On occasion, I have written a number of short pieces, mainly drawing from life experiences. This is one I wrote just before my wife and I were married, and we had taken a trip down to a beach in Mexico:
A Rare Moment
Visualize: It is dusk, and you are walking in the sand
on the beach. You feel the soft sand between your toes,
hear the foamy waves gently pushing on shore, creating
a zigzag pattern in the sand. The breeze feels cool on
your skin as you watch the seagulls land on the beach.
You stop for a moment, turn towards her and caress her
face, feeling her soft skin, and in that moment, her eyes
seem to tell you what you want to know, but have really
known all along. Your heart pounds as your lips meet.
A tender kiss to an embrace, two become one, as the
rest of the world fades in importance. Minutes go by
that seem like seconds. You whisper something in her
ear and she smiles. Without hesitation, she takes your
hand and leads you in the direction of the beach cottage.
Slowly at first, then increasing the pace as the last vestiges
of light lose their hold on the day. Suddenly, your bare
Is Luann feeling pressure to compete with Tara? If she is still taking college classes, where does she think she can find the time to do all that writing?
And she’s interacting with her old nemesis, Luann.
I knew this arc’s setting was at the Fuse for a reason.
You may disagree, but I think this the right track: Luann interacting someone she’s had a decades long history with.
You should listen to Tiffany, Lu.
Between Tiff’s waremanse, battles with Stef, having Bets as a Summer boarder, falling down two flights of stairs, being picked up by Ox, and living at the Gulag and sleeping in (GAG) Les’ bedroom, you’ll have enough material for at least three books.
Holy Cow! I don’t think we’ve had an arc where Luann & Tiffany interacted in any meaningful sense since the Ann Eiffel era; maybe four years ago. Not to say this one is going anywhere, but I think the story idea will come from Tiff’s "adventures at school. May include her adventures with Gunther and Bets!
Tiffany has rescued Luann from the Plot Desert several times lately. Luann needs to get a life to have something to write about. I think Tara could write some stories about what happened to her gefore she met Luann.
Cheech and Chong could help her. They came up with some really wonderful stories, like the one where they were assigned to write about their summer vacation:
The first day on my summer vacation, I woke up.
Then I went downtown to look for a job.
Then I hung out in front of the drugstore.
The second day on my summer vacation, I woke up.
Then I went downtown to look for a job.
Then I hung out in front of the drugstore.
The third day on my summer vacation, I woke up.
Then I went downtown to look for a job.
Then I got a job keeping people from hanging out in front of the drugstore.
Luann and Tiffany finally talk to each other after a very long time! It’s good to see Tiffany is still working on The Fuse, this place is like an oasis of peace for her. Luann is under writing stress and she’s rude to her old frenemy, let’s hope this isn’t the only strip they talk and maybe Tiffany could really inspire Luann, but the point here is that Luann has to learn how hard writing can be, so this chat could already be over. I’m afraid the next arrival will be Bernice pointing out that Luann hasn’t done anything yet.
The idea and inspiration is on Tiffany’s right arm. Just hasn’t occurred to Luann, yet. Tara and Bets, for that matter, would have been all over that incident, making up all kinds of scenarios.
Let’s not get carried away, though. Tiff is bringing an idea but it’s not outstanding. With such an anecdote, Luann could, at best, write a story of Luann (the comic) caliber. That’s not saying much.
I think, after all these years loving Luannverse, including Luann, one of the more compelling characters in comics, that I finally can say with a tiny bit of confidence I think I’ve figured out the magnum arc relationship of the story that Luann will write an inspired funny version of, from the original Steph and Kip ring story, to the girl’s reaction, to Tiffany’s decision to go back to the Ware manse, the disaster that happened, the rescue, Tiffany’s reaction, to her working with one arm. How exactly this will turn out the point is hilarity ensuing, and possibly some character growth. Or I could be, probably, totally wrong. 50/50.
Luann, Luann, Luann. LISTEN! Tiff has a great story in the making. My favorite and best middle and high school compositions were the ones I did when the assignment allowed for narrating real or imagined personal and/or family catastrophes!
Lots of people seem to think it is fine for Luann to take Tiffany’s story and use it for her own. But when Vale did the same thing, everyone was furious. It is not okay for Luann to use Tiffany’s story without her permission.
Take it from one writer to another Luann. The first key to writing is to write. Not to think. Thinking comes later. But when you write you are exercising your brain and that’s when your creative thoughts will come to you.
