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.
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.
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.
A swimmer who won’t let someone sink? LOVE IT. 🏊🏽♂️🏊🏽♀️
Did anyone from your area win at the Olympics this year?
Joe Kovacs, from my neck of the woods, won silver for Shot Put Throw.
C isn’t true because other disabilities / differently abled persons can compete, it’s not just about limbs.
I don’t know if someone from my area medaled this time because I’ve been under a rock and not paying attention. One exception–the poor Belarusian girl who claimed asylum after speaking out about her coaches. Her grandmother told her not to come home.
I’m going with C:)
This is a clever way of introducing your characters to us!! In the quiz, I believe C is not true.
Hi Lee,
I have missed a few and catching up now. I always like a character that banters well with friends. These people are “real.” Answer: C
I may be too late, but I think the answer is A and C is not true.
C is not correct!
Harley seems like a great friend ………….In this short scene, you can see that Harley knows just what to say to her friend to help her. Harley uses just the right amount of humor in her responses.
H Lee – A is true; C is not true … I would question B – they have different classifications … but great question – and an interesting chapter, or interlude or full part of your book – stimulating to add them into the story. Cheers Hilary
Oh!!! Interesting snippet! Definitely makes me want t o know more about both the girls!!
I think C is not true.
I’m posting the answers soon. Hope you’ll check back to see.
I really enjoy the banter that you can have in YA between friends that may not work in other genres. The way you write these types of interactions reminds me of my own adolescent friendships and has been
one of the things I have enjoyed most in your books. C
Thank you Sheri. That’s a very kind observation. I hadn’t thought that maybe the dialog exchanges between the teens might fail if they occured between adults. I’ll have to take a closer look at dialog in other genres.
C is not true. Disability is much broader than missing limbs/pieces.
As usual I itch to read more. You are a shameless temptress. And I am weak of will.
Thank you for that. You make this launch very interesting.
I’ve been seeing lots of commercials about the Paralympic games, including the swimming. Amazing athletes. I’m going to guess C (although I’m tempted to go with A, assuming there are more countries involved than that).
I hope I have the right information. I did check two different sources, so I think I do. These games are darned special in my book.
Quiz: C is not true.
Harley sounds like a wonderful friend. But the one this snip of dialogue makes me want to know more about is Libby. I’ll bet that’s just what you intended.
I’m glad you read so carefully. I’m holding Libby back until the so called finale, and I would like people to be interested in finding out about her. Thanks, Mike. And thanks again for the alert about the non-post. WP and I are not getting along.
You’re welcome. And thank you for giving us a fun little diversion to look forward to each Wednesday.
Stay safe out there.