Rachel Rossano's Blog, page 23
June 30, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome to this week's installment of my Sweet Saturday Sample. This weeks selection is almost as fresh as it gets. Written on Tuesday of this week, here is a bit from my current WIP, Duty.
The selection is written in first person from Brielle's POV. The speakers, Brielle and Tomas, are married. Their relationship is in transition somewhere between friend and lover at this point in the story. There are two other characters mentioned: Darnay (Tomas' son by a previous marriage) and Rowen (Tomas' mother and Brielle's mother-in-law).
~~~~~
(I said,)“Our children are going to want to know who their grandfather is, especially since he is their only living one. What do you want me to tell them? ‘Your father won’t tell me because he doesn’t want to discuss it?’”
(Tomas winced.) “You could choose a more diplomatic response.”
“Why? I am as curious as they are.”
“They aren’t even born yet.”
“True, but Darnay is. What have you told him?”
“Nothing. He hasn’t asked.”
“He will.”
Releasing a grunt of frustration, Tomas turned his face away from me.
“At least tell me what you want me to tell him. Or should I ask Rowen?”
~~~~~
Do they or don't they argue like an old married couple?
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed it.
If you would like more Sweet Samples for you Saturday go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.
Have a great weekend!
The selection is written in first person from Brielle's POV. The speakers, Brielle and Tomas, are married. Their relationship is in transition somewhere between friend and lover at this point in the story. There are two other characters mentioned: Darnay (Tomas' son by a previous marriage) and Rowen (Tomas' mother and Brielle's mother-in-law).
~~~~~
(I said,)“Our children are going to want to know who their grandfather is, especially since he is their only living one. What do you want me to tell them? ‘Your father won’t tell me because he doesn’t want to discuss it?’”
(Tomas winced.) “You could choose a more diplomatic response.”
“Why? I am as curious as they are.”
“They aren’t even born yet.”
“True, but Darnay is. What have you told him?”
“Nothing. He hasn’t asked.”
“He will.”
Releasing a grunt of frustration, Tomas turned his face away from me.
“At least tell me what you want me to tell him. Or should I ask Rowen?”
~~~~~
Do they or don't they argue like an old married couple?
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed it.
If you would like more Sweet Samples for you Saturday go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.
Have a great weekend!
June 23, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
I almost missed it this week. Welcome back! Since this one is in such a rush, please excuse any typos, sorry.
The excerpt is from Duty, which is told in its entirety from Brielle's POV in the first person. (She isn't a selfish narrator, so please give her a try.) In this selection, the other speaker is Lord Dentin, the head of security of the realm, as he escorts her to meet the king.
~~~~~
“I don’t know whether to be afraid or flattered.” (Brielle said)
“Why?” He (Lord Dentin) smiled, but his eyes narrowed.
“The king sent the man responsible for the security of the realm to escort me to my presentation. Does he think I intend to assassinate him?”
“You are armed.” His eyebrows rose and his eyes challenged me, but the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
“It is intended to be for show. You may take it.” I offered the knife, but Dentin made no move to take it.
“Keep it. Tomas sent me.”
I returned the dagger to its sheath. “Is he afraid I will assassinate the king?”
Dentin laughed. “Hardly. He thought you would need support, a conclusion I do not share.”
“So you are here as a friend?”
“In part.” He offered his left arm for support.
“The other part?” I lay my hand upon his forearm.
“Parts, my lady, first and foremost, I am a loyal subject of the king.” He led the way through the tent city. Our men fell into formation behind us like the train of a regal gown.
“I am as well.”
“So, treason does not run in the family?”
I tensed. “I am not my cousin, my lord. We are nothing alike.”
He turned to scan my face with a care. I met his scrutiny with a steady regard. His brown eyes were pleasantly shaped. He had even features, a strong jaw, well-proportioned nose, and a pleasing smile hidden behind the tension at the moment. I returned my gaze to his eyes. I had nothing to hide from this man.
~~~~~
What do you think?
Thank you for stopping by for this Sweet Saturday Sample. For more samples visit http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.Come back next week for more bites.
The excerpt is from Duty, which is told in its entirety from Brielle's POV in the first person. (She isn't a selfish narrator, so please give her a try.) In this selection, the other speaker is Lord Dentin, the head of security of the realm, as he escorts her to meet the king.
~~~~~
“I don’t know whether to be afraid or flattered.” (Brielle said)
“Why?” He (Lord Dentin) smiled, but his eyes narrowed.
