Research is what I needed to cement the story that had been running around in my imagination for some years. I asked my husband if he'd drive me to the mountains about a 100 miles to the west of where we live.
Elmer was a good sport and agreed. We packed a picnic, loaded up our two dogs, and enjoyed the ride gradually working up into the mountains. We passed this lovely old school house. I used this image as my guide in describe the Ferrells' meeting house
Elmer was a good sport and agreed. We packed a picnic, loaded up our two dogs, and enjoyed the ride gradually working up into the mountains. We passed this lovely old school house. I used this image as my guide in describe the Ferrells' meeting house
A nice couple agreed to let us see their place. The gal showed us her Grannie's fishing hole with it's No Trespassing sign. And told us stories of her family's history.
This is the Granny's still shack. There was a cold spring coming out of the mountain nearby so she had fresh wonderful water for her whiskey. I wandered around the spring and followed it course for a little ways down the mountain. There were scattered violets growing along the edge. The gal tiold that her granny had planted them years ago and they still kept coming up. It was such a peaceful spot.
The above picture is Elmer and the dogs checking out a skidder. Picture next to it is a fireplace I used when describing Anson Ferrell's.
We had a very pleasant visit with the nice couple and left. We drove to a nearby town and wandered around getting a feel for the place. I snapped pictures to add to my research file.
This church is where I envisioned Granny attending. The bar is where I put Frankie when he smashed a beer mug in Dolph's face.
We had a very pleasant visit with the nice couple and left. We drove to a nearby town and wandered around getting a feel for the place. I snapped pictures to add to my research file.
This church is where I envisioned Granny attending. The bar is where I put Frankie when he smashed a beer mug in Dolph's face.
Ratham Creek is now published on Kindle and paperbacks are available on the Amazon sales page. This very nice review was posted yesterday.
January 20, 2015
By Pyramide Productions
Format:Kindle Edition
This is not just a page turner, its a page BURNER!! I power read the book because I couldn't put it down. The book takes place in a rural mountain town, and Marie Martin completely takes you there. You can practically smell the fresh air, and the wood burring stoves. She totally transports you to this town, show's you around and introduces you to everyone you need to know. The story twists and turns, and you find yourself taking sides with characters you weren't really sure about. If you are looking for a great story, with great characters, a little bit of mystery and a lot of suspense this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
January 20, 2015
By Pyramide Productions
Format:Kindle Edition
This is not just a page turner, its a page BURNER!! I power read the book because I couldn't put it down. The book takes place in a rural mountain town, and Marie Martin completely takes you there. You can practically smell the fresh air, and the wood burring stoves. She totally transports you to this town, show's you around and introduces you to everyone you need to know. The story twists and turns, and you find yourself taking sides with characters you weren't really sure about. If you are looking for a great story, with great characters, a little bit of mystery and a lot of suspense this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
Ratham Creek is the title of my upcoming novel. Hoping to publish sometime this fall. It is a story of a family feud placed in northwest Montana.
Painted by Nickolas Oberling
This could be the setting for my new story Ratham Creek. Nicolas Oberling kindly granted me permission to display his painting on my page. Click it and it will send you to his website.
I am gathering different images of creeks for the possible book cover.
I am gathering different images of creeks for the possible book cover.
This creek is similar to the one in my story which takes place in a chain of humped-back mountains. They are quite like the ones in West Virginia where feuding among clans happened. Some of the people grew sick of the fighting and stole away late one night in a wagon train to leave behind the bitterness. They settled among these mountains because they reminded the settlers of home.
Another possible contender for the cover. I am still leaning toward Nick Oberling's painting. If any one has a good creek photo with conifer trees in it that would like to share with me and be a possible contender for my cover just email it to: mariefmartin312@hotmail.com
And the cover picture that was chosen is the painting by landscape artist Nicholas Oberling
Book designer was Karri Klawiter
Book designer was Karri Klawiter
Thirty paperbacks of Ratham Creek arrived at my house a couple of days ago. It was fun to open that box.
This is the Flathead River about 25 miles from where I live. It is so beautiful in the winter. It is also the river I pictured when Arianne threw Butch's pistol in the river.
Photo by Whitefish People and Places with Walt Landi
Photo by Whitefish People and Places with Walt Landi
This is Arianne's Staircase that she walked up on the day is sold her house.
The two following newspaper clipping are part of my research. Thought you might find them interesting.
