The Shrew of Termagant Court
by Gary A. Wilson
Ethel stepped into her favorite coffee shop. She paused and inhaled deeply to gather her sense of calm and civility before scanning the room – looking for her friend. She paused to reflect on how she used to enjoy the challenge of solving other people’s problems, but as she passed the age of retirement, her tolerance of other people’s drama was failing faster than her natural hair color.
I hope Beulah had a better week, she thought.
They always met after the lunch rush, so getting a booth across from the indoor garden beneath the skylight would be easy. The flowers were in spectacular bloom. She smiled, knowing that this should encourage Beulah to be calm and composed.
Perhaps she’ll have solved her situation, she thought. Beulah’s complaint flashed through her mind as she scanned the row of booths. Her doctor had convinced her to walk daily to strengthen her heart. These walks took her through a quiet neighborhood, then to Termagant Court, a long cul-de-sac with four homes with a spectacular view of the town’s valley. But each day as she passed the last house, she could see an old woman scowling at her from a darkened window. The woman would make eye contact as Beulah passed by, then would move out of view as if that scowl satisfied her purpose in watching. She was uncomfortably verbose about how she didn’t know this woman and had done nothing to deserve such an unwelcoming glance, and how this had gone on for weeks. “She’s a wretched shrew Ethel, devoted to casting a dark hatred to anyone who dares walk by her house.”
Ethel hoped that her problem had passed and that Beulah was back to her general level of annoyance with politics. After a brief unloading of any recent news, Beulah would then accept other, more friendly discourse.
She looked across the garden and saw Beulah sitting in their favorite booth. Well, she’s not scowling. She thought while forcing a polite smile. So far, so good. Maybe we’ll just have a pleasant visit, she thought as she followed the tiled path around the garden.
“Beulah. So good to see you. Thanks for snagging the booth.”
“Hello, Ethel. I got my shopping done and arrived early. Someone was just leaving, so I grabbed it. All’s well, I hope. Is your great-granddaughter past her bug?”
“Oh yes, Shelly’s fine. Now she’s fussing over her first boyfriend. I’m so glad we were never that young.”
Ethel slid into the booth as the waitress stepped over to collect their orders of flavored lattes and toasted Mediterranean sandwiches. “My, doesn’t the garden look wonderful, such bold colors. I wonder what they use for fertilizer.”
“Oh, who knows?” Beulah replied. “I bet it’s just coffee grounds. They’d have plenty, and I’ve heard they work great. But Ethel, after our meeting last week, I owe you an update.”
Ethel steeled herself for another burst of complaints against this mystery woman, but she doesn’t sound angry. Maybe they met and became friends.
“Recall how that shrew glared at me every time I passed her house, well I can’t wait to tell you what happened. Do you recall how I always passed her home between 11:00 and 11:30?”
“Oh yes. You are nothing if not punctual.”
“Well—last Sunday—she wasn’t there.”
“Oh, I wonder why?”
“It was the time change. I was there an hour early, like she didn’t update her clock. Ethel, I’m going to prove how anal I can be but when I realized this, I decided to repeat my walk to test my theory and bingo! There she was.”
“Ah—I can see how—”
“As did I, but there’s so much more. I decided not to keep on walking when I saw her, so I stopped and stared back at her, and that belligerent old crank just stared back at me, looking every bit as resolved as I was to not back down.”
Ethel was confused because Beulah was almost laughing – not at all what she expected.
“And then as I took one step closer into the shadow of her tree, she vanished like always.”
“Her tree? I don’t understand.”
“Neither did I. Perhaps she has limited vision, and the shadow made me invisible. So, I stepped back and darned if she didn’t lean back into view and stare right at me. I was so confused that I walked away, but decided to circle back around the cul-de-sac because I couldn’t let her win that easily. When I returned only two minutes later – there she was again. I realized that something was fishy, so I stepped back and forth and realized that she had only a narrow view of the sidewalk, and if I stayed out of a certain sidewalk square, she stayed back where I couldn’t see her. She had to be watching me from the darkened room because she came back every time I stepped back into that square—brr. It was creepy.
“But just then, a police car pulled up and the officer asked me if I knew the resident. I was a bit flummoxed but rallied to answer that I didn’t.
“He replied, ‘Oh. Too bad. We’re looking for any of her friends to talk to. We’re pretty sure she died of natural causes, but we have some questions.’ Ethel, I was so shocked that I struggled to ask when she died, and the officer said they estimated about a month ago. Her daughter had called to ask for a wellness check because she’d stopped answering phone calls.”
