K.C. Sprayberry's Blog, page 79

Giving Love A Second Chance

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday Blog Share. Today we’re talking about reviving a romance despite the anger between a couple.
His betrayal had been so deep that she didn’t believe they could ever clear the troubled air between them. Debbie Marsters stared in shock at Nik Olsen, the man she’d once claimed to love… until that dark night so long ago.
“Hi.” Nik half waved at her. “Been a while.”
Her mind raced to the past; to the day she discovered him sauntering out of her best friend’s home. Lynda as a friend was a poor choice, as Debbie had learned that day. Men flocked around her much as moths were attracted to the flame. They couldn’t avoid her sultry deep black eyes and hip length red hair. Lynda never once believed she didn’t have a right to any man crossing her path, even it was her best friend’s fiancée.
“What do you want?” Debbie slammed her fists against her hips. “Why are you back?”
Her heart still yearned for this man; such a traitorous organ she had that caused her to nearly faint at his appearance. She’d been a coward after hearing from Lydia about Nik’s transgression.
“Kind of wondered why you dumped me.” He held up an envelope, with the flap torn open. “And used the mail instead of facing me.”
“You know what you did.” She frowned.
Why did he look confused? Nik stared at her, as if demanding an explanation.
“What did I do?” he asked softly.
“Lynda…” She gulped. “She said…”
“Oh, Lynda.” He laughed. “She said she’d get even. Guess she did.” Nik approached Debbie. “I laughed in her face, told her that she was a total loser, and left.”
That sounded exactly like something Nik would do. Debbie shook her head. So much anger for so many years—she’d given up on love but hadn’t ever really given up on Nik.
“I’m sorry.” She held out a hand. “I should have trusted you.”



Amazon eBook
Blurb
The tragic death of their child in a horrific fire scars Keri-Lynne and Jack Montrose in ways they never could have imagined, driving them apart for eighteen years. It is only when the truth of the fire comes out that they have one last chance to accept and embrace the love that they buried for so long.



About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.


Find out more about my books at these social media sites:



Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google+ Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb  
Authorgraph Email

Diverse Relationships

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Blog Share. Today we’re talking about diverse relationships.
Marcus and Lily ran hand in hand along a crowded street. The crowd behind them was divided down the center. On one side were all of his neighbors, on the other were her friends and relations. Neither had listened to advice from others regarding their relationship.
“We have to stop.” Lily panted. “I have a stitch in my side.”
Screams of whore and losers chased them. Marcus glanced over a shoulder, noticed how the crowd seemed to be falling back. He returned his attention to the road in front of them. Wide open gates beckoned them to push a little harder, to enter what had been called Sanctuary for all those opposed the divisions of their community.
“Can you make it?” Marcus asked. “We’ll be safe in there.”
“I can do it.” Her wings fluttered wildly. “I have to.”
All four of his feet clumped along the cobblestones. She was a fairy grown to human proportions. He was half human, half centaur, but doomed to being caught in the middle of a fight he never before considered.
“Get the freak!” A woman screeched. “Kill the freak.”
“Lily.” Marcus slowed his pace, determined to protect her. “Keep going. I’ll stall them.”
“No.” She remained beside him. “Sanctuary is only a temporary solution. We have to stop this now.”
She spun around and rose above those determined to destroy them. Her wings flapped with a fury he had never known. Marcus admired this woman he loved deeply but the laws were against them. Their only chance to survive this moment was to get inside Sanctuary—where it was rumored they could remain together without hatred.
“No, Lily.” He grabbed her left hand and pulled her along with him. “We need Sanctuary to help us. Only there can we survive.”
Racing along, ensuring she was beside him, Marcus got them through the open gates, which slammed closed behind them. Lily floated to the ground and they hugged as those determined to destroy their love turned away.





Amazon eBook



Blurb
Christmas was almost here.
Caryn O’Brien and Johnson Angel lost the music in their lives when circumstances tore them away from each other. Together, they were a talented team, but separate, all they had were empty spaces in their souls. It didn’t help that the gulf between them was being forced open even wider by the bigotry and anger that surrounded them.
They had no way of knowing that those very things, which drove them apart, would also bring them together.







About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.



