My new novel and how you can participate!

I've been away for a while...

Not really away, just:

1.adopted a puppy named Chanel (a Chihuahua mix probably terrier, maybe Jack Russell, who loves to jump, run, and play tug of war with one of my old socks. Chanel even appears in my latest YA novel),

2.trying to do final revisions for my latest YA novel, SECRETS TO FOREVER.

This is a picture of one of the spots sixteen-year-old biker/ Native American Lulu and Olivia visit on their cross-country motorcycle tour of the U.S. as they come of age, solve family dilemmas, face romance, nearly go to jail, and meet up with some pretty shifty critters.

This picture portrays one of the trails they follow. Can you name it and tell what city it's in? If you can, I'll gift you a copy of one of my e-books.

Even if you have no idea what city this trail is in or don't care, go to my website at http://www.carolynchambersclark.com to become one of Chanel's Cheerleaders and get current updates on what happens with my novel. Or just to cheer me on as I hunt for an agent!!

Post the Pitch and First 250 Words of Your Novel and Receive a Free Critique

Today's the day for a free critique of your novel.

Hurry on over to http://michelle4laughs.blogspot.com/ and enter post haste! Find my pitch and 250 for a novel I'm querying.

 SECRETS Pitch:

If seventeen-year-old Raz Rinaldi  stops lying  and finds the courage to tell the truth, she could get the scholarship she so badly needs and the boy she most desperately wants.

First 250 words:

           Running is my medicine.In the dark, foggy morning, I'm on automatic pilot. Endorphins kick in, surge through my bloodstream, make me believe everything’s going to be okay.

My feet thump across the wet sidewalk. Rain, shine, snow, sleet—I run.

It’s the only thing that makes me feel in control.

A car drives by and splashes water at me, but I speed across the street, out of range.

Before Mom died, my life was laid out: graduate, go to college, break track records. I breath faster, feel the familiar tightening in my leg muscles.

The old Raz, the one I was with Mom, was confident. Now, I’m secretive Raz who never shows anyone what’s deep inside me.

I have to keep my secrets hidden. Especially from my stepmother who thinks running is silly and that I should get a better haircut and wear a skirt and heels to class. I don’t tell her she’s crazy, but that’s what I’m thinking.

My feet take me up a slight incline and I try not to think about Dad. He’s my biggest worry. Without Mom here, he’s my responsibility.

I’m not sure I’m up to it.

***

The sun comes up two hours later on my first day of senior year. Logan Spenser, the best-looking guy in my class, pulls his convertible alongside Chelsea’s VW Bug in the line of drivers waiting for parking spots in the school lot. I try not to stare, but I can’t stop myself from peering at him.