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Sunday, June 21, 2015

Woman on the Verge of Paradise and Publication

     Happy summer, dear readers. It feels strange saying that, because we've been enduring 100+ degree weather in Chico for several weeks. But summer is officially here now, and I hope it brings pleasant weather and experiences your way.
     I'm getting excited about debuting Woman on the Verge of Paradise. I'll send her into the world next month - near the end of July! I can't wait to show you the fabulous cover that my good friend, Bryan Pedas, ala A Beer for the Shower, created.
   For now, here's a bit from the chapter called Mindless Meanderings (about halfway through the book).

   This scene takes you into yet another lousy date...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   He chuckled awkwardly. “I asked what you do for a living.”
   “Oh, I’m a social worker.”
   “Cool.” He guffawed, followed by a high-pitched snort. “You get paid to, like, be social. I wouldn’t mind that job.”
   “Well, yeah, I mean it’s not all fun and games but it pays the bills. Actually, it barely pays the  bills, with no cushion for a nice pair of socks or a really cool stash of paperclips.” Manny showed no response. “But I like what I do. Usually…” I paused and grinned. “No, it’s nice” —my tone integrated authenticity— “I can end my days knowing I made a difference in people’s lives. It feels good and meaningful. You know?”
   He shrugged.
   “What do you do, Manny?”
   “Oh, I’m a professional student.” He laughed, confidently, as if to embark on a well-rehearsed speech. “I got my first degree in English. Did some small office jobs after that. That’s all I could find. Talk about a useless degree. Now I’m at Cal State Hay—”
   I counted three definitive wrinkle lines crossing his wide, pale forehead.
   I looked down at my plate, now empty. I don’t remember eating those tacos. Damn. I had to find something else to do with my time.
   I looked back up and decided those wrinkles must be a good 4.5, no 4.75 inches in length, 1/4 or maybe 1/8 inch wide. Crap. What if I get major wrinkles like that before I die? And a receding hairline? I’d die. 
   “You know?” he asked.
   “Oh yeah, I know.” I nodded in agreement. “I know.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Take care, and keep a smile!

Posted by Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com
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62 comments:

  1. Elephant's ChildJune 21, 2015 at 11:27 PM

    Exciting times ahead.
    For you, and for the fortunate readers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gorilla BananasJune 22, 2015 at 12:04 AM

    He ought to slap that forehead more often to smooth out the wrinkles. Best of luck with the book Robyn. I'm excited too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 22, 2015 at 6:40 PM

      You've been a great ape friend for years, GB. I think I'm dating the wrong species.

      Delete
  3. Rhonda AlbomJune 22, 2015 at 1:54 AM

    Can't wait to read more, although I think I already have "those" wrinkles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 22, 2015 at 6:41 PM

      Me too, Rhonda. The forehead lines get more prominent by the minute, it seems. Argh!

      Delete
  4. Alex J. CavanaughJune 22, 2015 at 4:35 AM

    With those wrinkles, you were dining with a prune.

    ReplyDelete
  5. A Beer for the ShowerJune 22, 2015 at 5:14 AM

    I'm really disappointed that this post wasn't just called "Woman on the Verge of Publication." :)

    I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm happy to help because this is a fantastic book and it deserves a fantastic cover. Give me a few more days and I hope to get you something exceptional.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JoJoJune 22, 2015 at 5:19 AM

    I'm really looking forward to reading this! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. PickleopeJune 22, 2015 at 5:45 AM

    Wrinkles a quarter-inch wide!?! That's a chasm, not a wrinkle. Congratulations on soon-birthing this book into the world.

    ReplyDelete
  8. L. Diane WolfeJune 22, 2015 at 6:22 AM

    I think he has been concentrating too hard as a professional student.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Debra She Who SeeksJune 22, 2015 at 6:33 AM

    OMG, you entrusted your cover to BRYAN? Holy crap, you're a trusting soul.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A Beer for the ShowerJune 22, 2015 at 8:53 AM

      I maked it all by myself, too!

      Robyn's cover

      Delete
    2. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 22, 2015 at 6:46 PM

      Yikes. I mean, it's cute little Bryan. Excuse me while I hire a real artist and take classes on How to Not Be Such A Trusting Soul, for Dummies or just Robyn.

      Delete
  10. Pat HattJune 22, 2015 at 7:06 AM

    Damn, you know a date sucks when you have to focus on the huge wrinkles

    ReplyDelete
  11. Baby SisterJune 22, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    I'm so excited about your book!!
    You know it's a bad date when you're measuring wrinkles. You have had some real doozies!

    ReplyDelete
  12. stephen HayesJune 22, 2015 at 8:16 AM

    My own forehead is starting to wrinkle so I won't say anything nasty.

