tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301556562024-03-13T08:09:38.455-07:00Jay Ashera little thing I like to call...My BlogJay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.comBlogger585125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-36057972662567848432022-11-26T11:38:00.000-08:002022-11-26T11:38:22.206-08:00Happiness is...100!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21MAQwbDsNwapdEhZpuoDMA30C_ZK7dfaSK2x9nw3iJLLk7fVrAvCZg9KlYZfSI8YoeLhdfCFY8_HCsus1KS_38rgCamWGZ_dSkjtLsQH4BEtqTicuNtfuNXIvLc525YY4LbcjfRx2JmZg-R8YJNZ1PcxsTe5mLQ6DX5m0Oz9qYGr9B05-A/s418/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-26%20at%2011.31.49%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="339" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21MAQwbDsNwapdEhZpuoDMA30C_ZK7dfaSK2x9nw3iJLLk7fVrAvCZg9KlYZfSI8YoeLhdfCFY8_HCsus1KS_38rgCamWGZ_dSkjtLsQH4BEtqTicuNtfuNXIvLc525YY4LbcjfRx2JmZg-R8YJNZ1PcxsTe5mLQ6DX5m0Oz9qYGr9B05-A/w163-h200/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-26%20at%2011.31.49%20AM.png" width="163" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(a Peanutized me)</span></div><p>Today marks 100 years since the birth of <a href="https://schulzmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Charles Schulz</a>, creator of the Peanuts comic strip. Over the years, my love and appreciation for the art Mr. Schulz gave to the world have hopefully been obvious. As a tribute, here are several blog posts I've done that reference my gratefulness for these large-headed kids and the mind that created them:</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://jayasher.blogspot.com/2010/02/it-is-what-they-is.html?m=1" target="_blank">It Is What They Is</a> - February 23, 2010<br />...includes a supportive essay for artists dealing with criticism.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BVWdro-puXbG49lRUBtnWad5qMW4qqhL7uaTiOHRQwFC0xFVAkGMl_CxqncTfIEQukQP0mDCvqbCu9z84gnlkYZfeRMceWHqWVRTNfXQyoGq1RDyt6cCMKhgKhc3i7VYm63qhneVMZnez6WPmMSIADOz6ytR4hJ_98u88W2X1pK5SYlY-A/s1000/Peanuts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="1000" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BVWdro-puXbG49lRUBtnWad5qMW4qqhL7uaTiOHRQwFC0xFVAkGMl_CxqncTfIEQukQP0mDCvqbCu9z84gnlkYZfeRMceWHqWVRTNfXQyoGq1RDyt6cCMKhgKhc3i7VYm63qhneVMZnez6WPmMSIADOz6ytR4hJ_98u88W2X1pK5SYlY-A/w400-h83/Peanuts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://jayasher.blogspot.com/2011/06/ive-got-mail.html?m=1" target="_blank">I've Got Mail</a> - June 7, 2011<br />...includes Blockhead & Son in matching shirts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QXaOCHlEnkcGrUfbi_xdjWeIqqjpqes_wG9kF7o5TDPAkp3I0LF7R9EpeovFCDMlzEClN9jVcV-roJCxjg1q8v0sHiubxllYBgdQolZSsOa0wnJxwKTCqGGNwo41h2U8yR5fmfWwurpY7LLoQCsZMUIsvyp28x8QmS_fieiSSiddXC1D9g/s504/mail-charliebrowns.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="394" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QXaOCHlEnkcGrUfbi_xdjWeIqqjpqes_wG9kF7o5TDPAkp3I0LF7R9EpeovFCDMlzEClN9jVcV-roJCxjg1q8v0sHiubxllYBgdQolZSsOa0wnJxwKTCqGGNwo41h2U8yR5fmfWwurpY7LLoQCsZMUIsvyp28x8QmS_fieiSSiddXC1D9g/s320/mail-charliebrowns.JPG" width="250" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://jayasher.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-tour-2011-minnetonka.html?m=1" target="_blank">Book Tour 2011: Minnetonka</a> - October 19, 2011<br />...includes sharing a root beer with Snoopy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LwmcHh7J5Wc4qBRPOPfZORpQQXGr99mthwPMQ8r8Ljqop5b5nKU06v9uFTN9hH8js8J6eHuI1OkNUXbiFm8ZW-JzzJ6E3kz1JSbRgCtFn23PNtuFTtZ3rb8BH4a6_Iv-EHlMn_Da0i6LNotL26io5JUB2yYNEUjsBCzKVh0dlpANsyqaxA/s504/MinnesotaRootBeer.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LwmcHh7J5Wc4qBRPOPfZORpQQXGr99mthwPMQ8r8Ljqop5b5nKU06v9uFTN9hH8js8J6eHuI1OkNUXbiFm8ZW-JzzJ6E3kz1JSbRgCtFn23PNtuFTtZ3rb8BH4a6_Iv-EHlMn_Da0i6LNotL26io5JUB2yYNEUjsBCzKVh0dlpANsyqaxA/s320/MinnesotaRootBeer.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://jayasher.blogspot.com/2014/09/highland-peanuts.html?m=1" target="_blank">Highland PEANUTS</a> - September 15, 2014<br />...includes meeting Mrs. Schulz.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPFHeIWqOQ0as385lOauMCEOQzgXwAkyjvmlIF-3W4Ewfe53-x0LeupX2qGYE_Q11W-dAlrGwRTYlXjpzX9TeVY5rKFPwpVA2gW42_JT8zAZV_MHuerencoXeQ0NsvD9Izq1q9Y0i14DAU6MAuxyISEVhdIxffBRl5UTwxjucp62spIs9vA/s1218/2014-09-13%2020.29.09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1002" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPFHeIWqOQ0as385lOauMCEOQzgXwAkyjvmlIF-3W4Ewfe53-x0LeupX2qGYE_Q11W-dAlrGwRTYlXjpzX9TeVY5rKFPwpVA2gW42_JT8zAZV_MHuerencoXeQ0NsvD9Izq1q9Y0i14DAU6MAuxyISEVhdIxffBRl5UTwxjucp62spIs9vA/s320/2014-09-13%2020.29.09.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://jayasher.blogspot.com/2015/01/50-states-against-bullying-minnesota.html?m=1" target="_blank">50 States Against Bullying: MINNESOTA</a> - January 14, 2015<br />...includes eating snow at Sparky's childhood home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zHqRruO-UwUh22lw1MlgZwNhFzxS2Sx309ps8Y_l7i-QZALlMzOb-WtMUr_XU1mlEGrxJPgeM5FYBdLdeSxPnWophpChzvCqdh-PT-RRAQTdxD4t1dMowJgNWvuuRzomrJmMHl1K3KHzjt3p_h9CB3IwWQUYDwDNw59AmARmnqJf0mjZFg/s1600/2015-01-14%2013.14.03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1015" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zHqRruO-UwUh22lw1MlgZwNhFzxS2Sx309ps8Y_l7i-QZALlMzOb-WtMUr_XU1mlEGrxJPgeM5FYBdLdeSxPnWophpChzvCqdh-PT-RRAQTdxD4t1dMowJgNWvuuRzomrJmMHl1K3KHzjt3p_h9CB3IwWQUYDwDNw59AmARmnqJf0mjZFg/s320/2015-01-14%2013.14.03.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://jayasher.blogspot.com/2017/09/not-just-peanuts.html?m=1" target="_blank">Not Just PEANUTS</a> - September 15, 2017<br />...includes a high point of my life and career.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3jJ2JhBioxthN8kvHW0Po-oS3_ag2pRQYy6pBP5v0WOcY4QBb4JDZ_JrOr1e5G2FWkuAKc376cqBEkkAx4FGcZDfE_pbrOp3ulnvKp3nRt3oy6dsa2ir_tcDcf_LMcp82MWOecv0yEMzcakv6hAxwpLsTk5hYKttVGG9icWwsEqDGhUaoQ/s645/20170913_111536.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="645" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3jJ2JhBioxthN8kvHW0Po-oS3_ag2pRQYy6pBP5v0WOcY4QBb4JDZ_JrOr1e5G2FWkuAKc376cqBEkkAx4FGcZDfE_pbrOp3ulnvKp3nRt3oy6dsa2ir_tcDcf_LMcp82MWOecv0yEMzcakv6hAxwpLsTk5hYKttVGG9icWwsEqDGhUaoQ/s320/20170913_111536.png" width="320" /></a></div>Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-80718865672731064462022-05-15T15:23:00.002-07:002022-05-15T22:22:12.255-07:00Gifts Galore!<p>Visit <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jayasher" target="_blank">my Redbubble page</a> to view and purchase gifts either inspired by my books or simply inspired!</p><script id="rb-xzfcxvzx" type="text/javascript">new RBExternalPortfolio('www.redbubble.com', 'jayasher', 2, 2).renderIframe();</script><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Design 1:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"If My Love" is a poem featured in <i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl1KTdW8jPnfnqBWplZRAVMVI0KSXtK2aGmoZYxsDRD0Da8G-n1giNLv7qk9jXbdKIDpYrDPNpPL3K1B3qjEwrmcMs01cYA02cB1cW9wHR8VMy8t02ieYnpGD02ohS3xmnNUdVulMyiYLxm4Jw6D6eOWTvHJ9DzQuTNgkI4syNCaIC1XptA/s3000/IfMyLove.