I did it! I made this year's NANOWRIMO goal!

It's been one rough weekend in the non-writing life area. I wasn't certain I'd be able to sit down long enough to finish the 50,000 word goal--especially after having to take a family member to the emergency room. Many writers claim how writing can be therapy. I'm here to say this is proof. I was stressed, exhausted, and worried but when I made myself open up the file, I was able to finish and then sleep well. Okay, so I did take my sleep aid but that's okay.

I like to dangle a carrot for myself to finish challenges like this. This year's is the new Enya album. I can't buy it until the 6th but who cares?  I made it!

Day 28 of NANOWRIMO!

Today was a hard day to get writing done. I managed 2,079 though. I'd love to do more but am so very tired. If I can do that many, or close to it, the next two days then I'll make the goal!

I worked on flashback scenes this time. There are only two and they take place one after the other in the story. I don't care much for flashbacks but they are needed to show a character things that happened in her ancestor's past and their effect on the present.

Here's the excerpt:

Obasi came to with a low moan but had no idea how long he lay unaware on the ground. It was painful to move but he turned onto his side and realized the reed mat beneath him was soaked in his blood. He probed his shoulder wound with the fingers of his right hand and winced. It was crusted a little so he knew to pack it with grasses to staunch any further bleeding. There were plenty only a few feet away and so he half dragged, half crawled over to them. The back of his head ached too, likely from impacting the ground when he fell at the last.

 He further realized it was quiet…too quiet. He heard no sounds of hooves or shouting or clashing of weapons. Even the insects were silent.

Where are the men? What happened to the villagers?

He frowned when he saw the billows of white and grey smoke rising from the village. He feared for his tribal family.

There were many scuff marks on the ground to indicate the battle was fierce. Blood, sweat, and smoke still clung to the air so he decided he wasn’t out for very long. Continuing to shove the grasses against his wound, he noticed something dark in the bushes just beyond reach. He concentrated his focus and realized he it was a man’s foot sticking out from beneath.

Crawling closer, he was able to trace the foot to a leg and then a thigh. There he paused because he recognized the scarification sigil on that thigh. It belonged to one of the drummers who fled the scene when the conquistador shot his pistol.

Obasi gathered his inner strength and said a prayer for help as he grasped the leg and pulled. It was indeed attached to the rest of the poor man’s body but was too heavy and at the wrong angle for the priest to pull him free of the foliage.

He wormed his way beneath the branches to get closer. One look at the man’s ruined face made him stop. There was no way any mortal could survive that kind of damage. Bone and cartilage reflected the fading sunlight; there were a handful of teeth scattered to one side like kernels of discarded corn.

The end is near! Not just for NANOWRIMO but some characters in my story. LOL!

After a couple of rough days, where I barely managed 100 words each. I made up for it with today's 3,148 words in the Scarification novel for NANOWRIMO. With the bad weather and black Friday weekend (which you couldn't pay me to go out in), I should finish on target.

Yes, I am about to kill off some folks. Hey, it's a horror novel so that's got to be expected at some point. Right?

Here's the excerpt for today:

1750 A.D.

Kukoyi and his brother hid among the leafy green bushes. They knelt among the tall grasses and sat still and patient as a lion assessing its prey. Nothing stirred them, not even the insects crawling across their toes or stinging their arms. Sweat ran freely down from their temples to their cheeks and still they watched, taking mental note of every detail before them.

The Yoruban chief followed his tribesman here to investigate reports of raids on neighboring tribes. There were many stories and rumors these lean years about raiders different than those of the normal intertribal disputes. These newer invaders destroyed villages, burning the homes and crops. They took the people away…those not left to rot in the hot sun.

The Nigerians were outmatched in weaponry, which more than made up for the lack of invading soldier numbers. Their tactics were strange as well—offering immunity for trade of enemies or outright buying children. Not the very young but those of an age to be easily influenced, yet not needing a mother’s careful watch. Those of eight to twelve rainy seasons of age were most at risk. It didn’t matter if they were married or nobility. All were taken the same.

