Washed Ashore: 1/10/10

Thursday, January 14, 2010

reading

It is relieving to read the manuscript so far and find out that, yes, I like it. I have never written this much on any manuscript without sending it out to friends to find out thier opinions, but I also have never made this much progress on a manuscript in such a short amount of time. There are some things that I changed and some characters that still need more "fleshing out", but I am really enjoying the story. I feel like a little kid opening a present or going someplace new. What is going to happen next? What will be revealed? I need to do further research into the hotel/railroad and adjust things around those details to make sure I am telling things accurately. Again, I wish I could get away and go visit the historical society's research library. What a joy that would be! But until then, I am going to contact their research librarian and try to arrange an interview by phone or email as soon as possible so that I can start digging into books with more information.

Excerpt from Washed Ashore

The tide pulled in and out, washing over his body, but edging out further each time it returned. It seemed like a jealous lover, trying to let go, but returning compulsively, unable to release its prey. Could he feel the cold sweeping over his body, the salt stinging his skin? Could he hear her whispering goodbyes as her foam receded over him?
He lay in a small pool, made by the indention of his body, his clothing soaked, but drying where the sun and wind could touch it. The brown sugar sand cradled him as he slept on, dreaming dreams the sea had given; dreams the sea had taken. He slept as the sun rose, casting a shadow across half of him, as a large boulder sat at his right. Children played nearby; unaware of his existence until a bird found him and they found the bird.
Peter stared silently, which was unusual. His pink mouth, in which a few teeth were missing, lay slightly open. He typically had a great deal to say, and more to do, and so stillness and silence was quite foreign to him. He stood motionless, his dark blonde hair ruffled by the breeze. His sister, Prudence, had less composure and shrieked appropriately, calling the poor man to the attention of their guardian and protector, Aunt Nora. She had much experience with Prudence's fancies, but she also knew to come quickly and evaluate for herself before dismissing any particular incident as exaggeration. The dark man lying on their beach was no exaggeration, and certainly caused Nora no small amount of worry. She sent the children away quickly so that she might ascertain his health, but soon discovered to her relief that he was well, only in need of reviving, something she knew not how to do, despite her late mother's many fainting fits.
Once assured that he was breathing properly, she found herself staring at his dark lashes curling his olive-toned skin. His lips were thick, but chapped and nearly blended in with the color of his face. He might look boyish with his dark hair thick and curling, but for his weathered skin and the bristle that covered the lower half of his face.
He lay on his back, his dirty shirt ripped over his chest, but Nora took comfort in watching his chest rise and fall. She knew she could not simply leave him here, as a good Christian woman, she must help him to safety, but she did not want to get too close, did not wish to get entangled in the mystery she felt instinctively envelop him. This was not just a stray seaman; he was not from these parts. One hundred or more questions attempted to break through her reverie as she allowed herself one more moment to stare, but then she stopped herself and knelt down to brush his face with her hand, stating simply, "Sir, may I help you? You're on my shore."

Washed Ashore

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Thursday, January 14, 2010

reading

Excerpt from Washed Ashore