Monday, November 1, 2010

Gettin' My Nano On!

Alrighty, I set my first official daily goal of 1700 words and "jumped" right in. When I say jumped, I kind of whinged about it for a while, said I couldn't do it...then convinced myself I HAD to do it or else look like a total wimp. I won't say it was easy, because it sure as heck wasn't. My writing muscles are _seriously_ out of shape, and jumping into a marathon like Nano is.. well, kinda crazy. Foolish. Doomed for failure.

Whatever, yo! I DID IT. I made my goal -- 1702 words!! I would probably keep going even, but I have to work early in the morning...and well, I don't want to burn myself out on day one. For now, I will be happy -- dude, I'm MORE than happy -- I'm actually rather ecstatic -- with meeting my daily goal. I thought for sure I would start out in the hole...and I'm NOT. WHOOT!

In celebration, I thought I would share a teensy lil' snip. Just cuz I'm kinda psyched. :)

WALKING IN SHADOW by Jennifer Hendren (c) 2010

He made to grab my arm then, and I jerked it out of his reach. I couldn’t let him find out. Not like this.

“I have to go,” I said, gathering up my books and coat. I made for the door, not caring how he chose to interpret my actions. Let him hate me if that’s what would protect him. It would be better for him that way.

“Mac.”

He said it so softly, I stopped, rooted to the spot. Warmth rushed to my eyes, and I blinked back tears. I wanted to run to him, to have him tell me everything would be okay. But it wasn’t okay, and I knew it. It never would be again.

“Look at me, Mac.”

I’m not sure how I found the strength to turn and look at him then. But somehow I did because the next thing I knew he was in front of me, raising my chin so that I was forced to meet his gaze. My mouth trembled at what I saw in his eyes—sympathy, yes, but far worse—understanding. And guilt.

He knew. Somehow he knew.

“I didn’t want you to find out like this,” I said, choking out a laugh.

It was such an absurd thing to say and do, that both of us were momentarily stunned. Then I was in his arms, my cheek pressed to his chest. He held me so tightly, I could barely breathe. I didn’t care.

5 comments:

  1. OMG Jen, so much awesome! You met that goal; you wrote this tantalising snip ... hooray! :-)

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  2. Oh Jen, loved the snip! Keep 'em coming, pleeeeze!

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  3. Hi Jen (and all),

    Great start on NaNo so far. I've added you all as buddies in hopes that you keep me motivated over there as you do here :o)

    Thanks!

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  4. Jen's back! Woo! And with a cliff hanging snip too! Just like old times [g]

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  5. Thanks everyone! This Nano thing is turning out to be a VERY good, much needed, kick in the arse for me. :)

    Get your nano on, yo! lol.

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