“The king sent the man responsible for the security of the realm to escort me to my presentation. Does he think I intend to assassinate him?”
“You are armed.” His eyebrows rose and his eyes challenged me, but the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
“It is intended to be for show. You may take it.” I offered the knife, but Dentin made no move to take it.
“Keep it. Tomas sent me.”
I returned the dagger to its sheath. “Is he afraid I will assassinate the king?”
Dentin laughed. “Hardly. He thought you would need support, a conclusion I do not share.”
“So you are here as a friend?”
“In part.” He offered his left arm for support.
“The other part?” I lay my hand upon his forearm.
“Parts, my lady, first and foremost, I am a loyal subject of the king.” He led the way through the tent city. Our men fell into formation behind us like the train of a regal gown.
“I am as well.”
“So, treason does not run in the family?”
I tensed. “I am not my cousin, my lord. We are nothing alike.”
He turned to scan my face with a care. I met his scrutiny with a steady regard. His brown eyes were pleasantly shaped. He had even features, a strong jaw, well-proportioned nose, and a pleasing smile hidden behind the tension at the moment. I returned my gaze to his eyes. I had nothing to hide from this man.
~~~~~
What do you think?
Thank you for stopping by for this Sweet Saturday Sample. For more samples visit http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.Come back next week for more bites.
June 16, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back for this Saturday's sweet sample. I am pulling from Duty again this week. Written in first person from Brielle's perspective as she deals with the aftermath of a political marriage. Since it is the first draft, everything is subject to change.
Setting: Brielle's life becomes more complicated by the minute. As she grows uncomfortable, she realizes she needs to be prepared for the worse.
From www.Dreamstime.com
~~~~~
I slipped through the arch to the practice yard, preoccupied with the change. The yard was also abandoned. However, I expected it. The guards were drilling down in a meadow outside the town walls. Only some of Rathenridge’s men and the few those Tomas left behind could possibly be about. Most of them preferred to train in the early morning hours. The shadow on the sundial in the bailey had marked at least midmorning.
I crossed to the armory at a trot, pulling the key ring Horacian gave me from my pocket as I approached the door. But, I didn’t need it. I stumbled to a halt. The door stood ajar. Surely this wasn’t normal.
“Hello, my lady.”
I turned sharply to the right and blinked at the shadows there. He didn’t move, but I could make out his position by the deepening of the shadows from my position in the full sunlight. Beyond that I had to guess.
“Why is the armory door unlocked? Shouldn’t it be locked when no one is around?”
“I am here.”
He moved along the wall toward the door and closer to me. The hair on my arms prickled.
“I was under the impression it was kept locked.”
I couldn’t see his eyes, but the outline of his head seemed to indicate he was looking at me. If the feeling in my gut was accurate, he undressed me with his eyes.
~~~~~
For more sweet samples, go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/
Thank you for visiting. Come back next week for more. :)
Setting: Brielle's life becomes more complicated by the minute. As she grows uncomfortable, she realizes she needs to be prepared for the worse.
From www.Dreamstime.com~~~~~
I slipped through the arch to the practice yard, preoccupied with the change. The yard was also abandoned. However, I expected it. The guards were drilling down in a meadow outside the town walls. Only some of Rathenridge’s men and the few those Tomas left behind could possibly be about. Most of them preferred to train in the early morning hours. The shadow on the sundial in the bailey had marked at least midmorning.
I crossed to the armory at a trot, pulling the key ring Horacian gave me from my pocket as I approached the door. But, I didn’t need it. I stumbled to a halt. The door stood ajar. Surely this wasn’t normal.
“Hello, my lady.”
I turned sharply to the right and blinked at the shadows there. He didn’t move, but I could make out his position by the deepening of the shadows from my position in the full sunlight. Beyond that I had to guess.
“Why is the armory door unlocked? Shouldn’t it be locked when no one is around?”
“I am here.”
He moved along the wall toward the door and closer to me. The hair on my arms prickled.
“I was under the impression it was kept locked.”
I couldn’t see his eyes, but the outline of his head seemed to indicate he was looking at me. If the feeling in my gut was accurate, he undressed me with his eyes.
~~~~~
For more sweet samples, go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/
Thank you for visiting. Come back next week for more. :)
June 9, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
It is that time again! Welcome back for this week's Sweet Saturday Sample. I am offering another sneak peek at Duty. Written from the POV of the heroine, Brielle, the selection is in first person. She is describing the scene of her husband (Tomas Dyrease, Earl of Irvaine and Wisenvale) presiding over his first feast in his new home.