“Wait. Do I understand correctly? She died a month ago? How’s that possible? You’d just seen her.”
“Exactly!” Beulah said as she leaned back against the booth wall. “My tormentor was now a ghost, and you know I don’t believe in such nonsense. Of course, I didn’t tell the officer that I’d just been in a staring battle with his mean-spirited apparition, but I was questioning my own sanity and did not want to look nuts. The officer was giving me his card when his radio went off, calling him to help with an accident on the interstate. He left me standing there wondering how to proceed. I knew for certain that I’d seen a maniacal face staring at me from that window.”
“How is this possible? And you, of all people, are not nuts. Never have been. What did you do?”
“I knew there had to be a rational answer. I turned back to look at the empty window and stepped back into the square – and Ethel – she reappeared with wild eyes staring back at me.”
“Oh my! Could it be someone else?”
“Perhaps, but someone was scowling at me – but now the image was fading.”
“What? How?”
“The only thing I could think of was that it was getting late – later than I ever came by, so I pulled out my phone to snap a photo of that face, and you know what happened?”
“I can’t imagine.”
“When I looked up with my camera app ready, I could see her holding hers – mocking me!
“This was too much. I forced myself to remain calm and took her picture. I then stepped back into the shade of that tree to examine the photo out of her view.”
“Oh, don’t you tell me that she wasn’t in it. That would seriously scare me.”
“It was me in that darkened room, holding my own phone up to take that photo.”
“What?!”
“Ethel, it was my own reflection. I went back the next day—and the next to prove it. When the sun’s just right, there are about 20 minutes when anyone standing in just the right spot will see their own reflection.
“Oh, gracious sakes! Beulah, this is the scariest and funniest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“More important, I’m asking you, my dearest and most trusted friend, to never tell anyone what a fool I was but do tell me if I ever again become that shrew. I’m so embarrassed that I didn’t even recognize what a mean-spirited old woman I’d become. I’m determined to kill the shrew and cultivate a happier, nicer me. I’m also going to keep walking by that house on Termagant Court to check my progress.”
Biography
Something to Think About
Of course, you don’t have to answer all or any of these questions in your comment, but they add depth to our discussions, if you choose to use them.
- How do the characters’ traits and actions reveal the author’s message?
- What theme or themes did “Shrew of Termagant” have? A list of 25 themes.
- How does the setting influence the characters and the plot?
- What literary devices (e.g., symbolism, imagery, metaphor) does the author use?
Thank you to everyone who attended this Story Chat Digest session. Without your input, Story Chat is an average writing challenge. Your helpful, honest comments make this like a book club. If you get a chance, check out our attendees’ blogs. It’s well worth your time.
Attendance with Links
- Darlene Foster
- Doug Jacquier
- Esther Chilton
- Gary A. Wilson (author)
- Hugh’s Views and News
- Keep It Alive
- Priorhouse Blog
- Raj
- Retirementally Challenged
- Roberta Writes
- Tame Your Book
- Times and Tides of a Beachwriter
- Writing Wrinkles
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Exciting Story Chat Volume II Video
I hope you enjoy the video.
Story Chat Volume II Book Blog Tour Schedule
- Colleen Chesebro – November 24, 2024 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Gloria – November 29 (UK)
- Robbie & Michael – November 30 (SA)
- Diana – December 1 (US)
- Doug – December 2 (AU) December 1 (US, UK, SA) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Cathy – December 4 (UK) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Amanda – December 9 (AU) December 8 (US, UK, SA)
- Dan– December 11 (US)
- Philip – December 14 (UK)
- Cindy Georgekas – December 16 (US)
- Esther Chilton – January 30 (UK ) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- D. L. Finn – February 4 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Yvette – February 5 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Hugh – January 27 (UK)
Story Chat: Online Literary Conversations
Thanks again for being a great part of Always Write’s Story Chat Digest. Until next time, keep reading, writing and chatting.
