Monday 3 April 2017

A-Z Challenge 2017 - B is for Beth + Learn a Word in 100 Words launch

Welcome to Day 2 of the A-Z Challenge 2017. This month I'm sharing my "Black & White Snippets" - snapshots of some of the characters, places and concepts that populate my forthcoming YA dystopian trilogy, Black & White. There won't be a lot of details or spoilers - just short scenes and vignettes that give you a hint of the world I've created. Today, it's B for Beth.


Beth felt like she’d had to grow up a lot in the past six months. Since Daddy had been away, she’d turned ten, had earned an achievement award at school, written stories about what they would do if they were all together again – all things she wanted to share with him.

But she couldn’t.

Mummy was vacant a lot of the time, dealing with it in her own way, which was to remain silent and clean the house like a robot – which meant Beth often had to be the one to wipe away the tears of her younger sisters, Lily and Molly, and tell them everything would be alright in the end.

She had no idea if that was true.

*

Today, I'd also like to give a shout out to Patricia Lynne who is launching what sounds like a very entertaining book.



Learn A Word in 100 Words
A collection of flash fiction inspired by unusual words. Each tiny tale is crafted around a word that is unique or no longer in use. Read them while waiting in line or before bed. They range from sweet and lighthearted to dark and disturbing. Look out for the supernatural, but don’t turn your back on the average human. A killer might be lurking underneath. Expand your vocabulary, and get some inspiration of your own.
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/708449

About the Author:
Patricia Josephine never set out to become a writer, and in fact, she never considered it an option during high school and college. She was more of an art and band geek. Some stories are meant to be told, and now she can't stop writing. She writes Young Adult under the name Patricia Lynne.

Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, and has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow.

Links:

21 comments:

Tasha Duncan-Drake said...

Poor Beth - she seems to be dealing with everything like a tiny adult.
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings - Shapeshifters and Werewolves

Nilanjana Bose said...

That's tough on Beth doing an adult job while being a child.


Nilanjana
From Madly-in-Verse

Anonymous said...

Very tight yet descriptive flash fiction. I don't know how you keep yourself from just going and going. It takes discipline.
Checking in from the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Nick - difficult times for one and all ... bet Beth feels like her mother at times, then re-calibrates and looks after her sisters ...

I saw Patricia Lynne's book - sounds a good read with lots of ideas .. cheers Hilary

Nicola said...

Poor Beth, but what a strong little girl she is. I do hope she doesn't miss out on her childhood. Thanks for sharing.

moon said...

Hi Nick ! Beth is really mature and compassionate for a 10 year old and i am so proud of her. Beautiful portrayal !
Best wishes for all of April,
Moon
https://aslifehappens60.wordpress.com

Natalie Aguirre said...

Beth has a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders, which can happen with the remaining parent is not there. Hope you're having fun with the challenge.

JeffO said...

Very nice piece, Nick. Very effective, and efficient.

Keith's Ramblings said...

To have so much responsibility at such a tender age is pretty daunting. Beautifully concise.

Click HERE to read my 200-word tale

Jean Davis said...

Auww, poor Beth. What a very sad 100 words.
Discarded Darlings - Jean Davis, Speculative Fiction Writer, A to Z: Editing Fiction

Christine Rains said...

A sad and touching piece. And yay for Patricia!

H. R. Sinclair said...

Nice little peek into Beth, sad, but good.

betty said...

Poor Beth; to be so young and saddled with that responsibility in the care of her younger siblings.

betty

djinnia said...

you killed me. it hurt to read how she growing up and adulting before she should have to. I have a feeling she will resent this by the time her dad comes home.

PJ said...

Where has Alistair gone - did he choose to leave or has he died? Poor Beth, left alone with a mother who's not coping and sisters who are so much younger.

Pamela @ Highlands Days of Fun

lyndagrace said...

Apparently, Beth is the oldest child. First borns often do take on a mothering role for the younger ones. Especially when Mum has checked out.
Nice peek into your work.

John Davis Frain said...

Nick,

I'm on the other side of the ocean. The only reason I've heard of your birthplace is from The Who when they performed Tommy. "From Soho down to Brighton, he must've played them all..."

I've sang that a million times, but you're the first person I've ever seen that I've known was from Brighton.

Have fun with more A to Z!

Anonymous said...

Poor Beth. That's too much responsibility for someone so young.

Thanks for highlight my book. =)

~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

Liz A. said...

Very sad. How old is Beth?

jgifederizo said...

Aaaaww...poor li'l Beth...I wonder which of all the characters you've created you love best...?

Anyhoo, my B post, for your perusal: “How do you personally deal with writer’s block?”

Yolanda Renée said...

Children do have to grow up when the parents are absent!

Great idea for a book, Patricia!