Of Dust, Allergies and Chapter Beginnings.

I last provided an update of my progress (and favourite passages) to Chapter 6 – in Of Rewrites, Camps and Villians. I have been remiss. The first drafts of Chapters 7, 8 and 9 are now complete (and awaiting a rewrite and beta reading.)

Last week, the weather took a turn to the horrendous. The wind was blowing down from the north, bringing with it heat, dust and more dust. I had battling sinus and puffy eyelids and prepared myself for the horrors of the South Australian summer that is looming.

Through streaming eyes I managed to get the first (and larger scene) in Chapter 10 almost completed. Then days of procrastination and allergy-induced lethargy ensued. At last there was a return to the cooler weather, and writing. I could breathe.

The story so far: (55.7% of projected first draft is now completed)

Chapter 7: Of Lies, Damned Lies and Treachery (4300 words)
Dilemma #7: A certain character’s name is still eluding me!
Favourite passage so far:
‘Tillie rolled up the sleeve of the borrowed Chinese robe. The unconventional outfit had proven very comfortable when sitting for hours at the desk. She fancied such an ensemble would also prove quite useful in future assignments/adventures. What would Aunt Prudence say to that? Tillie snorted softly.‘
Chapter 8: Of ? , Photographs and Paranoia (5628 words)
Dilemma #8: Keeping the middle of the story interesting and completing the chapter title without revealing too much.
Favourite passage so far:
‘‘You are pale.’ he said as his gaze roamed over her face. ‘You look like you have seen a ghost.’
“You know very well, there is no such thing as ghosts, Professor Allington,” she replied.
‘Oh dear,’ the Professor said, as he stepped towards her desk.
Tillie swallowed. Had she left something behind?
‘What have you done to your dress?’
Tillie let out a slow, quiet breath. ‘Ah, yes.’
Chapter 9: Of Manipulations, Revelations and Reunions (5052 words)
Dilemma #9: Why is my favourite character the Bad Guy? I need to change the Professor’s name.
My favourite passage so far:
“Have you ever been to the seaside?” he asked.
Tillie’s eyes widened. She remembered playing in the sand as a child. Not in England, but Egypt, during one of the many adventures with her father.
“We could take the train to Southend,” said the Professor.
Tillie’s gaze dropped to the floor in disappointment. Not Egypt? she thought.
The corner of the Professor’s moustache dropped with his smile. He wrapped his arm around Tillie’s shoulders.
“How thoughtless of me, Miss Meriwether. You must be exhausted after such an ordeal. I shall have to get you home to a comfortable bed.”
“Should you?” said Tillie.
Professor Allington dropped his arm from around her shoulder. His face glowed red. “What I meant was…”
“Thank you, Professor Allington. I do need some fresh clothes.” Tillie smiled. Egypt could wait for another day.’
Chapter 10: Of Assignations, Suspicions and Escape.
Chapter ?: Of Trains, Dirigibles and Steamships. – First draft: 2100 words so far (incomplete) – This was the first snippet to follow The Guest Upstairs and specifically written for this manuscript. It signifies a significant change in the story.