Marsha Ingrao Always Write 
124 responses to “Story Chat Digest: The Shrew of Termagant Court by Gary A. Wilson”
[…] come in yet. But I sold two books to a friend because she loved his last Story Chat story, “The Shrew of Termagant Court!” Can you believe it? I forgot to take pictures! We hope they will come back through here on their […]
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Hi all,
I decided to do a rewrite of this story before posting it to my blog. If you’d like to check it out and weigh in as to whether I made it better or worse, you can do so by clicking below.
https://wp.me/P5KSmU-3yE
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[…] June 17 Gary Wilson “The Shrew of Termagant Court” If you haven’t read Gary’s story, Hugh said, “It’s one of the best bits of fiction I’ve read, not only here on Story Chat, but in the blogging world. If ever there was a new pair of characters waiting for their stardom in the wings, you’ve created them!” WOW! […]
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My Beulah must have had an interesting life but her dementia was very advanced when I met her so hard facts were few, while her determination to let everyone know when she was annoyed was as sharp as anyone I’ve known.
I did not know (recall?) that you and I share a trait that I’ve come to describe as lacking the poetry gene. I sometimes try to read poems, but rarely do i understand them.
Going forward, the next time I find myself in a poetic discussion, I’ll see you out in the virtual group so we can laugh about something else and you have a standing invitation to do the same 😏
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Gosh Gary, another non-admirer. I’m collecting them like flies in this comment section. 🙂 xxx
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[…] are also welcome to read the original version at Marsha’s […]
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It’s great to see you back with your story wit, Gary. You had me laughing from the very first paragraph – ‘…but as she passed the age of retirement, her tolerance of other people’s drama was failing faster than her natural hair color’ – what a great opener!
And the wit did not end there. There was so much humour buried in this story that it certainly made my day. Your writing carried me along nicely at an incredible pace all the way to the very end, which, itself, is a classic.
Of course, me being me, I guessed what was going on with that ghostly figure on the other side of the window, but that did not stop me from enjoying the rest of the story. The two main characters, Ethel and Beulah, are reminiscent of two British comedy actors – Victoria Wood and Julie Walters. When they worked together, they were two of the most funniest women on TV. This story was made for them, Gary.
Yes, I could picture the whole story acting out right in front of me as I read it. It’s one of the best bits of fiction I’ve read, not only here on Story Chat, but in the blogging world. If ever there was a new pair of characters waiting for their stardom in the wings, you’ve created them!
Kudos to you, my friend. A brilliant piece of writing.
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Wow – Hugh – I’m humbled by this feedback ans so appreciate your detailed response.
I mentioned below somewhere that Beulah was based on a lady I knew at a convalescent home for older folks who needed ongoing medical support. She was a darling – but very much of a crank herself. She could toggle quickly for being so cute and adorable to sharply negative with barely any reason. She and I got along just fine and I enjoyed the banter we often got into.
I felt very much like she stopped by just long enough to make a cameo appearance in my tale. This made writing this story fun in a nostalgic way. She would not have been capable of noticing an error in her own judgment as my character did, but she really was my starting point.
And yes – I do love my sometimes-not-so-subtle smart remarks. You’ve often taught that a good hook really helps draw in our readers and I hoped that this line about Ethel’s hair color would fit the need. Thanks for calling it out. I thought it was funny and am glad you agreed.
I also discussed below how I chose not to try very hard to bury the fact that Beulah was seeing her own reflection but was so wound up about that scowling face that she didn’t ever recognize herself. Instead I hoped my readers, if they figured it out, would enjoy getting ahead of me while still enjoying how Beulah finally figured it out.
You assured me that it worked and still came out enjoyable. Whew!
I’d not heard of the two actors you mentioned but have seen others do skits like this and yep – they can be a laugh riot. I didn’t dare to think I did this good a job but your feedback – well – like I said- you humbled me and your kind feedback has encouraged me to pursue more content of this quality.
You made my day my friend.
Thanks and Blessings !
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I knew he would! 🙂
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I’ve written many stories and flash fiction pieces based on people I’ve known or encountered, Gary. It’s a great way to bring out the best in a story. After all, humans are a fascinating subject. No two are the same, and although some may lead dull lives that do not inspire us, there is usually a story we can create around them. From what you have told us of her, Beulah sounds like an interesting woman who did not lead a dull life.
Hooking the reader in the first sentence or paragraph is something I was taught by another blogger, whom I greatly admire. I won’t mention who, but they are also part of the Story Chat community. Not having that hook can take a story off the radar within a few words. That line I highlighted in the opening of your story immediately piqued my interest in Ethel.
I will always give feedback where it is due, Gary. That also applies to negative feedback, but I will always suggest ways to improve when that happens. If a story doesn’t comment with me, then I won’t comment at all – not even to say ‘nice story.’ And I’ll leave a comment on poetry posts because poetry isn’t something that interests me, so I never read them.
