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Ever wonder what it's like to be in that moment between struggling artist and published author? Read on and find out.



Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Window View

            I actually had some difficulty deciding what to blog about this morning. However, since I am holding a writing prompt contest I decided that what could be better than for me to participate in someone else’s creative jump start exercise.

            This one is being held by Nicole Pyles and the rules are simply to write a story based on the picture below and include the following five words: File, Chest, Pirate, Nest, and Winner. It also needs to be under 500 words. I call this one . . .


WINDOW VIEW
 


            The view hasn’t changed. It hasn’t changed at all in the last thirty minutes I’ve spent staring out it; except for the shortening of the shadows. It hasn’t changed much in the three months I’ve been working on my “break-out” novel. In fact, other than seasonal changes it hasn’t changed that much since I moved here.

            So then why do I continue focusing my attention through it rather than on my writing?

            I tear myself away from the window under the pretense that I need to pull a file from the cabinet across the room. The micro-break from the view outside opens a crack in my creativity and the ideas begin to flow once again. Pirates. That’s what every good book needs is a crew of scurvy pirates.

            By the time I sit back down the ship of ill-mannered brutes has sailed away. My eyes creep towards the window view. I adjust my chair so that my back is directed toward the window as much as I can manage and still hope to write.

            My fingers linger lightly on the keyboard. Then not so lightly. Within five minutes my arms are crossed over my chest and the faint sounds from outside beckon me. So I close my eyes.

            The tree is there, on the back side of my eyelids; complete with last year’s bird nest and the initials carved into its trunk. Just as I curse my decision to select a writing spot with a view the image changes. The tree takes on a ghostly aura. Shadows morph into menacing shapes that dance upon the ground contrary to the stillness of their owners. Through the window of my mind a story takes shape.

            A broad smile spreads across my face. I have a winner.  






7 comments:

  1. Ohhh I love this!! I can so relate too! Because sometimes just a window can take hold of my focus and I just want to stare. To tear myself away feels impossible. I love how your character makes a story out of it though! Reminds me of the Faces in the fences I used to see! :)

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    1. Thank you. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

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  2. This would be a great post to direct people to when they ask "Where do you get your inspiration?" A song, a view through the window ... random things to spark juicy thoughts that morph until they're just right.

    I'm glad you were stumped for a blog today. :)

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    1. Wouldn't that be great if people got directed to the blog that way. You're right, inspiration comes from strange places some times.

      I'm glad I was stumped too. Thanks.

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  3. This is great, Randy! I love the idea of the prompt, with the picture and the 5 words, and you did such a good job with it!

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    1. Thank you. Originally, I planned to pass on the prompt because nothing came to mind when I first looked at the picture. I'm sure there's a lesson to be learned from it.

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  4. Excellent job! You gave me inspiration to give it a go! Have a good one!

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