June Ahern's Blog - Posts Tagged "san-francisco"
She Said, So Then She Said
Writing the words of my characters became more than looking for ways to move the story along or give readers important information. It became a special time to spend with my The Skye in June family. Listening, not disturbing the rumbling of family discord or sisters hashing out problems. I voiced my concerns: How would Mary, express her anger at her father for teasing and labeling her as a boy? Could Annie find the words, smiling through her tears, to keep encouraging her little sisters to be happy and safe? Back and forth I spoke their words, Mary to Annie, Annie to Maggie and all to June, the youngest. Jimmy, the father bellowed at his kids and fearful Cathy, the mother, guilty for not speaking up for her children to her abusive husband. I had to know how Cathy felt so I rummaged through my life experiences and observations - delving into Cathy's psyche to express her, once upon a time hopes and dreams soured with life's disappointments. No matter what, the MacDonalds were a loyal Scottish family. But would my readers believe that through all their anger, secrets, tears and lies? At least they'd get a good laugh, I giggled, tapping away at the keys, sharing the girls' sassy comments and exposing their crazy plan - "We could kill him," one sister says of Jimmy. But which would say that?
Shopping at San Francisco's Woolworth Store
Having had lived in San Francisco since 1956 I find it a fascinating city for it's picturesque hills and valleys, and waterways and therefore set my story about a Scottish immigrant family in the city.
Growing up in San Francisco some of my most enjoyable memories were trips downtown to shop at Woolworth’s Department Store. The building was on Market Street and wrapped around and up Powell Street. Woolworth was such a San Francisco experience that I just had to include it my book, The Skye in June. See an excerpt below.
The store was filled with just about everything you'd ever want to find; clothing, beauty products, sewing goods,inexpensive jewelry, so much stuff!
Perfect for Christmas shopping where my money would be spent carefully. I’d jump on the number 8 Castro bus at 19th and Castro with usually a sister or two and head downtown for fun. My wallet would be filled with money saved from babysitting. The first floor was tight to walk with aisles or counters and in the basement was Budgies, Canaries and gold fish –– gifts I bought at one time or another for family. It took hours to shop. At the end of the shopping I’d go upstairs to the lunch counter –– always busy –– for a Patti-melt and milkshake or a burger and coke. Afterward, if there was time, we would take a cable car ride (no lines back then - just hop on.)
From "The Skye in June"
The grinding noise of the cable car’s brakes as it slowed to their stop was ear piercing. June stood and took hold of the metal pole. She swayed outward as she readied herself to jump from the platform when they reached the intersection of Powell at Market Streets. The thrill of hanging out of the cable car and the feel of the brisk wind against her face had charged her energy. She felt a sense of freedom. As they lurched to a stop, she hopped off and hollered to her mother, “Did you get a transfer?”Cathy nodded a “yes,” and gingerly stretched out a foot to get down from the cable car. June took hold of her hand to help her mother. Arm in arm, they walked over to the Woolworth’s department store on Market Street to look at the items for sale in the window.
Please read more chapter excerpts www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
Growing up in San Francisco some of my most enjoyable memories were trips downtown to shop at Woolworth’s Department Store. The building was on Market Street and wrapped around and up Powell Street. Woolworth was such a San Francisco experience that I just had to include it my book, The Skye in June. See an excerpt below.
The store was filled with just about everything you'd ever want to find; clothing, beauty products, sewing goods,inexpensive jewelry, so much stuff!
Perfect for Christmas shopping where my money would be spent carefully. I’d jump on the number 8 Castro bus at 19th and Castro with usually a sister or two and head downtown for fun. My wallet would be filled with money saved from babysitting. The first floor was tight to walk with aisles or counters and in the basement was Budgies, Canaries and gold fish –– gifts I bought at one time or another for family. It took hours to shop. At the end of the shopping I’d go upstairs to the lunch counter –– always busy –– for a Patti-melt and milkshake or a burger and coke. Afterward, if there was time, we would take a cable car ride (no lines back then - just hop on.)
From "The Skye in June"
The grinding noise of the cable car’s brakes as it slowed to their stop was ear piercing. June stood and took hold of the metal pole. She swayed outward as she readied herself to jump from the platform when they reached the intersection of Powell at Market Streets. The thrill of hanging out of the cable car and the feel of the brisk wind against her face had charged her energy. She felt a sense of freedom. As they lurched to a stop, she hopped off and hollered to her mother, “Did you get a transfer?”Cathy nodded a “yes,” and gingerly stretched out a foot to get down from the cable car. June took hold of her hand to help her mother. Arm in arm, they walked over to the Woolworth’s department store on Market Street to look at the items for sale in the window.