Why is Tiffany even working with her sprained wrist? Secondly how can Tiffany wait on table with one hand disabled? Thirdly, where are all the discussion about how Tiffany’s wrist was sprained? Fourthly, why agree to a writing group meeting when you don’t have any idea what to write about.
I feel like I’m seeing only one in three strips because things are happening too fast and without any precedent,
Well every day they make Luann less and less appealing. Tiffany was just informing them about their order, which I’m sure is free. Maybe they didn’t need all the details, but it’s no reason for Luann to bite her head off. And Luann, you just keep on trying to get an idea. Good luck.
She may – or may not – be ready for work; but you must give her credit for her work ethic! Tiff could easily have laxed off and done a month at home; but instead, here she is trying her best to do her job. Give the girl kudoos!!!
Here we see Tiff and Luann on reasonably friendly, or, at least, informal, terms. Or do we see Luann still hostile to Tiff, while Tiff has de-escalated their former conflicts?
Hey guys, I’m about ready to drop Luann. More and more, I am missing a certain…. seriousness? realism? that isn’t here anymore. I don’t feel pulled into the storylines. I wish I could be more constructive. I didn’t want to just Ghost as I used to really love this ’strip. Am I alone? if so, Blessed be, baby. Thanks for the good times.
Is it really possible that the Dumb Blonde, Luann, is getting dumber by the day? Is there lead in her drinking water? Tiff stops by, “blabs” a terrific concept-idea for a story, and Lu-Lu is totally oblivious!
lvlax about 2 years ago
That was rude, Luann!!
It’s great to see that Tiff feels well enough to be outside and working again.
Hard to believe, but I think Tiff is now a more sympathetic character than Luann.
.
How will Tiff be able to hold trays and serve drinks with use of just 1 arm?
J. Scarbrough about 2 years ago
Out, Tiff! You had your 2 months, it’s Luann’s turn now!
AnyFace about 2 years ago
Brdshtt Premium Member about 2 years ago
On occasion, I have written a number of short pieces, mainly drawing from life experiences. This is one I wrote just before my wife and I were married, and we had taken a trip down to a beach in Mexico:
A Rare Moment
Visualize: It is dusk, and you are walking in the sand
on the beach. You feel the soft sand between your toes,
hear the foamy waves gently pushing on shore, creating
a zigzag pattern in the sand. The breeze feels cool on
your skin as you watch the seagulls land on the beach.
You stop for a moment, turn towards her and caress her
face, feeling her soft skin, and in that moment, her eyes
seem to tell you what you want to know, but have really
known all along. Your heart pounds as your lips meet.
A tender kiss to an embrace, two become one, as the
rest of the world fades in importance. Minutes go by
that seem like seconds. You whisper something in her
ear and she smiles. Without hesitation, she takes your
hand and leads you in the direction of the beach cottage.
Slowly at first, then increasing the pace as the last vestiges
of light lose their hold on the day. Suddenly, your bare
foot encounters something in the sand.
Someone did not pick up after their dog.
Asharah about 2 years ago
You want an idea than listen
mracejones about 2 years ago
This is going to be a boring storyline, I think.
Templo S.U.D. about 2 years ago
ah, the dreaded writer’s blcok
ronaldspence about 2 years ago
write what you know Luann…start with what Tiff just said!
Willow Mt Lyon about 2 years ago
Is Luann feeling pressure to compete with Tara? If she is still taking college classes, where does she think she can find the time to do all that writing?
Mordock999 Premium Member about 2 years ago
Thank GAW, conflict, Uh, I mean, Tiffany’s back!
And she’s interacting with her old nemesis, Luann.
I knew this arc’s setting was at the Fuse for a reason.
You may disagree, but I think this the right track: Luann interacting someone she’s had a decades long history with.
You should listen to Tiffany, Lu.
Between Tiff’s waremanse, battles with Stef, having Bets as a Summer boarder, falling down two flights of stairs, being picked up by Ox, and living at the Gulag and sleeping in (GAG) Les’ bedroom, you’ll have enough material for at least three books.
Only No One would believe it…….., ;-)
Tyge about 2 years ago
Holy Cow! I don’t think we’ve had an arc where Luann & Tiffany interacted in any meaningful sense since the Ann Eiffel era; maybe four years ago. Not to say this one is going anywhere, but I think the story idea will come from Tiff’s "adventures at school. May include her adventures with Gunther and Bets!
kenhense about 2 years ago
Tiffany has rescued Luann from the Plot Desert several times lately. Luann needs to get a life to have something to write about. I think Tara could write some stories about what happened to her gefore she met Luann.
