Way back in November, dear friend Sarah of Sarah Potter Writes tagged me for the 777 Challenge. Thanks so much Sarah, and for your patience! Sarah writes speculative fiction, sci-fi & fantasy and is also a wonderful Haiku & tanka poet, all of which she shares on her blog, together with her lovely photographs. She is the loveliest person you could ever meet.
I haven’t heard of this challenge before, but am excited to take part:
‘The 777 challenge requires you go to Page 7 of your work-in-progress, scroll down to Line 7 and share the next 7 lines in a blog post. Once you have done this, you can tag 7 other bloggers to do the same with their work-in-progress.’
As those of you who read my blog regularly know, my WIP is my – as yet untitled – memoir, short blurb here. It is the story of me and my American G.I. told over the course of three years, 1979 – 1981. A fractured love story that begins in Suffolk, England and ends in Los Angeles, it is one blighted by drugs, paranoia, break-ups and make-ups. And then, just as the battle seems won, disaster stikes from which there is no recovery.
I have shared my struggles and frustrations as I go along (and thank you so much for listening), but now that I have at last settled back into my Summerhouse, I am hopeful -and dare I say, confident? – that the first draft will be written by Easter.
Or, as The Little Engine That Could once said: I think I can; I think I can; I think I can…
I’m borrowing this book title and cover until I get my own.
Hope Watty Piper doesn’t mind.
I cheated a bit with my excerpt; it is from page 7 but I added a few more lines. This challenge forced me to revist the first three chapters (which I wrote a year ago) earlier than planned, but I am really glad I did, as I ended up cutting three chapters into one.
This is my line 7 excerpt:
‘But as the sultry tones of Rose Royce singing ‘Wishing on a Star’ drifted through the smoke-filled haze and couples smooched on the dance floor, I made my escape. Winding my way through the throng of a sweaty, boozy crowd, I headed for the entrance, squeezing past a pair of grim-looking bouncers standing guard either side of the doors. “I’ll be going back in, just need some fresh air…” I said as one of them nodded in acknowledgement. The cool, night air melted the stifling heat away in an instant and I lit up a cigarette. Enjoying the solitude, my thoughts were only mildly interrupted by a few raised voices coming from the small group of guys gathered on the pavement opposite. One of them suddenly broke away and walked towards the club. His crew-cut hair, Levi jeans and suede shoes had American G. I. written all over them. Cute American G.I., I smiled to myself. Must be looking for his girlfriend. Taking a last puff of my cigarette, I tossed it in the bin and turned to go back inside. “Excuse me Miss!” I heard in a soft American accent. Miss? Nobody had ever called me ‘Miss’ before. I turned around, surprised, only to stare into the smiling, brown eyes of the cute G.I.
The bloggers I’ve tagged are all amazing and talented writers and lovely people. No obligation, it’s a bit of fun and you’ll be pleased to know that rule-breaking is actively encouraged (shhhh…you didn’t hear that from me…):
Geoff Le Pard of TanGental, a lovely pal and wonderful writer with a fantastic sense of humour, he also just happens to be the published author of Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle, of which I have a signed copy, woo hoo! He is working on the sequel. Can’t wait to read a few words!
Christy Birmingham of Poetic Parfait has recently published her first poetry collection, Pathways to Illumination to wonderful reviews and she is working on a new poetry book. As a lovely new blogging friend, I look forward to reading more of her work and I hope she will share a few words for this challenge!
Evelyne of Evelyne Holingue is an accomplished, published author of two YA books, her first, Trapped in Paris published in September 2012, and her most recent in October lat year, Chronicles From Chateau Moines. I look forward to reading more of my friend’s latest WIP.
Ali of Alien Aura’s Blog, a lovely new blogging friend met through Hugh has published two novels, Come Laughing and Long-Leggety Beasties. Her latest novel which is about the Bloomsbury Group is out in March, sounds fascinating. I hope she will share a few lines ahead of time.
Mike of Eye-Dancers, wonderful writer and super friend from my very early days of blogging, he is the published author of same-named YA novel, The Eye Dancers, and is working on his sequel. Although busy with that at the moment, I hope he will be able to share some excerpts with us, and soon!
