Welcome to the Fifteen Minute Novel. Each morning I spend fifteen minutes writing on a singular story line. Each morning starts with the last line of the previous day. The goal is to get a (very) rough draft out of the simple story idea and to avoid letting the story idea languish in limbo forever, actually writing it out. This is the third year I have done this writing experiment and each year I learn just a little bit about myself and the way I write as well as creating a framework for the story. But without further ado…
Day 146: Still by the end of it, they each had two types of cookies, and a sliceable coffee cake ready for evaluation.
Still by the end of it, they each had two types of cookies, and a sliceable coffee cake ready for evaluation. Gwen’s streusel topping for her coffee cake was slightly dry and she was told she needed a little more butter, but overall, she was pleased with what she had accomplished. She just hoped the many times folded dough, not wrapped in plastic with her name on it would have the flakey fold she was supposed to create.
At the end of class she was wished well by the others, but held back a little as the classroom cleared out. “Mr. Evans,” she asked as the classroom emptied. The instructor paused.
“Yes,” he said.
“I was thinking of going into full time culinary classes in the fall and I wanted to sort of lean into the baking and pastry side. Do you know where I would find information about that? I mean are there places around here to contact?”
Mr. Evan’s nodded. “There are several really good places for culinary around, especially in this area. Several not too far from here. We only offer basic sort of classes here, but they could take you further. You are looking to stay in the area?”
Gwen nodded. “I was going to stay with my grandparents and take classes if they are close,” she said.
Again he nodded. “I think we have packets up front. I’ll go with you and get one. “If you are going to be in the area would you be looking for a part time job?”
“If I can find one,” Gwen said. “I figured I would look at when the classes met and then maybe see what I could do around the classes.”
“Well if you pass this class with good enough marks you will be eligible for an apprentice ship here in the bakery. I think we will have several opening up this year. The hours are early so chances are you could get them in before your classes started. But only if you make good enough marks.”
“That would be great,” Gwen said. “Of course now I’m even more worried about my puff pastry.”
He smiled and walked with her to the office. He got the packet of information from the secretary and handed it over.
“Good luck,” he said.
“Thanks.” Gwen left the bakery and walked home. She had the cookies and coffee cake in a paper box inside a plastic bag. She knew her grandfather would be happy with the cake, but that many of the cookies would have to be frozen for a while. In the past few weeks, they found that even Geoge’s sweet tooth could be blunted by the volume Gwen was bringing home routinely. His favorites they started to freeze and those he was willing to share were brought to the office.
“I suppose we will see what this batch will do,” she thought as she went back to the apartment. Before heading upstairs she stopped by the front desk and let both the doorman and the front desk clerk take a few of the cookies before heading up. They seemed almost as delighted by the treats as her grandfather, which Gwen took as a good sign.
Upstairs, Gwen put everything away, changed for art class and made herself a quick sandwich.
Ten til Midnight 