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Self-Review – Mandy Goes to Aspen

A Look at Mandy Goes to Aspen

I like Mandy Goes to Aspen because the character is so matter of fact about everything. Even the fact that she’s been hurt pretty badly. But then again, it’s nothing compared to what happened to other people.

This story was written during first quarter 2021. The initial prompt was a single word: avalanche.

It is the first of the short stories I wrote that year. My intention was to write every single day, and I followed through pretty well.

Background

These prompts were more or less random, and I had no plot or plan for this story. But I think it turned out pretty well. Still, the truth is, it did not start to truly come together until I changed Avalanche to A. Valanche.

And one of my favorite parts of this little story is the opening line:

Well, that sucked.

Plot

Somewhat ditzy and average-level talented Mandy Johnson goes to Aspen in order to schmooze with agents, acting coaches, directors, and other actors.

But things take a turn when Mandy is trapped in snow after an avalanche during skiing buries her.

With sardonic humor and a lot of very necessary ingenuity, this aspiring ingenue survives the big one.

Characters

The characters are Mandy (er, Amanda Catherine Johnson, to get technical) and Carol. I never give Carol a last name. There’s also Mandy’s agent, Arlene. But Mandy only mentions Arlene and we never see or hear her ‘on screen’, as it were.

There are also people in the lodge but again, Mandy only refers to them but the reader never sees them. Most of the story is more like a soliloquy.

Memorable Quotes

You know, those huge, slobbery dogs that I am totally afraid of? Those great big lumbering beasts. I hope they have tequila. Or is it brandy? Scotch? Can you tell them your preference?

I’d like a not too slobbery Saint Bernard. And put margaritas in that little keg thing they wear around their necks.

If I absolutely must sacrifice, then I suppose I will live without salt. So uncivilized.

Who am I kidding? I would kiss the first rescue dog I saw.

But not French; it’s not in my contract.

Rating for Mandy Goes to Aspen

The story has a K+ rating. After all, falling down the side of a mountain would make anyone swear.

Takeaways for Mandy Goes to Aspen

I like Mandy. She’s not only a survivor. She’s also self-aware enough to realize that she’s not going to win any prizes. Mandy would be lucky to get a part as Go-Go Dancer #3 in some screamfest. Most importantly, she can figure out how to solve a lot of her own problems.

I have no plans for a sequel or anything else. But I should probably clean this story up and submit it somewhere.


Published inWriting