Charli of Carrot Ranch Communications is a talented, accomplished writer and a great encourager and wonderful friend to me and many others. I look forward to her weekly Flash Fiction prompts and she doesn’t mind a bit when I ride rough-shod and fancy free over to the Ranch, galloping in at the last minute. She also writes honestly and elequently about her journey to publication and I look forward to reading a few lines of her latest novel in progress for this challenge.
Teagan of Teagan’s Books is a published author of Atonement, Tennessee and is busily scribbing away on its sequel, Atonement in Bloom. As a relatively new blogging friend, I am looking forward to reading more of her wonderful blog and news of her latest novel!
Next week, I will be tagging three talented and wonderful memoir writers as part of another blog writing challenge. Meanwhile, I hope you all have a great weekend!
Thank you so much for the lovely words, Sherri. Yours is looking good – best of luck with the whole thing. xxx
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Thanks so much for yours Ali, and my pleasure! All the very best with your upcoming publication! xxx
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I’m so pleased you got around to taking up this challenge.And thank you for you wonderfully kind words.
A great believer myself in doing things when the spirit moves, you’re definitely not to worry about the time lapse!
How, indeed, could you resist that cute-looking GI? I was once crazy about a guy from Maryland whose English cousin was a friend of mine. He looked like one of the Beach Boys (who, of course, you’ll remember well!). At the age of 18, he had volunteered to fight in Vietnam, and was visiting his family in this country before going out there. Naturally, he wasn’t interested in me (I was 15 and shy as hell at the time) but I can remember dreaming about it being otherwise.
Your memoir is looking good, and I can’t wait to read it. Interesting what you’ve said about cutting three chapters into one. When I’m writing, I often see first chapters as thought-gathering exercises. Sometimes they get dumped altogether. If not this, I weave the most relevant information into later chapters, having started the story in a different place. Thank goodness for word processors. Imagine having to do all those crossings out and scribbles on paper, then typing and retyping the stuff on an old-fashioned typewriter, ending up with bins full of screwed up manuscript.
I must check out those bloggers that you’ve tagged above, when I have a moment.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Sherri. xxxx
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Ahh…thank you so much again Sarah for tagging me, I’ve really enjoyed this challenge for many reasons, including a great editing exercise for those first three chapters! ‘Thought-gathering exercises’ indeed for the first several chapters. I just sort of chucked stuff out there. In later chapters, I’m more measured and so it is taking me longer. Especially now I am getting to the nub of the story, and as with you, I am finding that I’m bringing earlier writing into it. I need to set myself this deadline of Easter, and by putting it ‘out there’ it helps me stay focused. Lord knows I need that!! And yes, totally agree, copy and paste is the best invention ever 😉
Oh those cute American G.I.s. How could we resist? And yes, mine adored the Beach Boys, coming from California 🙂 Actually, at the time we met, I didn’t want a boyfriend (reasons why are in the book so won’t say anymore than that for now…) but I knew as soon as I cast my eyes on this one, I was lost. We were both 18 and it was 1979 so he missed Vietnam thankfully.
Just a thought…I’m hoping (and from what I understand) that it is ok to publish a couple of short excerpts and my book blurb on my blog since I hope to publish traditionally?
Well dear Sarah, great catching up here as promised…let’s see what the week ahead brings, but let’s hope it is full of good things! Hugs to you… xxx
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If you intend to publish traditionally, I think it’s okay to publish book blurb on your blog and maybe a couple of short excerpts, but I’d just pass that one by the Facebook group, as there’s a publisher and an agent there, plus plenty of published authors. There’s probably a certain number of words that are okay. But is really depends upon the publisher. I don’t think they’re quite so fussy these days, or some of them wouldn’t be picking up self-published books and offering the authors traditional publication. On the other hand, there are still publishers who are strict about this and won’t touch anything that has been self-published, even snippets on blogs.
Good for you, Sherri, having set yourself a deadline. Perhaps I should follow your example, as February was a very undisciplined month for me and I can’t let March go the same way.
Hugs to you, too, my dear friend xxxx
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Oh thanks so much for this Sarah, I will do just that. I suddenly got this awful thought that maybe I shouldn’t be publishing anything here about my book. Let’s see what they say over there! Oh I do hope March is a wonderful month for you dear friend…let’s start today and spur one another on! See you over at your pad shortly… 🙂 xxx
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Thank you for tagging me here, Sherri, and for the kind words about my projects too. Your excerpt is wonderful and I look forward to reading more!