All of the old were outright slaughtered, as were the sick and deformed. These men were unmerciful and unyielding. They cared nothing for death rites or burial rituals, which left many souls doomed to wander the savannah, following the red trails of blood in the dust.

They were careful with the pregnant women, which the men found curious. If one was to slaughter their enemies, why would they leave the possibility of one becoming two by allowing the birth? The other curious thing was the disturbing boldness of these bearded men from the northwest. They never employed stealth and negotiations were brief, if at all. It was as if they did not fear the Orishas or the power of the land.

The Portuguese slavers clapped iron bracelets and anklets, which were joined together by thick chains on each of their conquered people. Then they were led away towards the coast. Rumors were to a place whose name was feared:  Elmina Castle. It’s Door of No Return was infamous and only spoke of in whispers. Kukoya believed it was a doorway into hell, as did most other Nigerians.

Day 23 of NANOWRIMO. 40,000 words surpassed! Excerpt included.

It was a good writing day. I split it up again so maybe that's a better plan for me. I'm concerned there isn't enough action lately so hope to focus on a few of those scenes next. Yeah, I know there will be revision time later but you know writers...always looking for what's needed to make the story flow and be interesting.

My daily count came in at 3,011 which gives me a running total of 40,028. I'm excited. Grin.

Here is today's excerpt:

Amara interrupted, “There are some situations which cannot be fixed and some wounds which cannot or should not be healed. In cases of physical abuse like this, the children’s lives are at risk.”

“That’s one beautiful thing about God. No one is above redemption. Anyone, who truly wishes it, can be redeemed. It doesn’t matter the depth of their depravity, or their sins. The key is for them to see and understand their wrongs and truly repent of them.”

“That would require never doing it again. I can’t risk that on any child’s life.” Amara straightened her back. “Please forgive my bluntness but this is not the time for sermons. Praying for them won’t fix anything.”

“Ah, but there you are incorrect,” the priest said, punctuating his point by jabbing his right index finger on the desktop. “As I mentioned before, the blessings of her sister brought Abeni discomfort. The demon could no longer hide itself. Prayer may be the only way to save her.”

Just then Amara remembered something:  shortly after Kalika started praying the family blessing, she silently prayed a similar blessing prayer from her ancestors. Suddenly she wondered how far back that prayer actually came from. She knew her family history went back to a tobacco plantation in Virginia. They were slaves captured originally in…Africa.

Day 22 of NANOWRIMO! Post update and today's excerpt.

Today I did a split writing day. 1,200 words in the morning and the rest after some TV in the evening. I did nap in the afternoon though. Hopefully it'll help me dump this cold I'm trying to come down with. I also suspect the carbs I'm having difficulty avoiding are contributing to the headaches, heartburn, and lethargy. I'm determined to avoid them more than I have been. It's my fault for not being diligent.

My total writing today came to 3,321 words. I start the final week with my total at 37,017 out of 50,000. Almost there!

Here's today's excerpt (remember these are unedited):

Pumbaa Bankole hadn’t slept much the night before either. The imageless visitor returned to taunt him as he lay on his bunk. He knew it was there just seconds before it spoke. The room smelled of warmth and ozone. He also knew he didn’t imagine it because one of the other two men in the cell stirred.

“I met Abeni,” it told him from the dark shadows of the jail cell.

When he ignored the bodiless voice, it sang in his ear, “I showed her what a liar her father is and how her mother is a slut.”

Pumbaa closed his eyes and pretended to sleep.

“They tried to take her faith away from her but I stopped them. You should be grateful; you should thank me,” it told him.

“I doubt that,” Pumbaa whispered.

“They wanted her to nail her brother to the wall.”

“I doubt that as well.”

“Shut up,” one of Pumbaa’s cell mates spit at him from where he lay up on his bunk. The man turned over to face the wall.

