Sharing, For a Friend

A friend of mine, (Hi John!), asked about seeing some of the novel I’m writing. I value his opinion, so have decided to put a snippet here, so John, and anyone else who might be interested, can read a bit of “Hot Winds of Death At Talloola”, a Cosy Murder Mystery, my first ever. I am far more accustomed to writing poetry, and this venture into writing these mystery novels is a big step, so I appreciate any feedback I might receive. I’m only just into this book, and have many more chapters to go.

This piece is from the second chapter, and Meredith, my main character, has gone along to the Talloola Oval, to check out the preparations for the Talloola Christmas Party, to be held at the oval later in the day, and into the evening. Meredith’s job is with Talloola Council, and putting on this event, after it not being held for quite a few years was her idea, and she hopes it goes well. She has been in the job for less than a year, and hopes to get another contract after her initial two year contract is over. She is a city girl, moved to Talloola, and enjoying the change, to country life.

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I got closer to the oval, and was sort of pleased to see lots of residents, both adults and kids, taking an early look at what was going on. It’s good they’re interested, but I hadn’t considered that aspect. Was it going to slow things down, with people wandering around the oval? I’m sure the insurance of the various stall holders would cover anything … But the actual opening of the Talloola Christmas Party wasn’t until much later today. But if these people went home and told others that things were looking good, then, yay, more people! I hope so, anyway.

If this event was successful, we might have to keep people out though, next time. I stored the thought, away on my mental agenda. The people working, looked set up to keep people out of the way of any danger , so I wasn’t too worried, not really. And then, there was Gert, with some of the CWA ladies, heading into the football club to get their tea and coffee stall set up. I gave them a wave, when they looked my way, and continued onto the oval.

I could see Tash, sitting under the big tent, and she seemed to be getting some pamphlets organised, and I was thrilled to see a most gorgeous German Shepherd with her. Dark and tan, a male, he was just beautiful. Was he the barking dog I’d heard, that had woken me up this morning? He certainly looked big enough to be the one … I kept walking and got to Tash and the dog, which was sitting, and looking at me, sedately. 

I glanced at Tash, and asked, ‘May I?’

‘Oh I knew Merlin would attract your interest Meredith! You’re such a sucker for a dog, and Merlin here sure is an impressive dog, isn’t he?’ She laughed at me, and called to the dog. ‘Merlin, ask nicely!’ she said. 

Merlin looked at me, and put out a paw toward me, seeming to beckon me over. I strolled closer, and put out my own hand, touching his big paw, and then reached to stroke him under his chin. He arched his neck and leaned into my hand, and I rubbed gently behind his ears, not surprised when he relaxed into my hand, and seemed to smile at me.

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So that’s a small piece, and I hope you find it interesting, and would like to read more! I’m still in the very early stage of writing this novel, and any thoughts about what I’ve written would be welcome. For instance, I just realised, as I was getting this snippet organised, that both my main character, and the German Shepherd, have quite similar names … ‘Merlin’ and ‘Meredith’… problem or no problem, what do you think?

Merlin isn’t going to have a large part in the novel, I don’t think, or maybe he will. Merlin’s owner also works at Talloola Council, as the Dog Control Officer.

I’m happy enough to change the dog’s name, if it might be a problem. The name jumped into my mind a few days ago, as I was writing the piece, and it seemed just right for him, a wise and intelligent dog …

Anyway that’s it, time to have a coffee, and get some more of this mystery happening!