Author Archives: Mrs. Fitz

About Mrs. Fitz

Hello! I'm Michele Fitzpatrick, a Chicago writer. Like our town, a work in progress. As a journalist, teacher and writing coach I think all of us live our stories and sharing them creates moments that remind us we're connected. And that is enough.

Word wonderment

Write an opinion and invite controversy. Write an argument and expect challenge. Write a report and anticipate questions. Write a book and ensure unpredictable responses. Write a song, and be understood. It’s a fine wonderment.

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Change of cart

This year’s Christmas gifts will avoid past mistakes, wherein I purchased clothes in the wrong size, color and style; tech gizmos out of use three years ago; jewelry that looked expensive online; hand tools with no purpose whatsoever. Instead: salt … Continue reading

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Reason # 57 Why Folks Don’t Write

Some folks think writing is too hard. But, writing a novel, or anything with words in it, is easy. Waiting for the story to arrive is hard. It’s like holding an open house for a dysfunctional crowd who arrive at … Continue reading

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Sweet Home

Like many others, our Chicago neighborhood has a community page. A few recent postings remind me what giving thanks is about: “We found this (photo) pretty calico kitty. Anyone looking for her? She is sweet and has a cold.” “I … Continue reading

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Speed bump

Lately, my husband’s and my car has been spending more time alone, what with pandemic impact, more work-at-home, high cost of petrol. Lonesome status also was true of our family car in the 1960s, what with Dad’s belief a car … Continue reading

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Buttoned up

Where did Mom get her buttons? Years after her passing, it’s no mystery to my two brothers and me about their systemic storage: 59 bags organized by color, size, value. She did likewise with vegetable cans, kid-art, Dad’s handkerchiefs. No … Continue reading

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Snippet tip

The “not-good-enough” pest hinders all writers. But, though not every sentence will be brilliant, every word is imbued with potential power. Save snippets. Jot them. Allow them to breathe. Gather enough grains and you will have a beach. Okay. That … Continue reading

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Well won

Any sport offers a chance to win. Some folks bet on the outcome to win money. Some cheer for their favorite to win shared elation Some play a sport to become the best they can be. Those who wager put … Continue reading

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Fantasy Fan

A nice gent I know told me, “I won’t read your latest novel, Snag the Moon. It’s contemporary fiction. I like to read sci-fi fantasy.” This is very good, mostly. He doesn’t care about best seller lists or classics or … Continue reading

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Snag the Moon

Thank you for stopping by “Mrs. Fitz’s Story Emporium.” I hope you’ll share a story of your own or just browse what’s here. Happy to announce the publication of my latest novel, Snag the Moon, an offbeat story of two … Continue reading

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