“Ask her about the little séance. Oh wait, you poor man who cannot even comfort his daughter in her darkest hour. I suppose you will have to leave that to me.”

“Leave me,” Pumbaa said in a low tone.

“Very well,” the voice said to him. “I guess I will have to go discuss the situation with your wife.”

Even though he couldn’t see the thing, Pumbaa knew the presence had left. The room suddenly felt emptier and cold. He told himself he preferred it that way as he pulled his blanket up tighter about his chest.

When dawn arrived, and the call to rise came from the prison public address system, Pumbaa cursed the demon. Even though it didn’t stay long, it planted the seeds of doubt and worry in his mind. That was enough to keep him awake and uncomfortable the remainder of the night. He climbed from his bunk, exhausted in body and mind.

Wow, day 21 of NANOWRIMO already! Here's today's word count and an excerpt.

I think I'm fighting off a cold. Yesterday I blew off writing to go to bed early. I slept 11 hours!  Today, though, I got in 2,715 so don't feel too bummed. That's got my running total at 33,691. I want to give a BIG thanks to my friend, Sally, for helping me brainstorm some word association game words. She also pointed me to some nice online references. Who says writers are alone when they write? Not me...at this time!

Here's today's excerpt:

Once everyone was seated, Father Quinn addressed the older girl. “It is not imperative for you to be part of this unless you simply want to. I understand you are protective over your siblings and so wanted to offer the opportunity to stay.”

Kalika picked at the hem of her sweater as she said, “It’s more Taiwo that I watch over these days.”

“I understand. Still, the choice here is yours.”

Avoiding her sister’s frown, she answered, “I’ll stay.”

“What do you need from me?” Aislin asked.

“Just your prayers. Pray for Abeni and for me,” he said.

She nodded. “I can certainly do that. I’ve been praying for you both already.”

“Thank you,” was his reply.

“I have a question,” Abeni piped up.

The corner of Kalika’s eye twitched—something not missed by the adults in the room.

“Certainly, young lady,” Quinn said. “Tell us your question.”

“Just who are you praying to?”

“Abeni!” scolded Aislin.

“No, no…it’s fine. That is a very astute question,” Quinn said. He looked directly into Abeni’s face when he answered her. “I will pray to God, Our Father in Heaven. Each of us will pray to the almighty being to whom we revere and obey…whichever name we refer to him by.”

He then turned his gaze upon Aislin and Amara. “Belief and a solid faith is what’s important here. Doubt and fear are the things which are not allowed. Does that make sense?”

Day 19 of NANORIMO Less than 20,000 words to go! Also, today's excerpt.

The count for today is 1,842 words, which puts the total so far this month at 30,976. I did finish reading Interview with an Exorcist and posted a review on Goodreads before writing for today.

Here's the excerpt from today's writing:

“I believe a curse as a real thing is entirely possible. It’s not as direct as modern people may think where a person suddenly grows old or thin. However, a demonic presence can be directed to focus on a person, or a family in this case. We’ll find some of this out in the determination interview. Signs of a real obsession or possession will include elements we all can see.”

“Would you elaborate?” Amara asked.

“Certainly. If the demon is present, we should be able to force it to reveal itself. Physical attributes such as abnormal strength for a child, eyes rolling back in her head, speaking foreign or dead languages, causing objects to levitate,” Quinn explained.

“That sounds like Hoodoo or some kind of stage illusion.”

“That is something we will discover along the way. It can be very real or some great elaborate hoax.”

“Well, thank you for your time. I appreciate your candor and consideration. I will see you at the interview tomorrow then.”

Amara stood and held out her right hand to shake Father Quinn’s hand.

He accepted it but held on for a moment to gain her full attention. “Miss Byrd. You and I will help these children…one way or another.”

Day 18 of NANOWRIMO report and excerpt.

