Happy Anniversary to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for leading the Friday Fictioneers for a whole year now. Wow, that went by fast. A big, heartfelt thanks to you.
In Rochelle’s honor today, I wrote biographical fiction. Thanks for all your inspiration.
Biographical Fiction (101 words)
copyright – Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
All in the Family
The piano sat abandoned in the corner of our living room except when James came over. A virtuoso, his fingers flew on the keyboard, prancing and sweeping, entranced in their own dance. Music was his passion from the start. He could hardly sit while he pounded out a tune. You got lucky if he performed “Happy Birthday” in your honor, jazzing it up beyond recognition.
It was hardly a surprise to us when he learned his natural father was David Crosby and that they would tour as father and son, playing many of the classics we heard while growing up together.
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For background you may want to read:
The Los Angeles Times: Son’s Orbit Follows Dad’s
Making Music Together
AmyReeseWrites 
Lovely story! I loved the description of his playing–his fingers “prancing and sweeping, entranced in their own dance.”
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Thank you, Jan! I think about him whenever I see a keyboard or a piano.
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beautiful imagery!
If it were auto-biographical fiction, I’d wonder if you were Melissa Etheridge.
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Thanks, Guapo! Actually, I’m her daughter. Ha ha ha! It’s a strange world we live in.
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You’re as lovely as your mom…and a wonderful storyteller. 🙂
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Oh, I”m not really her daughter…I’m just kidding. Sorry to mislead you, but thank you! 🙂
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Great piece, Amy.
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Thank, Cathy!
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The things I learn while reading. Wonderful Amy! I love your descriptive voice.
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I appreciate that. Thank you, Jackie!
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Enjoyed this!
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Thank you, Audra! Thanks for reading.
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Always enjoy your writing. No need to thank me 🙂
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Okay, but I want to… 🙂
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Great description of the piano playing fingers.
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Thanks, Laura!
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Nicely done, Amy. I miss my piano.
janet
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Thanks, Janet. I didn’t know you played. Will you ever see it again? I wished I knew how to play. It’s funny that while we had this piano no one ever took lessons. It’s seems strange. Why didn’t I take lessons? I guess I was too busy with dance lessons. Anyway, I hope you get to play again.
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I took lessons all through grade school and high school, then played for fun. But we don’t have room in the rental house for the piano, so I gave it away. Bill may get me a keyboard one of these days, although finding a place for that would be an issue, too. One of these days…
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It sounds like you need this in your life, Janet. I hope you get one really soon! Space, you will find.
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A squeeze box takes up less room and would keep Bill happy too.
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Good thing his father wasn’t Bing Crosby! Nice twist at the end.
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That’s funny, Perry. James’ parents are quoted in the article as liking Bing Crosby. David, not so much! Ha ha. Thanks.
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I have a great mental image of him standing at the piano, his fingers a blur as he transforms everyday songs into masterpieces!
Well done!
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Thank you. I like how you phrased that…his fingers a blur. That was it exactly! I never understood how he could move his fingers so fast and have them hit all the right keys. I wish I knew how to play.
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That’s really interesting, Amy. I think that would be a special birthday treat, to have your own customized version of “Happy Birthday”.
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I like that he couldn’t sit still while he played. My sister in-law was like that, she bounced all over the piano bench. You could feel the emotion coming out in the music. Great story, Amy.
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Thank you, Russell! I appreciate that.
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Dear Amy,
First, thank you. It’s been a great year and I look forward to another equal to it, if not better. I love it that you were inspired to write biographical fiction. You did a great job and taught me something. Gotta love that! Well done. I’m giving you applause and a standing ovation.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
You have done a marvelous job leading this group. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of it. I don’t take it for granted. You keep us on track and keep this group together. And, thank you! I’m not sure how I could have taught you anything…You are so sweet to say this. I’m now curtsying to you.
Amy
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It seems David Crosby has enough kids to have a marching band and if they all had the talent you describe, wouldn’t that be something?
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Ha! Michelle, that would be hysterical! My brothers met James, although we only knew him as Jim, in marching band! That’s funny you mention that. How many kids does he have I wonder…
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Dear Amy,
Really enjoyed this piece. Are you really Melissa Etheridge’s daughter? It’s not beyond the realm of possibility. And did you really know the piano player in your story (and in the article)? Fascinating submission this week. Rochelle will be proud.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
Thank you! No, I’m not Melissa Etheridge’s daughter. I just like to try to fool Perry. Yes, James was my brothers’ friend. They all played in high band together. But, he was truly a family friend, too. We knew him as Jim though. He was just Jim to us. Thanks! I appreciate that.
Amy
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This is such a
wonderful read
my friend.
Have a very
nice weekend 🙂
Andro
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Thank you, Andro. So very nice to hear. I’m glad you enjoyed it! I hope you had a great weekend. – Amy
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Thank you Amy it was a pleasant weekend, though the rain has called in this Monday morning but at least it feels fresh and the weather is not cold, so a bonus 🙂
Andro xxxx
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great descriptions in this story. and i agree with David, it’d be awesome to have someone play me a unique birthday tune 🙂
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Thank you, kz. And it was!
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Hi Amy,
It’s amazing how many children David Crosby has fathered, especially considering his heavy drug use. The Crosby family union will have to be held at an arena. I guess I sound cynical, but actually CSN are one of my favs. Great direction to go with this photo. Ron
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Thank you, Ron. I know there have been some other offspring, but I’m sure just how many. I suppose I could Google it and I would have my answer. CSN is one of those classics. We used to listen to CSN and Young, especially. – Amy
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Clever. I like the dance of the hands – a very descriptive para.
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Thank you, Patrick. That’s very kind of you to say.
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This one is really great, Amy. Wonderful use of the prompt and then including Crosby… the image of fingers prancing and dancing. Nice job!
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Thank you, Dawn. I appreciate your thoughtful comments!
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It’s my pleasure, Amy. Love following your posts. 🙂
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I like it as the ending surprised me. Question … how did you come up with the ending?
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Thanks, Frank! It’s a true story, so this one wrote itself.
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I was wondering if it was, but didn’t know. Thanks.
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Frank, indeed it is! 🙂
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Lovely! I can practically see him sitting in the corner now, his sweet melodies filling my ears. Well done!
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I love your description of his piano playing! And what an interesting story about David Cosby and his son.
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Thanks, Linda! It is bizarre about them, especially since I grew up with his son. What a strange world we live in.
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David Crosby is one of my favorites
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Oh, mine too!
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