How stories are born

Writing is an interesting job. I get suggestions about potential stories all the time. "My Uncle Bob has this dog that wrestles chickens, and I think it would make a great story." Or "My grandmother is a line dancer, and picks up bikers at the local roadhouse." OK, I'm kidding about these, but you get the picture. A lot of leads, lead nowhere.

But every now and then a story comes along that gently nudges at you and says, "This could be interesting."

Last Christmas, we played for the staff at Bevill State College. It was a fun gig, and the reception was incredible.

While there, our friend Jonathan, who teaches at Bevill asked, "Have you looked at that piano?" It was an old piano in the corner that looked like a survivor of one too many frat parties. Names were carved into every surface.

When I looked at it, the names weren't of college students, but of WWII soldiers. 

I finally got around to researching the story and what I found was amazing to me.

I mentioned this story last week, and I finished it up. I pitched the idea to The New York Times, and other publications, but apparently what the editors read was, "MY Uncle Bob has this dog........." because I got no response.

The American Legion did send me back and email that asked me to post the story on their blog. They said that editors of the International American Legion Magazine took articles that resonated on the blog and printed them in the magazine.

So, I posted the story and it appeared today at OLD PIANO.  If you have a moment, I would be grateful if you'd have a look and if you like it, make a comment or share it if you're so inclined.