For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
Ernst von Taaffe has come to Aksinya's house to hear her answer to his proposal of marriage. The demon, Asmodeus, follows Ernst into the parlor. Ernst's first action is to passionately kiss Aksinya, then he claims to know her answer already and he is here to take her home...
Aksinya stepped back and almost tripped over her chair, “I don’t have any idea what you are talking about, Ernst von Taaffe.”
Ernst continued to stare possessively at Aksinya. His eyes swept up and down her body in a very intimate glance.
Aksinya was suddenly filled with desire. She immediately pushed any such thoughts out of her mind. She glanced at the demon, then back at Ernst. Only she seemed to realize Asmodeus was in the room with them at all. Aksinya’s voice turned suddenly hard, “Sister Margarethe, leave us. Take the novices with you. I need to speak to Ernst privately.”
Natalya began to rise.
Aksinya didn’t turn, “Lady Natalya, you may remain. I am in great need of a chaperone.”
Ernst laughed, “In need of a chaperone? I think not, but dear lady, I will accede to your will.”
Sister Margarethe and the novice nuns reluctantly departed the room. Sister Margarethe halted a moment beside the door.
Aksinya raised her head, “Please close the door to the parlor, Sister Margarethe.”
Sister Margarethe nodded and slowly pulled it shut.
Aksinya stepped over to the door and made certain it was fully closed then she turned back toward Ernst, “What do you mean, sir by your statements? I did not send you a letter, and I did not attend you the other night.”
Ernst’s face fell for a moment, but he reached into his coat and pulled out a letter. He shook it open and handed it to Aksinya, “You sent this to me.”
Aksinya reached out and carefully took the letter without touching Ernst’s fingers. She scanned the letter. Then read it again, carefully.
Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna
Sacré Coeur Straße
Wien, Austria
8 January 1919
My Dearest Ernst
I hope I proved my love to you Wednesday night. I couldn’t imagine a more suitable man to take into my arms and reveal my every desire and delight. My answer to you on Monday is yes and yes and yes. I am already yours. You have my heart and soul and body. Please don’t be late because my love for you only exceeds my desire.
I love you with my body and soul,
Aksinya
Aksinya was suddenly breathing hard, “I did not write this letter. After the opera, I did not spend Wednesday night with you.”
Asmodeus laughter filled the parlor.
I already revealed to you that this is the climax of the novel. The buildup or rising action all led to this single time and place. Ernst made a claim on Aksinya's heart, mind, and body. He implied that she spent Wednesday night with him. Suddenly, we realize, Ernst believes that Aksinya spent the night with him, and Aksinya has no idea what he is talking about.
Ernst glanced over Aksinya with desire. It is a temptation Aksinya also felt. She looks at the demon because this temptation obviously comes directly from him. He is trying to influence Aksinya and Ernst. Ernst doesn't have a clue. Aksinya realizes what is going on and immediately clears her mind of these thoughts. She sends the sisters out of the room. Watch Natalya. She wants to leave too. Aksinya calls on Natalya to act as her chaperone.
Aksinya knows she needs a chaperone. A woman who is married and with her husband or already known to cavort with men doesn't require a chaperone. Thus Ernst's response. He acts as though he is giving her a favor. The sisters don't want to leave either. They know something is very much amiss. Sister Margarethe wants to protect Aksinya.
Aksinya shuts them all off and with that any chance of their help. She doesn't realize that she is closing the trap around her.
When the sisters are out of earshot and the door is closed, Aksinya calmly confronts Ernst. In response, Ernst produces a letter. Do you remember the comments last week about Asmodeus intercepting the post. It seems he was doing more than intercepting the post.
Aksinya takes the letter without touching Ernst. I love letters because they tell you so much about the world around your characters. They are perfect scene setters--even when you don't need it. I tell you the approximate address of Aksinya's house, the date, the place (that is Wien, but you knew that). You can tell everything from the address and the signature--you don't need the contents, but here you see that Aksinya (or someone) wrote to Ernst a very intimate and familiar letter. What else could Ernst think?
Aksinya disclaims everything. The demon laughs. Tomorrow, Aksinya's handmaiden.
Showing posts with label post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label post. Show all posts
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A New Novel, Part 175 The Bills Have Been Paid--Have They Not?
