Books at a music festival

I've been away from the computer for a few days at a music festival. Take a look at some pictures and spot me in the 76,000 crowd, if you can: http://www.merlefest.org/

At the traditional music tent Saturday afternoon, I was sitting next to a man reading a book. Excuse me, but I couldn't help but wonder about anyone who would choose to read during a music festival. My kind of person, you know. I peeked over his shoulder as politely as I could and I was intrigued right away by the book's format. Turns out to be this book, Still inside - The Tony Rice Story,  http://tinyurl.com/25shta5 and though I enjoy listening to this guitar genius and would love to read his life story, it was the format that struck me. I found the tent where the man had purchased his copy and bought one and was back at the traditional music tent reading my copy along with him before that set was even finished.

Yes, just as I thought. Eureka and a joy and all that, too! I found an example of what I had envisioned for the Pilot Mountain Schoolhouse project. I went back to the book stand later, met the author, the publisher, the co-author, and eventually Tony Rice himself. Caroline Wright, one of the authors, spent time with Mr. Rice on the road and wrote about that in first person/present in seven different segments throughout the book. The book is divided into time periods of his life where he tells his own story. The author gives an overview of that era and then...this is where I am most thrilled...then there is a section of comments gleaned from interviews with many different people.

Exactly what I was looking for. It validates me. But it also gives me an idea of how to insert my voice in someone else's story. I can't wait to get back to writing!

Gretchen