I’m working again on my YA paranormal(?) suspense, A DEAD GUY AT THE SUMMERHOUSE. The main character is James Michener Franklin (Mitch), a 17-year-old orphan who has been hired as handyman/companion/dogkeeper by an elderly rich woman. At least, she used to be elderly. I first started working on this book when I was 18, and 70 seemed perty durn old. Now that I’m 63, 70 seems pretty fresh.
Dr. Andrew is the son of the house. Sandy is a man, and the house’s cook. Corrie is the maid, and has cornered Mitch and informed him that he, Mitch, is possessed by the spirit of a man who … wait for it … died at the summerhouse.
A DEAD GUY AT THE SUMMERHOUSE
excerpt
by Marian Allen
Corrie came in. The atmosphere cramped with tension.
She looked and spoke to me, as if I were the only person in the room. “Miss Amelia would like you to come take the dogs for a walk. She’s in her room with them now.”
“I’ll be right there.”
“I’ll show you the way.”
I didn’t want to go with her. I mean, I really didn’t want to go with her. Maybe Dr. Andrew sensed it, because he came to my rescue.
“Aunt Amelia’s room is next to yours, Mitch,” he said, his eyes back on his empty plate, “on the side closer to the foyer stairs. You can’t miss it.”
“Thanks.” To Corrie, I said, “I’ll find it. Thanks anyway.”
“But –”
Sandy put his knuckles on the table and raised himself from his seat.
Corrie slammed the door as she left.
“Poor girl,” said Dr. Andrew, as if the words had been squeezed out of him.
“Yeah?” said Sandy. “Yeah, I guess. She’s just got a bad attitude. Little snot.”
~ * ~
It’s finished; I just have to hit it with another clean-up edit and it’s good to go. Wheeeee!
A WRITING PROMPT FOR YOU: What would you do if someone informed you that you were possessed by the spirit of a dead guy?
MA
Dan Antion
August 24, 2014 at 8:07amYour prompt makes mr think of the Twilight Zone episode “Dead Man’s Shoes” – http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Man's_Shoes_(The_Twilight_Zone)
Marian Allen
August 24, 2014 at 1:48pmOooo! Twilight Zone is always good!
Adi
August 25, 2014 at 2:06amI would just love to read the entire piece. it’s so interesting so far.
Marian Allen
August 25, 2014 at 1:46pmThanks, Adi! The book is finished, and just needs a final polish. 🙂
Marion Driessen
August 28, 2014 at 9:58amLooking forward to the whole story, Marian! How wonderful you finished something you started (not) so long ago. 😀
Marian Allen
August 28, 2014 at 10:32amWhen I started it, it was set in current time. Now it’s a historical. :/
Marion Driessen
August 28, 2014 at 12:53pmTime just moves on, not waiting for anyone. But at least we can enjoy each and every day! @Marian Allen –
Marian Allen
August 28, 2014 at 1:49pmHaving good friends like you stopping by helps that to happen. 🙂
Marion Driessen
August 29, 2014 at 3:56amHere’s a hug, because it’s Friday and the weekend is coming. 🙂
Marian Allen
August 29, 2014 at 8:50amHugs back! 🙂