For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
We learned that Aksinya has given up any pretense she had before. The world has changed for her, and she is in a new mode we have only seen small glimpses of in the past. There are more revelations afoot...
That evening before dinner, Sister Margarethe helped Aksinya and Natalya prepare to travel to Grossbock for the weekend. Aksinya was dressed in finery and Natalya not less than a degree below that. Aksinya held the book of Heka wrapped in brown paper in her lap. She wouldn’t let anyone else carry it. While they waited together in the parlor for Aunt Brunhilda to arrive, Aksinya lounged and Natalya sat in the large overstuffed chairs. Sister Margarethe stood and held their cloaks. Sister Margarethe cleared her throat.
Aksinya sat up, “Yes, Sister Margarethe, you wish my attention?”
“Yes, Countess. The novice sisters told me this afternoon that they saw a strange man remove your post.”
Aksinya made a frown, “Ah, that must be my courtier, Asmodeus.”
“Your courtier?”
“Yes, perhaps you have not met him.”
“Then he has been intercepting the post?”
“I expect the bills and any official communications. There were no letters today for me?”
“No, not today, or at least I don’t think there were. So he has been allowing your personal correspondence to go through?”
“Yes, I expect so.”
“They thought they saw him take what looked like personal letters from the box.”
Aksinya froze.
Natalya turned her head away.
Aksinya stuttered, “They were likely letters concerning my business.”
“So your courtier takes care of all your bills and business. You should introduce me to him.”
Aksinya’s voice was suddenly very weak, “The bills…the bills, they have all been paid—have they not?”
“Oh yes, every one. I have heard no complaints and the larder continues to be filled.”
Aksinya’s voice shook with relief, “That is good. It is as it should be.”
“Your courtier must be very efficient and a careful steward. Everything seems to be in perfect order. Everything comes on time and is of the very best quality. He must choose your goods very carefully, and he must tip very well.”
“Yes. I’m certain he does.”
Natalya turned Aksinya a strange look that Sister Margarethe and Aksinya both did not see.
Aksinya and Natalya are both dressed to the hilt. They are preparing to go to Grossbock. This is a reminder of Aksinya's love of luxuria. Sister Margarethe is helping them prepare. Note that Aksinya holds her new book covetously. She will not let it out of her hands. Aksinya lounges and Natalya sits properly in the fine chairs in the parlor. This isn't odd, but it is odd that they are using the parlor. In this culture the parlor is used, not for waiting, but for receiving.
Sister Margarethe brings up a strange topic. The novice sisters saw a strange man remove Aksinya's post. I use this archaic term for mail intentionally here--for the historical significance and to bring the readers attention to it. Remember, Aksinya has not seen Asmodeus for a long while. Asmodeus bought the house for Aksinya. She has been assuming that he has taken care of the bills and the official communications. She has not thought about this subject for a while.
Aksinya assumes Asmodeus has been taking care of her mail and bills. The personal correspondence he has let through because she received and sent letters to Ernst. In this case, the novice sisters thought they saw Asmodeus take personal letters from the post as well as the bills. Aksinya has a sudden thought--that is about the bills. She asks if they have been paid--note, in her concern over the bills, she forgets about the personal correspondence.
Sister Margarethe reassures Aksinya that the larder continues to be filled--therefore the bills seemed to be paid on time and with a little extra because they receive such high quality foods and goods. Sister Margarethe doesn't really answer the question, but Aksinya is reassured.
Natalya's response is odd. She turns both the Sister and Aksinya a strange look they both do not notice. We could assume this is a reference to the bills, but it could equally be a reference to the personal correspondence. We are led to believe that Natalya knows more about this circumstance than either Aksinya or Sister Margarethe. We have already guessed that Natalya has been working or speaking with the demon behind Aksinya's back.
Here is a hint and a revelation both. I won't explain it more than this, but Aksinya does not have the energy to worry about this topic--she should. We know she should. Austria has come out of a terrible war. The people have little food or anything else, but her larders are filled; her house is very fine and filled with wealth. Did you ask yourself how Aksinya can continue to live as she does--it is all completely in the hands of the demon. This is what this little scene is supposed to remind you. With these hints, you might be able to guess what could happen. You will not see the fruition of this short conversation for a while, but it has dire consequences for Aksinya. Tomorrow, Sister Margarethe has more she wishes to know.