Please read more chapter excerpts www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
Talking to the Dead-Gift or Curse?
I just watched the movie Hereafter with Matt Damon as George, a retired psychic medium, who is called back into service against his will. I know how he felt.
I’m one of those people who easily sees and talks to the dead––those who have passed over. In the movie George tells another how he became psychic: As a child he had become very ill and needed surgery on the back of his head. Because of it something happened in his brain resulting in him “knowing and seeing” things about people he had no prior access to and this information was told to him by dead people.
I appreciated how the scriptwriter presented a correlation between head/brain surgery and changes in one’s psychic abilities. I also had a similar experience where a head injury had awoken my psychic abilities.
When I was nineteen I was in a very serious car accident and received grave injuries to my face and head and for a moment in the ambulance I “died”. That brief moment profoundly changed the course of my life forever, although it took me years to, not only understand what happened, but talk about it openly. Like one character in Hereafter I went to the“otherside”.
The physical part in time healed but the true miracle was what happened afterward.
Within a couple of months I began to have strong premonitions, about people’s past (recognition) visions of future events (precognition) and dead people spoke to me. It was not pleasant. Heck it scared the bejeevus out of me! Not that I was new to accepting psychic occurrences. My mother had a curiosity in it, even having a few prophetic a few dreams and for fun read tealeaves, but my experiences surpassed this greatly.
One of my strong abilities is mediumship and I rather enjoy it. I’ve mostly given up giving spirit communication (aka séances) because of the physically living beings as George experienced.
Of course the dead can be an annoyance as Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg) in the movie “Ghosts” learned where she was deluged by spirits all coming through (talking) at one time––it can happen like that when they find a person who can see and hear them.
Do they haunt you like Oda Mae was by the dead character Sam, Patrick Swayze? You bethca! This happened to me once. The spirit didn’t lighten up until the police contacted me for all her information (her killer was successfully prosecuted.)
There are many rewards having these abilities’ and talents. I’ve met people from all over the world and been invited to travel to share my abilities. People have told me the information I shared changed their lives. Then again there’s a downside. In the movie George says that some people say he has a gift, but he thought of it more as a curse. I can relate. The curse is seeing and knowing too much as George says.
Psychics do become tired. Its takes a lot of energy, much focus and a certain detachment as information surges through. I’ve worked with law enforcement and even the believers have a particular way that can make one feel a bit blocked. There’s the need and expectations of clients to fulfill (or not) and neediness of the people seeking help and connections to dead loved ones. Let’s not forget the testing doubters, the ridiculing critics and the condemning haters (oh yes!) of psychics.
After having used my abilities for 40 years I believe that psychic energy must retire and the person must live for her or himself. But then, like George, there’s always that one more person who truly needs that information.
In my novel, my main character has "unusual" abilities that prove to be more of a curse than a blessings.
The Skye in June
I’m one of those people who easily sees and talks to the dead––those who have passed over. In the movie George tells another how he became psychic: As a child he had become very ill and needed surgery on the back of his head. Because of it something happened in his brain resulting in him “knowing and seeing” things about people he had no prior access to and this information was told to him by dead people.
I appreciated how the scriptwriter presented a correlation between head/brain surgery and changes in one’s psychic abilities. I also had a similar experience where a head injury had awoken my psychic abilities.
When I was nineteen I was in a very serious car accident and received grave injuries to my face and head and for a moment in the ambulance I “died”. That brief moment profoundly changed the course of my life forever, although it took me years to, not only understand what happened, but talk about it openly. Like one character in Hereafter I went to the“otherside”.
The physical part in time healed but the true miracle was what happened afterward.
Within a couple of months I began to have strong premonitions, about people’s past (recognition) visions of future events (precognition) and dead people spoke to me. It was not pleasant. Heck it scared the bejeevus out of me! Not that I was new to accepting psychic occurrences. My mother had a curiosity in it, even having a few prophetic a few dreams and for fun read tealeaves, but my experiences surpassed this greatly.
One of my strong abilities is mediumship and I rather enjoy it. I’ve mostly given up giving spirit communication (aka séances) because of the physically living beings as George experienced.
Of course the dead can be an annoyance as Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg) in the movie “Ghosts” learned where she was deluged by spirits all coming through (talking) at one time––it can happen like that when they find a person who can see and hear them.
