Categotry Archives: writing
Suzie’s House 221: “But I’m Better, Right?”
“Shall we call it good for today?” I tried not to appear impatient, but my time is always very, very short. It’s hard enough making myself write. I don’t need to waste time talking to a kid who isn’t interested, though I have accepted Ben’s determination. If he were going to change his mind about being a writer, he’d have done it by now. Poor kid.
Suzie’s House 212 : Waving Around
Lisa laughed harder than Ben thought she should, but he couldn’t say anything because he meant for her to laugh when he told her about fighting Gene over who got to do the dishes, so… yeah.
Suzie’s House 190: Fahrenheit Inspiration
Ben read a chapter or two, then put Fahrenheit 450 down and stared into space. “I want to write something like that,” he muttered. “Only not like that.” He stared some more. “I want to write something that good.” He pulled his spiral notebook close. It was already open to a blank page.
Welcome, Ann Pino
As those of you who have stopped to read my Welcome page know, I’m adding a new feature here in Alice’s Restaurant. Actually, it’s a feature I’ve had in place for a long time, but haven’t made much effort to exorcise before. Namely, I’m going to be featuring other writers on Mondays. To start, let me introduce you to Ann Pino, who writes and posts some wonderful Science Fiction. For the last few weeks I’ve been enjoying Steal Tomorrow, which […]
Suzie’s House 155: Throwing Lightning Bolts
It was the beginning of July when Ben caught up with me the first time. By then I’d already forgotten my agreement to read something he’d written. No doubt this was a good thing, as I’m sure I would have flinched when I saw him coming if I’d remembered. Not that I’m unwilling to do critiques, mind you. I have no problem at all doing critiques for my critique partners. These are seasoned veterans of writing – people I know […]
Suzie’s House 147: Nervous
“Gene, cut it out.” Ben took the ice cube from Gene’s hand. “She doesn’t like it.” “So what? I do like it.” Gene tried to take the ice cube back, but Ben kept just out of reach. Not that Gene was really trying anyway. It wasn’t like he cared all that much. He grabbed for it again anyway. “I said cut it out!” Ben actually looked serious. “What are you two talking about?” Diane glanced nervously at them right before […]
Suzie’s House 146: Introductions
“Vin!” Miranda took the remote control out of his hand and levered him to his feet. “Diane’s here. You haven’t meet Diane yet, have you? Come on. I’ll introduce you.” “Diane?” “Yeah. She’s a good friend of Suzie and me. She used to baby sit Ben when he was little. That’s why she’s here. She’s going to take care of Ben and Gene while the rest of us are gone.” “No wild parties, huh? What if she likes wild parties?” […]
Suzie’s House 145 : Diane Makes Herself at Home
About half an hour early, Diane walked up the steps to the porch of Suzie’s house with her over night case in hand. She paused in front of the door, trying to decide if she should knock or simply walk in. Before all those people moved in with Suzie, Diane wouldn’t have thought twice. She would simply have gone around back and walked into the kitchen, since that was where Suzie tended to spend her time. That was months ago. […]
Suzie’s House 143: A Walk in the Park
It was only a few months between the day I watched two red haired men run out of Cindy’s apartment during a party and the next time I ran into Suzie’s son, Ben, but it seemed like a couple of years had gone by. In that time, Ben had nearly been abducted by those red haired men, seen them arrested, been accused of insanity by a crazy teacher, sent his own father to jail for attempted murder, rescued his best […]
Find Gene’s Father’s Name
I went to my first ever live NaNo event this Sunday. Imagine a score of people sitting at a long table, all writing. That was it. No conversation, no joking, the only sound the clatter of keyboards, the scritch of pens on paper, and the rustle of snack wrappers. It was great! In an hour and a half (I was late arriving) I managed to eek out as many words as I’d done all day the day before. They aren’t […]
Suzie’s House 135: A Word, If You Please
“Drew is leaving?” Miranda couldn’t believe it. She stared at Suzie then at Ben in turns. “Why on earth is he leaving?” “Work,” Ben said morosely. He slumped over the kitchen table, one wrist wrapped over the top of his head. Suzie nodded. “His job here was temporary. He’s been re-assigned.” “Pft. As if that was reason enough.” Miranda didn’t wait for Suzie or Ben to respond. She marched upstairs to set Drew straight.
Suzie’s House 134: Sharing
For those who don’t read the newsletter, last week Suzie woke up to a wonderful morning with her beloved Drew only to have him tell her he is leaving. He is an FBI Agent who was only assigned to the Madison WI office pending an investigation into the internet-based flash-crime ring run by the Smash Master. Now that the Smash Master is behind bars, his job is done. He leaves for New Mexico at the end of the week. “Mom?” […]
Suzie’s House 132: A Man in the Crowd
“Don’t worry.” Gene clapped Ben on the back. “I won’t get in your way.” The relief on Ben’s face was almost comical. Before Gene could burst his bubble with a dig, Lisa came back. “I’m sorry. It didn’t work.” She looked bummed. “What did you try,” Ben asked.
Suzie’s House 131: A Way In
“Why didn’t you give the tickets to me,” Gene asked. He and Lisa stood under a street light, or maybe it should be called a sidewalk light since it wasn’t near any street. It was along the walk way leading up to the coliseum where ShapeShifter was going to play. They were waiting for Ben, who was talking to some guys unloading a truck. “You were busy at the time.” Lisa shrugged.
Suzie’s House 130: In Exchange
My regular readers have probably noticed a new arc in the story. That’s because I have a special treat for you this week. Susan Helene Gottfried and I have combined our writing talents to bring you a two-sided story. Once you’ve read this, click here to see the other side of things. “This is great!” Miranda did a little hop, almost bumping one of the security guards keeping the audience away from the stage. She had really outdone herself on […]