We learned that Aksinya has given up any pretense she had before. The world has changed for her, and she is in a new mode we have only seen small glimpses of in the past. There are more revelations afoot...
That evening before dinner, Sister Margarethe helped Aksinya and Natalya prepare to travel to Grossbock for the weekend. Aksinya was dressed in finery and Natalya not less than a degree below that. Aksinya held the book of Heka wrapped in brown paper in her lap. She wouldn’t let anyone else carry it. While they waited together in the parlor for Aunt Brunhilda to arrive, Aksinya lounged and Natalya sat in the large overstuffed chairs. Sister Margarethe stood and held their cloaks. Sister Margarethe cleared her throat.
Aksinya sat up, “Yes, Sister Margarethe, you wish my attention?”
“Yes, Countess. The novice sisters told me this afternoon that they saw a strange man remove your post.”
Aksinya made a frown, “Ah, that must be my courtier, Asmodeus.”
“Your courtier?”
“Yes, perhaps you have not met him.”
“Then he has been intercepting the post?”
“I expect the bills and any official communications. There were no letters today for me?”
“No, not today, or at least I don’t think there were. So he has been allowing your personal correspondence to go through?”
“Yes, I expect so.”
“They thought they saw him take what looked like personal letters from the box.”
Aksinya froze.
Natalya turned her head away.
Aksinya stuttered, “They were likely letters concerning my business.”
“So your courtier takes care of all your bills and business. You should introduce me to him.”
Aksinya’s voice was suddenly very weak, “The bills…the bills, they have all been paid—have they not?”
“Oh yes, every one. I have heard no complaints and the larder continues to be filled.”
Aksinya’s voice shook with relief, “That is good. It is as it should be.”
“Your courtier must be very efficient and a careful steward. Everything seems to be in perfect order. Everything comes on time and is of the very best quality. He must choose your goods very carefully, and he must tip very well.”
“Yes. I’m certain he does.”
Natalya turned Aksinya a strange look that Sister Margarethe and Aksinya both did not see.
Aksinya and Natalya are both dressed to the hilt. They are preparing to go to Grossbock. This is a reminder of Aksinya's love of luxuria. Sister Margarethe is helping them prepare. Note that Aksinya holds her new book covetously. She will not let it out of her hands. Aksinya lounges and Natalya sits properly in the fine chairs in the parlor. This isn't odd, but it is odd that they are using the parlor. In this culture the parlor is used, not for waiting, but for receiving.
Sister Margarethe brings up a strange topic. The novice sisters saw a strange man remove Aksinya's post. I use this archaic term for mail intentionally here--for the historical significance and to bring the readers attention to it. Remember, Aksinya has not seen Asmodeus for a long while. Asmodeus bought the house for Aksinya. She has been assuming that he has taken care of the bills and the official communications. She has not thought about this subject for a while.
Aksinya assumes Asmodeus has been taking care of her mail and bills. The personal correspondence he has let through because she received and sent letters to Ernst. In this case, the novice sisters thought they saw Asmodeus take personal letters from the post as well as the bills. Aksinya has a sudden thought--that is about the bills. She asks if they have been paid--note, in her concern over the bills, she forgets about the personal correspondence.
Sister Margarethe reassures Aksinya that the larder continues to be filled--therefore the bills seemed to be paid on time and with a little extra because they receive such high quality foods and goods. Sister Margarethe doesn't really answer the question, but Aksinya is reassured.
Natalya's response is odd. She turns both the Sister and Aksinya a strange look they both do not notice. We could assume this is a reference to the bills, but it could equally be a reference to the personal correspondence. We are led to believe that Natalya knows more about this circumstance than either Aksinya or Sister Margarethe. We have already guessed that Natalya has been working or speaking with the demon behind Aksinya's back.
Here is a hint and a revelation both. I won't explain it more than this, but Aksinya does not have the energy to worry about this topic--she should. We know she should. Austria has come out of a terrible war. The people have little food or anything else, but her larders are filled; her house is very fine and filled with wealth. Did you ask yourself how Aksinya can continue to live as she does--it is all completely in the hands of the demon. This is what this little scene is supposed to remind you. With these hints, you might be able to guess what could happen. You will not see the fruition of this short conversation for a while, but it has dire consequences for Aksinya. Tomorrow, Sister Margarethe has more she wishes to know.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A New Novel, Part 128 Ernst's Letter
Aksinya is being backed into a corner. Natalya wants something from her. Ernst wants something from her. Many others want something from her. Asmodeus wants her to do evil. The pressure is about to be ratcheted up...
