I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these times. I've been quarantined in my apartment with my dog, Albus, for the last few weeks. Even though I still have classes online twice a week, I have a lot of extra time to get writing done. For the first time in a while, I finally feel inspired to put some words on the page. I have finished editing the first book in a new series and have sent it out to a couple people to get feedback and further edits done.
During this process, I have also been working on the second book in that same series. Much to Albus's dismay, I have completed the first half of it (about 50,000 words in) and am actively working on finishing the rest. For those of you who weren't around when I was writing The Prophesized Series, I don't like to publish a book until I know for sure that I can write and finish the sequel. It's not fair to readers if I can't figure out how a story actually ends.
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| "Mom, please stop writing and pay attention to me." - Albus, all day, everyday |
I have made a Pinterest Board with images that remind me of this series or have inspired certain scenes. I will keep adding to it as I get further along in this series. If you click the link below, you can get an idea of what this book is going to be about.
Because I have a clear image on where this series is going, I've decided to give a little teaser for the first book. I have not come up with a title yet as nothing seems to 'fit' the theme. I realize I am being picky, but will reveal that when it becomes known to me!
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TEASER FOR UNTITLED BOOK 1
This unedited and subject to change before publication.
A dark shadow blurs through the tree silhouettes out of the corner of my eye. The unknown movement forces me to stop. What was that? I slowly turn in the direction of the blur and immediately take a small step back when I spot two yellow eyes focused on me. A small fox is staring at me, the moonlight reflecting off its golden gaze. When our eyes meet, it cocks its head to the left, twitches it’s fluffy tail, and sits on the ground - his eyes guarded but curious.
Aren’t they supposed to be hesitant or even fearful of people? Why is it just sitting there?
Crouching down to the ground, I bring myself close to its level, hoping not to scare it away. The fox doesn’t move. Hesitating just a moment, I extend a hand out.
The fox’s eyes move down to my hand before looking back at me, cocking its head more to the right. After sniffing the ground, it takes a hesitant step towards me. I can’t contain the small smile that comes out. This is really happening.
Hearing a twig snap somewhere in the distance spooks both of us. The fox turns around and scurries off the trail, back into the woods and out of sight. Letting out a sigh, I stand up and continue moving down the desolate trail. Wait until Aubrey hears about that. She already thinks I am an animal whisperer.
Another twig snaps, closer to me this time. I stop and spin around, looking around for the animal that’s moving through the woods. There’s something nearby. I know that some animals are nocturnal and hunt at night. I’d be stupid to think that I was alone in here. Is there anything bigger than a deer in Indiana? I’ve heard of a couple coyote attacks recently though. What do you do if a coyote attacks? I know you’re not supposed to run from a bear…does the same apply for a coyote?
For a few more seconds, I continue standing still, waiting for something to come out of the covering of the trees. A minute passes and nothing happens.
I let out of breathe of air as I start moving again. I should probably turn around soon. I’ve never felt like this before…this fear…I’ve never been afraid to be out here at night. My dad and I used to take nightly walks through the woods.
Snap.
I stop again.
It’s just an animal. It’s just an animal. It’s just an animal. I repeat this to myself over and over as I continue to stare down the path. I don’t see anything. It seems like everything in the forest has stopped. The breeze is no longer blowing through the trees. The trees are as still as statues, standing tall and unmoving. Something is wrong.
Okay, it’s definitely time to go.
Turning around, I smack straight into a brick wall. I barely have time to register what is happening before an arm wraps around my waist, pulling me against a chest, restricting my movement. My heartbeat immediately skyrockets as a scream builds up in the back of my throat, but a hand covers my mouth before it has time to come out.