Do they haunt you like Oda Mae was by the dead character Sam, Patrick Swayze? You bethca! This happened to me once. The spirit didn’t lighten up until the police contacted me for all her information (her killer was successfully prosecuted.)
There are many rewards having these abilities’ and talents. I’ve met people from all over the world and been invited to travel to share my abilities. People have told me the information I shared changed their lives. Then again there’s a downside. In the movie George says that some people say he has a gift, but he thought of it more as a curse. I can relate. The curse is seeing and knowing too much as George says.
Psychics do become tired. Its takes a lot of energy, much focus and a certain detachment as information surges through. I’ve worked with law enforcement and even the believers have a particular way that can make one feel a bit blocked. There’s the need and expectations of clients to fulfill (or not) and neediness of the people seeking help and connections to dead loved ones. Let’s not forget the testing doubters, the ridiculing critics and the condemning haters (oh yes!) of psychics.
After having used my abilities for 40 years I believe that psychic energy must retire and the person must live for her or himself. But then, like George, there’s always that one more person who truly needs that information.
In my novel, my main character has "unusual" abilities that prove to be more of a curse than a blessings.
The Skye in June
Give-away of Novel by June Ahern
These dark, cold and rainy times are one of my favorite, jump into bed early with a book and a cuppa. How about you, is this also a favorite time of year to snuggle up with a book and keep warm?
I've once again, entered "The Skye in June" my novel as a give-away in the US and GB, which seems appropriate since it is about a Scottish immigrant family living in San Francisco, California - a great historical city. Please read more about the story at juneahern.com.
And Good Luck! Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again.
I've once again, entered "The Skye in June" my novel as a give-away in the US and GB, which seems appropriate since it is about a Scottish immigrant family living in San Francisco, California - a great historical city. Please read more about the story at juneahern.com.
And Good Luck! Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again.
What a Character!
I'm often asked how I create my fictional characters and although I can't speak for all writers, I can for myself say––you and you and you!
I am a people person or should say, a people magnet really. My "other" job is all about people, which gives me plenty of fodder in my larder when writing.
In my first book, "The Timeless Counselor" –– a non-fiction –– I wrote about clients' sessions, but changed the names of course. If you've read that, you see how their stories could actually become a fictional tale or two.
In my novel, oh yum, yum! How fun picking bits and pieces of personalities and situations from a host of characters I've encountered in life.
Even my own family says, 'hey! is that me?' I say of 'course not!'
In truth bits and pieces are my parents, sisters and even my brothers. And then there were others life neighborhood friends. One friend, upon reading the book, called me and said 'loved reading about myself in your book'.
My brothers moaned 'You only used sisters where's the brothers?' Maybe a part of the sisters is the brothers, I told them.
In one chapter of the novel, "The Skye in June - fictional (but of course!)I used a crime committed in the early 1960's in my neighborhood to create fiction between the MacDonald family and more so for the main character, June.
Although I remember the story, research was still necessary to stir real and imaginary pictures to put into enticing words.
One of the people involved in this serious crime (all teen boys) read my book then remarked, "I see I made your story." He wasn't angry or upset. Names had been changed, it was an old crime but still part of the changing environs in "the Castro" of San Francisco and only a few would recognize the old story.
Readers from my 'old hood' during the story's era in San Francisco, contact me all the time to share their own experiences of growing up in what became a world famous neighborhood, "the Castro". Those who went to Catholic school also have much to say about their experience with nuns. Readers who went to the same parochial school I did and wrote about in the book, recognize the nuns by their real names and not the ones I gave them. That is fun! Of course the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty.
As I work on my new novel the characters are created more so by me, but still I reflect back on the later 1960 days in San Francisco and have many characters to draw from.
What about the characters in your life? Will they end up in a story?
Please read more about me and my books at http://www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
I am a people person or should say, a people magnet really. My "other" job is all about people, which gives me plenty of fodder in my larder when writing.
In my first book, "The Timeless Counselor" –– a non-fiction –– I wrote about clients' sessions, but changed the names of course. If you've read that, you see how their stories could actually become a fictional tale or two.
In my novel, oh yum, yum! How fun picking bits and pieces of personalities and situations from a host of characters I've encountered in life.
Even my own family says, 'hey! is that me?' I say of 'course not!'
In truth bits and pieces are my parents, sisters and even my brothers. And then there were others life neighborhood friends. One friend, upon reading the book, called me and said 'loved reading about myself in your book'.
My brothers moaned 'You only used sisters where's the brothers?' Maybe a part of the sisters is the brothers, I told them.
