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About the Author: Dale T. Phillips published five novels, over sixty short stories, nine books of story collections, poetry, and non-fiction. He took writing seminars from Stephen King in college, appeared on stage, television, and in an independent feature film, and competed on Jeopardy. He also co-wrote The Nine, a short political satire film. He has traveled to all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and throughout Europe.
“I don’t care what you say,” said Viola. “It’s just not fair.”
Gretchen rolled her eyes. “Don’t raise such a fuss, Vi. It’s just a ribbon, after all. And it’s only one event.”
Viola’s mouth pursed in on itself until it almost disappeared. “It’s the principle of the thing. It’s simply not possible to win every damned year like that, as if it was automatic or something.”
Viola rarely swore, so Gretchen knew the kettle was truly on the boil. “You won four blue ribbons for other pies. What’s so special about that one?”
“I’d have had a sweep of the entire pie category. But she stole it from me. Again.” Viola swiped away a tear. “And mincemeat was my Nana’s recipe. She won the Ohio State Fair with it. The State Fair. Of course, here’s different, but I’ve been making it to her recipe since I was old enough to reach the top of the stove. Yet every year, I have to see Minnie preening with her Blue-Ribbon Maine Mincemeat.”
“Well, it does sell pretty well, I hear.”
“That’s another thing,” Viola’s nostrils flared. “She does it for money, like some prostitute or something. They shouldn’t allow her to enter with the rest of us. Maybe she pays the judges, like she gets paid, that’s how she does it.”
“It’s new people every year.”
Great story, with some really psycho elements. I had fun reading it!
Nicely written with my favorite subject matter!
This was well written and good and creepy :)
Fun story from beginning to end. Great job.
The thing about swearing twice reminded me of that Brady Bunch episode where one of the kids used the word "stinker" and Mrs. Brady gave a stern look and said, "You know I don't like that word."
Dear me! How very clever! I liked the story! Nice twist and turns to keep me reading.
This story kept me entranced from beginning to end. My "cup of tea." However, the ending....a little soft. I guess I wanted the old lady to go out with more of a bang! But, a great story.
Great story - well-written, with a lot of interesting details. I can hear the old lady telling her story about the origin of the name "mincemeat pie." I like the increasing tension - it made me read to the end. The story reminded me of the story "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl. I'm looking forward to read more stories by this author! Additionally, as an aspiring mystery writer, I learned a lot from the master!
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