Paige Hawthorne: Blog

In politics, the ‘third rail’ is a metaphor for any issue that is so controversial that it is 'charged'. And thus untouchable in the sense that any politician who speaks out on the topic will offend enough voters to impact his career. Or hers.

Considering the SOL reader (through mail responses, story Comments, and blogs) I've decided there is one subject that qualifies for third-rail status. Now, I'm not talking about personal peccadilloes like sexual turn-offs.

The one temper-raising topic is, of course, politics. And, that's no surprise — SOL readers are representative of a divided America.

So, one of my fictional characters made some disparaging remarks about Trump. Boy, did I hear about that.

In another political arena — guns. Any gun-regulation discussion draws spirited reactions from both sides of the issue.

Now, a rational writer might well steer clear of these subjects. So, look for even more third-rail content in my future stories.

Not running for office,

Paige

Flash-fiction -- particularly the six-word story -- is fun and challenging. The most famous one is almost certainly improperly credited to Ernest Hemingway. The legend is that he won a bar bet from some writer-pals in the 1920s. However, versions of the tale date back to the early 1900s.

The story:

"For sale: baby shoes, never worn."

Interestingly, most people interpret it as something sad. A miscarriage, a tragic accident, a death of a parent, etc. But it could be that... oh, I don't know... a healthy baby was born with large feet.

Think positive,

Paige

Not to be confused with Epistrophe.

Diacope — take one word or phrase, put something in the middle, and repeat the phrase.

“Run, Toto, Run!”

“Bond, James Bond.”

And one that’s been around for a while …

“To be … or not … to be.”

You’re welcome,

Paige

Despite petitions, lawsuits, marches, boycotts, hunger strikes, threats of physical violence, membership resignations, sit-ins, walkouts write-ins, runouts, stoppages, and protests in the streets, the unthinkable has happened. Again.

For the sixth year in a row, the Big Clit finds me listed in the Author of the Year column. Yep — time for my annual humiliation. Why not double-dip it? I’m in that Lifetime thing too.

Plus, one of my stories limped into contention in two or three categories. Unfortunately, only one of my remaining three readers is able to figure out how to vote.

Once again, no one will be shouting, “Habemus Papam!” in my direction.

Paige

To click on the SOL Home Page, bad news strikes again. I’ve gone against my better judgement — and countless reader-pleas — and allowed my Research Department to unearth, and post, a major update of “Part 2— The Real Housewives of Sausalito, Mississippi”.

The 35,000-word addition can be found in Chapter 348, if any of you masochists are up for more punishment. Come to think of it, it’s in Chapter 348 whether you read it or not.

Fair warning … this (very) naughty spoof of religious zealots is unedited. It is too … something … for the delicate sensitivities of normal editors.

Proceed at your own risk,

Paige