The Alchemy of Noise

by Lorraine Devon Wilke

  “‘I Tilt Toward the Sky,’ remember?” he asked, his eyes meeting hers.

  She took a quick breath and held still, afraid he was a mirage that might drift with too much motion. “Yes. Jovana Stanton.”

  He walked slowly across the yard and sat at the other end of the bench. “I remembered the story you told me that first night. I searched around and found her book, decided I’d memorize the poem you loved just to impress you. Somehow I never got to it.”

  “Impress me now,” she said quietly, her eyes on the sky.

  “Not sure I remember it.”

  “Try.”

  He paused a moment. Then: “‘I look to my feet to keep from stumbling. I gaze straight ahead to find my way. I touch and smell and feel to appraise my surroundings, and hold dear to those whose hearts hold mine. And when I wish to open myself to the wilderness of life, to the connections that join us or tear us apart, I tilt toward the sky, where infinity’s cloak sparkles, making exploration an endless wonder.’”

  A smile flitted across her face. “Professor Stanton would be impressed.”

  “And you?”

  She turned to him, eyes glistening. “Yes . . . me too.”

  His hand slid slowly across the weathered wood until their fingers touched. Just touched. Then they leaned back and stared up to the starlit heavens, swirling blue in the big, embracing, connecting universe.

  THE END

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Thank you for choosing The Alchemy of Noise amongst the many titles available to you. Your readership is deeply valued and I hope you were moved by Chris and Sidonie’s story.

  Given the subject matter of this book, I wanted to share a little background as to why I felt this specific story was mine to tell, particularly at a time when concerns surrounding “cultural appropriation” and which voices get to tell stories of race are widely debated, and deserving of meaningful conversation.

  Earlier in my life I spent six years in an interracial relationship. As educated as I thought I was on the topic of race and bias, and as open-minded and racially progressive as my upbringing had been, it turns out I had only a glimpse of the bigger picture and so very much to learn. Witnessing, tangentially experiencing, and reacting to the “microaggressions,” recurring police harassment, and flat-out bigotry my partner dealt with on a day-to-day basis forever changed my worldview on the reality of race in America.

  I learned then, before the phrase had even been coined in its more current context, the insensitivity and arrogance of “white privilege.” I was forced to acknowledge the racial disparities found in law enforcement and the justice system. I vicariously felt the pain of the “million little cuts” inflicted by ignorant men who’d admonish him to “get over his black thing,” terrified women who locked their car doors as he walked past, or friends whose casual racism was brushed off as “just a joke.”

  Later in my writing career, it struck me that this experience offered not only the seeds of a topical and dramatic story, but brought into the conversation the specific, shared, but disparate perspectives of a mixed-race couple. That seemed a useful point-of-view to explore, particularly when lack of experiential empathy too often leaves participants in the discussion struggling for true understanding. As a longtime contributor to HuffPost, I referenced my personal experience in a couple of op-eds on the topic of race, which not only gave me access to a wide audience open to the conversation, but allowed me proximity to dialogue and feedback from both sides of the racial divide. As I began to formulate the narrative of this novel, that education brought the story into the current zeitgeist.

  But I’m also aware of, and have occasionally written about, the controversies surrounding white writers including black characters (or any characters outside their own culture) in their literary works, which has sparked a debate about who gets to tell those particular stories; who has true insight to offer; who should talk, who should listen, and how we process information from the side we’re not on. Even with the sensitivities surrounding those issues, my gut told me I had a worthy story to tell. Because of those sensitivities, I was determined to accomplish that goal as authentically as I could, allowing the unvarnished, sometimes painful, and frequently illuminating viewpoints of each character to be honestly expressed throughout.

  From there I created a fictional set of characters, put them in contemporary Chicago (the city of my birth), plotted out their story arc, and gave them many of the challenges and obstacles I’d witnessed and experienced in my long-ago relationship . . . ones that, sadly, still resonate in current times. Adding perspective gleaned from prodigious research, myriad interviews, and essential input from sensitivity readers, The Alchemy of Noise came to life with as much humanity, truth, and credibility as I could capture. At its heart it’s a love story, if one framed by the provocation of race dynamics in modern day America. I hope you found it both genuine and moving.

