Torture Can Be So Fun!

I have just written what is probably my favorite scene ever! It’s one that I visualized and planned out nearly two years ago when I started writing Ransome’s Honor. It’s the scene that I have been writing toward since then as I’ve crafted this story into an actualized manuscript. It’s the second-to-last chapter of the novel and does what I want the almost-last chapter of every book I write—as well as every book I read—to do . . . seem to be bringing everything to a resolution, then rip the carpet out from underneath the characters.

Poor Julia and William have been through so much—social scandal, threats, manipulation, malicious gossip about them, and Julia’s being drugged and abducted by the antagonists. They have risen above all of these obstacles and have just resolved their personal differences. Then, when all seems most right with the world, when they are at the altar . . .

William could not keep his eyes from Julia’s, losing himself in their emerald depths.

“I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it.”

Julia’s eyes twinkled and she smiled for the first time. William returned it, his pleasure in her almost more than he could bear.

“If any man do allege and declare any impediment, why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony, by God’s Law, or the Laws of this Realm, let him now speak his objection.”

The sound of a door slamming caused a rustling gasp in the crowd, but William thought nothing of the latecomer’s arrival—until a man’s voice echoed throughout the silent sanctuary.

“I object.”

And that’s the end of the chapter. And as soon as I wrote it, I clapped my hands and did a happy dance, laughing and cheering with delight, pounding my palms on the desk—feeling like an NFL player who just made his first touchdown as a pro!

I love torturing my characters! (And my readers!)

Now, just one more chapter to write and Ransome’s Honor will be complete!