Twain's Portrait
Just imagine what Sonoma County, California might have been like if the Mexicans and Russians had never left. What if they discovered the gold in the Sierras and used it to finance two vigorous coastal empires with their border at the Russian River?
What if Mark Twain toured this alternative northern California in 1879, writing about his adventures in letters to the Atlantic Monthly? What if he met up with painter John Singer Sargent, who sketched and painted the sights?
Twain's Portrait is an illustrated novel based on this premise. I'm about one third done with it, and will post new chapters as they are completed. I'd like to hear from readers, so send me an email if you have any feedback you'd like to share.
Twain's Portrait chapter 1 - Arrival
Twain's Portrait chapter 2 - Petalumo