Click image to read “Cathy and Jimmy and Clarence Makes Three,” which originally appeared in the Fall 2018 issue of Aji Magazine. The story appears on page 47.
24 thoughts on ““Cathy and Jimmy and Clarence Makes Three””
Liz, I’ve only had a chance to read this one story so far, but now I’m so eager to read more! Such quiet, intense, private drama in Cathy’s story. I was completely drawn in. The pacing is perfect. Cathy and Jimmy feel so real, as do the dynamics and dialogue between them. I was relieved Cathy went home at the end but am still left feeling anxious for these three. The ending is so very human. I loved it.
Liz, this is such a seamlessly written story! The characters felt so real and it seems like such a natural story. Very well written. It is almost as if Cathy wrote out her feelings, her turmoil.
I enjoyed your story, especially her escape in her mind… there’s a cow, there’s a caribou. I thought you created a real character and I understood her impetuous trip to the bar. How many women, and men, have ended up in this situation, you wrote it well. Nice sweet ending.
I was surprised to see that Catherine Eaton Skinner was the featured artist. She has a summer house on my island and I have done work there. A charming house that is a wonderful gallery of her work over the years. She is a real talent.
This was such a powerful story Liz. Someone once said this to me and I took it as a massive compliment, so let me say the same to you – You do not miss a trick.
Look forward to reading the rest.
All my best Paul.
Thanks again, Paul. I have a book of short stories set in the same town. I’m shopping it with small presses, but if I get no takers, you’ve given me encouragement to go the self-publishing route.
Good luck, It is so hard getting companies to take the risk. Publishing has always been risky and not every publisher is a savvy as we expect them to be. I wish you every success. Based on what I have read you deserve it.
Elizabeth Gauffreau 
Liz, I’ve only had a chance to read this one story so far, but now I’m so eager to read more! Such quiet, intense, private drama in Cathy’s story. I was completely drawn in. The pacing is perfect. Cathy and Jimmy feel so real, as do the dynamics and dialogue between them. I was relieved Cathy went home at the end but am still left feeling anxious for these three. The ending is so very human. I loved it.
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Thank you for your kind words, Lemony! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story.
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This story is quite wonderful. You did an excellent job. I’ll be reading the others too. Thanks, Liz
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Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Jill!
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This is so great! I’ve saved it to peruse… Thank you for sharing, Liz!
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You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it.
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Liz, this is such a seamlessly written story! The characters felt so real and it seems like such a natural story. Very well written. It is almost as if Cathy wrote out her feelings, her turmoil.
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Thank you for reading and commenting! I’m so glad you enjoyed “Cathy” and “Jimmy.”
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Very cool. Always a pleasure to see your work in press.
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Thank you very much, John!
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Loneliness and misunderstanding abound in so many relationships, and young parenthood adds more layers and complications. Nice story, Liz.
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Sadly, yes. Thank you for reading and commenting, Brett.
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🙂
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I enjoyed your story, especially her escape in her mind… there’s a cow, there’s a caribou. I thought you created a real character and I understood her impetuous trip to the bar. How many women, and men, have ended up in this situation, you wrote it well. Nice sweet ending.
I was surprised to see that Catherine Eaton Skinner was the featured artist. She has a summer house on my island and I have done work there. A charming house that is a wonderful gallery of her work over the years. She is a real talent.
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Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Ted! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. That’s so interesting that you have a connection to the artist!
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A great story… wonderful characterization and Cathy is such a strong character.
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Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Steven! I’m so glad you liked “Cathy and Jimmy and Clarence Makes Three.”
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You’re very welcome. 🙂
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Wow. Now, I cannot wait to read the rest of your stories Liz & now I know why your surname Gauffreau rhymes with Proulx.
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Thank you for reading and letting me know you enjoyed the story, Paul!
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This was such a powerful story Liz. Someone once said this to me and I took it as a massive compliment, so let me say the same to you – You do not miss a trick.
Look forward to reading the rest.
All my best Paul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again, Paul. I have a book of short stories set in the same town. I’m shopping it with small presses, but if I get no takers, you’ve given me encouragement to go the self-publishing route.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck, It is so hard getting companies to take the risk. Publishing has always been risky and not every publisher is a savvy as we expect them to be. I wish you every success. Based on what I have read you deserve it.
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Thank you, Paul!
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