Monday 27 April 2015

Happiness and First of the Month Fiction

As you know, I tend to never be pleased with my 'happy' stories, and am always much more comfortable writing about my broken, bitter people with tales of woe. I was beginning to wonder what that said about me, until I read this in Paul Theroux's Hotel Honolulu: "it takes only a modest talent to write about misery - and misery is a more congenial subject than happiness." As he was having a slight jibe at Stephen King, I'm more than happy to accept that as a compliment.

Anyhoo, on with the fiction....

For newcomers, you have to write a story in exactly 100 words or less than 30 words. You put the story in the comments and link your blog, so we can see your shining talent in it's full glory...

Mine is of the 100:


The line inched forward. Someone hissed spiteful comments at the fast moving line for foreigners. Children fought. Parents yelled, exasperated. The line inched forward. 

"Don't touch that! It's dirty"

"Mum, he pushed me."

“Will you move up?!”

"So we only have one counter but they have three?"

“Not there, you have to stand with us”

 

The line inched forward.

They were tired. Some were hungry. All were growing irritable.

The line inched forward.

 

Finally, before the official, she answered the questions patiently.

She gave him a smile as he handed back her passport.

She was one step closer to home.



10 comments:

  1. Oh yay! I'll be back later to play along xx

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  2. I have yet to have a go at fiction. One day!

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  3. But, all of the miserable stories are the ones that tug at your heart strings. I thought they would have been harder to write and harder to evoke that emotion. As always, I love all of your stories. I'd like to read a full novel of yours one day :) #teamIBOT

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  4. How interesting that miserable is 'easier' than happy. Food for thought.

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  5. Yay for going home.
    Miserable is easier on the spur of the moment, and often the stuff I leave here is less than happy. Now I get why.
    So excited to join in today. Have just had a short story idea but I need to read IBOT, so maybe I can start here.

    "Excuse me," came the whisper from behind my right shoulder. I turned to see an elderly lady looking intently at me from behind thick glasses. She was close enough that I could smell the lingering scents of onion and garlic on her breath, and see the sporadic white hairs, shouting from her chin.
    "Yes," I replied hesitantly, somewhat annoyed that I was being distracted from my only chance to read trashy magazines.
    "Can I ask you something?" she rasped, and I swallowed the urge to reply 'you just did,' nodding instead.
    'Would you like a million dollars?' she whispered carefully.

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    1. Oooh! That is the start of something good!!

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  6. Not played before ... I will have to go off and think .. Oh and write .. Maybe Ash can do this as she is great at fiction

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    1. Anyone welcome - give it a try. You'll be amazed at what you can do...

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  7. Love that story. I find it hard to keep to 100 words. It's a challenge I need to probably give a go again.

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