Inspiration behind a modern noir classic
Folks, it is almost time for my 8th publication, ' The River' to premiere. This is going to be a wonderful read. The reaction I have gotten from people in the industry has been very supportive. 'Audacious', 'Sexy', 'Sinful', A Sure Page-Turner' are just a few words that have been said about this semi-autobiographical/fiction folklore publication that is loosely based on folklore,tales and legends in and around my great grandfather and great uncle. This book will have a sequel, there is simply too much to tell, and it all could NOT fit in one book.
Since your here, check out the videos and tidbits that inspired 'The River'. Also, down below, are all kinds of promo art used to publicize the book. Take a look.
I hope you enjoy the book. And as always, thank ya' for making my dreams come true
Don't Be a stranger.
Seakiel Theodore Beaulieu
Author pin name - 'Seakiel Ashe'
Since your here, check out the videos and tidbits that inspired 'The River'. Also, down below, are all kinds of promo art used to publicize the book. Take a look.
I hope you enjoy the book. And as always, thank ya' for making my dreams come true
Don't Be a stranger.
Seakiel Theodore Beaulieu
Author pin name - 'Seakiel Ashe'
Music - The Definition Of An Era
When I tell readers I have been researching 'The River' MOST of my life, that is not an exaggeration. From early on, about the age of five, I was always in my grandmother's attic on my mama's side of the family. Looking through old records, some so brittle they would sometimes chip with the slightest touch, I found a world I felt apart of in the strangest way. My nana had an old record player that actually worked, so with her permission ( and delight) she would carefully play these old records for me.
Over time, after a few summers spent going through legions of records, posters, clothing, my elder started with the most fascinating stories; two distant relatives that were dashing Southern outlaws, handsome and stylish. From then on, when ever I could, I wanted to know as much as I could about 'Skeeter' ( Benjamin in the book) and 'Slick'. My nana, over cake or some other sweets, would tell the most elaborate of tales about these two men. Always with one of the old records playing, I would watch as my grey haired Aunt Jet seem to turn into a young woman, her eyes lighting up as she talked about two men she meet for the first time when she was only 6 years old.
Describing Slick's long blond hair, how tall Skeeter was, how handsome the men were, the company they would sometimes bring to Aunt Jet's mamas house. It all was intoxicating.
This is why music is so important to me on in this literary journey, a foundation for 'The River'.
Its as if each artist is a touchstone for me as a writer, wondering where Slick and Skeeter were when they heard the same tune.
Were they in some juke joint on the bayou? Whom was with them? How where they dressed?
Since starting this journey, music from the Roaring 20's always brings a joy to my heart, knowing that two of my most favorite men may have enjoyed the same tune long ago.
Below are but a few of the artist that started my journey -
Enjoy.
Over time, after a few summers spent going through legions of records, posters, clothing, my elder started with the most fascinating stories; two distant relatives that were dashing Southern outlaws, handsome and stylish. From then on, when ever I could, I wanted to know as much as I could about 'Skeeter' ( Benjamin in the book) and 'Slick'. My nana, over cake or some other sweets, would tell the most elaborate of tales about these two men. Always with one of the old records playing, I would watch as my grey haired Aunt Jet seem to turn into a young woman, her eyes lighting up as she talked about two men she meet for the first time when she was only 6 years old.
Describing Slick's long blond hair, how tall Skeeter was, how handsome the men were, the company they would sometimes bring to Aunt Jet's mamas house. It all was intoxicating.
This is why music is so important to me on in this literary journey, a foundation for 'The River'.
Its as if each artist is a touchstone for me as a writer, wondering where Slick and Skeeter were when they heard the same tune.
Were they in some juke joint on the bayou? Whom was with them? How where they dressed?
Since starting this journey, music from the Roaring 20's always brings a joy to my heart, knowing that two of my most favorite men may have enjoyed the same tune long ago.
Below are but a few of the artist that started my journey -
Enjoy.
Welcome To The Brotherhood
Starting A Literary Movement
For me, 'The River' is a wonderful experience as a writer. The characters are so real and dynamic to me. I wanted to translate this feeling to the reading public, expressing how exciting the books really are. That is when I came up with vivid HD images. We live in a very visually oriented international society, it is hard to get people's attention. That is when I came up with idea about expressing the inner universe of 'The River' with images. I want the reader to get a wonderful visual peek into the world I have created. The visual promotions also help establish my brand as a author and personality. 
