My fellow historical-fiction writer C.P. Lesley has tagged me in the 7/7 challenge, which means I get to give you a brief snippet from my WIP—the first seven lines of the seventh page, to be precise—and then tag seven more writers to carry on the challenge. First, though, be sure to check out C.P.’s website! Her latest novel, The Golden Lynx, is set in 16th-century Russia; you can find out more about it here.

Without further ado, here are seven lines from my WIP, Aquae, which is a YA historical fantasy/fairy-tale retelling set in Roman-occupied Wales (read a blurb for it here). In this scene, my MC Marius has just returned home at an ungodly hour, and has some explaining to do.

“Stephanos—”

“Na.” Stephanos was not Greek, but British, and it still tempered the edges of his tongue from time to time. “Na, it’s not to me you must explain it. Get you along quickly now. He’s in his study.”

My mouth went dry as dust and ashes.

“Stephanos—” It came out a croak this time, the sound of new saddle-leather squeaking.

“Get along.” He squeezed my elbows tight in his fingers again, reassuring, then let them go.

Now I get to pick seven other writers to keep the meme going! I encourage you to check out each and every one of them; they’re all remarkable writers, and great encouragements to me.

• Angela Goff, who’s probably too busy to participate but shall be tagged anyway
• Margaret McCrina, who needs to update her blog
• Mary Johnson, who writes literary YA science fiction—enough said
• Alyssa Hollingsworth, who writes equally beautiful fiction and non-fiction
• Sarah Hawkins, whose contemporary-YA novel needs published already
• McKenzie Barham, whose flash fiction puts yours to shame
• Leslie Hedrick, historical blogger extraordinaire

Thanks again to C.P. for tagging me! I hope you guys have enjoyed.