I was expecting Jo to ask Maddie, who owned herself, who she would choose as mother. However, I inferred, due to Jo's own good mothering, she sensed it had to be her choice, as a real mother, not a biological vehicle.
Dot Kostriken replied on Mon, 05/27/2013 - 07:14pm
Congratulations, Emma, what a wonderful short story. You've captured the complexities and flaws of all the characters so well, without seeming to give too much away. My favorite part is the final paragraph where Joanna recognizses herself in Maddie. Beautifully well done!
Nadine Millar replied on Tue, 05/28/2013 - 01:51am
What skillful characterization! I have almost nothing in common with any character in this story, yet you pulled me in and made me empathize with each one. I would read more of your writing.
Estelene Boratenski replied on Tue, 05/28/2013 - 08:40am
I was expecting Jo to ask Maddie, who owned herself, who she would choose as mother. However, I inferred, due to Jo's own good mothering, she sensed it had to be her choice, as a real mother, not a biological vehicle.
Well done. The conflict is real. The picture of Maddie is affecting.
Congratulations, Emma, what a wonderful short story. You've captured the complexities and flaws of all the characters so well, without seeming to give too much away. My favorite part is the final paragraph where Joanna recognizses herself in Maddie. Beautifully well done!
Emma, I am super busy and really have to be caught up in a story to finish it. This one caught me, and I stopped several times to contemplate a line:
"It wasn't a question of love."
". . . which seemingly light moments would later become weighty."
and, most profoundly,
"Likely, she is as lonely as anyone."
Very current and beautiful story.
What skillful characterization! I have almost nothing in common with any character in this story, yet you pulled me in and made me empathize with each one. I would read more of your writing.
An excellent rendering of a particularly compelling challenge.