Cap Doffers

Since 2018, I’ve been hard at work writing installments of a pulp serial novel called “Cap Doffers.” When I started, I shared the first three chapters out loud at Visible Voice Bookstore to see if they could thrill. The crowd stayed entertained and the book has swung on ever since. Whenever I write a chapter that stands on its own as a complete story with a beginning, middle and end, I always jump at the chance to read it in public.

Chapter 23

Where is it happening?

Visible Voice Bookstore
2258 Professor Avenue Cleveland, OH

When is it happening?

March 18th at 7 pm

“Cap Doffers” is a novel set in 17th century France that tells the story of unabashedly bisexual musketeers who uncover a vampire element within the aristocracy and gather intelligence to thwart their killings and conspiracy. The chapters are designed to build narrative while still feeling episodic in the style of French serial fiction such as “The Three Musketeers,” “Fantoma,” “Judex,” and “Rocambole.” The oldest rules of vampire lore are honored, but the morality of the traditional vampire tale is disrupted, brashly, by the morality of the swashbuckler tale. The story is both at once.

The last aspect that the story holds close to its heart is performance and bravado. The showmanship of the language not only places the story in time, but also confesses and celebrates the human love of image. Characters in the book use the way they talk to fight. With the duel and its three stages of offense, challenge and satisfaction, they use the way they fight to talk. They present, and that is their ultimate self.

What is this book about?

Our heroes have just robbed Count Loveaux, escaping in a night time carriage ride with some of his private correspondences (his letterbook) They hope to read the letters and use them to unmask the other vampires at court, but three visitors have just landed topside of their carriage ceiling.

What is Our Point of Entry for the Drama?

What Kind of Drinks Can I Have While I Listen?

Anything found on the menu here: https://www.visiblevoicebooks.com/wine-beer/