Twilight Garden Excerpt

Slowly the doors creaked open, and it seemed that the entire room gasped in unison as Morgan stepped into the doorway. Gracelyn stood behind her, arranging the train of her opalescent gown. Morgan felt like a bride as she took her first step down the long aisle, and especially as her gaze rose to find the elven lord and she saw the expression on his handsome face.

“Lords and Ladies, people of all reaches of MagicalWorldName, please rise in welcome.” It was the King Regent’s voice, and he smiled as he stood, along with the Council, followed by the entirety of the crowd filling the throne room. Somewhere in the wings music began to play, and Morgan strode slowly down the aisle towards the throne. Her gaze focused upon that seat – because if she looked anywhere else she was afraid she might cry – and she was barely aware of the smiles and warm words of those sitting near the aisle, greeting her as she passed.

As she reached the steps to the dais she paused, and the Lord of the Forest and the Lady of the Fae each approached her, taking her hand to help her ascend. Gracelyn remained behind her even as she turned to face the room, and she paled slightly. “It’s alright missus. You’re doing fine.” Gracelyn whispered from just behind her, before the maid touched her hand and then moved away.

The King Regent turned to the crowd, holding up a hand. “Lords and Ladies, it is my duty and my great honor to present to you Her Highness Morgan Aliah Draeleen, your undoubted Queen.” He paused then, inclining his head slightly to Morgan. “We come together today to serve as witness, to offer homage, and to pledge fealty to Her Royal Highness. Do you, people of MagicalWorldName, swear to do the same?”

—

I’m working on the Coronation, and the ball that follows it, currently. Once this is finished, I think I can call it done, and put the novel aside until later in the year so I can edit it. Which means starting on a new project. Yay!

NaNoWriMo Progress

I have reached 45,000 words today. I’m so incredibly close to winning NanoWriMo that I can taste victory, though I know the novel won’t be finished at that time. I still have several more chapters at least to write, and I just finished my 13th. That’s alright though, I’m going to keep writing until it is finished, and then enjoy the knowledge that I, Tania Allen, have written a freaking novel.

He took her around the waist then and lifted her down from the carriage, coming very close to the Princess for just a moment before he stepped back. “It is safe as long as I am with you,” he replied, a playful tone in his voice. He offered his arm to her then and she took it gladly. They walked towards a small gazebo in the center of the village and more people appeared from houses and work- buildings. As they reached the gazebo the Lord of Elves guided her to a seat and then took a place beside her. An older man with greying hair and beard approached, glancing to the Lord of Elves briefly before he returned his focus to Morgan. “Your Highness, you honor us with your company today,” said the man, obviously some sort of local authority figure.

Morgan found herself tongue tied at first, able only to smile, but then she extended her hand to the man, who bowed over it a little awkwardly as though he were unsure of himself. “It is my honor to be able to visit with you today,” said the Princess, smiling at the gathering group of men, women and children. “It is my delight that my schedule allows me to leave the palace to see those of you who might not get a chance to visit me there.” She glanced to Lord ElfLord as she spoke and he seemed proud of her, which bolstered her confidence. He stood then, standing a little apart from her, and spoke in his gentle tenor.

“Her Royal Highness does not have much time, but we wish to spare a few moments so that you can meet her and see with your own eyes that she is indeed returned to us,” he said.

That’s a little bit out of my last bit of writing. The story has definitely veered off book a bit, but not so much that I feel like it’s unfocused. I’m loving it, truly, and can’t wait to go back and edit, because I know there are parts that need fixing.

NaNoWriMo Update

Only when he was certain the man was truly gone did he open the door again, walking out to the desk Della was sitting at. “Don’t worry about him. That’s my ex’s father. He’s a blowhard,” he said with a smile. “Why don’t you go take lunch, Della. I’ve got some things I need to handle, and I’ll be staying in the office a while.”

“Are you sure Mr. Morris? I can stay and help with whatever you need.”

He smiled. Oh, she wasn’t being very subtle. “I’m certain. Thank you Della, but I can manage on my own,” he replied, trying for subtlety even though it seemed lost on her. Maybe she was used to seducing her employers in order to keep her positions for a while, Kieran thought.

She pouted slightly, but hid it with a quick smile. “Alright. Have a good lunch Mr. Morris,” she said, gathering her purse and her bookbag and leaving the office.

He walked back into his office then, and closed the door. He looked at his phone, chuckling as he felt just a little nervous. He pushed the nerves aside though, and dialed Morgan’s number. It rang half a dozen times, then clicked into her voicemail. “Hi, you’ve reached Morgan’s phone. I’m probably busy right now, but leave a message and I’ll call you back soon as I can. Beeeeeeep.”

I’m over a third of the way through my days, and over 40% of the way through the 50k words needed to complete NaNo. I don’t think that 50k will finish my story, so I’m going to have to keep going until the story is told.

Already I’ve discovered a few things about my writing along the way. One of my protagonists is an unknowing antagonist, really. The character I thought was going to be the main antagonist is really just a minor player. Magic works oddly in the real world, so I can’t wait to see how it’s going to work now that we’ll get to see the other world.Men in bow-ties and pocket squares, and temps, are not to be trusted.

