Steve Moore, author of Royal America, and fellow Denizen of the Scribbler’s Den on The Steampunk Empire challenged me to play the 777 game. In this game, we go to page seven of a work in progress, scroll down seven lines and post the next seven sentences.
Since Steve is a fellow steampunk writer, I chose The Brazen Shark which has recently been handed off to the tender mercies of my editor:
She took a sip, then dug into the hearty breakfast.
Ramon gathered up the second plate and cup, but felt uncomfortable and lazy as he returned to the chair. Ramon had been many things including a sheriff and a ranch hand. He enjoyed working, but Captain Cisneros insisted Ramon and Fatemeh were guests and must enjoy their time together. Despite his lethargy, Ramon’s stomach rumbled. He gulped down breakfast and sopped up the leftover egg yolks and chile with a tortilla.
“Slow down,” said Fatemeh.
As it turns out, I have two works in progress. My horror novel, The Astronomer’s Crypt is also in the hands of its editor. Here are seven lines to tease you about that novel as well!
They progressed slowly and steadily about two miles until they came to a bridge over a place called Nana’s ravine. The car ahead hit a patch of ice and spun out of control. Mike’s mouth dropped open as the car slammed into the guardrail just beyond the bridge and toppled over the side.
As Mike reached the bridge, he felt the wheels of his own car start to skid. He geared the engine down low and eased his foot onto the brakes. The car fishtailed across the bridge, but he maintained control. Once on the other side, he pulled up to the broken guardrail.
These challenges typically ask you to tag more people, but I like to leave these open-ended. Especially in this case I know a lot people who have already been tagged. If you’d like to play, just drop a link to your blog in comments and I’ll update the post with up to the first seven who respond.
Update: Challenge accepted! I tag:
David Lee Summers' Web Journal 
That sounds a really fun idea. I have been inspired to accept your challenge. Thank you David.
Thanks for playing! I loved your excerpt, Maxwell!
Nice piece of work, amigo! I like the open-ended style. Maybe we’ll draw in every writer on the internet before this is over…
Thank you! I’m glad you like it. Thanks for getting this ball rolling over at the den!
I am really enjoying the stir the 777 has caused ! Captain Chaos deep within I suspect. Thank you chaps! Wonderful stuff. Keep at it ! Best Steve
Thanks, Steve! Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you’re having a great week. David
I’ll give it a go. My blog post will be up on Sunday. http://karencarlisle.purplefiles.net
Terrific! I’ll add you to the list. I look forward to it!
[…] is a blog challenge presented to me via The Steampunk Empire. One of our denizens, David Lee Summers, threw open the challenge to play the 777 game. In this game, we go to page seven of a work in […]