Flash Fiction: From The Golden Key

Illustration property of Claudia Bettinardi. Follow this link to her blog for some great illustrations

The following piece is again something I wrote some time ago. I actually had to go digging through some files to find this one. It is a kind of rewriting / response to one of the Grimm fairy tales known as The Golden Key. I encourage you to read the original version after reading mine; if only so that you can be angry with me. Cheers! Comments always welcome.

From The Golden Key

By John Little

For hundreds of years I have waited. Sense a time long ago that I can not quite remember, I have been laying in this field. I have watched the all the stars shift, ever so slightly, around the dark horizon. I have seen every color of the sun at least twice. I have spoken to every creature from mole to mouse and badger to bear. Every animal enjoys my company, but has no idea of my use. They lack the appropriate digits to make use of me. The crows like my shine and the rats like my texture. A raven once thought to take me to his nest, but I begged him to leave me be. He agreed but he would visit me every day until his death. That was several decades ago. I have sunk deeper into my doom. These things I see anymore only as memories, not as realities. Cold, it is so very cold. It must be winter. Snow. Dark. Now Light. I see light. Little hands, such cold little hands. What is this?  A boy?  A beggar boy at that. He seems cold and hungry. I would surmise that what lies in my chest would make him a happier lad. If he saw to take good care of me I would grant him such a pleasure. I shall guide him to home. Yes. Yes the keyhole is right, there, got it! Now all you need do is turn and find what is inside, my little shivering savior.

Review and discussion of Joe Bunting's "14 Prompts" and a look at The Write Practice

Photo property of thewritepractice.com

Before I started this blog I had never really noticed how many blogs there were out there. If someone had asked me, "Hey, do you read blogs?" I would have said, "No, that is reserved for a special kind of internet vampire and I like the light of day," or something along those lines. I am hoping that my current interest in blogging is not the result of a obsessive, but brief, spark that is doomed to fade. In my efforts to not let that fate transpire I have started looking at other blogs for ideas, and general interesting content. I recently came across The Write Practice blog, which is where the above image came from (I am also attempting to not violate any copy-rights). This blog, founded by a Mr. Joe Bunting, and supported by several others, offers a lot of advice to creative writers, as well as a space for them to practice. I think that is where the "practice" in the blogs name sake comes from. I good guess I'd imagine.

Anyway! To the point. The Write Practice is currently offering a digital copy of the above book titled 14 Prompts, written by Mr. Bunting, for free; all you need to do is subscribe to the blog. I have done just that and just finished reading it through. It is a quick read and offers some authentically helpful pieces of advice along with its 14 prompts.

14 Prompts is a helpful and understanding kind of writing guide with pieces of beautiful and well written prose thrown in. The author encourages readers to participate in a constructive writing environment and offers both this book, and it's parent blog as venues for just that. Bunting makes the logical effort to promote his blog by suggesting that readers of 14 Prompts should respond to its prompts and discussion questions on the blog itself. However, Bunting takes the extra step to, and the thoughtful one, and offers the idea that his book could be used in a small group off the net, and after reading it becomes apparent that was a thought he had in mind during its creation.

The text covers lots of topics and supplies various prompts and discussion questions. Bunting suggests that despite his book of prompts being a very short list, it is an effective list, and means to cultivate more than just seemingly random ideas for the reader.

As I read through the text I took note of several ideas that I personally found useful. The text also touched on the biggest problem I face personally as writer : preoccupation with perfection. The first line of the 14th prompt of Bunting's book is "Perfection is no place for a writer." I feel both comforted and unnerved by this message; one side of my brain thinking, "Oh thank god," and the other awkwardly asking "really?" and neither gaining any ground.  I think that this is a challenge that many writers face, and I know that it can't be easily resolved, if at all, but Bunting's advice reminds me that my preoccupation should really be with writing, and not with perfection. The rest of Bunting's last prompt continues discussing this issue and offers some interesting insight on how to manage it. Definitely worth a look if this is a specific problem you suffer from.

If you have any interest in creative writing I would highly recommend taking a look at, and of course following, Bunting's blog and picking up a copy of his book. What I have covered only scratches the surface and there is plenty of other great advice to be had, as well as a supportive group of like minded individuals to support you.


