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*Sneak Peek* New Holiday Novella Coming Out Soon...

AC Benus

By AC Benus
in Peeks and Prompts

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AC Benus

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It's one of those things. I really can't explain it, but I do dream about a particular department store quite frequently.

 

When I was six years old, my 1st grade teacher took our entire class on a holiday fieldtrip. We toured the big downtown stores, and were told to keep a tight grasp on each other's hands as we went along. At one, after huddling our cold noses against the plate glass to see the display windows, we went into the warmth. Massive chrome escalators – taller than me! – carried us up into the clouds, while our teacher pointed down to the floor. There, arrows were built right into the terrazzo to guide our way up to the next level, and Christmas was all around as we followed that magic path to ascended ever higher into the massive store – we were there to visit Toyland on the 8th floor, and Santaland on the 9th. That Christmas wonder seeped into my bones that day. It was in the smells, the music, the decorations, and most especially, it was keenly written on the happy faces of shopper and Famous-Barr staff alike.

 

It's been brewing in my heart and soul for many years now, but I want to write a series of stories in praise of Christmas in that place, and over a number of years. I plan on writing 6 short stories, and 2 novellas, each covering a different Christmas season for years ranging from 1880 to 2006, and naturally, all centered on the downtown store of Famous-Barr.  

 

The first two installments are ready for this holiday season, and I thought I would offer a preview. So, without further ado, here is an excerpt from Katie's Sketchbook, Christmas at Famous-Barr 1976.

 

Please let me know your thoughts.     

        

 

 

 

Katie's Sketchbook Preview:

 

Part 2 – A Cast of Visitors

Scene Two: "How do you do?"    

 

 

It was the end of their long day in the park; Katie ran into the house and left the door open.

 

While Sloan was coming in, he heard her father's voice: "No running in the house" and "Get washed and changed – we're going out for dinner."

 

As Sloan closed the door, Richardson appeared at the wide opening leading into the living room. Sloan went right up and started kissing.

 

Richardson did not resist, but Sloan paused, as Richardson also did not engage.

 

The younger man opened his eyes. Richardson's peepers were shining emeralds, but a bemused smirk played about the right corner of his mouth. "And what did I do to deserve that?" the older man inquired.

 

"Nothing – like usual. We haven't seen each other since before Thanksgiving…and – and maybe I missed you."

 

"Maybe, huh?"

 

Sloan's response was to draw Richardson back into a bear hug. Movement from within the living room caught his eye just as Richardson sheepishly informed him "We have a guest."

 

A six-foot-two-inch-tall woman advanced with an extended smile and hand. "How do you do? I'm Julia Child."

 

The young man from Ohio weakly attempted to shake her hand while still latched onto Richardson. Mouth partially agape – until he swallowed the lump in his throat – Sloan finally managed to stand at Richardson's side and respond. "You most certainly are – "

 

She interrupted with a friendly head-toss. "Now, don’t pay any attention to me whatsoever, boys. It seems you were in the middle of a most charming welcome home."

 

Now, both 'boys' blushed. Sloan glanced to his side, thinking how Richardson had failed to mention exactly which celebrity he was shepherding around town.

 

Katie came bounding in. "Hi! You're The French Chef, aren’t you?"

 

"Yes, I suppose I am. You've seen me on TV, have you?"

 

"Oh, yes! My dad said you were coming to town, and he watches you all the time – he's a good cook too, you know."

 

Ms. Child raised her attention from the girl onto Richardson. "I'm sure he is. We've spent a good portion of our time together discussing food."

 

Katie's enthusiasm began animating her whole body with heel-to-toe rocking. "You should have my dad make his famous Mississippi Mud Pie for you. Do you like chocolate?"

 

"I do, and that very sounds nice."

 

Richardson grew rigid next to Sloan's side, and interjected. "Katie, I could never presume to cook for Julia Child."

 

The French Chef, unflapped, but bending down to Katie's level, told the girl, "Thank you for the reference, young lady. I may have to insist that he make it…" Her eyes drifted up to Richardson "Because I always follow local culinary recommendations."

 

Richardson turned all-shades, and Sloan just wanted to laugh.

 

Instead he said, "Well, I too can vouch for Richardson's amazing skills in the kitchen."

 

Julia smiled. "And can you cook as well?"

 

"Nope. But I am an expert eater."

 

Ms. Child laughed, and placed her hand warmly on his forearm. "Dear boy, you sound precisely like my husband. Paul praises my cooking skills, and can even enjoy my failures."

 

Sloan's face took on some color. "I didn't mean to suggest…Richardson…never 'fails' at food, at least not for me."

