Remember, dude…always remember…
This is my life. The only way for me to survive.
The bell rings and I’m off to yet another class. I don’t know how much more I can take.
I coast through the halls, avoiding eye contact with the cool kids. Their snide remarks ricochet off me like a quarterback hit by a linebacker.
After entering into science class, I drop into the desk behind Jenny and Mark, pricking my ears to hear anything that may help me pass.
Beads of sweat mist on my forehead as Mr. Sanders hands out the test.
This is hopeless…
After school I search for the one person who knows my secret. Fat Nyla. I overhear the loud voices and high-pitched laughter of Cassy and her gang, badgering Nyla as I approach.
Cassy pushes Nyla into the lockers and the crunch of the metal clenches my fingers into a tight fist.
“Back off!” I call out.
“Mind your own business, loser,” Cassy says. Her tone cuts through my like a razor, but draws me to my full height.
“I said, back off.”
She takes in my brooding stance and stiffens. “Let’s go girls. Our work is done for today.” She faces Nyla. “I’ll get you later. Count on it.”
Fat Nyla lets out a deep breath as she watches her nemesis retreat.
“Are you alright?”
“I’ll live.” Her dark eyes raise and stare into mine. “You look like hell. What’s up?”
“Do I really need to spell it out for you?” I turn from her penetrating eyes. “I can’t cover it up much longer.”
“Dude, you need to get help. You’re just one step away from Juvy.”
She rummages through her locker, takes out a pad and scribbles something, tearing off the bottom and hands it to me.
“I’ve heard she’s helped a lot of guys like you. Give her a call.”
I glance down and barely make out the name and numbers.
“Can you read it? Her name's, Maggie. 529-6613. Memorize it. 529-6613.
I mouth the name and numbers several times, forcing them into my brain.
“I hope she can help me…”
“I’ve gotta go. Later, Hutch. And…thanks.”
I stare down at the jumble of letters and numbers. Remembering what they say, I head for home…
Will Hutch get the help he needs?
Will Maggie be able to help him or does Hutch slam into another dead end?
“Can you read it? Her name's, Maggie. 529-6613. Memorize it. 529-6613.
I stare down at the jumble of letters and numbers. Remembering what they say, I head for home…
Will Maggie be able to help him or does Hutch slam into another dead end?
DOUBLE
NEGATIVE
by
C. Lee Mckenzie
Time is running out… but for who?
Hutch?
Maggie?
Or both?
Whoa... now this is intense... I know I want to know more! Lee certainly knows how to PEAK our interest!
Available TOMORROW, July 25TH! Here's the link...
CONGRATS LEE!
I hope you all enjoyed my interpretation of Lee's book. Here is the logline for DOUBLE NEGATIVE...
Do drop by Lee's blog and say hi....
Lee is also having a giveaway!
Whoa... now this is intense... I know I want to know more! Lee certainly knows how to PEAK our interest!
Available TOMORROW, July 25TH! Here's the link...
CONGRATS LEE!
I hope you all enjoyed my interpretation of Lee's book. Here is the logline for DOUBLE NEGATIVE...
Sixteen-year-old Hutch McQueen is a smart kid who can barely read. He makes one bad choice after another, trying to find a way to escape his rotten life at home and at school. Each time he gets into more trouble.
Do drop by Lee's blog and say hi....
Website: http://cleemckenziebooks.com
Facebook Fan Page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Double-Negative/532193566907446
Lee is also having a giveaway!
Awesome intro for Lee's book!
ReplyDeleteAnd good to hear from you, Michael.
I was worried about him and then here he comes with this great post!
DeleteYou're the best, Michael. Thank you for the post today. I really do appreciate your support.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Michael,
ReplyDeleteAh, my illustrious, articulate friend. Thine intro for the amazingly awesome Lee and her next wonderful book, exemplifies the ambience. Well done, good sir.
Of course, hearty congrats to Lee. You do realise that I'm her starstuckest fan! :)
I shall duly take the liberty of sharing your post via all those social networks. Yep, even good old "Farcebook"!
Delighted to see you, Michael.
Gary :)
So we need to decide: Farcebook or Facebark. You've got me in a tizzy here. Of course, IWSG now has only one meaning--very secretive meaning, but I can't write that without saying to myself that I'm searching for somebody.
DeleteBetter call her, dude.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful introduction. You are so good at these.
Hey, you've got the tone, Diane. Love it.
DeleteGood to see you back Michael!! Best of luck to Lee.
ReplyDeleteWaving at Ellizabeth.
DeleteThanks, Liz! It's nice to be back!
DeleteYou're so amazing, Michael. No one touches your intros. You're easily one of the most talented people I've ever met. Hands down. Seriously LOVE your writing. Hope you're staying sane in this summer weather!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great compliment to Michael.
DeleteThanks Morg...... you'er my biggest fan! Big cheesy grin like on the cat on my right... lol.
DeleteYou have such a great talent, Michael. I'm looking forward to Lee's book.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol. Thanks again.
