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Since October 2007

Feb 8, 2008

Excerpt. Epilogue?

My friend Sandee said, "Write!" My new friend Claudia said, "You need to get writing girl! Go, go, go! We are dying to read it."

So here's just a piece. Maybe the epilogue.

After my short stint with university volleyball, I transitioned smoothly into running. I was an expert. I ran from myself and my past. I ran using my feet on the pavement and my car on the concrete. I went from state to state just to get away from whatever it was I thought might resurface if I stayed in one place too long. Maybe dad’s tattoo was going to creep up from under my skin and materialize when I wasn't looking. Is it possible? Probably. I’m positive I inherited it from him right along with a dash of low self esteem, a large chunk of anxiety, overdose levels of depression and a serious nervous stomach. I can see it now in my mind – the letters appear, one by one, before my very eyes: B – o – r – n – T – o – L – o – s – e etched into the muscle of his upper arm revealing the vivid, dark, blue ink that will taint him forever. With this mark, he is forced to continually make bad choices & allow trouble to lurk in his midst. He (and I) were branded for life. I’m sure the tattoo was chasing me, so I had to run.

Copyright © Foster Me Up, All rights Reserved
_____________________________

Honesty is my only policy. Go ahead. Lay it on Me.

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38 peanuts say:

Anonymous said...

Wow, you hooked me in there.

Sandee said...

I like it. Change concrete to asphalt and it's perfect. Asphalt is what our roadways are made of isn't it? I think so. Keep it coming. I like it. :)

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Hiya Chuck-

I. love. it.

And thanks for the e-card and the bling. Dude. You're too kind.

DubLiMan said...

I love it! The imagery is fantastic. I'm hooked. Please let me know when you write your next entry.

Now, on a more personal note: If your character is autobiographical then read on. If she is fictional, then this does not apply, however, I would still like your opinion.

your low self esteem is epidemic and one of the main reasons that I began my blog. I wrote a book, very different from yours, that I desperately wanted to get out there. It goes by many names, but I like to call it the "Empowerment Process." I am about 2/3rds done with posting it. If you get a chance I would love for you to read it. I think that you can identify. Following is the link to the index: http://mondaymorningpower.blogspot.com/2007/06/process-are-you-prepared-for-success.html

ellen b. said...

Yes if the road is black it's asphalt but there are concrete roads too...
Chuck I'm no expert but I would keep reading if there was more so I think that's good feedback.
Keep it up...

maryt/theteach said...

I agree with ellen b, I want to keep reading, Chuck. I tagged you with the Desktop meme. Check it out at my blog: Answers to the Questions You don't have to do if you don't want to...BTW thanks again for the thoughtful greeting card!

Joyismygoal said...

Wow, my stomach hurts--- that was powerful and I was there with you running I did the same thing I ran and ran and ran myself to good mental health. But your writing was so powerful it took me right back therew/ the stomach ache and all, so yes write and write and run towards health you are away from the past already Good for you--

Unknown said...

I thought I would jump in after seeing this first batch of comments and tell you that I'm bawling. Yup. I said give me your honest opinion and all of you seem to be doing that; I just didn't expect it to hit me so hard. I never thought that some day I would actually do what I wanted in my life -- what I'm passionate about...writing -- let alone put my own life on paper. Now it's happening and to find out others would think it interesting or even powerful is a dream come true. This inspires me and thx isn't enough. Your support for me is already preparing me to reach out to others who are (or have been) experiencing the same pain.

Mel, I can't w82 read the Empowerment Process. I'll keep you posted. I appreciate the invite.

And, Teach, I'm always up for a meme. Thx for asking me to play.

*warm and fuzzies* all.

jams o donnell said...

It's looking good to me, asphalt or concrete. I look forward to seeing more

Julie said...

It sucked me in. I want to read more. It feels very real and interesting, definitely. I like reading memoirs -- I find the way other people experience life very interesting. I am looking forward to reading more of yours.

Complete change of subject here -- I go away for the weekend and miss so much! I clicked on my blogroll twice thinking I made a mistake, since your blog underwent a big change while I wasn't looking! I went back to see what I missed...great photos of your dog with the feather. Very goofy. And thanks for the interesting blog bling!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE IT! Great job! It made me want to read more too!....Keep going...going...going... YOU CAN DO IT!

Anonymous said...

Hiya Chuck,
Excellent reading, some of which I think many can relate to.

I used to run as a teenager to get away from home, out over the moors for hours but it held me in good stead for when I joined the forces.

People have to make choices whatever they do, and the people who succeed are the ones who think positively...negativity can be self destructive.

So when't the instalment sweetie?
Look forward to reading it :)
Have a gr8 weekend buddy,*kisses*
Colin

pjazzypar said...

Hi Chuck, Thanks for emailing me and letting me know about your excerpt. Powerful stuff! I love what you have written here, but may I ask a question? Are you running away from the negative aspects of your past or are you in fact searching for a place in which to belong? This is just the feeling I get about runners. I wouldn't change a thing about what you have down on paper thus far. You have a very good start here, keep it up. Take baby steps because is going to be a journey that is cleansing, cathartic, and it will ultimately be life-changing. Keep me posted.

Unknown said...

Next installment, you ask? I hope very soon, my friend.

And, yes, you can ask, pjazz - ask away!