In one chapter of the novel, "The Skye in June - fictional (but of course!)I used a crime committed in the early 1960's in my neighborhood to create fiction between the MacDonald family and more so for the main character, June.
Although I remember the story, research was still necessary to stir real and imaginary pictures to put into enticing words.
One of the people involved in this serious crime (all teen boys) read my book then remarked, "I see I made your story." He wasn't angry or upset. Names had been changed, it was an old crime but still part of the changing environs in "the Castro" of San Francisco and only a few would recognize the old story.
Readers from my 'old hood' during the story's era in San Francisco, contact me all the time to share their own experiences of growing up in what became a world famous neighborhood, "the Castro". Those who went to Catholic school also have much to say about their experience with nuns. Readers who went to the same parochial school I did and wrote about in the book, recognize the nuns by their real names and not the ones I gave them. That is fun! Of course the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty.
As I work on my new novel the characters are created more so by me, but still I reflect back on the later 1960 days in San Francisco and have many characters to draw from.
What about the characters in your life? Will they end up in a story?
Please read more about me and my books at http://www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
What a Character!
I'm often asked how I create my fictional characters and although I can't speak for all writers, I can for myself say––you and you and you!
I am a people person or should say, a people magnet really. My "other" job is all about people, which gives me plenty of fodder in my larder when writing.
In my first book, "The Timeless Counselor" –– a non-fiction –– I wrote about clients' sessions, but changed the names of course. If you've read that, you see how their stories could actually become a fictional tale or two.
In my novel, oh yum, yum! How fun picking bits and pieces of personalities and situations from a host of characters I've encountered in life.
Even my own family says, 'hey! is that me?' I say of 'course not!'
In truth bits and pieces are my parents, sisters and even my brothers. And then there were others life neighborhood friends. One friend, upon reading the book, called me and said 'loved reading about myself in your book'.
My brothers moaned 'You only used sisters where's the brothers?' Maybe a part of the sisters is the brothers, I told them.
In one chapter of the novel, "The Skye in June - fictional (but of course!)I used a crime committed in the early 1960's in my neighborhood to create fiction between the MacDonald family and more so for the main character, June.
Although I remember the story, research was still necessary to stir real and imaginary pictures to put into enticing words.
One of the people involved in this serious crime (all teen boys) read my book then remarked, "I see I made your story." He wasn't angry or upset. Names had been changed, it was an old crime but still part of the changing environs in "the Castro" of San Francisco and only a few would recognize the old story.
Readers from my 'old hood' during the story's era in San Francisco, contact me all the time to share their own experiences of growing up in what became a world famous neighborhood, "the Castro". Those who went to Catholic school also have much to say about their experience with nuns. Readers who went to the same parochial school I did and wrote about in the book, recognize the nuns by their real names and not the ones I gave them. That is fun! Of course the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty.
As I work on my new novel the characters are created more so by me, but still I reflect back on the later 1960 days in San Francisco and have many characters to draw from.
What about the characters in your life? Will they end up in a story?
Please read more about me and my books at http://www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
I am a people person or should say, a people magnet really. My "other" job is all about people, which gives me plenty of fodder in my larder when writing.
In my first book, "The Timeless Counselor" –– a non-fiction –– I wrote about clients' sessions, but changed the names of course. If you've read that, you see how their stories could actually become a fictional tale or two.
In my novel, oh yum, yum! How fun picking bits and pieces of personalities and situations from a host of characters I've encountered in life.
Even my own family says, 'hey! is that me?' I say of 'course not!'
In truth bits and pieces are my parents, sisters and even my brothers. And then there were others life neighborhood friends. One friend, upon reading the book, called me and said 'loved reading about myself in your book'.
My brothers moaned 'You only used sisters where's the brothers?' Maybe a part of the sisters is the brothers, I told them.
In one chapter of the novel, "The Skye in June - fictional (but of course!)I used a crime committed in the early 1960's in my neighborhood to create fiction between the MacDonald family and more so for the main character, June.
Although I remember the story, research was still necessary to stir real and imaginary pictures to put into enticing words.
One of the people involved in this serious crime (all teen boys) read my book then remarked, "I see I made your story." He wasn't angry or upset. Names had been changed, it was an old crime but still part of the changing environs in "the Castro" of San Francisco and only a few would recognize the old story.
Readers from my 'old hood' during the story's era in San Francisco, contact me all the time to share their own experiences of growing up in what became a world famous neighborhood, "the Castro". Those who went to Catholic school also have much to say about their experience with nuns. Readers who went to the same parochial school I did and wrote about in the book, recognize the nuns by their real names and not the ones I gave them. That is fun! Of course the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty.
