Really Good Or Really Shitty, Excerpt #6: The Results!!!

And now, the results of the sixth installment of our very own version of literary stocks and pillories…

…addressed the following passage:

“See, I told you dum-dum. That frog ain’t turn to no dust,” the little girl taunted in a heavy southern accent. She had her hand on her hip, just the way Aunt Sister always stood. Her head rolled on her slender neck with an expertise far beyond her seven years. She stared at her brother waiting for his response, which would probably be a swift smack upside her head. Instead, he brushed past his sister fuming at his fallacy. She giggled at his defeat and skipped toward the creek to look for another activity.

Approaching the creek, the girl settled on dangling her legs over the dilapidated bridge that straddled the small stretch of water. She tiptoed to the middle of the bridge, careful to avoid the missing spaces where planks of wood once lay. Finding a secure spot, she carefully sat and began to further roll up the legs of her faded over-alls. They were two sizes too big, an obvious hand-me-down from her brother. Coupled with his oversized white t-shirt, she was lost in her ensemble. Her pants legs rolled to her satisfaction, the girl gingerly lowered her body and slid her legs under the railing of the bridge. Her legs were just long enough now that her feet skimmed the top of the creek water. Leaning back on her hands with her face turned upward at the sun, she remembered the days when Mama was alive and yearned for them with a hunger too deep for her own understanding.

Well, 291 votes later, here’s what you thought:

[click image to enlarge]

Excellent!!! weighed in with 55 votes, while Meh, it was okay landed 18 votes and Really Shitty registered 4 votes.

Really Good, however, whipped major ass with a knockout 204 votes, and thankfully, there were ZERO bleeding eyes, so this time, we’ll hold the Visine.

This particular entry has special meaning to me, as it was presented by my younger cousin, Stacee Carter.

Those of you who know me well know that I’m always fair across the board, but will always cheer on those willing to take a bold step forward. Stacee, who is an avid reader of literary fiction, has been taking positive steps to develop as a writer for the past few years, and approached me about wanting to put herself on the firing line with Really Good or Really Shitty. I was both shocked and elated that she was willing to take whatever hits might come, but even more thrilled to see that everyone overwhelmingly embraced what she wrote. I will always maintain a neutral role, but I can’t help but gush at how well her work was received.

Perhaps it’s in the genes. 😉

Love you, Stace!!! I’m so, so very proud of and for you!!!

11 thoughts on “Really Good Or Really Shitty, Excerpt #6: The Results!!!”

>Way to go Stacee. Keep up the good work, keep working on the craft. I'm sure we will all be looking to purchase some of your work in the near future.

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>ummm…who does your eyebrows?????They look fabulous!!!!!

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>Congrats, Stacee! Keep doing ur thing. It was a fantastic piece of work.

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>I really enjoyed your piece, you have a fine voice, congratulations and i wish you much success!

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>Only a chick would notice the eyebrows and make a comment. SMH

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>shut your hole!

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>Quite impressive! Keep up the work Sistah Stacee!

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>Sheletha, you know you my girl. It wouldn't be right if I let that slide.

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>Wow you guys! This is Stacee! Thanks for showing me so much love! And especially to you, Lo, for believing in me so much. You have no idea how many times just knowing you've got my back on this has inspired me to keep writing. Luv ya! This has been an eye-opening experience for me because no one has really ever read and critiqued my work besides Lo, and that's the God's honest truth. It's so eerie seeing my baby up on the site like that…all nekkid and unprotected. Your positive responses really mean a lot to me! I visit the site on the regular and feel like I have come to know all of you a little and I certainly respect your work, so the feedback is amazing and greatly appreciated. @Rich: No doubt, brotha. Be on the lookout…@Sheletha: Thanks girl! If ur in the Detroit area its C&D Nails (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean?) on 8 Mile & Schaefer. Couldn't tell u the chick's name, but she don't play around with her eyebrows! 😉

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>Y'all don't even understand how proud I am of this young lady and her voice. I'm just bursting with glee and gratitude that you all embraced her work the way you did. You've spurred her on towards her writing destiny with your feedback. That's one of the greatest gifts any writer could ever receive.

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