8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Every now and then, I think about a conversation I had many years ago with one of my professors about travel. He was saying how important it was to explore beyond a few main tourist 1 (place). “You don’t even have to travel long distances,” he said. “Just two blocks away, and you’re in a 2 (complete) different world.” It is the “just two blocks away” part that has stayed in my mind for so long.
While 3 (create) my book, Criss Cross, I told the story in both conventional and unconventional ways. It felt authentic and heartfelt. I sent photos of my model with the different versions of the story 4 my editor, and waited for her to say, “What on earth are you doing?” When she didn’t answer me, I took it as a Yes, which enhanced my 5 (confident) in a creative decision.
When the medal 6 (award) to Criss Cross, it was an even 7 (big) Yes. The committee said, “Go to make books with beauty, meaning and humor that come from your heart. Tell the stories in the way they want 8 (tell). So many paths are waiting for you.”
When I think about 9 the medal has meant to me, it encourages me to be brave. It’s a spirit which I hope will encourage the readers of my books when they explore the world — just exploring two blocks away, you’ ll definitely find 10 wonderful world.