Find out more about my books at these social media sites:


Facebook  Twitter  Goodreads  Amazon Author Page
Google+  Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph  Email

Cupid's Arrow

Good morning and welcome to Thursday Thoughts. Today, we’re featuring Paige Etheridge and her tale Kissing Stars Over the Rising Sun.
When Cupid’s Arrow Injected Me with Geek Love
I was eighteen and crushing hard on a communist.
My parents were getting divorced at the time, so I was feeling pretty weird about romantic relationships in general. I was dating one guy with a black belt and hooking up with a violinist. Neither were serious, I kept everything physical at PG-13 or lower, and I didn’t break any hearts when either ended. I was pretty secretive about both of them, they were older and outside of my main circle, so no one at my school knew about them. Meanwhile I was crushing hard on my high school’s Salutatorian; MIT admitted with a voice like caramel.
He was out of my league, which still mattered in high school, and not my normal type. When I was a teenager I was stupid enough to be into the Hamlet personalities. Besides that were the skaters and artists. My two best friends at the time thought I had terrible taste in men, and this jonesing for a nerd who was also a self-proclaimed communist was my worst choice of all. “You find a pale geek wearing glasses hot, why? Why aren’t you going with hot older black belt?” But I wanted him anyway.
I was listening to Fan 3’s “Geek Love” like crazy. Though I promise, the guy I was crushing on was way cooler than the guy in the song. I played it on repeat mostly because it caught the feeling of being smitten by a guy outside of my normal type.
As many people do in high school, I responded to my friend’s qualms through song lyrics:
“They try to act hard now pretend like they floss,We’ll see who’s laughin’ when my geek is their boss.”
This is also what inspired me to try my first love spell. My new religion, I converted to Taoist at seventeen, was cool with magic, and there’s a sect which used it themselves. Though the magic was too advanced for me and I ended up having freaking dreams that night.
I did manage to get his screen name after that, back when AIM was huge among teenagers. I know I didn’t get it from him; probably from a friend of mine who was actually in his honors classes. This led to a few buttery conversations with him online. He told me about the free lasik he was getting from a doctor he worked for. I asked him about communism. He told me more about his plans for the future. I talked to him about my recent upgrade to black belt as well as making it into my dream college. At least he thought me getting into my exclusive writing program was cool. I was thrilled to see that his own writing was rich as caramel, not matter the topic.
I finally asked him to tutor me in math. He did. He brought up getting pizza with me after. It felt like a date, but to this day I’m still pretty sure it wasn’t. Not much happened beyond breaking down equations and Italian food.
On Valentine’s Day, I worked up the nerve to tell him how I felt through AIM. Unsurprisingly, I was kindly turned down. My awkward Valentine’s Day got worse. While I was still recovering from the blow, two other guys signed on to AIM and admitted to having feelings for me. The feelings weren’t mutual. At least I still had the violinist and hot black belt. Still, this continued my theory Valentine’s day was a cursed for me whether I was single or not.  -Paige Etheridge


Amazon eBook
Amazon Print Book
Blurb
Emerging from the ashes of Post WWII Japan, the Pan Pan were born. Transforming themselves into the antitheses of what Japanese women were supposed to be; they were the loud, vulgar, and independent lovers of the American GIs occupying their land. For many of these Women of the Night, it became more about pleasure and riches than survival; burning brightly for a few years before being wiped out by the Japanese themselves. Nearly erased from history for being too wild.
This is the story of one of these women.
Her name is Miyako.



About Paige Etheridge
A voice has been inside Paige since she was young to write stories. She remained conflicted about this until her teenage years which is when she finally embraced it. She graduated from SUNY Purchase’s highly selective Lily Lieb Port Writing Program with a dual degree in history and creative writing. After that, she freelanced for several publications, including Inked Magazine, mostly writing about MMA and alternative culture. She’s a black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate, a Piscesan, and an Athenian descendant. She lives with her husband Scott and dog Athena near Virginia Beach.

Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Book Release ~ The Case of Where is Marnie Wildwood? Book 4 Wildcat Crew

Good morning and welcome to the release of The Case of Where Is Marnie Wildwood? Book 4 Wildcat Crew. This latest adventure in the Wildcat Crew series places the team’s leader in a dangerous position where she must use her wits to get away from the people who have kidnapped her.
Blurb
Marnie Wildwood solves mysteries. Her friends are at her side while she seeks answers, assisting her every step of the way.
Until… vengeance comes for her “nosy” behavior. In terror packed moments, Marnie is kidnapped. Garth, Tish, Les, Suzie, and Brad desperately want to be part of the many police officers searching for the daughter of one of their own. They are told to stand down and let the professionals do the job. They have to look on and remain together under supervision while Marnie is taken far from them.
Minutes turn into hours, hours into one day followed by a second day without Marnie Wildwood being seen. She has vanished without a trace, along with her distinctive 1967 Ford Mustang.
Who can Wildcat Crew trust? Who can they depend on to help locate their leader? Where is Marnie?
Wildcat Crew takes on their toughest case. Time is running out to find Marnie. Can they accomplish the impossible?




eBook
Print Book
Excerpt
Marnie Wildwood threw off her blankets and jumped out of bed. Their latest case, one she had yet to tell the rest of her crew about, had her eager to get started.
I can’t believe Dante is part of a gang. I’m going to figure out why and set him straight.
She wondered why the other men paid attention to Dante’s commands during the confrontation at Library Park. All of them had been great students and even better at sports.
He’s in charge of those people. They did whatever he wanted done.
Worry over an old friend walking down the wrong path consumed her. Dante made one mistake and it had cost him his dreams. That he blamed her dad for his troubles bothered Marnie much more than anything else she’d ever experienced. Although not the first time she’d had someone important to her in trouble, Dante’s attitude and angry outlook was far different from anything she’d experienced from the person she looked at as a friend.





About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.

Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google+ Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb 
Authorgraph Email

Fun on the Beach

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday Blog Share. Today we’re talking about teen romances during the summer time.
For so long, Dawn come to the beach to watch him surf. Jan was of two mindsets—that Troy was the hottest man in creation or that he was a total jerk.
He’s so hot. She sat on a towel near the surf with her arms wrapped around her legs. But he’s also a huge jerk.
The second thing she’d come up with after hearing some girls in the bathroom talk about Troy’s love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude. Sure, he was a fabulous surfer. He was really popular on the beach and at school. Despite her doing everything possible to get his attention, Troy never looked Jan’s way.
The waves were slowing. Most of the surfers were coming in, except Troy. He was still sitting on his board, watching the ocean for the rising swell that would mark a fabulous wave.
“Hey, Dawn!” Troy waved before turning his board and paddling toward the shore. “Need to talk.”
She caught sight of the swell approaching him. It was huge, far bigger than most of the waves that came up on Malibu Beach. Murmurs reached her; everyone left on the beach moved toward the shoreline. They were watching, pointing.
“Ride the wave!” Dawn pointed at the action. “Ride it!”
Troy got up and balanced. His arms held out from his sides, he grinned; his white teeth shining against his deep tan. Dawn clapped her hands over her mouth as he rode the barrel of the wave, popping out and landing safely.
Everyone else cheered and clapped when he reached the shore. She ran to him, pulling his head down and giving him a kiss.



Amazon eBook

Blurb
A special bikini puts courage into Beth to approach the guy of her dreams. Trane looks forward to the waves and talking to a girl who has caught his eye. The Summer of ’72 on the longest day of the year, two teens discover love on the beach, amid adventure and fun.



About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.


Find out more about my books at these social media sites:


Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google+ Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph Email

Rediscovering Romance

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Blog Share. Today we’re talking about rekindled love.
So many years have passed since Shelly walked away from the man she’s loved since she was a sassy ten year old. Their paths had gone in very different directions but she’d always remembered him fondly. Joe was one of a kind, but far too easygoing for her intense devotion to a writing career to accept.
“Hey.” A man stops in front of her, interrupting her musings about an old love. “”Looking for Summer Breeze, that funky writer. Heard of her?”
I really should have come up with a better pseudonym. Shelly represses a smile. But no one ever guesses that I’m Summer Breeze.
“Hasn’t everyone.” Shelly looks up and nearly swallows her tongue. OMG! It’s Joe. When did he get back?
“Yeah.” Joe shoves a hand through sandy hair liberally streaked with gray. “Know where I can find her?”
A little miffed he hasn’t recognized her, Shelly takes stock of her how she currently appears to anyone passing them. Her signature red curls are bound tightly against her head. Dark sunglasses cover her green eyes, and she’s wearing disreputable jeans and a ratty T-shirt. Her latest “date” is with the walls of her kitchen, changing them from a faded blue to light sage green.
“Maybe.” Shelly grins, her memories taking her back in time. “Guess you need to look beyond the obvious, Joe.”
His startled expression reignites the fire she felt for him so long ago. At the time he took off to play football for the Rams, she’d been a little known author. Fast forward twenty years, and she’s staring at a man who is still buff—just enough to make him sexy—and stares at her in a thunderstruck manner. Every muscle in her body now tingles with excitement, where only moments earlier she was feeling the stretch and strain of redoing her cottage without help.
“Shel.” He grins.
She’s not certain if she’s hearing the past or the present. Shelly only knows one thing–this one should have never gotten away.





