Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring diverse authors who post excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. We’re a book hungry troop that enjoys reading as much as you do. Today our word prompt is tree. My excerpt is from one of my books in progress, Hannah’s Haint, a vintage paranormal romance set in a small town in the 1950s. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.
Hannah tossed down her pencil and pinched the bridge of her nose. Bookwork had never been her favorite pastime. A contemptuous chuckle escaped her lips. No one was around to hear her thoughts. Who did she think she was kidding? She’d never kept financial records in her life before she came here. Her gaze settled on the newly polished wooden floor. Shadows cast by the lone chandelier obscured the sheen. The long knives of dusk. She hated it and always made sure to be outside when it came. She wanted to absorb every last glimmer of sunlight. Let night fall like a curtain rather than fade like a song. Now the twilight always seemed to creep up on her before she could get to the open air.
She pushed the chair away from the desk. That air suddenly seemed a necessity. The screen door squeaked on her way to the outside landing, further unsettling her nerves. Why couldn’t Buster take care of things without her having to remind him? Her father would never have stood for it. Her father. His death already seemed a lifetime ago, the world she’d known a distant dream. Faded like the day. She sucked in a shaky breath. The faint scent of jasmine still lingered. If only she could figure that one out. The coming night cascaded around her. Stars popped out on the horizon, impatient. She had the strangest urge to push them back through their pinholes. The strident ring of the telephone drew her back inside.
“Hannah, this is Meg.”
“Oh, hi, Meg.”
“I’m on the calling tree for the PTA, and I wanted to give you the first chance before I start. We’re working on the Halloween fundraiser, and I remember you mentioned civic involvement. Do you want to be listed as a sponsor?”
“How much?”
“Five smackers for an individual but fifteen if you want the hotel listed.”
“Put me down for fifteen.”
“Great! Thanks so much, Hannah. That’ll put the curdle in Audrey Wyver’s tea.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt tree. Thanks for stopping by. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
Great excerpt, displaying her inner unrest.
I’m glad her inner unrest came across to you. Thanks, Carmen.
What a creative use of the word prompt! Excellent choice. I love historical stories. Looking forward to more of this one.
Working on a light vintage paranormal is different than what I’m used to. I’m glad you liked the use of the word prompt. Thanks, Jean.
Love the way you describe nightfall. Beautiful imagery.
Thank you for saying that about the imagery, Susanne!
I like the title of this one. And this…”The coming night cascaded around her. Stars popped out on the horizon, impatient. She had the strangest urge to push them back through their pinholes.”….fabulous!
Thanks, Mae! I am jazzed that you like the part about the stars.
I like your unusual use of the word
I’m glad you like the way I used tree, Cathy. Thanks for stopping by!
Great scene, Flossie! I love the way you weave your words to create your detailed scenes. LOVED your closing line!
Trisha, thank you! I’m glad you liked the word weaving and that final line.
I love the description of the creaking screen door, it reminded me of the ranch back home. Great TT
There’s no place like the old homestead, Davee. Thanks so much for your supportive comment.