Baby, it’s cold outside but are we worried? Not a bit. I’m delighted with sales rising for my latest book, Help Wanted. Readers want to move right into River’s Edge where the motto is Kindness to Strangers. Just like the good old days where neighbors took care of friends in need and children played outside without fear.
Today I continue with Sally Atwood returning to the cable company thinking she’d knock Jerald Adams socks off with the Grace Trumbull interview with the sad Saluki and give her the promised job.
Excerpt in eight:
The same receptionist checked the appointment book and with a sour look meant to pierce a heart, glowered at Sally; “You don’t have an appointment.”
Using her new authoritarian voice, Sally said, “Mr. Adams requested that I come in as soon as possible since I have fulfilled his assignment to obtain the in-depth interview with Ms. Grace Trumbull; I have it right here.”
“Oh. Just a minute. ” Out and in, she returned, a smug look on her face to say, “Mr. Adams said he’s not interested in such an interview and thanks you for your time.”
The words from the movie Dirty Dancing popped into Sally’s mind, “Nobody puts baby in the corner.”
Sally Atwood stormed through the door, eyes blazing.
The large imposing man sat, feet crossed at the ankles up on his desk, puffing on a cigar, king of a small kingdom, eyes widened at Sally’s unexpected intrusion.
“In good faith, I followed your assignment with a promise for a job and after I fulfilled my part I find I’ve wasted Grace Trumbull’s time and she’s an important member of River’s Edge Counsel.” Sally spun on her heels and left Jerald Adam’s office.
for more snippets from talented writers:
Author Charmaine Gordon 
Love a gal who stands up for herself!
Hey Patricia, it’s nice to see your name here this morning. Thanks for stopping by.
Well I certainty didn’t see that coming. The nerve of that SOB. Your writing really got me riled up, lol, talk about tweeking the emotions. Great snippet.
Hi Chelle, so happy to have tweaked your emotions this fine Sunday..
This right here is an excellent example of show don’t tell, “The large imposing man sat, feet crossed at the ankles up on his desk, puffing on a cigar, king of a small kingdom, eyes widened at Sally’s unexpected intrusion.”
I have the perfect picture painted that this guy is an arrogant SOB without your using the words arrogant SOB. 🙂 great writing Charmaine!
(Nothing for me this week)
Wow! And to think all I do is paint pictures with words to express what’s going on. Look out world, I’m doing something write.
Thanks, Cindy. More than I can say.
So pleased with your comment. Help Wanted is a fun story filled with humor and angst and oh the wonder of the Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause when the therapy dogs visit the wounded veteran’s recovering at the hospital. Thanks, Teresa.
I love this line, Charmaine! “king of a small kingdom…” Wonderfully descriptive writing! She is a force to be reckoned with. 🙂
Good for her! I hope Mr. Adams gets in some kind of trouble. Stupid media Big fish!
Thanks for the comment, Elyzabeth.
I am woman, hear me roar! Love how Sally gave him a big piece of her mind. So happy this book is selling well, Charmaine! You deserve it! 🙂
Hi Evelyn. We do love our strong women. If you have a chance, please get a copy of Help Wanted. Sales fluctuate. Just when I thought it was headed to the BIG list, my dear story has lost momentum. When I cry HELP WANTED I mean it.
Good for her, that arrogant prig has no right to mess her about! Smoothly written.
We are muscle bound in this eight. Sally just inhaled a can of Spinach and like Popeye, she’s out to conquer.
Go Sally!
You betcha. She’s not about to be derailed. Thanks for the boost.
Great snippet filled with emotion and wonderful description. Well done!
Hi Tina, thanks for the terrific comment.
She is a strong and feisty woman. I love it. Nobody puts baby in a corner has to be my favorite part. My mom would watch this movie with us kids all the time.
Hi Cecilia, It’s one of my favorite movies and when he pulled her out of the corner that did it for me!
Good for her standing up to that snob of a receptionist and letting Mr. Adams have it 😀 You put a lot of punch into this snippet.
I like the word PUNCH. Thanks, Frank.
Good for her!!! Loved the scene, thoroughly enjoyed her self confidence…great 8!
And I thoroughly enjoyed reading your comment, my friend.
Love her use of her authoritarian voice. Congrats on the great sales!
Hi Jess, It’s good to see your name here. Sales go up and then down. YIKES! What a business.
Hope she finds a way to use the interview elsewhere and show him up. Great snippet!
Gem, you’ve nailed what comes next. Thanks.
I like her answer. I like this whole snippet–it was not what I expected.
Surprise for Sally and she moves on. Thanks, Cara,
Oh I wasn’t expecting that! Great snippet 🙂
Always the unexpected. It’s fiction and we love it.
Love her new “authoritarian” voice and confidence! Very vivid portrait of Mr. Adams, too. I think we now all want him to get what he deserves, king or not. 🙂
Christina, thanks for a lovely comment.
Jerald Adams made a big mistake, I’m thinking. Great snippet.
Not too worry, Alexis. Sally ‘s career is just beginning.
Some how I don’t think she’s finished with cigar man! 😉 Great 8!
Moving on, she has a lot of ground to cover. I had so much fun writing this story. If you have a taste for Help Wanted, I’d appreciate you checking out the whole long/short story. You won’t regret it. Thanks, Dani.
what an absolute jerk! Sally worked hard on her assignment and here he was acting as he didn’t ask her to do it? ugh I’m so mad on her behalf. I’m glad she told him off to his face!! next up, tripping that horrid assistant of his. love love this snippet!!! xoxo
Girl friend, you’re on the war path. Thanks for the passion invested in my eight. This flower girl appreciates your comment. I’m reading Lauren’s book and next-you and Neva. Please do the same for me with Help Wanted. We all need a boost.
Oh good, Sally has teeth and claws. I like that.
We are women, Hear our roar. I do love strong women just as you do, Elaine. Not catty, though. Spare me.
Sounds like the news could use a little competition.
And here it comes-next week. Best to you, my friend.
What a jerk! And his receptionist, too.
I hope he gets his comeuppance sooner, rather than later!
Thanks, Sarah. Are we having fun or what!
That guy is an ass and I’m glad Sally stormed in there. Wasting her time and Grace’s is beyond rude and that receptionist is just as bad. I get the feeling Mr. Adams hasn’t seen the last of Sally.
I love that you’re on Sally’s team. Tune in next week for the competition to show up.
Wow I didn’t see that coming. Great eight!
Neither did I until I wrote it. Thanks, Neva.
I love her attitude!
Me too. Wish I had a bit of that. My daughter does and it’s a good thing.
What a jerk! Wonder how he thought he was going to get away with lying to her like that?
King’s don’t have to think. So he’s the loser here.
LOL I like the Dirty Dancing reference.
Keep smiling,
Yawatta
Oh how he danced! Love that gorgeous man and when they made sweet love, Hmm. Beautiful.
Smiling here, GF.