Back story,
front page
news
All writers handle plot and character development differently. Some compose in-depth biographies about the who, what, when, where of the story and the people who populate it. Others do brief character sketches on index cards and keep them nearby to consult as the plot develops. For the Jerrod Series, I have also created fictitious front pages of the Jerrod Citizen, the small farming town's weekly newspaper-- a blend of hard news, community events, and pithy observations by the paper's long-time editor--and figment of my imagination--Jack Knowles.
Click on the graphics to view the full-sized pages from these issues. More will be added as other books come to the Jerrod Series. Be sure to read the "Jerrod City Limit" short-takes at the bottom of each page. They're full of hints about characters you'll hear more from in these and the books to come.
Of course I'd love to have your review of the front pages and the books. Thanks for your time and welcome to Jerrod "where cotton is king," and plot twists are just a few pages away.
Wayne Hughes
Front
page,
back
stories
All writers handle plot and character development in different ways. For the Jerrod Series, the fictitious front pages of the Jerrod Citizen was created tell the backstories of the gradually dying community. The small farming town's weekly is a blend of hard news, community events, and the pithy observations of the paper's long-time editor, Jack Knowles. It is published occasionally on waynehughes.net.
Click on the thmbnails below to view a large version of the pages. Be sure to read the "I Saw" short-takes at the bottom of each page. They're full of hints about characters in the Jerrod Series books.
10/17/18 - a week before the first chapter of Kilborn. In mid-October, the gossip centered around a train detrailment near town, the school system prepping nervous students for the much-dreaded academic assessment tests and a reminder for parade participants to pay attention to an important deadline.
In his traditional Monday morning column, Jack Knowles observes the comings and goings of some key characters we meet later in the book. (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
10/24/18 - Jack Knowles chooses to headline good news about the bumper cotton crop. But that brightness is offset by the sad realization that a civic club with deep roots in the little community is no more. And, the even sadder news about Archie Medders is just the beginning. The plot thickens.
We're introduced to Dan Baker, a central character, and take first notice of Zeke Kilborn, who plays a critical role. And how about Arnie Thresher's BBQ? (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
11/28/18 - Bad news everywhere in Jerrod. The owner of Kilborn Aviation is killed in the rollover of his pickup north of town. There's some horrid rumors about his final moments. No one is sure if his passing prompted his father's death just 24 hrs. later. The worrisome rise of the feral hog population seems to tie the two deaths together.
Jack Knowles mentions school two characters the reader will get to know: teacher Mariel Ascencio and Father Gregory Jubulani in his Monday musings. (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
12/05/18- At the beginning of Espinoza, the second in the Jerrod Series, the former Texas Ranger is appointed sheriff of Holmen County after he's successfully completed the investigation of the former sheriff on drug charges. The rumors about the TW&CB railroad's demise just won't go away, but there is always Santa's Farm Bazaar.
Jack Knowles takes note of Mariel Asencio's engagement ring and boy's basketball coach Mike Stauffer, who always carries--guess what? (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
12/12/18- Big news: this generation's venturesome teenage boys survived the conquest of the Jerrod water tower. There's something strange afoot with electronic displays at various locations. Dr. Chin has some dire warnings about the upcoming flu season.
Jack Knowles reports on his traditional Monday morning walk around the square, including prep for Santa's Farm Bazaar and a tongue-in-cheek admonition to the father of one of the boys who summited the water tower. (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
8/1/19 - Jerrod schools are about to start the new year, but there's bad news for Strikers fans: the long-time coach had to resign so he can return to his home town and take over the family business.
Scotty McTague and his crew have returned after their summer custom-harvesting tour.
Jack Knowles takes note of Father Gregory putting his soccer team through its roadwork and mentions a good tire-changing deed (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
9/6/19 - Bad news piled on bad for the people of Jerrod. The 101 year old Cotton Carnival is no more. It looks like the short line railroad that's served the county for more and 80 years is about to go under, and a leading citizen dies.
Jack Knowles watches an ill-fated petition being carried in the court house, notes a local restauranteur getting his day started, eaves-dropps on a conversation about a hunting rifle and pays his own tribute to Jerry Dale McTague. (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
3/21/20 - The worst news in Jerrod's history. The Pandemic comes. The front page is devoted to Twenty-First Century plague with somber quotes from a Jerrod hospital doctor.
Jack Knowles observes empty streets with occasional glimpsed ast local hanging on to the tradition of checking the Monday mail. A scattering notable citizens are on the scene, but with little enthusiasm for the new peril of their lives.. (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
3/9/23 - Jerrod is shocked by the suicide of long-time school superintendent "Rocky" Brasfield.
Repeated trouble-maker "Bubba" Hooper goes back to jail, this time with a DUI charge.
Jack Knowles alerts his readers to a new series on the impact of wind generators in Holman County.
Jack's I SAW column documents the comings and goings of Jerrod early-bird citizens. (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
5/26/24 -A mysterious fire disables a wind turbine on a ranch east of Jerrod.
The death of Bishop Gregory Jambulani Nxumalo, affectionately known as "Father Greg" has been announced. He had been pastor of Jerrod's Holy Name Catholic church.
Jack's Knowles's I SAW column documents the comings and goings of Jerrod early-bird citizens. (click anywhere on the graphic above, then CTRL+ and zoom into the full-sized version.)
