I have my detective with another squad member in an unfinished apartment looking for clues. Someone took
a couple of shots at him yesterday. He’s found two casings from the bullets and he notices the other detective staring at “something” on the floor. My problem, I can’t come up with an object that isn’t a cliché. A friend suggested gum or candy wrappers, possibly the gum itself. I’d like it to be a little more original than that. I want it to be a clue to the killer’s identity but nothing that really helps the police to catch him. Chapter 17 has sat facing me on the monitor for several days now, waiting for the right words. I have decided, at the suggestion of a friend, to work on another story for a bit and see if anything pops into my head. Of course, suggestions from you all will be taken into consideration.
I haven’t sent the short story off yet. I sent it to my friend Larry for comments. I respect his opinion on my writing. He had no suggestions for improvement so I will send it into the contest folks this weekend. I am hoping that I make it into the top 25, that’s the cutoff of the stories that will be published.
Diego and I met last Sunday to critique each other’s work again. He submitted a new piece that he had started. His style is developing nicely along the lines he wants it to. He has emulated Hermann Hesse’s penchant for long sentence structure and use of words. As long as he keeps his story lines interesting, I am sure he will be successful. I had Diego take a look at the short story also; he offered a few very good suggestions which I incorporated.
I met a new friend for coffee this week. His name is Mark Kennet, he’s an economist and works
as a freelance consultant all over the world. Right now he’s helping the government here in Peru deal with contracts from several large corporations. We met at Café Z Wednesday afternoon and chatted for several hours about all manner of topics. He’s a great guy and very interesting, well versed on multiple topics. After three hours and three cups of coffee, they are large ones, and some great conversation, I jittered my way home.
Friday, Larry and his wife Lucha invited me over for lunch. Lucha serves incredible delicious healthy meals. It’s no wonder that Larry is so healthy. Larry and I sat and discussed writing and our latest reads till the food was ready. He also showed me some great photos he as of his Dad from the 20’s and 30’s. He was quite the athlete and played on a professional championship football team. I think it was Philadelphia but don’t quote me on that. During lunch the three of us discussed family, friends, languages, writing and the status of our books. Lucha is a well known pediatric nutritionist here in Peru and has written five children’s books of which two have been published. She is a fascinating woman. It was a perfect afternoon.
While I was in Barranco visiting Larry and Lucha, I noticed that Casa Cor was restoring another old historical home. It is going to 
be beautiful. I hope I can make it to the grand opening when they have it. The last one I went to was spectacular.
Finally, my friend Kathy came over for coffee and snacks this past Monday. We went over to Café Maria, a nice place a couple of blocks from my apartment. As always the discussion centered on our lives here in Peru, family in the US and various friends and acquaintances we have in common. It was a pleasant few hours spent in the company of a good friend. She is still planning a trip to Chile with a friend and a return to the US to visit family in the fall.
Exercise your brains my friends. It’s a very important muscle and has the ability to grow at any age. Learn a new language, how to play a musical instrument, social interaction is important also. Do not isolate yourself. Have a great week.