Letter writing can be powerful, both in reality and fiction. Although in the latter, if you play with the idea a bit, they can be devasting! I recently entered a 200 word online competition encapsulating the word: Remember.
Here's my entry...it's not for the faint-hearted, but I hope you enjoy it...
Remember
Dear Charles,
I remember the way you used to stroke my hair, caress my skin and kiss my neck. Yes, I still recall those times vividly. The anticipation, as I waited for you to return from work, the door slamming and the footsteps on the stairs, then the smell of tobacco on your breath (why did you have to smoke?). My heart is palpitating just thinking about it all.
How many years did it last? I can’t be sure really, but it was a good while. I did suspect there were others, you know. Remember the time I caught you with Jess? I could see how awkward you felt. And I’m sure you and Lucy had something going on. I knew you too damned well, didn’t I?
After it ended, maybe you thought time would make me forget. How wrong you were! Now I have a family of my own, though you'll never see them. How long have you got left in there now? Three years, is it? I believe you’re very sick now. Well, I remember you as being very sick then. You will die where you belong, in prison. Remember my tears? Well, who’s crying now, Dad?
Cassie
5 comments:
Wow, Col. Heavy hitting indeed, but evocative and has loads of impact. How did you get on with the competition?
Cheers, Matt.
I didn't win - the standard was extremely high and there were lots of entries (it was on a writers forum), but a few people offered positive comments. Although, I guess this sort of thing is not everyone's cup of tea. I'll email you soon, mate.
This now appears on Thrillers, Killers n Chillers (see link on right of blog) along with a dark intro' to my 'Hoodie Hunter' character.
From Writers News Talkback. CommentAuthor: Bill
Good one, Col.
Letters are always a good device - letters can be so matter of fact and devastating.
'... Dear Charles...' put me off the scent, of course !
From Facebook.
Paula Penny wrote:
Read your blog..the letter one... very powerful... mind, thought I knew where it was all heading then WHAM....brilliant
I did try to comment on the blog but got confuddled when it got to the part for goolge account or name or something??? U kno me, computer illiterate!
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