Finally! Sitting down to start revisions for my new romantic suspense, A RISK-TAKING RANGER. Meet Texas Ranger Zayn Bass (yes, he IS related to Harm Bass, the hero in my Texas historical series!!). Family is everything to Zayn – because he’s never really had one of his own, except for the one he vicariously enjoys through his best friend. That’s who he is, and here’s a taste of what he isn’t . . .
The Excerpt
After some vigorous scrubbing of hair and bared upper bodies, Lu’s sister Ela provided towels along with a lingering once over of their guest that earned her brother’s derisive snort.“It’s not like we didn’t swim naked in the river when we were kids.”Full, red lips pursed. “We’re not kids anymore, brother.” Shooting Zayn a naughty wink, she sashayed back into the house.Lu shook his head. “I need to track down that no-account that left her and her baby for parts unknown and drag him back to make good . . . or at least, cut her loose so she can find a decent man.”Zayn blinked. “Not looking my way, are you?”(and a bit more . . .)Narrowed dark eyes assessed him. “Oh, hell no! She deserves someone who’ll come home every night to sit at her table instead to camping out on stake outs or going undercover for weeks at a time while she waits at home losing sleep.”Though his friend’s assessment delivered an unexpected sting, Zayn couldn’t frame an argument. He was no prize as future husband material and nowhere near what a woman needed to help her raise such a vivacious daughter. Besides, he was already wedded to the job and content to enjoy casual encounters when they arose . . . as long as he could walk away without ties or obligations. The same way the two who’d made him between them had.
This baby was started over a YEAR ago while vacaying in Ireland. Not my usual speedy work but then these aren’t the usual circumstances, either. I’m now retired with all the time in the world to binge-watch, sun soak with my cats, and sleep in (which I still don’t). Instead of sticking to a stringent schedule of chapters written (sorry NANO!), I’ve been wandering along without an outline (another first and a BIG no-no for me!) and now that the book is finished, it’s time to tighten up that prose (and my lazy waistline) and get to work making this first draft lean and mean. It’s time to start that climb . . .
The big question is: Now that I have all the time in the world, how come it seems like I can never find any?
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.
Zayn sounds like he believes he has the perfect life, but is really missing something. Perhaps someone to love? Great snippet!
ReplyDeletePerhaps . . . That perfection is about to get shaken up.
DeleteI'm the polar opposite when it comes to outlines. I absolutely will not ever use an outline for a work of fiction. I make notes but nothing more formal than that. My sixth-grade teacher quite literally made me phobic of using outlines. The idea of making an outline for a story has effects anywhere from nausea to threats of a full-blown panic attack. I'm not even being hyperbolic.
ReplyDeleteTweeted the post.
Lol. Life is too short to deal with the added stress.
DeleteNancy, I've discovered the same thing about retirement--less time to write than when I had a full-time job. When you have to carve out writing time it's more precious and you keep to your schedule stringently. Now I'm reitred and have all the time, I drag my feet coming to the computer to write. I went back to teaching part-time to hopefully fill up the calendar more so I'll write more. At least I hope that works. I remember this book from last year and figured it was already out. Zayne is quite the character--the iconic "lone" ranger who wants no ties. At least, I think he thinks he doesn't. I also think he's going to be proved wrong! Great snippet! Tweeted.
ReplyDeleteNope. Same book. Finally finished but not yet polished.
DeleteZayn's momentary panic was good. Marriage is not in his plans but it may be in his future. Tweeted.
ReplyDeleteRetirement comment. - When I worked I had 99 things to do - things I needed to do and things I wanted to do. I had to be ruthless and cut the list down to what could be done. Now that I am retired - those 99 things all want to get done and I want to do them - so nothing is getting done. Welcome to the club.
I hear you. Too much time to think about instead of just do.
DeleteHe's assuming what she needs in a partner, but he might be wrong. Time will tell. :-)
ReplyDeleteHe just might be wrong ...
DeleteEnjoyed the snippet (as always). He seems like a great guy and I'm already a scheming matchmaker over here LOL.
ReplyDeleteA great guy with issues ... But aren't they all.
DeleteI enjoyed your snipped a lot. Even though I only work part-time now, I'm super busy too. As I long as I get some time in for writing, I'm okay with it.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather be rushed than sedentary.
DeleteA cops life is not the best. Great snippet. Sorry about NaNo. Was a a fun journey.
ReplyDelete