As I work on my new novel the characters are created more so by me, but still I reflect back on the later 1960 days in San Francisco and have many characters to draw from.
What about the characters in your life? Will they end up in a story?
Please read more about me and my books at http://www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
NEW NOVEL COMPLETE!
I just typed "The End" in my manuscript of my new novel. Here's the synopsis.
Time Has Come by June Ahern
Sixteen years after the Summer of Love, Liz MacKay appears before a parole board. Do you understand the gravity of your actions? Yes. Are you deeply sorry for the grief they have caused others? Yes. Sorry, but not for killing Ricky Martinez. He hadn’t cared who he hurt. Liz, too, had once been arrogant and self-centered. It toppled her from a good life into a dark hole. Now she does penance for the great misery she caused. Her attorney and friend, Toni, disagrees: When did penance become self-punishment?
A self-professed bad girl Liz marries her Highlander sweetheart at sixteen. They live happily in Scotland until their young son is kidnapped. The boy dies as a result of her lies. Newspaper headlines scream Mom Guilty As Sin! Liz’s husband abandons her and she is a pariah in her hometown. Lonely and grief stricken, she heeds an Irish soothsayer’s prophesy and moves to San Francisco to redeem herself.
Life in San Francisco in 1967 is beyond all of Liz’s experience. She moves into a Castro Street commune, joining Black Panthers Toni and Bobby, the homosexual Mason, Sam, who keeps a watchful eye on the family, and Ricky the drug dealer who has one girlfriend after another. His current girlfriend, Cat, reveals too much about his dealings. And Toni, suspicious of Liz’s insistence that she’s only there to have a jolly good time, seeks the truth.
As the commune unravels and her own drug use escalates, Liz’s guilt about her son worsens. Embroiled in a plot against Toni and Bobby and desperate for redemption and desperate for redemption, she wants to save everyone. Liz must decide. Warn Toni or heed Sam’s threats. Keep quiet. Let what is going happen, happen.
Time Has Come by June Ahern
Sixteen years after the Summer of Love, Liz MacKay appears before a parole board. Do you understand the gravity of your actions? Yes. Are you deeply sorry for the grief they have caused others? Yes. Sorry, but not for killing Ricky Martinez. He hadn’t cared who he hurt. Liz, too, had once been arrogant and self-centered. It toppled her from a good life into a dark hole. Now she does penance for the great misery she caused. Her attorney and friend, Toni, disagrees: When did penance become self-punishment?
A self-professed bad girl Liz marries her Highlander sweetheart at sixteen. They live happily in Scotland until their young son is kidnapped. The boy dies as a result of her lies. Newspaper headlines scream Mom Guilty As Sin! Liz’s husband abandons her and she is a pariah in her hometown. Lonely and grief stricken, she heeds an Irish soothsayer’s prophesy and moves to San Francisco to redeem herself.
Life in San Francisco in 1967 is beyond all of Liz’s experience. She moves into a Castro Street commune, joining Black Panthers Toni and Bobby, the homosexual Mason, Sam, who keeps a watchful eye on the family, and Ricky the drug dealer who has one girlfriend after another. His current girlfriend, Cat, reveals too much about his dealings. And Toni, suspicious of Liz’s insistence that she’s only there to have a jolly good time, seeks the truth.
As the commune unravels and her own drug use escalates, Liz’s guilt about her son worsens. Embroiled in a plot against Toni and Bobby and desperate for redemption and desperate for redemption, she wants to save everyone. Liz must decide. Warn Toni or heed Sam’s threats. Keep quiet. Let what is going happen, happen.
GREAT CITY FOR BOOK LOCATION
There are many great cities for a story to take place in; London, Paris, Venice, New York City, Glasgow and of course, Baghad-by-the-Bay.
San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen coined the term Baghdad-by-the-Bay for San Francisco's exotic multicultural, multicrazy citizens -- my city. I hear some natives who have long moved it say, it's not like it used to be! True, because it, like the waters surrounding it, is in constant change -- people sail in, sail out and the beat goes on.
How could I not develop a story around San Francisco?
My novels, "The Skye in June" and "City of Redemption", set in this interesting place tell of times gone past. What hasn't changed are the hills the characters climb up and down, in and out of shops nestled the valleys as fog lingers nearby. A visit to Playland to listen to the hysterical Laughing Sal is a reminder of an amusement park that remains in many memories. A writer can't tell a story about San Francisco without taking readers on a cable car ride with a clang, clang of bells and end at Woolworth's store on Market.
