"Classic Ginger" Snippets Shortcomings with Ginger Simpson

This week, I'm sharing a snippet from my Young Adult, Shortcomings.  There's a valuable message in this book about how to treat people with disabilities and deal with bullies.  Hope you'll consider sharing a copy with family this holiday.  Although the story deals with teens, the reading material is appropriate for all ages.  The description says it all, and this would make a wonderful gift for any reader on your list. Happy Thanksgiving...I'm going back to my Magic Cookie Bars.  :)

High School is hard enough without the cold stares from classmates that remind you every day how different you are. 

Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them. Cindy Johnson needs to learn that. Born with one leg shorter than the other, she has no self-esteem because of the cruel comments and cold stares she receives from her classmates. When Cory Neil, the football quarterback asks her to Homecoming, she's quite sure he's asked her on a dare and refuses. It takes more than just her mother's assurances that Cindy's beautiful before she realizes she may have made a mistake in turning him down.



 http://amzn.com/B00J16ZA90 

Sunday Snippets from Shortcomings by Ginger Simpson #sundaysnips #ya

Cover Art by Michelle Lee

I apologize for missing last week, but I was away from home. This week's snippet is from my YA - Shortcomings.  As authors usually admit, there is a little of us in every book we publish.  I had to draw on my own heartache and feelings of non-acceptance...especially when my father was out of work and how I felt wearing clothing from a second-hand shop.  I was so afraid someone would recognize something I wore, I wanted to hide in a closet.  I love the message this book delivers, and I hope you will too.  "Our shortcomings don't define us unless we let them."

Snippet:

“Hey, gimpy, wanna race.” Amidst a gathering of her groupies, pep squad captain, Sally Rogers, yelled at Cindy Johnson from across the street. Sally fanned her shoulder-length auburn hair back from her face and stood with one hand on her curvy hip. “If you win, maybe I’ll buy you something new to wear.”

Her taunting tone ate at Cindy, but she refused to respond. Sagging against the tree at the bottom of the hill leading home, she wished she could sprint the distance to escape the piercing stares and haunting laughter. Seventeen years ago, she’d been born with one leg noticeably shorter than the other, and every day brought new heartache. Tears burned the back of her eyes.

She gazed down through blurred eyes at the sweater she wore—the one her mother bought last week at the used clothing store. It was clean and hole-free. How could Sally have known?

But then most of Cindy’s wardrobe was previously worn by someone else. Sally might have even owned the cardigan at one time. The thought made Cindy shiver.

With four younger siblings and only one income, the family struggled. There was never enough money for new clothes, and people like Sally Rogers, the vindictive, nasty types, always noticed and felt inclined to tell the world. When the crowd on the opposite corner dispersed, Cindy gave her aching forearm a rest by swapping her books from one side to the other and began the tiresome trek uphill. She couldn’t have jammed one more thing into her already-full backpack.  What had she been thinking when she checked out extra romance novels from the library?

Her distinct walk drew too many stares, and she grew tired of them, but there was nothing she could do to stop them.  People’s curiosity often came across as rude, as did their blunt questions. She clenched her teeth at the years that lay ahead with no relief in sight.

This and all my books are available on my Amazon page.

Now, hop on over to my Snippet counterparts and see what they're sharing:

http://authorjamiehill.blogspot.com/  (Jamie Hill)

http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)

http://medievalnovels.blogspot.com (Vijaya Schartz)

http://connievines.blogspot.com (Connie Vines)

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Juliet Waldron)

My Name is Cindy Johnson by Ginger Simpson

My name is Cindy Johnson, and I’m a freak…at least I feel like one.  Although Momma says I’m beautiful, other people look at me like I’m uglier than sin.  You see, I was born with one leg shorter than the other and I have a very bad limp.   I go to high school, but if I had a choice, I’d just stay home and read romance books all day.  At least, through the writings of others, I can escape to a world where people don’t stare and say unkind things.

Funny thing is, I have a crush on the HS Quarterback despite knowing I stand no chance with him.  His name is Cory Neil and he’s polite, but I know it’s only because he feels sorry for me. Knowing Math is my strong subject, he called and asked me to tutor him. I was so blinded by his attention, I agreed because he was so sure he’d lose his place on the team if he failed the class.  Anyhow, I arranged to meet him in the library because our house…well, let’s just say, it isn’t a mansion and I decided I’d be much more comfortable without him seeing how I live.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, my dad does his very best, but we’ve not had the best of luck which is how we ended up with me at a new school and people less forgiving than those I grew up with.  Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if people thought before they spoke?