From Dreamstime.com
~~~~~
Irvaine ushered me to the seat at his right hand. To my surprise, Rathenridge and his wife look seats to my right, leaving the left side of the table empty.
A lad in green livery poured the wine.
“May we join you?” The query brought everyone’s attention to the left. Sir Landry loomed, a dark shadow in all black attire. With his beard and wild hair, his resemblance to a great bear grew hard to ignore. Rolendis Briaren appeared tiny as she lingered a few steps behind him.
“Of course.”
Irvaine and Rathenridge stood almost in unison.
Landry bowed. “I found the lady lingering in the passage to the kitchens. She tells me she fears she is not welcome here.”
Keeping her attention on the wooden platform beneath her feet, Rolendis said, “I am not certain of my place now that …” She looked up into Irvaine’s eyes.
Sitting, I could not judge the message she emoted at Irvaine. I could only read the infinitesimal tightening of his shoulders. He stepped back and rested a hand on the back of my chair.
“You are welcome at our table. As my wife promised your father, we will be certain you and your child are cared for.”
~~~~~
Which was your favorite part?
Thank you for stopping by.For more Sweet Samples go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.
Please visit again for more news of Duty as it moves through the rough draft stage.
From Dreamstime.com~~~~~
Irvaine ushered me to the seat at his right hand. To my surprise, Rathenridge and his wife look seats to my right, leaving the left side of the table empty.
A lad in green livery poured the wine.
“May we join you?” The query brought everyone’s attention to the left. Sir Landry loomed, a dark shadow in all black attire. With his beard and wild hair, his resemblance to a great bear grew hard to ignore. Rolendis Briaren appeared tiny as she lingered a few steps behind him.
“Of course.”
Irvaine and Rathenridge stood almost in unison.
Landry bowed. “I found the lady lingering in the passage to the kitchens. She tells me she fears she is not welcome here.”
Keeping her attention on the wooden platform beneath her feet, Rolendis said, “I am not certain of my place now that …” She looked up into Irvaine’s eyes.
Sitting, I could not judge the message she emoted at Irvaine. I could only read the infinitesimal tightening of his shoulders. He stepped back and rested a hand on the back of my chair.
“You are welcome at our table. As my wife promised your father, we will be certain you and your child are cared for.”
~~~~~
Which was your favorite part?
Thank you for stopping by.For more Sweet Samples go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.
Please visit again for more news of Duty as it moves through the rough draft stage.
June 5, 2012
Songs That Get Stuck In My Head
For most people, from what I have observed, get popular songs stuck in their head. The melody goes around and they get aggravated with not being able to think of anything else.
Me? I have childhood VBS songs haunting me.
A few days ago I was making random pseudo-musical noises to my kids as I got them ready for the trip to preschool. I realized that I was singing a song, after a fashion, but no matter how I tried, I couldn't think of the words. The melody wouldn't leave me alone.
The next day, the melody was back. This time I grew positive it was a song I learned in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School, one of those cardboard book visuals with words and pictures. I could even visualize some of the pictures. But, no words came.
Yesterday, I was humming the song in the store on a family shopping trip and muttering about my frustration when my hubby finally asked me what I was muttering about. (Yes, I talk to myself on a regular basis. I need to stay in touch or bad things happen. ;) ) I hummed the song for him. He remembered the melody too. But neither of us could remember more than a phrase, "everywhere on earth you go, he's been there from the start."
So, this morning I googled the phrase and found the rest of the words. I am so thankful for the internet. Without it, I would've had to go searching through the church closets to find the visual and the words.
I sang it to my kids at breakfast this morning. After all the effort, I figured I should share my rediscover song with someone. So, here it is:
Did You ever talk to God above?
Tell Him that You need a friend to love.
Pray in Jesus' name believing that God answers prayers.
Have you told Him all your cares and woes?
Every tiny little fear He knows
You can know He'll always hear and He will answer prayers.
You can whisper in a crowd to Him
You can cry when you're alone with Him
You don't have to pray aloud to Him.
He knows Your thoughts.
On a lofty mountain peak He's there.
In a meadow by a stream He's there.
Everywhere on Earth you go, He's been there from the start.
Find the answer in His word, it's true.
You'll be strong because He walks with you.
