the bunny slippers (in which i work up the courage to share my writing.)

SO UM… I WROTE A SHORT STORY.

If you recall, I mentioned it in my last post. This wouldn’t be a first, but this is the first time I’ve shared my writing on my blog. This year in my home school curriculum, I was required to write a short story — totally not a problem, right? I knew I wanted to write a story set sometime in the 1940s, regarding WWII. But there are so many stories and locations you could set a WWII story in, so I was largely overwhelmed and a bit intimidated. Eventually, taking advice and ideas from my parents and pulling from other books/movies/stories I’ve read, I put something together that I think turned out pretty well.

shadowcover

(I asked my dad to help me with a cover… and he had a little fun.)

Research was actually a lot of fun (I watched a 1945 US propaganda film and somehow managed to connect PTSD to what you might know as truth serum from the Divergent series. The world is a crazy place, bookworms.) I would really appreciate any feedback or comments you have for me. You can read the story on my Wattpad (linked below) or in a PDF format (also linked below.)

(Cover courtesy of my dad, the coolest.)

Click here to read as a PDF.

Are you a writer? What kind of stories do you enjoy writing? Are you working on anything in particular at the moment? And how do you work up the courage to share your writing? (Spill all, ’cause I haven’t got a clue.)

Emily

20 thoughts on “the bunny slippers (in which i work up the courage to share my writing.)”

  1. Emily I just read it! It was very very well done, you did fabulous writing from the perspective of a bunny slipper. I mean, incredible! I loved your writing and word choice so much! I am taking AP US history this year and we focused a lot on America during the War, so if you ever want more detail about American lifestyle during World War II, I would be happy to offer any insight needed.
    I definitely appreciated the development of her father’s state–it was so interesting and often rarely touched on in stories, I think. However, it would be even greater if you expanded on it a little bit more. I just feel like it wasn’t delved into enough. However, that’s not a problem because I know that because this is the bunny’s POV, and the children are asked to leave during important discussions, it makes sense we don’t learn too much about it.
    The only thing I would suggest changing the most is the ending. It ended too fast and without enough build up to properly end. If you had extended the timeline a little more to include more examples of her father’s state or maybe was more elaborate in description during that scene, it might have created a greater impact. The last lines were kind of confusing, I had to reread them a couple of times before I came to a conclusion (was he trying to commit suicide?? And then he saw Lily’s slipper and realized what he was doing?)
    I think more build up or maybe more elaborate description–something to really make that part more significant (as that is definitely significant).
    But seriously, this is superb writing. I love to write too, but I would probably struggle with the bunny slipper POV xD
    Brava!

    1. Thank you so much, Grace! Your critiques and compliments are very much well-appreciated. Your AP History class must be so much fun. I’ll remember that if I ever have anything to ask/research. Thanks! 🙂 Yes, that was what was happening. I understand – the ending did come off as a bit rushed. I love your comments, Grace!

  2. I am at work doing x-rays slow morning , while searching Facebook I found the site which led me to The Bunny Slippers, I enjoyed your story so much! I am very proud of you and your talent your choice of words and the way you made the story flow are very impressive. I loved it! Follow your dreams my sweet Emily.

  3. Oh the emotions!! Such a unique way to talk about an issue. I love books that talk about World War 2 from the perspective of a child, as it somehow makes it more poignant and emotional. I do agree with what Grace said about the ending rushing a little and having to read it twice to get the meaning. I think if you slowed it down a bit it could really intensify the emotional punch even more. But that aside, I loved the story! It was so creative and very well-written. I hope you share more with us!

    1. Thanks, Grace! I know what you mean. I’ll need to work on that next time. I hope I can share more of my writing with you as, well! I loved what you all had to say, so thank you so much for your feedback! 🙂

  4. O.O
    OO.OO
    EMILY. EMILY EMILY EMILY DEAR.
    I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND HOW AMAZING THIS IS. HOW GENIUS AND BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN.
    I just??? Don’t even know what to say. I forever want to read EVERYTHING you write. Okay? Okay, good. I’m in awe and you are so talented ahhhh. o.o

    1. KATIIIEEE. You are the nicest person ever and that means a ton.

      and RIGHT BACK AT YOU because I’m obsessed with everything you write and I can’t waiiitt to read your books. 😉

  5. Emily! That story was brilliant! Like seriously. I’m still going over it in my head. And you managed to convey so much while saying so little, like Mrs Owen’s reaction to Lily asking if Maggie could go to the river. Yes, you have my admiration. 🙂 (And your dad’s cover design is impressive too. 😉

    I just recently found your blog, and have enjoyed everything I’ve read, so I know I will be back. Keep up the good work! 🙂

    1. Aww, thank you Jessica! Isn’t he wonderful, though?

      I’m so glad you like it! I hope you stick around and like what you see. 🙂

  6. I am going to read your story right this instant!!! 🙂
    I like to write, check out the newest updates on Pure Joy on Wattpad.

    Also, I’m looking for a book recomendation, since I haven’t been into reading lately. Something emotion, MC is a girl, Middle grade or YA, slight romance, slight sadness….any ideas????

    Thanks~~

    1. Thanks Lu! Hope you liked it! I need to. Sorry I haven’t been checking it lately. I love Pure Joy. 🙂

      ooh, tough one. Okay, let’s see…. for an MG? Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor. Also MG, but historical, Penny From Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm. I’ll brainstorm some more and let you know!

  7. Oh. My. Goodness. EMILY, THIS IS AN AMAZING STORY!!!! Wow. I never would’ve thought to write a story from the POV of bunny slippers. 😉 What an awesome, unique idea! I’m infatuated by the WWII era (I may or may not be writing a WWII novel) and anything related to it, so yeah. Wow. I loved this story sooo much!! 😀

    I’ve shared lots of my writing on my writing/stories blog. 😉 For me, it’s the perfect way to get lots of great feedback.

    Thanks for sharing your amazing story, Emily!

  8. That cover is SO CUTE. I love the “Future bestseller” sticker. XD I NEED A STICKER LIKE THAT. To, like, wear on my forehead or something so people know my career intentions. :’) Ahem.
    Congrats on your story though!!

    Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!

  9. Wow. I’m so glad Faith sent me over here to read your story.
    This was amazing! I absalutly LOVE the WWII era, and this is something not a lot of books deal with.
    You did a fabulous job! Seriously. And the idea of having it told from the perspective of bunny slippers was done really well. I really enjoyed it!
    The one thing I would have liked was a little more to that ending bit. It seemed kinda of rushed.
    But over all, you did a great job!

    ~Jesseca
    jessaswhimsicalwritings.blogspot.com

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