First of all, thank you to Val for introducing me to Sioux's blog. It's been ages since I last wrote any fiction and hopefully Sioux is right when she says it's like riding a bike.
The idea is that, using the photo Sioux posts as inspiration you write a book blurb in 150 words or less creating a title and making the book sound so exciting that people will rush out to buy it and then link it to Sioux blog via Mr. Linky.
So, here goes ...
Behind Closed Doors
Grownups talked about it in hushed voices shaking their heads whenever Lucy sidled up hoping they wouldn't notice her trying to listen to their conversation.
The children in the neighbourhood dared each other to run up the path and touch the hand half fearful the stories were true and the hand would reach out dragging them right in where unimaginable horrors awaited them.
Lucy felt sad for the hand with it's fluted sleeve.
Maybe it was just waiting to throw open the door and welcome you in.
Years went by, the hand became pitted and spotted with rust.
Passing one day Lucy noticed a sign in the window propped between the dirty glass and ragged net curtain.
FOR RENT in bold black letters, the number of the agent written underneath.
Had the time had come to take the hand and discover the real secrets behind the blue door. (word count 148)
I have to say, this was FAR more difficult than I expected it to be - I wanted to write so much more and actually DID write lots more and so had to do some serious culling of words.
It's amazing how much you can take out and say pretty much the same thing though - that might be something I should think about in future!
10 comments:
I want to know what happened next!!! :)
I love this! It is amazing what can be eliminated with still saying the same thing. You could keep going with this and create a story... seems like you have it in you to do so. Thanks for playing and commenting on my story too. It's fun to play and get the creative juices going. I really do stink at fiction though.
I'd have to actually write the book then Di ;-) - I have missed fiction though so who knows ...
Thanks Joe 150 words really isn't many at all so you really do have to try and make every one count!
It is isn't it Lynn, it's not something I'm used to. I found it quite hard as I'm a person who never uses one word where three will do. I liked yours very much, it was full of intrigue and would definitely have had me flicking trough the pages in a book shop.
You are endlessly fascinating! (Word count 4 . . . Ta dahhhhh!)
Thanks for your kind comment on my little bear card.
Hugs, Sarn xxx
Sarah--Thanks for joining in the fun. Hopefully you'll be a regular. ;)
You are right. It's hard to say everything you want to with just 150 words. But your blurb made me want to read the book. Perhaps one of these will nudge into starting on a short story or a book?
Thanks Sam, very succinct and much appreciated ;-) - loved your bear card! xx
Thanks Sioux, I really enjoyed it so I will be back. I think I'm more of a short story kind of person so who knows, could happen :-)
That reminded me of the 'hand' coat hooks that grab the coats in the original Willy Wonka movie, the Gene Wilder version. Only scarier. Scarier than even the Johnny Depp portrayal of Willy Wonka.
It does doesn't it Val - I wonder if that's where I got the idea from ...
I really want to know more about the hand!!
Me too Holly!
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