If this were a fantasy, I could let my imagination run free. I do that when I write for young kids, and I love it. However, since I wanted this book to be as realistic and accurate as possible, I did a lot of research.

I attended a presentation by Karen Trolan, a woman who lost the use of her legs in a small plane crash and still downhill and water skis. She’d written a short biography about her experience as a paraplegic, and I read that to get a first-hand account of what it’s like to go from someone with the use of all limbs, to one who has to rely on a wheelchair. The image of the sit-ski on her cover is one that helped me describe this adaptive equipment.

Of course, I did a lot of Google searches. The world of paraplegia is well represented, and so I was able to find excellent information about a subject I knew little about.

I also interviewed one doctor and a clinical specialist in spinal cord injuries when I started to draft this book. They both gave me some very Real Facts about what paraplegics face. They also made it clear that Hollywood hadn’t gotten it right, hinting that they hoped I would.

Making the story real and yet making it appealing for readers was my biggest challenge in writing this story. How could I avoid the Hollywood cliches, yet keep a reader reading? And most importantly, how could I give an honest portrayal so that anyone who experienced what my main character did would identify with her?

I was fortunate that these very busy experts were willing to give me so much of their time. After I’d spent several hours talking to them and asking questions, I had no choice but to finish the project and see it into print. I felt as if I couldn’t let them down.

The biggest test is going to be my paraplegic readers. Will they think I got it right?

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I’m in countdown mode and hope to see this book in print before long. If you haven’t already offered to lend a hand with my launch, just leave me a comment if you’d like to add your name. Any help is appreciated!

There’s a lesson for all of us when it comes to the topic of adapting. If we’re not flexible and adjust to new situations, we’re likely to fail in reaching our goals. When I first started thinking about writing this new book, I imagined a young girl who would never participate in the one sport she’d always dreamed of being the very best in–downhill skiing. By the time I’d written her story, she showed me just how wrong I could be.

Along the way, I found so many examples of people who not only learned new ways to take part in their favorite sport(s), but also branched out and became stars in different ones.

This video features adaptive equipment for indoor rowing, something that helped train two people to medal in the Paralympics. Very inspiring.

As writers, we’re always encouraging each other not to give up, even when we’re up to our eyeballs in rejections. I think we can add “adjust to the changes” in this business of writing to part of our mutual support. And these days there’s one heck of a lot of that to do, isn’t there?

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Although I don’t have a firm publication date from the publisher, I’m putting out the call for help with my launch in October. I’d so appreciate SPACE ON YOUR BLOG, TWEETS, FB POSTS, INSTAGRAM POSTS. If you’re up for doing a REVIEW, that works as well. Just leave a comment with your preference and I’ll be in touch.

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Enter to win a $12 Gift Certificate during the

Young Adult Bookish Event.

It’s open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is THE LAST DAY of my Character Reveal series for my next book.

There’s no quiz today, but the answers to all the quizzes are below. I’ve left links to previous posts if you’re joining me late, so you can work your way back if you want to see the other posts and comment to enter to win a book and possibly a GC. Here’s last week’s POST.

Thank you for joining me and meeting my characters. Thanks for making this August month a lot of fun. I’ll be announcing the winners soon and getting in touch with them so I can arrange to send books as soon as they’re available!

Here’s Libby, the girl who must choose to either remain shattered or rebuild her life. I’ll post one of the key moments in my protagonist’s life, the moment in the hospital that kicks off the story and sets Libby on the way to whatever future she may have.

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 I knew hearts didn’t stop beating until you died, yet I was certain mine had just stuttered to a halt. I couldn’t breathe. My lungs refused to expand. My throat went dry. I’d planned most of my life for this one year. I’d worked out, built my strength, gone to ski camps, kept at it until I’d made it through the selection process—until I’d almost made the US Olympic slalom team. I had my passport. I’d packed my bags weeks ago. Now, my mother was telling me I couldn’t do what I’d lived for all these years?
     My heart kicked in and air filled my chest. “Shut up! Shut up!” In my mind, I screamed, but that’s not the way I heard my voice. Shut up sounded like a whimper. 
     “Libby, stop.” Dad was back, his hand on my shoulder, his face filled with pain. “Please, stop.”
     His calm presence and the terrible sound of his plea brought me up short.
     I gulped back the ragged clutch that filled my throat. “Why? Why can’t I ski with my team?” Then I glanced down. Mom was lying across the foot of the bed. She was lying across my legs, and I didn’t feel the weight of my mother’s body.