Amazon eBook


Blurb
A promise to wait forever shatters from doubt. Doubt in her fiancé and doubt in herself causes Treena Andrews to make a choice she comes to regret. Fifteen years later, can she make the broken pieces of her life whole?



About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.





Find out more about my books at these social media sites:

Facebook  Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google+  Pinterest  Manic Readers  AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph  Email

Holding Onto Trust

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday Blog Share. Today we’re talking about holding onto hope despite destiny working against you.
Nothing had gone right in his life since he was five. That was when his parents divorced and he’d never again seen his father. Yet, here he was now, married to a wonderful woman, one dedicated to serving her country, and he still feared her disappearing every single day.
Michaela hadn’t contacted him for weeks. They usually spoke via Skype every Sunday. Luke spent his days working as the manager of a fast food restaurant while Michaela was over in Pakistan defusing bombs and fighting against an invisible enemy.
The sound of a vehicle pulling into his driveway had him putting his coffee cup down and wandering over to the kitchen window. The dark blue sedan stopping behind his eco-friendly SUV had him shaking in fear. He remained in that position until two officers came up to the front door and knocked.
I can ignore them. they’ll go away.
Yet, he knew that if he didn’t respond to the demand he speak to these men, their seven-year-old twins would be awake, demanding to know what was going on. Luke opened the door, swallowing hard to get his heart out of his mouth.
“Luke Janson?” one of the officers asked.
He nodded.
“Husband of SSgt. Michaela Janson?”
He nodded again, swallowed. “What’s happened?”
In his heart, he imagined the worst. She was dead. His wife would abandon him, just like his father had.
“SSgt. Janson was seriously injured attempting to disarm an IED,” the second officer said. “She’s currently being airlifted to Walter Reed for treatment.”
“When…” Luke cleared his throat. “How soon?”
“Later today,” the first officer said.
“I’ll be there.” Luke closed the door and ran up the stairs.
Hours later, with their twins clamoring for a chance to talk to their mommy, Luke left them with a nurse and walked into Michaela’s room. Her wan smile was all he needed to know that no matter what else they faced, their love would survive.





Amazon eBook
Amazon print book


Blurb
Jenna and Nicholas are a poster image of the perfect military couple. With one child and twins on the way, their lives take a twisted turn when Iraq invades Kuwait. With her at home, ready to deliver their newest babies and him deployed to a battle in the Middle East, their lives change drastically. Their solid relationship is tested in many ways.                                                                       Worry eats at Jenna and Nicholas but neither will admit to the other that they’re scared. Can they survive the short lived war to free Kuwait from Iraqi control? Will their deep, abiding love for each other withstand this war and the drastic changes in their lives?



About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.


Find out more about my books at these social media sites:


Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google+ Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph Email

