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Uhm.. So, I'm rather new at this, so be gentle, please?
I read the serial Me and Sam. Up to ch 16 Book 3, and I read it in as much as one go as I could. It was awesome! I couldn't turn away. I cried, I laughed, cheered, moaned, and rejoyced at every turn and bend. So utterly moving. To say I was mesmerized is simply not doing it enough justice. God what a fantastic story.
Which brings me to the question, as I sadly learned the author Darla Raspberry was killed in a freak roadside accident apparantly (?) Which by itself is utterly sad, and I want to express my sympathies to anyone who was close, and misses her.
I seem to recall that somewhere in a blog someone mentioned some sort of continuation of her story, and umm, well I wonder if I was mistaking? And can it be done? Do you even think it would be possible to follow up on this story, and do you think it should be done.
I personally feel the premise of this serial is a very nice one, and it's such a sweet gentle story, that I feel it's such a shame it ends up as an orphan.
Isn't there some writer who'd like to adopt this awesome story?
Jo-Anne
Comments
unfinished masterpiece
Excellent blog, Jo-anne (always glad to meet another Darla Raspberry fan); And a good question...
I was following the Joan and Sam Saga religiously, always a joy when a new chapter appeared, when Joan/Darla was taken from us. It was horrible news, surprizing how deeply you can feel the loss of someone you never actually spoke to, but it felt like there was so much of her in her plucky adorable fictional altar-ego that I really came to love her. And it still hurts. There was a Bigcloset/Stardust chat session that week, and a lot of remembrances from those who knew this gifted author. Sasha Nexus was a good friend of Joan, and spoke of continuing the series for a while. I'd love it if she would, or somebody else who could do justice to this beautiful story. If only there was an official ESTATE OF DARLA RASPBERRY who could make this call, choose a worthy author for such a project; Or even some committee of folks who knew her well. There's a couple of writers here (just off the top of my head Anistasia comes to mind, and I'd love to see what Edeyn might do with it) who I feel are qualified; But who the hell am I? I can only voice an opinion. And what I REALLY dread is some obtuse illiterate philistine taking it on himself to continue ME AND SAM, and butchering it in the process. Or a cynical old bag like me who would probably take it in some weird direction, corrupting the intrinsic sweetness of the series. There wouldn't really be any way to stop it, but I would rather have
Darla's story end right where it did than have this happen. Thats my two cents worth anyway...
~~~hugs, Laika
And remember...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifLqzLEB3E0
I don't believe
Anyone could continue Joan's story the way she would have told it.
Hugs, Fran
Hugs, Fran
I Was Also Deeply Saddened
I love the Joan and Sam story too. I was thinking the same thing about one of the other gifted writers taking over and continuing the story to a final conclusion. While no one could ever replace Joan/Darla in the hearts of her friends and fans, I would love to see someone who knew her well try and write something that would tie up the loose ends of this wonderful story. I will always be curious about how Sam handled the pregnancy, what the baby turned out to be, Joan's and Sam's future and what happens with the Inn. I had my suspicions that her mother and aunt really own it, but I guess that is a question we will continue to ponder. I really miss not seeing Darla's name on any new stories. She will continue to live on in our hearts forever.
Hugs,
Jenn
Me & Sam Does Exist
as 4-5 remaining chapters on her computer. I was assisting her in writing it. It was already written and she was rewriting each of the remaining chapters before posting. Darla's son currently possesses that computer and the writings there upon it. Some day, when he goes through it and decides to let me post them, I will post my sister's remaining chapters to close her story. If they are unretrievable, I suppose I could arrange another author to finish the book. In all there were to be 4 Books, but Darla wanted it to end with Book 3 towards the end.
BigCloset TopShelf
What would be a BIG help is an outline
If Darla had an outline or sketch, even a series of chronlogically linked scenes of what she planned, a good writer could do it justice. It would not be the same but could capture much of the flavor. If she left a good roadmap there is a chance.
They would have to be darned good, with the right mix of serious and funny. AA is good, Old Krunchie too and a number of others here could likely do it.
I hear by nominate myself for the *Never in a gazillion years would you let HIM anywhere NEAR it award.* On second thought ... but we shall see. Darla had avery deft touch that will be hard to duplicate.
I am glad for what we do have as maddening as it is to see her vison sitting orphaned. But it is worse that she is gone from us.
John in Wauwatosa
Thanks
So there is a little silver lining, we can hope?
Anyway, thank you all for replying, especially Sephrena for providing this tidbit. Now only to hope these chapters will come forth sometime, it would be nice to have some sort of closure. If that is possible.
In any case, Darla has truly written a masterpiece and deserves everlasting remembrance and recognition for this. And I do realize how awkward any writer shall feel about adopting such a story, I would, and I'm not even a writer.
Many, many thanks Darla if you can ever get hold of these words, know that I am deeply in awe of your work.
Jo-Anne
This is very touching to read, I am Darla's ex-wife
It has been 7 months since Darla's life ended tragically. It sounds like a long time, but the family is barely recovering. We knew Darla as a man until the day after she died, so there was a lot of shock and confusion to get past. I will do what I can to get the last chapters to Sephrena ASAP. We have the computer, it is just so hard to go into it, with all the "skeletons in the closets" that we are still processing. As for myself, I still cannot get past reading the first book of the series, it is just so personal and painful for me. Please do not attempt to finish the story just yet. Love to you all for being Darla's family in her final tortured days, when we could no longer reach her. She was such a bright and creative person, it is so nice to read your comments and remember those good things. Anyone who wants to PM me, go right ahead. I check here usually once a week.