Posted in contest, inspiration, my books, News

Fighting Like a Writer

My novel, Chrome Pink, is fiction. Unfortunately, cancer is not. Few of us haven’t had someone we know or love diagnosed with cancer. Many of us have had to watch someone we care about die.

In eastern North Carolina the cancer rate is higher than it is in the rest of the state. It is the leading cause of death in Beaufort County. At twenty four percent, we in Beaufort County have a higher cancer rate than the state’s average. We also have a higher rate of death from cancer, targeting males and especially, African American males. But cancer is the great equalizer. It cares not if you are rich or poor, old or young, black or white. Cancer affects us all.

In my novel, Chrome Pink, I have two characters dealing with cancer. My former agent dinged me on this but in my world, it would not be uncommon for one friend to lose her grandfather to cancer, while another’s mother is dealing with breast cancer. Chrome Pink’s first chapter opens with a funeral. Rae Lynne is devastated after the death of her grandfather.

The motorcycle Rae Lynne restores in this novel is to raise money for cancer research. The title, Chrome Pink, represents the motorcycle. The idea for the motorcycle came from a combination of people and events. My friend’s husband passed away and she gave his old motorcycle to my husband’s boss, her cousin. Because of the family connection, the boss was compelled to restore the bike as a tribute to his friend’s life. While the bike was not painted pink nor used to raise money for cancer, this was where the idea for restoring a motorcycle for cancer research came from.

I chose breast cancer because of its visibility and because several friends have gone through this frightening and devastating illness. We’ve all seen the pink ribbons, the tee shirts that say things like “Save the Tatas,” and the color pink is easily recognizable as being for breast cancer. I have trouble remembering what the other color ribbons represent but I have no doubts when I see a pink ribbon.

A pink Harley. The idea of using a masculine bike like a Harley Davidson and painting it such a feminine color made me smile. Most young people would think nothing of a pink Harley, but older dudes and hardcore bikers responded with, “Nah, that’s just not right. A Harley shouldn’t be pink.” It’s that reaction I’d hoped Chrome Pink would create. If people are talking, they’re aware. If they’re aware, then they’ll react. If we want a cure for cancer, we have to do all we can to make it a reality.

While Chrome Pink is a work of fiction, and the money Dana and Rae Lynne raise for cancer only in my imagination. I hope to use this story to help bring awareness for cancer research. I am raffling off a copy of Chrome Pink with a matching Chrome Pink (13 x 13) bag, candle, and “pink ribbon” jewelry to raise money for the Beaufort/Hyde Relay for Life. Tickets available for a $2 donation, three for $5. The drawing will be held on April 15th, 2018.

My novel isn’t going to change to the world but perhaps I can make a difference in one life. My only hope is that I can use my work to raise money and do my part as a member of my local Relay for Life team. Each team member must raise at least one hundred dollars, all of the proceeds go to Relay for Life and stay in Beaufort and Hyde Counties.

Together, we can make a difference.

Sherri Lupton Hollister

Chrome Pink

Southern Suspense/Thriller with a touch of romance and attitude

Posted in poetry, Thoughts

Flash Fiction for Cancer

With Beaufort County Relay for Life coming up on June 16th, I thought I’d add a little flash fiction or prose poetry from the Pamlico Writers’ fifty word challenge. My friend Kay Wilson wrote a piece for the challenge and I wrote a companion piece. This is for all of the survivors of breast cancer. God bless you.

 

She wore not a stitch,

The feel of the sand abrasive to her wrinkled skin

Passersby gawked but she paid them no mind

Alive to the rhythm of the ocean

The waves lulled her to a place of rest

Here, cancer didn’t exist

It was gone with her breast.

 

 

Posted in Book Review

Two Hot Novels

Tall, Tatted and Tempting by Tammy Falkner
The first in the Reed Brothers Series is not just sexually charged but sensually breathtaking. An exploration of first love, sacrifice and the myriad obstacles of relationships and communication. This story is so hot it should come with a warning: may melt your Kindle. As Kit and Logan’s relationship develops into something neither is emotionally prepared for, we are carried away with the intensity of their emotions and struggles. Ms. Falkner lures us in like a drug dealer, giving us our first taste FREE because, like any addiction, she knows we’ll be back. Beware you will want more.
Tall, Tatted and Tempting is also part of The Perfect Date collection.
Another story in The Perfect Date collection is Drive Me Crazy by Marquita Valentine, this racing love story is a speedway of sexual tension as Melanie Ann Smith sets her sights on Carter Ambrose and he drives headlong into her waiting arms. These strong, flawed characters are compelling and fun. This is fast paced read with strong influences of small town living and the thrill of NASCAR.

Posted in Thoughts

A Woman of Distinction

My mother-in-law, Verna Hollister and I have not always seen eye to eye. She is a woman of strong passions and convictions, a woman of strength and courage, sometimes that strength can be overwhelming, sometimes it can be amazing. When a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer and began to lose her hair due to chemo and radiation, my mother-in-law decided she needed a show of solidarity. I have never thought my mother-in-law more beautiful nor more courageous than when I saw her without her silver locks. Many cancer victims have no choice but lose their hair or lose their lives. We have all admired Joan Lunden who appeared on a national magazine with all of her bald beauty. This month as we celebrate cancer awareness and strive to make more people aware of cancer, it’s many types, symptoms and cures. Let us do our part for a cure. Give to your local cancer support programs, get tested for breast cancer, colon cancer, prostrate, throat and lung cancer, etc. Know your body and make your doctor aware of changes. Be proactive. May one day soon cancer be no more frightening than the flu but until then, we need warriors like my mother-in-law Verna Hollister who shed her hair to offer courage and hope to a friend. Woman of Distinction 001

Posted in Book Review

Borrowed Things By: Doris Schneider

Reading Borrowed Things was like finding a new friend and getting to know her. Anne Gray, the main character, is stronger than she realizes. She is a woman of strong passions, a sense of humor, courage, honor and grit. She is a true southern lady, with a preference for black pearls who is not afraid to get a little dirt on her hands.
Anne has made mistakes that have left her vulnerable and afraid but determined. After two failed marriages, Anne sells her home and stories to the CEO of the publishing that once rejected her book, in a last chance effort to give his dying wife a reason to live.
Anne finds her way back to herself in her new home on the coast with the help of these unlikely friends: a handsome Hispanic priest, a lonely eccentric widow and the vulnerable CEO.
What can memories shared with strangers do? Heal. The very thing that she believes is her weakness becomes her greatest strength and asset—Love.
This book is about healing— broken hearts and wounded spirits. It is about bringing families, friends and communities together. It is a love story in every sense of the word, for it’s the meaning of love that is revealed on these pages.
Borrowed Things is a beautiful story of the silliness and softness, of what it is to be a woman. It made my laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to read more.