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2781" data-original-width="3000" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl1KTdW8jPnfnqBWplZRAVMVI0KSXtK2aGmoZYxsDRD0Da8G-n1giNLv7qk9jXbdKIDpYrDPNpPL3K1B3qjEwrmcMs01cYA02cB1cW9wHR8VMy8t02ieYnpGD02ohS3xmnNUdVulMyiYLxm4Jw6D6eOWTvHJ9DzQuTNgkI4syNCaIC1XptA/w320-h298/IfMyLove.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Design 2:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My favorite quote from <i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbVaiBI84NAxL7n5nhCC-PMEJLqp_Qvhh0tPVTlLYUqvO9xsac4Phvhg00ezqXYrUSViO6p3CDf4aZUUuRqCBa6dB44ay3Lj9ptcHvgaQIsUoekaWwBZXzm0LbmJXUwspyMFCGXBcLt09KbMVL4Dthi91bgRoEKQfv8mAcvGHEdFKfNt0XA/s3000/EverythingAffectsEverything.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="3000" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbVaiBI84NAxL7n5nhCC-PMEJLqp_Qvhh0tPVTlLYUqvO9xsac4Phvhg00ezqXYrUSViO6p3CDf4aZUUuRqCBa6dB44ay3Lj9ptcHvgaQIsUoekaWwBZXzm0LbmJXUwspyMFCGXBcLt09KbMVL4Dthi91bgRoEKQfv8mAcvGHEdFKfNt0XA/s320/EverythingAffectsEverything.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Design 3:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Your life is your masterpiece. Live like it! Live like art.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RPsw-cJ_bSS97RphmkCJo4XrqCfdHcP9ewRaOBqCsmL5jhin_oI4Kypsu2QYsQkasbV6BaeWHcVGHfQRlTLjYCmqe5FwXuNXTx8U5vQh6hyVDtmFd50hR2oV6pZbmW98VUh_Jd5-dAgH0w32yVneVeDa0fKX2MYIzgnGChwpJ4qPphRhag/s3000/LiveLikeArt.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2588" data-original-width="3000" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RPsw-cJ_bSS97RphmkCJo4XrqCfdHcP9ewRaOBqCsmL5jhin_oI4Kypsu2QYsQkasbV6BaeWHcVGHfQRlTLjYCmqe5FwXuNXTx8U5vQh6hyVDtmFd50hR2oV6pZbmW98VUh_Jd5-dAgH0w32yVneVeDa0fKX2MYIzgnGChwpJ4qPphRhag/w320-h277/LiveLikeArt.png" width="320" /></a></div>Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-10576087971891536302022-04-17T00:00:00.001-07:002022-04-17T00:00:00.150-07:00Happy Easter!<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 13.6px;">The following is my annual Easter re-post.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 13.6px;"><br /></span></em></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VTR7Apkv5BM/Sd_kBBj35NI/AAAAAAAAAP8/xZ2PeP1awns/s1600-h/Easter+chicks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323223990825116882" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VTR7Apkv5BM/Sd_kBBj35NI/AAAAAAAAAP8/xZ2PeP1awns/s320/Easter+chicks.jpg" style="display: block; height: 186px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />Every so often, a reader tells me their impression of something I wrote in a way that deepens my own understanding of my own words. Someone in Florida once told me how a decision one of my characters made helped her illustrate a sentiment she'd been trying to get across to her friends.<br /><br />Here's what she told me:<br /><br /><blockquote>In the past, I've had to help friends realize that life goes on even after you've made a poor decision. Not because you move on or get over it, but because you grow as a result of it. You build something new, something with a higher purpose, using what you've learned as one of your bricks.</blockquote><br />When I read that, my heart leapt! Since there was no way I could say it any better, I immediately knew I'd be using her words in future speeches...and blog posts.<br /><br />So what does this have to do with Easter?<br /><br />One of the most beautiful ideas surrounding this holiday is that we're all given an opportunity to make corrections if we find ourselves traveling down a road we don't want to - or shouldn't - be on. In fact, we're given this opportunity to change every day. <em>Every second!</em> But sometimes we need a calendar to remind us.<br /><br />Refresh. Repair. Rebirth. Whatever you want to call it...<br /><br /><p>Renewal is a wonderful blessing! </p>Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-8057693860924367042021-04-15T15:47:00.000-07:002021-04-15T15:47:11.598-07:00BibliAudio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRJHxzXOPu4/YHiuY4JTpDI/AAAAAAAAh5M/w881Qyg8p-QMwkKUGctW9QNBj7jkJCQtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s702/AsherCovers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="702" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRJHxzXOPu4/YHiuY4JTpDI/AAAAAAAAh5M/w881Qyg8p-QMwkKUGctW9QNBj7jkJCQtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AsherCovers.jpg" /></a></div><p>The following songs helped set the atmosphere for writing my books. Some are even mentioned and featured in the books.</p><p>You can listen to the playlist on Spotify by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1vXGB2e8hw973xymHvXD0D?si=Yd0jMFmZS_uUF8GsYjC9Kg&utm_source=copy-link&nd=1" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>THIRTEEN REASONS WHY</b></i></p><p>"Genetic" - Sonic Youth<br />I repeatedly listened to the <i>My So-Called Life</i> soundtrack throughout writing, and this is just one song from it.</p><p>"Soul Alone" - JoanMarie<br />Originally written as a song by my ex-wife, the lyrics became a poem written by Hannah. This song concludes the U.S. audiobook of <i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i>.</p><p>"Larry" - Buffalo Tom<br />I listened to this on repeat to write the final scene.</p><p>"Two Steps Behind" - Def Leppard<br />I needed to create a specific distance between two characters in the final moments, so used the title from this song.</p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>THE FUTURE OF US</b></i></p><p>"Don't You (Forget About Me)" - Simple Minds<br />My co-author and I wanted the story to feel like a John Hughes movie. This song, featured in <i>The Breakfast Club</i>, is one of the most perfectly placed songs in cinema history.</p><p>"I'll Be There for You" - The Rembrandts<br />Many people know this as the theme song for <i>Friends</i>, which our mid-1990s characters watched.</p><p>"Basket Case" - Green Day<br />I listened to a lot of early-'90s pop-punk while writing. This is the first song Cody learned on guitar.</p><p>"Wonderwall" - Oasis<br />Emma listens to this while driving.</p><p>"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince<br />We found a <i>TV Guide</i> for the specific week when our story takes place, which resulted in Josh's brother watching the final episode of <i>The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air</i>.</p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>WHAT LIGHT</b></i></p><p>"Love Story" - Taylor Swift<br />I thought this story felt like a Taylor Swift long song as I wrote it. Coincidentally, Sierra and Taylor both grew up on Christmas tree farms.