Okay, so I know this is posting on 11-19-2015 but the NANOWRIMO count is for the 18th. I just didn't finish until after midnight. I spent some time writing today that wasn't typing words on the page. If you're an author, you know what I mean. I had four books for research come in and spent time reading the first 60 pages of the first. It is for the Scarification story so it counts as writing, even though it won't add to my challenge word count. I'm reading Interview with an Exorcist by Fr. Jose AntonioFortea.

So when I did get to writing (after tonight's episode of Supernatural), I got in 1,906 words. That puts the running total up to 29,134. Grin.

Here's the excerpt from today's writing:

It was a long night at the hospital. It was cool in Abeni’s room so Amara made sure both she and the young girl had blankets. What they got looked well used and thin but were surprisingly warm.

The social worker put the television on until Abeni drifted off. Then she turned it to a music channel and lowered the volume. Just high enough to mask the unusual sounds drifting in from the hall from time to time.  She supposed they weren’t unusual for a hospital but certainly not something normally expected to hear at home. She didn’t want anything to disturb the girl. If what the other family members told her was even remotely true, they all had a stressful evening.

Amara watched Abeni sleep. Her face looked so sweet and serene. She couldn’t imagine seeing that face contorted in a fit of rage or worse, a seizure. Poor baby.

Closing her eyes, Amara prayed softly, “Lord, please watch over Abeni here. I know she wasn’t raised to know you but I was taught all little children belong with you and that you care for them. Please protect her and keep her safe. She deserves…”

“Shut up, bitch,” a man’s voice spat out.

Amara stopped praying and her eyes flew open. She looked around the room. Only she and Abeni were there in the room. The girl’s eyes were still closed while her chest rose and fell in slumber.

Amara rose to her feet and looked towards the half opened door. Not seeing anyone, she crossed the room in her bare feet and checked the hallway. She saw no one. Feeling silly, she turned and stooped to check under the bed. Nothing; she didn’t even see a dust bunny—a plus for the hospital cleaning staff.

The remainder of the night was quiet and Amara did eventually fall asleep in the recliner next to Abeni’s bed. 

Day 17--NANOWRIMO Reaching the half way mark of the challenge goal and today's excerpt.

She's writing again! Everyone run! Hide!

It's day seventeen and I finally made it past the half-way mark. Woot! I did 3,644 for today which puts the running total up to 27,228. I'm hopeful now that I can actually make the 50,000 words by the end of November. Tomorrow is visit doctors and the hospital day so I'm taking the laptop to see what I can get done in the cafeteria and waiting rooms. 

Here's today's excerpt:

The nails rose into the air and turned with their pointed ends towards Taiwo. His eyes were wide with fear and streaming tears still. He moved his head from side to side in a ‘no’ gesture with great effort. Aislin could tell by the way his neck muscles strained.

“No,” Kalika screamed again.

Suddenly the nails shot forward towards the wall and the suspended boy. Suddenly released, Kalika fell forward and Aislin to her knees. There was a thump on the floor ahead of them.

Both looked up to see Abeni crumpled on the floor like a discarded doll. Taiwo let out a howl. He was indeed pinned to the wall but the nails had secured him there through his clothing. They were near his body but none had penetrated his skin.

“Check your sister,” Aislin told Kalika and then climbed up on the mirrored dresser.

With her bare hands, she tore his pajama tops and bottoms to free his body. He toppled on top of her, wearing only his underwear. Together they fell to the floor where they hugged one another tightly.

“She’s okay. This happened before so I know she’ll sleep it off,” Kalika reported. “I bet she won’t remember any of this.”

The muffled sound of the front door slamming reached them.

“Brian,” Aislin cried.

Still carrying Taiwo, she raced down the stairs. She looked in the living room. The television was on but Brian was not there.

“Brian!”

“What’s wrong?” His voice came from the kitchen.

Whirling around, Aislin came face-to face with her husband holding a carton of ice cream and a bowl.

“Oh, Brian,” the relief in her voice made it quiver.

“Did you guys want some?”