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Thank you so much Christy, and you are very welcome! I hope you will be able to take part, and I look forward to reading more of your beautiful poetry 🙂
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This excerpt from your memoir is enticing, Sherri. Already, I’m engaged. 🙂 ❤ ❤
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This thrills me Tess, thank you so much 🙂 ❤ ❤ 😀
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Oh my gosh my dear friend you always leave me longing for more-I cannot wait till your memoir is complete!! Wow, wonderfully written! xoxo ❤
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Thank you so much dear friend!! I am thrilled to know this, music to my ears 🙂 ❤ xoxox
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thank you for the tag Sherri – I came across something like this on Facebook. your extract is great. I wil check the other bloogers too.
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You are very welcome Geoff – apologies for not letting you know ahead of time, last week got away from me (so what’s new pussycat, ha!) but I’m delighted to tag you and can’t wait to read your excerpt (although hopefully no spoilers, ha!).
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You have me; I will give this some thought.
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Great! Thanks so much Geoff!
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Sherri, I popped back to look at your book summary and can’t WAIT to read it! High praise from somebody who can count the number of memoirs she’s read on one hand! And and Easter goal is so perfect – what better season to start a new phase with fresh eyes??
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That is high praise indeed Shel, wow, thank you so much!! And yes…I need to set myself this deadline otherwise I know I’ll keep drifting. I need to keep on track, just like that Little Engine 🙂
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Of course you can, of course you can!
The 777 is an excellent challenge, and your page 7 excerpt is wonderful!
Well done, Sherri.
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Haha…oh Marylin, I can just hear you saying it too! Thank you so much as always for your marvellous encourgement and support 🙂
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That excerpt has me wanting to read more. There’s something about the recollection of a first meeting … This is a great blog challenge!
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Thank you so much Marlene, this truly delights me and encourages me greatly 🙂
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I already can see a great WIP. Love the blurb. Promising.
Like the action here. What made her leave the dance floor shows she’s probably “not used” to pub culture. But she smokes, shows she’s modern. Then the GI entry, and their eyes meet. A random meeting, loved by both.
Can’t wait to read your book, Sherri.
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Thank you so much, as always my friend for your wonderful feedback and encouragement! I am thrilled to know this 🙂 As for her leaving of the dance floor, hmmmm…let’s see what that was all about!
And I am so sorry for taking so long to get back to you re BB. It has been a while now since I watched it but really want to discuss, so taking this opportunity at long last…thanks so much for your patience!!
In the end, I was blown away at how hard Walt became and how he really was doing it all for himself, for the kicks, to feel alive, to feel something after all those years of struggling as a middle-aged teacher with a new baby on the way later in life and money struggles and feeling pretty helpless in his life I would say, although happy enough in his marriage. His terminal illness obviously pushed him into his new venture, shall we say, so we are left wondering if he would have even considered doing such a thing if not for the cancer.
Jesse, in the end, how he fell apart and all that happened to him because of his involvement with Walt, my heart broke for him more than for Walt, strangely. My daughter said she was surprised at that as she knows how utterly anti-drug use I am. In fact, I wasn’t interested in watching BB at first because of this and anything that seems to glorify drug-use is something I am not interested in. But I am also a great believer in making up my mind about something and so thought I would watch it and of course, by the end of the first episode, I was totally hooked 😉 I was so glad Jesse got out at the very end as he crashed through those gates and his pure, wracked emotion was heart-wrenching to say the least.
In the end, how Walt rescued Jesse even though he was the one who gave him up to the gang at the end was very moving. I just loved Walt’s plan at the end wth the gun in the trunk of his car and how he got his revenge on the gang, still managing somehow to save some of the money. How gutting to go through all that only for that gang to find his stash in the desert? And then what happened to Hank and Steve. That was awful. I really hoped Hank would survive.
Well, lots more to discuss, so this at least got things moving my friend. Over to you 😀
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You summed up the last two episodes so well. Will write to you more later, but let’s not forget how WW used Splenda sweetener, and his phone conversation with the lady — was one of the best, talking of giving an antagonist a slow, painful death. Thanks my friend for getting back to me on BB 😄
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Oh gosh yes, you have just reminded me of that! He did become very sly didn’t he? And then the little boy too…all that. Yes, we will get back to this later on my friend! Looking forward to it 😀
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well sherri and M – I have to chime in here – and I liked your summing thoughts sherri – but now come on Mahesh – it was not “splenda” – but stevia!
just kidding –
and they all had given Lydia plenty of chances – and even at the end the way she dissed Walt (in that very ending scene too) shows her coldness.
anyhow, when you two get back to discussing it – well have fun! truly a special show for many reasons – 🙂
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Haha…yes Y, it was Stevia, you’re right! Lydia was a nasty piece of work, no doubt about it. I think I actually need to rewatch the last couple of episodes so I can rememeber all that happened once again, I’m forgetting some things already. We will discuss 🙂
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wow – Excellent page and art! Bravo!!
