Anyone remember a TV show from the mid-late 80s called Amazing Stories?
The intro showed cave people sitting around a campfire at sunset, shadows flickering on their faces, listening with great anticipation as one of the group began a tale of wonder.
This is why we write. We try to capture that campfire moment, the instant the story-teller looks at her listeners and says, “You may not believe this, but I swear it happened…”
At another time in my life, I loved siting across the kitchen table from my roommate and say, “Girl, you won’t believe what just happened to me.”
Now I want my readers at the table saying, “Tell me everything!”
Spinning lies and truths with words is a great joy, and opening the worlds in my head still takes a lot of nerve. I hyperventilate a bit when I read out loud at Word Wizards, my writer’s critique group. But, they are my campfire listeners and if they lean forward as I read, with the tell me everything look on their faces, I know I’m doing something right.
Think about the last time you told a story. Then write it, exactly like you told it.
Oh, and if I’m wrong about the name of the show, somebody please tell me.
Nancy H. Doyle 