Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is to write a letter from one character to another about a third character. Cathy’s character, Miranda, has written a letter to her mother. Miranda, the central character in Cathy’s work in progress, veers away from third character Paul and toward other characters, but Paul is the main protagonist in the story.
This book, tentatively titled DOORBELLS AND DECEMBER, is Cathy’s longest work thus far. Two chapters (before she knew she’d continue with the story) were published by Dancing With Bear Publishing in 2012 and 2013 as short stories (parts 1 and 2) in Christmas anthologies. As of now, the story is approximately 45,000 words, and her goal is to have this book finished by the end of the summer and ready for publication by October. Cathy is beyond excited to have written this much on one work and hopes to add another 20,000. The book will likely be categorized as “New Adult” (ages 18-24).
Check out Cathy’s website (below) for information on her books of short stories for sale, as well as her recent children’s books.
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Dear Mom,
This letter is so very hard to write, but Diane suggested I write it to relieve myself of burdens I can’t let go of. Even if I never give you this letter, she says I’ll feel better afterward.
Paul. Where do I start? I can’t begin to tell you all the things he did to me, most I’d never want you to know. And now I find I can’t even write about it—so much for therapy. I suppose he could have been worse; I’ve heard way more horrific stories than mine. Over time, Diane says the pain will lessen, but I know I’ll always remember. Perhaps someday, if and when joy enters my life to stay, I might forget.
I know I have a bright future, especially now that I’m reunited with Kevin. And Chad—I’m hoping he’s my soulmate. (I love that word, which can mean so many different things.) But I’m not sure Chad feels the same way about me, not with his many mixed messages. He IS a womanizer, as you and Clara have said, so I’ll wait it out, see what happens. All I can do, right? I can’t force someone to love me.
Mom, I’ve lied to you in the past. About Kevin. About Jeremy. Lies I’ll never reveal to you. I can’t. You’d hate me then for sure, so certain things will be left unsaid. Again, I can’t even write them down. Am I trying to hide my secrets from me, too? I’m such a coward!
I miss Dad so much. When he died, I wished you had been killed instead of him. What an awful thought. For sure, this is one secret I’ll never reveal. But I am sorry I rebelled after his death. Bad, bad Miranda.
Well, I haven’t accomplished much with this letter. Except for the revelation about Dad, I could probably hand this to you. Would I feel better then? No, I don’t think so. A female is entitled to her secrets, isn’t she? And I know, in the end, I’ll be okay. I’m a survivor. And I will be until the day I die.
I love you, Mom, and I’m sorry I never told you that enough. I’ll make it up to you. I promise.
Love, Miranda.
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The Spot Writers- our members.
RC Bonitz
rcbonitz.com
Val Muller
http://www.valmuller.com/blog/
Catherine A. MacKenzie
https://writingwicket.wordpress.com/wicker-chitter/
Deborah Marie Dera
http://www.deborahdera.com
