Writing Challenge #4
Eliza Fayle from Silver & Grace is the next writer to take on this creative writing challenge and the words Fly, Magnitude, Timothy, Typography, Death, Closet, Swell, Rena, Jerome.
She has written fiction in the past and this is what she says about this challenge:
“Sigh. As you know, I went through a period of writing fiction on a regular basis. I have not written a word of fiction in over a year. How did this feel? FANTASTIC!!!! Hmmmm …. *tries to figure out how to squeeze in fiction writing time*”
Memories
Timothy opened the closet door. It was his job to pack up his Grandmother Rena’s keepsakes. The magnitude of this task paling in comparison to the magnitude of the loss.
It was Jerome who let Timothy know of her passing. The typography of the email so cold for such an emotion laden missive. Her death was unexpected; no time to fly home.
Lifting the first box out of the closet, Timothy sat down on the floor, raising the lid. He felt his heart swell.
Coincidence that he started with this box?
Timothy began to carefully lift out memories of himself.
* * * * * * * *
Eliza, thanks for your submission. I feel somewhat triumphant, knowing you were so enticed to jump into this challenge. Maybe we’ll see some more fiction from you now :-) I miss your fiction.
I love the mood that you have set with this; especially the obvious cold delivery of this type of message via email. I can visualize myself being there with Timothy and looking through old photographs. I appreciate how the magnitude of the loss is somewhat coloured by the memories as his heart swells. Makes me feel a little melancholy.
Photo credit: Sam
patricia
Hilary
Tony Single
Linda
Barbara Swafford
Deb Dorchak
Chris Edgar
{ 29 comments }
Hi Davina,
Isn’t it amazing how an entire situation can be described with all the feelings involved in that situation, and all in less than 100 words?
Eliza is outstanding!
Raul
.-= Alien Ghost´s last blog ..Master of Your Own Universe =-.
Eliza and Divina,
That was simply Brilliant. None of the words seemed contrived or artfully tucked into a tale to complete an exercise,(however wonderful and creative as everyone here has been-and everyone has been great,)but instead a simple, heartfelt story that immediately drew me in, sat me right down and made me want to know absolutely everything about the contents of Timothy’s life.
What you have there is the first 100 words to a manuscript. I want to know more. You’ve peaked my interest and now my imagination is rushing ahead to fill in the nooks and crannies of Timothy’s life in wonder, as I turn the page.
You should write it.
Hi Davina .. and Eliza .. that was great – a real little story all in a few words – with such a big thought bubble – so many other ideas flood out and our own can flood in …
Families can be so cold – I have experience .. can’t quite believe people’s actions in relation to a human life ..extraordinary.
So the coldness resonates rather too well .. but a different use of the words once again – a swelling heart!
So interesting everyone’s interpretations .. thanks Davina and Eliza .. it’s being a fun exercise .. Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Under Sea Sussex – Tompot Blenny- Piddock- Devonshire Cup Corals and Jewel Anemones =-.
Raul,
I agree. When the right words are used the emotions do the rest. This is really cool.
Wendi,
It’s exciting how this one little peek into a moment leaves you wanting more. The skill of a good writer here. I’d like to know more, too.
Hilary,
Another completely different type of story with the same words. I like your analogy of a big thought bubble and the ideas flooding out and in. Families… yes, they’re an interesting experience. Sorry that your experience has not been ideal, Hilary. Despite that, I sense a lot of warmth of spirit from you.
Beautiful.
Still insisting that fiction is not for me, but feeling strangely inspired. :)
.-= vered´s last blog ..When Life Feels Like a Russian Roulette =-.
@Everyone – wow! Thanks so much for the positive feedback. The kicker of writing a short story like that is not only has it left the readers wondering more about Timothy … I want to know about Timothy!!!! Davina is going to have to give me 9 more words so I can pursue his story LOL
.-= Eliza´s last blog ..How to dispel negative energy and featured jewelry =-.
Eliza, it would be such a shame if you were unable to carve out some time to write more fiction. This one piece alone impresses me. There was not one wasted word, and you managed to ensnare my care factor so easily. Lovely read this one! :)
@Tony – thank you. I used to write once per week. It was an ongoing story, which Davina is familiar with. It is a very different creative endeavor from my blogging/online mag editing and jewelry designing. Like a different muscle? I think you quite right in that I need to carve out some fiction writing time. Even 10 minutes per day is 10 minutes more than I write now. Thank you for the encouragement.
.-= Eliza´s last blog ..How to dispel negative energy and featured jewelry =-.
Vered,
Strangely inspired eh? Hm. :-)
Eliza.
Hi there! Isn’t this fun? I love how stories YOU tell start to lead you into more. It’s neat how the characters come alive. I do have 9 more words — saving them up till the end. However… you can use the Random Word Generator to pick words too.
http://watchout4snakes.com/creativitytools/RandomWord/RandomWordPlus.aspx
Tony,
Yes, I agree. I miss reading Eliza’s fiction.
Eliza… I agree about the “different muscle”. It’s good to exercise those muscles you know you have — even 10 minutes a day. Did you take your fiction down? I just tried to find it to share a link here, but the link that came up in Google doesn’t take me anywhere. Drat!