By His faithfulness, He'll change you too.
God answers prayers.
Lyrics by Frances Towle Rath
Music by Greg Soule
For music: http://youtu.be/HQ6zKa947mA
Me? I have childhood VBS songs haunting me.
A few days ago I was making random pseudo-musical noises to my kids as I got them ready for the trip to preschool. I realized that I was singing a song, after a fashion, but no matter how I tried, I couldn't think of the words. The melody wouldn't leave me alone.
The next day, the melody was back. This time I grew positive it was a song I learned in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School, one of those cardboard book visuals with words and pictures. I could even visualize some of the pictures. But, no words came.
Yesterday, I was humming the song in the store on a family shopping trip and muttering about my frustration when my hubby finally asked me what I was muttering about. (Yes, I talk to myself on a regular basis. I need to stay in touch or bad things happen. ;) ) I hummed the song for him. He remembered the melody too. But neither of us could remember more than a phrase, "everywhere on earth you go, he's been there from the start."
So, this morning I googled the phrase and found the rest of the words. I am so thankful for the internet. Without it, I would've had to go searching through the church closets to find the visual and the words.
I sang it to my kids at breakfast this morning. After all the effort, I figured I should share my rediscover song with someone. So, here it is:
Did You ever talk to God above?
Tell Him that You need a friend to love.
Pray in Jesus' name believing that God answers prayers.
Have you told Him all your cares and woes?
Every tiny little fear He knows
You can know He'll always hear and He will answer prayers.
You can whisper in a crowd to Him
You can cry when you're alone with Him
You don't have to pray aloud to Him.
He knows Your thoughts.
On a lofty mountain peak He's there.
In a meadow by a stream He's there.
Everywhere on Earth you go, He's been there from the start.
Find the answer in His word, it's true.
You'll be strong because He walks with you.
By His faithfulness, He'll change you too.
God answers prayers.
Lyrics by Frances Towle Rath
Music by Greg Soule
For music: http://youtu.be/HQ6zKa947mA
June 4, 2012
Time for an update!
I am so overdue for a update it is shameful. *hides head*
So, what have I been doing?
Writing
Duty has jumped to 40,893 words, which is over two thirds of the way to my 60,000 word goal. The final number is negotiable depending on how the story goes between now and the last lines, but I am still thinking 60,000 words is a reasonable expectation for this one.
Editing
Wren Romany or Wren: a Romany Epistle is edited! My final editor is going to start looking over it this week. I have talked to the publisher and we are planning a 2013 release, details to come.
Book Covers
I am working on my skills by producing some pre-made covers to sell later. So, far I have one winner and a handful of potential ideas. Still it is something to do when I am not inclined to write, but it is still writing related.
Book Trailers
Wren and Duty wait in brainstorming mode at the moment. Wren's, or rather The Romany Epistles', trailer has gotten farther toward completion. I am tweaking wording at the moment.
I completed another trailer for Joyce DiPastena. Her most recent novel Dangerous Favor was a delight to read and make into a trailer. I can't wait to read her next novel.
So, as you can see, I have been busy. :)
Next Up
I am planning on tackling editing Book Two of The Theodoric Saga in earnest. The King of Anavrea has been waiting patiently.
Also, Living Sacrifice (Zezilia and Hadrian's story) has also been weighing heavily on my mind. Written the same time as Wren, it seems only right that I finish it. At this stage, I am considered dividing my original manuscript (140,901 words) into two novels or novellas considering it is a speculative fiction work. If I do that, I will only have a 70,000 word or so novel to write to close the trilogy. That feels less overwhelming than a second 140,000 word masterpiece. I don't think I will be able to draw the overarching plots out that far without losing some of the magic. Plot twists for 70,000 words is definitely doable. :)
Diaspora still awaits plotting and researching. Oh, too many good ideas and not enough time. :)
Until Saturday,
~ Rachel Rossano
So, what have I been doing?
Writing
Duty has jumped to 40,893 words, which is over two thirds of the way to my 60,000 word goal. The final number is negotiable depending on how the story goes between now and the last lines, but I am still thinking 60,000 words is a reasonable expectation for this one.
Editing
Wren Romany or Wren: a Romany Epistle is edited! My final editor is going to start looking over it this week. I have talked to the publisher and we are planning a 2013 release, details to come.
Book Covers
I am working on my skills by producing some pre-made covers to sell later. So, far I have one winner and a handful of potential ideas. Still it is something to do when I am not inclined to write, but it is still writing related.
