Cool story, Margaret. There's something about seaside resorts that make them the perfect settings for edgy narratives - Brighton Rock etc. I've never been to Blackpool though. Is it still worth visiting?
Thanks for reading James. I'm most unconfident with short stories but I do enjoy writing them. Blackpool is mad. There's much to see but it's also got some of the worst deprivation in UK. However I still love going. The Lights the Tower the Ballroom The Grundy art gallery the sea....
Gripping short story with excellent pacing and suspense, Margaret. Your talents know no bounds. This reminded me a bit of the film "Brief Encounter" which I love. I really was rooting for Attracta because I somehow missed that she was dead from the get go. I didn't trust that Edward's tan or cologne. Lol.
What a great story Margaret, I was totally immersed. The line 'Cup-a-soup, Ryvita, an apple and a Penguin biscuit. Sometimes she would have cottage cheese' took me right back to my mum's diet in the 70s.
Very engaging piece with a proper sting in its tail, Margaret. I had a similar feeling reading it as I did when I saw Riz Ahmed's incredibly profound short film, "The Long Goodbye." Despite not knowing what was going to happen, I felt a sense of dread weaving through it.
Is this based on an actual story, or is it purely fictional?
Thank you Michael for your generous comment. I’m going to watch the Long Goodbye as I haven’t seen it. It is pure fiction, from my head. I passed a gravestone in the cemetery and she was called Attracta. That sparked it. I very much appreciate you reading and commenting. There is something very exposing about writing fiction.
Thank you. My apologies, I missed your note under the Orbison song. I love the inspiration you had, presumably while on one of your walks. I can imagine that writing fiction is similar to painting. You are creating and composing a story on a blank canvas. Getting what is in your heart and head onto that "canvas" (whether it be writing or painting) is not only difficult but, once shared, feels very vulnerable. Almost like standing naked in front of many eyes. At least that is how I have felt when I have publicly displayed my paintings.
Yes, you must watch "The Long Goodbye." It's not an easy watch, but it is SO good and so powerful. Sadly, it also depicts the reality of our current world even more than it did when it was made in 2020.
For the past ten or so years, my wife and I have seen the Manhattan Short Film Festival. It is curated in Manhattan, but cinemas all over the country (world?) show the festival, and the audience gets to vote on their favorite film and actor. Some of the films have gone on to being Oscar-nominated and winning the film’s biggest prize. “The Long Goodbye” did just that (winning an Oscar for Best Live Action Short)! When we saw it, we were speechless, and it received a standing ovation from everybody at our cinema here in Portland.
I’m so glad you were able to find it online to watch it.
Great short story, Margaret. You should write more fiction!
Thank you!
Cool story, Margaret. There's something about seaside resorts that make them the perfect settings for edgy narratives - Brighton Rock etc. I've never been to Blackpool though. Is it still worth visiting?
Thanks for reading James. I'm most unconfident with short stories but I do enjoy writing them. Blackpool is mad. There's much to see but it's also got some of the worst deprivation in UK. However I still love going. The Lights the Tower the Ballroom The Grundy art gallery the sea....
Loved it Margaret, well done 👏🏻
This is an excellent short story, loved it. Thank you for writing it. Write another.
Thanks for reading Samantha.
Gripping short story with excellent pacing and suspense, Margaret. Your talents know no bounds. This reminded me a bit of the film "Brief Encounter" which I love. I really was rooting for Attracta because I somehow missed that she was dead from the get go. I didn't trust that Edward's tan or cologne. Lol.
Thanks HH. Too kind. I love Brief Encounter. Never trust a man with a tan in November. 😂
🤣Exactly!
Great story and what a name too. I had to look it up.
❤️
Absolutely entrancing, Margaret, thank you for sharing it.💕 I love little fiction stories like this, a “what if”. Brava!
Thanks Sheila x
Very much enjoyed reading this, Margaret. Hope you will write more fiction.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it Maureen. Thank you for reading.
Great story. Really well crafted descriptive detail. More fiction please!
The best place to write from!
Thanks Mike. Out of my comfort zone.
What a great story Margaret, I was totally immersed. The line 'Cup-a-soup, Ryvita, an apple and a Penguin biscuit. Sometimes she would have cottage cheese' took me right back to my mum's diet in the 70s.
Thanks Helen. Yes my mum too. I guess it was a thing.
Oh wow, as a 58 year old woman this really connected. I was totally lost in it. Great job @MargaretBennett!
Thank you 🤩
Very engaging piece with a proper sting in its tail, Margaret. I had a similar feeling reading it as I did when I saw Riz Ahmed's incredibly profound short film, "The Long Goodbye." Despite not knowing what was going to happen, I felt a sense of dread weaving through it.
Is this based on an actual story, or is it purely fictional?
Thank you Michael for your generous comment. I’m going to watch the Long Goodbye as I haven’t seen it. It is pure fiction, from my head. I passed a gravestone in the cemetery and she was called Attracta. That sparked it. I very much appreciate you reading and commenting. There is something very exposing about writing fiction.
I already loved the story Margaret, but learning that it was inspired by a gravestone has made me love it even more.
Ha. Thanks Sarah.
Thank you. My apologies, I missed your note under the Orbison song. I love the inspiration you had, presumably while on one of your walks. I can imagine that writing fiction is similar to painting. You are creating and composing a story on a blank canvas. Getting what is in your heart and head onto that "canvas" (whether it be writing or painting) is not only difficult but, once shared, feels very vulnerable. Almost like standing naked in front of many eyes. At least that is how I have felt when I have publicly displayed my paintings.
Yes, you must watch "The Long Goodbye." It's not an easy watch, but it is SO good and so powerful. Sadly, it also depicts the reality of our current world even more than it did when it was made in 2020.
I watched it this afternoon Michael and cried my eyes out. It’s so good. And horrific. Thanks for letting me know.
Barely write fiction as I find it challenging but equally I enjoy the freedom it brings. Like painting.
For the past ten or so years, my wife and I have seen the Manhattan Short Film Festival. It is curated in Manhattan, but cinemas all over the country (world?) show the festival, and the audience gets to vote on their favorite film and actor. Some of the films have gone on to being Oscar-nominated and winning the film’s biggest prize. “The Long Goodbye” did just that (winning an Oscar for Best Live Action Short)! When we saw it, we were speechless, and it received a standing ovation from everybody at our cinema here in Portland.
I’m so glad you were able to find it online to watch it.
I was so absorbed by the story that I forgot the Attracta was dead until the crash! Cracking piece. Lovely details. ✨
Thank you as ever, Jules for reading and sharing. x
I really enjoyed it, thank you!
Really love this MB x
It’s Blackpool innit?