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Saturday, January 5, 2013

White Lies and a Free Story



A friend posted something on Facebook about ‘white lies’, and whether they’re necessary. Boy, that question revved me up. I understand what is meant by a ‘white lie’, and I don’t believe we can live without them. Sure, it’s neat to say ‘well, if I don’t have anything good to say, I’ll just keep my mouth shut’, but when you get painted into the proverbial corner, the truth is the first casualty. Let’s face it, if anyone asks us certain questions, especially the ones concerning looks or intelligence, what possible good comes from being bluntly truthful. The majority of times require a ‘white lie’ or a very obfuscated truth or we end up looking like ogres. Until our beloved interrogators remember the lawyer court code – never ask a question if you are unsure of the answer – we will be stuck with the ‘white lie’. I wish people had thicker hides… but they don’t.
Hey, in writing news, Bookstove.com picked up my romantic comedy short story, THE REUNION from my Triond account. I wrote it for BTSemag, but they needed a PG13 short story, and mine was just a little beyond. The editor offered to let me clean it up for a future issue, but without a little of the risqué in it, the story would have lost a good deal of the humor. Here’s the link to the story. I believe you’ll get a laugh out of it. I was able to use my Grandson Colin’s invention of ‘Quilt-a-Woman’ in it, which he was excited about my writing into a story.

8 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

I agree completely with you on the white lies. I tell my students the same thing.

Going over to check out The Reunion.

BernardL said...

Yep, Charles, I wish we could all laugh off the blunt truth, but for many, it's simply impossible. There are of course the culprits who use the truth to simply bludgeon others. They are usually the ones who take offense the quickest when they are themselves the recipients. :)

Thank you. I think you'll get a laugh out of it. :)

raine said...

Good, solid short writing.
Wtg, Bernard!!

BernardL said...

Hey... thanks, Raine. I'm glad you enjoyed it. THE REUNION was so much fun editing, I'm thinking I need to take the main characters, Kathy, Chaney, and Quilt-a-Woman into novel territory. :)

Vesper said...

I agree with you on the white lies. I either try to keep my mouth shut or find something nice and truthful to say. It's not easy, but I'm sure there's something good to be found in any bad thing.
Now I'll check out The Reunion. But don't ask me any questions.... LOL

BernardL said...

Hey, you don't get away that easily, V. There will be a test later! :)

Vesper said...

I read The Reunion and really, really, really liked it.
I loved the story! You have a great way to weave humor in your stories and this one is no exception. Also, you were right not to change it!
I also like your military girl voice - very well done! :-)

BernardL said...

Thanks, V, I really appreciate it. I bonded with my two main characters, so Kathy and Chaney are now runnin' around in my head pressuring me for more novel time. :)