 

The smile on Julia's face made Sloan believe he had just touched the woman in some way, but he was not sure how.

 

 

 

(to be continued in October...)

Edited by AC Benus
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Mikiesboy Mythic Scribe

Mikiesboy

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AC, you are full of surprises ... oh just like Christmas!  

 

The one about the field trip ... wonderful. Can see a group of wide-eyed kids hand in hand wandering through a department store dressed up for Christmas. In addition, the warm smell of cloves and ginger perfum the air. Christmas can be such a wonderful time of year. 

 

Part 2, was a delicious trip.. I'm not sure where to but I enjoyed it and want to read more!

 

Thanks for this sweet tidbits  ... I have a craviing for turkish delight!

 

tim

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Valkyrie Heroic Scribe

Valkyrie

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I look forward to reading these.  The first part reminded me so much of A Christmas Story.  The wonderment of a child at Christmas is a great thing. 

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AC Benus Fabled Scribe

AC Benus

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I would never do that! Stop in the middle of something and let the readers wait WEEKS! :P

Oh Adi, the problem is where to start and where to end...I might wind up previewing the whole thing if I'm not careful ;)

 

Makes you want to read more, right? hehe

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AC Benus Fabled Scribe

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I look forward to reading these.  The first part reminded me so much of A Christmas Story.  The wonderment of a child at Christmas is a great thing. 

Thanks, Valkyrie. That is the type of spirit I am trying to capture for the entire series. Wish me luck *cross fingers*

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AC Benus Fabled Scribe

AC Benus

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AC, you are full of surprises ... oh just like Christmas!  

 

The one about the field trip ... wonderful. Can see a group of wide-eyed kids hand in hand wandering through a department store dressed up for Christmas. In addition, the warm smell of cloves and ginger perfum the air. Christmas can be such a wonderful time of year. 

 

Part 2, was a delicious trip.. I'm not sure where to but I enjoyed it and want to read more!

 

Thanks for this sweet tidbits  ... I have a craviing for turkish delight!

 

tim

Well, I hope my story can feed your sweet tooth ;)

 

Thank you for the kinds words and praise. They mean a lot to me.

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J.HunterDunn Adept Scribe

J.HunterDunn

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With the days becoming shorter I already start looking ahead to the time they will start lengthening again: Christmas, the celebration of light.

 

Starting your Christmas novella in October will serve both to fill the void after Destiny has been concluded and the preparation of our Christmas moods.

 

Looking forward to Katie's end of the year experiences of/in/around/in relation to the department store.

Edited by J.HunterDunn
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AC Benus

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With the days becoming shorter I already start looking ahead to the time they will start lengthening again: Christmas, the celebration of light.

 

Starting your Christmas novella in October will serve both to fill the void after Destiny has been concluded and the preparation of our Christmas moods.

 

Looking forward to Katie's end of the year experiences of/in/around/in relation to the department store.

Thanks, Peter. You make me excited to start posting it. Actually, this season I will be posting 2 of the 8 in the series, so after Katie's Sketchbook will follow another novella that I hope to post the last segment for on Christmas Day. I hope that timing works out. 

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AC Benus Fabled Scribe

AC Benus

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Ok, as Adi pointed out, I said 'Oct,' but forgot about Halloween. Now that this great day is over, I will begin posting my novella soon (as in a couple of days!!!! YEY!!!). 

 

In the meantime, here is an image from the store's employee newsletter for Christmas 1976. I've taken a few snapshots from the circular and hope to post more as we go along.

 

Thanks

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I just re-read this today. Well, the original intent of six short stories and two novellas was shot all to heck. Turns out I've been slaving away on eight full novellas. No wonder I'm pooped. But I'm plugging ahead and working on the final two.

 

I think there will be quite an 'AC Benus' flood of chapters starting this November 1st. Please do read, 'like,' and review them...it's been an insane push to complete this project...   

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Mikiesboy Mythic Scribe

Mikiesboy

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I just re-read this today. Well, the original intent of six short stories and two novellas was shot all to heck. Turns out I've been slaving away on eight full novellas. No wonder I'm pooped. But I'm plugging ahead and working on the final two.

 

I think there will be quite an 'AC Benus' flood of chapters starting this November 1st. Please do read, 'like,' and review them...it's been an insane push to complete this project...

 

lays down waiting for the flood!
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  • 3 months later...
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November first, huh?

 

Well, I should be just about be caught up with all the poetry you posted when I was in Maine.

 

Can't you write simple poetry, AC? We dragons really sweat over trying to understand poetry.  :blink:

...oh, skinny...love you, bud... <3

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