Overcoming Adversity blogfest

Today, I'm taking part in Nick Wilford's Overcoming Adversity blogfest. Nick's step-son Andrew suffers from cerebral palsy, and higher education options are limited for him in their home country of Scotland. To offer Andrew the best education, Nick and his family have decided to send Andrew to school in England, but the fees are expensive. So, Nick has come up with the idea of creating an anthology with short stories - fictional or personal - about  Overcoming Adversity; the proceeds of which will go towards Andrew's college fund. 

The Rules:

• Sign up on the linky list below
• Please keep your entry to 500 words
• Please post on either Monday 4th or Tuesday 5th February
• I'd better say, keep it family-friendly! I'm sure it will be anyway.

Here's my entry:

I Wasn’t Going to Let Him Down.

“Beans on toasts again, Mum,” Bobbie said, his stomach rumbling in protest.

“I’m sorry, love, money’s tight right now,” I said, making sure he had two slices of toast and most of the beans, despite my hunger pains. “Tomorrow will be better.”

It was a promise I intended to keep, as I watched my five-year-old son gobble down his breakfast. Since his dad had left, things had been tough. Finding work when you were a single mum was never easy, but I was determined to do my best. 

After a quick wash, and a glass of milk – finishing the last in the carton, I didn’t mind not having any with my morning coffee so Bobbie wouldn’t go to school hungry – we dashed out of the house in a blur of gloves, hats and autumn leaves. 

When Bobbie was safely in the teacher’s care, I headed into town, hell bent on finding a job today.  I trawled the high street, going into every café and shop asking if they needed extra staff. With every rejection, my spirit didn’t dampen. When I thought about giving up, I just remembered Bobbie’s eager face, and how he’d absolutely believed me when I said tomorrow would be better.

I wasn’t going to let him down.

Even when three o’clock was nearing, and it was almost time for me to collect Bobbie from school, I didn’t give up.  So what if nowhere in town was currently hiring? Somewhere would be.

That’s when I spotted the sign in the butcher’s shop window: ‘Help Wanted’.

I asked the guy behind the meat counter what the job entailed. The thought of lifting heavy deliveries, or cleaning up meat trimmings didn’t put me off. It was good honest work that paid well. I’d give it my all.

“I can start tomorrow,” I said. “There’s just one thing … can I get an advance. I wouldn’t normally ask, but I’ve got no money, and my son needs feeding.”

Mr. Lloyd smiled kindly. “I remember what it was like having kids. I won’t be able to give you an advance, but I can probably help you out with some groceries. You’ll have to make it up to me by coming in an hour early tomorrow though.”

“Sure, anything you want. Thank you so much.”

I walked to the school to collect Bobbie with a spring in my step. I’d done it; I’d got a job and something for dinner tonight. Bobbie chatted all the way home about what he’d done that day. It wasn’t until we reached the flat that his stomach rumbled. 

“What’s for tea Mum?” Bobbie asked, pulling off his coat and gloves as we clambered in through the front door. “Not beans on toast again, please?”

“Oh god no,” I said, barely containing my grin. “How do you fancy, burgers and chips with all the trimmings and a strawberry milkshake.”

Bobbie squealed in delight, and threw his arms around my neck.

 


**


Please check out all the other entries, links to which can be found on Nick's blog.

On an unrelated note, there's still a week left to enter my One Year Blogaversary £15 Amazon Voucher Giveaway.

GHOSTS (and the girls who love them!) BLOG-HOP.

Today I'm here with Jessa Russo's GHOSTS (and the girls who love them!) BLOG-HOP, which Jessa is hosting in honour of her forthcoming paranormal romance, EVER, released on 1st October 2012 - make sure you check it out, I'm reading it now and it's awesome. 

Also, make sure you check back here on9th November, for my review of EVER. 

Here's what Jessa had to say about the bloghop:

Write a flash fiction piece, no less than 300 words, and no more than 1000 words, inspired by EVER's main theme: GHOSTLY PARANORMAL ROMANCE. It can be sweet, scary, sexy, young adult, middle grade, adult, etc. My only requirement aside from sticking with the theme of ghosts is NO PORN. A little erotica is fine, but nothing crazy, please. Keep it classy. ;-)

Thanks to Jessa for hosting this excellent hop and offering prizes, and also thank you to all those judging or who also offered prizes. Additional thanks to my Hubby and new critique group, UnbornWriters, who offered their advice and in put.

Blessed with a Second Chance

    Today should be the happiest day of my life. It was one of the happiest days of my life, though also tinged with sadness

     When Daniel and I started dating, it was a huge step forwards for me, but I never thought I'd get married again.

