Tipp Talk—Nov. 2

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From GregEnslen.com:

Events, activities and other hometown items going on in Tipp City, Ohio, by Greg Enslen

“The 9/11 Machine” is Done!

It’s been a lot of work over the past six months, but I’m happy to say that my fourth book is finished.  And, as with my other two fiction books, the title changed right at the very end!  This book has been called “Rewind” for as long as I can remember, but near the end I changed it to something more “science fictiony.” Thus, “The  9/11 Machine” was born. A big box of books is on its way to my house and I’m taking pre-orders now, so if you want one, let me know by the “Contact Me” page on my website at www.gregenslen.com.

Here’s the back cover blurb:  “Dr. Donald Ellis lost everything on 9/11. He lost his wife and daughter in the south tower of the World Trade Center. But while others grieved, or plotted revenge, Dr. Ellis threw himself into a long-dormant research project. He traded his lab at the University of New York for an ugly riverfront warehouse in Brooklyn. What is he working on? And why does he spend every free moment at the warehouse standing by the river, staring across the water at Ground Zero? Because Dr. Ellis has a plan: he’s going to make 9/11 “unhappen.”

I wrote much of this book last year during November’s NaNoWriMo 2010 event—if anyone followed along with that in the column last year, you’ll know what I’m talking about.  And I’ve been working like a maniac, trying to get this one done before November and NaNoWriMo 2011 kicked in.

NaNoWriMo Starting!

Speaking of NaNoWriMo, I’m doing it again and need a group of Tipp City folks to help. If you’re interested in the challenge, visit NaNoWriMo.org and sign up, then get me your information ASAP. Starting next week, I’ll update everyone on the participants’ progress, and mine!  This year I’m tackling a long-simmering mystery I’ve wanted to pen, hopefully the first of a series of books based in Tipp City and Dayton.  Wish me luck, and follow my progress on my website, www.gregenslen.com and click on NaNoWriMo 2011.

Dark Underbelly of Tipp City

Even though Officer Mauro reminds us every week of the mischievous goings-on in Tipp City, sometimes it’s easy to forget that we don’t live in a mini Candy Land here in Tipp.

Sam had a few experiences recently that reminded her that even our quaint ‘lil Tipp City has a dark—or at least taupe—underbelly.

First, she was sitting in the drive-through at Fifth Third Bank, minding her own business, when she saw a car grind to a bumping halt on 25A in front of her. The car was being towed by a tow truck and had fallen off the hitch. Sam watched the car slowing to a stop and couldn’t help but notice that it had been “decorated” with what can only be described as a distinctive part of the male anatomy. The image had been drawn on the car in glorious black spray paint.

The gentleman towing the car, presumably abashed, parked his truck and raced back to push the car to the side of the road. Sam could only shake her head as she observed the unique scene.

The next week, she walked the kids up to Broadway after school to enjoy the playground. Nine-year-old Xander raced ahead on his bike, only to come racing back with a report that “there were teenagers on the playground and they asked me if I wanted to ‘join them for a smoke.’”

Sam investigated, only to find a gaggle of grungy teens hanging out on the playground, alternatively swearing, smoking, leaping about on the playsets, and urinating. Classy, huh? Luckily, our kids did not notice this “alternate” use of the play equipment.

Sam was too nervous to say anything to the teens, so she simply glared at them disapprovingly from across the concrete. What’s next, Tipp City? Citizens refusing to smile at one another as they walk down the street?

Out of curiosity I drove by the school again a week later, on Thursday, Oct. 27, around 4 p.m. and saw a gaggle of kids again—they looked much too old to be playing on the elementary school play equipment. I ran some errands and drove back by at 5:30 and the kids were still there.  Hey, isn’t Menards hiring? Stop smoking and get a job!

Check In With Me

Hear something interesting for “Tipp Talk?” Visit my website at www.gregenslen.com and drop me a line using the “Contact Me” page. And don’t worry—I won’t quote you unless you want me to!