Old News, New Stories and Back-of-the-Book Blurb Friday #56

Forgive me bloggers, because I've slacked. 

It's been a week since my last post.

Oh, I could whine about why, like

• I procrastinated finishing my future daughter-in-law's Christmas stockings (a bridal shower gift) until the last minute.
• I procrastinated working on my students' mid-quarter reports until Monday.
• Monday evening, I planned on working on my mid-quarters once The Voice was over. Unfortunately, I fell asleep watching The Voice on Monday, long before the last battle round ended, which meant I'd have to finish the school work on Tuesday.

That--my procrastination--is old news.

As far as the new stories, I went to a Listen to Your Mother cast meet-and-greet last night. Each of the writer-performers got up and introduced themselves. Each woman told a little about what their story was about, along with what their first record album was, what their three favorite movies are, what their first concert was, and the most important question: salty or sweet.

There's a rehearsal tomorrow, so if I don't slack next week, perhaps I'll share some great phrases or snippets from the stories. So far, I know that there's a story about someone who had "the meanest mother" and a story about motherhood that began by fostering a child. One of the women could be a stand-up comedian--she's that funny just when she's talking off-the-cuff.

The afternoon St. Louis show is almost sold out, so if you want a ticket for that one, you'd best get it soon. For tickets, go here.

And now, onto book blurb stuff.

Look at the photo below. That is the cover of your book. You choose the genre. A book on the history of statues? A how-to book from Bob Ross? He turned over in his grave over some recent paintings, and now--risen from the dead--has turned to sculpting. You decide.

Write an enticing blurb--150 words or less. (The title doesn't count in the word count.) Blurbs are those enticing bits that prod you into buying the book. Sometimes they're on the back cover of the book. Sometimes they're on the inside front cover. What they always try to do is lure you into purchasing the book.

Lisa Ricard Claro was the original creator of this writing challenge. However, she's been busy for the last few years. Currently, along with all the books she juggling in their pre-published state, she's also preparing to move--to the beach--which means she and her hubby are going to have to go into the witness protection program, otherwise Linda O'Connell will hunt them down and became a squatter* in their spare bedroom. (By "squatter," I don't mean Linda will squat down because of a too-full bladder, I mean she will move in and won't move out until the police come for her... she loves the beach that much.)

Include your blurb in a blog post. Include a link to this post. Also, link your post to Mr. Linky. Mr. Linky is easy. If you've never done it, you'll be impressed with how simple he is. And then, check out the other blurb(s). It's interesting to see the different directions writers take, given the same photo.

Here's the book cover, along with my blurb:

   

photo by pixabay

Rufus the Crabman

Rufus Leaking loved the beach and wading in the water along the shore. He spent hours exploring the shells and the sand.

One summer, he snuck a hermit crab into the family station wagon. Rufus yearned for a pet, and Herman seemed like the perfect one. The little boy dreamed of the fun he’d have with the tiny creature. They’d watch Spongebob and Finding Nemo together. They’d listen to old Herman’s Hermits records. They’d have crabwalk races in his room.

Somewhere between Sarasota, Florida and Provo, Utah a horrible stench filled the car.

It seemed Herman had scuttled his way to the big beach in the sky.

Later, Rufus invented a tank that would keep a crab alive on a cross-country trip. With his product, there’d be “No more dead Hermans.”  Hopefully Mr. Wonderful will like his business plan… because Rufus and Herman #17 are scheduled to make their pitch. (150 words)

So, I have the same questions for you:

1) What's your three favorite movies?

2) What was the first record/8-track tape/cassette tape/CD you bought?

3) What was your first concert?

4) Salty or sweet?

And just for Val, here's the photo for next week:

photo by pixabay