For today’s WIPpet, I’m sharing a bit of my current WIP, “Haunted Kisses.” For those of you who aren’t familiar, WIPpet Wednesday is the brain child of author K.L. Schwengel. It’s an opportunity for writers to share their work. Click here to support other WIPpeteers!
This week’s math is simple. Here are 19 sentences for Nov. 19. Tara is breaking the news to her BFF, Violet, that she has a roommate who’s a member of the dearly departed persuasion. Enjoy!
It wasn’t until they were seated at the table, a steaming hot cheese pizza between them, that Violet’s eyes narrowed. “You still worried about Bradley?”
Tara played with the piece of crust remaining on her paper plate. “No. Bradley is ancient history. More than ancient. He’s Mesozoic.”
“Do you not like your new boss? Word around town is he’s one of Patience Point’s most eligible bachelors.” Violet gave her a wicked grin so enthusiastic Tara couldn’t help but join her.
“No. It’s just…” She leaned forward, brushing her blond hair behind her shoulder. “A ghost situation.”
Violet let her breath out in a whoosh. “Twenty-four hours in town and you’re already seeing the dead. That’s a record, even for you.”
“Tell me about it.”
Tara felt positively sick about it, but Violet’s enthusiasm didn’t wane.
***
ROW80 midweek check-in…
Writing
1.) Make measurable progress on one of my WIPs. Not a whole lot of progress to report. Created a beat sheet for “Haunted Kisses.”
2.) Read three books on the craft/business of writing. One of three books read. Currently reading Blake Snyder’s “Save the Cat.”
Social media goals:
1.) Check in on Twitter or Facebook daily. On track to meet this goal.
2.) Blog twice a week. On track to meet this goal.
3.) Comment on three to five blogs per day, Monday-Thursday. On track to meet this goal.
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life. Click here to cheer on fellow participants.
Denise D. Young 
Great work towards your goals 🙂 I’m wondering what a ‘beat sheet’ is, but guessing it tracks progress?
I really enjoyed the snippet. It made me hungry though, and missing my friends – we haven’t had a girly night in weeks! It was such a natural, engaging conversation, and I could see the scene easily. I want to know more about Tara’s gift (though it seems she’s not feeling it!) 🙂
A beat sheet is basically a plotting tool. So, basically I plotted my story from beginning to end.
Glad you liked the snippet. Thanks!
Nice progress! Save the cat is on my Christmas list.
That pizza sounds way better than the one we had for supper. And the company!
I enjoyed “Save the Cat.” It gave me a different way of looking at my stories, especially in regards to plot. I hope Santa brings you a copy! 🙂
I like how casually Violet takes the news.
🙂 Yeah. She’s known about Tara’s gift for a while–since they were twelve–so she’s had time to get used to it. If anything, she’s more comfortable with it than Tara is, oddly enough.
This sets up a very interesting scenario indeed!
Thanks!
Sounds like Violet knows Tara very well indeed! A ghost situation, eh? That would be rather unsettling, to say the least!
Yes, they’ve been best friends since they were kids, so they go way back.
Tara would call it unsettling. Violet is somewhat fascinated by Tara’s gift–she’d love to be able to see ghosts the way her best friend does.
“That’s a record, even for you.” haha. that definitely shows how well they know each other. 🙂
Thanks, Fallon. I’m glad the depth of their friendship comes across in this passage.
I liked the interaction between the two friends, very good!
I Found “Save the Cat” very helpful, and tend to use his beat sheet when plotting out stories now. 🙂
Thanks, Ruth.
Yes, the beat sheet is definitely a keeper. I have a feeling I’ll be doing one for my stories from now on.
Hope you’re doing well. Thanks for stopping by.
Three skills development books … what a great goal! I have oodles and oodles of such books. Now I really must read them.
And the plan is to get back into regular blogging. Starting next week I think I’ll make two lists for each day: Must Do and Want to Do. Blogging will be on the Must Do list.
Have a great week.
I keep blogging on my must-do list as well. I love being able to connect with fellow writers and bookworms. It makes a solitary profession like writing much more social. I learn more about writing, discover new books, and meet new people. So it’s definitely a win.
I’ve read a ton of craft books this year, and I’ve definitely benefited. I can feel how much I’ve grown not just from writing and practicing my craft but also from learning different approaches to the craft of storytelling. I’m a much better writer because of it. I’d definitely recommend trying it. James Scott Bell’s writing books are some of the best I’ve found. I haven’t found one of his that I wouldn’t recommend.
Great progress!
That last line made me giggle. In fact…I’m still giggling over it. Nice job!
Thanks, Adrian. Glad I could bring some laughter into your day. Your comment brought a smile to my face. 🙂
Lovely excerpt Denise. It’s intriguing and I want to know more about the characters. 🙂
Thanks, Elaine. It’s good to hear that the characters are drawing you in. I’ll take that as an indication that the story is heading in the right direction. 🙂
I really enjoyed your WIPpet. Interesting that the ghosts seem to have shown up faster than normal in her new location. Now I’m wondering why! 🙂
Great progress on your goals. I think I will borrow the idea of making social media goals–that’s looks like a good way to remind me that I mean to check in on Twitter.
Thanks, Kim.
I’m a true introvert, so having social media goals pushes me to put myself out there. It keeps me accountable.
Great snippet! Also? I’m now craving pizza. Thanks for that. lol
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Save the Cat saved my writing career…just about literally. Best thing ever.
Great snippet. I wonder why Violet is so enthusiastic about it.
It was great. It gave me a new way to look at plotting. Beat sheets will now be a core part of my writing process.
Thanks!
I have Save the Cat on my kindle but admit to not reading it yet. Based on all the comments, I think I’ll have to make time.
Great progress toward your goals, and love the WIPpet. Makes me very curious as to what is going on. And the exchange between the two feels very smooth and natural.
I say try it out. It’s a quick read. His tone is really conversational and the info, though it’s geared toward screenwriters, translates well to writing fiction.
Thanks!