Sunday, February 25, 2018

Sunday Snippet: Exit Stage Left

The Olympics are almost over and we'll be back to regular television viewing again. I'm looking forward to my shows being back on the screen.

I thoroughly enjoyed Legends of Tomorrow 's take on Groundhog Day. The end definitely intrigued me. Looking forward to seeing how that plays out.

I finished up another episode of The Punisher and I'm really trying to figure out what's going on with Lewis. I'm not very familiar with the comics versions of Frank's story so I like not having any information to pull from.

Caught several more episodes of Chicago Fire and I'm getting close to the end of season four. Oddly enough, I wasn't all that upset to see Chili go. I did like the reach out to Severide even if that particular thread got rushed.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Exit Stage Left, a novella where the main characters strive to make their drama stay on the stage instead of off.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sage Winesboro, the new production director of his local playhouse theater, doesn't always see eye to eye with his current set designer, Georgie Freed. When she proves her worth, but decides to exit stage left, he realizes he's missing out on what could be a great working and personal relationship.

And a snippety peek…

Who is this gorgeous creature?
Sage ignored the question from his inner voice. Although he couldn't fault his subconscious taste. The woman before him looked photo-shoot ready, with the exception of her mortified appearance. Probably about five-nine, she had shoulder-length raven hair and warm brown eyes. High cheekbones, a straight nose, and a charming blush from her earlier outburst. She also had killer curves, something Sage had a strong appreciate for. Admit it, you're already picturing her naked. He squashed the inner monologue and continued to wear a frown.
The woman finally responded. "Um, no. Wasn't asking you to shut up." She shifted restlessly under his scrutiny.
He lifted his head, looking around for someone else. Considering no one else had been speaking, he couldn't imagine who she wanted to be quiet.
She tucked a case under her arm and strode forward, her palm outstretched. "Georgie Freed, set designer." She gave him a firm handshake. "No, I'm not crazy. Yes, I talk to myself. And frequently have to say 'shut up', just usually not out loud." She stopped short of full apology.
Set designer? No way. Too perfect, too beautiful to be behind the scenes. Would she angle to be front and center? Sage hated dealing with wannabe actors who took on jobs and responsibilities only to abandon them for being in the spotlight.
Sage inclined his chin. "As you've probably already assumed, I'm Sage Winesboro, the new director. If you're finished with your internal diatribe, I'll get back to going over what my hopes are for this season."
Georgie's cheeks colored but she nodded. "Of course." Stepping back, she all but melted into the background.
Sage finished up his list of goals and expectations, then announced the name of the first production they'd start the following day. Pleased to see the troupe of actors and stagehands wearing smiles, he thanked everyone for coming and dismissed the group with a promise to have the sides available the following morning. Excitement and energy buzzed through the stage area when the members filed out into the auditorium toward the side entrance.
Sage frowned when he spotted his set designer duck backstage. He had serious doubts about her. You shouldn't make snap judgments, especially when you're trying to avoid the same being done to you.
Sage shook his head. "Excuse me for being skeptical. Her pretty face isn't going to win her any bonus points with me." He'd give her a week to prove herself.
If she didn't pass muster, he'd have to scramble to find someone who could design the sets needed for the production and have it done in time for the set manager to get them built. He didn't have a lot of confidence.
"First day out and already seven days behind schedule."
Wait and see, you moron.

The inner voices of the characters are so much fun to write. Sage and Georgie have some terrific internal debates.



That's it for this week. Happy reading!


Skylin

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