Days 15 and 17 late check in NANOWRIMO and excerpt

Day fifteen was a measly 77 words so I included it with yesterday (day sixteen), which was also light. The total was 1,226. Yeah, I know...shameful, right? Luckily today I can spend more time than I originally thought. I did read through several articles of research I'd pulled off the internet both days so it was prep for writing.

Anyway, here's the excerpt for today. It's much milder than the others. I suppose that means there can be sweet moments in a scary book. :D

The kitchen smelled of warm, freshly brewed vanilla flavored coffee, bacon, sweet real maple syrup, and pancakes. This morning the sun shone brightly through the only window located over the kitchen sink. Cheerful sounds of young voices chattering joined with the clinking of silverware.

Aislin waited until after breakfast to ask about the wall drawing. She wanted to approach the subject at just the right time and in a way that wouldn’t sound angry. It wouldn’t do to have an argument on the kids’ first full day at the house. However, defacing property was something she and Brian agreed last night must be nicked in the bud. She figured it was a matter of the right time, along with a high dose of tact.

She watched as the three devoured the pancakes and bacon she made. I suppose every kids loves pancakes. She smiled at the thought. Some of the actual good memories she had of her childhood involved that very breakfast in her grandmother’s kitchen back in Boston.

Nana was one of the reasons Aislin talked her husband into applying for the foster care program. She knew what a difference a caring adult could be in the life of an abused child. She was lucky she had a family member willing to step in to take her and her sisters in after her father killed her mother. Both were severe alcoholics.  Many kids, like these eating in her kitchen, weren’t so lucky. Aislin always figured if she could help even one kid to have the wonderful childhood every kid deserves, then she paid it forward. Of course, she had no intention of stopping at one.

“I’m done. Can I go play now?” Taiwo asked.

Aislin looked into his dark brown eyes. “Yes, sweetie. Be sure to wash your hands in case the syrup made them sticky.”

“Okay.” He scooted off the chair and jumped up one stair at a time towards the upstairs bathroom.

I suppose I’ll have to wipe down the railings later, Aislin mused.

Day 14 of NANOWRIMO. Word count check in and excerpt.

You wrote how much?

Yep, today was a marathon of sorts. I completed 4,762 words today. I was shooting for 5,000 so got close. Hopefully I can pull off a repeat performance tomorrow since the rest of the week is looking to be busy with chores and dentist/cancer center/doctor appointments. Yeah, I'm the driver so my hands will be on the steering wheel more than the keyboard. I'll still do what I can get in though. 

There's one minor character I really like. She's a bit witty so it's going to be hard to either kill her or hurt her bad in the name of moving the story forward. 

Here's today's excerpt:

Taiwo peeked his head into the doorway. Inside he saw Abeni standing barefoot in her night dress on top of the mirrored dresser. She had a big magic marker and was drawing long lines on the white wall.

Remembering how Kalika scolded him, back in their family’s home, the time he drew stick figures on the walls, he looked around for her. She was asleep on the bottom bed but was breathing funny…all fast and squeaking.

Crouching down, Taiwo crept up to her.

When his head peeked over the side of the mattress, he noticed his big sister wasn’t asleep after all. Her eyes were wide and shifted from side to side, stopping to rest on him when she noticed him there. She squeaked again.

Oh, she said something, he realized and partially climbed up to get closer. As he did, her facial expression became frantic and her eyes bored into him.

“What did you say?” he whispered in her ear.

She worked her mouth as if pretending to be a fish under water. Then she strained her head forward and in a hoarse, squeaking whisper spoke.

“Run.”

Day 13 NANOWRIMO Word count check in and excerpt.

Today I wrote another 2,047 words in Scarification. I had in mind do to a bit more but the scene ended. I don't want to pad it just for the sake of the writing challenge. My total is up to 17,599 so there's some progress. Hopefully over the weekend I can get in some extra time on it. I have a couple of exorcisms to write so do have in mind what's next.

Here's today's short excerpt from the end of the scene:

Detective Bontham and Officer Salazar stood in the yard conversing. Salazar had his Maglite back and was fidgeting with it in his hands, passing it back and forth between them.

