There was a period of nearly ten years when I wasn’t making any serious effort at writing. I had thought, at the time, that since I had not made it on to the bookshelves before I was 25, I should focus on establishing my career in the post office. It’s a good job, it pays well, and I needed something more secure than contract labor or pizza delivery.
Of course, I did write D&D plots for campaigns. Those are, to me, relatively simple and straightforward. You listen to what the incoming party wants to try and tailor a story to their goals. If it’s a dungeon-crawl, you barely have any real work at story-writing at all; just go to the applicable encounter chart and throw in monsters.
There were, however, personal challenges I set up for myself. I knew I’d get moody and depressed if I wasn’t trying to make a story somewhere, so I went online for a list of one-line or setting-based writing prompts. Anything from “The Wizard Has the Wrong Book” to “High-Tech Peaceful Dystopia”. Nothing in those prompts were publishing-worthy and I knew it, but it gave me moments to practice and keep my skills (such as they are) in good form.
These days, I’m trying to get a couple stories written that could, if I handle it right, make it through the publishing hurdles. Couple that with this medication to help me focus, and I’m finally able to dedicate my effort and time (an hour, here or there) to genuine writing.
But the prompts never stop showing up, and they’re still too much fun to leave alone.
On my way in to work this morning, I overheard a nerdy conversation. I try to not be rude in those moments, but I heard a line that got my attention: “I want two guys sword-fighting on the wings of a biplane.”
Yes, I have several projects to work on already, but you just don’t let a line like that go to waste.
I’ll probably work up a small scenario with that prompt in mind. Already, I want the biplane in flight, the protagonist to be completely exasperated with their situation while the antagonist an upright and arrogant gentleman (it might be because of the WWI-ish feel, but I gave him a German accent in my mind), and the fight to have “Shippin’ Up To Boston” playing in the background. Because why not?
But that won’t be for a long while. I do have other works in progress, and I refuse to let myself be so distracted that they go the way of my earlier writings. I will, however, come back to this post to help me remember the prompt at a later date.
And with that, it’s time for the mail to run. Hoping you have an easy day, readers.
-JB Swift
Swift's Corner 