Busrayne about 2 years ago
Tiffany just gave Luann the key – inspiration is everywhere.
Brdshtt Premium Member about 2 years ago
Cheech and Chong could help her. They came up with some really wonderful stories, like the one where they were assigned to write about their summer vacation:
The first day on my summer vacation, I woke up.
Then I went downtown to look for a job.
Then I hung out in front of the drugstore.
The second day on my summer vacation, I woke up.
Then I went downtown to look for a job.
Then I hung out in front of the drugstore.
The third day on my summer vacation, I woke up.
Then I went downtown to look for a job.
Then I got a job keeping people from hanging out in front of the drugstore.
Joe1962 about 2 years ago
Seriously why should Luann listen to Tiff.
Aladar30 Premium Member about 2 years ago
Luann and Tiffany finally talk to each other after a very long time! It’s good to see Tiffany is still working on The Fuse, this place is like an oasis of peace for her. Luann is under writing stress and she’s rude to her old frenemy, let’s hope this isn’t the only strip they talk and maybe Tiffany could really inspire Luann, but the point here is that Luann has to learn how hard writing can be, so this chat could already be over. I’m afraid the next arrival will be Bernice pointing out that Luann hasn’t done anything yet.
nightflight about 2 years ago
The Airman can’t remember his password, so he’ll come in on a nightflight.
Rhetorical_Question about 2 years ago
Tiffany and Luann are not friends, but Luann can write about the grade school conflicts between them as a drama or a comedy.
imagenesis about 2 years ago
Now that I see only these two together, I’m realizing Luann has what they call ‘dirty blonde’ hair! ¯\(ツ)/¯
OneTime59 about 2 years ago
The idea and inspiration is on Tiffany’s right arm. Just hasn’t occurred to Luann, yet. Tara and Bets, for that matter, would have been all over that incident, making up all kinds of scenarios.
Johnnyrico about 2 years ago
Luann…. Really?
elliel203 about 2 years ago
Writers block, meet Tiff. Tiff, writers block. You have much to discuss..
Susan00100 about 2 years ago
Luann’s world is full of ideas, but she’s too dumb and clueless to see them.
tremaine53 about 2 years ago
I already like Tiffany’s idea, and I haven’t even heard it yet.
preacherman Premium Member about 2 years ago
Luann has yet to understand that the art of writing begins with the art of observing, and listening is part of the latter.
STACEY MARSHALL Premium Member about 2 years ago
Yo Luann: Tiff just gave you a story line that you could swallow and digest and write up if not for that constipation!
Ellis97 about 2 years ago
It’s amazing when your former arch-nemesis is more friendly and likable than you are.
WilliamVollmer about 2 years ago
Luann; an idea just walked up to you. Quit trying to think, and, observe.
buer about 2 years ago
Let’s not get carried away, though. Tiff is bringing an idea but it’s not outstanding. With such an anecdote, Luann could, at best, write a story of Luann (the comic) caliber. That’s not saying much.
luann1212 about 2 years ago
I think, after all these years loving Luannverse, including Luann, one of the more compelling characters in comics, that I finally can say with a tiny bit of confidence I think I’ve figured out the magnum arc relationship of the story that Luann will write an inspired funny version of, from the original Steph and Kip ring story, to the girl’s reaction, to Tiffany’s decision to go back to the Ware manse, the disaster that happened, the rescue, Tiffany’s reaction, to her working with one arm. How exactly this will turn out the point is hilarity ensuing, and possibly some character growth. Or I could be, probably, totally wrong. 50/50.
EMGULS79 about 2 years ago
Luann, Luann, Luann. LISTEN! Tiff has a great story in the making. My favorite and best middle and high school compositions were the ones I did when the assignment allowed for narrating real or imagined personal and/or family catastrophes!
Camiyami Premium Member about 2 years ago
The best ideas come from real life! Use Tiffany’s story, Luann, and stop being so mean! :p Also, I think Tiffany likes Ox, but doesn’t know it yet.
[Unnamed Reader - bddb15] about 2 years ago
Maybe she is left handed
Tyge about 2 years ago
I think that the creators really don’t know where to go with their eponymous character; Luann!
