First thing this made me think of was laws against homosexuality and people thinking they could cure it. And fortunately, hubby and I both like a bit of extra snoozing in the morning when our schedules allow. I have occasionally seen the sunrise, but the stars are better. Another great story with some nice twists. Oh, and let me add that hubby read through one of my stories yesterday and said it surprised him twice! Woohoo!
Another great read! Thanks. 2 things immediately came to mind: (1) Is this really a political commentary about the battle for reproductive rights in the US? and (2) This short story should be produced on screen as an episode of Black Mirror.
While you'll need to find an agent if you don't already have one, it would appear as though you should get your script into this firm: https://brokeandbones.co.uk/ Good luck!
Great story, Bill… one of your best - because I can easily relate. I totally understand and sympathize with Cassie - I have always been a night owl… I prefer to be up til 3 - 4 in the morning, then sleep until noon - 2ish. It was horrible for me working the day shift, I much preferred a 3-11 shift, return home to several hours of MY time, sleep late and be to work for 3… heavenly. Once you have children that life needs a serious adjustment, sadly! I managed to survive, somehow! My children are grown, the house is empty, I’m retired… so I am now free to sleep as late as I want to! Alleluia!
Wonderful article Bill! My cat wakes me every morning to her meows! She controls my life; I rarely sleep past 6 unless I lock her out of the room. Lol!
Thank you, Charlotte. I had fun writing Morning People and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Our cat, too, likes to remind me that the best time of the day to be awake is before dawn. We can't close our bedroom door, because Kinmo either scratches or meows when we do. But you know what? Despite getting so little sleep, I can't imagine life without our cat.
Creepsville! Personal circadian rhythms do change however - especially with age. I was a cheerful early riser my whole life. Then I got old and all hell broke loose. I am up writing until 1 am, sleep restlessly for five hours. I get my bed made, drink my coffee and immediately take a nap! Thank all the gods nobody cares when I sleep. I would be the first to head to our northern refuge, should anything intervene. I wish you a new year of continued satisfying creativity, Bill, and noteworthy mayhem.
Happy New Year to you, Sharron! 2024 is going to be a great year, I can feel it.
I'm a light, fitful sleeper. I go to bed too late and my last dream is interrupted by Kinmo the cat at an unholy hour.
I also like cold rooms for sleeping and it's often the case that I'll have the air conditioning on in December while my girlfriend cranks up the electric blanket.
Ah, to sleep like a baby, or better yet, a cat.
I hope your 2024 is filled with wonders and happiness.
"I can sleep as late as I want to in Canada?" "You can".
Once again, my country becomes a welcoming refuge for Americans fleeing fascist bullshit government procedures we either cannot or would not here. (Remember the Draft Dodgers?).
It reminds me a bit of Prohibition. Canada actually had it before the U.S. and also repealed it on a national level before it was imposed there. Which was why we could supply all the American speakeasies with their booze!
This was excellent! I love the twists.
Thank you, Amos. I'm glad to hear that. I love writing twisty stories.
Hot damn Bill, you have done it again. Excellent story. Could not have imagined the ending.
Thanks so much, Sharon. I had fun writing Morning People and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
First thing this made me think of was laws against homosexuality and people thinking they could cure it. And fortunately, hubby and I both like a bit of extra snoozing in the morning when our schedules allow. I have occasionally seen the sunrise, but the stars are better. Another great story with some nice twists. Oh, and let me add that hubby read through one of my stories yesterday and said it surprised him twice! Woohoo!
I love stories with surprises. I'm glad you and your husband to, too.
I tried to write something good and important with Morning People.
I'm a bit of a late sleeper, too.
Happy New Year!
your stories always make me smile. Great twist at the end.
Thank you for your kind words, Tree. I'm happy you liked Morning People. Happy New Year!
Why, oh why, does everyone think everyone else should be like them? Down with the early risers! Let's all sleep until dusk.
The day should start at noon. Noon is a nice, even number easy to remember and if you aim to wake up at noon, you never need an alarm.
Another great read! Thanks. 2 things immediately came to mind: (1) Is this really a political commentary about the battle for reproductive rights in the US? and (2) This short story should be produced on screen as an episode of Black Mirror.
Thanks, Mark. Yes, I had society in mind when I wrote Morning People.
I would love for this story to be a Black Mirror episode. I hope they're reading Substack.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
While you'll need to find an agent if you don't already have one, it would appear as though you should get your script into this firm: https://brokeandbones.co.uk/ Good luck!
Thanks, Mark. I don't have an agent, but I will get one.
Great story, Bill… one of your best - because I can easily relate. I totally understand and sympathize with Cassie - I have always been a night owl… I prefer to be up til 3 - 4 in the morning, then sleep until noon - 2ish. It was horrible for me working the day shift, I much preferred a 3-11 shift, return home to several hours of MY time, sleep late and be to work for 3… heavenly. Once you have children that life needs a serious adjustment, sadly! I managed to survive, somehow! My children are grown, the house is empty, I’m retired… so I am now free to sleep as late as I want to! Alleluia!
Thank you, Donna.
I love sleeping late. Being a late sleeper is definitely a genetic thing.
Brilliant! I love the plot and twists!
Thank you, Christina! I'm happy you enjoyed Morning People.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! :)
Wonderful article Bill! My cat wakes me every morning to her meows! She controls my life; I rarely sleep past 6 unless I lock her out of the room. Lol!
Thank you, Charlotte. I had fun writing Morning People and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Our cat, too, likes to remind me that the best time of the day to be awake is before dawn. We can't close our bedroom door, because Kinmo either scratches or meows when we do. But you know what? Despite getting so little sleep, I can't imagine life without our cat.
Creepsville! Personal circadian rhythms do change however - especially with age. I was a cheerful early riser my whole life. Then I got old and all hell broke loose. I am up writing until 1 am, sleep restlessly for five hours. I get my bed made, drink my coffee and immediately take a nap! Thank all the gods nobody cares when I sleep. I would be the first to head to our northern refuge, should anything intervene. I wish you a new year of continued satisfying creativity, Bill, and noteworthy mayhem.
Happy New Year to you, Sharron! 2024 is going to be a great year, I can feel it.
I'm a light, fitful sleeper. I go to bed too late and my last dream is interrupted by Kinmo the cat at an unholy hour.
I also like cold rooms for sleeping and it's often the case that I'll have the air conditioning on in December while my girlfriend cranks up the electric blanket.
Ah, to sleep like a baby, or better yet, a cat.
I hope your 2024 is filled with wonders and happiness.
As long as the Conservatives stay out of power, it will be.
BTW I am and have been one of those obnoxious early people
The world is a more interesting place because some like waking early and some can't conceive of a world in which 5 a.m. exists.
"I can sleep as late as I want to in Canada?" "You can".
Once again, my country becomes a welcoming refuge for Americans fleeing fascist bullshit government procedures we either cannot or would not here. (Remember the Draft Dodgers?).
It reminds me a bit of Prohibition. Canada actually had it before the U.S. and also repealed it on a national level before it was imposed there. Which was why we could supply all the American speakeasies with their booze!
Thank you for the wine, beer, and liquor.
In times of trouble, be it Prohibition, waking early, wrongful war, or some other monstrosity, it's good to know that Canada is Americans' refuge.