NOVEL IDEA - "Inter States, A Prospective Novel of 2040," Installment 8

In this installment, the pace picks up for each of the main characters.  Jake is back in Vermont, campaigning on behalf of fellow Green Party candidate for Lieutenant Governor Anna Cleary, his own political campaign uncontested.  On the campaign trail, he finds his  position against secession to be increasingly controversial.  Meanwhile, Grandma, Mike, and Fernando continue north, encountering and reflecting upon the diversity of the string of fortified towns they pass through on the approach to Richmond from the southern side.  Mike quietly resumes his indulgence in the temptation of Vtopia.  His sister Honorée, diligent and overworked, discovers something about her lover Sanna that could destroy their relationship, and Sanna disappears, along with their van.  Grandma's group enters Petersburg, Virginia, which they do not yet realize will play a fateful role in the coming transformation of their lives.  Jake and Christine consider the wisdom of veteran journalist Bill Zeller as he analyzes Vermont politics in the run up to the election and secession referendum.  And the menace of powerful Hurricane Rhiannon looms in the south.        

Download Installment 8 (Chapters 18-22) below.

Chapter 18: "On the Campaign Trail"

Chapter 19: "To Franklin, VA."

Chapter 20: "Betrayal"

Chapter 21: "At the Coolidge Hotel"

Chapter 22: "Petersburg, VA"

For all installments plus synopsis, preface, and glossary, go to:

http://www.vtcommons.org/blog/2009/04/27/novel-idea-inter-states-prospec...

Web Editor's Note: Vermont author Ralph Meima is making portions
of a new manuscript available here for all interested readers. We
encourage you to download and read his work, and offer him constructive feedback at ralph@meima.com.