Easy-peasy. Build Luann a loft bed. That’s where I write—under my bed (yes, I am the scary thing under the bed!) I’ve got my computer desk at one end, and a swivel of the chair brings me to my handwriting desk on the other, and I’ve got shelving on the sides except for the opening in. It works out beautifully!
Hi. I’m Laura. I’m 15. And I hate my wretched hair.
My hair and I have never gotten along. It’s selfish, stubborn and moody. It’s shoulder-length and has the color and charm of a potato. For my entire life my hair has just hung there, mumbling “meh.”
It’s Saturday and my friend Bea and I are outside a trendy clothing store at the mall. We look at the fashions modeled by the perfectly proportioned, perfectly haired, perfectly lovely mannequins who represent exactly no female ever.
I point at a perfect model in a sexy $400 dress. “Do you think Andrew Hale would notice me if I looked like that?” I ask. Andrew Hale is The Cutest Boy In The 10th Grade.
“Of course he would,” says Bea, in her usual brainy, snarky tone. "But I think they only sell the clothes here. You have to provide your own body.”
I look at her. “Could you say something optimistic for once?”
“Okay. You just saved $400.”
“I’d pay four thousand if it meant Andrew would glance at me for half a second.”
“Laura, you’ve been in school with Andrew since 3rd grade. That’s…” Bea thought a moment then said, “10,800 hours.” (How does she DO that?) “It would take WAY more than a dress to make him notice you.”
“I’m not liking that huge “WAY.”
“It’s the unavoidable truth of the Law Of Attraction,” says brainy Bea. “You – and I – are on the lower end of the Attraction Scale and we attract those who are at our value-level. People like Andrew Hale are Deluxe Double Bacon Cheeseburgers. We’re bags of fries. So unless you know of a miracle that turns fries into cheesebur –”
“Hair makeover!”
Bea gives me a snarky glare. “You’re mixing metaphors –”
I’m looking past Bea to the shop across the way. I turn her around and point at Hair Miracle Salon. “Ta-da!” I sing.
Dear Ms. DeGroot, Thank you for the submission of your short story, or was it a snippet? At any rate, it is not something that we would be interested in at this time. Please feel free to try again. However, next time you might be better trying the Childrens Digest rather than Vogue Magazine. Thank you, O. I. Belittle, Loading Dock Supervisor.
Awww. It’s so refreshing to see Luann so happy and confident ♡. She has written quite a long story with no problems, that’s s awesome! She also followed Bernice’s advice by writing about herself. She finally seems to have found her path, let’s hope to see her seriously pursue this career, attend community college courses that can help her with this or maybe start going to college, even if that would mean not being with Jack and Tara anymore…
Luann, you write one story and now it’s time to screen a video? First write the screenplay, gather together the actors and crew, map out your storyboard, and in no time you would’ve decided to go back to teaching.
Actually, I think this is kind of interesting. A beginning career for Luann. We’ll probably see an early small success, some inevitable failures and story rejections, then more hard work and eventually a successful career. And they even show us where to go and read her first story. Yep, this can be good.
She wrote this story sitting crossed legged on her bed. Jumping the gun with studio. A desk will do and does for most writers. Many write anywhere, perhaps even in coffee houses! ;-)
WHY is her first impulse always to spend money on useless things? And it’s always other people’s money. All she would do with a studio is junk it up with her trash. The positive is that it is a good little story. It’s a good story because she actually describes Bernice accurately. Now all she has to do is realize that her best friend has been belittling and holding her back for years
I read the story and I really, really liked it! Luann has a fresh voice and she describes things in a lively and creative way. Sooooo happy she changed all the names. That was smart even though it was easy to guess who all the characters actually were. I noticed that she seemed extra warm toward her parents and her best friend. It’s so obvious that she loves and treasures Berniece. Even though I don’t like her myself I think she has done a good thing to help Luann discover her talent and love of writing. Gee, I hope Luann wins a prize!
