Picture this: two faces framed in gilt. Ornately carved laurel leaves
intertwined with golden vine.
I was going to post today about how I go about writing short stories but this arrived in the post and I want to read it, and if you are interested in writing or knowing more about writing short fiction, you should, too.
One face turned aside, ear lobe cushioned to lip, receives the hidden word. Curiosity runs its fickle fingers down your contorted spine as you lean in closer.
I was going to pick out a painting to top my post: a pixilated prize for those who seek a visual lure. And then the words came and made a frame. Now all I have to do is fill it, or do I?
He, or is it she, stares ahead and would close her eyes if she thought she could hear better for doing so, and doesn't see anything but the shape of the words going into her ear. She doesn't see the way the body at her side is poised to flee; doesn't see the the thing that glistens in the hand, inches from her neck: a ring? A blade? A torch, perhaps? She is unaware of how the eyes set intent upon her do curve with narrowed lids which mask their unreal colour so that only a tease of it can be seen by you. But you know that the eyes are shaped by ugly satisfaction or grim enjoyment. Lies, you say? Lies it is.
But what's a painting if not words coloured into shapes? We squint at clouds, at clods, at the mottled colours until we can find lines which our eyes translate.
Now it's your turn. Go on? No? Then end it.
10 comments:
Isn't it fun to get things in the mail? It can take the day in a whole new direction!
Send snow - we need to cool down. It is 39'C here. I can't think let alone imagine anything.
Ooooh, can't wait to get my copy. It's on its way apparently. (How did it get to NZ first??!! My mind is boggled!)
N, it's obviously on account of the Newton book delivery laws of gravity: large book falls faster down under than sideways...obviously...:)
Sounds inspiring. Enjoy.
It's one of those books which has me wanting to write down every story idea I've ever had before reading this book so that I can gloat about my originality and say (to myself, erm) ha, you've (I've) had that idea all along!!
Yes, it inspires, AW, but it also encourages, which few tutorial style books do (at leas to me). I highly recommend it!
Ah yes, I am dying to read this one; am hoping to get it very soon.
Finally got around to calling in - sorry it took so long.
Don't apologise, Barbara, I'm the worst offender for forgetting to visit blogs: if they aren't pasted onto a list in front of me, they may as well not exist!
I seem to be drifting back towards prose as the poetry voice is entirely silent at present. Off to Amazon for a little practical assistance via this book!
I never see words as shapes. I wonder how I see my words. I see them as sound, twisted symbols for things that are, but I am going to try to look and see the shapes now.
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