The Short Story That Would be a Novella

Last December, Linda Brewer, an administrator at a skin cancer lab in Tucson, resolved to write a short story every month in 2013. By year’s end she hopes to have them published.

April Update:

I grew up in the Eugene, Oregon area and my brothers and I sometimes discuss our tree-clad upbringing on the Siuslaw River. I wish I’d been able to develop that story as it seemed to request, but no time. Still, this thing kept wanting to become a novella. I wrestled it down to size. Next month we’re going short short story!

Here is the first paragraph from the story I wrote this month, “Covered Bridge:”

A sticky-leaved little alder grew on the edge of the river bank about eight feet above the water. Mellie grasped a slim branch with one hand to steady herself as she took the first step. She lurched down the slope, sliding the last few feet as the branch tore away from the trunk. Rocks and clods of dirt flew in front of her and plopped into the river, but she managed to land upright, branch still in hand. Mere inches away the Siuslaw flowed by on its way to the Pacific, free transportation for anyone who wanted it. Mellie took off her shoes and laid her pocketbook beside them just above the waterline. She could smell the river, the smell of picnics and childhood adventures long past. She leaned over and dipped her fingers in the water. It was October and the water was cold, but she was not here to take a bath.

Read all of “Covered Bridge”

Read March’s story,”Dog Heavy”
Read February’s story, “Remedy”
Read January’s story, “It’s All Good”