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Genre: Other Genres
About HaeloLocation: Washington Home Region: Age:35 Favorite novels: Lots! Favorite writers: Lovecraft, Scott Lynch, Clifford Simak, many others Favorite music: Varies from Faith No More to Enya Non-noveling interests: Web design, my kids, drawing |
Joined: September 29, 2009 This Year: Official Participant NaNoWriMo History: NaNoWriMo posts: 446 NaNoWriMo buddies: 36
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Brief Author Bio: Aussie transplanted to US coz my cute wife is here (and my way too tall stepson). I'm very nervous about this, just found it through a mention on ISBW (update, feeling more confident now!). I have had a hard time getting back into writing, which I felt was such a calling a decade ago, and this seems like a good way to just damn well do some, whether it's good, bad, or indifferent! I won't be a writer if I don't write, and I won't get better if I don't write! |
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Synopsis: Clockwork
In a world of giant, mechanical rings, spinning and tumbling around a central city-sphere like a vast orrery hanging in a starry abyss, the word of the Priests is final.
Jim is a ring-guide with questionable talent, drifting from job to low-paying job, a bare step above the street-beggars that sprinkle the outer rings.
Pilot is a nobody, a young woman drifting out of the world, rescued by Jim as the Aurora looms dangerously close. Amnesiac, almost frozen, and beaten half to death, the worst is yet to come. For soon Jim realizes that Pilot is branded a Heretic, and marked for death.
Before long they are betrayed and must flee for their lives, seeking answers to Pilot's past and safety for their futures. Their quest will lead them across the rings, to match wits with clockwork intelligences, evade pursuing hybrids of flesh and gears, and to freeze in the wastes of the Dead Ring.
As the city of the Priests looms ever-nearer, Jim, Pilot and their companions are determined to uncover the secret of the rings, and the truth behind Pilot's heresy. But what they will find in the City of God will change everything forever.
Excerpt: Clockwork
Stray chinks of light failed to lift the gloom inside the confessional. A figure sat in the darkness, hands fidgeting nervously. A few minutes later, the curtain rasped along the rod as it slid back, and the shadow of a Priest slid into view. He cleared his throat, and spoke in a ritual sing-song.
"Child of God, hast thou upheld the Tenets?"
"Uh, yes Your Holiness, I have." The soft voice betrayed a slight tremor.
"Blessing of the Lord upon thee. How mayest I aid you?"
"I, uh, actually I desire to help you, uh, to do my duty, my Lord. There is a Heretic."
"Indeed, and what is the nature of the heresy?"
"I don't know, sir."
The Priest shifted slightly in his seat. "Then what leads you to believe heresy has been committed?"
"She has a scar, Holiness, a brand mark on her shoulder."
The Priest chuckled. "You must be mistaken, my child."
"No, not at all. I have seen it and I am certain of its authenticity. Others have corroborated this."
A pause, as the Priest considered the implications.
"You are quite certain it is a brand of Heresy?"
"Absolutely, my Lord. Without question. I believe she, that is the Heretic, escaped execution somehow. She is currently being treated for her injuries."
The shadow on the other side of the divider tapped it's chin thoughtfully.
"Very well, my child. Do you know how to write?"
"Yes, I do sir."
"As you leave, write all the information you have about this Heretic, her name, her location, any associates, on a prayer leaf. Fold it and mark the outside with a circle, show the circle to the attendant, then deposit it in the Hope Box."
"Yes, Your Holiness. I shall do as you say."
"Blessings of the Priests shall rain upon you if this Heretic is recaptured. Your faithfulness is precious to the Lord." The Priest reached into his robes with a rustle of cloth, and drew forth something in the palm of his hand. "Take this, child."
The penitent held out a hand, into which fell a small metal pellet. The fingers greedily closed over the token, the precious symbol of favor with the Priests.
"Thank you, Your Holiness, thank you."
"Continue to be true, my child. The Lord will reward you." The curtain swished shut as the Priest left, and the figure sat alone in the darkness. After a moment, it stood and left.
