Need by Katrina McDonnell (R)

[mandysbitch.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE WEST WING
Pairing: CJ/ Toby
Author on LJ: krazykitkat
Author Website: Korner of the Krazy Kats
Why this must be read:

Something curious about the CJ/Toby brings out the poets in this fandom. Maybe it's the melancholy of a long relationship never realised? Maybe it's Sorkin's focus on the precision of words and phrases? Maybe it's Toby and his quiet passion for language? Whatever it is, Katrina's story below is a classic example of some of the beautiful writing this phenomena has produced. Simple and short, with gorgeously spare dialogue and a light touch on tiny moments suspended in time. The ending is touching and endearing and gives the story a purpose as well as a poetry. Like so much of Katrina's work, it is a sheer pleasure to read.


He slides her book under a folder, walks across and leans against the doorframe. She's close enough for him to reach out and touch--her hand, her face.

But he won't.

They don't.

"We'll probably have to share a bedroom." She looks down, pulling at the bottom shirt button. "Though Hogan might want to share so I don't know--"

"I'll get a motel room." He needs to see her eyes, to make certain she's still there.

"No. Not a motel." The idea sparks surprising fury.

He winces as a thread loosens and places his hand over hers.

She unravels.


Need

Comments

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

*sniff*
I'm honoured. Thank you.
Never thought I'd see me and poetry in the same paragraph.

[mandysbitch.livejournal.com]

I was actually a bit torn between this one and "Shades Of" - I wanted to include both but I couldn't believe how much good TWW fic is out there that hasn't been recced yet! There's a plethora of choice!

Never thought I'd see me and poetry in the same paragraph.

I guess we're tempted to think poetry is about colourful words when actually it's about the way you use words. An economy of words has a poetry to it.

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you went with this one. There isn't really anything in it I want to change.

Still haven't convinced myself that economy and simple can be good things.

[mandysbitch.livejournal.com]

Still haven't convinced myself that economy and simple can be good things.

But if you read all the good writers they have an economy of words! You'll notice that the best writers don't find new and exciting ways to say "he answered the door" - they say, "he answered the door". It's knowing when to use the words that's the key. Some people have what seems to be a god given talent for this. The rest of us have to learn it. *Sigh*

[krazykitkat.livejournal.com]

I've always been worried because I haven't been able to think of any way to say it other than 'he answered the door'.

I've always been bare bones. My English teacher was forever telling me I needed to put some meat on my bones (in the physical way as well).