Dame Rinda
Hope everyone is having a not-too-hectic time with the holidays! While this Dame is still waiting on the holiday prezzie she really wants, she decided to share another snippet.
This is from the first book, Foretold, in my young adult trilogy about triplets. BTW, I’ve been getting emails and Twitter messages asking where to find my books. I’m soooo glad readers here are excited about my work, but I’m not yet on the shelves. Hang in there with me on that one. 
Incidentally, I had a great time researching this scene because it was around the time I discovered a fantastic research tool called Google Earth. I’ve never actually been to this particular Walmart, but yes, it exists and through Google Earth, I got to look at it from several angles.
And for the record, I ADORE artichoke hearts.
***
The parking area of the Poteau Walmart looked like a war zone.
Vanir drove past the Burger King. Stopped at the back of the lot. The truck engine rumbled down and we both stared into the fray, shocked into silence.
It looked like it might have started with a fender bender—or several, actually. A black Mustang centered the pile-up, like the core of a flower with petals of crashed cars fanning out. Heaps of dirty, oily snow edged the lot. Punching arms and kicking legs kicked up snow in all of them.
Not far from Vanir’s truck, a red-headed woman raged. She smashed a full bag into another woman’s head. The bag tore, her groceries scattered. She didn’t hesitate. Her fist replaced the sack. The other woman sailed backward into a light pole and didn’t get back up.
Blood glistened bright on the areas of still white snow.
Shopping carts littered the lot.
Tightening my hands into fists, I chewed on one knuckle and tried to figure out the best move. Wade in and try to stop or wait it out? “It’s like someone pumped acid into the atmosphere,” I murmured. I’d leaned so close to the windshield, my breath had fogged it up. I hurriedly wiped it with my hand. “You only see stuff like this in movies. And look at all the plastic bags.”
They rode the wind in all directions like small, white, angry ghosts. One sad, ripped victim snagged a gust and caught on our windshield wipers.
“This is in the prophecies, the break down of society.” Vanir pulled out his cell phone—I assume to call the police. “But it’s too early. It’s happening too fast.”
I tapped his arm and pointed at the police officers at the edge of the lot. Beating each other up.
“Wait. I know them.” Vanir suddenly leaned forward. “I know a lot of these people. I have friends out there.” He dropped his phone on the seat, jumped out of the truck and charged in.
I gaped at his empty seat for a second before turning and smacking my shoulder into the door because I didn’t open it fast enough. Fumbling for the handle, I got my fingers to work. I climbed down from the high cab and promptly tripped on a can of green beans. I slipped and flailed my arms, but managed to keep from falling, then blinked at the number of cans and boxed goods peppering the lot. An unbroken jar of something rolled onto my foot. Picking it up, my upper lip lifted. Artichoke hearts. Yuck.
“Dirty thief!”
That was my only warning.
Someone tackled me. Knocked me into the side of the truck. I turned at the last minute, to keep my knee from hitting it. My back crashed into metal. Hard. Caught a glance of fiery red hair before she backed up and tried to pound my nose. I dodged, ducked and dove to the pavement to get away from her.
The woman had to be like eighty years old!
***
There’s a slightly longer excerpt of this book-a scene close to the beginning here. 
Related posts:
Tags: Foretold, Rinda Elliott, young adult excerpt
I may have missed previous information…but: triplets? prophecies? Vanir?
Will readers get to see a thunder god and his one-eyed papa, too?
They just might.
But yes, this trilogy is centered around Norse mythology and the stories of Ragnarok.
Cool. I think Norse and Celtic mythology gets a little shortchanged.
Excited to hear more about this as it develops.
Okay, so I need to do some backtracking to get with the program, but I liked the imagery. My shoulder hurt a little when your character’s shoulder slammed against the door–I do that all the time lol.
So, so good.
Loved it, R!
Hi Rinda
Thank you very much for sharing your snippet.
Happy Holidays,
RKCharron
I live just a couple towns over from Poteau, and have been to this walmat countless times. So I can totally see this happening there…lol. I also grew up just south of there and I think the Norse thing fits perfectly with the Runestone in Heavener. Can’t wait until I can pick up a copy of this book
Crystal, this book features the famous Heavener Runestone. Planning a road trip that way to take some author pics should the trilogy get picked up.
I’ve been a nut for anything Norse most of my life. Even before I found out my name comes from Odin’s third wife and means giant. Which is kind of funny when you see that I’m nearly six feet.
That was awesome! Oh, I soooo wish I had that book in my hand. I want to read it!
Wow…thats great. If you do make it down and need someone to show you around just drop me a line. I’d be happy to play tour guide. Even though I don’t live there currently it would be cool to show you around my hometown.
I live in Oklahoma so it’s possible I’ll be that way in the not so distant future. Made a deal with the hubby to take a road trip there if the trilogy is picked up.
Glad you liked it Amanda!!
Great snippet, Rinda! I really hope I’ll get to read the whole thing some time in the not-too-distant future!
Rinda,
I love both this and the other snippet you shared. I cannot wait until you get your books in print. Love your writing style. Love your use of words to describe and evoke emotions in the reader. Noticed that in the other snippet you shared here, about the girl and guy in the snow. When your books are put into print, I will certainly be buying them for myself and presents for other people.
Thank-you for sharing!
Thanks Jenna and Dayn Y! It’s fun to share the work here and get feedback.
It sounds really good Rinda, can’t wait for it to come out.
Me neither, Sam.
Thanks!!
[...] It hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade my journey. I’ve found a place in the world of fantasy literature and built up an incredible support system of authors and friends through groups like OKRWA & Romance Ink! I’m also a part of a wonderful group of authors called The Deadline Dames. We are nine urban fantasy authors who kick deadline butt and share what it’s like from the trenches. Check us out! And if you’re curious about the books I have on submission, I’ve posted long snippets of both. DOTT’s here, and the two from my young adult, Foretold, are here and here. [...]