Amara escorted Shelby Koniz to her vehicle.

“I’ll ride with you and get you all checked in,” she said. “Then one of those two can bring me back to my car.” She nodded her head towards the detective and officer.

“Yeah.”

As Amara bent to get inside the passenger’s seat, Shelby grasped her by the biceps.

“Listen,” she whispered to the social worker. “I’ll go to this hotel room with the kids for tonight but only because there will be an officer checking in on us hourly. Tomorrow, I want them out of my house; out of my care.”

“Why?” Amara couldn’t believe it. “They need you.”

“No, you need me but you can find someone else to take them. I don’t want them in my home any more.”

“How could you do that to them?” Amara asked.

“Because I’m afraid.”

Day 12 of NANOWRIMO: Catching up, word count, and short excerpt.

There's been a lot going on with family and my caregiving responsibilities so I missed a few days writing. Today I made 2,309 so my NANOWRIMO total's up to 15,547. I'm still behind but not as bad as this morning. Grin. There's nothing like a scene of someone possessed to spur a writer on.

Here's a little excerpt (after the event):

It took Amara a moment to realize he meant ‘possessed’. She had to stifle a laugh.

“So, you put the trucks and cars under there in case you needed them later?”

“I guess,” he said. “When she talks funny I don’t want her to see them.”

“Why not?”

“Because she takes them away or smashes them…like she did that.” He pointed at the demolished CD player.

“Oh, okay. So what happened to make you get under there too?”

“I said…Abeni talked funny again. You didn’t listen.”

“What did she say? Did she call you names?”

“I don’t know. She talked like a rapper but didn’t make the dance or hands.” He did a couple of quick moves to demonstrate.

He was so cute, Amara again had to conceal her smile. “What song did she rap?”

Taiwo shrugged.

“Was it on the CD?” She pointed to the CD still sticking in the ceiling plaster. It’s silvery surface shone in the bedroom light.

“Heck no.”

She didn’t ask him anything else because he returned to playing with his tow truck.

Just then Salazar leaned his head in. “Paramedics are here. I’ll send them on up.”

Today's Day 9 of NANOWRIMO 2015. Word count report and excerpt

I managed to get in 2,480 words today so feel pretty good about it. The total's up to 13,260 now.
This session was a bit about the three children in my story and experiences they have in a temporary foster home.  Here's today's excerpt:

For the third day in a row Kalika woke with Taiwo curled up in a tight ball next to her stomach. The sky outside the window was dark. She wondered what time it was. Her brother always went to bed earlier than the others because he was small. Abeni liked to tuck him in and sing bedtime lullabies to him so the oldest sister knew he fell asleep in his own bunk.

Sometime during the night he must wake and climb in bed with her. This morning his feet were chilled and he had them tucked between her knees. She decided that must be what woke her. They felt like little icicles against her warm skin. She put her arm over him and he pulled it tighter against him. That’s when she realized he was shivering and awake.

“Are you cold?” she asked in a whispered voice.

“Yeah,” came his reply. His voice quivered.

“Here.” She pulled the comforter and blanket on the bed over his small body and rubbed his arm with her hand. “Better?”

“Uh, huh.”

Looking across him at the bunk bed, she noticed there were no blankets or even a sheet on the lower bunk he used as his bed.

“What happened to your covers?” Kalika asked.

“Abeni stole them,” he whispered and shivered again.

Kalika glanced up and indeed saw Abeni sound asleep on the top bunk beneath her bedding. She had her back to the room, facing the wall. Wadded up at her feet were the sheets, blanket, and comforter that belonged on Taiwo’s bed.

“What did she do that for?” she asked.

She moved to sit up and Taiwo stopped her.

“Don’t,” he whispered. “She will hit me if she wakes up again.” His body shivered once more.

NANOWRIMO Day 7 and today's excerpt

Yesterday was a total loss because I ran around and wore myself out doing chores. Today I tried to make up for it and finished with 3,411 words for the day. That brings my total so far to 10,780. I guess that makes me one fifth of the way to the goal. Grin.

