To Do, or Not To Do
Two weeks ago, we began these chronicles with standing before the New World Ruler and reading the opening to one of our stories. We successfully gained admission to the 1001 Authorial Knights. Whew! We survived.
Then, last week, we discovered we could take a prolonged research vacation, and we picked our location(s). Some of us chose a globe-trotting “Around the World in 180 Days.”
Now, we’re back in the castle – our writer’s prison – cold, spartan rooms on the upper level of the castle. At least we have a good view, but it’s a bit cold with openings and no windows.
And now, the intrigue begins. (FPP/first doorway). Rumors and rumblings are beginning about rebellion/escape/revolt – scary things that make you shudder.
Sir Judas is standing off in the corner, jingling some coins in his pocket. Sir Robin and Lady Marian are defying the rules and are together, whispering. Walking past Robin’s open door, you notice he is disassembling his bed and beginning to make a longbow.
And, Willy Shakestick has just been hauled in from England. He’s standing at his window, holding a skull, and muttering over and over, “To see or not to see.”
You know you will be forced to take sides. You groan. Why can’t everybody just get along? You’ve struggled through sleepless nights trying to decide.
So, what will it be?
- Will you join the revolution?
- Will you lead or follow?
- Or will you just write about it?
In my dystopian series (which I stopped because it scared the bejesus out of me), my heroine is a mild-mannered obstetrician who is living happily, minding her own business when the world falls apart all around her. Her husband, an ex-fighter pilot leads the resistance (she admires his courage, but hates the risk-taking). When he is killed in action, everyone looks to her and she becomes the new leader.
That would probably be me. Avoid conflict if you can, but if you can’t, make them wish they’d left you alone.
I like that approach, Cynthia. Excellent. The enemy will wish they had left you alone.
Do you have any of the books in your dystopian series published?
Not yet, but as soon as I finish my current project I’ll go back to it.
I left poor Natalie in prison, about to be put to death (turned in by the ungrateful foster son she raised). She’s been nagging me lately. “Hello…how long are you going to leave me here?”
I have happier projects that are more fun to work on, but this is the one everyone keeps asking me about. I can take a hint 🙂
Well, maybe today’s post is a message to you to return to the dystopian project. Someone needs to rescue poor Natalie. “Hello, please rescue me! I’ll help you sell lots of books if you get me out of here.”
I do love the sound of that!
We’ll probably be doing battle next week as the writers revolt at the King’s castle. Maybe you can try out one or some of your ideas for springing someone from prison. See how they work, how readers respond to them. Just a thought.
Gee, Steve, this is scary. But I found a way to climb up onto the rafters and watch all the commotion from a safe place. As a fly on the wall, I’m taking detailed notes to chronicle this great revolution.
Just realized I’ve invented a new literary technique that I’ll call “omniscient point of view.”
Now the story needs a catchy title. How about War and Peace?
Debbie, I knew I could count on you for a creative answer, creative fiction indeed.
I hope the whole castle doesn’t burn down. At least, not until your side wins and you’ve escaped the rafters. And what a way to explain “omniscient/in-the-rafters” point of view.
Great title. I’m glad you didn’t chose another spelling for peace.
Good morning, Steve.
I go with what I learned and what I have taught my progeny, which is never start a fight, but do whatever you can to finish one.
Have a great weekend, Steve!
Good morning, Joe.
I like your approach. It seems everyone else thus far has agreed with you. Peace through strength. And I’m certain everyone would turn to you for leadership (and firearms instruction). Old King Badassi would wish he had never allowed you into the 1001 Authorial Knights. In fact, he would wish he had never invaded your country.
Have a great weekend!
After seducing the king’s swordsman, Dak, on the island, I convinced him that rather than fear King Badass, it was our duty to de-crown him. If he had been Good King Winksalot, I would have followed him to the grave, but I won’t allow a bad king to rule my life. We recruited an army with promises of absolute freedom.
Using Dak’s knowledge of the castle and surroundings, we left the army roasting a few of the king’s fat cattle in the forest, and we’ve made our way to where the prisoners are being held. We cannot allow the bad king to go through with his plan to steal all the stories his captive writers are putting to paper and taking credit for them! We glide through the rooms, seeking like-minded individuals. There are a lot of them because writers are independent thinkers. When the time is right, we’ll put our plan in motion, attacking from both within and without.
Wow, Becky. Fantastic story. I love it! You’re a leader.
Next week we will probably discuss the battle, and you are already prepared. I look forward to reading your battle description.
Thanks for participating. Great plans!
Great story, Steve.
Since this is the First Plot Point, I’ll ask all the characters to join me in the round meeting room to discuss the situation and try to come to a peaceful solution. I believe we can work this out. 🙂
Thanks, Kay. A wonderful idea. Just make sure that round meeting room has an escape hatch. After the King has all the Knights of the Round Table present, he may take drastic measures. Or, maybe you’re talking about a round meeting room outside the castle and away from the King. I hope the peace negotiations work. Somehow, I am pessimistic about a world ruler feeling any need to negotiate.
This could certainly make for an unexpected plot twist. I’m hoping you make it work.
Thanks for contributing! Have a creative day!
This is fun, Steve!
My POV is this: There comes a time in everyone’s life when a line must be drawn, a side chosen, and the battle joined.
Give me some armor, a weapon, a great leader, and a plan and I’ll step up.
The scene in my head as I wrote that sentence was from Braveheart, when William Wallace rode back and forth in front of his shaking-in-their-boots army, and then led the charge.
I need that kind of leader. We might not win the battle, but we’ll surely win the war.
Happy weekend! 🙂
Great lines, Deb. Great movie. And thanks for participating. I’m glad you’re enjoying our craziness here at TKZ.
I think your attitude regarding taking on the adversary is shared by many. Most of us aren’t ready to lead the charge. But, if we know someone is willing to lead us, we’re all in.
I hope some of us are seeing the hidden symbolism in our little, crazy short story.
Next week it’s time for battle, so find a trusty steed, put on your armor, and sharpen your sword.
But, have a peaceful weekend.
I’d be Gideon…who, me lead these people? Uh uh. You’re gonna have to show me something…okay, I see the dry ground and wet fleece. Now show me the wet ground and dry fleece! You want me to do WHAT? Send any of the troops who are afraid home? And now you want me to cull my troops from 10,000 to 300 based on how they drink water? ARE YOU SURE?
Wonderful. Patricia. What a great example of the reluctant hero. I never thought of that story in reference to fiction stories, but what a great template or blueprint. I hope you’ll lead us into battle as Gideon next week. Test us. Weed out the fearful. Inspire us. And lead us to victory.
I could see you writing a whole book (fiction) based on Gideon’s life.
I hope you have a weekend full of inspiration.
Here, let me get started on the arrows…
Good idea, Alan. Robin makes the bows, and you make the arrows.
Bring them with you next week. I hear there is going to be a battle.
Thanks for participating, Alan. Have a productive week!