The year begins with a bang and there’s been much afoot since the clock turned the calendar over from 2017 to 2018. I’ll be meeting Nicky of Chasing Dreams Publishing this Saturday to work on getting my own novella published. What I hope to be a psychological thriller horror based on a short story I’m working on.
This particular short story is an idea I want to submit to FlashBack Fiction by the end of this week. The foundation for what is to come. The problem is that I keep running into the same wall every time I get to that 500 word limit; I find the story… boring.
The Perfect Story
I sit at my desk and let the mind begin its usual marathon run through visuals and ideas until it latches upon a man in a high collar shirt, white, and sleeves rolled to the elbows. Perfectly tousled hair whips in the soft breeze as he walks through a bustling street filled with dames in flouncing dress and lace parasols. The men tip hats, lips curling up with their carefully trimmed mustaches. Others ride by nonchalant on bicycles with empty baskets leading the way. Many park against intermittent trees lining the paved walkways where cafes and curious shops have opened for the morning. Woven chairs are arranged around square tables draped in cloth, adorned with cutlery and obscure vases from the local artisans. Coffee. Bacon. Toast. Their scents fill the warm air. Accompanying the scent is the rustle of leaves from the nearby trees. The crinkle of newspaper as a man in a bowler hat turns his copy of Die Zeit. Tranquil. Peaceful. Happy.
It contrasts the thoughts swirling through my protagonist who watches with a careful smile hiding his darkest thoughts. The satchel at his waist portrays him as an artisan though none know of his particular work. Of the “museum” that awaits him in the bricked apartments right above the supposed serenity the scene in front of him plays. He knows behind the coiffed styles of both the men and woman, behind their rosy cheeks and wide smiles and oiled beards lie secrets. Fears. Worries. Dark thoughts. They aren’t that much different from him. Not much at all.
–
And this is where I begin my story. The above description is a cut scene from my mind and now we step into the protagonist’s shoes as the writing begins.
Only from here, as I try to slip the darkness into the serenity, I find the pacing too slow or too fast. The transition too drastic or not drastic enough. I’m failing to find the balance between writing style and effect. To add that gut-wrenching punch drawing breath from lungs as you wail “No!” in horror and squirm where you sit, glancing behind you as paranoia sweeps along your spine in cold tendrils.
That. That is what my perfect story would be. But I’m struggling here. Anyway let me get to writing the new draft and see if I can craft the perfect story so I can submit it. *Sighs
A-Scribe To Describe 
With thoughts like that, it’ll be perfect soon. You hit on several senses beautifully.
Ah thank you. It’s easy to paint those scenes out when I see them so clearly in my head. I’m glad they translated into words. I just need to learn to edit before I publish haha
Congrats! That’s a huge step. 🙂 It’s nerve-wracking, so don’t let that get you down. You’ll figure it out!
Thank you. It’s been a long time coming. Have to be more intentional this year. Maybe I too will follow your steps towards full time authorship!
Yay, we can stress out together! I’m trying to be more proactive. I think it’s time I treat my work like work.
Haha true story. It’s no longer a hobby now. You can do it!
I’m rooting for you!
Me too! You inspire me 🙂
Likewise. 🙂
Seems like an interesting seed for a story. Sent you some comments on Facebook.
Thanks man got the comments. Definitely helped 🙂
If the story itself is anywhere near as good as the description of the story, you’ve got it made! I was caught up in the setting in your head and am sure you’ll make it happen!
Thank you so much, I appreciate that 🙂