The City is full of history of unsavory characters and wild happenings. When the Bloom of Summer of Love 1967 in the Haight Ashbury paled, the squalor was left for those who called San Francisco home. We went on, more to talk about - then dam hippies! - and then those strange ones came; The Castro grew new life, people, ones like the home-grown city people never saw. Did the world end? Did the City crumble? No. Baghdad stories flew far and wide. The beat went on. And will.
Memories continue to be made, changes never cease. Like it or not. My stories, my bookswill be around for a long, long time, long after I pass on to the big party in the sky. Readers will know what life was like back in the day - they will will know a bit more about my city - my Baghad-by-the-Bay.
Books at Amazon.com, Createspace.com and for personally autographed copies juneahern.com
City of Redemption
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen coined the term Baghdad-by-the-Bay for San Francisco's exotic multicultural, multicrazy citizens -- my city. I hear some natives who have long moved it say, it's not like it used to be! True, because it, like the waters surrounding it, is in constant change -- people sail in, sail out and the beat goes on.
How could I not develop a story around San Francisco?
My novels, "The Skye in June" and "City of Redemption", set in this interesting place tell of times gone past. What hasn't changed are the hills the characters climb up and down, in and out of shops nestled the valleys as fog lingers nearby. A visit to Playland to listen to the hysterical Laughing Sal is a reminder of an amusement park that remains in many memories. A writer can't tell a story about San Francisco without taking readers on a cable car ride with a clang, clang of bells and end at Woolworth's store on Market.
The City is full of history of unsavory characters and wild happenings. When the Bloom of Summer of Love 1967 in the Haight Ashbury paled, the squalor was left for those who called San Francisco home. We went on, more to talk about - then dam hippies! - and then those strange ones came; The Castro grew new life, people, ones like the home-grown city people never saw. Did the world end? Did the City crumble? No. Baghdad stories flew far and wide. The beat went on. And will.
Memories continue to be made, changes never cease. Like it or not. My stories, my bookswill be around for a long, long time, long after I pass on to the big party in the sky. Readers will know what life was like back in the day - they will will know a bit more about my city - my Baghad-by-the-Bay.
Books at Amazon.com, Createspace.com and for personally autographed copies juneahern.com
City of Redemption
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
SUMMER OF LOVE
HAVE YOU BEEN EXPERIENCED?
Ah! But are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Not necessarily stoned, but beautiful...
- Jimi Hendrix -
I was experienced during that historical time and yes it was groovy and far out!!
Recently, I went to the Summer of Love (1967) art exhibition at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Many memories flooded back. If you get a chance, go - wear a flower in your hair, trip out to the music and art. .
It blew my mind that I actually lived that experience so many are curious about and interested in.
A time and place in history where all who wanted were free to experience beyond what society told them to be.
I was living in San Francisco before and after the Summer of Love and was part of the Haight/Ashbury scene. Both my novels reflect the changing environs - "City of Redemption" (set in San Francisco during the Summer of Love. Read more about it below) and "The Skye in June"(1950's to 1964- the early days of "the movement" as it was called) give the reader a view of social and political changes during those times.
Summers in San Francisco are usually foggy and windy with sunny days here and there. That didn't keep the flower children from dancing, often near naked, in streets and Golden Gate park for the free concerts.
Could I tell you some tales, but....perhaps through my novel you'll get the vibe.
My book, "City of Redemption" is an enthralling story about the historical turbulent days of the 1960's free sex, drugs, rebellion and murder. Set in San Francisco during the Summer of Love the story's voice gives vivid color and power to an unforgettable time and place in history.
Flower power ignites into firepower when a lonely young woman entangles herself in a treacherous plot and murder during the Summer of Love.
As fun and peace making as it was, it wasn't all love and flowers in the hair - oh no! The strong plot and dialogue of City of Redemption exposes the seldom seen seedy side of the Summer of Love.
Partly to blame for her young son's death, Liz flees Scotland to San Francisco. She wants to lose herself with free love among the groovy people. Instead, she is unwittingly drawn into the dark underbelly of violence and addiction with a callous drug-dealer and a treacherous plot to bring down the Black Panthers. Her unlikely friendship with Black Panther Toni Bordeaux, leads Liz to redemption for her shameful past.
