If anyone hasn't come across WeWriWa before, you need to go here to see all the extraordinary talent on display.
My snippet this week is again from Impcatcher. Tal Djandiss, the eponymous impcatcher of the title, is still in a dark cellar. Flame have erupted from the skin of the rogue imp he is struggling with.
Don't ever believe any fool who tells you imps are
cute little critters. Virtually all are vicious, sadistic and
psychopathic, and they get a great deal of pleasure out of hurting us
humans. If they can kill one of us, so much the better. This one had
every intent of achieving that aim. I've read assertions that an imp
has to claim a mortal life to rise to a higher status, or to become a
fully-fledged demon. I've no idea if it's true, but I didn't intend
to let this wretch use my mortal essence to get higher up some
infernal greasy pole.
Flames
blossomed under me, licking around my leather jacket. The brightness
scorched at my eyes after the previous gloom, spreading shadows
cavorting like mad dancers all around the cellar.
As always, comments welcome!
Imps are much more terrifying than I would have thought. Yikes. Great visuals!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteWho knew that imps were all about climbing that corporate ladder? Fun snippet...enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And climbing in rank is something most sentients do - even imps!
DeleteI love his determination! A great snippet! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica!
DeleteThis is beginning to look not so good for our hero. If the imp is determined to achieve demon status, Tal may have a bigger problem on his hands than he thought. Tal is determined, yes, but it seems the imp is too! Epic battle ahead! Great snippet.
ReplyDeleteTal's handled imps before - he's not going to let this one win, however determined it is to advance itself!
DeleteWow, what an awesome look into what an imp is! And the greasy pole? Brilliant. Loved the flames description!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Madeline!
DeleteThings just keep getting worse! I hope Tal has some imp-fighting tricks up his sleeve.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry - he's got a few more tricks up his sleeve yet.
DeleteUh-oh, I hope he's just a intent on getting rid of the imp. Great imagery!
ReplyDeleteThanks! And he does intend to get rid of the imp - if he fails, he's out of a job!
DeleteSo, I guess they don't make good house pets then? You manage to bring some essential worldbuilding seamlessly into the story here. Nice going.
ReplyDeleteThey definitely aren't house-trained! Thanks for the kind words.
DeleteLove the details and character voice here! That greasy pole description is great (though I admit it's left the image of a stripper imp in my mind...ew....)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely too horrible to contemplate!
DeleteLove your character's humor in the face of death!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dani! I suspect Tal would make a pretty good SEAL, so he's learned how to cope with immediate danger.
DeleteWhen I was in the Brownies (girls' group age 8 - 11), too many years ago, one of the groups were called Imps. I wonder if they put all the psychopaths in that group? You have shattered my illusions about the cheeky imps. The Brown Owl (female leader) clearly was misinformed about the imps too. Great snippet.
ReplyDeleteUntil I started reading your snippets, I did think of imps as cute little critters. you've done a great job of changing my mind!
ReplyDeleteLiked the info about the imps and his snarky way of explaining how they aren't cute little creatures (not that I ever thought this. lol), and I especially like his determination.
ReplyDeleteHe's gonna need that determination, that's for sure. I like the main character, he's got some guts, some smarts, and a sense of humor :)
ReplyDeleteLoved this phrase: "use my mortal essence to get higher up some infernal greasy pole."
ReplyDeleteAh, love his cheeky wit, and I agree with Ed, that greasy pole phrase is fantastic. Fun snippet!
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ReplyDeleteLast time I ever describe someone affectionately as having an impish smile! Ditto on the greasy pole line, fantastic.
ReplyDelete(previous comment removed for typo)
Nice description! Note to self: don't meet up with imps in a dark alley...
ReplyDeleteHe's in a tight place now for sure.
ReplyDeleteSo - I'm thinking I might not get an imp. Great description. Tweeted.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't seem to be going well at all for him... Love the shadows like 'mad dancers,' it's a great image.
ReplyDeleteI love the imagery you have here, and still loving the main character's voice. He's so casual and straight forward in the midst of a fight that would have me running like hell.
ReplyDeleteHi - I'm back from my "cavorting"!
ReplyDelete