It’s fitting that today’s shorty is entitled “A Toast.” I remember when thinking of the number “100” in relation to this challenge made me want to bury my face in my hands. I’ll admit that I’ve limped these last couple of weeks to this particular mark. But I’m here. And… dare I say it… on to the next!
Working Title: A Toast
1st Sentence: She knew what she was supposed to say.
Favorite Sentence: Does an unhappy woman win Missus On The Go™ saleswoman of the year three times running?
Word Length: 289
Photo by Quinn Dombrowski, December 2007.
Daily Shorty 
Claire, Congrats! I can only imagine what sort of muscles you’re building. I’m inspired. Also curious. Are you seeing any sort of themes emerge in patterns? Like: the week you have no good groceries all your stuff is about food? Or every story has a bear behind bars? Or are you too tired to notice? Also, I’m throwing in my vote for a Zumba story. Really impressed with your stamina! Go go go!
Thanks Jen! Patterns: Angry, isolated, aging women. (How can that be??) Confused misfits. (Again — what on earth would I know about THAT?) Therapists! Waiters! Cats, of course. The number 7 because I read an interview with Michael Martone talking about why he decided to write Four for a Quarter and then I started thinking numbers and 7 wouldn’t go away. Black and snarky humor, which is the norm for me. And sneaky happy endings that force their way once a week, I think, occasionally more often. And I’m writing mostly realistic narratives which is very unusual for me–makes me wonder if something about the time pressure forces realism but I can’t imagine why that w/b the case. As for Zumba, it figured into my favorite story of May, “Everest”! But there is always room for more Zumba.
Fun to see those emerge. I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for more. See if I can’t plant a few themes myself somehow. (Creamed corn. Creamed corn. Creamed corn.)
Congratulations!
Thanks Cyn!