My friend, Diana Douglas, tagged me in this writer’s challenge. I should mention that another friend, Karen Einsel, tagged Diana. So, on it goes. When you’re done here, please go take a look at their amazing excerpts!
I know, I said I wasn’t going to get distracted from my writing until Halloween, BUT this looked like fun and it only took about as long as it took to eat my lunch.
Here’s the way it works: You take your current manuscript and find the first instance of the word “look”. Then you post the surrounding paragraphs as an excerpt of the book on your blog. Lastly, you tag five more blogging authors who you think might be a good choice for the game.
Are you ready?
Mrs. D. shuffles into my room, her curlers dangling more now. I’d been hoping a great idea would knock me over the head. Nothing. She sits down and wraps me up in her ample arms. After a moment, she holds me away and her moist eyes search mine. Mrs. D’s rosy, plump lips are downturned when she says, “How did you earn it, Eve? There must be hundreds of dollars there. What could you possibly have done to earn that kind of money?” Mrs. D. tilts my face to hers and strokes my cheek. “Tell me, bella. Tell me the truth.” How could I lie to this sweet woman?
I stall for time by standing to reset her curlers. Besides, I can’t look her in the eye as I tell her half-truths. I begin winding her deep auburn hair around and around the rods.
“Well, you know I’ve been working for Professor Mallory since I was twelve, when his wife died, so that I could earn money to continue my ballet lessons. Oh, I have to tell you what I accomplished in ballet today, Mrs. D. I can…”
“Eve, continue about the money, dear.”
I wound and unwound her hair around those curlers, thinking, thinking what to say.
“Eve”, said Mrs. D., a little more emphatically.
“So, Daddy expected to receive three dollars a week from the professor for my work.” I stalled out again. Come on brain, think.
“Go on, Eve.” Mrs. D. encouraged.
“Well, Professor Mallory thought he was supposed to pay Daddy five dollars a week and I didn’t correct him. You understand, I didn’t want to be disrespectful. So, I kept the extra two dollars for myself and saved it all these years.” The lies just spilled out of me like milk from a pitcher.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There you have it. Hope you enjoyed!
Now to tag five other fabulous writers:
What are you writing?
Stop by tomorrow for another edition of THE REDHOTS! NEWS, REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS!
Super cool! I was wondering what Eve would tell Mrs. D, clever girl, that Eve. Can’t wait to read the rest! Thanks for tagging me, it’s going to be a few weeks before I get it up on the blog. Have fun with the writing!
Can’t wait to hear how she made the money. Great post! I found you over on Diana’s blog and she picked some great people for her look challenge!
karensdifferentcorners recently posted..Judging A Book By It’s Cover. Part 2 Title/Name placement.
Hi Karen! Thanks for stopping in! You can find out how she earns her money in early December!
You are SO good, Marcia! I was right in that scene watching her roll those curlers … and what the heck is her big secret anyway??? Keep up the great work because the line up is growing to read that story!
Patricia Sands recently posted..On to the next event …
Patricia, thank you! It means so much to have my WANA sistas opinions and support!
Marcia Richards recently posted..Hope Springs Onto The Bed Springs
WOWZA! I love the way you mixed scene and action with the dialog. What a fresh way to show the stall on telling the truth. I could see it.
Well done!
Gloria Richard recently posted..PERIODUNKULOUS — My Mug Shot was Doctored
Aw, thanks, Gloria! It really helps when friends say those things. Kind of validates the way a person writes.
Marcia Richards recently posted..Special Edition — The Look Challenge
Oh my goodness…LOVED IT! When’s this coming out again? Must have.
Thank you, I think, for tagging me, LOL.
Raelyn Barclay recently posted..Meet the Cards: Five of Fire
Coming out before Christmas! Thanks, Raelyn and can’ wait to read yours!
Marcia Richards recently posted..Special Edition — The Look Challenge
I’m with Diana–I love that line, and yes, I want to read the rest! I think this is a fun meme (i just did it a few days ago), and I’m so glad you took the time to do it!
Elizabeth Anne Mitchell recently posted..Look meme
Ooh, I missed yours, Elizabeth! I’ll make sure I read it in a couple weeks when I come off hiatus for the day to catch up on blog reading! Thanks, g/f for your support!
Marcia Richards recently posted..Special Edition — The Look Challenge
Hmm, sounds like a bit of an edgy scene. You would peak our interests with that excerpt! Love the idea for this post! I’m rooting for you, and I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!
Jess Witkins recently posted..Round 4 of ROW80: It’s All About the Learning Lessons
Thanks, my friend! You’ll know what happens in about 6 weeks!
Marcia Richards recently posted..Special Edition — The Look Challenge
“The lies spilled out of me like milk from a pitcher.” Whoa–that is an amazing line. Hurry up & finish! I can’t wait to read the rest.
Diana Douglas recently posted..Tagging, Tattooes and Time Travel
Aw, Diana, thanks! You ladies are all helping me out my ridiculous self-doubt!
Marcia Richards recently posted..A Cougar on Sunset Boulevard
Oh boy, is this from your upcoming book, Marcia? I love it! Very intriguing and now I want to read the rest. Get back to work, will you?
Sheila Seabrook recently posted..The War Amps of Canada
It is, Sheila. I’m so glad you like it! Yes, going back to writing! Thanks!
Marcia Richards recently posted..Special Edition — The Look Challenge