What Surprises You Most?

I’ve been surprised a few times in my life. There was the time a California agent called and asked to represent my book. There was the time the two pink lines popped up on the most expensive piece of plastic I’ve ever bought. And there was the time I took a laxative and a sleeping pill on the same night.

Sometimes life surprises us. But you don’t have to tell Alexis Dunbar that. She arrived at her Florida home last week and was greeted by who else -- the F.N.A. (also known as the Friendly Neighborhood Alligator). Turns out the seven-foot granddaddy crept through the doggy door and made himself at home on Dunbar’s cool tile floor… possibly for several days.

Dunbar eventually stopped screaming, helped her boyfriend block the alligator in the bathroom with a patio table, and called the authorities.

I don’t know how long it will take Dunbar to recover from the shock, but she may need a few sleeping pills. The good news is she probably won’t need a laxative for some time.

All kidding aside, though, the writing world is not exempt from surprises. So tell us this week: What surprised you most about writing? Was it the lack of pay? The difficulty in breaking in? The time needed? Or just the awesomeness of feeling the accomplishment of having completed something? We want to hear about it!

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BJ Hamrick writes for you and for teens at www.realteenfaith.com.