Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples!
This week I'm presenting a sample from another short story, The Usual Game.
The saloon, which doubled as the town's restaurant, wasn't far away--as the crow flies, provided the crow flew straight up; but the road wound back and forth up the hill, adding many yards to the distance. Verl trudged upward, and thought how happy Fong had been this morning during breakfast.
"I go today, Verl," he had said, letting a grin steal across his thin face. "I take it all to send to my wife." He held up the bags of bills and coins.
"Will it take long for her to get here?" Verl asked.
"Maybe three month, maybe six month. She bring everything with her," Fong replied.
"I'm real pleased for you, Fong. I'd go crazy waiting three years to see my wife again."
Fong put the bags on the sideboard and sat down at the table. He waited a long moment before replying. “It been hard, yes.” He fidgeted with the drawstring of a cloth sack laying on the table before him. “We think a long time before we decide I should come.” He looked up at Verl, and spoke, his voice shaking slightly. "You a lucky man, Verl. You most lucky to be born here in United States."
~~~The Usual Game is available on all Amazon Kindle stores, and at Smashwords.com in multiple ebook formats.
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Oh goodness. I hope Fong doesn't lose his money before he can send it. I'm always afraid for characters when they have to do something dangerous. A lot of people would kill for his money.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Dianne. Some folks are real nasty!
DeleteI had the same thought as Dianne. I hate to think of Fong carrying all that money around after waiting so long for his wife. Of course, I guess that's exactly what would keep me reading this story!
ReplyDeleteYes, the suspense is the thing. Thanks for visiting, Sandy.
DeleteInteresting and makes me want to look into reading more of the story.
ReplyDeleteI'm with the others hoping he doesn't lose the money but I suspect he will
There's a change he will, and a chance he won't. [smiling]
DeleteLove this beginning. Now I want to know more. Nicely done. Have you considered subbiing your westerns to Secret Cravings Publishing? I know they are looking for more westerns now.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean. I love when readers can't stop.
DeleteI took a look at Secret Cravings Publishing's site, but I make more money being an independent writer than I would if I submitted to publishers. It's a wonderful time for writers, now that we can go directly to the readers with our work. Thanks for the tip, though. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in giving me the suggestion.
LOVE this! Such character depth in this small sample. Sounds like you're doing just fine - happy sales to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Meg. I look to the long tail of ebooks. Amazon is working out well.
DeleteA great beginning, laced with possible hints of what is to come. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachel. Isn't writing fun?
Delete"...provided the crow flew straight up." What a great line! And I agree, the characterization here is great.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever been to Jerome, Joyce? That's where this is set. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
DeleteI love this sample. Times were rough for Asian immigrants, and I fear for him.
ReplyDelete