Overcoming the Odds

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Blog Share. Today we’re talking about overcoming the odds, of discovering the truth despite those around you living with lies.
Jane acknowledges her husband’s presence in the courtroom on the day Brody Anderson’s second trial for DUI that caused a death will soon begin. The young man in question, all of twenty years old, appears as cocky as he did the day he was tried for their daughter, Lanie’s, death.
My daughter was murdered. The judicial system doesn’t recognize that yet, but killing someone because you’re blind drunk and driving is murder.
“Your Honor.” James looks up from his documents. “After struggling with my conscience—” he glances at her “—for quite a long time, I can’t in good conscience represent this client.”
“Don’t you dare,” Michael Anderson shouts, leaping to his feet. “You will do your job, jackass. We decided that last night.”
Jane half rises from her seat, waiting to hear what has happened.
“Mr. Martin,” the judge says. “May I ask why you are so reluctant to represent this client?”
“This young man—” James points at Brody “—murdered my daughter five years ago. As his family was represented by my firm, I was forced to ensure Brody Anderson didn’t have his life ruined because, as his father put it, ‘some stupid bitch couldn’t get out of his son’s way’.” James brushes away a tear. “That destroyed my marriage and my belief in the judicial system.”
Jane inches toward her husband, wanting him to finish quickly. This is what she has wanted for five long years.
“Today.” James’ voice becomes stronger, clearer. “Brody Anderson faces the exact same charges. He did not attend meetings to work through his alcoholism. He did not do anything that was required of him five years ago, including pay reparations—”
“That money was paid,” Michael shouts. “That bitch you married got the damn money. How dare you say my son didn’t pay.”
“I received a cashier’s check for the amount ordered,” Jane says. “But there was no apology note from Brody, only a letter signed by you that I could keep this blood money but your son would never acknowledge his crime.”
James comes to her side, partially filling the hole put there five years ago. Jane looks at the judge.
“I want answers,” Jane says. “Answers why my daughter’s murder was treated as if the whole thing was her fault. Answers to explain how my beautiful Lanie was blamed for an accident just because she was in a certain place at the wrong time. Answers about why Brody Anderson still has a driver’s license and vehicle when he’s shown no indication he is willing to stay away from alcohol.”
“I can’t give you those answers today,” the judge says. “But I can reassure you that I will have them as soon as I can get them.” He fixes a piercing gaze on Michael and Brody Anderson. “Brody Anderson, you will be remanded to the jail without bail until an investigation into both the first accident and the one you were in a month ago has been completed.”
“That’s not fair!” Brody yells. “Those broads were in my way. They’re stupid, not worth messing up my life.”
Jane finally faces the demon that destroyed her life so long ago. “My daughter and this other young woman didn’t mess up your life,” she says. “You did that all by yourself.”


Amazon eBook 
Amazon Print Book 



Blurb
The discovery of three teenage girls found hanging from an ancient elm tree, alleged suicides, on the grounds of abandoned Starlight Mansion by a teenage boy sets him on a mission to find the truth. Nearly forty years later, now the sheriff, Big Jake finds himself drawn into the investigation of a mysterious “suicide” and the disappearance of another teenager.
Jayme Barclay sees her fifteen-year-old daughter swinging on a rope from a tree at the mansion the county commissioner is turning into a resort. Brad Patterson loses a piece of himself when he answers the 911 call to get to Starlight on a snowy December night.
A year later, the mystery surrounding Tawni's alleged suicide still haunts both Jayme and Brad. Big Jake has been shackled in this investigation, much like another sheriff so many years ago.
Reluctant teens hold back information, until Jayme returns to the hometown she abandoned, to find the truth. Brad hates that he had to intrude on her grief, but also believes this is his chance to redeem himself for not protecting the daughter of the woman he loves. Big Jake suspects who the killer is and that the person isn’t done yet, but must stand back and allow a younger man stand up against a powerful and corrupt group of politicians.








About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.

Find out more about my books at these social media sites:  


Facebook  Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google+  Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph  Email 