Book Trailers
Wren and Duty wait in brainstorming mode at the moment. Wren's, or rather The Romany Epistles', trailer has gotten farther toward completion. I am tweaking wording at the moment.
I completed another trailer for Joyce DiPastena. Her most recent novel Dangerous Favor was a delight to read and make into a trailer. I can't wait to read her next novel.
So, as you can see, I have been busy. :)
Next Up
I am planning on tackling editing Book Two of The Theodoric Saga in earnest. The King of Anavrea has been waiting patiently.
Also, Living Sacrifice (Zezilia and Hadrian's story) has also been weighing heavily on my mind. Written the same time as Wren, it seems only right that I finish it. At this stage, I am considered dividing my original manuscript (140,901 words) into two novels or novellas considering it is a speculative fiction work. If I do that, I will only have a 70,000 word or so novel to write to close the trilogy. That feels less overwhelming than a second 140,000 word masterpiece. I don't think I will be able to draw the overarching plots out that far without losing some of the magic. Plot twists for 70,000 words is definitely doable. :)
Diaspora still awaits plotting and researching. Oh, too many good ideas and not enough time. :)
Until Saturday,
~ Rachel Rossano
June 2, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome to this weeks Sweet Saturday Sample! This week is another section from my current WIP, Duty. I hope you enjoy it. Comments are welcome. Since it is a WIP and in rough draft form, please ignore any typos or rough spots. All of it is subject to change. :)
~~~~~
“The little dears asleep?” Rolendis’ voice at my shoulder made me jump. I spun around faster than wise and almost collided with Rowen and the tray of breakfast leavings.
Rolendis eyed Rowen for a moment before focusing on me once again. Her expression oozed concern and sweetness. I resisted the urge to cringe.
“They are sleeping.” My instinct nagged at me that she was up to something.
“Are you going to leave them? I can sit with them if you wish.” Her smile widened into a forced grimace.
“No, thank you.”
“I am going to stay with them,” Rowen said before I could come up with a better reason for declining.
Rolendis sniffed at Rowen, nose in the air, and looked her up and down. “And you are?”
Tomas’ mother answered in completely reasonable terms. “I am the children’s nurse. We simply stepped outside to speak without waking the children.”
Rolendis apparently didn’t know what to do with the discontinuity of a servant who spoke as an equal.
While she struggled to find the right response, Rowen handed the tray to me. “I will remain, my lady.” Without waiting for my reply, she ducked back into the room, closed the door, and locked it.
“Is there anything else you need?” I asked.
Rolendis still stared at the closed door. “Did she bring news?”
“Of what?”
“Irvaine.” She glared at me as though I was being purposefully obtuse. I wasn’t.
There were so many things that we were waiting to hear about: Loren, Wisenvale, Quaren, the battle. I was as eager for news of Tomas’ safety as I was for Loren’s, but there was none.
“He sent none.”
“Not even in the note?”
~~~~~
What was your favorite sentence?
Thank you for stopping by.
For more Sweet Saturday Samples: http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/
~~~~~
“The little dears asleep?” Rolendis’ voice at my shoulder made me jump. I spun around faster than wise and almost collided with Rowen and the tray of breakfast leavings.
Rolendis eyed Rowen for a moment before focusing on me once again. Her expression oozed concern and sweetness. I resisted the urge to cringe.
“They are sleeping.” My instinct nagged at me that she was up to something.
“Are you going to leave them? I can sit with them if you wish.” Her smile widened into a forced grimace.
“No, thank you.”
“I am going to stay with them,” Rowen said before I could come up with a better reason for declining.
Rolendis sniffed at Rowen, nose in the air, and looked her up and down. “And you are?”
Tomas’ mother answered in completely reasonable terms. “I am the children’s nurse. We simply stepped outside to speak without waking the children.”
Rolendis apparently didn’t know what to do with the discontinuity of a servant who spoke as an equal.
While she struggled to find the right response, Rowen handed the tray to me. “I will remain, my lady.” Without waiting for my reply, she ducked back into the room, closed the door, and locked it.
“Is there anything else you need?” I asked.
Rolendis still stared at the closed door. “Did she bring news?”
“Of what?”
“Irvaine.” She glared at me as though I was being purposefully obtuse. I wasn’t.
There were so many things that we were waiting to hear about: Loren, Wisenvale, Quaren, the battle. I was as eager for news of Tomas’ safety as I was for Loren’s, but there was none.