</p><p>"Let It Be Christmas" - Alan Jackson<br />I listened to so many hours of a "Country Christmas" station on Pandora while writing.</p><p>"The First Noel" - Lady A<br />(Same note as above.)</p><p>"Christmas Canon" - Trans-Siberian Orchestra<br />I listened to this on repeat to write the final scene.</p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>PIPER</b></i></p><p>"Into The Woods / The Witch" - Danny Elfman<br />My co-author and I wanted the story to feel like a Tim Burton movie, specifically <i>Sleepy Hollow</i>.</p><p>"Lai de la pastourelle" - Norbert Rodenkirchen<br />We also did a lot of research into 13th century Germany, including their musical instruments.</p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>CHRISTMAS IN JULY</b></i></p><p>"I Believe in Santa Claus" - Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers<br />The <i>Once upon a Christmas</i> album by Parton and Rogers was a childhood favorite of Cole's.</p><p>"Uh Oh, Beautiful" - JoanMarie<br />A song originally written by my ex-wife, it's performed by Cole in this story.</p><p>"Under the Mistletoe" - Trey Pearson<br />Written for this story by my ex-wife, it was later recorded by my friend.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>[ NEXT BOOK ]</b></p><p>"Dragula" - Rob Zombie<br />...</p><p>"Happy Dance" - Mercy Me<br />...</p>Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-42890499143695115032021-04-04T06:15:00.001-07:002021-04-04T06:16:37.746-07:00Happy Easter!<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: 13.6px;">The following is my annual Easter re-post.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: 13.6px;"><br /></span></em></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VTR7Apkv5BM/Sd_kBBj35NI/AAAAAAAAAP8/xZ2PeP1awns/s1600-h/Easter+chicks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323223990825116882" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VTR7Apkv5BM/Sd_kBBj35NI/AAAAAAAAAP8/xZ2PeP1awns/s320/Easter+chicks.jpg" style="display: block; height: 186px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Every so often, a reader tells me their impression of something I wrote in a way that deepens my own understanding of my own words. Someone in Florida once told me how a decision one of my characters made helped her illustrate a sentiment she'd been trying to get across to her friends.<br />
<br />
Here's what she told me:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
In the past, I've had to help friends realize that life goes on even after you've made a poor decision. Not because you move on or get over it, but because you grow as a result of it. You build something new, something with a higher purpose, using what you've learned as one of your bricks.</blockquote>
<br />
When I read that, my heart leapt! Since there was no way I could say it any better, I immediately knew I'd be using her words in future speeches...and blog posts.<br />
<br />
So what does this have to do with Easter?<br />
<br />
One of the most beautiful ideas surrounding this holiday is that we're all given an opportunity to make corrections if we find ourselves traveling down a road we don't want to - or shouldn't - be on. In fact, we're given this opportunity to change every day. <em>Every second!</em> But sometimes we need a calendar to remind us.<br />
<br />
Refresh. Repair. Rebirth. Whatever you want to call it...<br />
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Renewal is a wonderful blessing!Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-14420727653829446052019-10-31T00:07:00.000-07:002019-10-31T00:07:14.273-07:00PART-TIME MONSTERS by Jay Asher<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;">
Before becoming a YA author, I wrote (and unsuccessfully tried to publish) novels for young children. One of those books almost sold. Set in fourth grade, it was called <i>The ChocoBarn Cow</i> and won an award that earned me a free trip to New York City where I met with several editors. One of the editors even wanted to buy it, but the publisher said, "Nope." I later changed the title to <i>My Udder Life</i>, which didn't help. But I still think it's a cool story!</div>
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So I moved on and eventually wrote <i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i>. (That got a lot of <i>nopes</i>, too, but you only need one <i>yep</i>.)</div>
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Since today is Halloween, I thought I would share the first two chapters of another novel for young children I wrote years before I got published. This has never been professionally edited, but I still love it! (You can find the first two chapters of another unpublished book I wrote by <a href="https://jayasher.blogspot.com/2016/02/leap-day-by-jay-asher.html">clicking here</a>.)</div>
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This one is called...</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b>Part-Time Monsters</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24pt;">by</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24pt;">Jay Asher</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chapter 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You can’t be Wolfman,” Mario said. “I’m Wolfman.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then there’s going to be two wolfmen,” Paul said. He
used a rock to carve his initials into the treehouse floor. “Because I am not
going to be Frankenstein’s Monster. He’s too slow and stupid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mario leaned his back against the treehouse wall and
propped his arms on his knees. “Then you’re perfect.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A trapdoor behind Paul pushed open and Danny climbed into the
treehouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I could hear you guys arguing from across the yard,” Danny said. “And
there’s only room for one Wolfman in the Monster Club.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul looked up from his carving and pleaded to Danny. “I
was Wolfman for Halloween. I obviously like Wolfman more than he does.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You were a stupid Wolfman,” Mario said. “You attached
the hair with Crazy Glue and had to get it removed by a doctor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So,” Mario said, “that means you’re stupid enough to be
Frankenstein’s Monster.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny was glad he didn’t have to argue over his monster. Since
Monster Mansion was his treehouse, he got first pick. He chose the master of
all monsters—Dracula.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Frankenstein’s Monster is tall,” Mario said. “Which one
of us do people call Tall Paul?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s not a good reason,” Paul said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’re also the only one of us with a scar,” Mario said.
