A few days ago, I asked a friend to read my newest short story, Empty Nest, which she did gladly. It is a rare thing for a writer to be in the proximity of one of her readers. I will admit to a wonderful excitement as I watched her scroll through my story (on my iPad).
Seated across the room and pretending to flip through a magazine, I watched her read, noting her body language, her posture, her breathing–all the while hoping for signs of enjoyment (and dreading indicators of boredom or confusion).
She was a most accommodating reader: She sighed. She oohed over turns of phrase. She paused to say she loved the word “indigo.” God bless her gracious heart.
So much for being surreptitious–I flushed and grinned.
Inwardly I urged her on, all the while nibbling my lip, twisting a strand of hair–wringing my hands! Then, it came: the sign. Her eyebrows shot up and she gasped.
Gotcha! The twist worked. I couldn’t contain myself–I felt like dancing around the room. Mission accomplished: I had created a moment of surprise and pleasure for one of my readers.
What a lovely picture you paint! I am sitting on the couch holding my breath waiting for the gasp myself! This is such an honest insight into how it feels to have someone read your work. Such vulnerability, I am so glad your friend loved the story and that you kept going.
PS I had a lovely surprise in the Post yesterday, so today I am composing a reply :0)
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I got your lovely letter today! Thank you. 🌻
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Oh yay!! Can’t wait!
I’d forgotten about this post—it was a long time ago. That story, Empty Nest, is available to read on my short story link. I must revisit it…
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I just had a squiz and it looks like the link isn’t working. It took me to the Queensland competition page but had error 404.
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Oh bummer. Thanks for letting me know. I should have saved a PDF. 🌻
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You didn’t? Not even a rough copy? I had my cup of coffee ready and everything! 😉
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Haha! Somewhere! It was laid out in a kind of book form by the contest organisers.
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