Remember when Luann tried to get Brad’s old room as her “study room”, claiming that that was all that was holding her back from being a stellar student? Because I bet Frank remembers.
I get it now! The story will be in a hair product ad-riddled publication with nonthreatening preteen boy idols on the cover, not a proper newspaper or anything.
Folks, I know I don’t post that often here, but I could use some help. …A few years ago, one of you recast the Luann characters with some dollmaker program and posted the results on their Photobucket account. You also did Luann and Bernice (in her wavy hair period) with a second program. Do ANY of you know where those images are? I have searched and searched and found nothing like what I saw (and a few Rule 34 things I wish I hadn’t seen). Please help!
lvlax over 2 years ago
Wow! I want to learn more about Laura, Bea and Andrew Hale. They sound like a fun group. =)
Congrats on the short story, Luann.
Psssst.. If you ever get Bernice to leave.. maybe you could turn that room into a studio.
Templo S.U.D. over 2 years ago
Oh, really, Luann?
Tyge over 2 years ago
A studio? To write stories? I guess. If she has to have one.
AnyFace over 2 years ago
Giving us homework now? ✨
Caldonia over 2 years ago
The subject matter doesn’t exactly intrigue me. She’s what, 19 or so? Wow.
ronaldspence over 2 years ago
don’t hurt your arm patting yourself on the back Luann
sallymargret over 2 years ago
I went to LuannFan.com to read “The Horrible Haircut.” It isn’t there. Thanks.
Sue Ellen over 2 years ago
Danielle Steel used the laundry room as her studio. Can Luann even find the laundry room?
Dreamdeer over 2 years ago
Easy-peasy. Build Luann a loft bed. That’s where I write—under my bed (yes, I am the scary thing under the bed!) I’ve got my computer desk at one end, and a swivel of the chair brings me to my handwriting desk on the other, and I’ve got shelving on the sides except for the opening in. It works out beautifully!
lvlax over 2 years ago
The Horrible Haircut Pt.1
Hi. I’m Laura. I’m 15. And I hate my wretched hair.
My hair and I have never gotten along. It’s selfish, stubborn and moody. It’s shoulder-length and has the color and charm of a potato. For my entire life my hair has just hung there, mumbling “meh.”
It’s Saturday and my friend Bea and I are outside a trendy clothing store at the mall. We look at the fashions modeled by the perfectly proportioned, perfectly haired, perfectly lovely mannequins who represent exactly no female ever.
I point at a perfect model in a sexy $400 dress. “Do you think Andrew Hale would notice me if I looked like that?” I ask. Andrew Hale is The Cutest Boy In The 10th Grade.“Of course he would,” says Bea, in her usual brainy, snarky tone. "But I think they only sell the clothes here. You have to provide your own body.”
I look at her. “Could you say something optimistic for once?”
“Okay. You just saved $400.”
“I’d pay four thousand if it meant Andrew would glance at me for half a second.”
“Laura, you’ve been in school with Andrew since 3rd grade. That’s…” Bea thought a moment then said, “10,800 hours.” (How does she DO that?) “It would take WAY more than a dress to make him notice you.”
“I’m not liking that huge “WAY.”
“It’s the unavoidable truth of the Law Of Attraction,” says brainy Bea. “You – and I – are on the lower end of the Attraction Scale and we attract those who are at our value-level. People like Andrew Hale are Deluxe Double Bacon Cheeseburgers. We’re bags of fries. So unless you know of a miracle that turns fries into cheesebur –”
“Hair makeover!”
Bea gives me a snarky glare. “You’re mixing metaphors –”
I’m looking past Bea to the shop across the way. I turn her around and point at Hair Miracle Salon. “Ta-da!” I sing.
Mordock999 Premium Member over 2 years ago
You need a “studio,” eh?
Maybe you could work out a deal with Tiffany as she has plenty of room at her house.
And her dad’s reaction when he first bumps into you, would provide several chapters for your next book.
