Author’s Note: Today I will “publish” the beginning of Chapter Seven from my Gray Lace novel, a 1908 mystery set in my swamp just outside my window. We just experienced a 70-degree cold snap here in our eastern Carolina lake-town. Wearing a sweater, but planning tomorrow’s shorts, I’m excited to announce that my WIP is preparing to enter the Edit II phase and I’m struggling with its synopsis.
A synopsis is similar to trying on old clothes; fitting a 62,000 word count into 500.
Egad!
page 67, our characters explore Charleston, SC
After several blocks, Trevor was amazed at the unexpected civilization and genteel architecture. Catherine was soothed by the familiarity of her hometown. Jacob purposely marched ahead as if he anticipated the comforts of home. Ross slugged behind Joann with a frown at anyone who dared to glare at his wife, and she kept her head down in prayers for their safety.
She raised her head to take in the scenery when Jacob led the group down a shady side lane next to an amazingly beautiful white building. “Wow”, she whispered as she gawked at the shinney windows and white columns supporting a portico decorated with detailed ornaments. Her jaw dropped and head leaned back.
“Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim,” Jacob told her.
“What?”
“My synagogue”
“What?”
“My church,” he smiled when he recognized her understanding.
“This doesn’t look like anything I went-to-meeting-in,” she turned to Catherine and lowered her voice to ask, “What is it? Episcopal?” She waited while Catherine put her arms around her shoulders and gave her a hug. “Hey, wait, do I smell food?” She interrupted her own question.
“This way my friends.” Jacob directed. “Downstairs is where we’ll find safe shelter, fine friends, and delicious food.” He didn’t have to talk them into it. The stomach rumbling aromas tugged them down a set of steps leading into a large noisy basement. There were a dozen long wooden tables with clean place settings and empty bowls.
Jacob picked up a bowl and they followed him through a line of servers giving them hot vegetable soup and a large piece of warm soft bread. Once they were seated, a tall silent man with a welcoming smile came to their table and filled their drinking mugs with hot coffee.
“Not bad for a cold morning,” Ross commented after several mouthfuls.
“Not too shabby for a free meal,” Trevor grinned over the lip of his mug at Ross.
“Not underappreciated,” Catherine sighed. “Jacob, thank you. Is there a place we can leave a donation of thanks?”
“I’m sure there is. Our server will answer any questions. I haven’t been home in several years, but I’m very glad to see they still have this warm shelter for anyone who walks in.”
“Anyone?” Joann had not finished with her amazement.
“Our group is so diverse it proves a difficult test for any non-tolerance. Since we haven’t been kicked out, I think it’s safe to assume, yes, Joann, anyone,” smiled Jacob. “Now, my friends, as we begin to relax our hunger, shall we plan our next few steps?”
Enough! for now
Eleanor Tatum 
Leave a Reply