Sunday 14 April 2024

Sunday Serial, 240 x 70, Gill James,12. Umbrellas 8 March 2018, coffee,

Introduction

This collection is a collection of seventy stories, each 240 words. They were inspired by the first picture seen on my Twitter feed on a given day.

 

This would do the trick, most certainly. What was there not to like. Books. Coffee. Tea. Cake.  How marvellous. 

Sally pushed open the glass door and wiped her feet vigorously on the mat. Her spectacles steamed up as soon as she walked into the warmth. She couldn't see a thing. She was aware that her mac and her umbrella were dripping. Her hand found the edge of a chair. She hoped nobody was sitting on it.

"Here, let me put your umbrella in the bucket. Remember it's in the blue bucket. If you ever come again do be aware that you can take one from the yellow bucket if the rain catches you out."

What was this about umbrellas and buckets? She felt her own being taken away from her. She couldn't make out who was speaking but she could see the yellow bucket now. There were dozens of umbrellas there all sporting advertising. What was that all about?

"The advertising pays for the umbrellas.  And then everybody can read about our shop as you walk about in the rain."

She could see who was speaking now. It was that sales assistant who was always so enthusiastic.    

"Are you here for the event? It's really good value. Tea or coffee, a slice of cake and a copy of the book. Just £5.00."

"Yes, that's right."  She proffered her five pound note. Well of course she was.

What a truly fantastic place. She must get the other members of her writing group to come here. Well-known authors and umbrellas as well.  What a pity she had her own umbrella with her.  She rather fancied doing her bit to promote local businesses. 

About the author

Gill James is published by The Red Telephone, Butterfly and Chapeltown.  

She edits CafeLit and writes for the online community news magazine: Talking About My Generation.

She is a Lecturer in Creative Writing and has an MA in Writing for Children and PhD in Creative and Critical Writing.    

http://www.gilljameswriter.com  

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B001KMQRKE

https://twitter.com/GillJames

 

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