“Just like Frankenstein’s Monster.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was only seven stitches,” Paul said. He pressed a
finger above his eyebrow to show Danny. “You can hardly see it anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny threw his hands in the air. “I’m out of this one,”
he said. He stood and walked around his bickering friends to the bookshelf. The
bookshelf was small, only up to his waist, but it contained every monster book
they could find. There were the traditional books on vampires, werewolves,
ghosts, and mummies. There were books on monsters from Africa, South America,
Asia, and nearly every place on Earth. But the book Danny picked was the
smallest book they owned—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">101 Monster
Jokes</i>. The jokes were dumb, but they were so dumb, he knew Paul and Mario
would stop arguing just to shut him up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What is a ghost’s favorite flavor?” Danny asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mario turned away from Paul and whined, “Not that book
again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Boo-berry,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mario threw a crumpled bag of potato chips at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny read another. “What did Grandma Dracula say when
the Boy Scout helped her cross the street?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Enough jokes,” Paul said. “We still need to figure out who’s
going to be—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Fang you very much,” Danny answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Would you close the book already?” Paul said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Wait. I’ve got one,” Mario said. “How are the jokes in
that book like a vampire?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How?” Danny asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They both suck!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul rolled onto his back laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mario made a lunge for the book but Danny dodged the attack. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Unless you two stop fighting, I’ve got ninety-nine more jokes to
go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Fine,” Paul said. “But school starts tomorrow and I just
thought we should have all our monsters picked by then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The only ones who know about the Monster Club are its
members,” Danny said. “That’s us. If we take a little longer deciding, it’s no
big deal. Paul, there are plenty of monsters besides Frankenstein’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He’s right,” Mario said. “You can be a mummy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul shook his head. “Too slow and stupid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How about a fish monster?” Danny said. “You can be the
Creature from the Black Lagoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You know I can’t do that,” Paul said. “I’m allergic to
fish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is stupid,” Mario said. He flipped open the latch
of the window shutters. “We’re asking you to pretend you’re a monster, not eat
yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You can be a zombie,” Danny said, forcing a smile so
Paul might think it was a good idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Right,” Paul said. “There’s a monster known for his
brains.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mario pushed open the shutters. “We’d better go, Paul. It’s
getting dark.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul and Mario lived next door to each other a few blocks up from
Danny. Danny used to be jealous that his two best friends lived so close to
each other. That’s why he built the treehouse—so they would visit him as much
as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It worked. Paul and Mario were there nearly every day after school
and all summer long. They even came over when Danny wasn’t there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny re-shelved the joke book as Paul and Mario slipped
into their jackets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tomorrow,” Mario said, “we’ll be the oldest students at
Foothill Oaks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul propped open the trapdoor and started down the rungs
nailed into the side of the tree. “And it’s the first official day of the
Monster Club.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mario followed Paul down the tree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny pulled the trapdoor shut above him as he left
Monster Mansion. When his feet hit the grass, he turned to his two best friends
and said, “Tomorrow, we enter monsterhood.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chapter 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Stupid zipper.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Up in the treehouse was colder than down on the ground and Danny’s
jacket wouldn’t zip more than halfway up his chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul had called soon after waking up, asking Danny to
bring <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Monster Encyclopedia</i> to school.
He wanted to choose his monster during lunch.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny heard the school bus struggling up the hill toward
his house. He shoved the thick book into his backpack and zipped it shut. He
dropped the bag through the trapdoor onto the damp grass and climbed down after
it, skipping the bottom three rungs. Flinging the bag over his shoulder, Danny
raced around his house to the sidewalk just as the bus came to a stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Almost missed it,” Erica said. “Again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny rested his hands on his knees, catching his breath.
“No, I was watching,” he said. “I just didn’t want to stand out here and freeze
to death.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You wouldn’t be so cold,” Erica said, “if you’d zip your jacket
all the way up.” She climbed the stairs into the bus and vanished into a crowd
of students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good morning, Speedy,” Miss Winchell said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny grabbed the railing and pulled himself up the
steps. “Good morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Miss Winchell held out her palm and wiggled her fingers. “You
got your bus pass with you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny reached into his jean pocket and pulled out a
crumpled slip of pink paper. “I like your sweater,” he said, unfolding the
pass. “It matches the bus.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Miss Winchell smiled. “Glad you noticed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny flashed the bus pass and searched for an empty
seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hold up,” Miss Winchell said. “Let me see that pass
again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny handed her the paper. “What’s the matter?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Miss Winchell scanned a finger across the bus pass a few
times. “Says here you don’t take this bus anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What?” Danny asked. “Where?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Miss Winchell pointed to the top line of the paper. “You
should be on bus twenty-three.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There is no bus twenty-three to Foothill Oaks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Miss Winchell pointed to the next line down. Beside the
word ‘School’ it did not say ‘Foothill Oaks’ as usual.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Bradbury?” Danny said. “What’s that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Never heard of it,” Miss Winchell said. “Maybe your parents
signed you up for some new private school or something.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Without telling me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mrs. Winchell bit one side of her bottom lip then looked
into her rear-view mirror. “I really have to meet my schedule.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What am I supposed to do?” Danny asked. He looked around
the bus. He had always ridden the same bus with the same people to the same
school. Did his parents really change all that without telling him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Miss Winchell placed her hand on the lever that pulls the
door shut. “I’ll swing by when I’m done and see if you’re here. But right now,