Anyhow, Cory asked me to Homecoming and that made me angry.  Why would he ask someone who obviously can’t dance unless he was dared by his friends?  I’m not stupid and I immediately knew I was the butt of someone’s joke.  I absolutely refused to go and he pretends he doesn’t understand.  Yeah, right!

  I don’t think I’ve ever wished for anything as much as to be normal and go to the dance with Cory, but no matter how much I want things to be different, I’m who I am.  Yes, maybe I let my “Shortcomings” define me, but I just can’t afford to open myself up to more ridicule and hurt.  He doesn’t seem to want to accept my answer, but I’ve already made up my mind.  He can take the pep squad captain.  She seems to like to remind me daily that I’m nothing but a gimp.

********************************************************************

If you want to know who Cory takes to the dance and how this story ends, you’d better pick up your own copy of Shortcomings and read the entire book.  Although this is listed as a young adult offering, the story has a message that each and everyone can heed, and maybe make this world a lot less intolerant.  Remember...a Kindle filled with great books is an amazing holiday gift.

http://amzn.com/B00J16ZA90

Note from Ginger:  I wrote this book with the hopes that people would learn that staring and saying unkind things aimed at those who are different often makes them feel less than they really are.  Their “Shortcomings” are not of their own choosing.  My grandson is “different” in that he was diagnosed with autism, but he is the kindest, most loving child in the world and my greatest gift in life.   The thought of him hurting because of someone’s ignorance makes me see RED!

A Page Straight From Ann Herrick's YA - #apagestraightfrom

How To Survive a Summer Romance (or Two)

by

Ann Herrick

Slowly I waded in up to my knees. I was used to the heated community pool back home.

When I stopped with the water just barely covering my knees, Troy said, "You'll never get in at that rate."

Next thing I knew, Troy grabbed me and lifted me into his arms. Before I could even decide how I should react, he lowered us both into the water.

For a second, the cold sliced right through me. After a moment I felt better, but I was seriously aware of being in Troy's arms.

"You can let go now," I said, trying to make a joke of it. "I won't try to escape."

Troy laughed, and slowly released me from his grip. "Come on. I'll race you out to that rock."

Almost before I could see where he was pointing, Troy started swimming. What he didn't know was that I was one of the best swimmers in my P.E. class. In a few strokes, I caught up to him. He looked surprised when my hand touched the rock just inches ahead of his.

Troy made a point of scrambling onto the rock first and giving me a hand up. "You're a good swimmer."

"Thanks."

For a while we sat quietly, watching the blue water ripple gently toward shore. I enjoyed the combination of a cool breeze and warm sunshine. An innocent enough situation.

Then Troy broke the silence. "Ever since you moved in next door I've been watching you."

I tried not to be flattered and responded ever-so-casually. "Oh?"

"I couldn't take my eyes off those great legs of yours when I saw you on the porch this morning."

"Oh?" I said again, only more interested this time. Troy was probably just handing me a line he'd used a thousand times. But one of my major faults is that I can't resist a compliment, sincere or not.

"Yeah …" Suddenly Troy put his arms around me and pulled me close. The next thing I knew he was kissing me. And I wasn't stopping him. Even though the kiss struck me as something Troy had carefully perfected through plenty of practice, I couldn't deny the excitement that shot through me. No one, not even Brian, had ever kissed me like that. And I'd so never reacted as strongly.

I didn't want to stop. But something told me I'd better.

Buy link:  http://amzn.com/B0054M6ODG

Now Available: Shortcomings by Ginger Simpson

Now Available: Shortcomings by Ginger Simpson

High School is hard enough without the cold stares from classmates that remind you every day how different you are.

Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them. Cindy Johnson needs to learn that. Born with one leg shorter than the other, she has no self-esteem because of the cruel comments and cold stares she receives from her classmates. When Cory Neil, the football quarterback asks her to Homecoming, she's quite sure he's asked her on a dare and refuses. It takes more than just her mother's assurances that Cindy's beautiful before she realizes she may have made a mistake in turning him down.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J16ZA90 

What was the impetus behind this book?  For those who don't know, I have an autistic grandson who is now eleven.  I've become very conscious of the way people gape at behaviors they don't understand, and whether they do so knowingly doesn't matter to the person who is the object of the unwanted attention.  My Spencer is a very loving child who is way too trusting and has been known to go up and hug strangers.  He doesn't realize that it's strange because it comes naturally to him, and I'm thankful that like so many children affected by this disorder, he isn't socially stilted and loves to be loved. Still, I'm trying to teach him that while the world is filled with great folks, there are also those who aren't as nice as we hope they are.

  My thought was if I could deliver a message that might change a person's way of thinking, I might save Spencer from the bullies that dwell among us.  We are either part of the problem or we can be part of the solution, and I chose to be a messenger to raise awareness.  No matter what age you are, Shortcomings is a heartwarming story and one I hope might make a difference.  With hopes that a teacher might want to use the book in the classroom, I also prepared a study guide that I will happily provide.

Hope you'll pick up a copy or get one for a child, grandchild, niece or nephew.  I trust my message will not be wasted.

An Interview with Ginger

Aren't updated reruns great?  This interview originally appeared on a friends site a few years go and I'm sure two people might have seen it.  I've updated it a bit and decided to promote myself so you know I'm still alive and kicking.

1.     Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write the story.

I'm going to pick my YA, Shortcomings, which was previously released in February of last year.  It hasn't lived up to what I hoped to see, not just in sales, but in getting out a very important message.  My inspiration came from my autistic grandson, and I worry he will be picked on by his peers as he grows older.  Young children are so much more accepting of differences than the upper grades.  I truly want people to acknowledge that disabilities don’t define a person or their worth.  We may not realize the discomfort we cause with our curious stares and backhanded comments.  Bullying comes from all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors, and in a myriad of instances.  Adults can benefit from reading this book as well as my target audience because the saying, "we learn what we live" has never been truer.

2.     What was the most difficult or easy aspect of writing this piece?

Besides Spencer’s disability, I drew on my own experiences of fighting my weight, and how I felt in high school when making friends for me wasn’t as easy as some.

3.     Who’s your favorite character in your upcoming release?

I’d have to say Cory Neil, my young football hero.  He sees the beauty in Cindy despite her own blindness to it.  He’s determined, and I love that about him.

4.     What similarities are there between you and any of your characters?

None really.  My characters are young, with their whole lives ahead of them.  I've already faced becoming a senior citizen, and the idea of where the years went is overwhelming.  Writing Shortcomings was a great glimpse into my younger years and why I’m stronger today than I was back then.  I only wish I could go back and do a few things differently instead of blending into the crowd because I didn't want to become a target or, God forbid, have someone thing I was friends with the people they picked on.  Today, I wouldn't fade into the background...I'd stand up, no matter what.  It's easier said than done, I know, but right is right.

5.     What kind of research did you have to do in order to write your new book?

Unlike my historical novels where research plays a huge role in the story, this one required very little.  At one point in my heroine’s life,  with graduation looming, she needed to make a career decision. Her desire: to work with children with disabilities, specifically blind students.  I contacted a school for the blind in Nashville, and the administrator was kind enough to supply me with actual job descriptions and requirements for those positions.

6.     Several of your books have an American Indian theme. I’ve been fascinated by Indian culture and lore since as early as I have memories. Your books White Heart, Lakota Spirit, Prairie Peace, and Sarah’s Heart involve western Indian settings and storylines. I know you chose the Sioux for Praire Peace and obviously the Lakota for White Heart, Lakota Spirit.  

      Just FYI, the Lakota are a branch of the Sioux nation.  I just got more detailed.

a.     How did you select specific tribes as backdrops for those novels?

I’ve long had a fascination with the American Indian.  I’ve read countless books about the various tribes and their cultures.  For some strange reason, the Lakota Sioux are the ones I identify with most.  Who knows…perhaps a past life? 

b.     What research did you do?

More reading.  I have a wonderful book put out by Reader’s Digest on American Indians, rites and rituals, and I invested in two specifically about the Sioux.  The knack of converting the research into your own words is tricky because if you copy anything verbatim, you are opening yourself up for plagiarism charges.  It happened to one well-known historical author, and she lost some contracts because of it.

c.     Any plans for writing from the perspective of another tribe? You live near present-day Cherokee, whose culture I find intriguing. Any future story involving that tribe?

