Author tackles real issues
REAL life issues are brought to the fore in Foster author Brownyn Clifton’s self published book The Devil’s Pinch.
Published through Kindle and Amazon, Bronwyn wrote The Devil’s Pinch following the death of her young brother, aged 39, from alcoholism.
With headlines screaming about domestic violence and ice use in the area, she felt the themes of the book were relevant to young people, parents and those who had suffered from addiction.
Bronwyn is in a writer’s group in Foster. The group was fortunate enough to have worked with Mirboo North author David Arnault in the past.
She moved to the country from Melbourne in 1992 and is an English and health teacher at Foster Secondary College
She has two teenage boys and is passionate about wellbeing.
The Devil’s Pinch was written for young adults and is riddled with themes that are part of growing up including drinking, drug using and risk taking.
It follows the story of young couple Jed and Beth, who face hardship in their relationship while Jed struggles to overcome addiction and the devastation that follows.
It begs the question of whether Jed will get his act together or become a statistic, and whether the couple’s relationship can survive the ordeal.
The story begins in Melbourne, but there are a number of references to placed in the Corner Inlet District including Fish Creek and Wilson’s Promontory.
Bronwyn has received a lot of positive feedback about the value of the setting and would love the support of locals.
You can support Bronwyn by buying and reading her book, and even writing a review for her on the Kindle or Amazon website.
Hard copies of the book can be purchased through the Amazon website or in local businesses in Fish Creek, Toora or Foster for $10.
It is also available in iBook format through Amazon and Kindle for $4.
Below is an extract from The Devil’s Pinch:
Deep, unbridled shame ran through him.
‘I’m so sorry’, his voice broke as he started to sob. ‘I don’t remember. When? How?’
I explained the circumstances of my broken nose and all Jed could do was hang his head in his hands. This was it, he had gone too far. He sat at the kitchen table, humiliated, tears rolling down his cheeks while I went to pick up Josh who had begun to wail also, but for a different reason.
‘What do you want to do?’ He asked trying to calm down a bit. Once I had sorted the baby out with some food, I slowly replied choosing words carefully.
‘You have a problem.’
Jed could only nod in agreement. (…) yeah, he was in a dilemma. There was no doubt when faced with the evidence.
‘And you have to do something about it.’ I was trying not to begin sobbing, too. Jed could only agree – he had no choice. But deep down he knew he was not ready to change his life-style. He said ‘yes’ anyway.
‘Okay, alright. I know I need to do something. But what?’ He said, even though he was struggling to keep his voice even.
‘You need to stop drinking so much,’ I said. ‘I know you always have done and it’s a part of the way you are.’ I wiped a tear from my face. The emotions sprang forth but I had to keep talking while I had the chance.
‘I will support you but I will not put up with being your punching bag. Imagine if my parents could see what you have done to me?!’ I exclaimed. ‘And,’ I added, ‘I will not put Josh in a situation where he is endangered.’ This was the time to look him in the eyes and lay down the law. My confidence was growing as Jed’s receptiveness increased.
‘If anything like this ever, ever happens again,’ I paused for emphasis. ‘I will go. I will have no hesitation in packing my bags and you will give up your rights to your son. That is the way it has to be. Get it?’ My voice wavered but I stared at him, pausing to give him time to respond.
Jed’s head was spinning. I could tell that I had shocked him to the core. Finally, I had humbled him. Jed had to agree, what else could he do? Apologizing again he tearfully made me the promises I needed to hear. He would cut down his drinking, avoid the pub and he would be home on time to help out with the baby. Jed was ashamed and found it difficult to look at me. How would we get past this?
But, I could tell, Jed thanked his lucky stars that I hadn’t thrown him out on the spot.
Jed was emotionally exhausted and with this came contrition.
And, for a while, he kept those promises.
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