Friday, April 2, 2010

First Page Blogfest + Good News

I am participating in Kelly's Compostions First Page Blogfest. So go bloghop and read everyone's first pages.

This is PERFECT timing because I just happen to have some EXCITING news that goes expertly with this bloghop.

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I shared the news that I made it to the semi-finals in the Sourcebooks Teen Fire Contest?

Well, I just got the news that I made it to the FINALS! I am one of the top seven finalists who were chosen. *lots of grins*

So, here is the passage I submitted that helped me WIN (see how it goes perfectly with this blogfest?).

It's from my Young Adult Paranormal called HANDS TOUCH:

People became prisoners of many things. Love, money, time. But gloves? Callen shook those thoughts away as he plucked a new pair out of his locker. Lighter material for springtime–-a respite for his sweaty hands.


Each pair lasted about two months. The fingertips frayed first then the edging along the palms. He knew enough about gloves to develop a better prototype someday. But that would make his life even more about the gloves. Screw that.


He tossed the ratty ones in the trash and savored this moment of freedom from the confines of his glove detention. He glanced both ways making sure he was alone in the hallway. It was lunchtime and he was excused to the bathroom. The lunch monitor, Mr. Stuckey, always took pity on him. Probably figured he needed more time, with the gloves on and all.


Mottled red bumps ran along the tops of Callen’s fingers and moved in jagged lines down his wrists. Obvious burn scars despite the flailing fluorescent lights.


Disgusting.

He was like a leper.

And not just because of his hands.



*****

So there you have it!

The other reason this is the perfect time to share this passage (given my shyness and fear of rejection)? I have a feeling the crickets will be chirping around here today, because of Easter and spring break. YEP!

HOPPY EASTER TO YOU!

35 comments:

Maddy said...

Congrats on making it to the finals!! That's incredible news! You definitely have a gift, my friend! Love what I read so far! And I can't wait to read more :)

Pamela Gold said...

I am so proud of you!!! Way to go! You are a girl after my own heart.... a paranormal novel? I live for this stuff.... I'm going to hound you until you get the nerve to call my MIL to help you get published! Happy Easter hun!

Andrea said...

I wish I could turn the page and read more!! Congratulations!

Hoppy Easter to you also!

Ann said...

You have NO reason to be shy! Your entry made me want to read MORE! Bring it on, sister!

Small Burst said...

Congratulations to you! This is great news. I'm seriously grinning from ear to ear. No wonder you're a finalist-I wanna read more of Hands Touch. Great work. Happy Easter!

Jane Granzier said...

CONGRATULATIONS MISS CHRISTINE...could walk across the street and tell you but this is more formal! So happy for you -- all your hard work is paying off!! Love it and I too want to read more!

NGS said...

I really do want to read more!! Please, please, please?!

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Hip-hip-hooray! Hip-hip-hooray! Hip-hip-hooray! Yay, Christine! Congratulations.

LOVE your first page. I'm hooked. Great details - that's something I struggle with and have to really add to in revisions. Great job! :-)

Stephanie Faris said...

YAYYYYYYYYY! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. It sounds like an awesome book.

Portia said...

First off, congrats! It's easy to see why this passage is so successful. Such a rich beginning. Good luck!

Cafe Fashionista said...

Ohmigosh congratulations, congratulations, congratulations! This just goes to further prove how amazingly talented you are, my love - I'm so proud of you!

Happy, Happy Easter!! :)

Mary E Campbell said...

Congratulations on making the finals. Great voice here - it's different and interesting the last part had me hooked.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Congratulations, Christina! That's so exciting! WHeee!!!!

I love your first page. Great voice and tension and character development. You're good at hooking your readers! :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the finals! Can't wait for the good news.
Happy Spring.
Mary

Christina Lee said...

THANK YOU for all the lovely comments!!

Unknown said...

Aw, what a cute picture! Happy Easter!

I loved that beginning so much I read it to my husband. He was also intrigued. I would love to read more!

Tere Kirkland said...

Congrats on making it to the finals. I can see why. This is very enticing!

I'd love to know more.

Elana Johnson said...

WOW!!! Congrats on the finals bit. You are so awesome. And after reading just that little bit, it's no wonder you were chosen! You rawk girl!!

sarahjayne smythe said...

Congrats on making it to the finals. And great job with this piece. I love the first sentence. :)

Tahereh said...

OMG CONGRATS!!!

and that entry was awesome. i'd TOTALLY keep reading.

thanks a million for sharing, and best of luck!!!!

Roxy said...

Congratulations on reaching finals. This is a great beginning. I liked the tone of the piece. It drew me in. Good Luck!

Unknown said...

I love this.
The name Callen is really apt.
I love the chat about re-designing gloves, that is exactly what someone who feels they must use them as a shield would stress over.
Had trouble with "ratty" - old? frayed?

Tara said...

Congrats on reaching the finals! I can see why. Great job :)

Kelly Lyman said...

Congrats on making the finals! I love the voice of this MC- very unique. Great job. I'm hooked. Thanks for participating.

Anonymous said...

I'm really intrigued by this and want to read more. Congrats on being in the finals!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I'm glad you liked my first line. That 1st one can cause an agent to toss your manuscript or look closer.

Have a healing weekend, Roland

Lourie said...

Woohoo! Congratulations! that is awesome. And Happy Easter to you too.

lisa and laura said...

Oh my gosh, LOVE that beginning. No wonder you're a finalist! Nice work Christine! Can't wait to see what happens next!

All Women Stalker said...

Dear Christina,

Will you please email me the rest of the book?
If you don't like this idea, I will steal it from you.

Love, A Fan (Who wants to know what happened to Callen)

:D

Callie Forester said...

Congrats on making it to the finals! the beginning really is awesome, you managed to suck me in right away, and I already like the guy. very impressive! Cool name for him as well!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Congrats lady. That's awesome! Happy Easter!

Melissa B. said...

Wonderful news! Hope that the Easter Bunny made a special stop to celebrate...

for a different kind of girl said...

Kudos! I'm ready to shelve this book! I'm ready to suggest this book to other readers! Heck, *I'm* ready to read this book! Here's hoping it gets out there very soon!

Unknown said...

Congratulations!!!! That is awesome! Your book sounds really exciting. Hope you win!! :)

Finding Beauty said...

This is great news!!! I was very happy to read this! Way to go girl!