Nancy Chase, Author
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The Lost Composure

2/17/2015

12 Comments

 
As most of you already know, my first novel--a dark, illustrated fairytale entitled The Seventh Magpie-- was just published this week.

Only, as my sister Donna has just reminded me, it wasn't my first illustrated fairytale book at all.  It wasn't even my first illustrated fairytale book featuring troublesome, trickster birds.  The other fairytale in question had a very limited print run of one, and was a birthday present to Donna, somewhere around twenty years ago.

Now Donna has kindly scanned her personal copy and sent it to me so I can share it here.  So, without further ado, I present to you, The Lost Composure, written and illustrated by Nancy Chase.  (You'll quickly understand why I hired the talented Katrina Sesum to illustrate The Seventh Magpie, rather than doing it myself!)

And in case you're wondering, yes, the heroine of the story really does live on a little farm with ponies, cats, and chickens, in a place called Siberia, Maine.  This is what it really looks like.
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12 Comments
Donna Chase
2/17/2015 04:51:37 am

For those who don't know: "Whiskey Jack" and "Gorbie" are local names for the Canadian Jay ; a relative of Magpies. Wherever they are found (far north in spruce forests) they are tame to people and will easily come to you and light on your hand....especially for pancakes!

Reply
Nancy Chase
2/17/2015 05:09:02 am

Apparently, when I drew these cartoons, I assumed Whiskey Jacks were crested like Blue Jays. Looking on Google images, I now see that isn't so. So much for realism! :-)

Reply
Nancy Chase
2/17/2015 05:09:56 am

Because, obviously, the appearance of the Whiskey Jacks is the ONLY unrealistic part of this story. :-)

Shaun Curran link
2/17/2015 05:41:26 am

This is a beautiful story - are you going to have your current illustrator redo this and make this your second book?

Reply
Nancy Chase
2/17/2015 06:00:43 am

Haha, no, I don't think so Shaun. It was written specifically for Donna about the people, places, animals, and events in her life.

Reply
Anna Tan link
2/17/2015 06:27:49 am

This was absolutely brilliant! =)

Reply
Nancy Chase
2/17/2015 10:52:18 am

Thanks Anna!

Reply
Intisar Khanani link
2/17/2015 09:54:12 am

And even though it was written for your sister, it's so flipping awesome that you really should consider ... having her publish it. Since it's hers. I'm serious! I think it would make a great short magazine piece if not a standalone. I really enjoyed reading it right now, and it has a good deal of wisdom packed in with the humor! <3

Reply
Nancy Chase
2/17/2015 10:53:39 am

:-) Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

Reply
donna chase
2/17/2015 12:33:48 pm

You see Nancy! "The Lost Composure" has universal appeal!!

PS I like your comment about the Whiskey Jacks being The Only
part of the story part of the story which was unreal...hah ha

Hey come to think of it though...it was written before you had the option of Googling to see what a Gorbie looked like.
No computers!!!

Jack Behme
2/17/2015 03:10:21 pm

You were a precocious kid and your gift peeked out of your story even then!
Glad to hear you completely regained your composure.

Reply
Karen Knox
4/30/2015 09:13:10 am

What a wonderful story! So whimsical yet thoughtful. Your sister must absolutely love it!

Reply



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