  I invite you to be in touch with any thoughts you may want to share, and, if you enjoyed the book, I hope you’ll help spread the word via social media and by leaving your honest review at the page where you made your purchase. If you’d like to be on my mailing list, either shoot me an email or sign up via my website. Know that your support is deeply appreciated and I thank you in advance for yours.

  Lorraine

  info@lorrainedevonwilke.com

  www.lorrainedevonwilke.com

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  This being my third novel, I felt like an old hand when I first sat down at the computer to start plotting out the story. There was no fear of the blank page, no lack of confidence that I could craft something with chapters and a beginning, middle, and end, but with this particular story, one I felt a profound obligation to get right, I looked beyond, to a wider community, to ensure that essential goal.

  First, always, I must acknowledge my husband, Pete Wilke, my rock like no other. He has been witness and support to my many years of artistic struggles and successes, wins and losses, and nobody knows me, and my devotion to creativity, better. He keeps a roof over our heads, reads my work, listens to my music, attends my plays, hangs my photos, and convinces me there’s always reason to carry on, no matter what the obstacles or disappointments. “Tomorrow’s another day” is his mantra, and he not only lives by that resilience and optimism, he’s imbued it in me. I cannot imagine this journey without him, nor can I find adequate words to thank him for all he is and all he’s done for me. I love you, Peter Jay.

  To my son, Dillon Wilke, who’s grown up since I started my career as a novelist, and launched his own successful career as a civil engineer. A participant in my artistic adventures from the time he was old enough to attend my band gigs, theatrical performances, book readings, and photo ops, this time around he stepped up in a big way, a way I couldn’t have anticipated, by financing the entire budget for the marketing and promotion campaign for this book, an astonishingly generous gift. When I asked, incredulous and so deeply touched, “Why would you do that?,” he simply said, “I believe in you.” Nothing could be more profound for a mother. Or a writer. Thank you, sweetheart. No words can capture my gratitude or what you mean to me.

  Certainly I must acknowledge my brother, Tom Amandes, my editor and champion extraordinaire. Not only did he do a masterful job with the developmental edit of my last book, Hysterical Love, he devoted countless hours, weeks, even months, to the meticulous, thoughtful, painstaking evolution of The Alchemy of Noise. As a talented, accomplished actor, director, and writer himself, he has an unfailing sense of story, narrative development, and character arc, all of which I relied upon in seeking his input and perspective. I counted on him, always, to be unfailingly honest, and he always was; my work is all the better for it. He was also my “Chicago consultant” with this book, helping me identify, specify, and define the places in my birth city that worked for the story, allowing me to infuse the many settings with essential authenticity. Once again, I am grateful beyond words, dear brother.

  Regina McRae w
as essential to the evolution of The Alchemy of Noise. An indefatigable BLM activist; award-winning NYC baker and entrepreneur (owner of Grandma’s Secrets bakery in Brooklyn); author of Taking the Cake, Your Ultimate Cake Guide; and mother, grandmother, and fierce advocate for social justice, she was and continues to be pivotal to my education as an ally. We connected via a piece I wrote for HuffPost called, “No, White People Will Never Understand the Black Experience,” after which she accepted my invitation to participate in a three-part interview series for HuffPost on the topic of racism. Her unvarnished perspective, clarifying insight, and unapologetic candor not only made for a bracing series, it informed much of the background and character elements of this story. She was my most trusted and effective “sensitivity reader,” generous and supportive with her time and attention, and I relied on her more than anyone to make sure I got it right. I knew once Regina McRae gave me the thumbs up, I was good to go. Thank you, sis . . . forever grateful.

