Synopsis of Souls of the Black Leaf Forest by A. Craig Newman

Writer's Notes:
This is actually the second manuscript I have ever finished.  My first manuscript was for a book called "Dark City".  It was awful, but, in my defense, I wrote it in high school.
"Black Leaf" is currently in its second drafting.  I'm adding more detail because I don't feel that I delve into the character's motivations enough.  I'm answering questions like:
Why does Vega feel the need to possess everything Chauncey has?
Why is Jefferson so reluctant to lead?
Why does he change his mind?

If you feel up to critiquing some fresh material, let me know. - ACN

Setting: 10 years after the end of the Civil War; near Jasper, Florida

The murder of plantation owner Chauncey Pritcher sets into motion a chain of events that will change the region forever.  For Chauncey, there is no rest for the dead as his spirit haunts the forest that unites all the local lands.  He will not rest until his murder has been avenged. 

Once Chauncey’s will is read, Jefferson (crew chief and one of Chauncey’s best friends) and his fellow ex-slaves find out that they inherit the plantation they used to work.  Chauncey’s will completely shut out his widow, Marla, from his fortune.  Marla marshals her forces (including a militia of local racists led by her lover and town sheriff, Vega) and vies for what she believes to be rightfully hers.  If Jefferson can defeat his own self-doubt and stop his people from falling apart, they must struggle against Marla to keep their newfound wealth. Jefferson finds much needed friendship in a Native American named Aaron White Hawk and his tribe called the Black Leafs.  The Black Leaf Tribe is fighting for their survival and Aaron believes that Jefferson is the man of prophecy who can save the future of their tribe.

Though dead, Chauncey pulls the strings and this macabre dance plays itself out.  Cultures clash as these societies must learn how to coexist or risk destroying themselves.  In the balance rests the futures of Jefferson, his people, and the tribe that has adopted him as one of their own.  

These are “The Souls of the Black Leaf Forest.”