Part 17 of Rick's Karen Carpenter Story

[Rick Henry]

I've finally posted it Part 17 of my fictional story about how things could have turned out had Karen lived.

This chapter is the most shocking so far. It starts with a warning which staes; "As I've mentioned prior to posting this chapter that this one would be a real shocker. Some of the story line becomes very involved. I suggest you read with caution".

Here's a link to the story. I hope you enjoy it.

Click Here to read Part 17: Tell The World

[Rick Henry]

Here's a little Behind The Scenes in writing and preparing for Chapter 17: Tell The World.

Since Karen was going to be on the Tonight Show w/ Johnny Carson (in the story), I searched the internet for as much information, on Johnny and his show, as possible. I wanted the comments and facts mentioned in this segment to be as real to life as possible.

In the story I posted a chart of the Billboard Top 15 albums for the week of October 9, 1979. Since I didn't have a list of the Billboard chart for that week (and couldn't find one online) I really had to research this. First I did a search for albums popular in September and October 1979. I came up with a list of over 100 albums (this was actually fun). Next I checked these against my Billboard Top 40 Albums book. Which lists albums by artist and has the week each album debuted onto the top 40. I was able to narrow this list down to about 55 albums. Of course the #1 album for that week is listed in my Billboard book so that was easy. Using that book and my Rock and Roll Encyclopedia (which lists Billboard positions and dates of peak posisiton in categorized by the artist name) I was able to come up with (what I feel is an accurate) Top 15. Of course I inserted the KC solo album for the story.

Here is the top 15:
15. Million Mile Reflection - Charlie Daniels Band
14. Volcano - Jimmy Buffett
13. Rust Never Sleeps - Neil Young
12. Dionne - Dionne Warwick
11. Bad Girls - Donna Summer
10. First Under The Wire - Little River Band
9. Breakfast In America - Supertramp
8. Off The Wall - Michael Jackson
7. Head Games - Foreigner
6. Slow Train Coming - Bob Dylan
5. Candy-O - Cars
4. Get The Knack - The Knack
3. Midnight Magic - Commodores
2. Karen Carpenter
1. In Through The Out Door - Led Zeppelin

Because of the sensitive subject matter in this chapter I almost did not post it. I almost changed it to leave the last part out - thinking that some people may be offended by the events caused by the character Bill. But, I went ahead with it as this will lead to some very interesting legal events which will also hint at a possible conspiracy. With this I also did quite a bit of thinking to keep it as realistic as possible. The escape had to be 100% believable. I had four different escapes planned out - the one I put in the story I felt was the most realistic.

I really enjoyed writing this chapter.

[wisejester7]

Rick,

When was Karen supposed to be on Johnny Carson? Was it just Karen or was it Karen & Richard or was it the Carpenters?

Your story:
The kidnap plot took me by surprise, but I'm now waiting to see the reprecussions and possible conspiracy twists and turns you are creating for our reading pleasure.

Keep it going!

;-)wisejester7

[GoodOldDreams]

admin said:

... With this I also did quite a bit of thinking to keep it as realistic as possible. such as the escape. It had to be 100% believable. I had four different escapes planned out - the one that put in the story I felt was the most realistic...

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I have never really thought of escaping through a small window opening hands first rather than head first (never been in such a predicament luckily). It makes perfect sense now that you have mentioned it — you need your hands to protect and guide your head through, and then help to propel yourself forward by pushing on the window frame on the other side. Thanks Rick for the practical tip for kidnap victims, disaster survivors and captives at dull parties as well! L.O.L.!