As Texas and Louisiana (where I will be in two weeks!) sort out and prioritize recovery efforts from the hateful, horrendous Hurricane Harvey, I have watched the humanitarian efforts with awe. Everyday heroes risking their own lives to save others. Peace and love to them and all the affected residents of those states.
*****
My mother in law once told me (and I might have said it before) “you write such hard, sad stories!” I do, but what I’m really trying to write about is the reality of life, and the inevitable ending for all – death. When I’m writing a tough scene, I tend to plow right through it, and strangely, it can often be the one I write fastest, and with the most assurance. I can’t explain that, but where I tend to drift, and meander is when I’m writing a scene intended to lay some sort of groundwork for why something is happening, or when I’m trying to discover a new and unique way to describe a smell, or how it feels to a character to witness something upsetting. Those are HARDER. Weird, I know.
Either way, the opening sentence in the chapter for this week was handled so I wouldn’t give anything away, meaning I’ve left out a name, because, otherwise – spoiler.
Last week Wallis Ann was on the back of their mule, Pete. She was sent off on her own to get much needed help, a doctor. That’s all I’ll say.
Chapter Twelve
Burying ********** turned into a matter of urgency.
A Publishers Lunch BUZZ BOOK Fall/Winter 2017, and a SIBA (Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance) Trio Pick for 2018, THE ROAD TO BITTERSWEET releases December 26th, 2017.
***I’m using #FirstSentenceFridays on Twitter and tagging @Kensington Publishing Corporation. Follow along and tweet out/share if you’d like!***
Peace and love to the everyday heroes and to all those affected by the horrendous Hurricane Harvey. I really hope they are getting all the assistance they need—and that they’ll keep getting help for as long as they need it.
Today’s sentence is so enticing, Donna. Now I must know whose name you’ve omitted. And I’m totally fascinated—as always—by your writing process! <3 <3 <3
I’m sure your powerful prayers are coming straight across the ocean to all victims Lilac! It’s terrible watching the suffering. My word, my heart goes out to them.
Thank you for your compliments on my sentence. It takes something away to have to do this: ******* but, in the long run, it’s worth not knowing! If I can impart anything to a great writer, such as yourself, I’m humbled! <3 <3 <3
You are not only a superb writer, but a wonderful friend as well. Your kind and encouraging words move and motivate me and make me happy. Thank you! <3 <3 <3
As one of the lucky readers of an ARC of THE ROAD TO BITTERSWEET, it felt good to re-immerse myself into your wonderful book. I think we’ve all got water on our brains right now. Perfect timing. <3
Thank you, Eldonna. And likewise, with your own stupendous story. And I’m still in awe of that cover. Absolutely stunning and something to be so proud of…
Yeah, the timing of the story…not sure if that’s a good thing or not! People might be SICK of floods by then! xo
With or without the asterisks, it’s a great opening sentence. The word “urgency” does it, not the name behind the asterisks. Because that’s where the suspense lies. Why was it suddenly urgent?
Uh, yeah, of course I wanna know.
Dang. I could have sworn I replied to your comment here…hm…but, thank you for that John! When you find out…it’ll make perfect sense. Another tease. Haaaaa!