Yay for Lindsay Harrel! She won the drawing for two books by author Elizabeth Musser. I used a random number generator to identify the winner. My thanks, again, to Elizabeth and her publisher, David C. Cook, for providing the books for the giveaway.
The way fun Jessica R. Patch tagged me in a fun meme last week (yes, I’ve been waiting for a reason to use the word meme for some time now). I’m supposed to go to the 77th page of my current manuscript, go down seven lines and then share the next seven lines/paragraphs.
Since I’m all about compliance (snicker * snicker * snort * snort), I’m acquiescing.
Well, almost. In my current WIP, I’ve saved each chapter separately, so I really have no idea which is my 77th page. I know I could figure it out, but that’s just way too much math, people.
Instead, I went back to my second completed manuscript–From The Ground Up. These seven paragraphs are from a scene in the heroine’s point of view:
Suspicion crawled into his eyes above stubble-covered cheeks. He shook his head. “Not buying. The place smelled like a forest when I got home earlier. Someone already went PineSol ballistic.”
Okay, just to quell any concerns: Yes, there is someone named Blaze in my story. There’s also a really good reason. I realize that name could come off sounding risque…and yeah, he plays the heroine’s fake husband. If you think that’s bad, she’s also got a former fiance and a nosy reporter running around causing trouble. Good times, in my world of make believe, good times.
For those of you who are writers, consider yourselves duly tagged.
For the rest of you, just tell me, do you think all us writers are slightly whacked?
And everyone, do these seven paragraphs make you want to read From The Ground Up? Do you think it’s going to be an award-winning, best-seller someday? Yes, I’m fishing here, but I figure if enough people say yes, surely some dude from Harper Collins or Random House will come calling.
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Oh, I love this! And, yes! I’d love to read the rest of the book! I think I’ll use this tag for my blog Friday!
In that case, I will look forward to stopping by your blog on Friday, Pat!
Congrats to Lindsay! This is her lucky day – I just saw her name on another giveaway!!
Yes, writers are a bit strange, but we’ve been dominating culture for centuries – so what does that say for the rest of the world?
Great excerpt! I’ll have to play along sometime soon.
Dominating culture for centuries. I like that!
And yeah, I saw Lindsay’s name on another blog, too. She should be smiling this morning.
Wow, what a way to start my week!
So excited!
And yay, we’re blog twins again. Ha.
And yes, writers are wacky. But that’s why we all get along so well!
And in reply to Gabe’s comment: I haven’t seen the second giveaway with my name attached yet. Off to sniff it out.
I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but it’a a big win and you can locate it on Beth Vogt’s site…
Hehe, yes, you should probably go to Beth’s blog right now, Lindsay.
And everyone else should go to Lindsay’s blog, too, to read her excerpt. Sidenote: “excerpt” is one of those words that looks so wrong even when spelled right.
Oh, and Linds, I don’t think I have your mailing address…
Oh, wow: It is Lindsay’s day, isn’t it?!
Love this blog today, Melissa.
Blaze, hhhhmmmm?
I had no idea you wrote that kind of book … wait, you said you didn’t write that kind of book.
*snort*
I know you don’t.
And, yes, I will read anything you write. You are one of my favorite writers!
Yes, it is, indeed!
Haha, noooo…I don’t write “that” kind of book. I’m actually writing a new novel now all about Blaze, but I’ve reverted to Blake. He’s decided to take himself a little more seriously now. Okay, not too seriously…’cause he wouldn’t be the Blaze/Blake I know and love if he wasn’t a little off-kilter.
And thanks for saying you’ll read anything I write. That makes me smile.
Do you think it’s going to be an award-winning, best-seller someday? Absolutely!! I loved it.
I actually know a Blaze, and that’s his real name.
Oh, that’s sweet that you know a real Blaze. I’d love to hear the story behind his parents choosing that name.
Fun post, Melissa! Started my Monday with a smile!
Thanks, Michelle!
Loved it!
And I loved the name Blaze…
Fun post!
Thanks, Loree!
Yeah, you got me, I want to read the rest. So get it published already–oh twere it that easy:)And yes, we writers are slightly whacked…
Oh yes, how I wish it was that easy.
Your writing is JUST like you. Bubbly and fun, but with a serious undertone. I ♥ it. :-))
Aww, thanks, Casey!
LOL, I love your humor, Melissa! Sounds like my favorite kind of read.
Thanks, Sarah. A feel like a story just isn’t right without a good dose of laughter.
I liked this excerpt! You’re style definitely sounds like something I’d read
Thanks, Cindy!
Can’t believe I missed catching this yesterday. I also agree this is best-seller quality stuff. In fact, someone is slow in their recognition abilities, or this would already be in print. I’m sure that oversight will be corrected soon and we’ll be celebrating!
Hehe, thanks, Dee. Hopefully someday it will be in print, but for now, I’m going to be happy with having fun writing and waiting for the right timing.
I HAVE read the paragraphs before AND after, yes….the whole book! Remember when you kids would sing song, “na na na boo boo!” Gotta admit, it went through my mind! Great book! Not just a mom saying this, because as I read Melissa’s novels, I often forget who wrote it and just enjoy the read. Except, there are at least two things that keep reminding me, wow, Melissa wrote this book! #1. When I drop a chapter and pages fly all over the place–gotta say, I will be happy for the bound copy when it is out!! #2.When things pop up in them that are taken from real life! And I want to say what one of those things is soooo bad! But I won’t. But it has to do with Blazes name. And it has to do with Melissa. And it is so funny. Set a watch oh Lord over the door of my lips! Ok, the temptation to spill has been overcome. Have a great day Melissa. Love you!
I laughed out loud at this, Mom. Good job not spilling anything. Way to resist temptation. LOL!! You can feel good that you are the only person who has read the whole book, so far.
Oh, I love Blaze/Blake. Especially in my new story…he may be a fake husband in From the Ground Up, but he takes a turn for the honest/noble in the next book.
You crack me up! Bring on Random House and Harper Collins! I loved it and yes, yes, I’d love to read the whole blasted thing! “wazoo” I love that word. hee hee
I know, wazoo is so fun to say!!
p.s. Thanks for tagging me!!