Charles P. Black

I am a writer with a background in radio/TV & Agency and a late-in-life, first-time novelist. I am writing and editing chapters from my first novel, a collection of stories about life in a small New Hampshire town in the 40's, 50's and 60's. Much of my formative years were spent here, so I know it and all of the characters I write about quite intimately. The opening story describes an event I recalled as a six-year old child and is the one that launched the rest of my tales. I've included fond memories of sultry summer days and wonderful, eden-like nights when skies were darkest blue, sprinkled with diamonds of faraway stars. My story continues with coming of age, wacky, fun, teenage memories followed with the sad ending of summer, blending, into colorful fall days in this idyllic country town. The background of broad maples and oaks becomes a canvas for mother nature's paintbrush as summer residents spend their time here then pack up and go back to the city after Labor Day . Teenage lovers sadly say goodbye and the town again becomes so quiet you can almost hear the falling leaves hit the ground. Although many of these stories are from actual events, I've included fiction as well, for those who love mystery and romance. There's a goodly dash of spice, a slight pinch of white witchcraft that shows up in a most unexpected place, the town library. I've added a scent of pine, the minty flavor of checkerberry and sweetness of maple syrup. One can hear crickets, bullfrogs and the high pitched scree of nitehawks skirting the evening sky in search of prey. You'll hear the trills of tiny treefrogs calling back and forth and the soothing sounds of gurgling brooks in the background. It all comes together in something I call, "The View From Big Rock"