I have to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny slumped his way back down the steps to the curb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good luck,” Miss Winchell said, a worried smile on her
face. She pulled the lever to close the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Watching the bus drive away, Danny stood motionless, his
shoulders weighed down by his backpack. He watched the bus round the corner to
the next street and disappear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A steady breeze rattled the bus pass Danny held loose by
his side. Behind him, the rumbling of another engine grew louder. Turning
around, Danny saw a second yellow bus climbing the hill. It approached the curb
and Danny read its number.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bus twenty-three slowed to a stop with the door right in front of
him. The door swung open. Danny looked up at the driver and immediately took a
step back. The driver’s skin was gray and chalky. His eyes, as large as
Ping-Pong balls, stared straight ahead at the street.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Is this the…um…bus to…uh…?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The man’s unblinking gaze never shifted from the front
window. He spoke in the gurgle of a clogged drain. “Bradbury.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny backed away further. He looked at his pass, at the
name of the school. “That’s what it says. Bradbury. That’s where I’m going.” His
feet remained frozen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The driver pulled a lever and the door closed with Danny
still outside. Danny watched the driver put his hand on the gearshift, ready to
leave, as if instructed to stay at each stop for only a certain amount of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny knocked on the door’s glass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The driver pulled the lever and the door reopened. “Bradbury.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny crept up the steps and showed the driver his pass. The
driver’s eyes never moved so Danny shoved the pass back into his pocket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walking down the center aisle, no one scooted over to offer Danny
a place to sit. Most of them just glared at him or looked him up and down. Reaching
an unoccupied seat in the middle of the bus, Danny began to sit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Taken,” a voice said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny glanced around, but he couldn’t tell who said it so
he started to sit again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This time the voice was louder—meaner—and coming directly
from the seat. “I said this seat is taken!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny decided to walk a little further.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The very last bench was empty, spanning across the aisle
from one side of the bus to the other. Danny closed his eyes, held his breath,
and carefully sat down. No one said a word and the bus drove forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny sat in the very center of the long seat, clutching
his backpack to his chest like a bulletproof vest. He could feel the thick <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Monster Encyclopedia</i> between his arms. At
that moment, he couldn’t care less if Paul ever chose a monster. They wouldn’t
even be in the same school anymore.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The bus weaved its way up and down the city streets,
collecting more students every few blocks. Sometimes the door opened and no one
would enter, but Danny swore he still heard footsteps shuffling up the aisle. Every
time that happened, he sighed with relief when the footsteps stopped before
reaching the back of the bus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Several students boarded the bus in black-hooded
pullovers and sunglasses. Danny watched as they sat down and unrolled sunshades
over their windows with gloved hands before removing their glasses and pushing
back their hoods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For most of the ride the students sat quietly, much quieter than
on his old bus. Danny couldn’t tell if they were excited or nervous about the
first day of school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Here we go,” a boy in front of Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The bus filled with whispers. Fingers pressed against the
windows on the right side of the aisle as they drove past a large cemetery. Danny
wondered how much longer until they got to school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Suddenly, bus twenty-three turned onto a gravel road that
wound through the gravesites. Danny pressed his back into the seat and watched
granite headstones pass on both sides.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bus rocked from
side to side as it continued up the road. It turned left onto a narrow dirt
path which led directly toward the oversized rusty doors of a white marble
mausoleum. Behind the mausoleum, on both sides, was a large brick wall covered
in dark ivy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Danny remembered hearing that an entire family was buried
inside that mausoleum. But when knocked upon, the heavy doors would echo back
several times as if the room was completely empty. Not that Danny had ever
tried, but he knew people who had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Danny’s heart pounded against his chest. He strained to see the
name etched above the doors. As the bus drove closer, the name became clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bradbury.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They continued forward and the mausoleum grew larger, filling the
front windows of the bus. The driver pulled a lever and a stop sign swung out
from the left side of the bus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Danny gripped his backpack tighter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The stop sign rammed into the harp of a marble angel. Instead of
falling off its pedestal, the angel rotated toward the mausoleum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The metal doors opened inwards, scraping against the floor of the
mausoleum, and bus twenty-three drove into darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-63980612480293822562019-10-15T14:49:00.001-07:002019-10-15T14:49:07.087-07:00The Italian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WRrbBHQkPQ/XaY-tl9lLGI/AAAAAAAAVy4/nRts9eGnr8kLAGQNbLEG01TSblf513njwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81qIEx7IHnL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="996" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WRrbBHQkPQ/XaY-tl9lLGI/AAAAAAAAVy4/nRts9eGnr8kLAGQNbLEG01TSblf513njwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/81qIEx7IHnL._SL1500_.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-37063079915179843742019-10-01T09:01:00.000-07:002019-10-01T09:01:20.994-07:00Christmas in July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Available now!</i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AT9VKbio6w/XYzpDXqjMaI/AAAAAAAAVQo/4eOQNghiBKUpJK6LHmvgGEUlwrVkpshkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CiJ_EbookCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1010" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AT9VKbio6w/XYzpDXqjMaI/AAAAAAAAVQo/4eOQNghiBKUpJK6LHmvgGEUlwrVkpshkACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CiJ_EbookCover.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Order it here at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173403971X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1">Amazon</a> or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-in-july-jay-asher/1133825221?ean=9781734039719">Barnes and Noble</a>, or contact your favorite local bookstore!</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PREMISE</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Amanda Fox is determined to never date anyone in showbiz again. The former star of a high school drama, she now focuses on life as a single mom, acting in a few commercials and one television Christmas romance per year.<br />
<br />
Cole Buskin is a country music star tackling his first acting gig, a television Christmas romance. And Cole wants his high school celebrity crush<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">—</span>Amanda<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">—</span>to co-star with him.<br />
<br />
When these two stars cross, the attraction doesn't stop just because the director yells, "Cut!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