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Sally & Kelly
A Character Study In Love and Friendship
Kelly and Sally have a relationship many woman can relate to. Sally is the no nonsense friend we have all had; guiding us as well as putting us in our place when we get out of hand. Kelly is more spontaneous and daring, way more so than her 'spirit sister'. I love and adore the girl's relationship and I hope my writing translates the love these ladies have for each other. Though they are very close, I did not want a relationship that was sappy and too sweet. That is boring. Sally is always telling Kelly off, (Though Kelly is her boss) Always putting the blonde bombshell in her place. Utilized as comic relief, the black flapper's sarcastic , deadpanned responses to her boss often have me laughing out loud. But do not feel bad for Kelly, she can dish out about as much as she can take. These woman have a relationship that is balanced; loving but fair, hopeful but cynical at times, I think both woman compliment each other wonderfully. 
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Coco & The freedom fighters
The Dynamic Of Supernatural Realism and Fantasy.
'The River' is a book based on family folklore as well as legends I often heard as a child. Growing up in the Deep South, I was surrounded by tales of the supernatural. From Cajun and Creole Rootwork to swamp Hoodoo often practiced in the Northern parts of La. I did not intend to add supernatural elements to "The River', but over time, it made sense to do do. In 'Blood & Water" Coco and her brother are introduced, 400 year old immortals from Europe. With powers to change her physical body to anything and anyone, this mystical diva is a page turner. Over time, creating adventure after adventure for Benjamin and Slick, as time went on, supernatural elements stated to take place. (Book 1) Coco and her Freedom Fighters add that wonderful element effortlessly in a way that is believable and great to read. 
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Ben DeMarncio
A Bad Guy That is So Good
Ben DeMarncio is THE arch villian in 'The River' series. He is brutal, blood thirsty and evil. That being said, the guy is about 6 foot, well built, handsome as heck AND he's Bisexual. (in Blood &Water he sleeps with Snider and Karen both - at the same time) This character is the definition of a stud. As a reader, I hate villians that are not fleshed out or flat, characters that are not interesting. DeMarncio is a very interesting dynamic because he is cruel and malicious, but he can be sexy and caring as well. In book 2 I give a wonderful back story so readers can kind of relate to his evil ways. With DeMarncio I have a character that is not evil just to be evil, there is a method behind his dark ways of life, a sensitivity and vulnerability that makes him likeable but still scary in many aspects. 
. Snider & Karen
Friendship Without Boundaries
Ever have a best friend you have sex as well as kill people with ? Karen and Snider are THE dynamic duo in Book 2 'Blood&Water', plotting and enjoying themselves the whole way. Snider is my homosexual anti-hero. He is fabulous, rich, sexy and a good brother to his sister. Karen is a well known assassin, working all around the world. Together these two form a relationship dynamic that is very interesting to say the least. 
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Sex & Sensibilities
Making The Vulgar Sexy & Salacious.
Lets face it, 'The River' IS NOT a book for everyone. From the use of the word 'Nigger' or 'Nigg'a' in dialogue concerning the characters, to the blunt use of explicit terms utilized during moments of intimacy, my books are not for those that are faint at heart. But lets face it, I am writing about two men rumored to REALLY exist in my family back in the early 1920's. These men were bad asses; they defended those that could not defend themselves, were often hired by wealthy black families. (who knew - written history often portrays blacks in the South as PURE victims. While that is TRUE, there were also a few that were of wealthy or high middle class.) My narrative voice in 'The River' feels like this old man that may have meet 'The Boys'; spicy, ironic, dripping in humor and character, I do not censor his voice, nor Ben and Slick's. In 'The River' a vagina, when in erotica, is a PUSSY, a penis is a COCK or DICK. When either making love or fucking (there is a LOT of that in the books) I feel I have the skills as a writer to portray that 'energy'. I'm not going to spoil a scene of lustful abandon with flowery adjectives of weird metaphors. That is not who I am as a storyteller. I will not shy away from what made Ben and Slick's lives so interesting to me. The fact that these men lived openly and honestly in a time in American history where there were millions of people that lived frightened lives. Called 'Brutal' , 'Gritty', even 'Brazen', 'The River' series is not going to be everyone's cup of chamomile, nor would I want it to be. I want readers whom enjoy a good story, storytelling that is honest but stylish, a well woven tale that spins the crude with the sublime. That is what 'The River' is about. 
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