the start of a story

[lagilman]

Sometimes, you know exactly where you're going with a story; the only work involved is actually writing it.

Then there are the shy stories. The ones that show themselves an inch at a time, a toe peeking out from around a corner, a trailing hand, an echo of laughter or the lingering sob of fear.

This story appeared in an opening line last night: "The horse was an old one, and piebald to boot, but Jack would be damned if he’d give up and walk."

I knew why, but nothing more.

And then I was exhausted and had to go to sleep. I woke up oh dog early this morning, and started to write again.

By the time I'd gotten to the 210th word, I knew who Jack was and where, why he couldn't stop, and what he was fighting... but as of yet there is no actual, y'know, plot.

Just Jack, and the piebald horse, and Something gaining over his shoulder.

I stared at the page, and thought about the world, and what might be where he was going, and....

20 minutes later... oh hai, plot idea. Oh you're interesting. How are we going to pull this off?

Only words will tell.

Comments

[joycemocha.livejournal.com]

I've just discarded 5000 words and am starting all over again with a difficult story. I'd drop the damned story except I've been asked to write for this anthology, so I've gotta produce it. It's a tough one.

But hey, I like the new title better!

[firynze.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's a magical feeling, right there, and so wonderful....