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The Answers to the Quizzes! Did you get them all right?

1. What famous book features these minor, but memorable characters? Aragorn, Pippin and Merry. 
A. Star Wars
B. Great Expectations
XC. Lord of the Rings

2. Who wrote this unlikeable character? Mr. Collins
XA. Jane Austen
B. J.K. Rowling
C. John Grisham

3. How do psychologists say we should react when our friends behave immaturely?
A. Give them understanding and sympathy
XB. Never support their poor behavior. 
C. Give them a good scolding.

4. What generation in the U.S. usually makes up what we call “helicopter moms”?
XA. The women who grew up in the late 70s, early 80s called the “latch key” kids.
B. The women who were from single-parent homes.
C. The women who were orphaned early in life.

5. There have been many mother-daughter relationship threads in stories told over time. Here are three. Which of these is the most modern tale? 
XA. Pride and Prejudice
B. Book of Ruth
C. A Sicilian Tragedy

6. There are some famous fathers in books. I’ve matched three to books, but only one match is correct. Which one? 
A. Jack Torrance, About A Boy
B. Atticus Finch, Pride and Prejudice
XC. Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter Series

7. Here are the names of three “bad boy” characters in young adult literature. One isn’t really a character in a book. Which one?
A. Ronan Lynch
XB. Whit Moreland
C. Damon Salvatore

8. Here are some facts about World Para Swimming (Olympic competition for handicapped swimmers). Two are correct. One is not. Which one is not true?
A. Nearly 100 countries participate in the World Para Swimming games.
XB. World Para Swimming uses different rules than its Olympic counterpart.
C. World Para Swimming is only open to male and female athletes who are handicapped.

9. Here are some interesting facts about Argentina, except only one is correct. Which one?
A. Basketball is Argentina’s favorite sport.
B. Che Guevara admired Argentina but never visited.
XC. The name Argentina comes from the Latin word for silver – Argentum

10. Which of the following dates is the first documented account of using physical therapy as a medical treatment for pain?
A. 1740
B. 1920
XC. 460 B.C.

11. There are a lot of famous TV sheriffs. Here are three, but one isn’t famous, in fact, he never existed. I made him up. Which one is he?
XA. Johnson Mayhew, of Tulsa, Oklahoma
B. Andy Jackson Taylor of Mayberry, North Carolina
C. Seth Bullock of Deadwood, South Dakota

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And the winners of signed books are…coming soon.

 This is Day 11 of my Character Reveal series for my next book—title TBA soon. I’ll post a new character and a one-question T/F Quiz each Wednesday until I run out of characters. Those who comment most AND answer the most questions correctly will receive a signed book (bookplate sent separately) and a chance at 1 of 2 $10.00 Gift Certificates. NOTE THIS CHANGE: I started announcing winners at the end of each week, but that became tedious, so I’ll announce future winners toward the end of the Reveal. The books and the CG’s will be sent out upon publication. Sorry, but I can only send signed books to U.S. However, I can send an eBook to international winners.

To enter, leave a comment and type the answer to the quiz at the end of your comment (A, B, or C) I’ve left links to previous posts if you’re joining me late, so you can work your way back if you want to see the other posts and comment. Here’s last week’s POST.

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Meet the Sheriff

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Sheriff Davidson’s daughter is a skier, so he’s keen on finding out who caused Libby’s accident that day at Blake’s Crossing, but there’s nothing to go on. Libby can’t remember anything beyond the collision, and nobody’s coming forward as a witness. Still, he’s determined to investigate.

This character is a slow, but sure kind of guy–old-school. He does his leg work and he’s not one to give up on what seems like a hopeless situation. He’s also a stickler for following the rules, and with Libby and Harley also tracking down clues, he gets a bit perturbed.

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Quiz: There are a lot of famous TV sheriffs. Here are three, but one isn’t famous, in fact, he never existed. I made him up. Which one is he?
A. Johnson Mayhew, of Tulsa, Oklahoma
B. Andy Jackson Taylor of Mayberry, North Carolina
C. Seth Bullock of Deadwood, South Dakota

NEXT WEEK YOU’LL MEET LIBBY, THE LAST CHARACTER I’LL INTRODUCE, BUT THE CENTRAL ONE. AND I’LL POST THE QUIZZES WITH ALL THE ANSWERS. THE QUIZZES WERE JUST FOR FUN, BUT IF YOU TOOK THE TIME TO PLAY, I REALLY APPRECIATED IT, AND YOUR NAME WENT IN THE HAT FOR THE GIFT CERTIFICATE.

