Date: 24 November 2013
Location: John & Marion
“It’s true my writing spans a swath of genres: short stories, stage plays, documentaries, novels, books for young readers. Even so, they’re all neatly fitted components of a single mosaic. Each piece of writing embraces one central idea, gives that idea a hug, and then turns it loose on the reader. Or audience.
I’ve been writing longer than home computers have been computing. Writing is my vocation, my avocation, my passion and my playtime. Simply put, writing keeps me sane. It’s a repository for hope: Peace has a better-than-even chance in my stories. It’s a consolation: In spite of our best efforts, bad listeners still come to the party. It’s a celebration: Love actually works. These ideas aren’t new, of course. As a very old text assures us, ‘there is no new thing under the sun.’”
The words above are taken from Rusty Bynum’s home page. She graced our gathering at John and Marion’s home on a chilled, gray Sunday. During our discussion of her work, these ideas were made evident, if not specifically stated. She led us through her creative process. I found it wonderful that the character of Carlton Maxwell III was actually invented by our Judy Smith – one of Rusty’s writing buddies, as well as her dear friend. Judy commented that she wouldn’t use him because she didn’t write fiction, so Rusty could have him with her blessings. Manuela Vilalobos, Carlton’s housekeeper was based on a housekeeper in Rusty’s girlhood home in El Paso.
The story centers on Lenora Anne Maxwell and her son, Carlton. The mother and son are unusually close, perhaps due to the early death of the father and husband, Jay. Lenora Anne’s paintings grace Carlton’s antique shop in New Orleans. Is there something strange about these beautiful images that draws people into the painting itself? Are they copies or originals? How can the son protect the mother from the long arm of the law if she is an art forger? How can the mother shield the son from being an accomplice to her acts? Yes, it is a beautifully written mystery full of well thought out characters in lovely scenery. Can one ask for more?
Rusty’s antidotes of the hills and valleys she’s tread in her profession led us to understand a bit of her drive. One wonders how she managed to stay sane as projects blew up in her face, or just fell to pieces. Our reward was the finished product. We hope hers is also. We thanked Rusty as we enjoyed our New Orleans themed meal. Who says we get together just to yak, eat and drink?? We do also READ!! And we enjoy our encounters with the authors who share their stories with us.
— Gina