@Davina – yes, I decided to let Urban Panther’s Lair drift off into the sunset. Not to worry though. I have copies of the stories. Actually, the very first one I wrote for Urban Panther was the one I submitted to the fiction writing contest last week. Contest ends August 31st, so fingers are crossed :-)
.-= Eliza´s last blog ..How to dispel negative energy and featured jewelry =-.
Hey, good luck! I’m rooting for you and… was it Margaret and Charlotte?
Davina .. that’s cheating .. and I know Eliza won’t tell you .. will you Eliza? oh oh .. I can see we’re blogging You’re not for a while yet .. stories galore coming out of the wood work .. via the millions of woodworms carrying their tales with them ..to propagate whereever .. oh – what will spring up next ..
Bye .. – hey we need Jim to write a story too .. or perhaps it’s a secret last chapter?
Enjoy today and tomorrow .. both of you .. Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Under Sea Sussex – Tompot Blenny- Piddock- Devonshire Cup Corals and Jewel Anemones =-.
@Hilary – Ha! You are correct. Part of spinning a good yarn is building suspense :-)
.-= Eliza´s last blog ..How to dispel negative energy and featured jewelry =-.
Hi Eliza .. yup .. you’re right .. but why did you have to use the word ‘yarn’ .. oh well you’ll have to wait .. I have to write the interesting taxing tale .. unbelievable in my ancient eyes .. but in those ‘em days all things went ..
suspension .. suspense .. all good fun .. Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Under Sea Sussex – Tompot Blenny- Piddock- Devonshire Cup Corals and Jewel Anemones =-.
Davina,
This is truly the fun part of this challenge, reading all the different ideas that emerged and flourished from the 9 words and the concise structure.
Eliza,
I love this little story and I spend about 1 hour per week now sorting through my mum’s few things and deciding what to do with them. The old income tax records I shred…but it is amazing to me the things that no one wants any more…my mother and my family are not very into “things” What will Timothy do with the memories once everything is sorted and he has had time to relive?
No one can pay the upkeep on castles any more?
@Patricia – OMG you are brilliant! What will Timothy do with all the memories?! You have totally given me the direction for this story!
.-= Eliza´s last blog ..How to dispel negative energy and featured jewelry =-.
“Keepsakes” are always intriguing … what do we hold on to, what do we let go, and where do we find meaning … even in the simple things like a ring from a Cracker Jack box.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Day 21 — Carry the Good Forward and Let the Rest Go =-.
I am humbled…thank you :)
WOW! I’m blown away. Of all the submissions so far this one is my favorite.
Hilary,
LOL, I’ve been trying to write a blog post today and it’s JUST not working out. Took a break and am going to try again. That would be cool if Jim would come up with a story. Maybe he’ll surprise us.
Patricia,
I’m loving this. Glad you’re enjoying it, too. You’re getting into the swing of fiction… Be careful! :-)
Eliza,
LOL… there’s no turning back now! :-D
JD,
That’s true; the simple things seem to have an endearing quality about them. And they’re usually the least expensive items; ever notice that?
Rose,
It’s awesome isn’t it? There is something intense, yet quiet in this piece. It sneaks up on you.
Hi Davina .. I guess it’s too early to link all the stories together in one post? So perhaps Jim can help out .. why don’t you write a story based on your nine words?
It’s early and the thoughts are pounding through already .. have a good Sunday and a creative day .. happy times – Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Under Sea Sussex – Tompot Blenny- Piddock- Devonshire Cup Corals and Jewel Anemones =-.
Hilary,
Actually, I have written a story based on another set of 9 words that I’d like to enter in a contest. I have to find out if I can post it because that may disqualify it if I do.
That gives me another idea, but it’s too late :-) Seeing how different these entries are from each person is cool; it would be neat to see if we could all write ANOTHER 100 words with the SAME 9 words. Hm.
Holy cow!! This is just stunning! I am so moved by this. The coldness of the typography.
Reminds me that one day my offspring’s offspring could well be about to open a box to lift out memories of themselves.
Definitely a WOW piece of writing for me.
Thanks for sharing, Eliza, and to Davina for hosting!
xo
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..10 Great Mysteries of The Universe- 3 =-.
@Jannie – the coldness of the typography. I received notification by email once that someone I greatly admired had died suddenly in a car accident along with her 6 year old son. It was the only way the person sending the message knew how to get a hold of me, so fair enough. But how often do close friends and family ‘chicken out’ and send emotional messages through email? … the coldness of the typography
.-= Eliza´s last blog ..Blog Carnival- Last roadtrip! =-.
Jannie,
You’re welcome. Eliza’s story has got you to thinking, hasn’t it? You’ve reminded me of how you are wanting to preserve your daughter’s artwork.
Eliza,
And then there are those stories you hear of certain family members not even finding out about the death of a distant relative until after the funeral.
This picture really represents your story.
I find this a very emotional story, for only100 words.
Well done Eliza.
I agree, Jim; this did have a certain emotional appeal to it. I think Eliza has big plans for Timothy in the future. Maybe she’ll be back to share.
@Jim – thank you.
@Davina – I know have the outline! :-)
.-= Eliza´s last blog ..You are telepathic and featured jewelry =-.
Eliza, this is exciting! That didn’t take very long… :-)
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