Soon-to-be released PRINCE OF FOOLS, book 3 in my “House of Terriot” shapeshifter series offers more than just one heroine. Amber’s 12-year old daughter Evie is caught between the wary barmaid and her reckless Terriot prince. Her determination to keep them together . . . and alive . . . provides a poignant catalyst, as seen in today’s 8-10 line sneak peek:
Kids and dogs, always scene stealers, and this gutsy girl is no exception in hers with either or both the wary parties, upping the stakes and the emotions. She makes this dark and dangerous love story into a triangle rather than just a pairing by bringing out the protective instincts in her mother and the tender heart in her wannabe dad-to-be. Can't wait to get back into it with the final edits.
Evangeline was terrified beyond clear thought. She’d tried to be brave for Rico, but now that he’d lapsed into unconsciousness, she didn’t have to pretend anymore. Worry over her mother was a gnawing ache in her belly. The image of her uncle, stretched out like a scene from a horror movie she wasn’t supposed to watch, haunted her, but worse, was the dread that Rico would die before help arrived.
She didn’t know what to do for him. Vulnerably quickened tears her fright couldn’t force. After placing her jacket over him, she sat on the floor, hugging his forearm, cheek pillowed on his bare skin, it’s comforting warmth giving her something to hold onto.
She kept the light off and the blinds closed, but the door’s puny lock wouldn’t keep out anyone determined. When the knob rattled, she snatched up the heavy industrial flash light she’d found in the supply cupboard, wondering if she could actually use it as a weapon.
To save Rico, she could.
To begin the countdown to release day on October 23, I'm participating in the Haunted Halloween Spooktacular blog hop sponsored by Bewitching Blog Tours which starts tomorrow, hosting authors who write 'beyond the veil' with ghoulies and ghosties and creatures of the night. The tour offers a Kindle Fire as its grand prize, and I'm ponying up chances for a $10 Amazon gift card with daily stops from Sept. 18 to Oct. 31. Check back here tomorrow for a list of participating blogs and don't be afraid to take chances!
After a trip to the range where Michigan State University trains its shooting and archery teams with my Mid-Michigan writer group yesterday for a talk on firearms (it's good to be chapter program chair!), followed by my son's birthday, I'm hoping to devote my remaining weekend to quiet at home endeavors like visiting your posts. I've managed to be out of town 2 out of 4 weekends for three months in a row and this homebody needs a rest. Though I must say, last weekend's writers retreat to a riverside haven of creativity did get me going on PRINCE OF DREAMS, my next and final "HoT" book. I got my characters fleshed out and a good jump on the plotline, as well as a little vitamin D therapy when not riveted to the goings on in Florida. As the saying goes: My Weekend WAS Booked!
Happy Weekend and Happy Writing!!
Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.
Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.
I love how you show her range of emotions in this scene! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica. I really liked developing her character!
ReplyDeleteInteresting snippet, she comes across as very brave and quite a 'real' girl. That's certainly a good addition to the total plot!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jean!!
DeleteWhat an intriguing premise and I love the way you bring out her emotions and bravery in this snippet.
ReplyDeleteShe's a tough little cookie!
DeleteFrightening. Good luck on the tour!
ReplyDeleteYes, tours can be intimidating . . . oh, you meant the scene! Sorry, couldn't resist.
DeleteAmazing scene!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy. She's a real scene stealer.
DeleteWonderful snippet. However, I'm distracted by a couple of typos (I know you haven't done your final edits yet). In the second paragraph, second sentence, should the first word be "Vulnerability"? Later in that paragraph, drop the apostrophe in "it's"--there is no apostrophe in the possessive form of "it." Love this story.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I pay a really good editor to clean up my hurried prose. This probably got mangled when I was moving text around for the excerpt. Sharp eyes!!
DeleteEvangeline is a wonderfully drawn character. She immediately tugs on your heartstrings, and yes, I'm sure she would use that flashlight as a weapon. Great snippet!
ReplyDeleteI think you're probably right! I wouldn't get in her way.
DeleteI LOVED this snippet. I could feel Evangeline's worry and anxiety with regard to Rico. And what protectiveness! Good job. I'm so glad you enjoyed the write-in last weekend and got a lot done.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful! Relaxing, fun, lots of talking and tons of working!! Just what I needed.
DeleteEvangeline has kept her cool so far . . . but what danger lurks on the other side of the door?
ReplyDeleteI think it's time for her to turn things over to the adults and be a kid again.
DeleteHope it isn't someone she likes on the other side of the door - heavy industrial flashlight to the head is gonna hurt.
ReplyDeleteTweeted.
That could hurt!
DeleteEvangeline is a wonderful character. I hope nothing bad is on the other side of the door, but she's ready!
ReplyDeleteShe's a spunky kid with enough bad behind her already.
DeleteGreat images throughout. Loved how forearm bit and how her cheek pillowed on his bare skin. Very loving way to show this.
ReplyDeletePhysical connection . . . to establish trust with an economy of words.
DeletePoor kid. I can really feel her tension! Hope the person through the door either deserves to get beaned, or she looks before she swings!
ReplyDeleteLet's hope she can check her swing!
DeleteGreat imagery. I could feel her worry for Rico, but also sensed her fear and witnessed her bravery and determination to keep Rico safe. Loved the snippet.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen Kids are windows to the emotions.
DeleteAs adults we can get pretty jaded, so to see a scene like this through a child's eyes really brings home the raw fear. Well done!
ReplyDeleteSometimes a different POV is required to up the stakes. Thanks, Alexis.
DeleteA great scene. The tension is palpable. You are a wonderful writer.
ReplyDeleteTHANK you, Rachel!!!
Delete