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Grrr – yet another response get disconnected from the conversation I intended it for. Thanks for your comment above Hugh. Here’ what you should have seen as my response. ======================
My Beulah must have had an interesting life but her dementia was very advanced when I met her so hard facts were few, while her determination to let everyone know when she was annoyed was as sharp as anyone I’ve known.
I did not know (recall?) that you and I share a trait that I’ve come to describe as lacking the poetry gene. I sometimes try to read poems, but rarely do i understand them.
Going forward, the next time I find myself in a poetic discussion, I’ll see you out in the virtual group so we can laugh about something else and you have a standing invitation to do the same 😏
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I noticed that many of the conversations seem to be disconnected on this post, Gary. Responses don’t appear where they are intended to be. I’m not sure if it’s an issue with the theme of Marsha’s blog, but luckily, my replies seem to be landing in the right place.
I’ve tried reading poetry, but it’s something that I’ve never been able to find an interest in. The same goes for Opera! I struggle with it and don’t enjoy it at all. However, we all have different interests, and what one person enjoys, another may not. I find that with my readers and the flash fiction I write. Some love it, whereas others don’t read it because they have no interest in it, and I get that.
I don’t force myself to read anything I find difficult. Similarly, I won’t force myself to comment on a post if I haven’t connected with it.
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Indeed Hugh.
And ballet. I’ve never understood it. I agree that it has to be hard to do – but being hard doesn’t make something valuable.
But as you said … have different interests…
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Vince is with you both all the way. He is not interested much in my writing. He did have some suggestions earlier this year with Story Chat, but he hasn’t contributed much since then, and I don’t try to play in poker tournaments or go to Saturday morning car coffee meetups.
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I’m meeting with a person who is a social media and blog expert today. Maybe she can answer the question to misplaced comments. You are right, it’s happened several times.
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I love your honesty and consistency, Hugh. I can depend on you, and you never disappoint – even if you don’t like my poetry. LOL I treasure you opinions.
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It’s not like I dislike your poetry, Marsha. It’s that I don’t read it because I find poetry difficult to read. Poetry, like opera, doesn’t connect with me at all.
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No worries, Hugh. It doesn’t always resonate with me either.
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Wow, Hugh, that’s a response made in heaven if ever there was one! I can’t wait for Gary to read this! 🙂 xxx
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An entertaining story. Thanks for sharing, Marsha.
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Thanks, Robbie. He did a great job. One of the shocks of my life is that all of my posts go out on our neighborhood social media share. A friend of mine read the intro, got all flowery on me because she thought that MY writing was excellent. I had to burst her bubble and tell her it was Gary’s. I didn’t even know she was reading my posts. 🙂 Way to go Gary!
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Hi Robbie.
Thanks so much for giving it a read and for the kind feedback. If I managed to entertain, then my work is is done. 😃
And Marsha – I need your friend to revisit the SC link and add a note. I’d love readers to know that somone thought my effort was good enough to be mistaken for your writing.
How cool is that!? 👏
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She is not a blogger. I will mention it to her. She was quite complimentary. 🙂
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Hi Marsha, that is wonderful. How nice that your posts are shared among your neighbours. Very communal.
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True, but kind of scary, too, LOL!
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Yes, I suppose so
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Good to see you writing again, Gary! Fun story. Even though I guessed the answer early, I love how you ended the story with an important life lesson. We probably could all use a reminder to avoid becoming mean-spirited and, instead, cultivate a happier, nicer us.
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How true, Janis. Speaking of nice. I heard some nice words about you on Yvette Prior’s blog. It’s an interview of Donna Connolly. 🙂 xxx
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I saw that! Yvette asks great questions.
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I know. Her questions are unique. I love to read her interviews.
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Hi Janis,
Thanks for giving it a read and for your kind feedback.
There was some good discussion about how easy it was to guess the way the story ended. I decided after a few drafts to not bury the ending for a more surprise ending because this can be fun for the reader.
My only concern was if I could credibly have Beulah not figure it out until the end.
I’m glad that you liked it and weighed into the story chat.
Blessings
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I’m glad she finally figured it out. I think her friend was pleased and a little more surprised even than Beulah. 🙂 xxx I see good things in Beulah’s future.