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Thank you so much Mihran!!
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Great excerpt from your book. I want to read more too!
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Rachel, I am thrilled to know this, makes my day, thank you so much!! 🙂
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Easter – you really have been working hard. Well done and page 7is enticing. Certainly looking forward to reading the whole book. I knew you could , You knew you could , we’re all looking forward to it. ❤ 🙂
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Ahh…thanks so much Irene! I HAD to set myself this deadline, but only because for the very first time, I’m feeling somewhat confident that the end is in sight. But of course, I know that means that the really hard part is yet to come. I’m chugging away, up that hill, and knowing you are right there with me (as I am with you too!) makes the journey that much sweeter 🙂 ❤
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It sure does make that journey easier to share it and know you aren’t alone. 🙂
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Definitely my friend, definitely 🙂 ❤
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Okay, Sherri, you’ve got my email address…I want to read more! 🙂 Great job with your 7 page challenge. You’ve got me and others wanting more. 🙂 Keep writing…I have no doubt you’ll reach your goal! xoxo
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Haha…well, I will now do my very best to make sure that you get to, as soon as possible Jill 😀 Your whip cracking is doing the job, so keep it up, lol 😀 And thank you again so much for your amazing support, you’ve been in my corner from day one and that means so much… 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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You’re so welcome, Sherri. You do the same for me…we crazy folks must stick together. 🙂 I’ll be patiently waiting…
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Haha…yes Jill, we must, it’s the only way… 😉 xoxo
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Hi Sherri,
Thanks for sharing this excerpt of your memoir, Both it and the introduction to it have me intrigued, though I know you have shared hints before. You have a lot of work to do before Easter and I wish you success to equal that of the Little Engine that Could. It is one of my favourite picture books, favoured for its message of persistence and not giving up. 🙂
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Hi Norah! Thank you so much for your wonderful encouragement 🙂 Yes, I will keep chugging up that hill and do my best to reach my goal by Easter! It’s been one year since I started writing it properly so now I really want to steam ahead 😉 And yes, what a deligthful little book, I still have it along with all the others I read to my children. The Little Engine’s message is as every bit as important for us adults as well as the children for whom it is written. A truly deligthful book 🙂
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Best wishes. Keep the pot boiling! 🙂
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Sherri, are you on Twitter? I haven’t been able to locate you if so.
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Thanks so much Norah, and I will do my very best not to let that fire go out 🙂 I’m not on Twitter, no. I keep thinking about getting on there but haven’t done so as yet. I’m worried about taking on more social media until I’m further along with my book. Thanks for looking for me though, and when I do get on there, I’ll be sure to let you know!!
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I love the way you write Sherri. I felt I was right there with you as you saw your handsome G.I. for the first time. Good luck with finishing your memoir. I don’t just THINK you can. I KNOW you can. 🙂 xx
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Ahh…thank you so much Sylvia, you’ve really made my day with your amazingly encouraging comment! Your faith in me warms my heart…and I will do my very best, just like that Little Engine 🙂 xx
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That was wonderful! I’m with the others, I want to read the rest. If I were ever to write a book, it would be memoir. I’m just afraid it won’t be as interesting to others as my life was to me. Finding ways to express how those things that happen, change who you are is a challenge. You do it well from what I’ve seen.
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Thank you so much Marlene, I am greatly encouraged by your wonderful comment! I’ve had this story burning inside me for over 30 years and always knew that oneday I would write it – God willin’ and the creek don’t rise that is, ha! – so it’s about time I got off my you know what and did it! That’s why I set this Easter deadline, to set off full steam ahead now, no more pussyfooting about. I just wish there were more hours in the day though…I have to keep distractions at bay and that is not easy at all. And yes, I understand what you mean about writing memoir. I always thought memoirs were for celebrities, not ordinary folk. In fact, I didn’t even know that the story I wanted to write was a memoir as such. The hope, of course, is that whatever story we are telling, it is interesting to others. I can only but do my best on that front 😉
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Easter!!!! I’m jiggling up and down with excitement 🙂 The ‘end’ is in sight, Sherri, and I’m so happy for you.
