In the 1960s while living in New York City, the Vietnam War came across the television screen nightly. Yet it felt far away and unrealistic. Then in the late 80s and early 90s, I began showing signs of PTSD, requiring hospitalization and years of therapy for childhood abuse. During that time I contacted a Navy Vietnam Vet who served three tours in Vietnam from 1966 through 1968. I had noticed his poems and artwork in a Seattle Arts bulletin. One of his poems called “PTSD” prompted me to write to him. We corresponded for 3-4 years and met once, when he gave me copies of his artwork. Seeing how PTSD had left its toll on him, I began a short story in 1994, which later grew into this novel.
Synopsis of Novel in Progress |
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DOGS DON’T COOK
Meet Hatch, combat Marine injured in Vietnam. Now, twenty-seven years after the war, he faces a DUI and a serious alcohol addiction. His dog, a lovable, scruffy black mutt named Buddy, plays an integral role in his recovery. Also helping are a caretaking older sister, a Marine brother, and a Puerto Rican lady running a diner in Seattle's Belltown. But what saves him is a talent waiting to be unleashed. |
Copyright © 2013 | Catherine A. Alexander