To view more about this historical novel see www. june ahern dot com
Chapter 14
San Francisco
From the Haight to Eureka Valley
July 11 1967 – Midday
MIDWAY DOWN THE 33 Ashbury bus, Liz sat forlornly, looking out the window at the dreary San Francisco summer fog. Uncombed hair hung loosely around her face and landed on the shoulders of a wrinkled, white peasant blouse. She wore no make-up. Two teen girls sitting in front of her laughed about the stories they told to get out of school for the day. The girls, like so many young people coming from the suburbs for the day to be part of the action, lied to their parents about their whereabouts. Then they complained about how they hadn’t expected such cold weather in the summer, and wished they’d dressed warmer. Both wore light cotton blouses, long flowing skirts and sandals. Liz realized she didn’t feel the cold. She didn’t really feel much of anything except the growing need to make some money. Her bellbottom jeans, slung low on her hips, were tattered from constant wear. Patting the large leather bag on her lap, she thought of the red-beaded earrings she’d made that morning, hoping somebody would buy them today.
... the parade of people dressed in tie-dyed tee shirts, jeans, long flowing dresses, and flowered wreaths. Here and there bare chests were painted with blue and red paint or big flowers. They were too stoned to feel the fog’s damp sprinkles. Banging on pots, they danced around wildly, and waved placards reading MAKE LOVE NOT WAR and U.S. OUT OF VIETNAM. Laughing and singing they were oblivious to the blocked traffic.
FREE KINDLE 6/27/17 - 7/1/2017
City of Redemption
Ah! But are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Not necessarily stoned, but beautiful...
- Jimi Hendrix -
I was experienced during that historical time and yes it was groovy and far out!!
Recently, I went to the Summer of Love (1967) art exhibition at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Many memories flooded back. If you get a chance, go - wear a flower in your hair, trip out to the music and art. .
It blew my mind that I actually lived that experience so many are curious about and interested in.
A time and place in history where all who wanted were free to experience beyond what society told them to be.
I was living in San Francisco before and after the Summer of Love and was part of the Haight/Ashbury scene. Both my novels reflect the changing environs - "City of Redemption" (set in San Francisco during the Summer of Love. Read more about it below) and "The Skye in June"(1950's to 1964- the early days of "the movement" as it was called) give the reader a view of social and political changes during those times.
Summers in San Francisco are usually foggy and windy with sunny days here and there. That didn't keep the flower children from dancing, often near naked, in streets and Golden Gate park for the free concerts.
Could I tell you some tales, but....perhaps through my novel you'll get the vibe.
My book, "City of Redemption" is an enthralling story about the historical turbulent days of the 1960's free sex, drugs, rebellion and murder. Set in San Francisco during the Summer of Love the story's voice gives vivid color and power to an unforgettable time and place in history.
Flower power ignites into firepower when a lonely young woman entangles herself in a treacherous plot and murder during the Summer of Love.
As fun and peace making as it was, it wasn't all love and flowers in the hair - oh no! The strong plot and dialogue of City of Redemption exposes the seldom seen seedy side of the Summer of Love.
Partly to blame for her young son's death, Liz flees Scotland to San Francisco. She wants to lose herself with free love among the groovy people. Instead, she is unwittingly drawn into the dark underbelly of violence and addiction with a callous drug-dealer and a treacherous plot to bring down the Black Panthers. Her unlikely friendship with Black Panther Toni Bordeaux, leads Liz to redemption for her shameful past.
To view more about this historical novel see www. june ahern dot com
Chapter 14
San Francisco
From the Haight to Eureka Valley
July 11 1967 – Midday
MIDWAY DOWN THE 33 Ashbury bus, Liz sat forlornly, looking out the window at the dreary San Francisco summer fog. Uncombed hair hung loosely around her face and landed on the shoulders of a wrinkled, white peasant blouse. She wore no make-up. Two teen girls sitting in front of her laughed about the stories they told to get out of school for the day. The girls, like so many young people coming from the suburbs for the day to be part of the action, lied to their parents about their whereabouts. Then they complained about how they hadn’t expected such cold weather in the summer, and wished they’d dressed warmer. Both wore light cotton blouses, long flowing skirts and sandals. Liz realized she didn’t feel the cold. She didn’t really feel much of anything except the growing need to make some money. Her bellbottom jeans, slung low on her hips, were tattered from constant wear. Patting the large leather bag on her lap, she thought of the red-beaded earrings she’d made that morning, hoping somebody would buy them today.
