ROUGH DRAFT UPDATE #2
THE RIP VAN WINKLE BOOK:
Grace Van Winkle
Some of my favorite writing this month has been about Grace Van Winkle. She is Rip's daughter in the current untitled book I'm writing, which I was originally calling The Redemption of Rip Van Winkle - or RIP for short.
She was five when her father went missing, hardly old enough to form any meaningful memories. But she does have one memory of being in her father's truck, smashed between him and her mother. (it's a scene in the book) When he returns after thirty five years, the memory is strong enough to make at least a fragile tie.
What I like most about Grace is her conflicting nature. She often says one thing, even while her body language says another.
Grace collapsed to her desk, her elbows spreading out to the sides. She sighed heavily before drawing them back in and propping herself up. “Of course you can stay with me.” She wobbled on her padded elbows. “I suppose I should take you to see mom.”
It is a character trait that is in line with her entire predicament. She wants to help her long lost father, she wants to foster that tie, but it has been thirty five years, he is practically a stranger; and the timing could not be worse. She is right on the verge or becoming the mayor of Apple Gap.
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