This is Day X of my Character Reveal series for my next book—title TBA soon. I’ll post a new character and a one-question T/F Quiz each Wednesday until I run out of characters. Those who comment most AND answer the most questions correctly will receive a signed book (bookplate sent separately) and a chance at 1 of 2 $10.00 Gift Certificates. NOTE THIS CHANGE: I started announcing winners at the end of each week, but that became tedious, so I’ll announce future winners toward the end of the Reveal. The books and the CG’s will be sent out upon publication. Sorry, but I can only send signed books to U.S. However, I can send an eBook to international winners.

To enter, leave a comment and type the answer to the quiz at the end of your comment (A, B, or C) I’ve left links to previous posts if you’re joining me late, so you can work your way back if you want to see the other posts and comment. Here’s last week’s POST.

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Meet Liam

Liam is a minor character, but he plays an important part in the story as a physical therapist. His role is to help Javier and Harley through their rehab. Javier needs to toss those crutches and return to Argentina to help his mother with the ranch, and Harley has to qualify for the U. S. Para Swim team. While Liam’s a shadowy character, I think you’ll admire him for his skill and his patience. He’s also darned persistent when it comes to Harley in the romance department. The question until the end is “Will he win her heart?”

I’m a believer in the power of physical therapy, having had a couple of injuries that gave me two options, surgery or some regular exercise and treatment under the guidance of a physical therapist. That was a no-brainer choice for me. I’ve never regretted spending the time in rehab, and I have such admiration for those therapists. Liam had to be a part of this story.

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Quiz: Which of the following dates is the first documented account of using physical therapy as a medical treatment for pain?
A. 1740
B. 1920
C. 460 B.C.

This is Day 9 of my Character Reveal series for my next book—title TBA soon. I’ll post a new character and a one-question T/F Quiz each Wednesday until I run out of characters. Those who comment most AND answer the most questions correctly will receive a signed book (bookplate sent separately) and a chance at 1 of 2 $10.00 Gift Certificates. I’ll announce future winners at the end of the Reveal. The books and the CG’s will be sent out upon publication. Sorry, but I can only send signed books to U.S. However, I can send an eBook to international winners.

To enter, leave a comment and type the answer to the quiz at the end of your comment (A, B, or C) I’ve left links to previous posts if you’re joining me late, so you can work your way back if you want to see the other posts and comment. Here’s last week’s POST.

Meet Javier

At last, romance. Well, some. I felt the story had to have someone interesting for Libby to meet, so I wrote Javier Martin into her life. He’s from Argentina and here in the U.S. to study livestock management. When he and Libby meet, they’re attracted to one another. All would go well if they didn’t have this pesky, interfering author in charge, but they do, so what could have been a happy ever after story, is more complicated.

Here’s one of their first moments:

I’d just made it to my room when my cell chimed. I pulled it out of my pocket and stared at the name on the screen. Javier Martín.
“Hello?” 
“It’s Javier from the pool. Do you remember me?” His low-pitched voice came through the phone even deeper and richer than when we’d talked earlier today.
How could I not remember? Just hearing him made butterflies dance along my arms. “How…how did you get my phone…my number?” Why was I stammering? Surprised, I guessed. That and until today, I hadn’t realized just how hungry I was for some male energy in my life.

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Quiz: Here are some interesting facts about Argentina, except only one is correct. Which one?
A. Basketball is Argentina’s favorite sport.
B. Che Guevara admired Argentina but never visited.
C. The name Argentina comes from the Latin word for silver – Argentum

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And now it’s time to–in Alex’s words–rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

August 4 question – What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?

I’m skipping this month’s question, but I’ll be interested in reading what others have to say.

The awesome co-hosts for the August 4 posting of the IWSG arePK Hrezo,Cathrina Constantine,PJ Colando,Kim Lajevardi, and Sandra Cox!

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Did you hear the news? No? Well, here it is!

IWSG got another Award.

And speaking of CONTESTS…If you’re a ROMANCE WRITER, you still have time to enter your story for a chance to be included in the next IWSG ANTHOLOGY.

Be sure to read the submission guidelines and meet the deadline of September 1.

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss

This is Day 8 of my Character Reveal series for my next book—title TBA soon. I’ll post a new character and a one-question T/F Quiz each Wednesday until I run out of characters. Those who comment most AND answer the most questions correctly will receive a signed book (bookplate sent separately–50 copies up for grabs) and a chance at 1 of 2 $10.00 Gift Certificates. NOTE THIS CHANGE: I started announcing winners at the end of each week, but that became tedious, so I’ll announce future winners toward the end of the Reveal. The books and the CG’s will be sent out upon publication. Sorry, but I can only send signed books to U.S. However, I can send an eBook to international winners.

