Tree of Life

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!

Happy Wednesday! I finally got my dance shoes yesterday, so I can do the steps in my class properly. Trust me, it’s not possible to do a hard shoe jig in sneakers. Also, it’s no fun if you can’t make any sound.

While I was busy getting fitted for ghillies and jig shoes, my kids were at auditions part 1 million. Their school’s main stage show in February is Big Fish. Callbacks are tomorrow, and the cast list I think will be up at the end of the week. This is the first time my older child has had a shot at a speaking part in the main stage show; those are usually reserved for high schoolers.

On to this week’s WIPpet. I’m making steady progress on both Tree of Life and Minuet, alternating between them for now. I’m sticking with Tree of Life this week, but I’ll probably post from Minuet some of the time as well.

In last week’s snippet, Luke had an invitation. This week, he has a phone call.

WIPmath: 10/25/2017 = 1 + 0 + 2 + 5 = 8 short paragraphs, mostly dialog.

He returns his attention to the invitation. There’s a space for a plus one on the RSVP card, but Luke has no one to bring. Jax, his roommate, got their own invitation. Luke has no idea if Jax is seeing anyone. They haven’t said, but then again, Jax never talks about relationships.

Before he can make up his mind about which box to check, his phone rings. Luke looks at the number and lets it go another couple of rings, debating. He finally picks up.

“Hey.”

“Luke! How’s things out your way?” AJ asks.

“Good, good. Same old.” He tries to keep his voice light even though a lump springs up in his throat.

“Glad to hear it. So…you got the invitation, right?”

“Yeah.” Luke swallows to clear the dryness from his mouth. “I did.”

“Are you coming?”

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!