Funny you should ask.  The trail of tears passed near where I live, and the history of the Natchez Trace is well known here.  I might just be motivated to start another historical soon.  At the moment, I do have one started about a tribe in Alaska.  That's pretty tough because I know very little of their culture and I'm really having to dig deep. In the meantime, a female detective has demanded I listen to her, so I've made much more progress on my mystery.  Wow! Talk about jumping from one genre to another.  I'm making a broad leap here.  *smile*

7.     Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to prod her/him along when she/he refuses to inspire you?

My muse is motivated by my characters and their willingness to chat.  I’m not a plotter, so when someone pops into my head with a story to tell, I’m motivated to do the typing to see where I end up.  I’ve been pleasantly surprised more than once.  I find when I write out of my comfort zone, it takes me a lot longer.

8.     What sort of character is hanging in the back of your mind, that your muse is playing with and trying to tempt you to write into a new work?

     Right now, I have no one hanging in my mind with a NEW story, and that’s unusual, but fine.  In the past,  on any given day, I have about five WIPS, but the past few months, the silence has enabled me to complete, query and contract what I have finished. I just need to get motivated to finish the ones I've started and I'm sure others will follow.  That's usually the course of action.  Right now, I'm glad the voices have fallen silent because my health hasn't been up to par and I've had to force myself to even come to the computer.

9.     If you could meet one character from any literary work, who would it be and what one question would you ask them?

I think it would have to be Scarlett O’Hara, and my question, “What in the heck were you thinking?” 

10.  What project are you currently writing?

I think I answered that already, but just in case people want to look for the upcoming titles one of these years....A Novel Murder and Chugiak Moon.

11.  Where can one find information about your novels and how to purchase?

All of my books are listed on Amazon on my author's page, and in other locations.  Google is a wonderful tool for finding me.  Shortcomings is offered through Muse It Up Publishing and if purchased there, comes with a free study guide.  With the holidays coming, this book would be a great gift for anyone who likes inspiration...or lacks it.  *smile*

Ginger's Sunday Sampler

Taking a little break from camping to remember to blog today.  Vacation and life seem to get in the way of my best intentions, but at least I remembered tomorrow is Sunday so I'll get this up and scheduled.  Of course, now I have to find my car keys and shoes so I can get back to the campsite.  We bought bicycles last night so I'll be interested to discover if that old saying..."It's like riding a bicycle..." is true.  I'm a little old for skinned elbows and knees, and I really don't want a broken hip, so I may have to get some training wheels.  Wouldn't that be cute?  I considered a trike, but decided on looking like a big girl instead of an old woman delivering groceries.  *lol*

Anyhow, today I'm gong to share a sample of my Young Adult, Shortcomings, which was released through Muse it Up Publishing and can be found in the Amazon select program.  I wrote the story specifically because I have an autistic grandson, and how people treat him and how he views himself is so important to me.  If I can help one person view someone's differences and embrace another human with dignity and kindness, then I will have accomplished what I set out to do.  Hopefully, this will tempt you enough to want to read or share a copy.  Although geared for YA, it's suitable reading for all and packs a message we can all benefit from.

Blurb:

Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them. Cindy Johnson needs to learn that. Born with one leg shorter than the other, she has no self-esteem because of the cruel comments and cold stares she receives from her classmates. When Cory Neil, the football quarterback asks her to Homecoming, she's quite sure he's asked her on a dare and refuses. It takes more than just her mother's assurances that Cindy's beautiful before she realizes she may have made a mistake in turning him down.

Excerpt:

 

Cindy gently closed the front door, but the squeaking hinges announced her arrival. Her mother appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “There you are. I was beginning to worry about you.”

Cindy shed her backpack and stashed it at the end of the couch. “Sorry. I should have let you know I’d be later than usual. I did a little tutoring in the library.” 

Her mother’s brow rose in a suspicious arc. “Does this have anything to do with the phone call you got the other night?” 

“Actually, it does. Cory Neil needed help with his math and asked me to meet him after school. I’m going to tutor him on the nights he doesn't have football practice. Is that all right?”

“Cory Neil, huh?” A teasing gleam sparkled in her eye. “I hear tell he’s the football team’s handsome quarterback.”

