Literally Reruns – Peculiar Folk by Frederick K Foote

I like this story because if you took away the enhanced visions and replaced each one with something commonplace it would still play out truthfully. For instance, instead of the mother’s skin changing tones, you’d have her moods.

Frederick K. Foote excels at imbuing the colors and sounds of life with extra depth; he also locates the pizazz in speech and never over does it. Peculiar Folk is a top example of such.

Q: Do you approach composition with an idea in mind that you outline or do you just go for it at the start and whatever happens happens?

Q: The Mother is a fascinating character. Is she based on your mother or did the inspiration come from elsewhere?

Leila Allison

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Peculiar Folk

Fred’s responses:

Q: Do you approach composition with an idea in mind that you outline, or do you just go for it at the start and whatever happens happens?

Sometimes I start with a line from a song, a headline, or a scrap of conversation I recall. And from there whatever happens happens. I don’t think I have ever outlined a story. However, I enjoy modifying classic stories, Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, and Frankie and Johnny.

Q: The Mother is a fascinating character. Is she based on your mother or did the inspiration come from elsewhere?

Yes, she and other mothers I have encountered in real life and fiction. Now that you have asked the question, I think the mother’s color change abilities may be a metaphor for the many skin colors in our African American communities. Mother’s native language mystery may be the link to a past we no longer comprehend or a future blowing in the wind.

Thank you, Diane, and all the LS Editors for giving my stories a home.