Emerging Writers Network: Work of the Day - February 17, 2007

Nice Things Said Re: EWN

"Dan Wickett is serious about a good read. But the EWN email list doesn't just deliver his sure-footed reviews; it also brings you news and connections to other writers. Sign up now - he understands what readers want to know about books." Quinn Dalton, author, Bulletproof Girl
1.
"Mr. Wickett is that rarely heard from but best of all possible reviewers - the dedicated and knowledgeable fan. He writes clean-cutting and fresh reviews that represent a sensibility unspoiled by over-exposure to the biz of books, but deeply in love with them." Daniel Woodrell, author, Winter's Bone
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"Dan Wickett is a reader's best friend. Not only does he read and trenchantly review new work, but he looks back to books that deserve ongoing readership. I've lost track of the number of times he's led me to boks that I overlooked (or never knew about), and that were a delight. There aren't many reviewers I will let shape my library, but Dan Wickett is one." Erin McGraw, author, The Baby Tree

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February 17, 2007

Work of the Day - February 17, 2007 - Black Widow by Alicia Gifford

Another nice effort to be found in the new elimae is Alicia Gifford's Black Widow. Another short fiction (167 words), Gifford packs a punch for sure.

Opening with: "There's a rattler curled in the woodpile. I ask Sam to chop some wood in case it chills." Gifford then moves through a time period where it becomes obvious that the female telling the tale certainly knew about the rattler being IN the woodpile:

"Sam's putting on weight. I slather mayo on his baloney sandwiches. He can't resist baloney on Wonder Bread. I buy assorted doughnuts and leave them arranged on a plate in the kitchen. For supper I fry up steaks in butter and stuff twice-baked potatoes with cheddar and bacon. Ice cream for dessert, and plenty of it.

Sam complains of heartburn and rubs his left arm. I feed him antacids and light his cigarettes for him. You're a good wife, he says."

The last line of the story, after Sam's funeral, and another man is there offering to cut wood: "Underneath my black wool suit I wear new scarlet panties, bright as a flame."

February 17, 2007 in Daily story or essay | Permalink