    ReplyDelete
  13. BirgitJune 22, 2015 at 9:36 AM

    This is funny because his forehead is more interesting than him. Congrats and will be fun to read

    ReplyDelete
  14. JoanneJune 22, 2015 at 10:49 AM

    It's going to be happy summer for you

    ReplyDelete
  15. Al PenwasserJune 22, 2015 at 11:26 AM

    The mark of good writing is that I felt awkward even reading this. Great job!
    BTW, how were the tacos?

    ReplyDelete
  16. CWMartinJune 22, 2015 at 12:15 PM

    Al's right there. I always look past; I'd feel funny ruminating on the person's features while ignoring them. At least looking away, I could say, "I'm sorry I was distracted by the (largest flamboyant object in view) over there."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 22, 2015 at 6:54 PM

      Good idea, CW. I like it. Will use it next time. Thanks for always making me laugh.

      Delete
  17. Cherie ReichJune 22, 2015 at 2:59 PM

    It does feel weird to say it's summer when it's felt like summer for a while. I enjoyed the excerpt! It sounds like one awkward date.

    ReplyDelete
  18. BBJune 22, 2015 at 5:10 PM

    Oh god, been there, done that!! Dates from hell. Can't wait to see and read your new book. If Bryan did the cover, you're a winner!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 22, 2015 at 6:55 PM

      It is a winner, and he's a winner, and I'm excited. Thank you, BB.

      Delete
  19. ConnieJune 22, 2015 at 5:52 PM

    I enjoyed reading this scene. Best of luck to you on publication! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. YvonneJune 22, 2015 at 6:48 PM

    Woohoo! Can't wait for this book to be out! So excited for you! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 22, 2015 at 6:58 PM

      It's been a long journey, Yvonne. I appreciate your enthusiasm and support all along.

      Delete
  21. Geo.June 23, 2015 at 9:25 AM

    A truly well-crafted excerpt! My compliments and admiration. Also, thanks for checking in on me --I need that. Would like you to know that I nominated you for the Creative Blogger Award on last night's entry on my prose blog, "Trainride Of The Enigmas" --accessible thru my profile page.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 24, 2015 at 7:31 AM

      You're a kind man, Geo.
      On a different, albeit twisted, note, I keep reading "enigmas" as "enemas." Silly me. That would not be a pleasant trainride.

      Delete
  22. Theresa MahoneyJune 23, 2015 at 7:19 PM

    Manny doesn't sound like an interesting date option for most women. I'd probably gain 50 pounds in his company, eating out of boredom.

    How exciting you are about to launch your publication! Fingers crossed it's a smashing success!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 24, 2015 at 7:38 AM

      Yeah, I'd need a forklift to transport me anywhere out of the house.

      Delete
  23. Empty Nest InsiderJune 24, 2015 at 1:22 AM

    That's what bangs are for. At least you and I have that covered, right Robyn? Great excerpt, and I can't wait to read more!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 24, 2015 at 7:39 AM

      Exactly, Julie. My hair is too curly for bangs to be my full-proof default, though. I might need a wig.

      Delete
  24. Moving with MitchellJune 24, 2015 at 5:31 AM

    I can't wait for publication. You are such a wonderful writer... and inspiration.

    What a career: Getting paid to "be social" and yet feeling like you've made a difference in people's lives. Well, I suppose if you're good at it (being social), people DO have a good time with you.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Plowing Through Life (Martha)June 24, 2015 at 5:35 AM

    I'm thrilled for you, Robyn! This is very exciting.

    ReplyDelete
  26. RobinJune 24, 2015 at 1:49 PM

    A professional student. Who doesn't want to date/marry one of those????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 25, 2015 at 7:35 AM

      Right. Hold me back, I'm going to run out and find him again. He's still working on his second AA.

      Delete
  27. JonoJune 24, 2015 at 2:18 PM

    I'm jealous of his hairline, the fact that is receding means he at least HAS one. I hope to god I'm not that boring, though.

    ReplyDelete
  28. klahanieJune 24, 2015 at 7:22 PM

    You might of considered having his face be submitted for Google Maps.

    Never worry about a receding hairline. My comb over single hair always tells me this :)

    I'm so outta' here....

    Gary :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 25, 2015 at 7:38 AM

      Double dose of laughter from me. You're so silly, Gary. I appreciate you!

      Delete
  29. Lux G.June 25, 2015 at 3:59 AM

    I think I need to bring back the bangs.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Romance Reader June 25, 2015 at 3:19 PM

    So exciting and thrilling for you Robyn!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anthony J. LangfordJune 27, 2015 at 1:49 AM

    Very exciting stuff Robyn. A lot to look forward to. Going to be a fun read too. Looking forward to your big day and a pivotal moment in your life.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  32. sageJune 28, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    I went from a receding hairline to an absence of hair... so much for hiding my wrinkles, but I wonder if dates ever pondered the length and depth of the canyons across my forehead.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comJune 28, 2015 at 9:59 PM

    Thank you, RR, Anthony, and Sage. Oh Sage, I have major canyons now. That must be why I've been dateless for months.

    ReplyDelete
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