A WIP Excerpt, Despite Misplacing My Brain

Oh hey, it’s already Friday afternoon, and I was scheduled to post today! What happened to my brain, you ask? That’s a very good question and I’ll let you know when I find it.

 

Anyway, I’ve been working on a certain WIP for over a year now. Other projects, like the publication of Clash, Collide, and The Darcy Monologues, got in the way, forcing me to set it aside, which is why it’s taking me so long. I’m a little over halfway through right now, and with no distractions, I’m hoping to finish it soon. But this novel has been HARD. It’s really pushed me and worked me and left me feeling like I have no clue how to write anymore. This is my seventh manuscript (not counting my novella) so it’s not like I’m a newbie here, but MAN. Part of me has wanted to throw in the towel, but I’m no quitter. I WILL GET THIS THING WRITTEN. I WILL.

 

Maybe if I put it in writing, it will come true…

Today I wanted to share a snippet of that WIP. Bear in mind, it’s not only unfinished, but unedited. This is a contemp romance, based on a classic- not Jane Austen- that I have yet to reveal. *wink wink*

Here it is. (PS, Alex is a girl, and Hank is the main POV):

“You again?” Alex’s disbelief was almost funny.

            I shrugged. “That’s the great thing about a small town. Every day, same people.”

            Her mouth tightened like she didn’t agree.

            Resting one elbow on the counter, I leaned toward her. “Actually, I came specifically to see you.” I gave her my most charming smile, flashing dimples that made women weak in the knees.

            “Don’t you have a girlfriend?”

            Or not. “Why yes, ma’am, I do.”

            Her eyes hardened. I continued smiling.

            “Then, why are you here?”

            As if I had no other reason than to ask her out. “Have you found a place yet? I know pickings are a bit slim in town.”

            “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

            “I’m trying to be helpful.”

            “I don’t need your help.”

            “So you said. Multiple times.”

            “Because you aren’t listening.”

            “Oh, I’m listening alright. Have you found a place yet?”

            Alex huffed.

            “Because I know of a lovely little house just outside town. Small, affordable, needs a little work but it’s got lots of privacy, which matters to you, I think.”

            “Are you a real estate agent as well as a horse… guy?”

            I smirked. “Nope, just a horse guy.”

            “Then why are you bugging me about it?”

            I could’ve given her a flippant answer, but honesty won out instead. “Because I can’t stand to see the place empty. It’s sad.”

            She looked taken aback by my response.

            “Look, if you need help with the renovations, I can help you out. Just go look at it. That’s all I’m asking.”

            She chewed her lip. “If it means so much to you…”

            Her sarcasm made me smile. “It does. I could even take you, if you’d like. You and your daughter.”

            She rolled her eyes. “Honestly. Girlfriend, remember?”

            “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be back here to pick you and Elle up at five.”

            She growled.

            “I’ll take that as a yes.” With a grin, I patted the top of the counter and then sauntered away. I had no idea why I’d offered to show her the house. Maybe I’d have a better chance of convincing her to buy it. Maybe I just wanted to pester her some more, hear her growl at me again.

            Or maybe, it was just because she seemed to make me smile, when I hadn’t really smiled in a long time.

So this really gives no clue whatsoever to what classic this is based off of, but if you have a guess, go for it! And have a great weekend! 😀

15 comments

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    • Michelle H on February 16, 2018 at 6:40 pm
    • Reply

    Oh, I have not clue. But it’s adorable anyway.

      • Michelle H on February 16, 2018 at 6:41 pm
      • Reply

      Editing Michelle!! NO clue.

      1. I was going to post a different excerpt that had a last name which *may* have given it away. This excerpt really has no hints to the original.

    • Carole in Canada on February 16, 2018 at 7:11 pm
    • Reply

    Well it’s still Friday and this post is definitely intriguing. You have been busy with other projects in the past year…give yourself a break. Recently read ‘Clash’ and so enjoyed it!!!

    1. Thank you!!!

    • Nancy L Duell on February 16, 2018 at 11:00 pm
    • Reply

    I am going to guess at Anne of Green Gables

    1. I love love love Anne of Green Gables. It’s a Canadian classic and… I’d never touch it. Great guess though!

    • Glynis on February 16, 2018 at 11:46 pm
    • Reply

    Absolutely no idea! But intrigued all the same.

    1. Thank you!

    • Mary on February 17, 2018 at 7:16 am
    • Reply

    No idea but loved this snapshot!
    Best of luck with it!!! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Thanks, I need all the luck I can get! Lol.

    • Kathy Sprole on February 17, 2018 at 9:22 am
    • Reply

    No idea, can’t wait to read it. When can we expect more?

    1. I might post a few more bits here and there but I’m hoping to publish it by the end of the year. Fingers crossed.

  1. I really enjoyed the excerpt, but I have no clue as to which work it’s based on.

    I’ve written myself into a corner on my latest novel, and I’ve been dreading going back to extricate myself and get the plot back on track. Sigh. It’s rough when the characters keep doing their own thing, no matter how hard we try to direct them, LOL! 😉

    Wishing you all the best,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. Thanks Susanne! And good luck to you too. I haven’t written myself into a corner, more the story I’m trying to retell is a lot more difficult than I could have imagined and I’m worried I’m messing the entire thing up. Ergh. But we can both do this, right? Right! 🙂

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