A member of MENSA, Pereda is the regional director of the Florida Writers Association and the co-founder of AWE (Asheville Writing Enthusiasts). He loves sports and has won many prizes competing in track and show-jumping equestrian events.
Pereda lives with his family in Asheville, North Carolina.
Please visit him at…
ISBN: However Long the Night
978-1-61572-598-4 E-Book
978-1-61572-599-1 Print Book
And now for that excerpt.
Cid and Manny leaned against the rail on the crammed upper deck of the venerable boat, watching the retreating Cuban coastline. Vessels of all sizes motored out of the harbor, seeking the open sea. The noise was deafening. Passengers screamed and boat captains blew their horns. On deck a group of men drank rum from a bottle and chanted, “Libertad, libertad, libertad . . . ”
“Many weird-looking people on this boat,” Manny commented. “That man over there looks like a drug lord.”
“Castro emptied out the jails and let out all the scum along with the political prisoners -- murderers, druggies, thieves, prostitutes. The cream of society.”
“Hear, hear. But we’re out of there and on our way to America. A new life, Brother.” Manny flashed a big smile to someone behind Cid’s back and added a wolf whistle. “Think you can be without my charming company a while? A cute girl just gave me the eye. You want to join me and make new friends?”
Cid shook his head.
“You’re still down about Sandra not coming to say good-bye to you?”
Cid nodded. “It’s been a bad week all around.”
“Things will improve now, Brother. Cheer up. You’re depressing me.” He punched Cid on the arm playfully. “In a month you might not even remember Sandra. There are tons of beautiful women in the United States. I’m going to try to get a head start, maybe find me a new girlfriend right here on this boat. Sure you don’t want to come?”
“I’m sure.”
Readers, David is giving away a $20 gift certificiate to one lucky commenter. Comment often as you follow his tour so you'll have more chances to win. Here's a link to all of his stops.
I keeping reading MENSA & I just know I'm in for a treat. Loving the tour thank you.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Elaine, I'd like to thank you for having me on your blog today. I'd also like to let your readers know I'll be available to answer questions all day.
ReplyDeleteFunny thing about words, Marybelle, in Mexican Spanish MENSA (for women) or MENSO (for men) means the complete opposite. It means obtuse. Thank you for your nice comment about my tour. I have some interesting guest blog appearances and interviews coming up within the next couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting David today.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know more about the Cuba of today. Your story sounds just fascinating. I am really enjoying following your tour.
ReplyDeleteHello MomJane. I have an interesting article coming down the pike during the tour about the waves of Cuban migration. HLTN describes a lot of the Cuba of today as well as the Cuba of the past.
ReplyDeleteDavid, your work sounds fascinating. Thanks for including me on your blog tour.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elaine, and, again, thank you for having me as a guest on your blog.
ReplyDeleteAsk away Karen H in NC. I check all my stops daily.
ReplyDelete