A to Z Challenge "J"

A to Z Challenge

Robin Carr, a well-published author describes a talented author as 'someone who chases her hero up a tree and then throws rocks at her."

A to Z 2017 Theme: Rocks to Throw At A Hero Who Is Up A Tree!


Being the week before Easter, one might think I would Juggle some J's and throw our hero into the mix in Judea or Jerusalem. One would be wrong!

Jacqueline lives on the Jersey Shore.  She isn't even Jewish! Yesterday, she would have been Italian, but, alas, this is J day which make Jacqueline Jamaican, mon!

Early every morning before court, Jacqueline Jogs through Jefferson Park, across the street from the Cape May Courthouse. 

She is in the running for a Superior Court Judgeship in the Jurisdiction of Cape May, named for the 17th-century Dutch explorer Cornelius Jacobson Mey. (Sorry about the spelling, Cornelius, but it is the Jersey Shore!)

Rocks to throw at Jackie!

A Jealous Jurist:  Jared Johnson, a lower court Judge, Jonesing for the Jacqueline's popularity but lacking her Joyful, Juvenescent personality.

Jumentous Janitor from Juneau: Jingling keys and pushing brooms, Jordan, seems to be everywhere, often quite Jumpy.

Jolly Jailer: Jeb, is consistently Jocular and Jubilant. Catching Jacqueline in the halls he Jests and Jokes!

Judgemental, Jaded District Attorney: Janice is a grump, over-worked, underpaid and, in love with Jared the Jowly!

Now, this outline is somewhat Jaggy, but you get the Jist, right?

Jacqueline's life is in Jeopardy.

The bad guys, Jared and....wait for it....Jovial Jeb-the-Jailer are Jointly conniving to Jump Jackie while she is Jogging. Apparently Jeb's Jocose disposition is Just a cover.  At his core he is a Jellied Jeering Jerk!

Hard-working, ever-present, Jordan-the Janitor, having taken up residence in the courthouse basement, has overheard the Jerks Jive-talkin' regarding their reprehensible Jig.

Early, one misty January morning, Jackie is, indeed, ambushed. Jeb Jabs at her with a sharpened Jawbone he lifted from the Jail evidence locker while Jared Jeers from the Jungly  foliage.

Jordan Jumps out to rescue Jackie!

Too late!

The Jerks, lay groaning on the ground holding their Junk. Jackie always knew her Jujitsu would come in handy!

Jackie and Jordon Jaywalk the two thugs straight to D.A. Janice's office.

Janice Jilt's Jared.

Bad boys go to Jail.

Jackie, Jordon and Janice go out for a Jaunt and Juice!

Drink Judiciously!

A to Z Challenge 'I'

A to Z Challenge

Robin Carr, a well-published author describes a talented author as 'someone who chases her hero up a tree and then throws rocks at her."

A to Z 2017 Theme: Rocks to Throw At A Hero Who Is Up A Tree!

Identification of the protagonist' Idiosyncrasies is Initially one of the first Items of a writer's responsibilities to a story. The reader must know why the Hero does what she does as she Interacts with the rocks tossed her way.

Is she Intense and Independent? Is she Imaginative and Impulsive? Does she suffer from Insomnia and If so, why? Is she easily Intimidated, pulling an Inhaler out at the slightest sign of Impediment? Is she an Intellectual reaching for her tattered copy of Plato's The Republic?

Isabella is our Intelligent, Indefatigable hero of the day.

Her Irascible father, Inflicted with an Incalculable case of Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Induced Insanity in Isabella's mother resulting in Mama's Institutionalization.

Twenty-year-old Isabella is Immediately hustled off to America to live with her mother's sister, Zia Imogene.

As Americans are Innately Inclined to do, Isabella's new friends nickname her Izzy!  Of course, Zia Imogene had also been Americanized. She insists on Izzy calling her Auntie Gina. (Initially, the writer will Insist the Inclusion of this little Indulgence but the  story's Editor (Impartially Insolent) will cut it with Irate Insistence). 