Joe1962 over 2 years ago
Frank really a Studio!!!
Airman over 2 years ago
Dear Ms. DeGroot, Thank you for the submission of your short story, or was it a snippet? At any rate, it is not something that we would be interested in at this time. Please feel free to try again. However, next time you might be better trying the Childrens Digest rather than Vogue Magazine. Thank you, O. I. Belittle, Loading Dock Supervisor.
Brdshtt Premium Member over 2 years ago
In reading Luann’s story, I have deduced that Luann changed all the names to protect the innocent.
Bea = Bernice
Andrew Hale = Aaron Hill
Laura = Luann
.
I know, duh, right?
Susan00100 over 2 years ago
Do your “writing” in the kitchen, Lu—like Adam@Home.
I’m sure you’re just as good as he is, LOL!!
Susan00100 over 2 years ago
D@mmit—now I GOTTA read that story!!
kenhense over 2 years ago
G & K: Please allow Luann the maturity of someone 19 years old. You’ve been holding her back and it’s not funny.
beb01 over 2 years ago
Her Van Gogh diary was better. Short, pithy sentences, vivid color, etc. This sounds like something Vale would write.
Brdshtt Premium Member over 2 years ago
Today’s episode brought to you by the letter “R”, the color purple, and Billy Beer Light, the only beer with less calories than Carter’s Little Pills.
Aladar30 Premium Member over 2 years ago
Awww. It’s so refreshing to see Luann so happy and confident ♡. She has written quite a long story with no problems, that’s s awesome! She also followed Bernice’s advice by writing about herself. She finally seems to have found her path, let’s hope to see her seriously pursue this career, attend community college courses that can help her with this or maybe start going to college, even if that would mean not being with Jack and Tara anymore…
Susan00100 over 2 years ago
I couldn’t find the story on this strip’s website.
But I did read the character profiles; most of them should be updated.
GerryRoss over 2 years ago
A studio? BOSH! Just rent an attic room and write your first novel up there in 24 hours the way C.M. Kornbluth did.
Johnnyrico over 2 years ago
Why? You managed to write that without a studio..
Ellis97 over 2 years ago
What a coincidence. Our studio, Magnet Entertainment is currently being built right now.
Gen.Flashman over 2 years ago
Are classes beginning on Tuesday? Will they all be sophomores again living in the dorm and Luann still in JC taking an art class?
Bill The Nuke over 2 years ago
Nice story!
preacherman Premium Member over 2 years ago
Luann, you write one story and now it’s time to screen a video? First write the screenplay, gather together the actors and crew, map out your storyboard, and in no time you would’ve decided to go back to teaching.
luann1212 over 2 years ago
Ah a writer of humorous novels and short stories? I think she would use this skill in teaching, but the story is so expressive of Luann in Luannverse.
Mary Sullivan Premium Member over 2 years ago
Adorable story. Thanks.
RonMcCalip over 2 years ago
Ha! Luann thinks she’s the next Dorothy Parker?
rshive over 2 years ago
Self-evaluation is usually pretty biased.
RSH over 2 years ago
He likes her spirit but does he like her? story is good i.e. it makes the reader want to read the sequal…
D.E.N. over 2 years ago
Actually, I think this is kind of interesting. A beginning career for Luann. We’ll probably see an early small success, some inevitable failures and story rejections, then more hard work and eventually a successful career. And they even show us where to go and read her first story. Yep, this can be good.
