Post your best explosive (literally or figuratively, physically or emotionally) scene from your writing. Try to keep it relatively short. Tell about your reaction to writing it, background information for your purpose, for the characters, etc.
I've selected a scene from Sarah's Heart and I think what takes place explains why my heroine is worried, tense, and emotionally upset.
I react to Lone Wolf's treatment with the same angst, but maybe a little more so because of the way he's treated solely because of his ethnicity. I took writing this scene very personally because almost every day, someone plays the race card and places us in a position to defend ourselves against something we clearly aren't. I once was sued for racial bias by a co-worker I'd worked with for eight years, and when I thought of all the nights I'd carried her work home to help her stay afloat, and that I'd never done a thing to treat her any differently than the rest of my co-workers, I was hurt, mad, and confused all at the same time. At the time, I had no idea she took legal action merely for the purpose of monetary gain, and even once I figured out her motives, the whole scenario still stung.
I wasn't guilty, but that didn't matter. In the end, ##### got my job, my retirement, and for a while, me...consumed by hatred.. After years, I finally realized I was only hurting myself by carrying around all that anger.. she probably went on with her life with no further thoughts of me. For eight years, I considered her a friend, so wherever she is, I hope she's fine and enjoying life.
Anyhow...on with Sarah's Heart.
At the sound of approaching horses everyone turned toward a swirling cloud of dust climbing skyward. Sarah’s heart quickened until she glimpsed the familiar blue coat with gold buttons on the first two riders appearing from the haze. A cavalry troop, maybe fifty strong, in two perfect lines, reined in their animals in front of the mission.
While the rest of the regiment remained astride, the ranking officer dismounted, removed his hat and approached.
“Good morning, Father Brouchard. First Lieutenant Blandon Moore at your service. You might recall we passed through last month.”
Despite a seemingly pleasant disposition, the officer’s eyes fixed a stony glare on Wolf. “May I ask your name?”
“Only if you tell me why you want to know.” Wolf stared back, his tone defiant.
The Lieutenant’s jaw tensed. With narrowed eyes, he glanced over his shoulder. “Sergeant Flynn, you and Private McCoy dismount and take this half-breed into custody!”
At the rigid tone in their commander’s voice, the two men scrambled down, each grabbing one of Wolf’s arms.
Sarah gasped.
Sarah gasped.
“Let me go, dammit!” Wolf fought against restraint until they twisted his limbs so far behind his back that his face contorted with pain.
Sarah cast a pleading look at the priest, but instead of intervening, the man stood quietly with his fingers interlaced and a look of apprehension on his face. Despite detesting confrontation, she squared her shoulders and stepped forward. “Excuse me, Lieutenant, but what’s the meaning of this?” The quiver in her voice belied her courage.
He removed his hat and raked a surveying gaze over her. “And who’s asking?”
“Sarah Collins. I’m traveling with Mr….Gray Wolf. I’m sure you’ve made a mistake. There is absolutely no reason for the horrible way your men are treating him.”
“Would that be Miss Collins?” His gaze rested on her bosom then moved to her face. She squirmed beneath the undeniable hunger in his eyes.
“Yes.” Her voice was terse. “Wolf has been kind enough to save my life and see me to my destination. I would appreciate you allowing us to continue our journey in peace.”
Lieutenant Moore frowned. “Traveling alone with a breed? Humph! I’m sure you would like to continue…whatever it is you were doing,” his mouth formed a sneer, “but I believe your friend is a thief. There’s a wanted poster floating around with his picture on it.”
“Again, you are very much mistaken.” She stood toe-to-toe with the Lieutenant in the wake of the his insulting tone. His intimated impropriety heated her cheeks.
“Well see about that.” He plopped his hat back atop his head and turned to his men. Secure the prisoner on his horse. We’ll take him back to Fort Leavenworth and see if the quartermaster can identify him as the scoundrel who helped himself to the stolen supplies.
“But…no…wait…” Sarah’s shoulders sagged.
“Good day, Miss Collins.” The officer made a slight bow, spun on his heel and remounted.
Sarah watched helplessly as the men tied Wolf’s hands and threw him astride Scout. She dropped her valise and ran to his side. Peering up at him, she clutched his leg while her stomach twisted into a knot. “What can I do to help? They can’t just take you away and leave me out here alone.”
His brow furrowed. “I’m afraid there’s nothing you can do. Wait for me. I’ll get back…at least try to, as soon as I can.”
Wow...bet you can't wait for more tension. Hop on over to the other participants' links and see what they have to offer:
Wow...bet you can't wait for more tension. Hop on over to the other participants' links and see what they have to offer:
Margaret Fieland at http://margaretfieland.com/my_blog Heidi M. http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com Beverley Bateman at http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/ Kay Sisk http://kaysisk.blogspot.com Anne Stenhouse at http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/ Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/ Fiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.com Lynn Crain at http://lynncrain.blogspot.co.at/ Rhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.com
Ginger, gosh, life was more exciting back then. I'm learning a huge amount about the early west, this morning, Anne Stenhouse
ReplyDeleteVery disturbing and rings so true. Made me angry just reading it. Thanks for posting this scene,
ReplyDeleteGinger.
And this kind of thing is what people want to return to in the USA? Everyone strolling around with guns displayed, the "old west" all over again, only now you don't have to stop to reload?
ReplyDeleteSince everyone appears to be crazy these days, to quote Scrooge, "I'll retire to Bedlam."
This whets the appetite for more of your book--good excerpt!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rhobin and it's a good excerpt.
ReplyDeleteGinger this scene was a great excerpt and stirred up so much anger I wanted to jump in, take the Lt.'s gun and let him have it. You can really stir it up.
ReplyDeleteGeeta
Thanks, Ladies for visiting and leaving such heart-warming comments. I'm glad I was able to stir the appropriate emotions. I love this story and the sequel that follows (although its a lot shorter.) If you read some of the reviews on Amazon, you'll see why I had to continue the story. *lol*
ReplyDeleteP.S. Please don't forget to use your banners because I post to Pinterest and it won't take without a graphic. Also...the posts look more grouped together with it.
Unfortunately, accurate historical events are often dark. Your stories always create an emotional response in the reader. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWonderful snippet and so very true of the time. It was a sad moment in US history and I would hope we'd come far from it. Unfortunately, I would say no.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.