Red Eyes Beneath The Bed

As I type, Adelaide has entered the first day of a new week of lockdown. The virus has escaped rom quarantine, and we’re all working to make sure it doesn’t spread further. We have several days of hot weather, but we are armed with solar panels and reverse cycle air conditioning. Personally, I would stay hidden until we see the back of the approaching summer, but the rest of the family won’t be convinced. Especially our newest member who is already walking and surprisingly communicative. The house will never be quiet again.

This morning I received news that both of my published short stories have had their rights reverted back to me. Weird to think they were published a year ago. I’m not sure what to do with them yet: put them up on sale, give them away on the website, force myself to write more short stories to make an anthology?

My mind is on my current work. Getting solid time to write is never easy, but I keep pushing forward, experimenting with software for voice dictation and typing as I can. Yesterday, I reached 27k in length and about a third of the way through the plot. I can foresee much cutting, or I’ll end up rivalling Jessica Townsend for middle grade book length. Would you like a sneak preview? One that’s not even gone through a first round of edits? Okay, I’ll have a quick look, but you’ve been warned.

Holding her pillow like a shield, Susie slowly crawled toward the darkness. She listened intently, but only heard the gentle creaking of springs as Monika reached for her desk lamp. Rain started outside, splatting against the window and plinking off the roof. Great. What next, lightning to really set the mood?

The dark void beneath the bed slowly filled with detail as Susie adjusted the pillow to block the room’s light. Two dots of red, moving fast. Susie wrenched herself back as a rat launched itself, all glistening, greasy fur and claws.

Well, there you go. I hope you stay safe, keep your spirits high, and read with abandon.

- R Max Tillsley