Isabella, being the Industrious Individual that she is, works with Interminable diligence,  saving enough money to travel back to Italy to seek her mother's release from Crazytown, and to Insure her father is Imprisoned.

Viola! Plan successfully Implemented!

In spite of:

Insurmountable Odds


Impassive Information Clerk

Indifferent Investigators

Impertinent Interpreter

Ignorant Internist

Inspired by:


Innovative Instructor

Intriguing Inspectors 

Impressive Irish Moss Gatherer (In soooo many ways!)

Inappropriately-Timed Intimacies (gratuitous yet Ineffable sex)


Intrepid Izzy and no-longer Inhibited Mama Inhabit an Impeccable, Indigo Cottage  on an Island with the Indigenous people happily ever after.

p.s. soon to be joined by Impressive Irish Moss Gatherer! 

A to Z Challenge 'H'

A to Z Challenge 

Robin Carr, a well-published author wrote, "A great writer chases her hero up a tree and then throws rocks at her."

A to Z 2017 Theme: Rocks to Throw At A Hero Who Is Up A Tree!

The expression, "starving artist" is not new to any of us. Well, writers are artists, too, and many of us are just as Hungry!  In fact, our Handsome, Hunky, Homeless Hero has a huge target on his back because Haggard writers can be quite Heartless.

Grab a Hunk of Ham and let's Hurl some stones!

Today's H rocks! 

Hits-the-skids:  Henry, his friends call him Hank, just lost his job as a Hostler, a victim of down-sizing in a declining economy (Damn, I could have used that in the "D's").

Hopeless Happenstance:  Jobless equals money-less, our Hero feels Hung-out-to-dry. 

Harold the Hostile Homeowner discovers that Hank-the-Hero has recently fluctuated from a Haves to a Haves-not status, Hence the Homelessness.

Heave-Ho: (refer to Hostile Homeowner)

Hot-Headed yet Humble Head Honcho: Harley, owner of the small-time Hometown cafe, bar,  diner, Hangout, Hires Hank to Hackle dishes and flip Hamburgers after a profoundly Harsh Harangue. 

It is up to the writer to choose the subject of the lecture, Hence, I will continue on to next rock!

Horny Horticulturalist,  Boy, can Hank flip a burger with those Hunky gunboats. Hannah, the plant lady, is Hooked. Poor Hank, he is Hesitant to respond to her overtures due to his impoverished state. Hank is Honorable, which, in itself is not a bad thing but it tends to lead even the Hunkiest of Hunks to a celibate life.

Howling Hell Hounds: Better get your Hienie Higher up that tree, Hank. (Where is Dean Winchester when you need him?)

Horrendous Hillbilly Hockey Player, ex-boyfriend of Hannah. Drives a Hummer and carries a Hammer and sticks, lots of long, painted sticks.  Side note: He purchased the vehicle to make up for other inadequacies  (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Of course, Hannah has put a Halt to the relationship with toothless Half-wit Howie but he won't take the Hint (and he does carry that big ol' hammer).

Homeland Security Agent. Harry, a Hometown boy, finds Hank on the side of the Highway, having been Hijacked by said Hummer Half-wit.

"Holy Hell, what Happened to You?" grilled the government gumshoe. (Damn, I really could have used this phrase on Friday; maybe next year!)

Yes, the hammer is real. Yes, it Hurt. Yes, a ride to the ER would be nice.

During the ride to the Hosptial, Hank unwittingly divulges information regarding random Heinous Hardware Held in the Hummer.

"Hallelujah!"  Helpful Agent Harry (as opposed to Hairy Agent...ew!) Hollers, "We've been Hunting for a traitorous, Hoodwinking Hooligan Heterodox! It must be Howie!"

Hooking a right into the hospital parking lot, Hank spies the Hummer!

Oh, no! Hannah is being Held Hostage by Hateful Howie.

"Hand Her over, you Hustler!" Hank demands as he painfully hoists himself from the government vehicle.

Howie pulls a bloody hammer out from behind him.

Thankfully, Agent Harry is carrying Heat.

Bang!

Hole in one, hammer and Howie Hit the ground.

Hastily, untying Hannah, Hank holds her in his arms. Hugging, they kiss while Harry and local PD huddle in Hushed voices.

Hannah whispers, "Take me Home, my hero!"

 "Holy Hell," exclaims the exhausted Homeland Security Agent, 

"I've never heard a Hokier story...ever!

A to Z Challenge 'G'

A to Z Challenge

A to Z Challenge: Rocks a writer throws at the hero once she's been written up a tree!

Gloria is our heroine of the day. I chose this name because it reminds me of my teenage years. Gloria was pretty much the only song 3/4 of the teenage boys could play on the guitar in the '60's, some better than others, but none very well!

Gloria's author has written her up a very immature tree; the trunk barely holds up under the slightestest of breezes.

Gloria begins the story with a Gambit of eccentricities. She is a Genius, yet a bit Gauche; her awkwardness coming from being raised by a Grandiose but Garish Grandmother and a ghoulish uncle. 

Gloria's life with Gigi (granny) and Garth (uncle) is definitely grueling until their untimely death in an especially Gruesome Garage explosion.

Gloria, naturally, inherits the estate, including the Gardens and Grounds.

As Gloria...no, that name will not do...let's Go with Gabriella; heroines need 4 syllable names, it adds a touch of drama.  

"Gnawing at her lower lip"  (cliche, yes, but it works, just one of her Glaring eccentricities) : As Gabriella packs up Gigi's and Garth's Gear she discovers Garth's journal (dang, I was saving Journal for 'J' day). Many entries suggest things hidden; secrets; tragedies! Too bad about the lip though.

What rocks can our writer throw at Gabriella?

Groom. Is she a bride or does she visit the stables?

Gold? Yes, treasure! Once the mystery is resolved, what Gems will be unearthed?

Global Warming!   Will the rising water from melting glaciers bury the secrets forever?

Genteel Gentleman. Good Guy or bad Guy? Garrulous and Glib versus Good and Grounded? Will a Gesture of helpfulness be sincere or is it sinister and self-serving?

Gargantuan Gaffe. Does Gabriella share too much with the wrong dude? Does she not question why his Glove was found in the conservatory with a candlestick? Should she have let him kiss her?

Gift. Beware a stranger bearing gifts! On the other hand, don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Government.  This could be very, very bad! Why is the FBI investigating Uncle Garth's Gig?

Goodbye's.  Ah, Gabriella was too gullible to Uncle Garth's partner's, (Garrett) Gossip, motivating her to Gainsay all the Generous and altruistic Gestures of the good guy. Bye, Guy!

Have no fear, Guy will return at just the right moment. Probably in the dark boat house, at midnight, when Gabriella leaves the safety of the house to investigate the light she Glimpsed while Grabbing a midnight snack.

Glaring Error. Puh-lease! What is she doing in the boathouse?  What if Good Guy"s train is late?

Gravity. Sorry, another cliche, but the heroine must always trip and do a face plant while being chased!

Gorilla!  Yes, he's escaped from the zoo! Of all nights for a wildlife refugee to choose the boathouse to catch some zzz's!

Gorilla's!  Uncle Garth's cohorts or enemies seeking drugs, money, revenge? Good Grief!

Greed. (see Gorilla's)

Gee, that's a lot!  

A to Z Challenge 'F'

A to Z Challenge

A to Z Challenge: Rocks a writer throws at the hero once she's been written up a tree!

Many stories begin with the hero or heroine already up a tree and they are extremely content up there. They have a beautiful tree house and an extraordinary tree job. They share the tree with a loving family or friends. 

The writer comes along and throws something at our heroine, Frances, plummeting her to the ground.

Fatality instantly comes to mind, though the fatality doesn't necessarily mean the death of someone. It could be a Fatal Attraction to someone who lives in a neighboring tree or a Fatal belief in something Futile or Frighteningly False.


There was once a story about a young heroine and her menagerie. The writer threw Flying Monkeys at her. Unfortunately, two stories with flying monkeys might be a bit much. You can name a bar the Flying Monkeys' Saloon, or a fraternity, the Flying Monkeys Fellowship but the doctor said, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed flying overhead.

Fire is bad whether one is up the tree or down, unless one is stranded on an uninhabited island after Falling from a Freighter. Hopefully, the Freighter was closer to Fuji than Finland! Rescue would absolutely not be good if Frances, our heroine, is Frozen when she is Found.

Speaking of Found! What if Frances was hooked up with her fantasy tree house by Witness Protection (her name is really Felicia) and the Fiend fumbles upon her?  What if she ran away from a personal Fiend, not a Felon fiend, so she is just hiding on a remote branch of the tree on her own; no Witness Protection program Facilitation. Wow, she would really be out on a limb! (sorry, couldn't resist)

Flashbacks! Yeah, that's the ticket. Frances (or is it Felicia?) is remembering snippets Fraught with Fear. Will she ever Fit the pieces together?

Fourth Dimension: Wow, that could be a whole new assortment of F-words.

Foreign Body: Medically speaking a foreign body is something that doesn't belong. Could Frances have been implanted with an alien device that tracks her every move; her every thought? Could a Fiend shoot her resulting in a foreign body (bullet) lodged near her Femur artery?

What if the foreign body is Fernando, from Brazil; six-pack abs, smoldering eyes, hips born to Salsa? Run, Frances, Run!

Is Fernando her Fatal Attraction? Will she Fall in love? Will she, of her own Free Will, dive off the Freighter, or a Frigate, to escape his Fixation on her, maybe, she jumps to swim to his ship as it passes in the night?

If so, Bye Felicia!

A to Z Challenge E

A to Z Challenge

Robin Carr, a well-published author wrote, "A great writer chases her hero up a tree and then throws rocks at her."

A to Z 2017 Theme: Rocks to Throw At A Hero Who Is Up A Tree!

I've mentioned the slight bit of sadistic tendencies in writers during this challenge. We do love to throw those rocks at our heroes. Maybe, just maybe, it isn't being mean, it's just tough love! Writers never accept Excuses from the protagonist. 

Oh, we will toss a couple Evasive maneuvers their way but we toss in an Ebullient friend, partner, parent who ignores the Excuse. Possibly an Equable co-worker that just won't let our hero Evade her responsibility or our hero's own conscious (and Estimable  character) doesn't Endorse Evasion, Especially in the Evolution of self!

Excuses are short lived, momentary blip in the writer's mean streak!

On to Rocks! Let's throw some.

Empathy...What happens when our hero empathizes with the wrong person? What happens when  our heroine, let's call her Elyse (Greek name meaning 'Noble'), Is the only one who empathizes with the one person at the Edge of the group?  Will her Empathy Eventually be at her Expense? 

Evolution... Elyse 's relationship is over. Did he (Edward) cheat on her with her best friend Evelyn? Did they, Elyse and Edward grow apart? Did she Espy that she had lost herself in the marriage, partnership, Elicit affair?  

Exhaustion... Elicit affairs are exhausting (or so I've been told) but so is working/living/staying in the wrong Environment...which brings us to

Environment...Forest fire, Earthquake, Haunted House, Wicked Stepmother, Misogynistic Boss, Stormy sea, New town, Old town

Emergency...Everything was going along just fine, the writer checks her notes and decides today is the day. The Big Life Changing EVENT! 

Ectopic Pregnancy... Yeah, I know, this is stretching it, but you never know!

Enemy...This is often best when the hero (therefore, the reader) doesn't know who the enemy is. As a reader, not the writer, I prefer not to know who the enemy is. I can discover right along with the hero. If I know (for sure) who the enemy is, I ending up swearing ( quite often) at the hero. 

I don't like to swear at the hero. I want to be Elyse's friend!

Extraction... Got to get Elyse out of there...Elyse has got to get Earl (who?) out of there because they are onto him. Or did Elyse just have a tooth pulled and while coming out from under anesthesia she overheard the nurse (bad guy spy, Russian agent, the murderer) on the phone.

Enlightenment/Epiphany...Don't get your undies in a twist on this one. If Elyse is the only one who 'gets it' and no one else does, or they refuse to, trouble could be brewing!

Endemic/Epidemic...Hazmat suits, terrorists with vials of the most Evil virus known to man!

Evacuation...That's right. Let's get the hell out of here!

A To Z Challenge 'D'

A to Z Challenge

Robin Carr, a well-published author wrote, "A great writer chases her hero up a tree and then throws rocks at her."

A to Z 2017 Theme: Rocks to Throw At A Hero Who Is Up A Tree!

The protagonist is up in that tree. The writer is wondering what Dilemmas to sling. 

Could it be that our heroine, having dreamed of Dancing all her life has tragically suffered  career-ending Damage to her Diaphram, or, could it be, her Duodenum (ew!)?  With Diaphram in such Disrepair, she cannot Dance and must make a Decision to change her career...but the mean, old writer must throw some Depression rocks. 

The Dancer must Decide quickly as she is a Dutiful Daughter totally Dedicated to her Delirious Dad, or maybe, her Delinquent Daughter. Too Damn bad, too! She was such a Delightful and Delicate Danseuse!

Wouldn't it be nice if she was the girl in the Apple tree (see 'A') and her attacker (of course, she was trespassing!) turns out to be her Doctor? (Don't roll your eyes at me, I'm working here!)

Disconcerted and Dismayed, our heroine ( can we just call her Donna for today?)...so, Donna's Distress is incredibly intense  and she Develops Dermis Distress (hives, excuse the non-D word, please!)

Doctor Delicious is amused (inspiring in her a Deep Desire to Deliver a solid Drub upon Doc's handsome face, though she doesn't act upon it). 

Doc and Donna end up having Dinner together and Denny's Diner.

Donna orders the Dandelion and Date salad. Doc orders the Duck. Delightful so far, but, (Drum roll) During the Devil's Food Cake Dessert, (are you prepared for additional Dilemma?) Donna gets smacked with the big 'D' Discovery!

Doc is married but (Does She Believe Him) he is separated from Dixie (his wife) and they are getting a Divorce.

Add caption

Doubt, Depression, Distress...a writer's favorite rocks!

Hey, It's Okay

Here we are again.

Tuesday!

But it is not okay!

I have been sick for 12 days with a cold that is a killer. Hacking up both my lungs, can't lay down to sleep, my throat ACHES, sinus headache that is hysterically laughing at all attempts to relieve it!

Gargling with crushed garlic, cloves and aloe vera which usually helps but not this time. Is it being 66 that makes it harder to bounce back?  (Not that I've done much bouncing of any kind lately)

Parents 45 miles away and I'm afraid to take this nasty cold with me to see them. Thankfully, my sister got them groceries but, I feel like I'm falling down on the job.

I'd get a note from Mom saying I'm excused this week, too, but that means I have to go and see her to get the note...then, who do I give it to...my Mom?

But, if it was Hey, It's Okay Tuesday, I might have listed that It's Okay:

1. That my granddaughter, Haley, just made Varsity Cheer Leading Squad.

2. That granddaughter, Jo, is flying out for a visit in two weeks.

3. That my physical therapist is magically fixing my shoulder.

4. That my son and his wife have jumped through all the hoops and are now ready to open their arms and home to foster kid/kids and possibly adoption.

5. That the weather is awesome. In Redding a typical Spring lasts about 8 hours and then we zip up into the high 90's! This year we have a little rain, a little sunshine, a day or two of high 60's or 70's and then back to spring showers. Nice.  Crap, did I just jinx it?

6. Garage Sale and Donate book boxes are out numbering the Keep book boxes 3 to 1!  Yay!  Found good for homes for many of the books already.

7. The gray color on the walls make me want to lick them!

8. I made the best dang Beef Pho from scratch last week. Helped my throat for about 15 minutes!

Have a great week, all!

Memorial for Pops

Frank and I attended the memorial for our great-granddaughter's great-grandfather.

It was an extremely sad yet joyful event.  Pop John was an extremely popular man in the community. From the people attending, it was surprising to see how diversified his friends and co-horts were. The majority of them were long, long, long time friends. Oh, the stories!

His wife was surrounded by loving people. His children, too. Of course, the 7 or 8 great-grandchildren were pretty much oblivious to the meaning of the occasion, all being quite young.

But one of his grandchildren was devastated. She is the mother of our great-granddaughter, partner to our grandson.

Her biological father was a bit of a dick! Spent most of his life away from his family; choosing drugs over his children.  Pops took over the fathering of this special young lady. He was there for her during thick and thin.

He took them camping, introduced them to dune buggies in the dunes. He helped her to know that she was lovable by unconditionally loving her.

She literally lost two 'fathers'! I can't imagine the pain of one father turning his back on you and the one who loves you, without question, passes away.

Wish I could wash away her tears and hurt but it is also good to know that she had Pops in her life and felt the love.

A To Z Challenge "C"

A to Z Challenge

Robin Carr, a well-published author wrote, "A great writer chases her hero up a tree and then throws rocks at her."
A to Z 2017 Theme: Rocks to Throw At A Hero Who Is Up A Tree!

Genre of any particular story has an incredible influence on what obvious and not-so-obvious rocks the writer will/may throw at the hero.

Science Fiction: Obvious: Criminal aliens Come to take Command of Earth in Mothership Cruisers that resemble mechanical Claws.   There is always tossing the threat of a massive Comet headed towards Earth, in fact, it is headed to the very Continent that the writer's demographics reside in.

Westerns: Really bad Cowboys,  Cowgirls, Cows, Calving, Calvary Captains or Corporals, innocent Citizens and Carbines. Pretty Certain at least one of the Characters has an extremely Challenging Case of the Consumption, and may actually be spitting up blood. Or, a band of Cherokee, Comanche, Choctaw  or Cheyenne warriors-gone-rogue.

Often, the hero is going to have to get the wagons to Circle, sometimes to protect the innocent victims and sometimes, well, sometimes just to circle!

Historical Fiction:  Cancer?  Maybe another visit from our Corrupt Candidate! Capital gains loss! 

Capture or Close Call by someone on a fast train to the Orient or, less likely, Carbon Monoxide poisoning! 

Children's Literature:  Cool! So many challenges in stories for kids. Crazy Cats with stripey hats, Confounded Clowns with Colorful scarves Clinging from the Cuffs of their Charming Costumes! Cautious Camels, Cantankerous Caterpillar, Caribou with Crimson noses, Conceited Cheetahs!  Calculating Caiman! 

Romance:  Charming yet Cunning Court Jester! Cowardly Creep!  Combative Cousin (looking to snare the hero's inheritance. Coquettish Contessa...don't turn your back on her  or leave your jewels alone with her. Stuck in a desserted Cabin with Charles, Chas, Conrad, Colin who owns an ancient apples orchard and is struck with our heroine prowess for Climbing trees and her powerful Curve ball (again, see 'A').

Action/Adventure: Obvious could be a Colombian Cartel (yawn) Coming  to a town near you! Maybe our hero's imaginary tree is that she has been Captured by the Cartel and she is planning her great escape! Can only hope the thought of sparsely Clothed Cannibals.

Could be that the author's stone is a Crash (probably car). or threat of a Crash (probably airliner), impending Crash (airliner, soviet submarine, or City bus! Most are common and conspicuous choices of Calamity. But, do not forget the inevitable Covert Cops, Corrupt Candidates or Coveting Crocodile (one never knows what is awaiting behind the nest tree while running for your life in a Columbian rain forest) !

Not so obvious, what if terrorists hijack the android phone from a newly elected, crazy leader of a free-world nation with adware trojan viruses? Particularly, Cobblerone, or Coolreaper or Crazyworld or, (really?) Crisis!

Imagine how crazy those Tweets could be?  

("Mom, no one would do that?"

