Sarah Holman's Blog, page 60
December 7, 2016
December 6, 2016
Unwritten Melody Blog Tour
© “Unwritten Melody” Excerpt – Written by Tessa Emily Hall – Published by Clean Reads
James must sense my sudden fear, because he says, “Don’t worry, Cass.” His voice is almost a whisper. “You can trust me.” A corner of his mouth lifts. He lowers his hand, offering to help me up. How can I resist?I cram the phone back into my purse and place my hand in his. On my feet, I expect James to release my grip, but he doesn’t.Instead, he shuts my door, squeezes my hand tighter—then he takes off into a jog, pulling me along with him. The blend of new emotions I’ve experienced tonight builds in my stomach, giving way to bursts of laughter. I struggle to keep my strides at the same pace as James’s. We dart across a field, further and further until we reach the cluster of willow trees. Vine-like branches drape over us as we weave between the trees, our feet pounding the ground. Then we approach the creek, and James comes to a halt.My breaths are heavy as we face the water that rolls over rocks before us. I keep my hand buried in his, snug and warm.He turns to me. “Hear that?”“What?”“Shhh.” He slides his hand out of mine and places a finger on his lips. “Listen.”Another giggle slips out. “What, exactly, am I listening to?”Slivers of moonlight trickle between the willow tree branches overhead, illuminating his goofy grin. “Close your eyes and just listen.”I bite my lower lip and do as he says, forcing myself to remain still.A stream of water from the creek trickles over rocks and gushes downstream, emptying into the small waterfall. A swish of wind causes leafless branches to brush against each other. A car roars in the distance—probably a redneck trying to show off their souped-up engine.“All of this—” James’s words are barely audible. It prompts me to open my eyes. He stands in front of me, hidden from the moonlight, covered in thick shadows casted by a willow tree. “This is where I get my inspiration. Similar to the way a photographer snaps pictures of everyday-sights that most people take for granted—and the same way a poet uses words to capture everyday feelings and moments.” He holds up both hands for emphasis. “I capture sound. Sound that most people can’t hear unless they really make an effort.”Wind rustles through my hair. A wave of chills extends from the top of my neck and down the length of my spine. “Do you know the kind of impact we could make if we combine the two, Cassie? If we capture and combine poetry and sound to create melodies that mean something? Songs that make a difference?” Passion drips from his voice.I swallow. This is a side of James Russo I haven’t seen.And yet, standing beneath the willow trees and listening to him talk about creating music that makes a difference—I’ve never found him more attractive than I do in this moment.“I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to go blind.”Okay, now I can’t help but laugh. “Have you officially gone crazy?”“Just think about it.” Leaves crunch as he takes a step closer, into a beam of moonlight. “When someone loses a sense, another one becomes stronger. How awesome would it be if our sight became momentarily lost, and our hearing was strengthened? I can’t imagine the sounds I’d discover that I’ve never heard before. Melodies I could create because of it.” An owl hoots in the nearby distance. Almost as if it were trying to emphasize just how true James’s words are.
à Giveaway
Enter for your chance to win the Unwritten Melody Prize Pack! Two winners will be selected and announced on Tessa’s blog the final day of tour (Friday, December 9th) and will be notified via email.
This prize pack includes…
· E-copy of Unwritten Melody· Signed paperback copy of Purple Moon· Unwritten Melody mug, filled with goodies· Unwritten Melody swag, including a bookmark, pen, and poster· Starbucks mocha flavored instant coffee· Free Unwritten Melody: Page-By-Page Secrets PDF· Handmade journal· Typewritten thank you note
*This giveaway is open to the US only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
à About Tessa
Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show others they’re not alone—and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). The debut novel she wrote at 16-years-old, PURPLE MOON (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) was a Selah 2014 Finalist. Her second novel, UNWRITTEN MELODY, releases with Clean Reads November 2016. She’s the Founder of PursueMagazine.net, a magazine that inspires teens to embrace their calling. She also enjoys helping writers achieve their dreams through her internship at Hartline Literary Agency.
When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, Tessa can be found making healthy homemade lattes, speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. She writes in a small town nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Southeastern coast. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website.
à Connect With Tessa
· Website: www.tessaemilyhall.com · Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2ef5bu1· Blog: www.ChristisWrite.blogspot.com· Twitter: www.twitter.com/tessaemilyhall· Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tessaemilyhall· Instagram: www.instagram.com/tessaemilyhall· Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall
December 5, 2016
December 4, 2016
December 3, 2016
Christmas Countdown: Pinables
Have you read it yet?
Here are some of my favorite quotes to pin.
December 2, 2016
Christmas Countdown: My Joy
A recent favorite discovery.December 1, 2016
Christmas Countdown: A Short Story
Are you in the mood for a Christmas short story?
Sixteen-year-old Jared is sure that this Christmas season is going to be the worst ever for his family. His fifteen-year-old sister, Amber, is scaring their whole family with how little she is eating and her obsession with winning a beauty pageant.When Jared seeks help from his pastor, he comes up with a plan to help his sister by Christmas. As the days pass and he sees no change in his sister, he wonders if he can reach his goal.A Christmas short story about faith, family, and unconditional love.Get it now for $0.99
Christmas Countdown: Happy December
Wow! Is it really December? Where has the time gone?
I am very happy to say I successfully finished NaNo (Look for A Different Kind of Purpose coming in July 2017) and am getting ready to take off some time to enjoy the Christmas season. What better way to kick off the month than with some amazing music?
November 26, 2016
Lift Your Name
This has been one of my favorite worship songs since I was little. I love doing the hand motions with it too!
Buy it .