In the morning, Aksinya and Natalya walked to Sacré Coeur with Sister Margarethe in tow. They attended chapel and classes. When they returned that evening, one of the novice sisters brought Aksinya a sealed envelope. She curtsied as she handed it to her, “Countess, this afternoon a letter was delivered to the door.”
Aksinya took the envelope and went up to her rooms. Natalya and Sister Margarethe followed her.
Natalya blocked Sister Margarethe at the door, “Please prepare tea for us, Sister.”
Sister Margarethe didn’t move for a moment, she appeared as though she was not going to leave then she bobbed her head, “Yes, Lady Natalya.”
Aksinya stood under the gaslight near the fireplace with a preoccupied expression on her face.
Natalya shut the door, “I can’t read German well yet, but that seems to be from your young man.”
Aksinya didn’t turn toward her, “It is from Ernst von Taaffe and addressed to me.”
“Read it.”
Aksinya just stood with the envelope. She turned it over in her hands.
Natalya grasped it from her, “Mistress, you must read it.”
Aksinya’s face was distraught, “If it from him, what will I do?”
Natalya squinted at the return address, “It is certainly from him. You must see what his invitation is then you can decide.”
“I am afraid.”
“Afraid? You have never shown fear of anything before.”
“I am afraid of this temptation.”
Natalya cleanly opened the seal and removed the letter inside. She glanced at it, “It is in German. I can’t read it to you, so you must. Or would you rather have Sister Margarethe read Ernst von Taaffe’s letter for you.”
Aksinya sighed and took the proffered letter. She shook it open it and read it out loud. “It says:
Ernst Franz von Taaffe
Stal Straße
Wien, Austria
15 December 1918
Dearest Lady Golitsyna
You enchanted me from the first moment I heard your name spoken. I was honored to come to your help when you were in need. Thank you for hearing me out at your honorable uncle and aunt’s party. As I discussed with you then, I would like to make your further acquaintance this week. Would you please save time for me this Thursday evening? I would be delighted to escort you to dinner and to the ballet. I will come for you at six. I can assure you, I will be a pleasant companion. I would be pleased if you would not concern yourself about your possession. I will keep it safe for you. If it is the only reason you will take time for me, then that is reason enough. I will send my servant tomorrow to receive your answer.
Sincerely,
Ernst Franz von Taaffe, heir to Graf von Taaffe
Aksinya sighed again, “What am I to answer?”
From Aksinya and Natalya's conversation, we have a short transition to set the next scene. Remember, although many events might occur during a period of time for all the characters involved in the novel, only those events that move the story, plot, and theme should be included in the writing.
From the conversation of the evening, we move with a short transition to the communication of the next evening.
I like to use letters to communicate information. I especially like to use letters when there is a letter mentioned in a novel. If you have a letter, email, text, or a telegram etc. show it to us. Many writers are afraid to just show the documents they mention. Just like introductions etc. don't short your readers by abbreviating the conversations and information by synopsising. There is a point where you might--I'll try to show you that tomorrow.
Aksinya receives a letter from Ernst. She realizes what will be in it, and she is unwilling to confront his requests. Natalya acts responsibly. She responds as though she is very experienced with these things. She gets rid of Sister Margarethe.
Aksinya is afraid to open her letter. She is completely unused to this kind of attention. She has not been entertained by a gentleman before. She has not had any experiences with men beyond her family. Natalya obviously has. Aksinya is afraid and Natalya rightly responds that Aksinya has never shown Natalya fear before. Aksinya realizes that this is a temptation. She knows the origin of the temptation.
Natalya's criticism is humorous. She threatens to have Sister Margarethe read the letter to Aksinya. That certainly wouldn't do. Aksinya finally opens and reads the letter.
The great thing about letters is a writer can show the date and the location of the writing. This is a wonderful marker to your readers. When you give your readers a letter, put in the normal address information, date, and signature.
