Blowin' My Mind Like a Summer Breeze, page 23
So, I put my hair up in a bun, make a cup of coffee, grab a stack of cookies, throw a record on the turntable, and sit down on the living room floor. In the corner of each CD booklet, I write the number out of five hundred. 1/500. 2/500. 3/500. And so on.
I write the numbers in black ink, forming them as carefully as I can.
I pretend that years from now, people will be able to brag they had one of the originals.
I don’t say this out loud.
But it’s okay to think crazy thoughts.
Acknowledgements
This little book and I have been on quite a journey. The novel that became Blowin’ My Mind Like a Summer Breeze began as a collection of linked short stories I wrote for my master’s thesis while receiving my MFA in creative writing from Lesley University. At that point, it was a story centered around an aging blues musician named Luce Cobb and his family, which included his daughter, Rainey. But stories change, especially if you give them time, and if you’re willing to listen. Thank you to Rainey for helping me see that this was always meant to be your story.
I owe enormous thanks to so many people for helping this book come to life. This is the part when I say sorry in advance for anyone I forget to mention. You’re awesome too.
To Craig and John at Deep Hearts YA for believing in this book, and in me. And for being such thoughtful collaborators along the way.
Thank you to my community of friends and teachers at Lesley, especially A.J. Verdelle, whose encouragement, high standards, and passion for craft continue to put wind in my sails.
Early readers gave me valuable feedback to improve this story. You have my whole heart. Thanks to Angela Cruz, Amy Grace Lombardo, Celeste Mohammed, and Laurie Young for so many thoughtful notes and conversations. Thanks also to Karen Dailey, Douglas Dailey, John Roesch, Jacob Roesch, Sonya Klinger, Sean Dailey, and Daniel Dailey. Special recognition to my aunt Margaret Roesch, whose invaluable perspective and enthusiasm for this book found me at a time when I really needed to hear it. And big ups to the members of my wife’s book group for reading (and enjoying…phew!) an early draft of this novel.
To my fearless writing group members, Amy Klinger and Suzanne Loring, where would I be without you? You’ve reminded me to never underestimate the power of community, and held me accountable for trying to be a better writer with every sentence. Retreat for life!
To the hundreds of students who passed through my doors during my twelve years as a high school English teacher. You made me a better person in every possible way. You reminded me of the richness, complexity, and challenge of what it’s like to be a teenager and in pursuit of this fickle thing we call a self. I never, ever could have written this book without you.
To my cover designer, Chloe White. I almost have no words for how much I love this cover. Thank you for your collaboration and brilliance. Thanks also to Sam Aprea for a kick ass book trailer, and to Kaitlyn Savage for amazing design help down the stretch.
To my sons, Felix and Leo, for making do without me as I spent many a weeknight, early morning, and weekend toiling away to tell my stories. Let this book serve as a reminder throughout your life that it’s always a good time to pursue your dreams. I love you more than the world.
To my parents and the rest of my family for reading my work, always believing in me, and seeing beauty in my persistent quest to write.
And, finally, and forever, to Shannon. You are my everything and this book would not exist without you. You have sacrificed and supported me every step of the way. You have listened to twenty years of keyboard clacking, and somehow, you are still here. I love you.
About Benjamin Roesch
Benjamin Roesch is a writer, musician, and podcaster. A former high school English teacher and graduate of the MFA program at Lesley University, his stories and essays have appeared in Brilliant Corners, Seven Days, Kids VT, Word Riot, and other fine purveyors of the written word. He lives with his family in Burlington, Vermont.
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Benjamin Roesch, Blowin' My Mind Like a Summer Breeze