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Interesting question. I know that I’ve seen my reflection and not realized at first it was me. I guess if I saw a “wretched shrew,” I’d be much less likely to recognize myself. 🙂
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Ha !
Yes – I can’t imagine a scenario where you would ever have such an experience Janis. You’ve always radiated grace and civility towards me at least. I also wanted the conclusion of this story being Beulah finally owning what she’d grown into and decisively dealing with it with Termagant Court being her special memorial to recall but not letting it happen again.
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I don’t think you would be likely to see a wretched shrew, Janis. No worries. 🙂 xxx
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A clever tale, I did guess just before the ghost possibility which made me think my guess was wrong… A bit like when we see out mother in a shop window and realise we have turned into our mothers!
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Hi Janet.
I think this is our first meeting. Thanks for giving my story a read and adding a comment. I’m so glad that you found it clever which I hope means that you enjoyed it.
Blessings
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Hello Gary, yes I did enjoy it.
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Are you fishing, my friend. hahaha I had a comment on the interview post that Robbie did of me, and the man said I was revealing. I did exactly what you just did. I fished. LOL Clever is a very complimentary word, Gary! 🙂 Besides, Janet is a dear. She would never say anything other than something nice. 🙂
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Ah – its a fair question Marsha. I think that any writer always wants to know how his/her work impacted a reader – hoping that our writing was good enough to entice a reader to read more of our work.
I still think that the best feedback comes from those willing to honestly reflect the impact an essay had AND how it could be improved. You know that kind of feedback is the gold standard for great feedback. But fishing (?) – can I offer that I was trying to politely invite more details from a new reader. It is what Story Chat is about – right?
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And I was teasing you, my friend. 🙂 xxx
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You’ve hit the nail on the head about what Story Chat represents, Gary. Yes, it’s the place to provide honest feedback that the writer can take away and improve upon. Telling someone that a story is great is of no help at all. However, giving them some honest feedback will not only brighten their day, but also help them write even more, while providing a boost that their work is genuinely being read by people who have a genuine interest in what they write.
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Well said, Hugh. Thanks.
I would offer only one tweak to your point. Crafting a story that someone enjoys (for any reason) is part of why we write. If someone only confirms that we’ve done that, they leave us encouraged and this is valuable. You’re correct that it doesn’t really help us improve but I’ll admit that just being told that someone liked my essay feels pretty good drives me to want to write more – and even better.
But you, my friend, your feedback is always insightful & encouraging.
Blessings !
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Thanks, Gary.
I’m afraid that I’m the opposite. I’ve learned over the 12 years I’ve been blogging that some readers only say things like ‘ Great story’ or ‘great post’ as a sign that they’ve visited, but not read the post, usually because they didn’t have the time. Yes, some bloggers have mentioned it in comments on blog posts I’ve published about the art of engagement in blogging. Some also said that they did not want the person who published the post to think they hadn’t visited, so they click the ‘like’ button and leave a ‘Great story’ kinda of comment.
It’s very strange how the human mind works, but each to their own, I guess.
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I yield the point Hugh. I hadn’t considered this factor and wonder if it varies with the type of writer involved. I don’t produce the volume of content others do – so maybe those who reply with such short responses are less likely to fit your example. It’s a good question – but I have no means to parse the truth. Great point Hugh – seriously – this is a great point to keep in mind.
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It’s more likely to get those kinds of comments when you do phot challenges because we are not trained to be critical about art. We glance at it and don’t study it. It takes a little longer to read a story, and you have to stay engaged in it or it doesn’t make sense. If it doesn’t make sense, then chances are likely you’ll get a like button or nothing at all. If it makes sense but doesn’t make a connection, then you get the quick comment. If it really engages you and makes you think, you start chasing rabbits. If there’s a moderator, then you have two or more people trying to draw out comments that engage the reader and writer in conversation about the work.
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I’m not so sure I agree, Marsha. When we think a piece of art (or photo) is great, nice, interesting, etc, something must have made us think that. Was it the way the photo was taken, the light, the angles, the subject, the colours – I could go on.
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I think for most people their thought process is subliminal. It’s like the book Blink. I think unless we are used to analyzing our gut reactions, we don’t know what draws us to one picture over another.
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I disagree. If I am drawn to something, then there must be a reason why I am being drawn to it. And an author or creator of anything that is asking for feedback deserves to know why I said something. Additionally, I want to learn more about what it is that makes me like what I like. The same applies to anything I dislike or don’t enjoy. There is always a reason behind the like or dislike.
