35 Comments
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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Well, I'm hooked and I'm in the for the whole thing. Going to your page and start this from the very beginning. Thanks Sharron. - Jim

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Jim, for the thumbs up here. I would be so pleased if you tried a couple of chapters anyway. I fear it may be a bit too sophomoric for your taste. I am proud of it, but not as proud as I would be if I could write like you! I am a bit like Grandma Moses here. Un-honed skills...

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Sharron, thanks for your kind words. I'm an old old Freshman, who was held back a grade for decades, taking beginner classes in writing so even if it is sophomoric (which I'm positive its not) it'll be a step up for me. I'm just not all that 'mart! Have a great rest of the day. - Jim

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I'd like a story, please, about that " being held back " business. Why? Where? When?

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Sharron, sorry no story there, I was just kidding around. I could make one up though, haha. - Jim

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

Wonderful introduction to a good story. I'd like to order a copy of the book.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I will email you. But better read a couple of chapters first to make sure you like it. It has inspired pages but may not be what you'd expect.

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Janice Walton's avatar

This was a sweet reminder of a beautiful story. I loved every chapter.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I appreciate so much that you read Bartle Clunes. It was a commitment, I know, Janice. Thank you.

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Janice Walton's avatar

It was and is quite priceless - a sweet and gentle story in every regard.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Aw. Thanks so much for saying that.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

This is one of my favorite bits of this wonderful tale. Thank you for reposting it sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

The relationship that grows between Bartle and his daughter is one of my favorites in the book. I created him to be the dad I never had. So...bittersweet.

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James Ron's avatar

I remember this one, Sharron. I'll read Bartle again. A great slice of Americana.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, cowboy, for the vote of confidence. A true friend.

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Switter’s World's avatar

Sharron! Not only a beautiful, bittersweet story, but you also managed to work in Idaho, the Tick Fever state.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Tick fever? Eeuw. I have to admit I love Bartle. I spent a year creating him and he is as real to me as any friend or brother.

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Switter’s World's avatar

I like Bartle, too.

As far as the Tick Fever state, I do what I can to present a balanced picture of life here so potential immigrants can make informed decisions about moving here.

Idaho, the Ten Months of Winter and Two Months of Lousy Skiing State.

Idaho, the Wildfire Smoke State.

Idaho, not Iowa or Ohio. We do potatoes, not corn.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I remember driving across the bottom of Idaho to get to Montana, and seeing over and over again huge, long cylindrical mound-like strucrtures and thinking they reminded me of Viking long houses or ships burial sites. Found out they were some kind of potato storage barns. Rather anti-climactic...

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Switter’s World's avatar

Idaho, the Viking Burial State.

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Switter’s World's avatar

P.s. those spuds won’t store themselves.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Oh how I love Bartle Clunes! You bring the time and place to life. I never noticed that part of California so much, until I started reading this book! Now I want to go back! And, of course, I fell in love with Battle and his little circle of people, Each one a delightful character. Thanks for reintroducing them!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Sharon. And a million thank yous for sitting and listening to me read aloud for a WHOLE YEAR as each chapter unfolded. Your generosity meant everything to me.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

The pleasure was all mine, Sharron!

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just mud by Ron's avatar

That really draws us in, Sharron. It feels really intimate.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, Ron. You might have a look at a couple of chapters? It is an unusual story - not for everyone, but you might like a couple of bits.

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just mud by Ron's avatar

I was just skimming your online chapters and debating whether to order a copy or read online.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Maybe you could read it on line and then if you have a friend who might like it as a gift, you could buy a hard copy? I had them printed locally, so they are not Amazon prices, sorry to say. $12 plus $4 shipping. Just at my cost, not for profit.

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just mud by Ron's avatar

Those are good prices! My wife has a PayPal and may go through that. I’ll let you know. Thanks Sharron!

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just mud by Ron's avatar

Actually, I wouldn't mind a copy for sure. If you wanted to email the details.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Oh no! Did I forget to send you this information, Ron?! I am so sorry! Do you still want the ordering info? Send me an email at -- bassanois@cruzio.com.

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just mud by Ron's avatar

Thanks Sharron! No, you’re fine! My phone fell in the water tub and is under the weather! Things just a bit delayed!

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

Beautifully rendered, Sharron. So many questions. A meeting of that kind has to be a surreal experience for both parties.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

There are several different relationships going on in Riles' Crossing. One of my favorites is that of Bartle and his daughter and how they were much alike though she hadn't seen him since she was three. In Bartle, the man. I believe I was creating a father for myself, as I never had one.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

So beautiful, Sharron. I loved this line: '.....tangled together like kittens'.

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