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Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Ready to Begin the Harvest Ball

Bury the Hatchet in Dead Mule Swamp

It's not giving away any big secret to say that the climax of this book occurs at the Harvest Ball. Everything so far has been building toward it, and anyone reading the book will be sure to notice they are almost at the end. I'm finally ready for the big night to begin in Chapter 42.

That said, there's a lot that happens, so there are quite a few more chapters to write.

I was on a roll today, and didn't have any other work assignments or hours. I devoted the day to wordcrafting, and managed to squeeze out 3024 of 'em. For those of you waiting for this Anastasia Raven book, I hope you won't have to wait much longer.

Meanwhile, here's a sample from Chapter 40:
    I was showing the kids the backstage areas where they could change and make entrances and exits, when the lights went out. The dim recesses of the stage became murky with no windows located there, and the loud music ceased abruptly mid-song. The quiet was so welcome I realized my ears were ringing.
    “Sorry,” Mick called from the balcony. “I think our amps did that.”
    “I’ll take care of it,” hollered Todd. He motioned to one of the musicians, opened the door that led directly to the basement and said, “Th’electric panel’s down here. I’ll show ya’.” Raising his voice again, he yelled at Mick, “Ya’ might need t’ get an extension cord and plug those lights in a differ’nt circuit.”
    “Where can I buy one?” Mick yelled back. “I’ve used all ours.”
    “Jouppi’s Hardware,” Todd and I said simultaneously. “South end of Main Street,” I added loudly.
    I heard Cody scream “Geronimo!” from the hallway.
    It was just past one, and there were still hours to go until the Ball began, when the noise level was sure to be exponentially louder. I shook my head in hopes of stopping the ringing in my ears and the ringing switched to my pocket. It was my phone.

You can find the first three Anastasia Raven Stories at Smashwords or Amazon

4 comments:

The Furry Gnome said...

Keep those words coming!

Unknown said...

It must be thrilling for you Joan to complete the story. I wander if you would be generous enough to tell me whether it is you who decides upon the picture for the book cover? They appear to be so very good. I often think that the cover is like the treasure chest lid - the more interesting it is the more you want to lift it to see what's inside! Or is that just me - am I too curious? Lol!

Unknown said...

Should have read 'wonder' Joan - gosh didn't spot that until too late!

Sharkbytes (TM) said...

Thanks, Stew!

Polly- No problem at all! I have some graphic training, and I did the covers for News, Hollow Tree, and Bury the Hatchet. I could not make Paddy come out the way I wanted it, and had Farah Evers at http://www.farahevers.com/ do that one. She does great work!