Lindsay Rice, is a writer, tutor and Deadhead. Lindsay has been writing poetry and prose since middle school and won a National Scholastic Writing Award at a young age. Her poem, “Elementals I” was published in the Green Hills Literary Lantern. Lindsay studied poetry and fiction at The University of Iowa and draws inspiration from her travels and love of music. Birdenwheel is her first novel, and encompasses magical realism and historical fiction. Lindsay is currently the president of nonprofit Whispering Prairie Press in Kansas City, MO, and currently resides in Grand County, Colorado.

Birdenwheel: Novel set in the Grateful Dead scene of 91′-94′

Set in New Mexico, Southern California and across the United States, this novel incorporates the music of the Grateful Dead…its magic, storytelling and roots.

Devon Maxwell, ex-con and Deadhead, longs to be a father to his seven-year-old daughter, but her mother tries to keep him away. At the same time, he seeks a metaphysical escape and wants to transform into a raven.

Twenty-something Rowen avoids his own grief after the death of his mom by continually following The Grateful Dead. He lures a beautiful teenager, Cass, into the scene with him; she defies her mom as she enters the Deadhead world and navigates her first relationship.

Meanwhile, Rowen’s grandmother tracks the mystery of an old quilt hanging on the wall of her remote New Mexico cabin. She connects with her musical ancestor from 1890s Appalachia who traveled the country looking for work, and directs his influence toward her grandson.

And the Grateful Dead summer tour progresses…