RSH about 2 years ago
ideas don’t come when you’re trying to get them and staring at a blank screen is not likely to bring them on.
locake about 2 years ago
Only an idiot would talk that way to someone who handles their food and drinks. Really dumb of Luann to be rude to Tiffany.
locake about 2 years ago
Luann must know what happened to Tiffany and she is still being rude to her. Anyone who knows Tiffany would have asked about the cast/sling.
locake about 2 years ago
I wonder who helped Tiffany get into her work clothes? That’s a lot of buttons, plus a vest and tie. Les probably helped her since he works with her.
mindjob about 2 years ago
That cast might deliver Luann a dislocated jaw. Now there is inspiration!
percheronhitch6 about 2 years ago
Luann’s last few brain cells have shriveled up like raisins. Hilarity ensued.
locake about 2 years ago
Lots of people seem to think it is fine for Luann to take Tiffany’s story and use it for her own. But when Vale did the same thing, everyone was furious. It is not okay for Luann to use Tiffany’s story without her permission.
Stewbeef about 2 years ago
A true writer doesn’t have to force their ideas.
tammyspeakslife Premium Member about 2 years ago
She’s still in school, basically still a baby, learning and growing. They’ll work it out.
lflynn6730 about 2 years ago
Take it from one writer to another Luann. The first key to writing is to write. Not to think. Thinking comes later. But when you write you are exercising your brain and that’s when your creative thoughts will come to you.
beb01 about 2 years ago
Why is Tiffany even working with her sprained wrist? Secondly how can Tiffany wait on table with one hand disabled? Thirdly, where are all the discussion about how Tiffany’s wrist was sprained? Fourthly, why agree to a writing group meeting when you don’t have any idea what to write about.
I feel like I’m seeing only one in three strips because things are happening too fast and without any precedent,
comic reader 22 about 2 years ago
Well every day they make Luann less and less appealing. Tiffany was just informing them about their order, which I’m sure is free. Maybe they didn’t need all the details, but it’s no reason for Luann to bite her head off. And Luann, you just keep on trying to get an idea. Good luck.
198.23.5.11 about 2 years ago
Luann’s so wound up I don’t think she even notices the cast.Huge double take and WHAT HOPPEN!? in tomorrow’s strip
198.23.5.11 about 2 years ago
Meanwhile,Shannon is throwing poi again.
Caldonia about 2 years ago
Her injury made Tiffany lose more weight.She’s the same size as Luann now. Luann’s going to write about the wacky hijinks of Ox?
donwestonmysteries about 2 years ago
Tiffany, suddenly dropped from a previous plot of Life with Les and poured into writers block plot.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace about 2 years ago
Surrounded by unrecognized inspiration.
Someone turn on the light over my beloved Luann’s head.
katzpawz1a about 2 years ago
She may – or may not – be ready for work; but you must give her credit for her work ethic! Tiff could easily have laxed off and done a month at home; but instead, here she is trying her best to do her job. Give the girl kudoos!!!
eladee AKA Wally about 2 years ago
Stop and listen, Luann. Tiffany is telling you a potential good story.
huew about 2 years ago
Tiff’s arc about her mansion is not resolved. Who was the burglar? did police catch him/her? did she tell her father? did she fix the broken window?
robinafox about 2 years ago
You really ought to live before you write.
BuckarooDave about 2 years ago
anyone else notice all the trolls that seem to have disappeared back under their bridges once we got past the election? hmmmm …..
TravelinMan about 2 years ago
Here we see Tiff and Luann on reasonably friendly, or, at least, informal, terms. Or do we see Luann still hostile to Tiff, while Tiff has de-escalated their former conflicts?
The Quiet One about 2 years ago
It isn’t easy concentrating with someone hovering over you talking about random things.
Kiwiwriter47 about 2 years ago
My basic rule on “writer’s block.”
Go back to what you ALREADY WROTE AND EDIT THAT. There is no “editor’s block.”
That will enable you to move forward.
MuddyUSA Premium Member about 2 years ago
Luann has the gift of gab!
cromwelljones53 about 2 years ago
Hey guys, I’m about ready to drop Luann. More and more, I am missing a certain…. seriousness? realism? that isn’t here anymore. I don’t feel pulled into the storylines. I wish I could be more constructive. I didn’t want to just Ghost as I used to really love this ’strip. Am I alone? if so, Blessed be, baby. Thanks for the good times.
montylc2001 about 2 years ago
Tiff seem to now be thinking of Ox alot. hhhhhhmmm…
Dr. Caligari about 2 years ago
Is LuAnn getting dumber
Sisyphos about 2 years ago
Is it really possible that the Dumb Blonde, Luann, is getting dumber by the day? Is there lead in her drinking water? Tiff stops by, “blabs” a terrific concept-idea for a story, and Lu-Lu is totally oblivious!
RSH about 2 years ago
“..I’ve got an idea..” says Tiff; “..i’m thinking too bad that bag of ice didn’t land somewhere else…”