#ANobleBargain

(Ooops. Sorry … hit the wrong key, but that just means you get to enjoy Jan’s post a day earlier than expected! Happy reading!

A NOBLE BARGAIN

Today’s very special guest is fellow author Jan Sikes, who is celebrating Release Day for her newest book, A Noble Bargain. I know you’ll enjoy reading all about this one, and will gladly help Jan get the word out by sharing where you can.

Welcome to The Write Stuff, Jan, and take it away, my friend!!

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BLOG TOUR STOP #7
Marcia Meara

Thank you, Marcia, for allowing me to take over your blog today to talk about my new release, A Noble Bargain. I’m deeply grateful for your generosity and support!

WHOO HOO! TODAY IS RELEASE DAY!

I’ve already talked some at other blog stops about Rose and Jack being brother and sister. But they have another brother, Harlan, who is the oldest. Harlan is hardened by life, much like their father. Because he is older, he is subjected to a more intense level of violence. As the story progressed, I began to feel sympathy for Harlan and I didn’t want him to be a bad guy. In his heart, he wasn’t. He was a true victim of circumstance. I’ll share a scene that shows how Harlan is left to deal with their father in a drunken state.

EXCERPT:

Rose hurried to get out of her new clothes and into her faded nightgown. A single curtain separated her tiny corner of the house from the kitchen. Jack and Harlan’s cots were a part of the living room, and her father occupied the only bedroom. At least they had indoor plumbing. The house they’d left behind in Hamburg didn’t. She hoped she’d never have to use another outhouse as long as she lived.

What a night.

She fell asleep thinking of Oliver’s easy way of conversing and his mother’s delicious cooking, only to be jarred awake a couple of hours later by a thunderous crash.

Harlan’s voice followed. “Come on, Pa, let me help you to bed.”

“Get your hands off me.” The words came out slurred.

She lay deathly still, barely breathing, waiting for what would come next.

Another thud vibrated the floor. “I said don’t touch me.”

“Just tryin’ to help, Pa. Suit yourself.”

She could picture Jack huddling in his bed, eyes squeezed shut, pretending not to hear. Tears leaked out of the corner of her eyes.

Harlan’s boots hit the floor one at a time, and bedsprings creaked.

She waited. Maybe Pa would spend the night on the floor. Or maybe he’d eventually make it to his bedroom. She hoped for the latter and that he’d sleep late in the morning.

Some things are difficult to write. I could picture the scenario so strongly in my mind when I wrote it. Do scenes like this evoke emotion in you the way they do me? Let’s talk.