Until today.

When Daniel dropped down on one knee in front of our friends and family, I wanted to say yes, my heart screamed the words, but something different left my mouth.

     Panic rose in my chest like a band around my lungs. "I need more time." I gasped for air, as I saw the hurt in Daniel's eyes.

      I ran from the restaurant without another word, and didn't stop running until I got to him.

     I looked down at the lovingly tended marble headstone.

Joseph Roberts

Loving Husband, Brother and Son

June 23^rd 1980-December 12^th 2007

     When we got married at twenty-two, they'd said we were too young. I wish we'd done it sooner. Five years wasn't enough time.

     "Joey, I miss you."

     The wind whispered through the trees as if to answer.

     "What do I do?" I knelt and I ran my fingers across the inscription.

     "Trust your heart," the sound of his voice in my head was so clear, so real, I could have sworn he was standing behind me.

     Rising, I took a step backwards, seeking his embrace, and stepped into the warmth of his arms. I closed my eyes, imagining he was holding me. Five years without his touch, but still I craved it in my time of need.

     When I opened my eyes again, he was there.

     "How?" My voice was barely a whisper. I reached out a fingertip to caresses Joseph's cheek, as tears blurred my vision. I blinked away the droplets desperately. I wasn't going crazy. He was really there.

     "I don't know how, but we've been given this time together."

     "Joey, don't let me go." I clung to the flesh and bones I thought I'd never feel again.

     For a few moments, we stood in silence as I lost myself in the feel and scent of him. Every sensation I'd missed so much since he'd left me.

     "Tell me about him." Joseph didn't need to use the name for me to know he meant Daniel.

     "You'd like him. I think if you met under different circumstances, you'd be friends. He's kind, and funny, and loves the outdoors too. He looks after me."

     Smiling, Joseph cupped my face. "I'm so glad you're happy."

     Having his hand on my skin was like he'd never left me. I grasped his fingers and brought them to my mouth, brushing my lips lightly across his knuckles. Joseph's wedding band glinted. I instantly felt guilty as I remembered the enormous solitaire diamond Daniel had presented me with.

     "What's wrong?" He slipped his fingers under my chin, and tilted my head up so our eyes met. I stared into the pools of blue, never wanting to leave this moment. The tears I'd kept at bay threatened to return. "Abby, what is it?"

     "Daniel asked me to marry him."

     "That's fantastic news." My head dropped and Joseph pulled his lip between his bottom teeth. "Isn't it?"

     "I don't know. I'm not ready."

     The earlier tightness in my chest returned.

     "Not ready for what? To marry again or let me go?"

     "Both."

     "Abby, you've got to move on. I'm the ghost here, not you."

     "How do I do that without you?"

     "Like you have been for the last five years. Go out there and live. Laugh, cry, love, hurt. Experience all that life has to give you." I heard the determination in his voice, that tone he used when he knew I was being stubborn. One of the many things I loved about him was that he could always make me see the right path, even when I was being too bull-headed to follow it.

     "With Daniel?"

     "If that's what you want. You said he was a good man, that he made you happy."

     He did make me happy in ways I thought only Joseph could. That only increased my guilt though. Should I deny myself this joy?

     "You don't mind?"

     "Not if it makes you happy."

     "What about you? What makes you happy now that you're … " I couldn't bring myself to say the words.

     "I'm not really allowed to say, but I'm at peace. I'm happy."

     "That's good."

     We lapsed into silence again, as I battled the fears that had been gnawing at me since Daniel and I had gotten serious. Always knowing how to sooth me, Joseph ran one strong hand down my back.

     "What happens if I marry Daniel and it doesn't work out? Or worse, what if I lose him too?"

     His eyes shone with tears for a moment. "Would you have still married me if you'd have known we'd only have five years together?"

     "Of course, in a heartbeat," I said without hesitation. The only thing about our relationship that left me with regrets was how little time we'd had together.

     "Then there's your answer. Enjoy today, Abby. Don't dwell on tomorrow." There was that tone again, the one that told me I was being mulish.

     He took a step away from me, his image flickered and weakened. I knew we didn't have long.

     "I love you," I said, reaching for him desperately, but it was too late.

     "I love you, too."

     I sensed his presence leaving, and I could no longer see his face.

     "Will I see you again?"

     "On the other side, yes. But it's not your time for that … " Joseph's words turned to whispers on the trees, and I was alone. Though I knew I'd never truly be by myself. Joseph would remain in my heart, and if I chose - Daniel by my side.

     I realised how lucky I was, blessed with a second chance.