from the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>AUTHOR'S NOTE</b></div>
<br />
After I published my first novel, a very serious high school drama (<i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i>), people asked if there was another genre I wanted to write someday. I always answered, "Yes, a Christmas romance." They thought I was joking. When I later published a teen romance set on a Christmas tree lot (<i>What Light</i>), they finally realized I had been sincere.<br />
<br />
Writing that book, I did two things to keep me wrapped in the Christmas spirit no matter the season, and because we don't have true seasons where I live in California. First, I lit scented candles (evergreen tree or gingerbread cookie). Second, I played non-stop country Christmas tunes (Alan Jackson's <i>Let it be Christmas</i> and Lady Antebellum's <i>On This Winter's Night</i> albums were great companions).<br />
<br />
As someone who seeks Christmas love stories regardless of the medium, I eagerly await the flurry of them on television each winter. While writing <i>What Light</i> to some great holiday songs, immersed in a story of love taking root, the idea for a Christmas movie-within-a-movie starring a country music singer took hold. I took a break from writing my book and wrote the following script.<br />
<br />
After I finished writing and chose to publish it as a book, I considered novelizing the screenplay first. But to keep the concept of the movie-within-a-movie clear and fun, I decided...no!<br />
<br />
Whatever season you read it in, I hope the story of Amanda and Cole makes it feel like the coziest Christmas in your heart.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <i>Jay</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Christmas in July</i> includes the lyrics to "Under the Mistletoe," written specifically for this story by JoanMarie. The first official cover-version, by Trey Pearson, can be heard here:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Np4HG10b9VQ" width="560"></iframe></div>
Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-54842317405922309392019-09-05T12:56:00.002-07:002019-09-05T12:56:44.509-07:00The Iranian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-qx-Om9Sqg/XXFoct5vw0I/AAAAAAAAU78/JvHXNmBwg4APBJ9321JOwb7bH2S2P-1gwCLcBGAs/s1600/WhatLight_Iran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-qx-Om9Sqg/XXFoct5vw0I/AAAAAAAAU78/JvHXNmBwg4APBJ9321JOwb7bH2S2P-1gwCLcBGAs/s400/WhatLight_Iran.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-21321848695577965302019-08-29T09:02:00.002-07:002019-08-29T09:02:35.936-07:00The Russian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbiccNlhCDk/XWf3EJqsM9I/AAAAAAAAUyc/ti2GrfWn-oURy1Txh0uhfWxCKWVfs3P3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Russia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="332" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbiccNlhCDk/XWf3EJqsM9I/AAAAAAAAUyc/ti2GrfWn-oURy1Txh0uhfWxCKWVfs3P3QCLcBGAs/s400/Russia.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-1286482323935983882019-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:002019-04-21T00:23:42.801-07:00Happy Easter!<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: 13.6px;">The following is my annual Easter re-post.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: 13.6px;"><br /></span></em></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VTR7Apkv5BM/Sd_kBBj35NI/AAAAAAAAAP8/xZ2PeP1awns/s1600-h/Easter+chicks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323223990825116882" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VTR7Apkv5BM/Sd_kBBj35NI/AAAAAAAAAP8/xZ2PeP1awns/s320/Easter+chicks.jpg" style="display: block; height: 186px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Every so often, a reader tells me their impression of something I wrote in a way that deepens my own understanding of my own words. Someone in Florida once told me how a decision one of my characters made helped her illustrate a sentiment she'd been trying to get across to her friends.<br />
<br />
Here's what she told me:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
In the past, I've had to help friends realize that life goes on even after you've made a poor decision. Not because you move on or get over it, but because you grow as a result of it. You build something new, something with a higher purpose, using what you've learned as one of your bricks.</blockquote>
<br />
When I read that, my heart leapt! Since there was no way I could say it any better, I immediately knew I'd be using her words in future speeches...and blog posts.<br />
<br />
So what does this have to do with Easter?<br />
<br />
One of the most beautiful ideas surrounding this holiday is that we're all given an opportunity to make corrections if we find ourselves traveling down a road we don't want to - or shouldn't - be on. In fact, we're given this opportunity to change every day. <em>Every second!</em> But sometimes we need a calendar to remind us.<br />
<br />
Refresh. Repair. Rebirth. Whatever you want to call it...<br />
<br />
Renewal is a wonderful blessing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4Aw9nT8h54/XLvpc7W4JpI/AAAAAAAASEo/e22wX_JgJoQ5NktsvadMh7oT-4oSTyu-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190420_110616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1314" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4Aw9nT8h54/XLvpc7W4JpI/AAAAAAAASEo/e22wX_JgJoQ5NktsvadMh7oT-4oSTyu-QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190420_110616.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Easter 2019</i></div>
Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-85963378420312193602019-03-30T00:20:00.003-07:002019-03-30T00:20:41.858-07:00The Azerbaijani Edition!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A00p5BWge9Y/XJ8YnQQHocI/AAAAAAAARlg/yHODwm_knkoyNSI41qLwjmgfU3qrd539QCLcBGAs/s1600/onuc_01.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="516" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A00p5BWge9Y/XJ8YnQQHocI/AAAAAAAARlg/yHODwm_knkoyNSI41qLwjmgfU3qrd539QCLcBGAs/s400/onuc_01.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-89672572465700863752018-11-19T13:03:00.001-08:002018-11-19T13:03:47.736-08:00The Twelve Notes of Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The story in my third novel begins on the Monday before Thanksgiving. That's today!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7LOVhQtRRg/W_Mfc0_viXI/AAAAAAAAO40/wsVofKtA3xg_kyDJ0Hxwk3oYfhBX_SQ8wCLcBGAs/s1600/WhatLight_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1057" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7LOVhQtRRg/W_Mfc0_viXI/AAAAAAAAO40/wsVofKtA3xg_kyDJ0Hxwk3oYfhBX_SQ8wCLcBGAs/s320/WhatLight_cover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
In Hungary, there's a special edition being released this year that includes a note from me. The words are essentially what I wrote for the review copies that went out in the U.S.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Dear Reader,</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Since the debut of my first novel, <i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i>, the themes of hope and forgiveness have been at the center of my interactions with teens. Many have told me they finally felt understood within the pages of that book, even if it could never reflect all parts of their lives. Others, while they could appreciate the book, didn't see it as a reflection of their experiences. A novel about their lives, sadly, would not be hailed as "a brave, honest look at the teen years." So, after a book tour that had me speaking to such a variety of students in all fifty states in the U.S., I felt drawn to explore hope and forgiveness again, but in a new way.</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>The story of <i>What Light</i> has been glowing in my mind for a long time. I read a newspaper profile about a family with a Christmas tree farm in Oregon. Every year, they hauled the trees south and sold them on a lot where I live in California. The part of their story that stood out most concerned their children. When not selling trees, they attended a nearby public school or hung out with friends. When the holiday was over, the whole family went back home. Two sets of friends? A defined timeline? There had to be a story there! But it would take about a dozen years before I found it.</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I continuously brainstormed and took notes even after I began work on <i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i>. That book describes the suicide of someone who lost hope in the future and was unable to forgive the past, though hope and forgiveness are found by someone left behind. If I were to address those themes a second time, I wanted to bookend them in an uplifting story about love.</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I looked closer at my notes for <i>What Light</i> and saw that potential. It would let me revisit many similar issues, but through different lenses. Love rather than hurt. Overcoming rather than succumbing. Forgiveness--especially the forgiveness of self--rather than guilt.</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I wrote this book for the teens I've met who've had too many dark days but hold on to hope that things can get better. And I wrote it for the teens I've met who have mostly good days but who still encounter sadness and difficult decisions.</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>It is a story I've wanted to share for a long time: <i>What Light</i>.</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>With gratitude,</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Jay Asher</b></blockquote>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