“Yes, Mother, it’s true, but don’t make anything out of this. He needs help with his math, and that’s all.”  How could Momma assume Cory would be interested in a cripple.

“Well, he called you didn’t he?  Besides, I heard while at the grocery story there’s a big dance coming up soon. You never know—”

“Stop it, Momma!  Cory can have his pick of any girl at school. Why in the world would he want to be seen with me?  For heaven sakes," her voice trembled. "I don’t even know how to dance. His interest in me is purely educational.”   Tears of frustration filled Cindy’s eyes. She limped off to her bedroom and slammed the door behind her.

Within a few seconds, there was a light knock. “Cindy, may I come in. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry.”

Cindy lay across the bed on her stomach. She swiped the moisture from her cheeks, sat, and pulled her feet up under her. “Come in.”

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I just—”

“I know. I’m okay. Honest.” Cindy blinked back tears. “I grow so tired of being odd man out all the time. I know it isn't your fault, but why couldn't I have been born with both legs the same length, like everyone else?”

Her mother perched on the edge of the bed and put her arm around Cindy. “You’re so beautiful. Don’t you know that?  Just look at yourself.”  Reaching across to the dresser, her mom snatched the hand mirror and held it up to Cindy’s face. “Look at those beautiful blue eyes… and that long blonde hair. You don’t even have to worry about curling it. Your skin is flawless… and my goodness, you have the most beautiful teeth in the family—so straight and white. Why can’t you see what I see?  Your defect doesn’t define who you are. We all have our shortcomings.”

Cindy peered at the mirror. Shortcomings?  What an appropriate word. Tears peppered her cheeks. She plucked a tissue from the box on her nightstand, dried her eyes and tried to focus on the things her mother described. The deformity blurred her image. It didn’t matter what the glass reflected, it didn’t tell the whole story. 

******

I remember when I was young and pudgy.  It didn’t matter what my mother told me, what mattered was what my peers thought…how they acted, what they said.  So, even though our Shortcomings DON’T define us, they definitely help form opinions that make a big difference in our lives.  I hope you’ll enjoy Cindy’s story and share it with your children.

See you next week...unless I forget! 

Welcome, Kim Baccellia to YA Week

YA Summer Finds

Not only do I write YA novels but I love to read the books too.  I call it research.  So yes, I end up immersing myself in the YA market by not only reading books but watching TV programs.  I thought I’d share some finds I’ve found so far this summer. 

TV Shows

NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING

Loving this fantasy of a girl who finds out after she is killed that she isn’t human after all.  Problem is there’s others that want her to stay dead permanently.  If that’s not bad enough she finds she can never kiss a human or they die.  She’s assigned protectors who look after her, including the arrogant cutie that falls for her.  But the one guy she really wants just happens to have his own secret.  Chloe is adorable and very likeable.  A must watch series.

TEEN WOLF

This series is nothing like the 80s movie with Michael Fox.  This teen is bitten by an Alpha wolf which turns him into a werewolf.  He’s crushing on the new girl at his school but any intense emotions turn him into a werewolf. Not a good combo. The new girl’s family has a secret that just happens to include being werewolf slayers.  Last week’s episode had me on the edge of my seat!

THE LYING GAME

Want to check out this series which is by the author who also wrote PRETTY LITTLE LIARS.  A girl finds out she has a twin who wants to switch places with her.  Then all heck breaks loose.

Books

SOLSTICE

Think dystopia meets the Greek Underworld.  I can’t say enough great things about this book that has two hotties that sizzle on the page. Both are gorgeous and trying to get the attention of Piper. Don’t you wish you had that problem?  Loved this book and what’s great about this is it’s an ebook and available for $2.99!

ULTRAVIOLET

This story combines a girl with a sensory issue with a paranormal/Sci-Fi element which works.  I love the rich details that bring Alison’s world to life.

LUMINOUS

Someone suggested I read this book.  I love the Latina protagonist who’s strong and confident even after she sheds her skin.  This is a surreal fantasy with beautifully written passages.  A must read.

And if you love paranormals with a twist check out my own book: CROSSED OUT

It’s now available at Fictionwise:

http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b124691/Crossed-Out/Kim-Baccellia/?si=0

Anyone else know of any other YA finds from this summer?