DeleteWow, this book looks great!
ReplyDeleteAnd now I feel really stupid because I couldn't figure out cleemckenzie broke down to C. Lee McKenzie. duh.
I can't figure that out either, so we're even.
DeleteGreat intro, Michael! Grats Lee!
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped in, Loni.
DeleteLoved your intro. Very excited for Lee.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated Michael's time in writing this for my book. How sweet is that?
DeleteThanks Natalie... Me, too.
DeleteAw, shucks, Lee.... you'll make me blush...
That sounds good.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thanks for the comment, Janie.
DeleteI don't usually read YA, but I'm gonna make and exception for this book. Congratulations, Lee! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for making the exception, Melissa. Big cyber hug coming your way.
DeleteAwesome post about DOUBLE NEGATIVE. I definitely want to know more. CONGRATS to C. Lee! Happy Release Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susanne. I'm pleased the story has interested you.
DeleteAw, Michael, you're just so good at this. Great intro.
ReplyDeleteHe's a wonder, isn't he?
DeleteThanks, L,D, I have had LOTS of practice, LOL. Between the TWO A-Z and all the others I have closet to a hundred of these intros so far... I must admit I do enjoy writing them...
DeleteCongrats to Lee. I think I could get caught in this one.
ReplyDeleteI'd love your reaction, Susan.
DeleteOh, that was so good! I'm hooked. I want to know what Hutch did and what's going to happen.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Lee!!!
Tell me when you find out. :-)
DeleteMe, too, Chrys....
DeleteI'm so excited for Lee! The book looks great, and I'm wishing her huge success! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lexa. You've been in my corner for a while now, and I love that.
DeleteAs always, an awesome intro and it definitely had me wanting more.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Lee and much success!!
I'd love a guy's opinion on Hutch. After all, I'm not a 16-year-old boy and I may have screwed up his character all together. I'll have to wait to hear from some male readers.
DeleteYour prose hooked me in Michael. Love that cover, too.
ReplyDeleteMichael works hard for those of us privileged enough to visit his great blog. It shows.
Delete... and he strikes again! The Blurb King... doing what he does best!
ReplyDeleteGreat intro, Michael!
Congrats to Lee, The Queen Of Glib! The cover is great!
So we make a good combo, heh? King and Queen. I like that idea.
DeleteOkay. So where are our crowns?
DeleteFantastic intro! This is a great stop for Lee!
ReplyDeleteTrying to not be repetitive! :-)
DeleteGreat intro Michael. I was worrying about Hutch from the first words. Not buying at the moment, too many to read as it is. But I would if ......
ReplyDeleteI worried about Hutch from start to finish. I still have a few concerns.
DeleteMichael, As always a wonderful blurb for Lee's book! And Lee congrats, your book sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou can let me know if it's a hit or a miss, Cathrina.
DeleteHooked from the start. Great intro Michael as everyone has said.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment, Madeleine.
DeleteI also enjoyed your creative interpretation! I'm impressed with how easily you slid into their roles. Congrats to Lee!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I like it when guys chime in on Hutch. It helps me gauge if I've gotten that boy down the way I should. Michael's take was great.
DeleteThanks Julie.... Glad you did. I love writing in male teen pov. There is so little of it out there.
DeleteThis sounds like such a good book and great intro, as always, Michael.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the query trenches; I'm hoping to join you soon!
Thanks for the visit and good luck in the query trenches.
DeleteThanks, Marcy....I'm still bailing out all the water trying to keep from drowning. It will be nice to have company...
DeleteAmazing intro...makes me want to read the book. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI have to increase Michael's salary, I guess.
DeleteLOL... Am I getting a raise, Lee? COOL!!!!!!
DeleteNow I'm ready to read the book! :) Great job, Michael, and congratulations to Lee!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie. I'm so far behind in my reading that I may never catch up.
DeleteYeah that's a great intro for Lee's book. You are a great wordsmith.
ReplyDeleteHi Michael,
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the intro.
Oh Michael that was a great intro! Loved it. Congrats to Lee :D
ReplyDeleteHi S.K. Great to see you here.
DeleteThat was one of those times I couldn't STOP reading, I love it when that happens. Teen books aren't my favourite genre, but I would read this one if the rest is like the sneak peek!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping this one will cross over, just as my others have. They're marketed as YA, but I do believe they have wider appeal. Hope so anyway.
DeleteIt is so kewl to see Lee's cover everywhere. Go, Lee!
ReplyDeleteYou're great, Joylene. I've seen you at every site. Thanks so much.
DeleteIT is, Joylene!!!! It's great to see so much fantastic support for Lee.
ReplyDeleteLove to see Lee's book around and hope she is selling books like hot cakes, or likes ice cream on a hot day. :)
ReplyDeleteI liked your interpretation!
~Jess
what an image! awesome intro for Lee's book! but of course, you're the pro!!
ReplyDeleteway to go!
(and thanks again for mine - i feel a hug every time i read it!)