Image courtesy of Claire Sheldon
My euphoria regarding the future was tinged with sadness as I emptied my locker. It was the end of an era. The corridor was devoid of students but was jammed full of memories. Me and Lisa shuffling along, heads down, new school shoes squeaking on the lino during our first day at this school that felt a world apart from our small, safe, primary. On my way to find Lisa, I pressed the corner of the West Side Story poster back down that was hanging off the wall.
Lost in my memories it happened in an instant. My back slamming against the lockers, hands around my throat.
In celebration of the weekend cover reveal for my third novel, The Surrogate, I thought I’d use an excerpt from the chapter I am currently editing which fits perfectly with this week’s prompt. If you wish to do so you can pre-order The Surrogate in the UK here and the US here prior to its September release.
You can join in with Friday Fictioneers, a 100 word story inspired by a photo prompt, over at host Rochelle’s blog, here.
fabricating fiction 
Sounds intriguing. Good luck with the new book.
Thanks David.
What a good tease – who grabbed her? In a good way or a bad way? Guess I’ll have to buy the book 🙂
You will indeed! Thanks Iain.
Excellent tease… l might have to buy the book.
Thanks Bjorn. I’m really excited about this one – I think it’s my best yet.
That was startling. Great job.
Thank you James!
Thanks for sharing the excerpt. My favorite thing has to be the excitement I sense when you discuss this new book. Like your comment above to Björn where you say “I think it’s my best yet.” I know that feeling as a writer, so I have this thrill rush through me when I hear you say that. I’m so excited for you, Louise!
Thanks Mandie. I was so utterly terrified with my second it took the shine off a little. Feel much more settled now.
Feeling all choked up after that tale.
Congrats on the new book,
Tracey
Thanks Tracey 😃
Loved the peep into your creation. I can see it as a promising story . Congratulations and my very best wishes as you gear up for its release.
Much appreciated. Thanks.
Well I know I will be finding out what happens next…
What a rough entry into secondary school!
It’s the last day of sixth form so they’re adults but yes still rough!
🙂
now your just teasing us!
I’m trying!
Oh, what a mysterious turn of events! I can’t wait to read your book, although not due to lack of trying, I haven’t read your second! Nice to see you here. (Either I’ve missed your posts or you’ve gone missing.)
Thanks Alicia. I’ve missed a few weeks – I’ve been in hospital but all good 😃
Oh! That’s a worry, but I’m glad all is good. Please keep it that way – if you can. 🙂
What a cliff hanger of an excerpt. Hope your book sells well
Thanks Michael. I’ve my fingers crossed.
Dear Louise,
Enticing excerpt.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks 😃
“The corridor was devoid of students but was jammed full of memories.”
best line i’d read in a while.
Thank you 😃
Nice adaptation, Louise. Evoke memories — lots of them!
Five out of five “Boy, boy, crazy boy …” 😀
Good memories I hope.
Yes, very good.
Wow! That seems fun. Hopefully you’ve given her a happy ending. Good luck with the sales.
Thanks Patrick 😃
I wasn’t expecting that… any more than she was. Good luck with the book.
Thanks Sandra.
A gripping opening to a scene – totally unexpected. Hope the tweaking goes well, Louise. All the best with it 🙂
Thanks Lynn. I need to stop tweaking – I’m out of control!
Ha! Problem is, you’ll always find things you’d like to change. If you’re anything like me, that is 🙂
Ouch! That was unexpected. Does the girl in your book know karate? 🙂 All the very best with the book Louise.
Sadly she doesn’t but there’s a though for the next book 😃 Thank you.
Wow! I literally jumped at the last line. Good write!
Thank you!
This all sounds quite familiar (apart from the grabbing).
Good to hear that!
Oh my, Im filled with my usual curiosity about things. I want to know more.
I have so questions. The thought of her being in her deep memories and to have that happen is jarring. Good Luck with your editing. I love hte title and the book cover.
Isadora 😎
Thanks Isadora. The cover designer did an excellent job.
😎
Excellent snippet, Louise. You left us thirsting for more.
I do hope so! Thanks.
That’s a nice little tease. Well done on intriguing me. Good luck on the book. I’ll make sure to pick a copy up when it hits the shelves in my country.
Cheers, Varad
Thank you Varad 😃
Much appreciated- thank you Varad.
Sounds like an interesting book from the excerpt. Left me wanting to know what happens next. Good luck with the release!
Thanks very much Adam.
What a school! Good opening scene so far.
Thanks Christine. It’s their last day at 6th form but still…
Oh, that’s a twist I didn’t expect. I’m very intrigued. Great teaser and great cover.
thanks. I got really lucky with my cover designer.
I think I will be picking up this book next…when I finally have more money. Well done with dropping this little tidbit. 🙂
Thanks so much for reading Miles.
This is a nice tease. Good luck with the book!
Thank you Amie.
Great opening scene, a very intriguing start. Good luck with the book.
Thanks!
This short piece being an excerpt, Louise, I’d say your latest book is a great read. All the best with it. 🙂 — Suzanne
I do hope so. Thanks Suzanne 😃
Lovely writing. You certainly caught me and I wanted to keep reading.
Good luck with your novel.
Thanks so much Sascha 😃
Wonderful Louise, reads like another hit!
I do hope so Dawn – thanks!
Short yet awesome
Thanks 😃
Great excerpt! And your book cover is stunning!
If you’d like to share a longer excerpt on my blog, let me know. No cost, no catch. It’s a new platform to help indie authors promote their books, owned by Alexis Chateau PR. 🙂
Thanks!
Thanks so much. I’m really happy with my cover. I’m not an indie author but thanks for the offer.
You’re welcome! The offer still stands, indie or no. Have a great week!
I’ve never been a teenage girl but I felt like one in this small sample. Fun to read.
Thanks very much.