“He sent none.”
“Not even in the note?”
~~~~~
What was your favorite sentence?
Thank you for stopping by.
For more Sweet Saturday Samples: http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/
May 26, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome to my Sweet Saturday Sample. I am offering a bit of a scene from my current work in process, a novel/novella titled Duty. As of Thursday, it is 32,712 words long (over halfway there). Since this is a WIP, it is possible it will change before the final product is finished. Also, the possibility of typos and errors is high. Feel free to mention any you notice. Thanks. :)
Background: Brielle expects her step-son and her husband's niece to arrive with a caravan.
~~~
Crossing the empty hall at a trot, I reached the outer doors as the last of the wagons halted beyond them. Men jumped down, women scurried about, and a handful of soldiers moved among them. I saw no children.Then the first wagon moved. I spotted two small figures, unnaturally still among the chaos of movement.
“Darnay?” The name fell from my mouth in my surprise.
They both turned my way. Two pairs of almost identical dark eyes sought my face while a sharp breeze stirred the dark curls framing the girl’s features. The boy regarded me impassively as I approached, but the girl stepped closer to her cousin. Darnay clutched at the wooden sword in his hand.
“Darnay? Elise?”
Darnay studied my face with an intensity so like his father my stomach tightened in a sudden desire to see Tomas’ face. “Grandma?”
A woman detached herself from the group carrying three bags stuffed so tight the leather strained at the seams. “What is the problem?”
“I am Brielle.” I met the woman’s curiosity with a smile. Darnay stepped back into her skirts, and Elise crowded behind him. “I am Lord Irvaine’s new wife.”
“Her hair is red.” The girl’s eyes locked on my wild hair.
“Hush, Elise, don’t be rude.” The woman settled a lithe hand on the mop of dark curls on the child’s head.
“But it is.”
“I know.” She smiled down at her charge. Then she turned her gaze to my face. “Tomas asked that I give you this.” She set down the sacks and pulled a piece of thrice folded parchment from her belt. She handed it to me with a warm smile.
I smoothed it flat.
Beloved, she is my mother. Make her welcome for me. Tomas.
~~~
Will she?
Thank you for stopping by. For more succulent samples go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.
Background: Brielle expects her step-son and her husband's niece to arrive with a caravan.
~~~
Crossing the empty hall at a trot, I reached the outer doors as the last of the wagons halted beyond them. Men jumped down, women scurried about, and a handful of soldiers moved among them. I saw no children.Then the first wagon moved. I spotted two small figures, unnaturally still among the chaos of movement.
“Darnay?” The name fell from my mouth in my surprise.
They both turned my way. Two pairs of almost identical dark eyes sought my face while a sharp breeze stirred the dark curls framing the girl’s features. The boy regarded me impassively as I approached, but the girl stepped closer to her cousin. Darnay clutched at the wooden sword in his hand.
“Darnay? Elise?”
Darnay studied my face with an intensity so like his father my stomach tightened in a sudden desire to see Tomas’ face. “Grandma?”
A woman detached herself from the group carrying three bags stuffed so tight the leather strained at the seams. “What is the problem?”
“I am Brielle.” I met the woman’s curiosity with a smile. Darnay stepped back into her skirts, and Elise crowded behind him. “I am Lord Irvaine’s new wife.”
“Her hair is red.” The girl’s eyes locked on my wild hair.
“Hush, Elise, don’t be rude.” The woman settled a lithe hand on the mop of dark curls on the child’s head.
“But it is.”
“I know.” She smiled down at her charge. Then she turned her gaze to my face. “Tomas asked that I give you this.” She set down the sacks and pulled a piece of thrice folded parchment from her belt. She handed it to me with a warm smile.
I smoothed it flat.
Beloved, she is my mother. Make her welcome for me. Tomas.
~~~
Will she?
Thank you for stopping by. For more succulent samples go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.
May 19, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back again! For a change of pace, I am offering the first few paragraphs of my current editing project, The King of Anavrea (sequel to The Crown of Anavrea). I am really eager to for feedback on this one. Please let me know if it hooks you or not. :)
~~~
Ireic Theodoric, King of Anavrea couldn’t keep his eyes from the garishly patterned floor of the king of Sardmara’s main audience chamber. His gaze kept wandering back to it in morbid fascination. Gold, orange, and gray tiles marched nauseatingly across the expansive floor. Clashing with the scarlet drapes and the teal upholstery, the squares set his teeth on edge. Sardmara’s king must be color blind. It was the only possible explanation. He would ask Trahern’s opinion tomorrow when he arrived for the wedding.
