WeWriWa: Daddy Issues – PRINCE OF DREAMS

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Sunday, May 19, 2019

WeWriWa: Daddy Issues – PRINCE OF DREAMS


Being the daughter of a police commissioner isn’t easy. Add family tragedy, instability, secrets and suspected criminality . . . what’s a girl to do? Especially a girl who’s fallen for a mysterious someone capable of destroying everything her life is built upon. But free-spirited Ophelia Brady, the steadfast cornerstone of her household, doesn’t march to Daddy’s orders . . . until a dangerous situation and a compromising romance pushes her into an uncomfortable corner in PRINCE OF DREAMS, book 4 in my “House of Terriot” dark shapeshifter series. (Excerpt creatively edited)

Made of stern stuff forged into unbendable iron by his ambition, Warren Brady rarely let personal feelings intrude upon duty, and he took his job as a single parent very seriously . . . or rather as a single parent in the overly critical public eye. His palm slapped down on the leather blotter, making her clear her seat cushion, as he rumbled, "Some thug gets aggressive with my daughter and you didn't think I’d find out?”

She’d missed the proverbial trap door beneath her feet until he gripped the lever. The floor fell away, leaving her dangling at the end of his carefully arranged noose of consequence.

"Pack up your crystals and cards and the rest of that nonsense. I no longer find it amusing or healthy, and it stops now before you supply fresh headlines to shame our family. Time to grow up, Ophelia, and do your part."

Her teeth clenched to keep her jaw from trembling and to prevent words she'd regret from tumbling out. There'd be no further argument. Her freedom gone, it was time to play the role of dutiful daughter.

Poor Phe! To protect her family and her father’s intriguing new employee, she must forfeit the freedoms that make life under a microscope survivable. Until she discovers some sacrifices are worth any cost. It’s then Ophelia Brady truly becomes her father’s daughter - a force to be reckoned with.


Because I’m seriously binge-ing my way through Riverdale, I found this musical number by the show’s crime kingpin’s pampered daughter a great fit. Because privilege isn’t always easy . . . and it doesn’t come without a price.

   

Once I visit everyone, I plan to spend this weekend doing some serious plotting on RISE BY MOONLIGHT, the concluding book in my shapeshifter series, while digging in the dirt to fill my patio pots with some colorful inspiration. And next weekend (everyone needs a birthday on a National holiday!), I hope to sit outside to appreciate the fruits of labor both manual and mental.

Happy Writing, fellow Warriors!


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.

21 comments

  1. It doesn't seem like she has many options left at this point. I wonder what being a 'dutiful daughter' will entail.

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  2. And therein lies the rest of the book . . .

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  3. Seems her choices are black and white here. Though I don't think she'll go against her father's wishes. Not at this point.

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  4. This reminds me of growing up under my fathers command. Great snippet, Nancy!

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  5. It seems now is the time to put on the big girl panties and do what's expected of her. And as you hint, I think her true self will emerge when it counts the most. Sounds like a fabulous book!

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    1. As soon as she figures out what the important things in life really are - and who really has her best interests at heart.

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  6. The imagery in this piece startled me so much, I watched the trap open and her dangling. Fantastic snippet. Phe is stronger than she--or her father--think. Enjoy the rest of Sunday.

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    1. The 'creative editing' brought the point home more forcefully than the original text (but hey, 8-10 lines...). Sunday enjoyment now that flowers are planted - steaks on the grill!

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  7. Strong metaphors, and of course she must obey her father...until she doesn't!

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  8. I could feel her dismay and the way her father's decree really traps her...at least for now. Excellent excerpt!

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  9. Thanks! Yes, she's caught between the head and the heart and the conscience!

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  10. How awful to be an adult with no say over your own life. Can't wait to see her fight back!

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  11. I have a hunch being a dutiful daughter isn't going to last long. :) Great snippet.

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    1. EVeryone has their limits and they'll both reach theirs.

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  12. Yikes, dad is a trifle overbearing to say the least! I wonder how long she'll remain a dutiful daughter.

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    1. Yeah, a trifle, and is used to being obeyed. He's in for a rude awakening.

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  13. Great excerpt - Why do I feel like she's going to rebel at some point...

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