  My own sis, Grace Amandes, must be acknowledged for her indefatigable “location scouting services” offered while I was researching the book. A current native of Chicago, she spent days with me driving through the neighborhoods and locations I’d assigned as the various work and living quarters of my characters, which gave me a visceral, authentic sense of place, so important for a book grounded in an iconic city. Thank you, Grace, for your time and involvement; so much appreciated.

  There are various readers who jumped into the process at different points of the book’s evolution, all of whom contributed greatly to its development: Pamela May, Susan Morgenstern, Barbara Tyler, Nancy Locke Capers, Patricia Royce, and Debra Sanders, in particular. Early readers are gold, and every single one of you gave me invaluable and important feedback . . . thank you.

  I also want to acknowledge my publisher, Brooke Warner, president of She Writes Press, who came along at the exact right moment in my life. Not only was I delighted to have someone of her expertise and perspective interested in my work—particularly after my many years as a self-published author—I was and am impressed and inspired by her passion and vision, her mission statement of fearless and creative innovation. I am thrilled to be part of the SWP community and honored by her faith in my own creative vision.

  Thanks to all the team at SWP, especially my project manager, Samantha Strom, and the publicity and marketing team at BookSparks/SparksPoint Studio, particularly President & CEO, Crystal Patriarche, and Senior Publicist, Tabitha Bailey, who enthusiastically ushered this book into the public forum. Additionally I want to thank the network of other SWP authors who have been so universally supportive along this literary journey.

  A special thanks to Julie Metz for her stunning cover, which beautifully captures the setting and sensibilities of the story; additional thanks to Stacey Aaronson for the artful interior design of the book.

  The life of a writer demands an undeniably cloistered existence, at least during the process of writing, so friends become all the more precious in reminding one that life exists beyond the page. My close personal circle has been an intense, valued network since my early days in Los Angeles (with some before; some more recent), and their unconditional support, reliable affection, great humor, and deep, historical importance in my life is both essential and impossible to overstate. They include Tina Romanus, Joyce DiVito Jackson, Nancy & Hedges Capers, Patricia Royce, Susan Morgenstern, Carolyn Sutton, Suzanne Battaglia, Pamela May, Jake Drake, Minda Burr, Steve Brackenbury & Frank Ramos, Jason Brett & Lauren Streicher, Eddie & Jennifer King, Troy Evans & Heather McLarty, Chris Tufty & Margot Ott, Cindy Ritt, Marian Hamlen, Sandra Wilson, Barry Caillier, Erik Krogh, Jeff & Ann Brown, Susie Singer Carter, and Don Priess.

  There are also those amongst my fellow-authors’ circle who’ve been particularly supportive and helpful. They include Mark Barry, Brenda Perlin, Jane Davis, Laura Diamond, Jenny Milchman, Junior Burke, Tracy Trivas, Geri Dunlap Clouston, Laurie E. Boris, and Kimberley A. Johnson.

  Of course, there’s always appreciation for my ten Amandes siblings—Peg, Mary, John, Paul, Tom, Eileen, Gerry, Louise, Vince, and Grace—and the many beloved spouses, nieces, and nephews sprouting from that hearty group, all of whom never fail to embrace creativity, doggedness, political activism, and vital humor.

  To my dearest stepdaughter, Jennie Wilke Willens and her gang: hubby Jake, Gracie, and Ryan, who, along with the circle of Willens family, remain so lovingly connected to our family and my creative world.

  Last, I want to thank the many people in my social and social media circles who have stayed involved, supportive, and interested in my work over all these many years. Whether fellow writers, artists of other mediums, readers, cultural activists, tangential friends met online, or extended friends and family in life, some of whom remain in far-flung places, the list is too long to name, but your connection and interaction with me on this journey is so very valued. Buying my books, reading my articles, sharing my perspective, reviewing my work, clicking “like,” “love,” “friend,” and “follower” have all contributed to my very real sense of community, my faith that what I’m creating, what I believe is important to convey through my work, is seen, heard, and appreciated. Thank you . . . I am truly grateful to you all.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photo credit: Maureen Grammer

  An accomplished writer in several genres of the medium, Lorraine Devon Wilke, a Chicago native and one of eleven children, has built a library of expertly crafted work with a signature style that exudes intelligence, depth, and humor. Whether screenplay or stage play, article or editorial, short story or novel, her work captures the edge and emotion of real life, incorporating original plots, jump-off-the-page dialogue, and thought-provoking themes.

