Water Music

COMMENTS CLICK HERE for other readers' comments. Do you have a comment or opinion about "Water Music" that you would like to share? CLICK HERE to submit your comments for posting in the area to the right. Thanks! Author's Notes: I wrote "Water Music" in the year between July 11, 1988 and July 11, 1989. This online version represents the tenth "manuscript" assembled. Excerpts of the book have appeared online previously, in a writers' section of America Online and on my personal web site, "Botkinland." Falling into the conceit afflicting most new authors, I tried to make "Water Music" something different; a visit to a whole new place, an escape. It may not be an easy place for everyone to find. For instance, words I did not use are as significant as ones I did. Visual descriptions are kept intentionally minimal - the reader will have to paint his own landscapes and portraits from hints and his own experiences. Events are by design disorienting, perhaps even distasteful. And whenever the reader is about ready to settle in to the story and get comfortable, I light his slippers on fire. In effect, I did everything within my modest powers to make the book a difficult read. And yet... The story - as simple (and as complicated) as gravity - is brought to life by scores of memorable, complex and funny characters. There is adventure, danger, comedy and tragedy. There is evil, innocence, love and war. There is just no beginning or end. Please share my story with me. Chris Botkin