Henry Wallace: Rock Star

Dacie Mae didn't actually begin with the idea of a small town, aspiring journalist. It began with Michael Grimm's audition on America's Got Talent. What a character. Backwoods boy with a bit of an edge and a voice to make your toes curl. He was floating around in my brain and I knew I wanted to plug him into a story, well--a version of him. 
The concept of Dacie Mae came about while I was visiting my ancestral home in Missouri. There is virtually no cell reception there. You kind of have to stand on your vehicle in just the right spot and maybe you'll get a signal. There isn't a store. There used to be a general store, but don't get me started on that. It recently burned down and it still pains me to think of it. My great-great grandfather was Post Master there and generation after generation of my family shopped there and now it's gone. We were at a family reunion there in that little village when Dacie Mae began to take form. It seemed a perfect fit for this soulful voice and unkempt black hair. But Henry Wallace is NOT Michael Grimm, just a reasonable facsimile. For instance, Henry Wallace doesn't care much about his family. Michael Grimm loves his Grandma and Grandpa and is very devoted to them. Henry Wallace is a tramp. Michael Grimm sang to his girlfriend during his final performance on America's Got Talent and then proposed to her on the Ellen Show. I hear they're married now. Henry Wallace is not the marrying type. And he might be a smidge taller than Michael Grimm. 
As you can imagine, in a small town, a young man with a voice like this could be a dangerous thing. Just think of all the hearts he broke and the trouble he caused. I love writing him. He's so sultry and just plain old naughty and Dacie Mae hates him with a passion but sometimes finds herself forgetting that.
BUY FOR KINDLE

When I "Fell In Love" With Michael Grimm

This video speaks for itself. A voice that gives you shivers, in a good way. Halfway through this audition, I proclaimed he would be the winner. And he was, and I'm so glad for it.

America's Got Talent~Favorite Moments

There isn't a lot of time in my day for watching TV, but one show I always make time for is America's Got Talent. The judges are kind and quirky and play perfectly off each other and the talent is widely varied. And, well, Michael Grimm. That's all that really needs to be said. Oh, Michael Grimm. Halfway through his audition last season I proclaimed, "He's going to win it!" Lo and behold, I am very much like a prophet, because win it he did. His album, Leave Your Hat On, is one of my absolute favorites. For this season, however, I have seen no clear winner yet, but many, many, potential candidates. This girl, Dani Shay, with her wit and clear, strong voice just might be one of them. Admittedly, I have never listened to an entire Bieber song, all the way through. We listen to http://www.joyfmonline.org or CD's. Carefully selected Mumford & Sons (I have little boys, little ears), Michael Grimm, they even appreciate some classic country such as Johnny Cash and every so often I'll let them listen to edited Black Eyed Peas. They like to get their groove on, what can I say. So, while I am not daily exposed to Justin Bieber (the boys would protest vehemently if I was), I am aware of the craze. My oldest son is ten and he hates Bieber because the girls at school are gaga for him. I tease him that he's just jealous that Bieber got Victoria Justice, but he denies this.