title: Breathe Life into Your Life Story: How to Write a Story People Will Want to Read
author: Dawn Thurston
description: The authors push the aspiring writer to achieve a victory over fear and uncertainty. <i>Breathe Life </i>is a great introduction to writing that even experienced authors will find helpful. It is highly recommended.<br /> --Jeff Needle, AML Reviewer<br /><br /><span>The authors know the pain of learning to write well and are beside you through the struggle. If you stick with them they will make you a better writer.</span> --Richard Bushman, Gouverneur Morris Professor of History Emeritus, Columbia University<br /><br />The Thurstons are both experienced writers of family history. Dawn is a writing teacher and Morris a retired lawyer. As a result, this book is unusually creative in trying to teach readers how to write; they have some very good ideas. --<i>Deseret News</i>
zlib_text: ![](images/00001.jpg)  
  
  Elite
  
  by Rachel Van Dyken
  
  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are
  fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons,
  living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks,
  product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their
  respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied
  endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the
  reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically,
  constitutes a copyright violation.
  
  ELITE
  
  Copyright © 2013 RACHEL VAN DYKEN
  
  ISBN 978-098907832-0
  
  Cover Art designed by Laura Heritage
  
  
  
  
  
  Prologue
  
  Whoever told me life was easy — lied. It’s hard. It sucks. The crazy thing is
  — nobody has the guts to admit the truth. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a
  secret. Everyone has a story that needs to be told. Hurt is everywhere, as
  humans we practically drown in its essence, yet we