We are not Van and Anthony, but...
I keep reminding myself that this is fiction, not memoir. I like to think of it as wishful fiction, what might have been in another universe...
About Mandolin Dreams
This last chapter, was hard to write and harder to voice over. I had been dreading it, but thought I had more time, more words before the inevitable death scene. I originally saw it happening near the end of the book, in parallel with other events, but the needs of the story prevailed and it was time to write it.
Even though, we all know that Van and Anthony are not Ivan and Scott, not exactly. Well, maybe a little, but that's mostly intentional. Both Van and Ivan are/were musicians, both Anthony and Scott (me) are/were reluctant writers that ignored the call of the quill for too long. We/they did visit London and Paris on multiple occasions. Ivan lived there, I never did. This book was never going to be a memoir. To be honest, I don't think I have the strength to do our friendship justice. Not yet. Instead, I chose to write a fictional tale about two friends that were us at some point, that share some important events, but for whom life went a little sideways. And there is the whole Hobson thing. No that isn't grandad.
Mandolin Dreams is a work-in-progress. I can't tell you where it's going; I haven't a clue. That's not true. At the moment, there are multiple stories evolving from this one as I write it. It's fascinating to see all of the options ahead. I just have to trust that I, we, will pick the right one. All I know for sure is that it's a complicated weaving actual events with wishes, musings and may have beens.
It is a chance for me to spend some more time with my friend. I often feel that he is there when I write, and if that feeling never goes away, I may be able to keep going, despite his death.
The end of part one
I think that chapter 6 brings us to the end of part one. It feels like a spot to put an extra thick period, stop and breathe a little. Things are going to get fucking weird real fast in part two.
Having said that, I'll be taking a one or two week break from posting chapters. I need to get ahead of the plot a little. And don't ask me how, but Ivan has some strong opinions in how this will play out.
The Curious Quiddist (a podcast)
I am also launching a proper podcast in the fall. It is called The Curious Quiddist, and will be hosted here and available on all podcasting platforms. It will about all kinds of stuff. I'll be teasing out the essence of various ideas and concepts. Much like Ivan and I did, many late nights ago.
The first episode will be "What is Friendship?" This is a topic I never ever thought about until I lost my friends.
As current subscribers to my substack, you will automatically be subscribed to the podcast. In your settings, you can always pick and choose which publications you wish to receive from me.
