In the midst of moving to another house, I find myself working an hour or so each morning on another John and Morgan Bitter novel. The plan is to include many of the characters from Bitter’s Run. I think Old Owl will play a part, as will Ruth and Ezra Shipley. Ethan, Mikey, Thomas and Davey will be there. Horse, Lucifer and Rockford will be there, too. And I’d like Liam O’Grady to pay a visit as well.
I’m calling the sequel “Abiqua.” I set the Bitter farm on Abiqua Creek so it seems appropriate. I hope readers will ignore my research which tells me Abiqua is an Indian name…probably Kalapooyan…for hazelnut. I was hoping for something like Crystal Waters, Wind in the Willows, Jumping Salmon, Falling Rain…something with a little more romance and pizazz.
Abiqua sings. But hazelnut? Darn.
Rod
Catherine says
I’ve been doing some reading about the magical qualities of the hazel tree and think there is some romance to be eked out for the Abiqua farm. For example, forked sticks of hazel can be used as a divining rod to locate not only water, but buried treasure as well! Folklore tells us that twigs of hazel and hazelnuts placed in the window sill can protect a home from lightning, and three pins of hazel wood driven into the house will ward off fire in general. It is a medicinally useful plant as well (or so we are to believe) in the treatment of fever. I think John and Morgan just might find use for the hazelnut on the family homestead afterall. Abiqua might not sing, but it sure can whisper of hidden treasures.
Rod Collins says
Thank you. I’ll work a divining rod into the story. Or is that “Divining Rod?”
Jacqui says
I can’t wait. I never thought I’d like Westerns until I read Bitter Creek.
Rod says
Glad I could change your mind. Not all Westerns are “shoot ’em Tony.” :)-
Beth Goldie says
First I must apologize for not yet re-reading the three books I promised to proofread for you. I will order Bitter Creek when it’s free via Amazon. (We on Social Security tend to get our books on the cheap.)
Second, since Abiqua does mean “hazelnut” in Kalapuyan – that’s the language spelling according to Wikipedia – why not add another female character whose name is Hazel Nutt ?? Just sayin’
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Rod says
Wow. Hazel Nut? Might fit a hippy child, but and Indian? I’ll have to think about that one.