Project Ruby Begins...

It's time.

I can't sit idle anymore...well not idle...when I have been doing all that I can to promote "The Hambledown Dream". But there are only so many hours in the day that I can devote to the marketing of the book (I work mainly beyond business hours where most of the population doesn't) so I am finding myself with time that I can invest in something new.

Therefore - Project Ruby begins.

A story about a young indigenous Australian girl living in abject poverty in the housing commission ghettos of Adelaide in Australia. "Ruby" is about ten years old, she lives with her grandmother, her aunt and three cousins in a rundown house in an area stricken by crime, poverty and a sense of hopelessness. 

But "Ruby" is special - she has a gift. Ruby can play the violin. And not only can she play it well but "Ruby" can play it beautifully. She has been taught by her grandmother "Ginnie" who herself can play but she is old now, frail and blind. "Ginnie" has her own story - a heart breaking journey through the back drop of the stolen generation. Her story will be revealed as her granddaughter's journey unfolds. 

"Ruby's" special gift is about to be discovered, two worlds will collide and it will see Ruby presented with an opportunity to escape her meager existence for a life that her grandmother wished for but could never attain.

I have begun to brain storm ideas and flesh out a number of characters who will populate this story - an idea that I have had in mind for about a year or so. I have begun to research the stolen generation and the white Australia policy which is regarded as one of Australia's most shameful chapters in it's history. Though this strand of the story will be subtle - I need to ensure that I have enough knowledge and understanding of the history in order to portray it with sensitivity. I am taking a risk with this - some would argue that I have no right in telling this story because I am not an indigenous Australian. But I would argue that I have every right to tell it - simply because it could be any person's story. I am drawn to the Aboriginal culture and/or the loss of it through the disastrous policies of the past. "Project Ruby" will break the stereotypes and be a story of hope.

It's really early days and I don't know what lies ahead. This may be successful or it may fall apart. But as I did before, I will keep you posted as to how this new story unfolds.

DFA.