Time for another Weekend Writing Warriors snippet. Every Sunday, I will join a bunch of writers and post an 8-sentence snippet of my current project. You can click on the link to see what everyone else is up to.
This snippet represents most of what I’ve been writing this week—Ilsi, my main character is tasked to help an entire Elven nation decide who should be their next leader. In the past, they’ve relied on leaders to give them guidance—after interviews and general observation—to give them advice on what their calling should be. Like consulting an oracle or priestess or something. Everyone has their place in society because the leader “picks” for them. It seems to work for them. Here, Ilsi doesn’t know any of them and doesn’t have the slightest idea as to how to pick someone who can make these decisions for everyone they know.
Or does she have an idea?
“I should pick from the people who don’t have some kind of job or life calling here,” Ilsi said. “It’s like the general told us—none of the adults will have time to lead when they’re already set in what they were trained to do.”
“But, Ilsi,” Tyk said. “When exactly do these people receive their calling?”
“Usually as young people,” Ilsi said, nodding to Reshma for confirmation. “Maybe twelve or thirteen years old?”
Wren whistled long.
“You’re going to pick a 12-year-old to lead the Elves?” he asked.
“They picked me to pick someone—and I’m not even one of them,” Ilsi retorted, “so I think they’ll be flexible with my decision.”
Check out my other snippets here. Read my next snippet next Sunday. I personally look forward to it, since my manuscript has been taking me in crazy directions lately.
Hi Whitney,
Is there a specific group for the weekend warriors or can anyone join in? Also the links you supply don’t seem to be working. I’d love to see what other people are doing.
As well, I’ve nominated you for the Daydreamer Award. No pressure to accept but it’s a fun one to do.
https://richteramanda.wordpress.com/2015/03/22/the-daydreamer-award/
First off, thanks for the award! We’ll accept it later on this week. Thanks for nominating us. 🙂
Second, I’ve since fixed the link and it should work. But just in case, here it is: http://www.wewriwa.com/. Anyone can join in and you basically have to sign up every week to join in—meaning you can come or go as you please. The rules on what/how to post are listed. Then on Sunday, everyone who is participating will be listed and you can read their work. If you want to sign up, I would wait until around Wednesday each week; by then, they’ll have a new post where you can sign up. Have fun! I look forward to seeing your submissions. 🙂
I like Isli’s spunk already! She sounds like my kind of heroine 🙂 I can’t wait to see what happens next, Whitney!
Thanks so much!
Great snippet! I like Ilsi’s idea to pick someone who might not be a common choice for the leader. You have an interesting concept and I’d love to know more about it! Good eight! 🙂
I appreciate the kinds words! My current manuscript is just a fun place for me to think, “how can I make this completely different from everything else I’ve read?” Are you on this week’s list? I need to check out everyone else’s work, too. 🙂
But why did they pick her?
Good question! The people realize that the previous leader trusted Ilsi the most while still leaving, so in their mind, if the leader could trust her, then they could trust her.
Well at least Ilsi has logic on her side there! Interesting excerpt, can’t wait to read more.
This is an interesting concept! I wonder who Ilsi will choose, and how they’ll work out as leader? Maybe she’ll set a precedent.