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10/7/2008 10:29:54 PM
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mysteryfan
Posts 2
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This question comes up in here on occasion, and the first time I was able to find this story, this forum is where I found it. Unfortunately, I was using a different laptop at the time and don't have it on my new computer. Does anyone out there know where I can find this story online, or perhaps has it to copy/paste? I wish to share it with a friend who is an aspiring mystery writer. Thanks for your help.
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10/8/2008 6:15:00 AM
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M_Fan_2008
Posts 17
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The story you seek (from the September 1968 EQMM) is included in 100 Malicious Little Mysteries edited by Greenberg, Asimov, and Olander. Biblio.com lists numerous copies available at remainder prices ($1.00 & up)! If you can't find the story on line, buy this book; it contains several of Elsin's stories.
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10/23/2008 1:43:17 PM
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mysteryfan
Posts 2
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I'm going to see if there's a copy in my local library. In the meantime, if anyone has a copy/paste of the story, this forum is the place I was able to get the story last time. I have my fingers crossed. Thanx.
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11/5/2008 8:49:46 PM
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JacksonCoates
Posts 14
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Elsin Ann is a registered user of this forum. I'll bet she'd love to hear from one of her fans. Just: (1) sign in; (2) click on "users" in top bar; (3) click on "list of all users"; (4) click on "elsinann"; (5) click on "send a private message"; then (6) hope she frequently visits this Forum and signs in to see if she has any private messages.
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12/7/2008 11:51:45 AM
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elsinann
Posts 3
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I did log in yesterday to see if there were any private messages, and there was one---from a teacher---but it was late, and I wanted to wait until today to answer it. Now I can't find it and don't remember how to access private messages. Help! 
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12/7/2008 1:31:44 PM
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JacksonCoates
Posts 14
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Elsin Ann, the only way that I know to reach your "in box" is: (1) send a personal message to yourself; (2) click on the notification that you have an unread personal message. You'll then be able to see the message you sent to yourself plus all prior, undeleted messages. Yes, I know, there's got to be an easier way! 
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12/8/2008 2:06:47 PM
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dws
Posts 35
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I think an easier way to reach your personal messages is to click on your username at the top of the page where it says "Logged in as" and then click on "Personal messages - Inbox."
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12/8/2008 5:30:37 PM
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JacksonCoates
Posts 14
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Thanks, dws. You're absolutely right. 
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1/17/2009 12:56:46 AM
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elsinann
Posts 3
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Jackson and DWS, thank you!
For the person who wanted the story, here it is:
Wide O
By
Elsin Ann Perry
Maybe I’ll put my head under the pillow—no, that’s no good. I can
imagine him, whoever he is, sneaking up on me. Okay, that does it!
I’m going to get up and stay up, put the lights on in the living room,
turn on the television.
Oh, I hate going into the dark . . . there! Overhead light on,
floor lamp on, TV on, nice and loud. Now I’ll just sit down and
relax and watch the—
Hey, what was that? Oh. Old houses creak, remember? If it
creaked when Bill was here, it’ll creak when he’s away, and it’s just—
just something in the house. It’s only your imagination, old girl,
that’s what it is. And the more sleepy you get, the more vivid
your imagination will get.
All the doors are locked, right? And all the windows, ditto.
Okay, then. So I feel like an idiot, trying to stay up all night.
Well, sitting here in the living room is a lot better than doing what
I did the last time Bill was away overnight! Locking myself in the
bathroom and staying there until dawn, for heaven’s sake—
Oh—Oh, the furnace clicked on, that’s all that was! Calm
down, girl, calm down! The trouble with you is, you read the
papers. You should read the comics and stop there. No, I have to
read MOTHER OF THREE ATTACKED BY INTRUDER and
WOMAN FOUND BEATEN TO DEATH IN HOME. But, oh,
they were so close to us! That old lady lived—what was it, only three,
four blocks away? But she lived alone, and nobody knows I’m alone
tonight. I hope.
What is the matter with me?! I’m acting like a child. Other
women live alone—for years, even—and here I have to stay by myself
for just one measly little night and I go all to pieces.
Sure seems cold in here! The furnace was on—still is on, in
fact. Must be my nerves. I’ll go into the kitchen and make myself a
nice hot cup of tea. Good idea! Maybe that’ll warm me up!
Now, where is that light switch . . . there . . . well, no WONDER I’m
cold, with the back door standing wide o-
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1/17/2009 8:26:34 AM
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Leigh
Posts 211
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Oh, wow. That's chilling.
John Floyd has that ability to chill you in seconds flat like that.
What a great story, Elsin!
edited by Leigh on 1/17/2009
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1/17/2009 9:21:53 AM
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crimewriter
Posts 33
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I had never seen that before. That story is fantastic. I am always very impressed with people who can give you the shivers in so short a time and in so few words. It is really a gift. I love this one! Joyce
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1/17/2009 10:31:05 AM
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jfloyd
Posts 1
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Leigh -- Thanks so much for your kind words!
I too love Elsin Ann's story--even the title! I teach writing courses at a local college, and have been telling students about this story for some time. It's a great example of how to build tension in very few words.
It's fun to see that this great story still appeals to so many folks.
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1/17/2009 6:15:34 PM
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Dick Stodghill
Posts 117
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This is the first time I've read it. I agree with all, it's great.
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11/17/2009 7:50:59 AM
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Barbara99
Posts 1
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Have you seen the trailer for wide-O ?
It is not at all clear WHEN the movie when be completed or released, but the trailer is a thing of beauty.
http://www.productionhub.com/video/view.aspx?item=2451
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