This post is a direct result from reading my friend Marie’s writing page.
Her blog is pretty awesome, too.
So there’s this writing challenge, from Trifecta:
“What we want you to do this weekend is to give us a 33-word opening line to your book. That’s it. Make us want to read the next 333 pages of your work.”
Here’s my entry – it’s a memoir:
~ ~ ~
It’s 5 am, and I’m hiding behind sunglasses.
He knows.
Scanning NoDoz and Tylenol PM, he asks, “undecided, on up or down?”
Fuck.
Nodding, I hoped there wasn’t cocaine residue under my nostrils.
.
.

Published by Christine Macdonald
About Christine Macdonald
Christine Macdonald is a Los Angeles based author from the island of O’ahu.
Through her writing she uses her voice, a unique blend of cutting truth and self-deprecating humor to inspire others to release their shame and tell their story.
She is public about her struggles with clinical depression and PTSD from childhood abuse.
Her forthcoming book of essays about surviving addiction and a career in the sex industry will be published in 2020.
For more on Christine’s remarkable story visit her website www.poletosoul.com.
View all posts by Christine Macdonald
That makes me totally want to read more!
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Ah! Yay! It was a fun challenge.
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I would definitely open your book right up to get the juicy details!
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Thanks Dory!
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Ah, the age old dilemma – up or down. Which will she choose? Attention grabbed. Thanks for playing along with us this weekend. Please come on back tomorrow for the new prompt.
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I just realized I didn’t follow directions correctly. My post isn’t just one line – but, I will definitely come back for more challenges!
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I’m hooked because I want to know who the “he” is in “he knows”. If it’s your dad and you are younger than 18, this is probably big trouble. If it’s someone who can arrest your ass, this is also not good. I can’t think of anybody else I’d be worried about unless he’s in some conoutry where they lock you up and give you a “speedy” trial in 7-10 years.
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YOUR life story? It’ll be a zinger! And thank you so much for the high five you rockstar diva ya! ツ
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Ha! Thanks, sister! xo
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That is a great lead into to what would be a fantastic story!
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Workin’ on it… Thanks so much for reading and commenting Mark. Always love seeing you here. xo
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Holy cats, that just gets worse and worse!
Wonder what else she thinks she’s been able to hide…
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I’m working on laying it all out – as it’s my personal story. Stay tuned. xo
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Go you for laying it out!
very courageous. Looking forward to seeing where it goes.
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A few excerpts posted on this site. Check out my “about” section. Thanks for your comment – and I’m looking forward to reading more of you as well!
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Thank you for following me Christine. I am following you now. That was a great opener, attention grabbing. So want to know the story and see it is your personal story. Should be an interesting read!
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Thanks Tessa! Yes, it’s all true, and actually back in therapy to help me finish. I’m determined to! Here’s to our passion and following dreams.
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I wish you a safe trip through therapy. I have spent a lot of time in intense therapy myself trying to deal with my mental issues — Bipolar Disorder, panic/anxiety and severe OCD. I have a lot of stories myself. My life is certainly never dull! Some of my writing is also from my life.
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Very heartfelt hugs to you, my new friend. And thank you – we are all stronger for our stories, aren’t we? xo
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Thank you Christine! And yes we are all stronger for our stories and the adversity we must face in this lifetime. We are all much stronger than we realize. Honored to be your friend! xoxo
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Ooo, dark and intriguing, and very human. I hope you stick with Trifecta – it’s a great bunch of folks!
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Thanks Christine! I’m looking forward to more challenges. This was fabulous. xo
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This was a powerful opener. My heart fell when I noticed in the comments that this is your personal story. I’m sorry you’ve been through this. On the upside, I think you’ll have one heck of a story to tell 🙂
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Thanks Janna! Looking forward to reading more of you. Yes, that which does not break us… xo
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Yay.. You sure have a story to tell, made all the more interesting because I feel connected to you now.
We all have demons, and those who think they don’t, just haven’t found them yet.
Stay strong Christine..xx
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Hi Rosie and thank you! Agreed. xx
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5AM and sunglasses. Definitely a grabber. He knows. More of a grabber. Up or down and cocaine beneath the nose. A definite must-read. Looking forward to more.
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Hi Kelly and thanks Looking forward to sharing more of this memorable morning…
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every word grabbed me! this is definently something i could get into reading!
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Thanks Renada! Appreciate you reading and commenting!
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Your memoir has a heartbreaking beginning, but I’m guessing there are a lot of ups and downs inside.
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Many. Thanks for reading and commenting. Looking forward to being part of Trifecta.
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I was out of the loop this weekend and missed this one. Whoa! Then I had to dig a little and got hooked. So intriguing yet heartbreaking at the same time. Do you mind a new follower?
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Hi Gina – and thank you for the follow, read and compliment! Someone emailed asking if this was my father – which I thought was interesting – because it totally could go that way. But that’s not the case. Looking forward to more Trifectas!
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