Fireworks! Round Robin, June 2014

Round Robin June, 2014Fireworks!

I’ve been asked to feature one of the most explosive scenes from one of my novels.I have chosen a scene from Lynx, Rodeo Romance Book 1.This scene takes place in “The Last Chance” Honky Tonk in Running Springs, Montana.

“Rachel, honey,” why’s that man staring at you?” Charlene asked, glancing to the right of her friend.

“You’re imagining things.”

“No I’m not. He keeps watching you. . .oh, no here he comes—“

“Charlene, you’re scaring me.” Rachel twisted her chair to get a look at the man. He was stocky and looked to be in his early thirties. He also looked vaguely familiar.

Before she could act, the man lunged against her, catching her off guard. He grabbed her wrist. “Wanna dance?”

She jerked her hand free. “No, I don’t. I think it would be best if you went back to your table.” She was concerned but she wasn’t frightened, yet. She glared at him for several counts, her heart pounding. If she kept her head he’d leave her alone. If he didn’t, she’d scream the roof down!

“I’ll buy you another drink. . .”

“No!” Rachel shot back.

“Justin, leave the lady alone.” Lynx’s voice was a low growl right behind her.

“The lady asked me to buy her a drink,” the drunk whined.

“I did not!”

“Rachel,” Lynx ordered quietly. “I’ll handle this.”

She felt her spine snap to attention. She’d never responded well to orders, no matter how well intended.

The drunk stumbled, landing on top of Rachel. She let out a squeal of surprise as glasses and mugs of beer careened off the table and onto the floor. “Get off of me!” she screamed, shoving at his shoulders.

Before she could act, Lynx stepped forward, yanking the man off of Rachel. “Justin, didn’t your mother ever teach you any manners?” Lynx asked.

Justin said something foul under his breath, and Rachel saw Lynx’s expression change.

In swift, economical movements, Lynx spun the man around and grabbed him by the collar. One hard blow from his fist catapulted the man backwards. He crashed into a table and several wooden chairs. The sound of splintering wood filled the room, and suddenly Rachel found herself the unwelcome center of attention.

¬ My reaction to writing this: I’m not a violent person (I have nightmare after watching Meer Kat Manor). So even though my scene had a brawl, there is humor as the scene develops.  After I realized no one would be seriously injured (One never knows what the characters plan to do), I began to have fun with the experience.

¬ Background information: Well, since I’ve never participated in a barroom brawl, I had to conduct interviews. (Of course, I was not inclined to witness/ or instigate the event myself J).  Sherman (the husband of my dear friend) was an officer in the Army Air Force during WWII and had witnessed (I didn’t question his statement) many a fight in his day.  He provided me with how one positions a man to receive a punch.  The crashing, falling, and general mayhem I figured out from watching a couple of western movies and recalled the information I’d gleaned from a “Hollywood Stunt Man Workshop” I’d facilitated for Larry Sellers when he co-starred on Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.

I hope you enjoyed my Round Robin Post for this month.  Remember to stop by at my friend Ginger Simpson’s blog next and see what exciting story she has to tell!

Remember to stop by website (it’s been revamped!) And I’m also spotlighted on with an author interview at:

coldcoffeecafe.com. 

Happy Reading,

Connie

Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com

All participants in this month’s Round Robin Blog:

Margaret Fieland at http://margaretfieland.com/my_blog
Heidi M. http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com
Beverley Bateman at http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Kay Sisk  http://kaysisk.blogspot.com
Anne Stenhouse at http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com
Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/
Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com
Geeta Kakade at http://geetakakade.blogspot.com/
Fiona McGier at http://www.fionamcgier.com
Lynn Crain at http://lynncrain.blogspot.co.at/
Rhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.comMargaret Fieland at