What should this story be about? - Writers Forum

Livi205 · 04-07-2008, 06:16 AM

Hi. I hate writing creatively and im not any good but I have a 1000 word story to complete. Could all you geniuses help me get it started? This is all ive written and i dont even no what "John Smith" is doing there or where there is.

John stood awkwardly facing the long rectangular table. A fencing of heads on either side bent towards him. The room was quiet except for the low hum of the air conditioner above them. His hazel eyes studied the walls and carpet, darting everywhere but never once connecting to anyone else’s. It wasn’t the typical office buildings he was used to; lush wooden floors replaced the standard cheap carpet tiles. And the stylish interior definitely exceeded the usual color palette that could conceal coffee stains and dirt. The man who sat opposite John at the far end of the table cleared his throat. “Mr. Smith, are you quite with us?” John glanced up into the sea of faces that each wore a look of impatience.

Crap I know but any thoughts on what should happen?

Crash_Tomas · 04-07-2008, 08:28 AM

if anybody told you what to write about, or what would happen. that'd not be your writing. it'd be their ideas, not yours. But, it's only 1000 words. You have about a hundred already, so, just describe things and have a simple event of everyday life.

stories don't need to be spectacular. They just have to attempt at capturing life.

Dr. Apopolus · 04-07-2008, 11:10 AM

If you're hoping to cut and paste an A into your report card, consider this - Jump out the window.

Livi205 · 04-07-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Apopolus

If you're hoping to cut and paste an A into your report card, consider this - Jump out the window.

I was only after some possible scenarios for inspiration. Jeez its only GCSE coursework neway.

Monkuta · 04-07-2008, 02:12 PM

Maybe the company is going bankrupt and he's the boss and the board of directors has to have a meeting to deal with it. I agree with the others that you should come up with it on your own, but that's my two cents.

Roxane · 04-07-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

If you're hoping to cut and paste an A into your report card, consider this - Jump out the window.

Well what the hell, if its GSCE, you should seriously consider it. Not you, but the character

its a LOT easier to write a sad/dramatic story than one that is smart or happy. Anyhow, 1000 words is a perfect suicide-story length. Maybe someone is trying to force him to give up some kind of personal information, you have to figure out about what, but it might have to do with communism, or world war 2 etc. and then he commits suicide

it not very original and that why im giving it to you

doremusjessup · 04-07-2008, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roxane

Anyhow, 1000 words is a perfect suicide-story length. Maybe someone is trying to force him to give up some kind of personal information, you have to figure out about what, but it might have to do with communism, or world war 2 etc. and then he commits suicide

Oh, Roxane, you are awesome.

I like the communism theme, but I think it would be better if the main character was a communist struggling within a capitalist society. Maybe the tension is too much for him and, in a profound political statement, he kills himself by eating money until his organs fail.

But that's all I'm saying.

Dr. Apopolus · 04-08-2008, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doremusjessup

Maybe the tension is too much for him and, in a profound political statement, he kills himself by eating money until his organs fail.

But that's all I'm saying.

How would that be a political statement?

doremusjessup · 04-08-2008, 12:29 AM

Seriously? How would it not be?

"Money kills." Capitalism is an entire socio-political system based on money and the individual pursuit and accumulation of money. For a communist this is a toxic ideology. It's exploitative and inhumane. It kills the human spirit. The main character's suicide is a metaphor for what he believes is capitalism's effect on humanity.

Crash_Tomas · 04-08-2008, 06:05 AM

hmm, I like that idea. But, you could put a different spin on it. Anything unexpected.

I don't get how someone can not be creative and need others to tell them what to do.

it astounds me...

Shadow Reeves · 04-08-2008, 06:06 AM

jesus that's a touch deep for 1000 words, i was more thinking he could build this really tense scene then a dude runs in with a bomb, and there is a awesome action sequence, and at the he either still has to do his talk or whatever, or gets out scott free and buys an ice-cream

doremusjessup · 04-08-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

I don't get how someone can not be creative and need others to tell them what to do.

it astounds me...

Well, it's interesting how attitudes change about creative pursuits when you're not being forced to do them. I hated writing assignments in high school. I remember writing a report on how it had been God that shot Kennedy because he had a problem with Irish -Catholics (evidenced by the potato famine). My creative writing assignments were largely multi-page jokes. That was my solution to being completely disinterested.

Also, some people benefit greatly from bouncing ideas off other people. Maybe s/he just need someone to start the ball rolling. I like to give the benefit of the doubt. Either way, it will be her/his loss if s/he isn't willing to cultivate creativity. Without it s/he will essentially be a smart robot.

Quote:

jesus that's a touch deep for 1000 words, i was more thinking he could build this really tense scene then a dude runs in with a bomb, and there is a awesome action sequence, and at the he either still has to do his talk or whatever, or gets out scott free and buys an ice-cream

You can go that deep in 500 words. But yeah, it's not easy.

I like the ice cream thing. Sort of like Mr. Blonde in reservoir dogs.

Crash_Tomas · 04-08-2008, 10:29 AM

Urm, Kennedy was Roman Catholic. There's no such thing as irish catholic. just that he was irish, doesn't have an effect on his religion. I'm roman catholic and god hasn't shot me yet. I even have a bit of irish in me. So, by saying this, you're saying I'll be shot too? lol, kind of fun to think about.

doremusjessup · 04-08-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash_Tomas

Urm, Kennedy was Roman Catholic. There's no such thing as irish catholic. just that he was irish, doesn't have an effect on his religion. I'm roman catholic and god hasn't shot me yet. I even have a bit of irish in me. So, by saying this, you're saying I'll be shot too? lol, kind of fun to think about.

A: I'm not sure why we are debating the finer points of a paper written on a fictional premise for the purpose of annoying a highschool teacher.

B: There are Irish Catholics, namely, Roman Catholics who are Irish. Some details here.

C: Maybe you won't be shot, but sooner or later God's gonna cut you down.

P.S. I'm an atheist, so I think you'll be OK.

Crash_Tomas · 04-08-2008, 11:00 AM

lol. what racism we have in the world, haha.

even god himself is a racist, woot!