Neil’s book “Waging Heavy Peace” is now in the hands of ravenous Neil fans, many old and now needing reading glasses. 
Meanwhile fellow Canadian Sharry Wilson continues to work on her book about Neil’s childhood.
And then there is Victoria Cavaleri and her incredible story sharing Neil’s early years.
“Expecting to Fly” is Vicky’s personal memoir and documents the period in 1966 when Vicki and her good friend Donna Port befriended Buffalo Springfield, Neil, and other famous rock ‘n rolls stars just getting started. She also dated Jefferson Airplane’s Marty Balin.
The story was published in two parts in Broken Arrow magazine, a publication of the Neil Young Appreciation Society. Vicky’s goal is to someday see her story made into a movie.
Here is an exclusive HH interview with the author.
What were you feeling as you wrote this memoir, what was your inspiration?
Looking back at your own life is a very cathartic experience. You see things so differently. I felt lucky to have had both Neil and Marty in my life during a time of great turmoil for me. When Neil opened Pandora’s box – 30 years after the fact- it was like he validated who we were to one another. ETF is a love letter to Neil…..
When did you start writing it?
In 1995, with a couple of screen writers. We wrote a 35-page film treatment and sent it to Neil. A lot happened to slow things down, life lessons I had to learn.
Now that youv’e had your story published in NYAS, what’s next?
It really should be a movie…..
If it’s a movie who do you think should play you? Play Neil?
For Vicki Avril Lavigne and for Neil Lucas Nelson.
Everyone who has read the story is wondering…..why did you pick the other guy and not Neil?
I didn’t know I had a choice. I hoped that came across in the story. It is difficult writing in first person, I couldn’t come right out and say it. Neil was my close friend and I loved him, I bearly knew John, it was a crazy move that turned out better than it should have.
Your story captures so well images of growing up during that time and introduces us personally to so many now famous stars who were just starting out. How did this part of your life impact the rest of your life.
I think all of us, both the people who became famous and the others left behind at the “Sad Cafe” have made peace with our past history. I missed Neil…I would hear his songs and ask Donna, do you think that song is about me. She always said NO until his revised Decade album came out. Neil changed the songs to the order written instead of the order recorded. After that Donna said “you must be very happy”.
Any regrets or what ifs?
Regrets…I believed that you had to earn love and it was faulty thinking.. My relationship with Neil was a gift, a blessing..I didn’t have to earn it but I thought I did. What if things had been different, it would have been great, I would have been living the dream we had but you can’t go back.
Have you kept in contact with Neil?
James Mazzeo told me not long ago “I can tell Neil loves you by the way he says your name.” Is that contact? I did see Neil a few times in the 60′s and the 70′s and then again in the 90′s. Our paths seem to cross just when I least expect it.
What do you want readers to come away with after they read your story?
The wonder of it all and a sense of who these artists are and how magical the time was. I hope the reader feels what we lived.
Vicky can be reached at expect2fly@aim.com
Neil Young Appreciation Society: http://www.nyas.org.uk/
Meanwhile fellow Canadian Sharry Wilson continues to work on her book about Neil’s childhood.
And then there is Victoria Cavaleri and her incredible story sharing Neil’s early years.
“Expecting to Fly” is Vicky’s personal memoir and documents the period in 1966 when Vicki and her good friend Donna Port befriended Buffalo Springfield, Neil, and other famous rock ‘n rolls stars just getting started. She also dated Jefferson Airplane’s Marty Balin.
The story was published in two parts in Broken Arrow magazine, a publication of the Neil Young Appreciation Society. Vicky’s goal is to someday see her story made into a movie.
Here is an exclusive HH interview with the author.What were you feeling as you wrote this memoir, what was your inspiration?
Looking back at your own life is a very cathartic experience. You see things so differently. I felt lucky to have had both Neil and Marty in my life during a time of great turmoil for me. When Neil opened Pandora’s box – 30 years after the fact- it was like he validated who we were to one another. ETF is a love letter to Neil…..
When did you start writing it?
In 1995, with a couple of screen writers. We wrote a 35-page film treatment and sent it to Neil. A lot happened to slow things down, life lessons I had to learn.
Now that youv’e had your story published in NYAS, what’s next?
It really should be a movie…..
If it’s a movie who do you think should play you? Play Neil?
For Vicki Avril Lavigne and for Neil Lucas Nelson.
Everyone who has read the story is wondering…..why did you pick the other guy and not Neil?
I didn’t know I had a choice. I hoped that came across in the story. It is difficult writing in first person, I couldn’t come right out and say it. Neil was my close friend and I loved him, I bearly knew John, it was a crazy move that turned out better than it should have.
Your story captures so well images of growing up during that time and introduces us personally to so many now famous stars who were just starting out. How did this part of your life impact the rest of your life.
I think all of us, both the people who became famous and the others left behind at the “Sad Cafe” have made peace with our past history. I missed Neil…I would hear his songs and ask Donna, do you think that song is about me. She always said NO until his revised Decade album came out. Neil changed the songs to the order written instead of the order recorded. After that Donna said “you must be very happy”.
Any regrets or what ifs?
Regrets…I believed that you had to earn love and it was faulty thinking.. My relationship with Neil was a gift, a blessing..I didn’t have to earn it but I thought I did. What if things had been different, it would have been great, I would have been living the dream we had but you can’t go back.
Have you kept in contact with Neil?
James Mazzeo told me not long ago “I can tell Neil loves you by the way he says your name.” Is that contact? I did see Neil a few times in the 60′s and the 70′s and then again in the 90′s. Our paths seem to cross just when I least expect it.
What do you want readers to come away with after they read your story?
The wonder of it all and a sense of who these artists are and how magical the time was. I hope the reader feels what we lived.
Vicky can be reached at expect2fly@aim.com
Neil Young Appreciation Society: http://www.nyas.org.uk/
Many thanks to Sharon and the team at Human Highway for their interest in Expecting To Fly...
