Allison Rice
Bio
Finalist 2022 V+ Fiction Awards, Allison Rice is a work in progress! Author of 5 previous Top Story honors including “Immigrants Among Us” "Pandemic ABCs" and a piece about Inclusion, Alli is an avid reader, and always has a story to tell!
Stories (77)
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A Gender-neutral Graduation Includes Everyone!. Top Story - June 2022.
I first spied him carrying chairs across the lawn to the area where the tables and food were being set up for the graduation party. He was dressed like a typical Midwestern teenage boy: jeans, t-shirt, Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, a trucker cap atop his buzz cut, and a loose-fitting tee that didn’t do much to hide the fact that his chest was tightly bound underneath. If I had to guess, I would bet that he was using a combination of ace bandage, plus a smaller, tighter tank beneath his clothing. I shuddered to myself, imagining the physical discomfort, especially on that particularly balmy June afternoon. Not to mention any emotional or psychological discomfort that they experienced as a trans teen in small town, USA. I thought all this to myself, as it was certainly none of my business. Still, I often find myself casually keeping an eye out for queer and BIPOC kids when I’m visiting areas that are traditionally conservative.
By Allison Rice4 years ago in Pride
Umpa's Song
There weren't always dragons in the Valley. That’s what Umpa said, anyway. For a long time, Bix hadn’t believed him. How was it possible for dragons to simply not exist? The first time she had challenged his claim, she’d been only six years old. Scowling, chest out, her small hands fisted on her hips, Bix had looked her great-grandfather in the eye and boldly stated her disbelief. Umpa Carson was a weaver, after all. A skilled fluff weaver, yes, but also a weaver of tales. Bix knew that Umpa’s tales were not always based in truth or reality, so she had questioned him, argued even. How? Dragons were everywhere in the valley. How was she supposed to believe that once they had not been?
By Allison Rice4 years ago in Futurism
Watercolor Memories of Mom
Dear Mom, This summer marks an unfathomable thirty-six years since you died. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to even wrap my head around the idea that I’m old enough to have been alive for thirty-six years, yet next week will mark my 52nd birthday. I have spent more than two-thirds of my lifetime without you.
By Allison Rice4 years ago in Confessions
I've Been Meaning To Write...
I’ve been meaning to write. Even that simple sentence isn’t simple. I’ve been meaning to write anything. You understand what it's like when you're not writing. You were a poet, a wordsmith. Sure, you were humble about your writing, and I am sure that you would demure if I said as much, but even your jokey way of telling a story or proposing an outrageous deal was an art form. Nobody made me laugh like you did.
By Allison Rice4 years ago in Families
Professional Cannabis Rater - is this my Dream Job?
The agency that I work for was recently sold to a huge corporation and everything has changed in frustrating and demoralizing ways. I love what I do, but I am really unhappy with my new company and have reached the point where something needs to change. I started looking for remote writing gigs and stumbled onto a listing that sounds like an amazing fit for me! I applied and received a request to send them a resume, but I don't want to send my professional resume that lists all my work in a field of children's therapy. So I decided to write them a friendly email explaining why I think I would be a good choice for the job, and providing a few writing samples. Since my message was more than 500 words in length, I decided to share it with you as well!
By Allison Rice4 years ago in Potent
Garbage Chicken
The same week that our state started sheltering in place for COVID-19, my husband and I, along with my adult son, moved in together. This proved to be socially, medically, and financially beneficial for all of us. It’s an odd line that we walk – roommates, but also family, adults living together but separately, but it works pretty well.
By Allison Rice4 years ago in Humans
I'm a NaNoWriMo 2021 LOSER
All month I’ve been getting promotions from NaNoWriMo encouraging me to order my 2021 “NaNoWriMo Winner!” t-shirt. Their bright and chirpy email enthused: “You've spent the last few weeks focused on your novel, getting your ideas on the page, and writing with others around the globe. We want to be the first to congratulate you on your upcoming win. You've got this! Celebrate your novel, and order your 2021 winner shirt today!” While I had purchased a bunch of merch when I first signed up, this was a shirt that I wasn't going to buy. Not right now, not this year, for one simple reason: I won't be winning NaNoWriMo in 2021.
By Allison Rice4 years ago in Journal
Underwater, Nobody Can Hear You Scream.
Blowing out an exasperated sigh, Elli threw back the light sheet that was covering her body, sat up, and kicked her legs over the side of the bed. As she rose, sweat trickled down her naked back, forming a pool at the base of her spine before disappearing into the already-damp sheet. It was another sleepless, hot August night. Two months ago, Elli had turned 16. Two days ago, her mother had finally succumbed after a long battle with cancer. Two hours ago, Elli had (apparently) broken up with her boyfriend of nearly a year. The same boyfriend that she’d tenderly shared her virginity with had decided that being an emo douchebag was more important than being present for his girlfriend during “this difficult time.” She’d called him – long distance even – and told him that her mom had died. His response?
By Allison Rice4 years ago in Horror
Be Careful When Selecting Cover Art For Your Stories!
I’ve produced enough written material during these past few months to finally feel comfortable calling myself a writer. Considering that I've made around $140 from reads, bonuses and tips since joining Vocal four months ago, I can even call myself a “professional writer”. I’m plotting a novel and am participating in National Novel Writer’s Month (NaNoWriMo) in November, and hope to be a published novelist one day.
By Allison Rice4 years ago in FYI
One Love: Let's Get Together
When we planned our wedding, we wanted a fun, family reunion, 4th of July picnic-type vibe. We chose a beautiful equestrian property with acres of pasture and woods, where guests could wander, walk, camp, visit, and play. Wedding events centered around three rustic barns that were decorated with twinkling lights and chandeliers that created a magical setting. Those amenities were great, but the reason we chose the venue was the house – a 5-bedroom Cape Cod, built in the 1920s that had formal gardens, a pool, and a hot tub. It was a perfect spot for immediate family to stay, and for the wedding party to get ready. It was also fenced so that we could keep it separate from the wedding activities, and large enough that we also hosted the rehearsal dinner there.
By Allison Rice4 years ago in Marriage
