISITORS. It's the story of how Dee Parker (the main character in THE PANDORA BOX) met the best friend she took along on her amazing adventure. 

You can download it, compliments of the wonderful Pelican Book Group (that I call "home of the great escape"). Just click on the book cover to go there, and get your free copy. Thank you ever so much for being one of my readers, and I'll look forward to hearing what you think about THE PANDORA BOX. 

Meanwhile, Here's the book trailer and a short excerpt to let you know a little more about the story...

A short excerpt...

1

The Assignment

"How will you get me out," I asked my editor, "after I once get in?" 

                                                                          ~ Nellie Bly

It was visiting day in the psychiatric hospital. Dee Parker sat at her usual table in the lounge, next to a foot-wide floor to ceiling window that allowed only a narrow view to the outside lawn. No need to attract any undue attention. It was not an opening window and there was no way of escape. There was that word again. Kept popping up every time she turned around. Honestly, if people could read each other’s minds, they’d all be staring at her right now.

Better get a grip. This was the day. The real deal.

Today, she was going to help Nelson Peterson escape from Wyngate State Hospital. Of course, that was not part of her original assignment, and her editor would probably hit the roof when he found out. But she would deal with that after she got Peterson safely out of here. For weeks now, she only had to come as far as this visitor’s lounge to talk with the old gentleman. Just the thought of having to live here was enough to give her nightmares. But it would soon be over.

Dee felt again for the sprig of miniature roses she had tucked into the band of her straw hat (the smell of roses was supposed to have a calming effect on people) and forced herself not to look around so much. There were too many people here who were getting used to her weekly visits and might engage in conversation if they caught her eye. Today, of all days, she did not want to stand out or be remembered. Except this afternoon, there was something troubling in the atmosphere. She could sense it...