... the parade of people dressed in tie-dyed tee shirts, jeans, long flowing dresses, and flowered wreaths. Here and there bare chests were painted with blue and red paint or big flowers. They were too stoned to feel the fog’s damp sprinkles. Banging on pots, they danced around wildly, and waved placards reading MAKE LOVE NOT WAR and U.S. OUT OF VIETNAM. Laughing and singing they were oblivious to the blocked traffic.
FREE KINDLE 6/27/17 - 7/1/2017
City of Redemption
SKYE IN JUNE ANNIVERSARY FREE EBOOK CELEBRATION
Not since Amy Tan has a woman's voice from one of San Francisco's most famous neighborhoods. Author Jim Toland
The Skye in June rolled off the press April 28, 2008and has sold every month since '08. It's my first novel's Ten Year Anniversary Sharing my successful blessing.
Free eBook April 25th to April 29th Follow this link to Amazon 4/25 - 4/29 and ENJOY!
Photo by Jerry Briesach
"Skye" receives overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon.com US, UK, France, and Japan, Goodreads.com, Barnes and Noble,
If you take advantage of the free ebook please leave your comment at these sites or your favorite bookselling sites; truly does help other readers decide to purchase.
ABOUT THE STORY: June MacDonald's fate is sealed the day she is born when her mother defies her husband by not naming their new daughter after a Catholic saint, as is their tradition. No one can foresee that June will grow up to threaten the family by revealing her mother's secret past in the Scottish Highlands. After a tragedy the Scottish MacDonalds emigrate to San Francisco in hopes for a new start.
HOW THE STORY CAME TO BE: My mother's love of books and her great imagination for storytelling inspired me to write "The Skye in June." It's a tribute to my mother and five zany sisters. In it I share some of our history as Scottish immigrants and coming of age during the 1960's in San Francisco. It began as a screenplay because that's how it unfolded for me as I saw characters, felt moods and heard their conversations. Especially enjoyable was the sisters' discussions, which at times was rather hilarious. Before putting it on paper, I'd speak aloud each one's words. My husband finally stopped asking if I was talking to him or "the MacDonalds" (or whomever was being created).
Because my protagonist and I share the same first name I've been asked if it's an autobiography. Some situations and events did occur but the majority of the story is my imagination hence a rather thinly veiled autobiography set in a fictional framework. Why did I call my protagonist June? Fact: Against my father's wishes my mother named me June, a name my father declared was a "heathen name" and not a saint's. I don't believe I'll be the first Saint June.
My other novel, "City of Redemption." and non-fictions, "How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts" and "The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Psychic Reading", which was the best selling book of a new author at the 1991 Whole Life NY Expo.
Learn more about my books and myself:June Ahern
The Skye in June rolled off the press April 28, 2008and has sold every month since '08. It's my first novel's Ten Year Anniversary Sharing my successful blessing.
Free eBook April 25th to April 29th Follow this link to Amazon 4/25 - 4/29 and ENJOY!
Photo by Jerry Briesach
"Skye" receives overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon.com US, UK, France, and Japan, Goodreads.com, Barnes and Noble,
If you take advantage of the free ebook please leave your comment at these sites or your favorite bookselling sites; truly does help other readers decide to purchase.
ABOUT THE STORY: June MacDonald's fate is sealed the day she is born when her mother defies her husband by not naming their new daughter after a Catholic saint, as is their tradition. No one can foresee that June will grow up to threaten the family by revealing her mother's secret past in the Scottish Highlands. After a tragedy the Scottish MacDonalds emigrate to San Francisco in hopes for a new start.
HOW THE STORY CAME TO BE: My mother's love of books and her great imagination for storytelling inspired me to write "The Skye in June." It's a tribute to my mother and five zany sisters. In it I share some of our history as Scottish immigrants and coming of age during the 1960's in San Francisco. It began as a screenplay because that's how it unfolded for me as I saw characters, felt moods and heard their conversations. Especially enjoyable was the sisters' discussions, which at times was rather hilarious. Before putting it on paper, I'd speak aloud each one's words. My husband finally stopped asking if I was talking to him or "the MacDonalds" (or whomever was being created).
Because my protagonist and I share the same first name I've been asked if it's an autobiography. Some situations and events did occur but the majority of the story is my imagination hence a rather thinly veiled autobiography set in a fictional framework. Why did I call my protagonist June? Fact: Against my father's wishes my mother named me June, a name my father declared was a "heathen name" and not a saint's. I don't believe I'll be the first Saint June.My other novel, "City of Redemption." and non-fictions, "How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts" and "The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Psychic Reading", which was the best selling book of a new author at the 1991 Whole Life NY Expo.
Learn more about my books and myself:June Ahern