Here's today's excerpt. It deals with the mother during an interview:

“Did you have the scarification marking before your marriage to Pumbaa?”

“Yes and no,” Yemaya said. At Amara’s surprised expression, she continued, “I suppose I should explain. I did not have a need for it until we were married. As I became a member of the family, I became included in the Bankole curse. Therefore, we included the marking ritual at the beginning of our wedding ceremony.”

“Wow, that must be unique,” Amara commented with a smile.

“Unique is a good word to describe the Bankole family. I am proud to be included among them. I will also add that I was never forced to do this or coerced by anyone. I chose freely. Besides, where I lived as a child, such markings are common and considered beautiful—particularly among women.”

She lifted the sleeve of her shirt to reveal a well-healed scar shaped like a gazelle on her right biceps. “See? This is one I had done on my fourteenth birthday. It only stings for a couple of days but looks pretty for the rest of your life.”

“Please forgive me if I get too personal next. I want to ask about how you are doing. I know the stress of your children living with others has caused you to suffer.”

“Yes, it has. That is why I was enrolled in the hospital. The doctors there are helping me to work through the darkness on my heart.”

Yemaya leaned closer and whispered, “I tell you truthfully—no healer, no medication, nothing will help me until Taiwo and Abeni are protected. She has a marking but it is not complete.”

Day Five NANOWRIMO Word Count and Excerpt

Okay, so I blew off day four. I was just plain tired. I did do some reading. Today is day five and I just logged in 1,638 words for the day. It's a few short of the daily goal but that's okay. It was a natural place for the scene to end.

Today's scene involves the father of the family. He's in jail, pending court time and gets visited by a demon.

The other oddity was that other sounds of the prison were silenced. That could mean only one thing. It was a demon speaking to him in his mind and not showing it’s physical form. This was good because it also meant none of the guards were possessed.  Yet, Pumbaa made himself add.

He took a deep breath and let it out as a sigh before speaking in a low voice. He knew not to answer back through his mind. To do so would open a window for the demon to cause havoc. Pumbaa went through his marking protection at the proper young age as was expected of him. However, a person could circumvent the protection by inviting the demonic in. Possession wasn’t possible because of his scarification; torment could still be a problem.

“Who speaks?” he asked.

“We have met before,” the voice said, sounding disappointed and hollow.

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. Tell me your name so that I may know,” Pumbaa said.

The demon laughed. “Why would I give you power over me? I think not.”

“Then leave me. I have no desire to converse with you.”

“If you wish. I will simply pose my question to your wife…or Abeni when I see her.”

“You leave my daughter alone. She is not your doll.” Pumbaa stood as he restrained his voice from rising with his anger. He glanced back over his shoulder at his cell mates to ensure his voice hadn’t disturbed them. Neither had moved so he turned away.

“Ah, so you will speak with me then.”

Day 3 NANOWRIMO Word Count and Excerpt

Today I wrote 2,049 words which gives a total so far of 5731 words in the 2015 NANOWRIMO challenge for Scarification. Today was an interview with a character on why he decided never to have children.

Here's an excerpt:

“Have you actually seen this curse in action?” Amara asked.

“Seen it? I have felt it; as has every member of my family. When the demon comes for you, you see it, feel its fetid breath on your neck, hear its taunting and cursing in your ear. It looks you in the eye with it’s glowing red pupils and sees into your soul. It knows your sins and tells them to you in great detail. It laughs at your shame and wallows in your regret. Then it looks over your body.”

“Why does it do that?”

“It searches for the way inside. A cut, a scrape—a way into your blood; if it finds none, then it moves to your mouth or nose where it enters through your saliva or other secretions.”

Amara leaned forward. “I don’t understand then. Why would creating a wound be a part of protection from this ‘demon’? Wouldn’t that just be an invitation to come in?”

