Author Laura Ward
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Love Note from Alec - Valentine's Day 2016

2/11/2016

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Taren,

Fate brought us together over and over again until I realized falling for you was never a choice. It was destiny. We’re bound by a love that’s stronger than anything life can throw at us. No matter how tangled things get, no matter how twisted the future might be, you will always be my yes. You’re my high ace and I’m all in. I pledge myself to us. Always.
​
Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you. I love us.
Alec
 
Picture
Originally posted on True Story Book Blog.
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Laura & Christine's Favorite Quotes from The Pledge

11/22/2015

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“Taren’s hands worshipped my body. Her lips followed the path of her fingers to brand every part she touched. The heat spreading through me was a slow burn; the kind that snuck up on you. The kind where you didn’t know you were in trouble until it was too late and you were lost in a blazing inferno.”
 
We love this quote because the road to Taren and Alec’s physical relationship was a long one. Once the two finally found themselves able to be together, their chemistry was hot! 

“We’ve both made pledges that are important to us and the things we believe in, but this time, my pledge is for you.”

This quote is the essence of our book. Two very different characters pledge themselves to different worlds, but through growth, are able to realize their most important pledge is to one another.

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The Pledge: The Story Behind The Story

11/20/2015

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10 interesting or fun facts about The Pledge.
  1. The idea for The Pledge was born from Laura’s and Christine’s college experiences. Laura belonged to a sorority at the University of Maryland at College Park and Christine was part of a drug-free exhibitional gymnastics group at Maryland.
  2. Secondary characters are so much fun to write. Caz, Alec’s crazy roommate, is based on a friend Christine had in college.
  3. William is loosely based off a friend of Laura’s brother, Dan. Dan’s friend often changes his name and Laura fell in love with his zest for life and with his ability to alter his perspective.
  4. Almost all of the locations in The Pledge actually exist at UMD or nearby. The kissing tunnel, the climbing wall, the Graham Cracker, Sandy Spring Adventure Park, and the trampoline room are all real places. The only location that doesn’t exist is the bar, Shell Shocked, but that bar was modeled after one Laura frequented (frequently!) called Terrapin Station.  
  5. A fun fact...Taren’s dorm, Denton Hall, was where Laura lived during her freshman year. Alec’s dorm, Centerville, was where Christine lived. Both dorms are on opposite sides of the underclass residential area of campus. The location of the dorms are symbolic of just how opposite Alec’s and Taren’s lives are.
  6. The names of the fraternities, sororities, and the Acroletes are all made up to protect the reputations of the various groups that inspired the story. However, many of the events are based on reality. Laura has had beer dumped on her at her initiation party and Christine has flipped through fire.
  7. Laura’s sorority had a chef named Lisa, who did in fact, punish the girls when they were messy by denying them access to fat free cheese!
  8. Laura is a morning person and likes to write before her kids get up. Christine is a night owl and likes to write after her kids go to bed.
  9. The red string of fate is a real East Asian concept where two people believe they are connected by an invisible thread that may get twisted, but will never break.
  10. Like Alec and Caz, Laura and Christine played on the ropes course at Sandy Spring Adventure Park. Unlike Alec, Caz, and Christine, Laura was not a natural! 
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The Pledge in Five Words

11/20/2015

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Trustworthy - The underlying theme to The Pledge is trust. Taren and Alec each make promises that cause them to lead different lifestyles, and their trust in one another is constantly tested. They must take advantage of second chances and discover that they can depend on one another.

Profound - William, an important secondary character who has special needs, challenges Taren to step back and look at her life in a more simplistic way. She realizes that maybe things aren’t as complicated as she thinks. William helps her realize that love is really all that matters.

Provocative - Taren is dedicated to a life of partying and Alec is determined to achieve the adrenaline high he gets from risky activities. The Pledge is a story of opposites attract and is filled with alcohol-fueled parties, dangerously seductive gymnastics, and unexpected trysts in unusual places.

Optimistic - The Pledge explores the idea of new beginnings and recreating oneself. Taren and Alec both learn to leave behind their fears and go for the futures they want.

Authentic - Alec and Taren are “real.” They face insecurities and peer pressure, but their responses are genuine and heartfelt. Taren feels an intense need to belong, to be a part of something. Alec is desperate for freedom. While their choices aren’t always what would make their lives easier, their decisions are true to what they think they need to be happy.
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