Sydney Scrogham

Sydney is the winner of Vol 3 – 31. Follow her at her blog and on Twitter!

Writing has always been my heart song, and it all started with a 6 page “book” I illustrated myself when I was about 11. That blossomed into a 30-some “book series” based off of a My Little Pony farm managed by Beanie Babies. I’ve always been a dreamer and completely engulfed in fantasy, but I haven’t always written. After I got my heart broken for the first time, I stopped writing for years. Ironically enough, it was heartbreak again that drove me back to writing. Looking back, I can see the steps in my life that led me back to writing.

I was afraid of pursuing writing for a long time because it “doesn’t pay the bills.” But, like the question that shows up in Chase, I was asking, “How long can I deny my heart?” Even though I was afraid and didn’t want to put my time into something that might all be wasted, I started writing again. And I haven’t stopped.

I get my inspiration from a lot of things, especially during my down time at the barn and while watching episodes of Castle or Once Upon A Time. When I write, I like to take my memories and build from them. I’ve discovered that makes the most meaningful experience for my readers. I absolutely hate outlines, but they do have their purpose… sometimes. I’d much rather daydream and see where the story takes me. If a story makes me feel something, then I consider it successful. I write by the mantra, “If I can’t feel it, my readers won’t, either.”

To learn more, check out her blog at http://www.sswriter.com. And find copies of her new novel Chase here:

Koehler Books *** Amazon *** Barnes and Noble

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Vol 3 – 31: The Choice

“I’m no good for you.”

When he said that to me, I wasn’t thinking about living in a shack outside the city, dumpster diving for food, or stealing ibuprophen so our kid didn’t die from fever. I wasn’t thinking about torn jackets, sockless toes, or begging for a few laundromat coins.

I was thinking about how my soul would wither away if we really said good-bye right now.

I choose this lifestyle because I choose him. Every day. I open my eyes and the one poor boy from downtown stirs beside me, turns over, and whispers in my ear.

“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”