NA Pitch Contest, July Follow My Lead Fiction Contest and Teaser Tuesday

You're all going to be sick of me by the end of the week, aren't you?

With the Buccaneer Blogfest happening, I wasn't going to blog today, but it seems I have too much to say! LOL

First, in case I haven't mentioned it enough, the New Adult Pitch Contest is happening RIGHT NOW! It's open until 23:59 on July 10th, 2012 OR if 100 pitches are received, whichever comes first. WINNERS of the pitch contest will be chosen by Heather Howland of Entangled Publishing and literary agent Sara Megibow. The prizes are an undetermined number of full (maybe partial) requests.

So, if you've got a NA novel and you haven't gotten your butt over to the contest do so NOW!

Talking of contests (you know I can't get enough of them), Candilynn Fite is hosting the Follow My Lead Fiction Contest. All you've got to do is write a 300 word flash fiction, using the image provided on Candilynn's site as a prompt. The prize on offer is Catherine Stine's Fireseed One.

Here's my entry:

You watch the fireworks, as I watch you. Everyone else is caught up in the excitement of a New Year dawning, but not you. Your long dark hair is untied as you quietly contemplate the future ahead of you. You're framed by the open window, as you perch on the sill, caught in the night breeze and unaware of those around you. For you, it doesn't matter if Natasha Phillips is kissing Ryan Brierly, or if Nathan Fellows is throwing up in the plant pot. All that matters to you is the dark night sky, illuminated by showers of green, red, and gold.

At the calls of "Happy New Year, " you turn your head as the light reflects in your bright blue eyes. You smile, an action that highlights your whole face, and repeat the greeting.

Your bare legs dangle inches above the floor, your glossy red toe nails just brushing the wooden boards. You're always barefoot, I don't think I've ever seen you with shoes on, even outside.

You accept a drink from Hayley, some florescent green concoction that's probably highly alcoholic. You purse your lips as you take a sip, your, usually undefined, Adam's apple bobbing as the cocktail makes it way down. Then you scrunch your face up, your nose wrinkling and your eyes closing, as I've seen them do when you eat a jalapeño.

You catch my eye, and smile again. "Happy New Year, Jason," you say brightly, noticing me for the first time all night, and never knowing how much you mean to me.

Hubby entered too, so go along and cheer him on. His entry is all kinds of awesome, and could be the start of a bigger story.

Finally, I've seen a few people taking part in Teaser Tuesdays, and wanted to join in, as I have a great series to share.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
  
  
  

I'm cheating a little, and rather than giving my current read, I wanted to give a teaser from the book I finished this weekend. Supernaturally the second book in the Paranormalcy trilogy by Kiersten White (the final book is released on 24^th July 2012).

The Paranormalcy trilogy are what paranormal romance novels should be like. Evie, the series' herione is sassy, funny, and endearing. The mythology is original and interesting. The plots are gripping. And the boys are hot!!

Here's a two sentence teaser:

"Oh, bleep. I was going to die. I was going to die a horrible, gruesome, painful death."

Okay, I'll be back tomorrow with day two of the Buccaneer Blogfest. Everyone have a lovely day. 

Second Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest

Today it's Cherie Reich's 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest.

Here's a quick reminder of the rules: 

1. Entries must begin with the two words: Lightning flashed. 

2. Entries must be 300 words or less and be in prose. I'm not versed enough in poetry verse to judge it properly. 

3. Entries must be posted on your blog between May 21 - 23. 
4. You must sign up in the linky below to have your entry be counted. 

And here's my entry: 

Lightning flashed illuminating the black, leathery wings of the creature. Asta had never seen anything like it before. The span of its wings were as wide as the length of a fallen tree, dwarfing her small, lithe frame, and shrouding her in shadow. She could feel the hot breath of the monster on her skin, making it burn and blister. She looked up into deep red eyes, glittering like rubies. Rows of teeth, shining dully like steel in the mouth of the beast, sharp as daggers and almost as long. Blood dripped down from the over-sized incisors, a drop landing on one of her canvas shoes. The stain bloomed on the grey material like an unnatural blot of ink. The stench was unbearable; rotting, burnt, rancid meat. She reached out a tentative hand and touched the its snout. It was hot under her fingertips, like coals left in a fire, and as tough as scale armour. Tales of legend swirled in her mind. She knew no such beast still existed, yet the inexplicable truth was there in front of her. A single word hovered on the tip of her tongue that Asta knew, if spoken, would change the shape of the world. Yet she could not stop as the horrifying truth tumbled from her lips. "Dragon," she breathed.