Hey, everyone. This is short and sweet, but it’s been a while since I’ve done a WIP Wednesday post.
I’m delighted to report I’ve almost completed the first draft of Cold Dark Night. Hey, it’s only around ten months later than I originally planned. I’ll not get into the whats and whys but suffice to say 2020 was not my best writing year. Anyway, I digress.
Yesterday, I wrote a scene that took place during a lunar eclipse. Here’s an (unedited) snippet.
He looked toward the western sky. The earth had begun passing between the moon and the sun, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. Before long, it would appear blood red, the brightness completely obliterated.
The darkest hour is just before dawn.
How many times had he heard his grandmother say those words? It was years before he knew where the quote originated or that it was metaphorical, not literal.
A twinge of excitement ran through him as the moon began turning a coppery hue. Astronomers called this the Super Blue Blood Moon—a rare trifecta of the second full moon of the month, its close proximity to earth, and a total eclipse.
An eerie stillness surrounded him. His pulse quickened – not from fear, but in anticipation of what was soon to come. Part of him wanted to go ahead with his plans. Too bad he hadn’t thought of it before now. A killing taking place during the blood moon would have been perfect.
But no, he had to bide his time. Wait for the natural course of events. He’d waited thirty-eight years for this. Another couple of weeks wouldn’t matter.
Intrigued? Look for more about Cold Dark Night and its short-story prequel, House of Sorrow, in the next few weeks.
Curious to know more about full moons, their names, and some legends behind them? Check back Monday for the second in my monthly series. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with this video.
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31 Responses
Your description of the eclipse was incredible, Joan… and those sneaky clues have me wanting to read so much more…
Thanks, Jaye and Anita. Hopefully you’ll be able to read them soon!
Looking forward to it!
Oooh, I like the sound of this! Nice one, Joan 🙂
Thanks, Harmony!
Loved the excerpt, Joan. Can’t wait to read the novel. And that photo is gorgeous. Did you need a filter to make it blood red?
Confession: It’s not my photo. I forgot to add the creative commons info in the caption. I have seen the moon look a similar color when in eclipse, so I’m not certain about the filter.
It’s still pretty.
Great excerpt, Joan. Congratulations on finishing the first draft. Your photo is gorgeous!
Wish I could take credit for the photo. I forgot to add the creative commons info. My moon photos aren’t half that good. Or a fourth for that matter!
Either are mine! 🙂
Great excerpt. Once I finish my 2021 projects I may never write about the moon again. All the calendaring and day counting is not the fun part of writing. Then you have to figure out what your characters will do in the weeks between moons. Worthy projects, but I’m looking forward to moving on to something else.
I’ve researched this project for years. It’s rather fascinating. As far as calculating the dates, there are all kinds of web sites that have moon phases back to the 1800s.
Oh, I know. It’s hard waiting a month between action bits, but I have to fill those sections somehow.
Understanable.
Great excerpt, Joan. I love moons and moon folklore, so naturally I’m looking forward to learning more through your moon blog posts. And I can’t wait for House of Sorrow and Cold Dark Night. They sound so intriguing!
Thanks, Mae. We’re alike with the folklore and moon fascination.
Great excerpt, Joan. Congratulations on the first draft too. The different moons are a fascinating subject.
Thanks, John. I’ve learned a lot about the moon while researching this series. It is fascinating.
Wonderful excerpt, Joan – I want to read more! And a gorgeous pic.
Thanks, Teri. Wish I could take credit for the photo. In my hast to post this, I forgot to add creative commons in the caption.
Congratulations on being a step closer to your goal. And what a great excerpt! Now I really want to read the rest of this tale! And don’t feel alone–I think many if not MOST of us had a crummy writing year in 2020! Hoping for better in 2021, myself, and best wishes to you for the same thing! 🙂
i’m in good company, writing-wise. Wishing us both a better 2021!
Congratulations on getting near the end of your Cold Dark Night draft. I enjoyed the excerpt!
Thanks, Priscilla. Glad you liked it.
Congrats on almost finishing your first draft, Joan 🙂 I loved the excerpt and Pink Floyd goes perfectly with it!
Dark Side of the Moon is one of my all-time favorite albums. Glad you like the excerpt.
Congratulations, Joan!! How awesome to reach that stage in your WIP! I love everything related to moons. Tomorrow is a new moon in Aquarius and is the perfect time to manifest new wishes!! 🙂 I loved the excerpt!
Thanks, Jan! Can’t help but think of the song, “The Age of Aquarius.”
This is a very interesting and chilling extract, Joan. I will be reading The Stranger next month. I am looking forward to it.
My first novella! I hope you enjoy it, Robbie. There’s an element of suspense but not to the degree as my other books.