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You both personify what it means to be a Story Chatter. 🙂 xxx
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You both understand the concept perfectly. It’s a fine line of praise and critique, and pure enjoyment. Sometimes the conversations go all over the place, and that’s okay, too. I love the freedom of thought and comfort and safety level here.
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Haha, several of us have said that we have turned into our mothers, LOL!
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Hi Doug,
Yikes about that sad old guy in the window. Given that you had to still be in the emotional shadow of a nasty argument, that had to be jarring but you reported that it changed your perspective so quickly so I’m going to call it a real life match to what I was trying to do. A longer version of this story easily might pull Beulah’s husband into the story.
Thanks for the comment about my wit & playfulness with words. I might have called it abuse of, but I appreciate being missed. There’s been a bunch of distractions on my side. Thanks for welcoming me back.
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Abuse is a strong word to attach to humor, my friend. Doug is a master of it, so his compliment is like gold. Just say thanks! LOL
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A very enjoyable read, Gary. I’ve missed your wit and playfulness with words. And yes, I got the termagant reference. 🙂 One of the beauties of your tale is that it taps into an everyday experience so neatly. I recall my wife and I having an awful row once, leading to me to spending a couple of days in a hotel. As I was returning from the convenience store, I noticed this sad old bugger with a plastic shopping bag shuffling past the shop window I was looking into and immediately headed for home. You can’t risk your marriage to a woman who’d had to put up with that in our house. 🙂
Regards
Doug
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Hey Doug – I somehow managed to respond to your feedback by clicking the wrong [Reply] link. Here’s what I said
Hi Doug,
Yikes about that sad old guy in the window. Given that you had to still be in the emotional shadow of a nasty argument, that had to be jarring but you reported that it changed your perspective so quickly so I’m going to call it a real life match to what I was trying to do. A longer version of this story easily might pull Beulah’s husband into the story.
Thanks for the comment about my wit & playfulness with words. I might have called it abuse of, but I appreciate being missed. There’s been a bunch of distractions on my side. Thanks for welcoming me back
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hahaha, and there’s the humor in the story and how well it fits into our lives. I think every age can relate to something about seeing their reflection in a window as they walk by.
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Hey Doug – just an FYI. This story came to me while walking – my daily task these days – past a home on a cul-de-sac with an oddly placed window that a month ago suggested this story. Each day as I passed it, I’d add some layer or detail then sit to scribble my changes into the growing draft.
Now, I can’t walk past it without rethinking this essay. If you seen my blog, you’ll see the invitation to check out the new version – post this story chat version.
Thanks for being a part.
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Hmmm. I think I prefer the first version, Gary. Other people’s comments can be useful but not always. 😉
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Thanks Doug.
Having now put a few days between that rewrite & now, I’ll go back, reread the new version and see if I can find what you saw.
I appreciate you giving me some time and feedback. Your insights cannot wisely be ignored.
many thanks.
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I really like how you kept the suspense going with small hints of it being a reflection (which I only noticed when the ending came) and Gary, this was another story with your clean, easy to follow writing. Oh and I do think they need a whole lot more than coffee grounds for a vibrant garden – (liked that part)
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Hey Prior – thanks for your time to weigh in and your kind feedback. I’m pleased that you enjoyed it.
And about that coffee fertilizer- I thought that would be a fun throwaway line. Sounds like it worked for you.
I’m straining to bump up my smile index (smirk)
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Hi, I feel like that line worked on many levels because it also brought us right there beside such nice gardens – and made it so relatable because how often I wonder garden secrets – and maybe it also layered in with “observing and wondering’ – with the lady/ref, with the gardens, etc
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I love how observant you are, Yvette. It is interesting the lines that people draw out of a story that are meaningful in some way.
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:0)
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Thanks Yvette,
I like to think that I get a lot of reading comfort for my readers with most of my stories being character dialog. I find that it pulls in the reader as if they are sitting close to the scene – listening in as the characters act out the story. I owe this concept to a gifted high school creative writing teacher who played a huge part in both teaching and inspiring me to weld this and other techniques to tell my stories.
I am now permanently in debt to her for investing time in me so long ago.
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wow, another example of the rippling effect teachers can have -and never fully see – my sixth grade teacher is someone who nurtured my writing side – and I bet your High School creative writing teacher would be extra proud to hear of your indebtedness
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Yay! Who was your most influential teacher, Yvette?
