Wednesday 11 May 2016

Life Interrupted

Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans! Between commissions, and film work, my writing has sadly gone by the wayside up until now. Hopefully, I can get back in the saddle, for a while, at least, until the next thing comes along! To those who have asked about the second book, hang in there; it will be done, just not as soon as I had wished!

Here is a tiny snippet from the book. As always, all writing is copyright Susan McCaskill. I know that should go without saying, but still...

Prologue

The howling winds and screaming voices were taking their toll on Penelope, even though Prudence was valiantly trying to support her.
“Penelope, you have to try and hold on just a little bit longer. We are almost there.”
“I’m so tired; I can’t fight anymore.”
“Nonsense, girl,” came the gruff voice of Hecate. “You weren’t raised to be a quitter! Prudence is right. We are almost there,”
Penelope struggled to keep control of her safe place, even though her body was failing and she was slowly losing touch with reality.
“Paddy,” said Prudence. “We have to hurry! She is starting to lose her mind and her body can’t take much more.”
“We’re almost there,” assured Paddy. “Just a few more minutes.”
Prudence bit her lip, knowing Paddy was going as fast as he possibly could, and soon she saw the burning shores of the Black Isle. She and Paddy arrived at almost the same time as Hec, Morna, and Jacob.
“Alright.” Hec said briskly. “No time to waste. Paddy, hold on to me, and Prudence and Morna, hold onto me and Jacob. Jacob, hold on to Paddy’s harness. Here goes nothing.”
For a moment, nothing happened, then Prudence felt her stomach sink towards her feet, a flash, and a feeling of dizziness, and they were on the top of the Black Isle.
“We only have a few minutes before the voices and winds affect us. We must hurry.”
Off in the distance, they could see the pillars and the tiny figure of Penelope slumped in the chains that were attached to them.
“Hold on! Another short jump,” said Hec, and in a trice, they were beside Penelope.
Prudence ran to her, tears streaming down her face. “Penelope! We’re here! We’re here! Wake up!”
Sluggishly Penelope forced her eyes open, and through cracked lips whispered hoarsely, “You came,”
“Of course we did, silly girl” huffed Hec, sounding suspiciously close to tears herself. “Now, let’s get you home. Jacob, can you get her out of those blasted chains and carry her?”
No sooner said, Jacob had her out of the chains and tenderly wrapped in his coat, and snuggled against his broad chest.
“Good. Now let’s get home before...”
“Hecate!” Gwyddion’s voice roared. “What in blazes is going on?”

“Oh, drat,” muttered Hecate.

~Penelope Parker: Chaos and Light-copyright Susan McCaskill

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