To enter, leave a comment and type the answer to the quiz at the end of your comment (A, B, or C) I’ve left links to previous posts if you’re joining me late, so you can work your way back if you want to see the other posts and comment. Here’s last week’s POST.

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Meet Harley

Everyone’s going to love Harley Cassiere. She’s the glue that holds Libby together and won’t let her sink into self-pity. Harley refuses to let her accident keep her from her favorite sport, swimming. She determined to make the Paralympic team, return to school, and move on with her life. It’s Harley’s determination that Libby can’t ignore even though she’d prefer to.

Harley’s the kind of friend you need in your life, especially when things have gone south on you, and giving up seems to be the only option. I really enjoyed writing scenes between the two girls. Here’s one that happens a while after their friendship is solid.

For a while, silence filled the dark room, but I could feel that Harley was still very much awake. “You can walk,” I finally said. 
“Right. I noticed that.”
“I’m kind of jealous about it.”
“I know,” Harley said, “but I try to ignore that in you.”
The silence came again, but undercutting that silence was a soft sound of pain.
“Are you crying, Libby?”
“Yes. Don’t rag on me.”
“Have I ever ragged on you?” 
“Only all the time, Harley C.” I felt Harley’s arm around my shoulder.
“That’s because I love you, you jerk.

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Quiz: Here are some facts about World Para Swimming (Olympic competition for handicapped swimmers). Two are correct. One is not. Which one is not true?
A. Nearly 100 countries participate in the World Para Swimming games.
B. World Para Swimming uses the same rules as its Olympic counterpart.
C. World Para Swimming is only open to male and female athletes who have lost a limb.

This is Day 7 of my Character Reveal series for my next book—title TBA soon. I’ll post a new character and a one-question T/F Quiz each Wednesday until I run out of characters. Those who comment most AND answer the most questions correctly will receive a signed book (bookplate sent separately–50 copies up for grabs) and a chance at 1 of 2 $10.00 Gift Certificates. NOTE THIS CHANGE: I started announcing winners at the end of each week, but that became tedious, so I’ll announce future winners toward the end of the Reveal. The books and the CG’s will be sent out upon publication. Sorry, but I can only send signed books to U.S. However, I can send an eBook to international winners.

To enter, leave a comment and type the answer to the quiz at the end of your comment (A, B, or C) I’ve left links to previous posts if you’re joining me late, so you can work your way back if you want to see the other posts and comment. Here’s last week’s POST.

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Meet Marcus

With Marcus, I was back to writing the teen boy character I love to conjure up. I guess my favorite boys in any story, but especially in the young adult category, are the messed-up, bad ones. Marcus is the kind of kid destined for trouble, and my guess is he’ll be in and out of prison his entire life unless something happens to change the way he looks at life.

Here’s the first time you’ll meet him the book.
“She spotted Marcus, his skateboard leaning against the park bench, and charged across the wet grass toward him. He smiled up at her. When they first met, she’d expected an enforcer type with nose rings and bulging muscles. Now the way he looked felt like a rasp against her skin. It still bothered her that he was so young, so fresh. Maybe seventeen. Plump. A sweet-faced, evil cherub.”

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Quiz: Here are names of three “bad boy” characters in young adult literature. One isn’t really a character in a book. Which one?
A. Ronan Lynch
B. Whit Moreland
C. Damon Salvatore

This is Day 6 of my Character Reveal series for my next book—title TBA soon. I’ll post a new character and a one-question T/F Quiz each Wednesday until I run out of characters. Those who comment most AND answer the most questions correctly will receive a signed book (bookplate sent separately–50 copies up for grabs) and a chance at 1 of 2 $10.00 Gift Certificates. NOTE THIS CHANGE: I started announcing winners at the end of each week, but that became tedious, so I’ll announce future winners toward the end of the Reveal. The books and the GC’s will be sent out upon publication. Sorry, but I can only send signed books to U.S. However, I can send an eBook to international winners.

To enter, leave a comment and type the answer to the quiz at the end of your comment (A, B, or C) I’ve left links to previous posts if you’re joining me late, so you can work your way back if you want to see the other posts and comment. Here’s last week’s POST.

[Read more…] about Sneak Peek #6 Especially for You!