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Hi Marsha, thanks for asking. It was Mr. Calderelli and he passed away a couple years before I started to look him up to thank him.
here is a link to a post I made about him – along with the story of The Last Leaf by O Henry and some Van Gogh art….
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Wow, you are so thorough! I’m amazed you wrote a post about him. Well done, my friend.
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well it was a while ago, and sadly, I was too late to connect with him in person – :0)
thanks Marsha
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That’s too bad. I never ran into any of my teachers, but I’ve met quite a few of my former students.
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that is great!
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I love your post. Thanks for sharing it. I will post that post up for your attendance post. It is so fitting! 🙂
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oh you are so good at “connecting” – and I was just sharing with Clive how I like your ping backs.
I have been pinging him with some of my summer interview posts (because he was first to start the series) and he thanked me – and I told him that was nice to hear because I wasn’t sure if he would welcome them (not everyone does- but maybe most like them) anyhow, he said he liked the pingbacks and I mentioned how yours that come my way (from story chat) also feel good and Marsha, it is sometimes like you are saying hello
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Awwww I love you pingbacks in the comments. I’m sure I haven’t read everything you’ve ever posted, and even if I have, it’s been years. So when I get a pingback, it’s like learning a bit more about you. xxxxxx
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yes – and there is no way to keep up with everyone’s posts – and I enjoy visiting blogs more when I do not have to see everything they posted – I guess it takes the pressure off – anyhow, hope all the prep is moving along for the blast – and I will be saying a prayer for you – that the right people come and go to your area and that it is not too hot, etc
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You are so sweet! I just got a call from one of the first people I met 40 years ago when we first moved here. She wanted to reserve a book. So God is already answering your prayer. 🙂 xxxxxxxx
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🙂🙂
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What do you want, 100% Yikes!
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Gary’s stories never fail to amuse me, or affect my emotions in same way. I like to laugh, though.
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Your story made me smile, Gary, especially as I’ve caught myself reflected in a window recently and thought who is that ugly old hag?! Even though we have a sense of the reveal, the fun part is in the build up to that. Very entertaining. Beulah makes a great character.
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Hi Esther !
first: thanks for giving my story a read. I value your time and was pleased to see that you dropped by today.
second: I can’t really imagine you ever thinking such a thing as you mentioned above about anyone. You are known to be much kinder than that. My reflection on the other hand might merit such a reaction but I’m at peace with it.
I’m pleased to know you liked Beulah. I crafted her after a rest-home patient I met via a ministry I ran at the home. She comes to mind often and it was fun having her cameo in this story – it was almost like talking with her again.
Thanks for telling me that the buildup to the final reveal / light twist. I was hoping that it would work as it did for you.
But I have a question. Did you catch the light sarcasm I inserted via the title?
Thanks again for joining the Story Chat today.
Blessings.
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Thanks, Gary. No, you’re right – I wouldn’t think that about anyone else, only myself as I get older! But that’s okay.
As for the title – I saw it at the beginning and then forgot about it once I was in the story itself. Such an apt title!
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Yea – since we have no choice about aging – we should at least chose to do so with as much grace and civility as we can muster. I’ve entered my 70s and recently retired so have such thoughts bouncing around. There may be more stories of old people coming from me soon.
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Old people stories are at their height of popularity with all of us Baby Boomers aging so quickly.
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My brother saw your “reflection” in my post. I told him you were a friend of mine. He asked if Vince knew about you. I laughed and said yes, even though we have never met. I think Randy thought you looked a little too great. You two are about the same age, and Randy looks a good ten years older than you.
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Ha . . .
Is he confusing looking our age with acting our age?
But seriously- we should meet.
We’re contemplating another trip to San Diego soon. Maybe we can take a break near your neighborhood.
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That would be great. We have a spare bedroom with a king-sized bed.
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I foresee in the crystal window that Beulah has a great future.
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I kinda guessed what it was about two thirds of the way through, but loved her impression of herself before she realised who she was looking at. Who hasn’t caught sight of themselves reflected in a shop window and had to look again?
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Hi Darlene. I’m so pleased that my story worked so well for you. That you called my characters “real” was so kind. You know we writers hope to merit such great feedback.
Thanks for giving it a read.
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Well – I got so excited by your feedback, Darlene, that I somehow managed to reply to it by clicking on the comment from another reviewer. Please see my feedback to you in the reply section of Cathy Cade. At least with her – you’re in great company. Thanks for your kind feedback and I’ll try harder to not mangle my replies in the future.