Pleasant reading.



 

My Top three Books for Decemeber 2013 : Tis the Season you know

You know what they say right? Omne trium perfectum, the best things come in threes. With that in mind, my list includes two classics and one that I think should be a classic:

1. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas
2. Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol
3. Terry Pratchett's  Hogfather

 Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a time honored classic and I am sure everyone has seen or read it, but your kids might not have. I would encourage anyone who thinks their children haven't seen or read this book to read it to them. Note, when I say read it to them, I mean actually read it to them. The movie is good, and very accurate, but there is something more potent in reading it aloud to your child then to just leave them in front of a Television screen. Also, if anyone has an old copy of the book that they don't think they will need anymore I would recommend donating it, in fact, I would recommend donating any books that you think could be better served somewhere else. Advice I should probably take myself.

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is even more of a classic and I am sure everyone has seen or heard it in one shape or another. Part of why I like this novel is that it has taken so many shapes throughout the years. In fact the previously mentioned story How the Grinch Stole Christmas is in fact an allegory to A Christmas Carol. A bitter and seemingly powerful figure who despises all of those around him, thinking them unworthy of his care or attention, is ultimately changed for the better and becomes a shining light of a person, or whatever the Grinch is (kind of resembles a moldy yeti or something). I personally have fondest memories of A Muppet Christmas Carol, and I don't think any other movie version could usurp its place, but with that in mind the novel needs its own attention. A wonderfully crafted story of reflection and redemption. A tale of spirits and a man's life that will leave you questioning whether or not you yourself are a Scrooge in your own life. Dickens language is fantastic, and although it may not be for everyone, it deserves a fair shake. In addition I recently came across an audio book version of A Christmas Carol done by Jim Dale, a voice actor who in my opinion is quite good. If you find that you like his reading, you can find more information about him and his work on his website.

Finally we make our way to Terry Pratchett's Hogfather, which is where the idea for this post originally started. 

Before I begin on this particular novel I implore you to check out Terry Pratchett's extensive work. Terry Pratchett was the fantasy king long before J.K. Rowling stepped into the scene, and although you might not have heard of him, his works are quite the ride. The creator of the truly manic and marvelous Disc World, Terry Pratchett has built a fantasy realm all his own, which just so happens to sit on the backs of four giant elephants, which sit astride the back of an impossibly large turtle. No really, I am serious, go check it out. He has developed some of my absolute favorite characters, among them being Death. Who believe it or not, is one of the main protagonists of the the Hogfather.

The Hogfather is not your typical Christmas story if not for any other reason than that it isn't about Christmas, it's about Hogswatch. The Hogfather, which is where the novel's name sake comes from, is the Disc World equivalent to Santa Claus. The crux of this story is that something has happened to the Hogfather, and the first "person" to respond is none other than death. Death dawns the appropriate robes, attempts to develop the appropriate attitude, and catch phrases, and replaces the Hogfather for one extremely crazy Hogswatch. There is much more to the story, and the plot can be rather dark at times, but most Christmas stories have their dark points, but we know everything works out in the end. Just ask Death. He knows. I would also highly recommend the two part mini-series film version of the Hogfather it's surprisingly well done and was my first introduction to the story. One of the few occasions where I watched the mini-series, read the book, and didn't say "The book was better," they are both just fantastic.

The Hogfather has actually made it as the first round novel of the book club I am starting with this blog. I will be posting thoughtful questions and ideas about the book as the month of December moves along. If anyone wishes to join just comment or shoot us an email. If will also personally be reading A Christmas Carol again, so if anyone wants to chat about that I will be open to it, and will more than likely be writing about it.

Happy Holidays

The creation of the pages!

NOTE TO ALL AUTHORS AND ADMINS

So, this is my nearest approximation to creating separate pages that can be updated. Things will always be posted to the "Home" page, but if one of the following labels is attached to the post it will also appear in that category.

John's Writing, Pictures, Reviews, Thoughts, Writing Prompts

I can add or change these as needed and if anyone has any specific page / page names they want let me know. Labels need to be written in under the Labels section on the right hand side of the posting screen. I am sure everyone can figure that out, but better safe than stupid questions. So! On we go!