This edition will also include a dozen sticky-notes throughout the book, annotating certain passages. I thought I'd share those notes with the rest of you! Below, you'll see the chapter, page number (U.S. edition), and corresponding text (when appropriate), and my notes.</div>
<div>
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<div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 2 (beginning)</b><br />
<b>NOTE:</b> Chapters 1 and 2 were originally switched, but it felt
stronger to meet Sierra while surrounded by her friends. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 5 (page 36):</b> <i>Andrew, in a tattered Bulldogs baseball
cap, walks by me with a watering hose draped over his shoulder.</I><br /><b>NOTE:</b> I told students at a middle school that I would
mention their mascot in a future book. Go Bulldogs! </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 5 (page 41):</b> <i>The oldest lady, with a long gray
braid, holds up a poster featuring a garbage truck strung with Christmas
lights.</I><br /><b>NOTE:</b> My young son loved garbage trucks, so I told him I would
mention one in this story. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 7 (page 60):</b> <i>With his arms buried into the top half
of a tree, Mr. Hopper leads a customer into the parking lot.</i><br /><b>NOTE:</b> Mr. Hopper is the man whose Christmas tree lot
inspired <i>What Light</i>. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 9 (page 90):</b> <i>“After we brought my tree to the
hospital, Dad gave me that inch-thick slice he’d cut from the base. I took it
to my room and painted a Christmas tree on one side of it, and I still have it
propped on my dresser at home.”</i><br /><b>NOTE:</b> I still have these pieces of wood from the first
Christmas trees after my wedding and the birth of my son. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 10 (page 94):</b> <i>Mrs. Trujillo looks ready to wrap me
in a hug but sees that my hands are fairly occupied.</i><br /><b>NOTE:</b> Mrs. Trujillo is based on someone in my extended family
who was born in Mexico. Christmas always reminds me of her warm, excited, loving
personality. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 12 (page 126):</b> <i>“People think what they want. That’s
what I’ve had to accept,” he says. “I can fight it, but that’s exhausting. I
can feel hurt about it, but that’s torture. Or I can decide it’s their loss.”</i><br /><b>NOTE:</b> My favorite paragraph in the book. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 14 (page 138):</b> <i>What draws some people into the store
who would otherwise walk by is the candle-making in the front window.</i><br /><b>NOTE:</b> Watching someone make candles at Christmas time was
something I did with the first girl I liked in high school. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 19 (page 199):</b> <i>“You’d better be sorry,” I say. “That
wasn’t romantic at all!”</i><br /><b>NOTE:</b> This shocking experience, with the trampoline and
motion sensor light, happened to me. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 19 (page 205):</b> <i>At the top of the envelope is a red
heart drawn around Elizabeth Campbell
in the return address.</i><br /><b>NOTE:</b> I found “Elizabeth Campbell” in the same cemetery
where J.K. Rowling got some of her character names. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 22 (page 232):</b> <i>“…It’s kind of like Linus’s big
speech in </i>A Charlie Brown Christmas<i>.”</i><br /><b>NOTE:</b> I love <i>A Charlie
Brown Christmas</i>, so I had to mention it in my Christmas book. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>CHAPTER 24 (beginning)</b><br /><b>NOTE:</b> This book has 24 chapters so you can begin reading on
December 1<sup>st</sup> and, if you read one chapter a day, finish on Christmas
Eve.</blockquote>
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<!--EndFragment--></div>Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-68743761534271466462018-11-05T21:13:00.002-08:002018-11-05T21:13:20.286-08:00The Serbian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hSd0Mtn_mI/W-Ei5736BwI/AAAAAAAAOmo/dpQyXRlNhOsqvzTsmhKLuE_-s7Y9-NeEACLcBGAs/s1600/Future_Serbia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="310" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hSd0Mtn_mI/W-Ei5736BwI/AAAAAAAAOmo/dpQyXRlNhOsqvzTsmhKLuE_-s7Y9-NeEACLcBGAs/s400/Future_Serbia.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-26835498920454921562018-11-05T21:12:00.000-08:002018-11-05T21:12:53.073-08:00The Brazilian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Mkz7I_VDLY/W-EiyRuyOTI/AAAAAAAAOmk/9OEUF6N3YUQjP6plaWLsFW_zkQPEQXWcACLcBGAs/s1600/WhatLight_Brazil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="945" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Mkz7I_VDLY/W-EiyRuyOTI/AAAAAAAAOmk/9OEUF6N3YUQjP6plaWLsFW_zkQPEQXWcACLcBGAs/s400/WhatLight_Brazil.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-4032198169598579192018-10-28T17:02:00.003-07:002018-10-28T17:02:44.432-07:00The Italian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36_CVfE_dhk/W9ZODwpOShI/AAAAAAAAOcc/uRvPbtDhdJ4p9-M_w1ilefKo_9_RK3hJgCLcBGAs/s1600/WhatLight_Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36_CVfE_dhk/W9ZODwpOShI/AAAAAAAAOcc/uRvPbtDhdJ4p9-M_w1ilefKo_9_RK3hJgCLcBGAs/s400/WhatLight_Italy.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-19273211814488662922018-10-04T18:58:00.003-07:002018-10-05T11:51:00.676-07:00The Indonesian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oL7Cys0j8gA/W7eyi_F3g7I/AAAAAAAAODU/rfc7ej9uLc8QUFp2lPadlQT1iE-qxUlFQCLcBGAs/s1600/13rwIndonesia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="550" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oL7Cys0j8gA/W7eyi_F3g7I/AAAAAAAAODU/rfc7ej9uLc8QUFp2lPadlQT1iE-qxUlFQCLcBGAs/s400/13rwIndonesia.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-70341654141240191582018-10-04T18:58:00.001-07:002018-10-05T11:51:27.669-07:00The Estonian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDW3_hUd038/W7eyp-2BAgI/AAAAAAAAODY/lbo4nPehmGEA5NBYYBLDF6CkZx_VzQUkgCLcBGAs/s1600/13rwEstonia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="455" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDW3_hUd038/W7eyp-2BAgI/AAAAAAAAODY/lbo4nPehmGEA5NBYYBLDF6CkZx_VzQUkgCLcBGAs/s400/13rwEstonia.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-411973714847079402018-09-25T15:50:00.002-07:002018-10-05T11:51:35.716-07:00The Lithuanian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4iv3BXe17L0/W6q7rnZ7uwI/AAAAAAAANvI/-i1xgjhxrLgGpKLvWtrk3SduXepwug_NACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180925_070417_905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1009" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4iv3BXe17L0/W6q7rnZ7uwI/AAAAAAAANvI/-i1xgjhxrLgGpKLvWtrk3SduXepwug_NACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180925_070417_905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-92226851618676573222018-09-21T01:18:00.000-07:002018-09-21T01:18:04.631-07:002018 Concerts...So Far<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whenever I attend a live music event, I kick myself for not attending more. So this is my public commitment to attend more concerts, big or small!</div>
