I'VE BEEN TAGGED!  By author/blogger Brandon R. Luffman in the “Look” Challenge! The way it works is this: You  take your current manuscript and find the first instance of the word “look”. Then you post the surrounding paragraphs as an excerpt of the  book on your blog. Lastly, you tag five more blogging authors who you  think would be a good choice for the game.

Here is a brief snippet from the very rough draft of Sacrifice.


I screeched with frustration, which in hindsight is never okay when there are people trying to kill you. Olexander had come rushing in ready to shoot my attacker, and didn’t quite look like he knew what to do with himself when he found me lying on the bed trying to zip my pants.

             “What is going on?” He asked irritated.

              “The stupid dry cleaner that you insisted we switch to shrunk
my favorite wool pants!
” I laid on the bed in a huff, and Olexander sat down
next to me. 

                “I believe in the medical profession they call this displaced
anger.”

He was right, but now I had to find another outfit.  I hated picking outfits.  
 

                “What happened?” Julia said calmly entering our bedroom organizing a playlist on her phone.


                “That was an excellent response time Julia.” Olexander said
looking at his watch and shaking his head.

    “That wasn’t an ‘I’m about to be stabbed’ scream, that was a wardrobe scream, I know the difference.”

To keep up with all things Sacrifice related, you can watch the teaser trailer, and stay tuned for upcoming news HERE.
 
I am clinically depressed.  During the course of my life, I have strongly considered suicide as an option. Anyone who has struggled with this will tell you it’s one of the hardest things to say aloud.  People can be judgmental, ignorant, or downright mean.  And it’s not fair, and it’s not right.


September 10, 2012 is World Suicide Prevention Day.
Followed by Suicide Prevention Week.

 Therefore, I’m offering you what I can, that is all anyone can offer.

 First, I’d like to give you a list of some my favorite books FREE for your Kindle.  If you do not have a Kindle, you can download the free Kindle app for your computer HERE.

The Picture of Dorian Gray
Little Women
Dracula
The Secret Garden
Frankenstein
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Peter And Wendy
Vanity Fair
The Three Musketeers
Anna Karenina


 Why a book? 

Books have changed my life, and I don’t mean writing them. Ever since I was small, books have been my refuge.  I lived in a small house, with practically no yard, but I had a Secret Garden, a Narnian closet, the March sisters.  Even as I grew, and by sheer prodding, was forced to spend more time in the real world, I always kept an eye out. For white rabbits, and frogs that could be royalty in disguise. I felt alone like Harry and cried for Snape.  I remembered the
wise words of Aslan and Dumbledore as I sat in college classes trying hard to stay grounded.  I have applauded the accuracy of both Susan The Gentle as well as Katniss Everdeen.  I don’t have my own planet, but one day I hope to be as tamed and loved as The Little Prince’s rose.
 
You see, they may all be fictional characters. 
But it just so happens, they’ve all saved my life.

 Therefore, take a book. 
I hope you like it, I hope it stirs you up and makes you think.

I hope a lot for you…


I hope you know suicide is never the answer. 
I hope you know that feeling insignificant is painfully normal at times. 
I want you to know that no one has it all figured out. 
(If anyone claims to have it figured out, they are lying… or delusional.) 
I need you to know that you would be missed. 
That despite how alone you feel people would ache over your absence. 
I want you to know I’ve been there,
and that sometimes I go back there
and it’s ok as long as you don’t stay there. 
I hope you know you are tough,
even when you feel like your bones are made of jelly
and your heart is made of glass. 
I want you to know
that your bones and your heart have one thing in common. 
Once they’ve been broken, they heal even stronger. 
I want you to know that it does get better. 
No, pain doesn’t *poof* away. 
Sometimes it takes years to conquer it, like a dragon, an epic quest. 
Sometimes all you can do
is make room for it, so you can move on.  

Most importantly, you are the only you this universe is ever going to get. 
Leave a mark on it, no matter how large or small. 
Be kind, open your heart, grow up… but not too much, do stupid stuff just
to laugh, keep the memories close to you.  

They will be the nightlight in the darkness.


Never let anyone tell you that you are anything less than a miracle, stardust.


Years will keep coming,
and your whole life can change in a moment. 
So hold on, and just keep breathing…



WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION WEBSITE

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING WITH SUICIDE PLEASE CALL
1.800.442.HOPE

HOPELINE WEBSITE


TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS