I’m excited to welcome Rave Reviews Book Club Founder and President, Nonnie Jules, here today on the fourth day of her June “Spotlight” Tour!
NJ “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHOR BLOG TOUR – DAY #4
EXCERPT from
“OPEN, SHUT” by Nonnie Jules
(This excerpt begins in the middle of a larger piece but I’m sharing this portion as it gives more clarity into future posts along the tour).
June 19, 2000
Dear Diary
I couldn’t get to you yesterday as there was a huge blow up here. Mom came into my room without knocking and caught me reading the bible. You wouldn’t believe how mad she was – screaming, “God and Jesus aren’t real and anyone who believes in that crap is going straight to hell.”
So, I say to her, “If you don’t believe in God, how can you believe that there’s a hell?” She just stopped and looked at me. I knew then that I had better not utter another word.
“Lola Marie McCann, don’t you get sassy with me.” You know when you’re in trouble in this house…you are reminded of what your full name is.
I wasn’t being sassy, though. I thought it was a legitimate question. Anyway, she eventually calmed down and returned my semi-privacy back to me.
So, I had a visitor last night. This time, I swear I could feel her touching me. And then, the most amazing thing happened…she spoke! Not directly to me, but I heard her voice! I couldn’t make out exactly what she was saying because her voice was low…melodic, but, I could make out that it was kind and non-threatening. These visions of her are getting stronger…more real. I don’t know if I should be afraid or not, but, I feel at peace when I see her; strengthened almost…even in spite of how ill I’ve been feeling lately.
Oh, well, I guess I’ll be able to put all this together soon enough. ~ Lola
“Open, Shut: A Short Story” VIDEO
BIO:
Nonnie Jules, Founder & President of the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB (#RRBC), partner in 4WillsPublishing Author Services and wrangler of a very busy family, is often referred to as an enigma. Nonnie prefers to take that label up a notch as she does with everything in her life. “An enigma wrapped in a brain,” is the label that fits her best. That brain is what keeps all the moving parts of the ever-fluid RRBC in constant motion. Managing these successful entities along with her home life, keeps her busy from dawn until dusk…literally.
Nonnie has authored several books in various categories such as SELF-HELP, NOVELS, POETRY and SHORT STORY. She refuses to be placed in a box as a writer of only one genre of literature. She feels that she can skillfully cover it all.
One of her desires is to become a best-selling author – not because all of her family and friends purchases her books, but, because her books are so good, everyone can’t help but spread the word about them.
BOOKS BY NONNIE:
“THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS”
“DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND”
“SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS”
“IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC: THE POETRY OF FORBIDDEN LOVE”
“…AND THE MUSIC PLAYED”
“OPEN, SHUT: A SHORT STORY”
AUTHOR LINKS:
To follow along with the rest of Nonnie’s tour, please drop by the RRBC “SPOTLIGHT” Author page!
What a great excerpt, Nonnie. It draws the reader into the heart of the story. Congratulations on holding this special spotlight. Much deserved! Thank you for hosting, D.L. ♥
Thanks for dropping in with your support, Gwen!
Yes, it does show the real heart of this story, Gwen, I agree:) I’m honored to host.
A really interesting read! Thanks for sharing Nonnie’s work Denise. It makes you want to keep reading.
Thanks, Lizzie!
It certainly does make you want to keep reading, Lizzie! Happy you stopped by:)
A great excerpt. Thank you for hosting, Denise.
Thanks, Karen! 🙂
It was. Karen:) I’m happy to host!
Denise, I was speaking to you and Karen. I should have put your thank you on another line!
Thanks, again!
The plot is thickening — so to speak — and growing more intriguing. Congratulations on the Spotlight, Nonnie. Thank you for hosting so I can smile at your wonderful dolphins once again, Denise.
Thanks, Mary:) I’m glad the dolphins make you smile as much as they do for me! Yes, the excerpt is intriguing for this wonderful story.
Uh oh, Mary! You should have spaced between people! (See above) LOL
Thanks for dropping by!
What does that mean, Nonnie? Spaced between people?
Sure tugs at the heart strings!
It sure does, Wendy:) Thanks for dropping by!
Thanks, Wendy!
Hi Nonnie. I love your excerpt. I read the book and its like I need to read it again. Sometimes you don’t always get what is in front of you. And I’m so happy you are here on tour because its about time and you deserve it. You are the reason these tours exist. CONGRATULATIONS to you! Thank you Denise for hosting this amazing Wonder Woman.
I agree the spotlight needs to be on Nonnie:) It’s a great story that can re-read! Thanks for stopping by. Shirley.
We are all going to be in trouble for not separating our “people” acknowledgements. LOL!
Thanks, Shirley!
Nonnie, in the past I have had trouble writing comments..the system wouldn’t take more than one small paragraph, and so out of caution, I just jammed everything together. It was on an RRBC site during the conference that it happened. I’ll refrain from putting acknowledgments together, but that was the reasoning.
Another excellent excerpt, Nonnie. Had to smile at the idea of a full name means trouble. Thank you, Denese for hosting
You know you are in trouble when you hear your full name at any age, John! I’m always happy to host:)
So true.😀
John, takes me back to my childhood. If our mom called us by our full names, you knew what was coming next…TROUBLE!
Thanks for following the tour, John!
Fun tour.
This is such an awesome blog tour with Nonnie’s book! Each excerpt goes a little deeper into the story! Thanks so much for hosting, Denise!
Thanks, Jan!
Yes, it really showcases the story, Jan. I’m always happy to host:)
Nonnie, you’re choosing these excerpts strategically, to intrigue and captivate those of us that have not read this book. 😉
Well, it’s working! I’m completely hooked and have moved it up on my TBR list. Thanks for hosting, Denise! <3 xo
Hi, Vashti! It’s a short story so its not taking much effort on my part. But, in all honesty, I did pick and choose carefully what I would share. The ending? No way I’m going to post it! Ha!
Thank you for dropping in, Vashti!
Ha, ha. It’s a pleasure, Nonnie. 😀
You will enjoy it, Vashti. It’s making me want to re-read it.
That was an amazing preview. I was waiting for her answer to her mother, a young girl who truly couldn’t understand all that much, and she nailed it.
She did, Jacqui! So happy you stopped by:)
I am really enjoying this tour! Love these excerpts, Nonnie.
Thanks for hosting, Denise. Great show of support.
I’m happy to, Beem:)
Nice to see NOnnie here, Denise, and I enjoyed this extract. Quite different.
Thanks, Robbie:)
I like this excerpt as it flows most realistically. Superb writing Nonnie. Thanks for sharing it Denise.
It is, Balroop! Thanks for dropping by:)
Another great excerpt! Thanks for hosting on your beautiful site, D.L.!!
It was a great excerpt, Marlena! I’m glad you like the site;)