Also, I’ve learned that I can be disciplined enough to write 2k words every day. I’ve managed it almost every day so far. Or close to it. NaNoWriMo is a curious thing, because it ‘forces’ you to write a novel-length rough draft in far less time than most authors write their rough draft. If I can do this, then why the hell can’t I do this every other month of the year? I don’t have to finish a novel a month, but surely I can finish the few I have rattling around in my head, and make room for more.

NaNoWriMo Progress

As of this afternoon I have written 10,285 words. I am well into my fourth chapter. Formatted as a manuscript, I have written 45 pages. I am definitely impressed with myself thus far, as I am 5 days in and already one-fifth of the way through this novel. Or at least one-fifth of the way through the 50k words for NaNoWriMo. Whether that finishes the novel or not I won’t know until I’m done.

Within moments Kieran was hurrying along the sidewalk in the direction he’d seen Morgan walking, and he took the turn he’d watched her take, looking for that cheerful sunflower making its way down the street. He’d almost given up when he saw the flash of yellow a block ahead, and he quickened his pace. In his head he was trying to decide what he would say to her. Clearly she’d realize he didn’t normally walk this particular way. Mulling over his options as he closed the distance between them, he thanked whatever powers existed for her ambling path.

“Morgan?” He kept his voice casual, though not surprised. There was no point in playing that game. “That’s you, Morgan, isn’t it?” he added as he drew closer to the woman carrying the sunflower umbrella. When she turned though, he was crestfallen. It wasn’t Morgan. What were the odds of there being two women in similar raincoats and carrying the same umbrella. He apologized to the older woman, who commented that whoever Morgan was she was a lucky lady, and turned back towards the office, hands in his pockets.

That’s a little bit from Chapter Four. The story is staying somewhat to my vague plan, which is helping me keep on track I think, but there are so many side-streets I could take. That’s where the second draft comes it, though, or at least something for when I’m further into the story than I am now.

NaNo Excerpt, Day 1

The dark haired woman read over the letter she’d just written, then placed it in an envelope upon which she wrote a name. Melting an ivory wax block with a small candle, she smeared some of the wax onto the back of the envelope and pressed a metal seal into the cooling wax. A fluffy tabby cat wound around her ankles as she held the letter in her hands, smiling faintly.

“It’s time, Cerri,” she said, standing and crossing the room. She moved out onto the balcony, smiling as she felt the breeze kiss her skin, smelling the aroma of delicate flowers surrounding her. Leaning against the carved stone railing she held the letter in her palms, and let the wind grab hold of it and carry it away. She watched it until it had traveled too far for her to see, then went back inside.

I’ve managed to hit – surpass even – my first word count goal in just about 2 hours. I currently stand at 1845 words. I suspect I’ll write more of this today. I intend to get the first chapter completed before the end of the day so I have a pretty good idea of who my main characters are

October Page a Day, Day 26

Before the two could speak more the sound of hoofbeats on the ground disturbed them, and Rafel looked up. Pasha and Toresh were racing towards them, and he stood hurriedly, reaching to catch Pasha’s reins. He only paused a moment before urging Tirena into the mare’s saddle. “Hurry! We must get back to the stronghold!”

Tirena did as she was told, letting him boost her up almost unladylike, then shrieked as he slapped the mare on the flank, sending her galloping towards the walls. “Rafel! What is wrong?” she cried, but he did not reply. She clung tightly to Pasha, trusting the mare to bring her back to the stronghold and hoping that Rafel was not far behind her.

October Page a Day, Day 25

The Marshal smiled and kissed her temple again. “You are most welcome lesha. You can ask me anything, and I will tell you whatever I know.”
“Why do I feel as if I’ve known you all my life, Rafel?” she asked. “Why does being with you feel so natural? Why is it so easy to, well, to care for you?”

He had been waiting for her to wonder that, and reached one hand to clasp hers in it. “If I told you it’s because we were destined to be together, would you believe me Tirena?”

October Page a Day, Day 24

Before he spoke Rafel looked out at the river, letting the rushing water help him to focus his thoughts on something other than the young woman sitting beside him. He cleared his throat, and looked to Tirena again. “We’ve told you a little of your parents, of Dom Talven and your mother Eiren, haven’t we?”

“Yes, Rafel.”

“Before you were born, the clans were warring with the humans whose lands border ours. The humans wished to eradicate us, calling us abominations of Nature. Your father was leading a pack against the village of Marona, and your mother, Jes keep her, would not be left behind even though she was very much pregnant.” Rafel paused then, frowning. “My father was part of that pack, and told me this story many times until he passed three winters ago.”

October Page a Day, Day 23

“To … court me?” Tirena giggled softly at the very formal request. In the village, she’d never even considered herself interesting enough to have any young man wish to seek her hand.

Rafel smiled at her happily. “Yes, Tirena. I wish to court you. To win your heart and take you as my wife, as your father took Eiren as wife.”

October Page a Day, Day 22

Tirena followed Rafel from the stableyard, getting used to the feeling of the mare beneath her as her appointed protector took her on a tour of the grounds. She saw for the first time how massive her father’s keep was – she had to remind herself this was her home now – and Rafel leaned close to nudge her when he caught her staring.

“Doma-sha. Are you even listening to me?” he asked, his voice low and soft.