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Haha…oh Jo, I can see you now, love it! Seriously though, thanks so much, your ongoing support and encouragement brings me smiles and joy, and I need those today! Bless you 🙂
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Sherri, love this excerpt; I’m hooked already. I can picture the balmy evening, the American soldiers, and you, leaning against the wall having your cigarette. Wonderful vignette.
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Thank you so much Susan, this delights me to know this 🙂
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What a fun challenge and thank you for tagging me, Sherri! You are chugging along on your manuscript and this glimpse makes me excited to read more. You create strong visual images with your writing and I can see the evening unfold. I love the term “American G.I” because it has a romantic quality that is absent in what we call our soldiers in the states. It’s as if in the UK, you recall that they are young men away from home. You are my encourager when the dark dog bites and my friend for sharing stories and family across the pond. Thank you!
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You are so very welcome Charli, thank you so much for taking part and for your lovely words! Yes, I am chugging indeed (and isn’t it strange how thoughts and reminders come to us and all I could think of was The Little Engine That Could!) and keeping that black dog at bay although let me tell you, he is biting hard these days (mornings are the worse, ugggghhhh) but I am NOT going to let him bring you or I down my friend. We encourage and support one another from across the pond, all the way over to Elmira Pond 🙂 I am thrilled to know that you want to read more and ‘feel’ the story that you visualise, that is always my hope, especially as I tend to keep description to a minimum, thanks to great practice from writing flash fiction…thanks to you! And as for my ‘American G.I.’ and all that conjures up for you, I am so happy to know this. My family had ties with American soldiers since WWII when my grandparents took in a few who were homesick. My love affair with America started young 🙂
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Hooked me.
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Woo hoo!!! Thanks so much Lbeth 🙂
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Beautiful and spellbinding. It’s like standing there in time and seeing everything unfold. Wonderful Sherri. Thank you for sharing this.
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Thank you so much my friend, I’m thrilled to read this and for your visit too, wonderful to see you again, you bring me such encouragement 😀
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Page 7 is a cracking page, I look forward to reading more, in that insatiable way that readers often do but then again you know i am a big fan of your words and photos and thoughts anyway. That excerpt was all the more poignant because of what you said will happen later on, the beginning is always exciting but i am also full of trepidation now.
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Thanks so much Ste, this is high praise because of all the books you read and your wonderful reviews, knowing that you are looking forward to reading my story makes me day. I’m spurred on now and in the ‘zone’. I was out of it for a while, filled with all kinds of trouble, angst, you name it. What’s with that? Anyway, your wonderful encouragement makes me smile today and for that my friend, I am truly grateful 😀
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If you ever need encouragement, you just get in touch with me and I will give you a dissertation (with diagrams) about how much I love visiting your blog and enjoying your posts. I always wondered what the zone would look like if you were physically in it? I have an idea the floor would be bright red, not sure why though.
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Oh that’s so nice Ste, I’ll remember that, but you might get tired of me!!! That’s very interesting your thoughts about an actual physical zone. Now that you mention it, I think of it as a pure, white space that is sound proof…
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What a brilliant challenge and one which gives us the chance to read a snippet from your book, Sherri. A great time period as well, 1979 – 1981. I have so many found memories of those times as I’d left school in 1978 and was in my first job just after.
Looking forward to reading the whole book as soon as it becomes available.
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Thank you so much Hugh, I’m thrilled to know this! They were very different times to now weren’t they, even though they don’t seem that long ago! I was ahead of you – just, ha! – by two years, left school in 1976. I feel like I’m back in the late 70s so much as I write my book…listening to the music of the day really does it! I hope I can convey it properly 🙂
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So T-Rex, Slade, Wizard, Bay City Rollers and a little bit of Mud? Just loved the outfits these bands wore as well, Sherri, and all that makeup on men! Goodness, nobody even battered an eyelid then.