Well, from Ernst's letter, we find he isn't very romantic. He is straightforward and right to the point. He simply invites Aksinya to dinner and the ballet. We also learn that Ernst is the heir to the Graf (Count von Taaffe). Tomorrow, we will see Aksinya's answer.
In the morning, Aksinya and Natalya walked to Sacré Coeur with Sister Margarethe in tow. They attended chapel and classes. When they returned that evening, one of the novice sisters brought Aksinya a sealed envelope. She curtsied as she handed it to her, “Countess, this afternoon a letter was delivered to the door.”
Aksinya took the envelope and went up to her rooms. Natalya and Sister Margarethe followed her.
Natalya blocked Sister Margarethe at the door, “Please prepare tea for us, Sister.”
Sister Margarethe didn’t move for a moment, she appeared as though she was not going to leave then she bobbed her head, “Yes, Lady Natalya.”
Aksinya stood under the gaslight near the fireplace with a preoccupied expression on her face.
Natalya shut the door, “I can’t read German well yet, but that seems to be from your young man.”
Aksinya didn’t turn toward her, “It is from Ernst von Taaffe and addressed to me.”
“Read it.”
Aksinya just stood with the envelope. She turned it over in her hands.
Natalya grasped it from her, “Mistress, you must read it.”
Aksinya’s face was distraught, “If it from him, what will I do?”
Natalya squinted at the return address, “It is certainly from him. You must see what his invitation is then you can decide.”
“I am afraid.”
“Afraid? You have never shown fear of anything before.”
“I am afraid of this temptation.”
Natalya cleanly opened the seal and removed the letter inside. She glanced at it, “It is in German. I can’t read it to you, so you must. Or would you rather have Sister Margarethe read Ernst von Taaffe’s letter for you.”
Aksinya sighed and took the proffered letter. She shook it open it and read it out loud. “It says:
Ernst Franz von Taaffe
Stal Straße
Wien, Austria
15 December 1918
Dearest Lady Golitsyna
You enchanted me from the first moment I heard your name spoken. I was honored to come to your help when you were in need. Thank you for hearing me out at your honorable uncle and aunt’s party. As I discussed with you then, I would like to make your further acquaintance this week. Would you please save time for me this Thursday evening? I would be delighted to escort you to dinner and to the ballet. I will come for you at six. I can assure you, I will be a pleasant companion. I would be pleased if you would not concern yourself about your possession. I will keep it safe for you. If it is the only reason you will take time for me, then that is reason enough. I will send my servant tomorrow to receive your answer.
Sincerely,
Ernst Franz von Taaffe, heir to Graf von Taaffe
Aksinya sighed again, “What am I to answer?”
From Aksinya and Natalya's conversation, we have a short transition to set the next scene. Remember, although many events might occur during a period of time for all the characters involved in the novel, only those events that move the story, plot, and theme should be included in the writing.
From the conversation of the evening, we move with a short transition to the communication of the next evening.
I like to use letters to communicate information. I especially like to use letters when there is a letter mentioned in a novel. If you have a letter, email, text, or a telegram etc. show it to us. Many writers are afraid to just show the documents they mention. Just like introductions etc. don't short your readers by abbreviating the conversations and information by synopsising. There is a point where you might--I'll try to show you that tomorrow.
Aksinya receives a letter from Ernst. She realizes what will be in it, and she is unwilling to confront his requests. Natalya acts responsibly. She responds as though she is very experienced with these things. She gets rid of Sister Margarethe.
Aksinya is afraid to open her letter. She is completely unused to this kind of attention. She has not been entertained by a gentleman before. She has not had any experiences with men beyond her family. Natalya obviously has. Aksinya is afraid and Natalya rightly responds that Aksinya has never shown Natalya fear before. Aksinya realizes that this is a temptation. She knows the origin of the temptation.
Natalya's criticism is humorous. She threatens to have Sister Margarethe read the letter to Aksinya. That certainly wouldn't do. Aksinya finally opens and reads the letter.
The great thing about letters is a writer can show the date and the location of the writing. This is a wonderful marker to your readers. When you give your readers a letter, put in the normal address information, date, and signature.
Well, from Ernst's letter, we find he isn't very romantic. He is straightforward and right to the point. He simply invites Aksinya to dinner and the ballet. We also learn that Ernst is the heir to the Graf (Count von Taaffe). Tomorrow, we will see Aksinya's answer.
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