“I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain—and back in rain.” Robert Frost
Tuesday Tales is a weekly blog featuring diverse authors who post excerpts from their WIPs based on word and picture prompts. Today we write from a photograph featuring a barn. The snippet is from a vintage paranormal romance set in the 1950s featuring Hannah Ross and Tate Larkin. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.
The waitress called out as his thumb pressed the door lever. “We’re closed at night, but we open at five in the morning, soldier. Can’t beat the biscuits and gravy.”
Cracking a grin, Tate glanced back as she tucked the dollar tip into an apron pocket and patted it smooth. “Looking forward to it—and more of that coffee.” He was bid farewell with the same jingling bell that had greeted him. Bill, the postman and his lunch benefactor, had planted himself in the middle of the sidewalk and gabbed with two older men sitting on a rusty bench. One had his knife out and was whittling a figurine out of a chunk of wood. The other worried a wad of tobacco in his cheek. Bill stepped forward. Mild curiosity peppered his tone. “Staying around these parts, son?”
“For a while. I’m weary of the road, and Cloverdell seems a friendly town.”
Bill nodded. “Friendly enough. Got a place to bed down?”
“I thought I’d look around some before sundown and then see about getting a room at the hotel on the corner.” He jerked his thumb in that general direction.
“Hotel’s not open for business yet. Not for several weeks most likely. It’s being renovated.”
He ducked his head. “Shoot. Well, I’ll make do.” A breeze sent the post office flag flapping.
“Tell you what.” Bill pointed. “There’s a row of fishing cabins east of town, about a half mile down a dirt lane called Tuttle. Name’s on a log. If you get to a big red barn, you’re at Wyver’s ranch and you’ve gone too far. See Dave Tuttle and tell him I sent you. He’ll give you a fair price.”
“I’ll do that. Much appreciated, sir, and thanks again for the meal.”
“Least I can do for one of our own back from no man’s land.”
I hope you enjoyed my take on the barn photo. Thanks so much for stopping by. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Paranormal Romance
I enjoyed the interaction here and all the lovely atmospheric details. I’d like to find out what happens to this young man.
I’m glad you liked the interaction and atmosphere, Daisy. Thank you for stopping by and commenting:)
A scene full of characters and a great example of dialogue interspersed with action. Congratulations!
I’m glad you liked the mix of dialogue and movement, Carmen. Thank you for stopping by and commenting:)
Great snippet ….. and i like the quote !
That quote has a lot of emotion in such few words, doesn’t it, Iris? Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Well done. Too bad everyone doesn’t treat returning soldiers that well.
Isn’t that the truth, Susanne> Thank you for stopping by and commenting:)
Clever use of the picture prompt! Love the leisurely unfoldlng of the story, bringing in side characters to add flavor and depth to the story. I’m really enjoying this.
I enjoy the way the prompts take us into details we wouldn’t have considered. I’m glad you like the way the story is moving, Jean. Thank you:)
Absolutely LOVE the barn photo and the snippet! I have a thing for barns, photograph them everywhere I go, but there are fewer each year, at least in the South, and visible from the road.
Your photographs are amazing, Linda! Thank you for stopping by and commenting:)
Love it! I can totally see the men. The ones on the bench are especially vivid. Well done!! Jillian
I’m glad you like the depictions of the old men, Jillian. Thank you:)
Wonderful snippet!
Thanks, Vicki!
I love your descriptions.
I’m glad you like the descriptions, Cathy. Thank you!
Great interaction. Glad he’s being welcomed as he is. I can’t wait to see more.
Thank you, Sarah.
I like how you used the picture prompt. Just snuck it right in there.
Hahaha, thanks, Joselyn.