The answer is both: it's two-fold. I ran from hurts, negativity, anxiety, depression, disappointment, embarrassment - the list goes on - to find me. Keep in mind this is the epilogue - it's after 9 years of sadness/suffering. This portion takes place at the end of others taking over my life and my destiny. I thought the grass would be greener on the other side, and I would miraculously "run" into this person I was always supposed to become. I didn’t care if running was the wrong answer. I just wanted to get away. I became a gypsy. I want my readers to buy my next book so they find out where I landed. *wink*

I've been writing for a year and a half now and the actual pages of the memoir (versus this epilogue) have made me cry, get emotional, go crazy, etc. more than ever. I have repressed for so long and the catharsis of this process alone has finally gotten me to work more diligently on the body of the pages. Writing a memoir is most certainly cleansing. It has been quite a ride!

Thx for your comments! I will definitely keep you posted.

Unknown said...

Hiya, Chuck. It's a great beginning. Very captivating, makes me want to read more!

RW said...

I want more! And I think I know that tatoo artist :D

SandyCarlson said...

The pace of the prose matches the pace of the thoughts of your speaker. That's wonderful. I'm sensing a love-anger thing about good ol' dad. You're on the road, if you'll pardon the pun. Thanks for the heads-up about your work. I'm glad to have been here!

The Land of Rozz said...

I like this a lot because it makes me want to know more about why you are running and about your father. Keep it coming!!!

Cynthia said...

Hey Chicky, I love that you are writing! Good for you!!!

Thanks for the ecard...I'm out of town til Sunday, just droppin' by to say hi!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Okay, Chuck, you've got me. Know why? The voice is more honest; you're not going for that pithy humor that is prevalent in so many memoirs -- and is why I'm not a fan of them.

Might it make publication harder? Yeah, probably.

But I doubt I'm the only one who's ready for a change in the genre.

Good job!!!

Alison said...

that is wonderful...keep writing...I will keep reading!!

Joyce said...

Chuck, Please continue. You have me hooked. I love to read books. It seems like I get hooked on series. I can not wait for the next part. When will you publish?

Love and Hugs,
Joyce

bluedreamer27 said...

wow this is great
i was hooked i love it
by the way i cant wait for the continuation will you post it soon?
gosh you blog is like a magnet
it attracted me to bome here everyday
have a great day chuck
hope you visit mr too

maryt/theteach said...

Chuck, maybe you'd like to participate in my "Six-Word Memoirs" contest. I explain it in a sticky post at the top of my blog...Work of the Poet :)

Lotus (Sarcastic Mom) said...

Lovely word weaving. :-)

Dorothy said...

Chuck, I liked the last comment, "lovely word weaving," indeed. I was hooked too. I want to know the rest of the story.

I'm so axious to get back to writing, it hurts. I spent last night hooked up to machines in the ER and will have to go to hopsital next week for the pacemaker. I'm not making it on the meds alone. Bummer. I can't wait for all this to be over and I can return to normal life. Ha, normal life...is there any such thing? So I will say return to writing life.

Hugs....take care, keep writing, I maynot be in touch for awhile.
Dorothy

I really like your writing...

DubLiMan said...

Chuck,
I have a suggestion. Why not form a MyBlogLog community for this book and ask interested readers to join. I think you would get quite a few takers. Then when new installments come out you can alert everyone. I know that if your schedule installments the pressure of meeting that deadline can be counterproductive.

Anyway you decide to doit, just keep ding it.

Anonymous said...

Hey friend, do what you want to do with your life cause it is wayyyy too short. Your writing is sad and moving...we all have stuff left over from our parents but we also have an incredible amount of
POWER in our lives and over our lives. we can make new choices, write, express yourself, be free and embrace change...challanges are opportunities...nobody is born to lose!!

Anonymous said...

After living most of my teenage life as - as you put it - a ward of the state, running - the literal kind - was my road out of purgatory.

Short stint on the uni vb team, eh? I'll have to scroll back into your blog a bit.


meow.

Unknown said...

Seriously, I say this is more a prologue, a lead in to a great story, and you hook the reader. I would change concrete to asphalt as most roads are asphalt, but otherwise it grips you and makes you want more.

I love writing, and am really finding my passion for it again. It is nice to share what I write with others and get their views.

Thanks for the invite to read this.

Texasholly said...

I would keep reading...I WANT MORE! And it really does seem that the law of attraction may be in play with the self-fulfilling tattoo...foreshadowing? Please, we need more!

Anonymous said...

When I used to go to Barnes and Noble for hours at a time (before I had a toddler) I would pick up books and read the first few pages or so. I could always tell if I wanted to buy it based on that. If I picked up your book and read this I would be making a purchase! Excellent writing- you've got me hooked.

Open Grove Claudia said...

Well done! I think you have a title too - Born to Lose is a great title.

Good for you

Type until your fingers blister!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I like that. It's good, catchy, flows nicely, and it seems to me certainly not an epilogue. Maybe a beginning, then flash back. Congrats! Jay

Talk..to..Grams said...

I am out at my daughter Karen's house using her computer tonight giving out awards for Meme Monday! Our computer is doing that deal with the charge again! Sometime I can post and then sometimes I can't! If I don't get over here tomorrow you will know why!
Thanks for all the nice awards this last week Love and Hugs Grams

Open Grove Claudia said...

Hey! I tagged you at Everyday-Kindness.com! Stop by for Random Acts of Kindness week!

Bonnie said...

More !! More !! Post some more ! I didn't want to stop reading but the words stopped !! :) Well done. I love it ... and seriously, you should post some more !

Natalie said...

I want more!