KEA over 2 years ago
Writers don’t need studios… they need a place to get away from it all
YorkGirl Premium Member over 2 years ago
She wrote this story sitting crossed legged on her bed. Jumping the gun with studio. A desk will do and does for most writers. Many write anywhere, perhaps even in coffee houses! ;-)
comic reader 22 over 2 years ago
WHY is her first impulse always to spend money on useless things? And it’s always other people’s money. All she would do with a studio is junk it up with her trash. The positive is that it is a good little story. It’s a good story because she actually describes Bernice accurately. Now all she has to do is realize that her best friend has been belittling and holding her back for years
squireobrien over 2 years ago
No, no, no. First, get published, make no money, then build a studio.
eladee AKA Wally over 2 years ago
I read the story and I really, really liked it! Luann has a fresh voice and she describes things in a lively and creative way. Sooooo happy she changed all the names. That was smart even though it was easy to guess who all the characters actually were. I noticed that she seemed extra warm toward her parents and her best friend. It’s so obvious that she loves and treasures Berniece. Even though I don’t like her myself I think she has done a good thing to help Luann discover her talent and love of writing. Gee, I hope Luann wins a prize!
BJShipley1 over 2 years ago
Remember when Luann tried to get Brad’s old room as her “study room”, claiming that that was all that was holding her back from being a stellar student? Because I bet Frank remembers.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace over 2 years ago
And a mansion and a hangar for your Gulfstream jet and…..
JustMe over 2 years ago
that was a great story!!!! I predict she will win money for it :)
198.23.5.11 over 2 years ago
As a part time freelance writer,I can say you can wallpaper your room with the form letter rejection slips you’ll be getting
WoT_Hog Premium Member over 2 years ago
Excellent story!
eladee AKA Wally over 2 years ago
Tell her you will build her a studio when she can consistently keep the room she already has neat and clean.
comic reader 22 over 2 years ago
Luann could have a Privacy Hut in her room.
Puzzler Premium Member over 2 years ago
great story!
MuddyUSA Premium Member over 2 years ago
Even Puddles is excited or just needs to go outside!
Caldonia over 2 years ago
I get it now! The story will be in a hair product ad-riddled publication with nonthreatening preteen boy idols on the cover, not a proper newspaper or anything.
CoreyTaylor1 over 2 years ago
You can clearly tell by Frank’s pupilless eyes that he’s not paying a bloody bit of attention.
HodgeElmwood over 2 years ago
Good luck, Luann. Sometimes it flows, sometimes it’s badly stopped up.
Liam Astle Premium Member over 2 years ago
Ha! Ha! No.
The Orange Mailman over 2 years ago
Love the story, Greg.
RolloTheGrouch over 2 years ago
That story is incredibly fun and engaging. Literally incredible – it’s like nothing Luann has ever done before.
It’s reminiscent of the one-off flashes of superpower that GnK have given Luann – like changing a tire on a pickup truck or fixing stage design.
Whether GnK continue with this writing talent remains to be seen.
If only they’d write storylines as engaging as this story …
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 2 years ago
It wasn’t easy for me, but it flows naturally now.
Dragoncat over 2 years ago
Congratulations on your short story, Luann! Perhaps writing is your calling, after all.
And remember, you’re also a poet. Don’t you know it?
BradFilippone over 2 years ago
Her dad is reading about Greg in the paper.
Caldonia over 2 years ago
Let’s hope that very soon a strip comes up that explains the contest is for children’s stories, because Luann ain’t no Dave Barry.
Sisyphos over 2 years ago
Baby steps, Baby Brain! You are nowhere near needing a studio yet….
Realimaginary1 Premium Member over 2 years ago
Dad’s probably thinking more of a doghouse.
The Quiet One over 2 years ago
Slow down there Luann. It hasn’t even been published yet.
Homeboy1865 over 2 years ago
yeah, Laura and Bea sound much better than our current crop of characters, especially Lu and Bern!
sid w over 2 years ago
Thr story is actually cute.
Bucinka over 2 years ago
Folks, I know I don’t post that often here, but I could use some help. …A few years ago, one of you recast the Luann characters with some dollmaker program and posted the results on their Photobucket account. You also did Luann and Bernice (in her wavy hair period) with a second program. Do ANY of you know where those images are? I have searched and searched and found nothing like what I saw (and a few Rule 34 things I wish I hadn’t seen). Please help!
Thanks, Robin