Character Descriptions

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS My characters are original and well developed, but I want them to appear more realistic to my audience? Although I am an expert about these residents, I was concerned that my audience may not interpret them the same way. I purchased sketch tablets, pencils, and various crayons in an attempt to sketch my characters. The results were not good. Apparently, my drawing skills diminished after years of excessive work using my hands. It was difficult to read my own material from an audience member’s perspective. Then, the unclear drawings did not depict their personalities. Still, there was a need for an alternative to increase my audience’s visibility of them. Since creating realistic characters is the desire, it was a good idea to use real people with similar traits to use as a model. A broad selection of people exists from friends, well-known people, public figures, or even famous ones with media and information easily accessible to derive ideas to apply and refine characters. Violet “Vi” Wilkes was the first character I chose to model. Full-figured Vi is the only daughter of James and Lila Wilkes. She is an irresponsible and promiscuous single-mother of an illegitimate daughter, Adeshia “Dee Dee” Wilkes. Her name was given by her father has deep significant value to him. More than he will ever tell. She grew up as an active member of a little, small Baptist church on a red-clay dirt road. Along the way, she learned worldly ideas. She played a role in the church and the world, also. Then, the world consumed her and she loved it. While shielding her lifestyle in Georgia from her father, she maintains a Daddy’s girl role that keeps her in the center of his heart and rights all her wrongs in his eyes. So, I found someone with similar traits to apply to the visualization of Vi’s character. One of my friends, Crystal Tucker, agreed to act as a model. A multi-talented soulful vocalist of classical, gospel and blues combined with a great sense of humor placed many smiles on faces along her path through life. Her image is only for visualization purposes and Vi’s character does not a reflect her.

Currently, Crystal Tucker sings the blues around the Tennessee area. Her talent has grown from being “The Little Girl with the Big Voice” to singing under the record label Redd Velvet. It is a great addition to blues lovers’ collections as her career grows in the industry.

IT ALL STARTED…

...about 1930. A stranger, Jessie James “Papa” Wilkes settles on what later becomes Wilkes Road and adds several generations to his family. Also, three women, or missionaries, grow with this family from its beginnings and maintains their backstory.47Q/s1600/Scan+132540008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"Q1_9rr7h8igSoS9G68Rv-XHZjCVqvZ4NAtmPDWUZ8jjf7ByDNJi2o146CUYfrnLRI36Nn-CM9FztQQoyO6rhTkum73GXJiXlkMGlhtW2g0KeHAceV6Iw=s400"/>

APOLOGY! APOLOGY! APOLOGY!

I am very sorry for not maintaining my blog. The site was prepared a few years ago and I was uncertain of what information would be safe to blog. Thanks to all of my viewers during my delay. These tentative posts will be revised as I realign myself with the blogging world.

WELCOME TO…

...Doeville, Alabama. This very, rural town serves as the location of many of my works. Many are still in progress. Primarily, African-Americans and whites with some mixed ancestry occupy this town. As Johnathan “Lil’ John” Wilkes grows up here, he struggles through the oppressive effects of jealousy, alcoholism, poverty, adultery and drug-abuse in their family.