Thursday, June 14, 2018

"Dive Smack"

Demetra Brodsky is an award-winning graphic designer & art director turned writer. She has a B.F.A. from The Massachusetts College of Art and Design and lives in Southern California with her family of four and two lovable rescue dogs where she is always trying to make more time for the beach. Her new novel Dive Smack is dedicated to Pumpkin, the monarch butterfly she once saved from the brink of death. Once you read the book, you'll understand why.

Brodsky applied the Page 69 Test to Dive Smack and reported the following:
From page 69:
Ten minutes later, we’re hanging ten over the edge of the pool in Chip’s backyard. When you drive up to Langford’s house it’s unremarkable, a split-level ranch like most our friends’ houses. But the backyard is a different story. Mr. Langford owns a pool company, and he uses their yard to showcase his work to clients. But he really went to town on the lap pool once Chip showed promise in swimming, adding special year-round heaters and extra lighting.

There’s a hot tub connected to a smaller pool on the far side of the yard, built into the landscape like a tropical oasis, which is straight up ridiculous and awesome. Mr. Langford calls it the Lover’s Grotto. I don’t think he realizes how on the nose that is, considering the number of girls Chip’s had over there.

The pool we’re using now is the same as this morning, four-lanes wide with two diving boards. The 3-meter board was put in for my birthday after Mom died. Mrs. Langford made Lasagna that night, too, come to think of it.

“Here’s the deal,” Chip says. “You win; I’ll help you with the project—no matter what.
Well, I think there’s a little set up here to the kind of life Theo’s best friend Chip lives at home and how Theo fits into that world. But the last line on this page is a doozy because it really does set the stage for what’s to come and how their friendship is a big part of that outcome. I can’t wade too much deeper because of spoilers, but a good friend—a real friend—will always be there for you in the end.
Visit Demetra Brodsky's website.

Coffee with a Canine: Demetra Brodsky & L.B. and Ponyboy Curtis.

--Marshal Zeringue