SCI FI FANTASY SATURDAY FEB 9: From "Reflections of a Magic Mirror"

(For more snippets by other cool writers, go to http://scififansat.blogspot.com/)

I started this story about four years ago. As the title suggests, it was to be the memoirs of the mirror from "Snow White" in the centuries before and after that tale. Once I did a little reading about mirrors and ancient Chinese history, I was suddenly intimidated by the story's ambitiousness.

I need to get over that. Comments welcome.

(PS: Remember when I said "Look Around You" was a tentative title? I just discovered three more blogs and a British comedy show with the same title. Now I really have to change it. Ideas?)

     The fairest of them all?

     Well, to be honest, I’d have to say it’s me.

     I know I should not boast, but my long history has given me infinite perspectives on human interaction. I’ve seen endless conflicts, from boudoirs to battlefields; I’ve gazed at emperors and wide-eyed babes, priests and malefactors, as they gazed upon me. I’ve been confessor, counselor, witness, accuser, and sometimes alibi. 

     It is this wealth of human experience that uniquely qualifies me, while having no “human” experiences of my own, to arbitrate the conflicts brought before me, to critique the events of history, and to judge the mortals with an impartiality that only –

     Oh, that’s not what you mean by “fairest”.

SCI FI FANTASY SATURDAY JAN. 12: From Calamity Jane

(For more snippets by other cool writers, go to http://scififansat.blogspot.com/)

This story has a few sci-fi elements, but the snippet has none. Brooke is a secretly the high-tech criminal called "Calamity Jane"; Edward is the newly elected head of local law enforcement. Naturally, they're strongly attracted to each other. This scene takes place at the "Teddy Bear Ball", a real high-society charity event in Los Angeles. (I attended it once, and I saw the two non-fictional people mentioned herein.) 

      

     “Enjoying yourself?” asked Edward.

     “Are you kidding?” said Brooke. Champagne flute in hand, she waved vaguely around the reception area. “Everything’s so beautiful!”

     “I’m guessing this is your first society function.”

     “Is it that obvious? I think I saw Liza Minelli back there!”

     “Quite so, dear,” said a silver-haired matron suddenly appearing beside them. “No reality stars or celebutantes allowed,” she said mirthlessly. “How’s Edward treating you?”

     “We’re just friends, Alice,” said Edward. “You know, the governor’s over there and I’m sure he’d love to see you again.” Alice rolled her eyes and glided away.

     "And who was that charming lady?" said Brooke.

     "My ex-wife's mother," said Edward. "Living proof that 'drama queen' is an hereditary title."

I'm still working on bringing it in under 10 sentences.

Comments welcome. Oh, and how do I embed the SFFS logo and link here on my page?