"Why not?

"Because that is already happening and it's the owner of the phone doing the Tweeting!"

"No Way!"

"Way!")

A To Z Challenge "B"

A To Z Challenge

Robin Carr, a well-published author wrote, "A great writer chases her hero up a tree and then throws rocks at her."
A to Z 2017 Theme: Rocks to Throw At A Hero Who Is Up A Tree

Of course, we all know that 'up a tree' is closely related to 'up a creek without a paddle' or in 'hot water'. The hero has been written into a predicament, a challenge, onto a thin ledge!

(Big Secret: Really great writers have a little mean streak in them.)

Did her partner just abandon our hero, absconding with the loot from their joint account? Is the author throwing the threat of Bankruptcy at her maybe even destitution? Possibly said-partner mortgaged their Bungalow and Business to the hilt Before suddenly dying after Being hit by a speeding BMW while jogging.(Bummer!)

When she slowly crept out of the apple tree (see 'A') did the Battered Bear come back for revenge and applesauce?

Maybe, having missed the CONSTRUCTION AHEAD warning signs, she was  hit in the head with a falling Brick as she wandered down the sidewalk looking for the address of a possible house to rent. Result: amnesia from the Brain injury.

Has our heroine been saddled with Beauty, which, as we all know, attracts gigolos, threatens other women, and seriously affects the way strangers look at her; suspecting shallowness and an apparent intellectual deficit!

Rocks that a writer might throw at the Budding hero are always Barriers to struggle through, or hurdle over. Try as they may, crawling under or swerving around never, ever work for mean old authors, or real life! Thankfully she (the hero, not the writer) is usually accompanied by a good Buddy, a new Buddy or a deceitful old Buddy (that would be  "Bad, Bad ex-Buddy" but not necessarily Bad Bad Leroy Brown).

 Oh, and then, of course, the writer can throw a 'bad, bad buddy" into the mix who, only appears to be bad but ends up just having a secret (drama) and it can't be shared.  Therefore, so-called-ex-buddy-bad-guy, who our heroine has been suspicious of for two-thirds of the book, turns out to be a best buddy, after all.

Booyah!

#AtoZChallenge "A"

 Blogging from A to Z Challenge 

Theme: 26 Rocks to Throw At A Protagonist Who Is Up A Tree

Robin Carr, a well-published author wrote, "A great writer chases her heroine up a tree and then throws rocks at her."  .

Rocks to throw at your heroine after you've run her up a tree? Probably depends on the genre of your story. 

Lots of 'A' words come to mind: Anger, Attitude, Aliens, Attacker, Addict.

Today, though, we're going for the literal and obvious! Apples!

Walking down a dusty, country road, our heroine spots a huge apple tree. The tree's knarled and ancient bark makes her wonder if Johnny Appleseed himself must have planted it.

Many tempting, red apples have dropped to the ground. She really can't think of anything more inviting than a juicy apple. Stepping off the road, she searches the fallen apples but each one is well on it's way to inedible.

Looking up into the branches, bright, ripe apples promise to satisfy the tummy-rumbles that the grounded apples ignited.

She climbs the ancient tree, finds a nice comfortable branch and picks the closest crimson fruit.

As she takes her first bite, an apple ricochets off her shoulder! One especially rotten one explodes off her knee. These are not apples losing their fight with gravity and falling from the branches.

"Hey! Those are my apples you're stealing!" calls a deep voice from the ground just as another overripe apple hits her in the forehead!

Of course, you know that a handsome yet intimidating man is smiling from under the tree slinging the rotting fruit,  His presence promises a rough and rocky beginning but a happy ending of true love.

Personally, I prefer the thought of our heroine strolling down a dirt path in an ancient orchard, when she is suddenly pummeled with apples by several fairies who are guarding the secret entry to their kingdom.

Or, maybe, while our heroine is chomping on the juicy fruit a bear comes to join her. Masking her fear, she drives him away slinging the ripe globes and obscenities!

After all,  from our first toddler days, we all learned that:

"A is for Apples"!