Bad Choices

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday Blog Share. Let’s start off this new year with a look at smoking.
Few teens can resist a dare. Daryl is just like all of his friends, always up for a challenge. Nothing presented to him in the past has made him stop and think of the consequences nor will that happen today. Or so he believes…
The high school he attends has taken on a challenge. Daryl eyes the top prize. Five hundred dollars will go a long way toward making college next year easier financially. Despite his parents putting money away every month, despite his part time job at a local fast food place, he’s still a long way from having a nice financial cushion once he’s in University of Georgia.
The task seems minor. All he has to do is race through an obstacle course and come out first… or so he thinks. Openmouthed, he stares at the teachers lining up along the track. Each one holds a single sheet of paper.
“On your mark, get set, go!” Coach Johnson yells.
Trained as an athlete, fairly good in academics, Daryl runs toward the first teacher.
“What color does red and blue make?”
Way too easy! He grins from ear to ear. “Purple.”
“Two seconds, remember that. Go!”
Pushing himself to the limits, he stops at each individual on the track. They all ask him a question a kid in kindergarten could answer and gives him a time. He’s mentally tallying those times in his head, uncertain of why—just a gut hunch they might be important. As he approaches the last instructor, he’s a little wary. Ms. Janson is about the toughest teacher in his school. He barely passed her class with a strong B+.
“What is the reason for your presence here today?” she asks with a wicked grin.
“To win.” He stares at her in wonder. “To put the winnings away for college.”
“What is your average time on this course?”
His eyes widen in horror. He glances at where the other teachers are standing—Were standing! They’re all gone! Briefly closing his eyes, he takes a guess at how many teachers there were and divides that by the total number of times he was given.
“Three point two,” he says, gasping and hoping he is right.
“Correct.” Ms. Janson points at the bleachers. “Take a seat.”
Once he’s seated, Daryl watches the other students eliminated easily. Some don’t even make it past the first stop. All of them glare at him. Uncertain what’s going on, he waits for the last student to complete course. Guy Jacobs makes it all the way to Ms. Janson and groans before turning and walking away.
Daryl stares at the other students. They’re gathered on the edge of the track, across from him. Sun beats down on his head. Sweat pours down his face. He’s the only one here. Everyone else is… is… he can’t believe his eyes. They’re all getting soft drinks and pizza. Why? None of them finished.
“Daryl.” Coach Johnson stops in front of him, holding out an envelope. “Congratulations. You’re the winner.”
The glares from the people he’s known since kindergarten cause a shiver to run up and down his spine. He’s not sure why they’re angry. He won by knowing the answers.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“Sometimes being a winner is more like being a loser.” Coach Johnson drops the envelope on the bench beside Daryl. “All of failed in one way. You didn’t work as a team.”
Daryl opened the envelope. He stared at the check for five hundred dollars. With shaking hands, he takes out the folded piece of paper also in the envelope.
He who wins also loses.
“Yeah. Stupid choice.” He stands and shoves the check and check into the pocket of his shorts. “Really dumb. All of us could have won, if we’d worked together.”
Dumb Decisionallows teens to understand they can make mistakes, if they learn from them.

Blurb


Carla got in a car with a drunk driver. Two other friends in that car were also drunk. She put on her seatbelt. They didn’t. The wreck on their way home left her the lone survivor. Even with a horrific injury, her memory won’t let her forget anything.






Getthe eBook on Amazon





About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.

Find out more about my books at these social media sites:


Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google+ Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph Email

Substance Abuse

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday Blog Share. Let’s start off this new year with a look at smoking.
Jake stresses a lot about everything—school, a girlfriend, looking good on the basketball court, making sure his parents aren’t upset with him—the normal things most teens deal with daily. Sometimes, the pressure is too much to handle and he ducks into a private corner, either behind a tree or dumpster, to smoke a cigarette.
He justifies his growing habit by thinking he can handle it. No way will he get addicted to a couple of smokes a day. Being a teen is tough. He needs a way to relax, chill out after a tough day.
One day, the coach catches Jake. He was really tense after failing a test and being yelled at his mom for waking up late. Coach tells Jake he can’t be on the court for the playoffs for the state championship because he violated part of the agreement he made when he was put on the team. But Jake needs to play in that game. Scouts from colleges are supposed to be there. If all they see him doing is sitting on the bench, he’ll never have a chance for a scholarship.
After explaining the dilemma, more like yelling and screaming, Jake holds his breath. He has to play.
“Okay.” Coach’s expression is grim. “I’ll give you a break. This time. Don’t let me catch you smoking again.”
Once the coach leaves, Jake stares at the still smoldering cigarette in his hand. The stress is even greater now. But he can’t blow this chance. His parents can’t afford to pay for his college. After ten long minutes, he dumps the now cold cigarette and pack and lighter into the dumpster and walks away. Smoking won’t ruin the rest of his life.
Just One Moreexposes a teenage girl’s problems both in school and at home when she’s caught smoking at school. Can Lydia make the right choice?

Blurb

One more cigarette. Lydia continually fools herself, by imagining that she’ll relieve the stress in her life by smoking one more cigarette. Her habit results in being caught during finals at school, and being expelled. She learns who did this to her and vows revenge.                                                         There is only one little issue left. Can she throw out the cigarettes or will she be caught in the same downward spiral as her brother?



Get the eBook on Amazon





About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.

Find out more about my books at these social media sites:



Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google_ Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph Email