Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The 777 Challenge

I'm sure many of you have heard of this thing going around the blogosphere referred to as the 777 Challenge. So I was stoked when my good friend and critique partner, Leandra Wallace, tagged me for the challenge. I've been trying to decide what WIP I want to share with you all, and I finally decided on a contemporary romance I wrote about a year ago. It's been "sitting" for a while, but still desperately needs to be revised. And when the time comes, I may need some beta readers...

                                                                             ~~~~~


She glanced at her neighbors across the aisle; a young couple cuddled up together, the girl’s head resting on the boy’s shoulder. A twinge of jealousy washed over her. She and Jack used to be like that. Young and in love and barely able to keep their hands off each other, but somewhere along the way things changed. He changed. She changed. They grew apart.

An ache started in Tara’s chest and moved up her throat. She tried to swallow the lump that formed, but she couldn’t get rid of it, almost as if she had a giant chicken bone lodged there, making it nearly impossible to swallow and even more impossible to breathe. Tears stung her eyes as a thousand memories flooded forth. Memories of good times, laughter, and a distinct fire between her and Jack. A fire that over time diminished and then gradually extinguished.

Turning away from the couple, she focused on the wispy clouds and quickly wiped her tears. She wouldn’t cry over him. She refused to give him the satisfaction.

Focus on the anger. Focus on the anger. 

Unfortunately, even those words couldn’t ease the pain in her chest and ache in her heart.
      ~~~~~

So, here's how the Challenge works. Choose a manuscript or WIP, find the 7th page, scroll down to the 7th line, and share the next 7 lines or so. Piece of cake. And now, I get to choose who I want to tag for this fun challenge....

        >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Drum Roll Please>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


My amazing blogger buddies: Elizabeth SeckmanSheri Larsen, Chrys FeyCrystal Collier


And any of YOU who want to join the fun, feel free. Just post your excerpt in the comments below or on your own blog!

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

13 comments:

  1. You tagged me? YAY! :D I'll put my 7 lines up as soon as I can, but it may be some time next week. Thank you for tagging me!

    I loved the piece you shared! It's full of emotion and heartache. "Focus on the anger." That's something I've told myself. Well done! I hope my excerpt can measure up. ;)

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    1. Yay! You want to join the fun! And thanks, so glad you liked my excerpt. :)

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  2. Yippee! Thanks for the tag. I loved this excerpt, btw. Great emotions there and you left me wanting more of the story. You've got a lovely writing voice.

    Okay, I'll play, but it's going to take me a few (several) weeks. After the blog tour, I decided I deserved some time off--you know, time to prep for the baby. We're headed out on vacation a week from Thursday, and the rest of December is going to be my down time. I'll share my excerpt the beginning of January.

    Unleashing the Dreamworld

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    1. Aw, thanks, Crystal. And no worries as to when you post...I know it's a crazy time of year! You do deserve some time off after your busy month! And time to welcome your sweet baby...ooh, how fun! I'll look forward to your excerpt in January. :)

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  3. Love the excerpt!! Could definitely feel her pain- there's nothing worse than observing happy couples when you're in a bad place. Which sounds so selfish...but true! =)

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    1. Yes, very true! I feel for my poor husband as I wrote this one. I definitely took out some of the "anger" Tara was feeling, on him. He's such a good sport. :)

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  4. When love goes south... and not for the winter. Nice excerpt!

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    1. Haha! Nicely put! Maybe that should be the one liner for the book cover... :)

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  5. This does convey how love "flies " away. Often hurt is the most overwhelming emotion-great story and would love to know what happens

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  6. You should definitely revisit this manuscript!

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  7. love this!! you def have to go back to this! I still have to do my 777. (didn't realize it was for WIPs and mine needs a little cleaning up first!)

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  8. I love this, Kristin!!! I totally want to read more!

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