SHE-POWER Fiction
In my New Years post I talked about my primary goal for 2008: to write consistently and hopefully sell a short story or novel.
So far, the blogging is going well, but my old enemy, FEAR, has prevented me from fulfilling the promise I made to start writing some short fiction, finish my novel and start on a new one.
There’s no point in keeping all these stories on my hard drive and looking at them longingly, is there? They need an audience. People to read them, enjoy them, critique them. People like you.
This is where SHE-POWER Fiction comes in.
Every week I will publish a short story or excerpt, which will feature a female protagonist (main character) who is struggling with the issues we all face, whilst trying to be the best woman she can be. She may be a mess, she’ll definitely be conflicted, and I’m hoping she’ll resonate with most of you.
Some fiction pieces may be one-offs and others may run as a serial. I’m counting on you to work with me here. I need your feedback. I need your support. And I will endeavor to write fiction that inspires and moves you.
SHE-POWER Fiction: The Dilemma
PINK’s Stupid Girls interrupted her train of thought, the tinny sound erupting from her mobile as it danced across the desk. Clarissa didn’t have to pick it up to know who was calling her. She glanced down at the clock on her computer screen. 8.45pm.
“Shit.” She was tempted not to answer the call, but she knew Scott would keep ringing until she picked up. May as well get it over with.
“Hi honey.” Her voice sounded strained and overly jovial even to her own ears. “I’m leaving now.”
She stood, tucked the mobile into her neck and started collecting the papers from the desk.
“You haven’t left yet? I’m already at the Roystons. I thought you’d at least be on your way.” She heard a thump and imagined him slamming his fist against the steering wheel.
Photo by meyshanworld
SHE-POWER Fiction: Dinner Time Blues
This short is a continuation of SHE-POWER Fiction: The Dilemma
“Look who managed to make it after all.”
Geoff ushered Clarissa into the dining room, one hand nestled on the small of her back, the other still clutching a large glass of red wine, which was sloshing about, threatening to spill on the polished floors.
Clarissa clutched her bulging laptop bag to her body, feeling a little like the new girl at school. She realised that she had not checked her appearance before coming, and quite likely she was wrinkled, frizzy haired and shiny faced right now. Hardly the best look for a sophisticated dinner party.
Photo by RTPeat
SHE-POWER Fiction: The Missing Baby
This short is a continuation of SHE-POWER Fiction: Dinner Time Blues
“You were such an ass tonight.” Clarissa couldn’t help herself. She swore she’d wait until they got home, but sitting here in the taxi she felt like a fire was roaring inside her, smashing at the windows, desperate to come out.
There was no answer. Scott had his head back against the headrest; his face was slack, the overlong blond fringe stuck to one cheek, and a slight whistling rattled in time with his breathing. She could almost see his pink tongue lolling around near his lips with a fine trail of dribble threatening to roll down his chin. He looked so pathetic she was tempted to reach across and slap him.
Photo by normanack
SHE-POWER Fiction: Mama’s Girls
This short is a continuation of The Missing Baby
Clarissa watched the clock as if it was her enemy. Almost 10am and Scott still wasn’t up. She’d already hung out a load of washing, cleaned the kitchen and was on her second cup of coffee. She should have gone for a run, but she just couldn’t be bothered this morning. The wine from last night lingered in her sinuses and her limbs had the kind of dead weight that defies moving in a hurry.
She was half regretting telling Ashley she’d have the barbecue at her place. She knew it was her sister’s birthday, but all she wanted to do was crawl back into bed for the day. Lie on the sofa and watch DVDs. Read the latest Patricia Cornwell book. All these options sounded good. But what she had to do - cater for thirty guests and tell her husband she had a promotion - that, she didn’t want to do at all.
Photo by gotplaid?
SHE-POWER Fiction: I Like A Bit of Phone Sex in the Morning
This short is a continuation of Mama’s Girls
The house was quiet as Clarissa walked toward the bedroom. Obviously Scott was still asleep. So much for helping with the barbecue. He’d be lucky if he was showered and dressed before everyone arrived at this rate.
Opening the bedroom door, Clarissa expected to see Scott still huddled under the quilt, one arm strewn across the bed, taking up all the room.
“Wakey, wakey sleepyhead. We have a lot to do today.”
The bed was empty, the covers pulled back to reveal crumpled white sheets.
Photo by gotplaid?
No Comments! Be The First!