Jacqueline Phillips
I have always had a passion for writing, from a young age I was writing short novels and poetry. I decided to continue down this path by minoring in Creative Writing at James Madison University. Some of my favorite classes for that minor so far, Introduction to Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry. Here are a few samples of my best works...
My Writing
A non-fiction literary journalism piece about life as a woman bartender
Emily’s job consists of putting on a graphic t-shirt and flannel before walking through the door into the half of a building that makes up her workplace. You would walk in to find a long wooden table, with enough seating for maybe 20 to 30 people. Sounds of old friends talking, glasses clinking, laughter, and the occasional triangle chime fill the air. If you were to look around at the details you would notice that the décor is quite unique. A chandelier of colored bras sways above people’s heads. A skeleton looks down on you as he rides a bicycle through the sky. Three TV’s play whatever is wanted, but hardly ever sports. Flattened beer cans line the walls like they themselves are the wallpaper. Above that are Polaroids documenting moments in other’s lives that will live on for years to come. Dollar bills sit stapled to the wall behind the counter, each signed by someone. They are autographs of those who take the time to come here. Other unique picker knick-knacks and murals from local artists fill up the empty holes on the walls and ceiling. The smell of over 100 craft beers and fried foods
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Not Your Average
Desk Job
A fiction piece
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I sat in the darkness and waited. My hands nervously dug in the sand, while I looked out into the never ending blackness that was the ocean. My backpack felt like a ton of bricks on my back, but I left it on anyway. It was silent except for the waves crashing onto the shore. This only added to my anxiety. My eyes darted back and forth trying to catch a glimpse of anyone. There was no one yet.
Times Almost Up
Goodbye Charlie
A non-fiction memoir
The whistle blew which took me back to reality and away from my thoughts. This was the signal to line up. We all rushed to get in line, pushing to see who would get to be line leader today. I didn’t get there in time and instead stood in the middle of the line. To my right one of the whispers got slightly louder. The word “murder” entered my ear. That was a big word for someone who had lived in this happy little bubble for her whole life. I think the saddest part is that the word wasn’t some rumor. It was true. The word is something we all hear in our lives without thinking much about it. We hear it in movies, television, books, and on the news. But it
is more than just something in an actor’s line or character’s dialogue. The word actually happened. It wasn’t fiction this time. The word that I have never given much thought to before, suddenly became real.
Poetry Pieces
Seasonal Parks
Mom is Working a Little Later Today
Insomnia
