Sorry about no Flash Fiction Friday. I’m neck deep in the last week of the National Novel Writing Month and to be honest, it’s not going well. The novel I planned didn’t last the whole 50,000 words required to “win” the November challenge so now I’m writing by the seat of my pants (writers call that pantsing) trying to come up with additional stories on the spur of the moment.
Since my story, TriPoint Station, is set on a space station, I decided to write some short stories, exploring different aspects of the station. I’ve managed two short stories so far bringing me up to just a little over 5,000 words to go to finish the November challenge. I’ll keep plugging.
In the meantime, here’s a snippet from TriPoint Station. Be aware, this is a very rough draft. It may not even make the final book or it may be changed dramatically.
Snippet from TriPoint Station
“Lass! Welcome back.” He hustled out from behind the bar and gave me a bear hug. He did a double take when he saw my face, then pulled me over to an empty table, pulling out the chair for me. I sat down and he sat down with me. Quietly, he asked, “What happened?”
I shut my eyes; the memory of Mike, lying sprawled out on the concourse deck, blood seeping out from under his back flashing in my mind. I sighed and opened my eyes. “The guy I left here with, Mike, was just killed. Knifed right in front of me.”
Shamus’ eyes went wide. “How?”
I shook my head. “Three big guys attacked us as we were walking along the concourse, going to get some dinner. I don’t understand it. One grabbed my arm, Mike dropped back, taking on the other two. It went horribly wrong and one of them knifed him in the back.” I clasped my hands on the table to stop them from shaking.
Shamus put his hands over mine. They covered my hands completely, rough hands but warm and gentle. I looked into his face, there was concern there. “He was trying to defend me Shamus.” Tears started to leak down my cheeks.
End Snippet
I hope it’s teased your appetite for the rest of the book.