A  sly look crossed Diambu’s face. “Yes, the burning or cutting draws the demon to the mark. When it approaches the symbol, it recognizes the ash beneath the skin and knows it cannot inhabit this body. It will rant and wail, sometimes throwing objects but it will leave eventually. It has to or be destroyed. It came for me on my tenth birthday. Every member of my family will tell you the same thing happened to them.”

NANOWRIMO Day 2 Word Count and Excerpt

Woot! I did 2,004 words today, giving me a total of 3,682 words so far. It was a struggle to get started at first. I got caught up in researching and questioning some story elements. However, eventually two characters got into an argument and Boom!  I was at the goal for the day.

Here's today's excerpt:
Amara Byrd sat in a courtroom council with the Juvenile Dependency Court Judge, Javier Montiz along with the lawyer for the Bankole family. The room was uncomfortably warm so she removed the jacket of her imitation silk suit and skirt and took a sip from the glass of water on the table where she sat. She wished she had on short sleeves but felt a long sleeved blouse and jacket gave a more professional appearance. Her dark hair was pulled back in a tight, severe bun and her make-up conservative today.

The purpose of today’s meeting was to determine what constitutes undue influence by the Yoruban religion and which elements of their rituals are allowable due to religious freedom. It looked to be a long, hard fight and an equally long, hard day.

Ezra Goldwaithe pushed his wire-rimmed glasses higher on the bridge of his pointed nose. Amara could see the fingerprints on the lenses from where she sat to his left. He tapped his pen on his table and shuffled file folders in an effort to be overdramatic.

Amara resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Even though he was twice her age, she wasn’t about to let this man intimidate her. He might have years of experience behind him but she had passion and a unique understanding of the situation at hand on her side.

She heard from colleagues how Goldwaithe could be misogynic at times. She actually hoped he would be condescending to her because it would weaken his position. Old men like him needed to get with the times. An outdated attitude could work against him, particularly with regards to a young family such as this. She also doubted he understood the subtleties of their African religion and counted on him playing the ‘religious freedom’ card.

Amara flashed him a Barbie doll smile.

NANOWRIMO Day 1 word count and excerpt

I made it to 1,678 words today. Talk about barely meeting the minimum daily quota of 1,667. I wanted to make 2,000 but the scene ended naturally and I didn't want to force it.

Remember these excerpts are unedited and not the complete portion I wrote today. Here's the opening paragraphs:

“Nooo…” the six foot, two inch dark-skinned man howled across the front lawn.

His arms were held back by two uniformed police officers who were both as tall and muscular as he. They slapped the cuffs on him with a metallic snick. The sweat on his forehead glistened in the moonlight and headlights from the police cruiser parked in the driveway.

The flashing lights lit up the house, surrounding fence, and trees on the property. It also illuminated the faces of those curious neighbors who stood huddled in their pajamas on the sidewalk across the street.

“Calm down Mister Bankole,” the first officer said through gritted teeth.

“Let me finish. Let us finish it before it’s too late,” Pumbaa Bankole pleaded in a voice quivering with desperation.

The second officer commented, “Oh, it’s finished all right. You’re not going to hurt those kids anymore.”
The two officers wrestled the struggling man to the waiting cruiser. Inside the back seat sat his wife. Her head down would’ve been held in her hands were they not cuffed behind her back. Tears dripped off her nose and chin, staining her silk dress as they fell.

She openly sobbed and cried out, “My babies. Please! My babies.” At the sight of her husband being shoved onto the seat next to her, she burst out in fresh tears. His eyes locked onto hers, instantly silencing her.

Then one of the officers slammed the cruiser door shut, blocking them from view. He turned to the onlookers, scowled, and said in a southwestern drawl, “Go home. Mind your own ranch. There’s nuthin’ to see here.” He waved them off with his hands for emphasis.

Grumbling among themselves, the neighbors shuffled off to their respective homes. The officers climbed into the front seat of the cruiser and drove off. Their destination:  the local station.

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