Happy Wednesday! I’ve been hit or miss with these because honestly, I’m not doing a whole lot of writing at the moment. I’m sort of stalled out on all my projects. I still haven’t quite figured out how to get out of this slump or even what’s causing it.
But if I can’t be productive with writing, then at least I can do other stuff. I managed to finish a couple of books that I really enjoyed, and I have a few more on deck. I’m getting some chores and errands done as well, things that tend to fall by the wayside when I’m in a writing or editing groove. And I have some upcoming editing work that should keep me busy. I’m sure I’ll work my way back to writing.
Meanwhile, I do have a snippet today. This was written a while ago, but it’s one of the projects I’m anxious to break my slump to finish. This is from Tree of Life, in a flashback to Luke’s childhood.
WIPmath: 10/24/2018 = 24 sentences
On his way there, he heard the low rumble of thunder in the distance. Storms never bothered him much, not with such a big family to keep him safe. Now that he was the big brother, it was his turn to make sure Ruth and Johnny were okay. After he deposited the diapers into Mama’s hands, he wandered off in search of Esther. She was eleven and a complete know-it-all, especially now Mama deemed her old enough to babysit.
Esther was in the kitchen, getting lunch for the littles, which probably included Luke. He didn’t ask if she needed help, simply rolling up his sleeves and taking over thawing the baby food ice cubes Mama had made. If he were honest, he’d admit he liked taking care of baby Johnny. He was so cute, the way he waggled the teeny fingers on his good hand and made hungry motions with his mouth.
The thawed baby food was for both Johnny and Ruth because even at three, Ruth couldn’t eat solid foods. Mama called her a “blessed child.” Luke didn’t know what was wrong with her, only that Esther and the grown-ups fussed more over her than any of the others. Johnny too, because maybe he wouldn’t ever walk, with his feet all scrunched and turned in. But it was Ruth who needed the most care.
Luke peered up through the high windows over the sink. The sky was darkening, and there was another roll of thunder, closer this time. He shivered. Something didn’t feel right about it, but he didn’t say anything to Esther. She would only laugh at him. Maybe later, after the littles had eaten, Luke would take his camera outside and get some pictures of the storm clouds.
Luke wandered away from the kitchen and up the stairs to get his camera from the bedroom he shared with the twins. The sound of the thunder followed him, so loud this time that the house shook a little. Still, there was no rain, only a ferocious wind that whipped the tree branches so they slapped against the house, making an eerie, high-pitched scratch when they brushed the window panes.
Luke crept down the stairs and went to stand on the porch.
Like what you read? Be sure to check out the other entries and add your own. Just post a bit of your WIP, connect it to the date, and link up with us. Many thanks to Emily Wrayburn for giving us this space. Happy reading and writing!
“If he were honest, he’d admit he liked taking care of baby Johnny. He was so cute, the way he waggled the teeny fingers on his good hand and made hungry motions with his mouth.” Aw, Luke. Great snippet.
Thanks! 🙂
Luke’s observations of the sky and the storm made me shiver. I don’t know the character very well, so I’m not sure if this is established sixth sense or that ‘in-tuneness’ some people have. Whatever, the last part builds the ominous storm feeling perfectly.
Luke is a quiet child who is highly sensitive and observant. So that may be the “in-tuneness” that’s coming through here.
I need to know what happens next! Such a wonderful and intriguing snippet!
Thank you! 🙂 I’m going to have to see if I can get back to this one. I know what happens next…I just haven’t written it!
Sweet!
I really like the way this gives a glimpse into the whole family and their dynamics. Luke seems like a sweet kid.
Something wicked this way comes? Sounds like Luke has enough trouble in his life without whatever’s brewing, and he seems such a sweet soul based on this snippet alone.