Jake Willoughby reflects on his life growing up on John's Island, South Carolina in the late sixties and his five regretful words that changed many lives. Join the foudroyant journey of adolescence, the struggle between good and bad, the coming of age and the struggle within. You'll be captivated by colorful, southern characters that experience heartfelt and tragic events in their lives. You will laugh, cry, be frightened and mystified as you travel from the marshes of the low country through the deadly jungles of Vietnam and the swift currents of the barrier sea islands. Be careful what you wish for.
About the Author: Slade Belgard was born, raised, and educated in the South Carolina low country. He has done everything from bagging groceries, acting, modeling, bartending, and feeding wild animals in a zoo. He is a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He enjoys drawing, photography, guitar, kayaking and camping as well as hikes in the mountains as well as strolls on his beloved Folly Beach, and the beautiful streets of his hometown, Charleston. Nearly four years ago, he set out to do something that he had always dreamed of doing, write a novel. Through the years he was aware that he had the creativity and capability to do such, but was financially challenged, and never afforded the luxury of time. Determined to fulfill his dreams, and when the opportunity eventually presented itself, his journey as a novelist began. Though without formal training or higher education, he decided to write what he knew most about and what he was most fervent about, his family and himself. Although displaced from his English teacher by nearly forty years, he worked very diligently to use the skills that were taught to him long ago. His writing first began as a children's book because he wanted to make it as unpretentious as possible, but as the story advanced, and his confidence grew, the tale became somewhat of an R-rated adult adventure. After realizing that some of the subject matter may prove too offensive for some, especially his older cousins and mother-in-law, he took the necessary steps to tone down the rather risqué elements in the story. This arduous task became a complete overhaul of the story, thus enduring the majority of the stages involved, including the proofreading, editing, and publishing. As an artist, he continues to work on new projects and challenges. He is currently working on Volume II of the Mystic Creek Trilogy and hopes you will join him as the Willoughby saga continues.