I’n very much an 80’s kind of music guy. Give me some Stock, Aiken and Waterman and I’m well away. 🙂
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Haha…yes, crazy times! I was more of a ‘rock chick’ and still am actually Hugh 😉 I was also a bit of a disco diva, loved all that Saturday Night Fever stuff as well as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Journey and Aerosmith. But yes, loved all those you mention, including Mud, except Bay City Rollers!!! And I have to say, I’m not familiar with your 80s music…but then the 80s was a strange time for me so that might explain it 😉
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I love these 777 blog hops. Your passage is fantastic. 🙂
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I had never heard of it before! Thanks so much Sarah, really means a lot that… 🙂 ❤
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Thank you so much Sherri for thinking of me. My mind is like a crowded attic with lots of drafts packed there. I will need to sort them and pick one of them. It will give me an opportunity to feel readers’ pulse. 😊
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My pleasure Evelyne, I am very much looking forward to reading your 777 excerpt and so glad to know you will take part when you can 🙂
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That is a great excerpt, Sherri! Makes me want to read more.:) Thanks so much for including me in this! I look forward to taking part.:) And of course I will bend the rules a bit, I always do! Stay tuned.:) Thanks again!
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Thanks so much Mike! I knew I could count on you, not to mention bringing your own unique rule-bending…ooops, sorry, meant, tweaking…to the challenge 😉 I’m watching this space in great anticipation 🙂
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Why are bouncers so grim looking? I guess it’s part of their job description, right next to Popeye arms. Love this teaser, Sherry. Count me in as completely interested to read more.
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Haha..yes, those Popeye arms!!! Thanks so much TB, I’m thrilled to know that 🙂
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The tone of the book, the atmosphere and the character development can be all found in this brief page seven excerpt, Sherri. This is incredibly addictive, I want to know more. . .
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Thank you so much Robin, I am so encouraged and delighted to know this 🙂
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Congratulations, Sherri, on this challenge. I’m sorry I’ve been out of touch lately but can clearly see how well your writing is going. I’m excited for you on the draft of your new book. Way to go!! Wishing you much continued success, my friend, in the coming months. Just know you’ll be a hit! 🙂
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Thank you so much Pat, always makes my day when you visit. I hope that things went well for you yesterday, and as you wind your way through this necessary and important part of your journey. Have a blessed weekend my friend, may it be filled with peace and joy 🙂
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Me, too, Sherri — always a pleasure to hook up with you again. The appointment went well, thank you, and will be moving onto the next step in the process.
Appreciate the positive energy and warm wishes you were sending my way. It made a difference. Hoping you have a great weekend, too! 🙂
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Ahh, that’s great news Pat, so glad to hear it. Yes, a lovely weekend thanks, and now off to get some things done! Catch up with you soon my friend, hugs and blessings to you… 🙂
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Your 7 lines from page 7 have me hooked 🙂
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Oh wow, thanks so much Marie, you’ve made my Monday 🙂
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I enjoyed the excerpt and best wishes getting done by Easter – wow – this must feel really good to be so close. and you must be a bit tired too – but you can! you can! 🙂
and I could see the smoke in the air with your excerpt….
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Thanks so much mon amie, this thrills me to know this! As I said in my email, I’m not sure I will be done by Easter now, but not long after. I just need to keep chugging away and you help so much with that 🙂 ❤
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yes, – and you actually show some balance with your approach to not rushing – but working steadily. One of the books I read last month (from my wonderful used book collection) was a fifty cent book from a lady named “Bobbie Christmas” and I did not realize the book was packed with tips for writers – I just threw it into my bin and later realized it – anyhow, she said a lesson she learned with writing was to give important works time to breathe- or even “settle” if needed be – and to never rush – and so when I feel your flexibility with the deadline…. I think she would say right on (and I will have to share a couple more nuggets from her book later – it was a nice read).
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Oh Y, what a fabulous piece of advice, I’m so glad you retrieved what proved to be a little gem of a book! I have felt this all along: everytime I’ve thought ‘I really need to get this draft written’ I end up writing some and then taking longer because it really does need time to ‘settle’. The writing process itself brings so many surprises along the way. I never understood why it took writers so long to write a book, years, but now I do!! Anyway, when you have time, I would love to hear some more wonderful nuggets from this book from ‘Bobbie Christmas’. Love that name 😀 Thanks so much mon amie, you are a gem to me ❤ 🙂 ❤
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This is a great excerpt full of atmosphere and detail. Loved it and definitely had me wanting more to read.
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Oh you’ve made my day Annika, thank you so much!
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