Street Glass is my novel-in-progress. My tagline:
Underprivileged 18-yr-old Latino leaves street gang and befriends white, over-privileged musicians.
While some of the plot is subject to change (draft two is a
pretty early draft, after all) the basic elements will stay, as will the
character "voices." So these excerpts will still give you a good idea
of how the plot plays out and what the characters are like. The year is 1986,
in Los Angeles, California.
I’m skipping several paragraphs where Sandy takes Neal to a suite of rooms in the mansion that he can use now that he’s going to live there. Faced with the imminent prospect of starting rehab, Neal tries to tell Sandy that he can’t do it. There’s some back and forth about that. Neal slides the baggie out of his back pocket and holds it behind his back. Sandy notices:
[This excerpt has been
modified to fit your screen--er, the 8sunday format J]
Neal refers to all white people as Anglos.“Hey—you’ve got something, haven’t you? Let’s have it, all of it.”Neal backed away but Sandy marched over to him. “I want whatever you’re holding, now—there is zero tolerance in this house.”Neal kept it crunched in his hand as he said with a dry throat, “If I give it up, gimme one more day before I go in.”"It’s better to go today, I don’t want you hitting withdrawal here.”Neal looked at the baggie and turned it over…it was all the stuff he had in the world…he hadn’t even brought any weed with him.Sandy snatched it, strode toward the hall, and said over his shoulder, “This is getting flushed and you’re going to rehab first thing in the morning.”There went good stuff and good money; damn Anglo.
Tag along at Weekend Writing Warriors as we blog hop all over the world, reading fabulous snippets from works in progress, works just published and some just about to be. You'll find various genres and blends of genres. Believe me, our participating writers have full and active imaginations!
Thanks for visiting my blog today. Comments gratefully accepted :-D
You do a fantastic job here of conveying the emotions surrounding addiction. I've witnessed it. That is how they look at it. "There went good stuff and good money..." And their worlds turn on whether or not they have it--all they have in the world, at least all that matters.
ReplyDeleteYep... Great snippet, Marcia! :-)
Aw thanks. That's what research does for ya ;-)
DeleteThe full scene has more back and forth about the baggie and it was challenging as well as fun to write.
I'm also working on much later chapters, and it gets weird trying to keep Neal's early and later personalities separate!
Agreed! Another great snippet. I like how the character of Sandy doesn't give in to the usual tactic of the "just once more then I'll do what you want" scenario that Neal tries. Very realistic.
ReplyDeleteHistory Sleuth's Milk Carton Murders
Sandy was lucky enough to avoid getting as addicted as Neal, so that's given him a different perspective. Not to say Sandy always knows what's best! Nice to see you Cindy.
DeleteSandy is a true friend to Neal. Very real portrayal of an addict's attitude. Nice 8!
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine. I appreciate that very much.
DeleteI have a scene with Neal in the rehab hospital where he's in the last stage of withdrawal; I might work that into 8sunday. We'll see.
I agree with both Teresa and Cindy. You've done your homework, and I love the way both characters handle the situation. It reminds me of the people I know who have found themselves in similar situations. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jess! These characters have taught me a lot, and continue to teach me. I don't know if that's schizoid or something good :D
DeleteI'm glad to see that baggie go. And I'm glad Sandy has a firm hand. Neal may appreciate that later as well.
ReplyDeleteLol! That's a matter of opinion! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteSuch a realistic story, both in the events happening and how the characters react...another terrific snippet today!
ReplyDeleteThanks Veronica. You wants people to believe you, ya gots to do the research. And then get back to writing, not sit there for weeks researching, lol :)
DeleteInteresting 8. I like that Neal hasn't yet given up on his previous perception of the world.
ReplyDeleteA fantastic eight there.
ReplyDelete