Greetings all and well done for not evaporating into a steam of nothingness in this grand heat parade. However, before I go further let me express my love and gratitude to you all beginning with Marion, Anna, Lisa, Andrea, Jo, Shilpa, Sarah, Dan, Mary and June. We reached the heady heights of 30 yesterday which is a new record and I do hope many of you will come back and keep tabs on what I write.
I'm going to have a little natter about Shadowfruit before I reveal a little excerpt. I've written this novel quite a few years ago and to put it bluntly it's a tale of the paranormal set in an edgy London setting. It is dark, nasty and graphic in parts
but ultimately a tale with a bitter sweet ending with lots of surprises along the way. I know Anna told me not to tone it down but there are parts where it does come on a bit too strong. Remember, the art of writing is to show not tell and let our imagination do some of the work rather than have the writer get all visceral on you. So, if you're of a nervous disposition you may wish to avert your eyes and read tomorrow's post. Otherwise, here's a little snippet from chapter 3 I do believe.
Martin edged closer. His father cowered whilst several dark diminutive humanoid forms danced near his kneecaps. His mother and father oblivious of their presence. One brave creature clambered onto the back of Arthur's chair. “I'm sorry, love. It's just things have been a bit mental lately.” The shadow leapt onto Arthur's shoulders. “Sorry ain't good enough. I need more than that. Much more.” The shadow creature clasped its savage hands around its victim's throat. Martin struggled to stifle a cry. She shoved a full plate under Arthur's nose. “It aint even warm.” “Eat your dinner. If you think I'm throwing away good food for you, you're off your head.” Arthur brought a forkful of cold beans to his mouth, another creature gnawed upon his ankle. Martin sobbed in silence. One of the blackened wraiths turned its gaze towards their unwelcome spectator. The beast's scarlet eyes blazed in indignant resonance when they met Martin's stare. A shapeless cavity opened where the imp's mouth should have been. Martin shied away from the shadow's laughter. Martin tried to take his attention away from his parent's war. His father disputed Rose's accusations. The ever-growing discord fed the shadow beasts a vicious vortex of dark energy.
“Get to bed, little boy,” hissed the creature in a vapid voice. The shadow forms all turned towards Martin. They added their own threatening gestures to the child staring at the impending darkness. He wanted to escape to his room yet stood hypnotised by the dread spectacle before him. “Go on, **** ***!” spat a voice next to his left ear. Martin remained rooted. Two shades broke off the attack on his father and ascended the stairs. “Help me, help them,” he prayed. The beasts advanced. Martin melted inside. Their presence stabbed his soul. He lowered his eyes. “Little bastard, interrupt our meal will you?” They were almost upon him. His parents remained locked away from him whilst the nearest creature reached with a bilious claw.
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