This has been a pretty quite week. I’ve not received the names of the winners from the blogs I’ve been on, and, due to a cyber glitch, my editor has not selected a title yet. We do have one book winner though!!
Melissa Keir won Anne Cleeland’s book!! Congratulations, Melissa!!
Except for a wonderful day spent with fellow author, Amy Pfaff, when she came in on a cruise ship, I’ve spent most of the week working on my Christmas novella for 2014. This is Georges and Madeleine’s story. If you’ve read The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh, you’ll remember the not always very likable, shadowy French guy. Having to limit my word count to 25,000 is a real struggle for me, but it will get done. I also foresee lots of editing.
Here is an excerpt. Tell me what you think.
September 1814, Beaune, France
Madeleine, Comtesse du Beaune, laid her pen down on the old cherry desk. Thank the Lord she had a head for numbers. Each vineyard, even the ones that held only one or two rows were accounted for. If only the central government had allowed her to completely take her father’s position as négociant. Better a wine-trader than a dead Aristo or a pauper, papa had said. Mamma had begged him to take the family to England, but he would not leave France. Yet now he was dead, and no one could explain how it had come about. After all, a man who did not ride horses anymore could hardly fall off one and break his neck. What was worse was Monsieur Coupe, the person who had been assigned to oversee Madeleine’s work.
A knock sounded on the door, and it opened. “Milady, Monsieur Coupe”—her butler, Durant’s, lip lifted in a sneer—“is here to see you.”
She’d like to cut Monsieur Coupe’s male parts off and feed them to the pig.
This time of year Magen’s gets every north swell going. It makes walking a challenge, and paddle boarding not much fun. So, I’m taking you to Secret Harbor on the East end of the island.
I wasn’t the only one paddling.
I love seeing the boats.
So what do you think of the new beach?
Have a wonderful week,
Ella
Cutting off Monsieur Coupe’s parts is ironical as couper is cut in French.
Great snippet.
And as it’s -19C with wind chill – thanks for those lovely warm pictures.
Tweeted.
That was the point, Daryl!
Love the snippet Ms. Ella. Excellent as always…:D
Thank you, Margaret!
The excerpt (the proper one) sounded fabulous.How will you ever write a short story? I cannot imagine.
Now to your tropical paradise. I remember when I went to Barbadoes (my billionaire boss owned house down there.) I nearly drowned due to the wild waters and powerful surges. When I complained at a restaurant, I was advised to go the other side of the island. It was like a different ocean.
Thank you, Liza. It’s scary writing something his short.
Islands are like that.
Yea! Thanks for the win! I’m excited. What do you need from me? I love the excerpt and I’m excited to hear what the decision is about your new title!
I’ll have Anne contact you. I’ve got your email. Congratulations!! I’m looking forward to hearing which one he picks as well.
Great excerpt. Anytime you get bored on the island, I’ll house swap with you 🙂
Shared.
Thank you, Andrea! LOL. You can come visit. 🙂
Loved the excerpt. Sounds like another feisty heroine. 🙂 we’ve finally got some cold weather here and I’m loving it although your beach does look inviting. Good luck with your word count!
She’s interesting. That’s what I’ve heard. Enjoy it while you can. Thanks I’m going to need it.
As a writing duo, we divide our blogs we follow between us.My daughter chose your blog and now I can see why. What draws her to your blog is your beautiful writing!! She’s just started working 3 jobs to make a little extra money for the holidays so she’s been so exhausted, she hasn’t been able to visit her regular haunts. And boy she’s missing it. I found your blog, gracing her computer, which was situated on her lap. (Inion sleeping sound.) So I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of a visit. She’ll be dropping by anyway, I’m sure as she is a huge fan. But until then, I’m glad I was able to read your post & excerpt & will be sharing it. 🙂
Thank you so very much. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the excerpt and the blog! Tell Inion I look forward to her visit.