In two weeks, my novel, Undeveloped Memories, will be released by The Wild Rose Press. My last post set the scene for the novel, explaining my reasons for choosing to revolve the story around Alaska and the research I did to craft a vivid depiction of the gorgeous area. Today, I’m introducing the main protagonist, Lorelei Carmichael.
When we meet Lorelei, she’s making a temporary change in her lifestyle. Being a freelance photojournalist without a family of her own, Lorelei spent much of her time traveling the world for her career. Having lost her parents at a young age, she treasures her uncle, who raised her and her brother, even taking up photography to follow in Uncle Reed’s footsteps. Just the same, she takes him a bit for granted, like we all do with our parent figures, comfortable with her globetrotting since her brother is on hand to help him in their hometown of Sedona, Arizona.
She gets a wakeup call when her brother decides to admit Uncle Reed in a nursing home because of his declining health. Displeased with the move, Lorelei puts her career on hiatus to go home and investigate whether her brother made the choice for their uncle’s benefit or his own. During her visit, she observes the reality of his diminishing vitality, but her appreciation for his devotion to them compels her not to simply designate his care elsewhere.
As she navigates such decisions, another revelation seizes her attention. While scouring his house for an old blanket, Lorelei stumbles upon an envelope of pictures from a trip to Alaska alongside a roll of film Uncle Reed never developed. Intrigued by the findings, she uses his home darkroom to process the film, which reveals more shots from his adventure that he didn’t mention before. The scenes indicate that he witnessed the aftermath of the major earthquake that struck the Alaskan coast in 1964…and that he wasn’t alone.
Of my female protagonists thus far, Lorelei is the least like me. She’s led a much more adventurous life than I have and has a more daring appetite to go with it. In crafting a scene about her eating reindeer sausage, I ordered and tried some, but not being a fan of even regular summer sausage, I didn’t crave more than one bite! Just the same, she and I share many similar ideals, especially when it comes to appreciating our roots.
Before I get ahead of myself, I’ll let Lorelei take it from here, through a fictitious article she wrote for Sedona’s Mountainscape News, which is not part of the book.
Returning to My Roots
By Lorelei Carmichael
Longtime readers of Mountainscape News may recognize my name, especially my last one. My uncle, Reed Carmichael, spent his career here as a photojournalist and even landed me an internship in my early days following in his footsteps. Mountainscape gave me my first byline, in fact.
Three decades later, I’m thrilled to be back, full-time this go-around. Since my return, some have asked me why it took so long for me to come home. Throughout my many years freelancing, Sedona, my family, and the community have always held a cherished place in my heart, and in preparing this article, I’ve questioned myself on why I waited until now to retreat to where I belong.
I’m grateful for the career I built and reputation that has gone along with it. I’ve been privileged to write for Global Expeditions Magazine and other outlets that would’ve been on my vision board if I’d only made one. All the same, I never considered myself too good for a small journal like this. I’ve often told colleagues that hometown periodicals are read with more interest than national ones because communities have more of a genuine care about their neighbors. Regardless of accolades or titles, any journalist wants his or her work to be read first and foremost.
Youth and my thirst to travel propelled me on the road, and without a family of my own, I didn’t find much of a reason to establish any roots. My uncle’s support and good health allowed me to simply drop in once or twice a year between jobs. When his age began to catch up with him, though, I knew adjustments had to be made. It’s time to show him the unwavering love and dedication he’s given my brother and me since a fire took our parents when I was just four years old.
I’ve appreciated his choice to take us in for my whole life, but the past few months have strengthened my gratitude ever more. A recent discovery and life-changing trip made me realize how major of a sacrifice he made. Just because one becomes a parent—the natural way or not—doesn’t mean that’s all they want out of life. When they throw everything they have into the role, many of their own aspirations go to the wayside, but they’re still lingering there, nonetheless. Just like a wall supporting a roof, guardians shield us from the pitfalls of the world outside as best they can without calling attention to the weight they bear.
Now, I get the chance to put aside my various pursuits and stand up as that wall for the man who’s forever been that to me.
Learn more about Lorelei’s adventure in Undeveloped Memories!
Pre-order now!
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