Sigh . . .
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Hi Cathy,
I so appreciate your kind feedback. I decided to not work as hard as I normally do to hide the twist at the end. Looking back I kinda like leaving the possibility of a reader foreseeing the end before reading it – as long as the story carries enough value on it’s own. Oh – and yes. I’ve caught my own reflection and wondered who the heck that old guy was and doesn’t he have someone looking after what he’s wearing before turning him loose in public? //- old man sigh -//
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yep! Been there. Done that.
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xxx
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I know! Who is that old woman? Oh, no! It’s me!! LOL
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This was very well written and had me captivated throughout the story. The characters were real and I can just see this happening! I love that Beulah found the humour in her folly.
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Well – I got so excited by your feedback, Darlene, that I somehow managed to reply to it by clicking on the comment from another reviewer. Please see my feedback to you in the reply section of Cathy Cade. At least with her – you’re in great company. Thanks for your kind feedback and I’ll try harder to not mangle my replies in the future.
Sigh . . .
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I’m glad I’m not the only one who does things like that when commenting! As for seeing a reflection of yourself, I once did that in a woman’s clothing shop and thought it was my mother, before I realized it was me.
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Now, that’s bad, Darlene. I see side views of myself and see the same thing. It’s scary! 🙂 xxx
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If that’s the worst thing you can do, Gary, I’d change days with you!
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Yay, Beulah! The shrew is tamed!
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Thanks for sharing your story, Gary, and nice twist at the end. Kudos!
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Hi Grant, Thanks for giving it a read. I’m pleased that you enjoyed it. I didn’t think the twist at the end was very strong – and I finally decided to let it lie as you read it. Anything stronger or more unexpected just didn’t seem to be as credible as what I settled on. So glad it worked for you. I appreciate the time you spent on it.
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If you had given us something less credible, what would it have been?
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I almost pulled the part when Beulah stepped back and forth into view because how could anyone miss that the reflection’s motions so accurately reflected her own. I decided to just hope that my reader would accept how upset she was causing her to miss such an obvious clue.
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Beulah obviously didn’t look in the mirror very often, or the window was very distorting. Don’t you love the kind that make you shorter and fatter, or, in your case, taller and skinnier?
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Beautiful story written you. Improving words use in story.
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Hello Raj – and thanks for giving it a read. Any author would love to hear your feedback – that our work was thought by someone to be beautiful written. It makes my day. I think you also meant to say that I used some interesting words. If yes, then yes I do try to throw in a few that have obvious meanings but might send the reader to their on-line dictionary.
Did you catch the sarcasm I planted in the story title?
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Yes, Your story is interesting & keep read & read again.
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What an interesting story by Gary. God to see him writing again. I loved the characters and had sort of guessed that mystery woman was a reflection. But so well written and the idea was so good.
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Hi Sadje,
Thanks for giving it a read. I already see things that need to be fixed, but your kind words are always appreciated. I hope to produce more stories for you soon. I do think I need to be less transparent about how what she was seeing was a reflection. I didn’t care to hide it – but wanted this fact to be visible to us (the readers) before it was to her (the character). It’s kind of fun as a reader to sometimes see predict how a story will unfold.
Blessings my friend.
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That is such a worthy goal, Gary! It is so hard to do. I haven’t mastered it. Even working backwards I must miss steps. I have a novel and I’m debating on whether or not to let the reader in on the secret.
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You’re very welcome Gary. It’s good to see you writing on WP again.
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G’day all,
Thanks for giving my story a read. I hope it left you smiling.
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It did me! I love it, Gary. Thanks for sharing it with the Story Chat community!
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Hey Marsha – I just noticed something. Did I send you a final copy with the story title of:
Shrew of Termagant
or
The Shrew of Termagant Court
It was supposed to the the latter.
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Hi Marsha,
Just a quick question/request- did you see my note about my story title above?
Not urgent but I’d like it to be corrected when you can carve out time to do so.
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Yes, it’s changed.
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Many thanks 😊
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The one I had was without Court. Are there other changes? I’m happy to change it, if you want.
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I worried that it could have been my mistake. Yes please correct it in your post as I showed above. Sorry to have muffed such a simple item.
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It could have been me, it’s all good now. I didn’t have time to send it to you ahead of time. My live has been slammed, too. 🙂 xxxx
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