Overcoming Adversity Launch

Last month, you may remember me taking part in Nick Wilford's Overcoming Adversity bloghop, a bloghop where participates wrote a small piece - either fictional or real life - about overcoming adversity. Nick then compiled the entries into an anthology, the proceeds of which are going towards the college fund of his stepson Andrew, who has cerebral palsy. 

Well, the anthology is now live, so you can all check it out! 

Blurb: A collection of seventy moving and uplifting original pieces - real life, flash fiction, and poetry - about battling against the odds and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The contributors include Amazon bestselling authors Alex J. Cavanaugh and Kyra Lennon, and the cream of upcoming talent. 

The anthology is part of a fundraising effort to send the editor's stepson, Andrew McNaughton, to a specialist college in England. Andrew has cerebral palsy, and is a remarkable young man with a promising future. However, the free further education options offered in his own country of Scotland will not challenge him and allow him to progress. In order to access the education he deserves, Andrew will have to pay exorbitant fees, thus creating a situation of discrimination. 

Help us get Andrew to college by buying a book that runs the full gamut of human emotions, ultimately leaving you inspired and glad to be alive. Whatever struggles you are going through, our sincere hope is that this book will help. 

The cover was designed by D.R. Cartwright (DRC) from a concept by Ella Wilson - two awesomely creative ladies!

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Smashwords | Goodreads

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Editor Bio: Nick Wilford is a writer and stay-at-home dad. Once a journalist, he now makes use of those rare times when the house is quiet to explore the realms of fiction. When not writing he can usually be found spending time with his family or cleaning something. He has four short stories published in Writer’s Muse magazine. Nick is also co-running a campaign to get a dedicated specialist college built in Scotland. Visit him at http://nickwilford.blogspot.co.uk/.

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.

 


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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.

Romantic Friday Writers: Challenge No 45

Today I saw that Candilynn Fite had taken part in Donna Hole and Denise Covey's Romantic Friday Writers Challenge, and decided to have a crack myself. Candilynn wrote an excellent poem about envy, you should check it out. 

Here's what Donna Hole and Denise Covey had to say about the Romantic Friday Writers Challenge.
  
Romantic Friday Writers: Challenge No 45- Oh How I Hate My Beautiful Friend!

Your story. Your poem. Your way. All we ask is that you keep it under 400 words and include a romantic element. 

Challenge open to all! Just write your story/poem, post to your blog, copy the DIRECT link, submit your link at the bottom of the linky.
Linky will close Sunday evening AEST time. Contact Denise at den.covey@gmail.com if you have any problems linking.
Read/comment on as many entries as you can over the weekend. Return on Wednesday for the Wrap Up post and mini critique on all entries.

Click here to sign up yourself.

Here's my offering, a 395 piece entitled Someone Notices Me.

Someone Notices Me

I haven’t always hated Brooke. When we were both scrawny kids with scrapes on our knees, and dirt on our clothes, she was my comrade, my sister in arms against the kids from across the street.

Now I wonder if she remembers those days at all.

My eyes linger on her as she bats her eyelashes, tosses her long blonde hair, and smiles her perfect smile; teeth pearly white behind glossy lips.

All eyes are on her. No one sees me, plain old Jessica. I might as well be invisible.

Brooke’s transformation from weedy kid with pigtails had been like the ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan. Mine had been less kind.

Taller than average, with athletic legs and a flat chest, the only time I get attention is on the basketball court. At a party like this, I’m practically unseen.

The guys laugh, Brooke giggles, and I go on being ignored. I don’t even know why I’m at this stupid party. Brooke doesn’t need me here, and no one else would notice if I left, but something compels me to stay. I must be a masochist.

I feel a presence beside me, and turn to see Jake – star of the football team – sitting beside me with two red Dixie cups in his hands.

“Hey,” he greets with a grin. “I got you a Coke.”

“Thanks,” I say, taking the offering.

“I saw your basketball game last night, you were terrific.”

I wonder if this is some new attempt to get into Brooke’s pants, by befriending her dorky pal, but I smile and accept the compliment. “Thanks.”

“How long have you been playing?”

All my life, I’ve always loved basketball. “Just this year.” I never had the confidence to join the team before.

“Impressive, you’re more talented than some of the most experienced players on the team.”

My cheeks flush. No one has ever paid me this much attention before. I look at Jake, all muscles, dark hair and dimples, and catch him staring at me. He’s the only guy in the room not focusing on Brooke; I have his undivided attention as he gazes into my eyes.

His blue eyes sparkle as he takes my hand and asks, “Hey Jess, wanna go to the movies with me tomorrow?”

For the first time in my life, someone notices me. “Yeah, okay.”