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The latest show I attended, I arrived in time to see <a href="http://www.johnnyswim.com/">Johnnyswim</a>, an incredible husband and wife duo. For their last song, they grabbed a guitar and microphone and brought the show right up to the lawn seats.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7nX6RZ0UWJk/W6Sh8TkTUKI/AAAAAAAANnc/bXfMnAxM9l0RSP5SZSCEk0GRvda8ROYnACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180919_203405_519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7nX6RZ0UWJk/W6Sh8TkTUKI/AAAAAAAANnc/bXfMnAxM9l0RSP5SZSCEk0GRvda8ROYnACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180919_203405_519.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The main act was <a href="http://www.needtobreathe.com/">Needtobreathe</a>, a band I've listened to a ton this past year. Their musicianship is incredible, and was matched by the best visual presentation I've seen at a concert.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgtCdO6VqJw/W6Sh1b47hBI/AAAAAAAANnY/aWztPeWEYgEAhIdC0Oov6kZleVHMmYcrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180919_211749_025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AgtCdO6VqJw/W6Sh1b47hBI/AAAAAAAANnY/aWztPeWEYgEAhIdC0Oov6kZleVHMmYcrQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180919_211749_025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The previous week, I attended a much smaller show at a smaller venue. My ex-wife, JoanMarie, performed covers and originals, and the place was packed with old friends and new.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NqyEDARTAY/W6SiOV64e5I/AAAAAAAANno/60iDZ3L6GWIj2K4RzXGGcIjpOJnDaSAlgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180914_183106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NqyEDARTAY/W6SiOV64e5I/AAAAAAAANno/60iDZ3L6GWIj2K4RzXGGcIjpOJnDaSAlgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180914_183106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The week before, I attended my friend <a href="http://treypearson.com/">Trey Pearson</a>'s show on his very moving <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0octwSCwFFE">Safe Space tour</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXtz-h-_4NU/W6SiEwg33VI/AAAAAAAANng/mUDmO8HPAN0YLPYDChLB41b75kuurOHGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG9558661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXtz-h-_4NU/W6SiEwg33VI/AAAAAAAANng/mUDmO8HPAN0YLPYDChLB41b75kuurOHGQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG9558661.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The hat I'm wearing above was purchased at the previous week's show, where JoanMarie and I celebrated the good times of our marriage by going to see <a href="http://willienelson.com/">Willie Nelson</a>. First to take the stage, of course, was his iconic guitar, Trigger.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9wp1gJ50-0/W6SiVeXlT5I/AAAAAAAANnw/nZdMl7gnxGk-zpu-nYmwJ1RcNajztoosQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180811_205022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9wp1gJ50-0/W6SiVeXlT5I/AAAAAAAANnw/nZdMl7gnxGk-zpu-nYmwJ1RcNajztoosQCLcBGAs/s320/20180811_205022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then came the living icon himself.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aA2tpQMlnvc/W6SiZ5s7U5I/AAAAAAAANn0/IxvTjs1oly4oBfinA0DNHc47jZjVFXbBACLcBGAs/s1600/20180811_205451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aA2tpQMlnvc/W6SiZ5s7U5I/AAAAAAAANn0/IxvTjs1oly4oBfinA0DNHc47jZjVFXbBACLcBGAs/s320/20180811_205451.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before that, I got to see a band I'd only heard about three days prior while on a research trip to New York. When I flew back home, I found out this band were playing my hometown in a matter of hours!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqIYVms4_XQ/W6SilJ4uZ2I/AAAAAAAANoA/VCjlokwbVz8l1eOxGMl6jBsg3k0JI1l6gCLcBGAs/s1600/20180613_230713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqIYVms4_XQ/W6SilJ4uZ2I/AAAAAAAANoA/VCjlokwbVz8l1eOxGMl6jBsg3k0JI1l6gCLcBGAs/s320/20180613_230713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blueoctober.com/">Blue October</a> quickly rose up high on my Absolute Favorite Bands list, as well as my Favorite Live Acts list. Their recent hit, <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLGKb6OLKpM">I Hope You're Happy</a></i>, will forever hold an extremely special place in my heart.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JpeWxNhuZY/W6SivRNX2VI/AAAAAAAANoE/Wi2Tkc8A7eEXCqW0A4DYod52yLtHvRv5QCLcBGAs/s1600/20180613_210657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JpeWxNhuZY/W6SivRNX2VI/AAAAAAAANoE/Wi2Tkc8A7eEXCqW0A4DYod52yLtHvRv5QCLcBGAs/s320/20180613_210657.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-26409130239217732342018-06-21T13:31:00.003-07:002018-06-21T13:31:44.691-07:00The Polish Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9S1OINFuhVE/WywLIOEQUZI/AAAAAAAAHq0/GfKcoCygsxgFPhtJvA8p78c-Jhy6LdgMgCLcBGAs/s1600/PIPERpoland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="335" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9S1OINFuhVE/WywLIOEQUZI/AAAAAAAAHq0/GfKcoCygsxgFPhtJvA8p78c-Jhy6LdgMgCLcBGAs/s400/PIPERpoland.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-85490573437001487642018-05-15T22:37:00.004-07:002018-05-15T22:37:52.494-07:00The Brazilian Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-MRWYdVmgY/WvvDo6Zc8DI/AAAAAAAAHpA/UonEzl_QHKMY2qX6awlq3MBAuG3HgoSFwCLcBGAs/s1600/WhatLightBRAZIL.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="419" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-MRWYdVmgY/WvvDo6Zc8DI/AAAAAAAAHpA/UonEzl_QHKMY2qX6awlq3MBAuG3HgoSFwCLcBGAs/s400/WhatLightBRAZIL.png" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-15143728487529749672018-05-15T22:37:00.000-07:002018-05-15T22:37:04.923-07:00The French Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LeSgAcSvNGg/WvvDd1fwk1I/AAAAAAAAHo4/CfY3V_nUV2UKlcCEtIwrNYAtuSh6fH60ACLcBGAs/s1600/PiperFrance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="381" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LeSgAcSvNGg/WvvDd1fwk1I/AAAAAAAAHo4/CfY3V_nUV2UKlcCEtIwrNYAtuSh6fH60ACLcBGAs/s400/PiperFrance.png" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-36368043726424079522018-05-15T22:36:00.000-07:002018-05-15T22:36:15.877-07:00The Spanish Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ6hVDnaWDM/WvvDRphXlAI/AAAAAAAAHo0/v2ncU1irWVobotMfzGc0SaR95U11H9nagCLcBGAs/s1600/PiperSpain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="447" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ6hVDnaWDM/WvvDRphXlAI/AAAAAAAAHo0/v2ncU1irWVobotMfzGc0SaR95U11H9nagCLcBGAs/s400/PiperSpain.png" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30155656.post-49500128210115062082018-04-01T00:51:00.000-07:002018-04-01T00:51:01.002-07:00Happy Easter!<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: 13.6px;">The following is my annual Easter re-post.</span></em></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VTR7Apkv5BM/Sd_kBBj35NI/AAAAAAAAAP8/xZ2PeP1awns/s1600-h/Easter+chicks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323223990825116882" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VTR7Apkv5BM/Sd_kBBj35NI/AAAAAAAAAP8/xZ2PeP1awns/s320/Easter+chicks.jpg" style="display: block; height: 186px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Every so often, a reader tells me their impression of something I wrote in a way that deepens my own understanding of my own words. Someone in Florida once told me how a decision one of my characters made helped her illustrate a sentiment she'd been trying to get across to her friends.<br />
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Here's what she told me:<br />
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In the past, I've had to help friends realize that life goes on even after you've made a poor decision. Not because you move on or get over it, but because you grow as a result of it. You build something new, something with a higher purpose, using what you've learned as one of your bricks.</blockquote>
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When I read that, my heart leapt! Since there was no way I could say it any better, I immediately knew I'd be using her words in future speeches...and blog posts.<br />
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So what does this have to do with Easter?<br />
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One of the most beautiful ideas surrounding this holiday is that we're all given an opportunity to make corrections if we find ourselves traveling down a road we don't want to - or shouldn't - be on. In fact, we're given this opportunity to change every day. <em>Every second!</em> But sometimes we need a calendar to remind us.<br />
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Refresh. Repair. Rebirth. Whatever you want to call it...<br />
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Renewal is a wonderful blessing!<br />
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<i>Easter 2018</i></div>
Jay Asherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15714231298501579417noreply@blogger.com2