  In 2010 she launched her “arts & politics” blog, Rock+Paper+Music, and from 2011 to 2018 she was a popular contributor at HuffPost and other news and media sites. Known for her “sass and sensibility,” her work has been reprinted and excerpted in academic tomes, nonfiction books, and literary journals; a catalogue of her articles and essays can be found at Contently.com. Both her award-winning novels, After the Sucker Punch and Hysterical Love, are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

  Having left Illinois decades ago with a rock band heading west, Devon Wilke landed in Los Angeles where she still lives with her husband, attorney/writer/producer, Pete Wilke, with her son, Dillon Wilke, and other extended family nearby. She’s working on a fourth novel, a rock & roll dramedy titled, A Minor Rebellion, while continuing her endeavors as a photographer, singer-songwriter, and actress.

  To learn more visit @ www.lorrainedevonwilke.com.

  READING GROUP/BOOK CLUB GUIDE

  The questions and talking points that follow are intended to enrich

  your group’s discussions about The Alchemy of Noise.

  Despite the focal points of race, privilege, and police profiling, the foundation of this story involves the universal experience of falling in love, with all its joy, pain, and passion. Did you find Chris and Sidonie’s relationship believable? Were you rooting for them? Did you think they would endure or were you expecting the obstacles they faced to ultimately thwart them?

  Some believe that modern society as a whole no longer finds interracial relationships controversial, while others either witness, or struggle themselves, with some of the related conflicts detailed in the book. Discuss your own thinking, or the thinking of those around you, on the topic of mixed-race couples.

  What was your reaction to the various confrontations with the police in the story, including Officer Mike? Have you had experiences that would allow you to relate to those characterizations, or were they improbable or inflammatory to you? Did they change your opinion of the police and their interactions with people of color?

  The character of Sidonie Frame is bright, well educated, and generally aware, yet she’s culturally insulated by the lack of diversity in her surroundings and the limitations of her own experiences. What were your impressions of her “learning cur
ve” with Chris concerning race and could you relate to that process?

  Vanessa Hawkins is a powerful, complex, and challenging character, someone who articulates viewpoints shared by many but misunderstood by others. As an articulate spokesperson on issues of prejudice and privilege, she stirs both admiration and controversy. What are your thoughts on Vanessa, her views, and the matter of “white privilege”?

  Do you think race might determine a reader’s response to Chris Hawkins’s experiences throughout the story? Did you find those moments—whether the microaggressions of assuming he’s the cabbie or the extreme violence of his arrest—believable? Upsetting? Did they change or deepen your perspective on what black men in America experience, or confirm what you already knew and/or have experienced yourself, whether as a witness or victim of racism?

  Sidonie’s sister, Karen, is compassionate, open-minded, and supportive, yet gave up a more socially conscious career as a public defender to immerse herself in a life of privilege and wealth via a lucrative civil law practice. Did you find her admirable or selfserving? Or both?

  The two mothers in The Alchemy of Noise could not be more disparate: Delores Hawkins has experienced tremendous loss and the causticness of racism, yet exudes equanimity and wisdom. Marian Frame, on the other hand, has lived a largely sheltered life, with divorce being her greatest grief, yet seems to lack character and personal conviction. Discuss the impact of these contrasting characters within the story and on their respective children.

  One of the most devastating plot points is the moment Sidonie briefly considers the fear that Chris could be a rapist. Though it is fleeting, it’s a stunning loss of faith in someone she loves. Was it forgivable? Was there ever a moment in which you suspected Chris could be the criminal they were looking for?