I'm currently in Columbus Ohio, getting ready to retreat to the west on Tuesday toward Las Vegas. It will take me close to a month to get there, so don't assume I'll be there next week. Probably someplace in Missouri.
I've just uploaded the first chapter of Bob's Memoir: 4,000 Years as a Free Demon, Volume 3, so it will post automatically three days after the last chapter of Volume 2 posts on Tuesday. With luck, I'll have the eBook ready to go by then, too.
I spent a day in Chicago this week, exploring some of the places where my book Shutter Speed will be set. Shutter Speed is the second in the "Photo Finish" series that will begin with Full Frame the first of October.
When I was preparing for the book, I needed to have the hero get advice and help from a camera store in Chicago. I remembered a camera store that had been in business on Wabash since 1899 and decided it was a huge old store and would be perfect for the hero's contact. So, I decided to visit it again this week.
On May 30, 2020, Central Camera was burned in the riots following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. While he watched fire fighters as the store burned, owner Don Flesch didn't cast recriminations against the rioters, but said, “I’m angered about what started it.” In the midst of vowing that he would rebuild better than ever, he also offered this advice:
We also encourage you to learn about and support organizations working for justice and accountability:
George Floyd Memorial Fund
Chicago Community Bond Fund
Know Your Rights Camp
The Bail Project
The National Bail Fund Network
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Communities United Against Police Brutality
Minnesota Freedom Fund
Black Visions Collective
Reclaim The Block
Sincere thanks to everyone who has contacted us with well-wishes and encouragement. We’ll be posting updates about progress with re-opening our business. Look forward to seeing you again soon!
I visited the store on Monday this week, open now during limited hours and not quite as expansive as it was, but continuing to push the space and fill it. The people were friendly and happy to talk with me. I saw the exact model Nikon F camera that my main character uses in 1968 sitting on a counter. Same Nikkor lens. The paper and chemicals have been refilled. Film is available. The store was bustling.
It is exactly the kind of place I imagined my hero encountering in his move to Chicago in 1968. I am glad to have chosen that store as the model for my fictional store in Full Frame and Shutter Speed.
More adventures forthcoming, I'm sure!