Let's Hear It for the Cat! by rattus

Pfffff, this is very very very good. I felt more for Edith because I knew less about her. Span

Glad you enjoyed it. It is very difficult in the short story form to build up a good charcter - that takes more skill than I have! In the first - longer - draft of the story we do discover more about Edith, how she has no lover or family, which is why she was chosen for this particular task. But as I streamlined it I lost those details. I think it is always a good exercise to edit a short story down to as much the bone as possible. But sometimes it is very hard. I think writers inclination is to add more words rather than take away!

Just read this – brilliant! It does indeed keep you guessing… In fact, I’m still guessing! Is Edith dead or was she part of the ‘performance’? Also, I must ask something of the author… did you consciously choose such ‘comedic’ names as Clinker & Cobble? Judging by the subtlety of the rest of the piece, I suspect the answer is ‘yes,’ but I’m curious to hear the author’s perspective… “P” (PS. You working on or written any novels, by any chance, rattus?)

Thanks for your comment Pepsoid. Don't you find names such a bloody chore? Sometimes I've spent ages trying to get just the right name, and at other times the names just pop up straight away. I wanted Edith to sound a bit nerdish and thougth Edith Clinker sounded a suitable sort of name that you might want to escape - but clink(er) implies chains and prison - you can't escape who you are. The honest truth about Cobble is - I can't remember where that name came from! The Cat is a few years old that I dusted down a month ago, so forgive me my memory. As far as I'm concerned Edith really is dead. And in answer to your PS - I have written 6 full length novels. One of them is posted on ABC - Lucky Srike. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it.

6 unpublished novels?! Have you considered self-publishing on an 'on demand' basis? Yes, names can be an arse. Although Larry & Mick just came to me in a flash! Well more or less... Re Edith... >>> As far as I'm concerned Edith really is dead ...that's what they said about Dirty Den... :-) * P * :-)

I enjoyed this story, the suspense and sarcasm from the media was sustained throughout. Tai