So my friend, Jason [he used to be a paramedic – imagine that], has a birthday today. He’s /mumble/mutter/gasp/ years older than I am which makes him /mumble/mutter/gasp/ years old. I’ve known him since high school when we went to church together and his little sister was my BFF.
For several years now, Jason has been my go-to guy for all things paramedic-y. Whether it’s drugging a 5yo or car vs. deer or broken arm two days after it broke and having been carried out of the forest, Jason patiently [very patiently] answered my questions and never once [to my Facebook face anyway] made fun of me for attempting this whole writing thing ;).
The first time he answered questions for me, I gave a bit part [like 3 lines] to a guy named “Jason the Paramedic” who happened to have a shaved head, be from Alaska, and have a goatee. The one scene/three lines turned into two scenes/ten lines but the second scene being extremely pivotal. And in that moment, I knew Jason would be the next hero.
Except we don’t talk about that manuscript anymore. Romantic Suspense. /shudder/
For two more series, a guy named Jason the Paramedic would pop in and out, always planning to give him “book 2” and then never writing it.
He’s still “book 2” in the series I’ve just sent off, but I have much higher hopes for this one than any before it.
Some day, Jason the Paramedic – and Jason my friend – will get their Happily Ever Afters. Jason my friend has an incredible, if sometimes sad, story – ultimately one of hope in the One who created Jason my friend – and I really do hope I get to bring bits and pieces of it to the page one of these days. Currently, he’s at the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, CA. I’m not sure which program he’s in, but it’s two years. He’s also been selected to go to England on a missions trip, but needs some support to help him get there. He’s been in and out of work for a long time [due to circumstances beyond his control – like so many others] and is raising money so he can go. If any one of my eight readers feels the urge to help, you can do so by clicking here. I believe the donations are tax deductible, but don’t hold me to that.
So why all this about Jason? Because on my birthday a couple weeks ago, I got this on my timeline:
HBD CM!!
So I replied with:
Try to be a bit more succinct next time, would ya? I’ll remember this in a few days when someone else’s birthday rolls around.
Instead of a big long thing on his Facebook wall, I went with a blog post ;).
And super happy birthday to one of my very favorite contemp authors, Becky Wade! She rocks! If you haven’t preordered her next book, you totally need to. And you can – right here :). Don’t you just love that cover?!
Right.
NaNoWriMo. I had a sick 12yo home yesterday [and again today]. I did get some words in though :).
NaNoWriMo today: 2498
NaNoWriMo total: 14665NaNoWriMo deficit: 17008
NaNoWriMo WPD to finish on time: 2945
NaNoWriMo current anticipated finish date: 1/4/2014 [that’s 10 days better than yesterday :D]