“Trid the eighth, of the house of Parnan, king of Sardmara,” a herald announced. The double doors opposite the throne flung wide. A dark haired man strode through them with a slender woman on his arm. Rich robes, expensive jewels, and cosmetics couldn’t disguise the fact the king of Sardmara as a man who enjoyed his food too much. Corpulent to the edge of obesity with a face permanently flushed from excessive wine, he moved toward his throne at a snail’s gait.
“Welcome, my brother king.” Trid nodded his condescension as he passed. “My wife, Keyrain.” He jutted his double chin in the direction of the woman on his arm. “Now to business. You brought the modified treaty, I assume.” He practically dragged his wife toward the pair of thrones before she could manage more than a wan smile.
Ireic felt for her. To be married to such a man must be difficult. He only hoped the daughter took after her mother, not her father.
~~~
So, are you hooked?
Thank you for stopping by. For more sweet samples, go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.
~~~
Ireic Theodoric, King of Anavrea couldn’t keep his eyes from the garishly patterned floor of the king of Sardmara’s main audience chamber. His gaze kept wandering back to it in morbid fascination. Gold, orange, and gray tiles marched nauseatingly across the expansive floor. Clashing with the scarlet drapes and the teal upholstery, the squares set his teeth on edge. Sardmara’s king must be color blind. It was the only possible explanation. He would ask Trahern’s opinion tomorrow when he arrived for the wedding.
“Trid the eighth, of the house of Parnan, king of Sardmara,” a herald announced. The double doors opposite the throne flung wide. A dark haired man strode through them with a slender woman on his arm. Rich robes, expensive jewels, and cosmetics couldn’t disguise the fact the king of Sardmara as a man who enjoyed his food too much. Corpulent to the edge of obesity with a face permanently flushed from excessive wine, he moved toward his throne at a snail’s gait.
“Welcome, my brother king.” Trid nodded his condescension as he passed. “My wife, Keyrain.” He jutted his double chin in the direction of the woman on his arm. “Now to business. You brought the modified treaty, I assume.” He practically dragged his wife toward the pair of thrones before she could manage more than a wan smile.
Ireic felt for her. To be married to such a man must be difficult. He only hoped the daughter took after her mother, not her father.
~~~
So, are you hooked?
Thank you for stopping by. For more sweet samples, go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.
May 12, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome to this week's Sweet Saturday Sample. Today's sample is the last bit of a scene I have been sharing from Wren Romany over the past few weeks. If you follow my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/RachelRossanoRambles), you probably caught a few of my favorite quotes from Wren's novel. This week's Sweet Saturday Sample is written from Tourth's POV and continues last week's scene. Tourth and Wren are sparring.
~~~
Round two ended with my upper arm developing a bruise and her nursing a sore finger. My muscles, weak from lack of training, ached satisfyingly. Balanced on the balls of her feet, she still looked ready for much more.“You are holding back,” she accused.“You forget what I have done in the past.”Her eyes darkened slightly. “I haven’t forgotten. It was a long time ago now. You are a different man.”“True, but instincts rear their head at inopportune times.”I attacked this time. Pushing my size advantage, I pressed her backwards toward the opposite wall. She was difficult to pin down. Slight and quick, she darted back and forth, trying to escape my advance or at least turn me. Former training settled over me and my muscles remembered old moves. Then she tripped on the uneven stone. She went down, weapon skittering across the floor and out of her reach. Before she managed more than rolling to the side, I pinned her on the floor, wooden club against her throat. Old instinct flared, demanding the kill. “I concede.” Her face flushed with exertion, sleek braid no longer smooth, and eyes bright. For a moment, I had an incredible urge to kiss her.Where had that come from? I blinked.“Surrender. May I rise?”“Of course,” I responded, climbing to my feet and offering her a hand up. Her slender, but capable, hand in mine did things to my chest. I struggled to regulate my breathing, suspicious the lack of oxygen was unrelated with the activity of the past hour. As soon as she gained her feet, I moved away. Distance would help.
~~~
Were they evenly matched?
For more Sweet Saturday Samples, go to http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/
Wren Romany is currently in the last stages of editing. Keep checking back for more news as her story progresses toward print.
