Well I'll Be Huck Finn

For the last two days, I've been involved in discussions concerning the "Huck Finn situation." I won't recount the matter here, as I'm sure most people have heard enough of it in the news. The long and short of it surrounds the use, and changing thereof, of the N-word in the classic Mark Twain novel. Here's my take...

I have loved words and literature for as long as I can remember. My parents owned a huge wooden bookcase that was filled with everything from Sir Author Conan Doyle to Encyclopedia Britannica. Needless to say, Mark Twain was among the plethora of authors collected, as was Edgar Allen Poe. And right beside my hard-back copy of Tom Sawyer sat my copy of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Did I read it? Yes. Was I offended? No. To date, I am still not offended.

As an author, I have a great appreciation for what my forefather writers did for the literary field. Whether it be William Shakespeare and his tale of Othello the Moor (look that term up for editing) or Mark Twain's use of the same word in Huck Finn, how can we as a culture even consider editing such works? In order to appreciate literature in its purest form, we must take time to understand and teach the premise on which the classics were written. We must embrace the prevailing thought processes and beliefs of the time period in question, in order to properly understand the picture being painted.

The job of an artist is to paint a compelling masterpiece in such a way that anyone who dares to enjoy the piece is touched by some aspect of the work. The duty is the same for an author. Through our pens, we paint scenes and characters and timelines of history that engage readers and ignite emotion in them toward the work. It was Mark Twain's job as an author to develop Huck Finn's character in such a way that even his language evoked feeling in those who read it. Had he not done is job well, we would not be having this conversation.

I do not believe the word used be changed, edited, or "fixed." To undo the language is to undo a piece of history and deny the power of evolution of a race of people and a nation. If that work be changed, then so should all works, wholesale, that may be disparaging in anyway. Changing this one work, means forever rethread history, undermining the present, and neglecting the future. The little fox will indeed spoil the vine and the art of writing will be forever redefined.

Avah's Holiday Pack

I've got a special holiday offer for all my friends in Avey World! Get caught up on the saga with all the drama of a TV series in book form and save money in the process. Visit Avey World now until December 31 and purchase all three titles in the Lost & Found saga series at a special low price. Click Holiday Pack on the homepage. It's all for you for Christmas. Happy Holidays from Avey World!

Avey World is www.avahlareaux.com

12 Days of Marcus

What could be better than one day of Marcus? Twelve Days of Marcus, naturally. I've got just the 12 for you...

Join my extended Avey World family on FaceBook as we celebrate the season with the main character of the Lost & Found saga series. Marcus Clayton makes a holiday appearance just in time for a special Avey World offer and in anticipation of the release of book four. Visit me and join the discussion in FaceBook. Search Avah LaReaux and get in on the fun.

Bomb Pop Cocktail

As promised on the Food Temptress blog, here is the adult version of the 3-Stage Bomb Pop. Enjoy!

Bomb Pop

Bacardi® Razz Rum
Lemonade
Blue Curacao Liqueur
Quantities for one drink:
2 oz Bacardi® Razz Rum
2 oz Lemonade
2 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
Blending Instructions:
Pour the Bacardi Razz rum into a small rocks glass or otherwise
Add blue curacao, and then lemonade, and serve

(recipe courtesy of supercocktails.com)

Today is the Day...

I'm visiting with The Food Temptress, Rekaya Gibson, on her blog today. It's National Dessert Day and I'm sharing 13 Desserts Marcus Clayton Loves. Come on over, leave a comment, pick up a few recipes, and learn something new about the bad boy of the Lost & Found saga series. Where? www.thefoodtemptress.blogspot.com

Come Visit Me...

I'll be sharing some details about the main character of my Lost & Found series with The Food Temptress this Thursday, October 14. Get to know Marcus Clayton like never before. Join me at www.thefoodtemptress.blogspot.com. See you there!

A Moment of Tears

I know I’m built for this
But sometimes I think I’m not
There are days in my life
When the fire seems extra hot
The responsibilities and loads
Just too hard to bear
Focusing on the present
With its every little care
The times are most hard
When I feel so alone
Following your voice
Miles away from home
Still trusting & believing
There is no other way
Knowing the time I seek
Is actually today
Not waiting for it to happen
But bringing it to past
The light behind the shadows
Brightening my path
Determined to please you
In all I say and do
A victorious battle fought
There’s nothing left to lose
And even when the days
Present strong challenges & tears
I consciously remember
You’ve won over our fears
So now, even with wet eyes
I focus on the Son
Whose Life, blood, and death
Indicates I’ve won