Inspiration 2.0 - Page 11

Cadaverous Pallor · 06-10-2006, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

I love fairy tales. I have bookloads of them. I read lots of writers who are modern fairy tale tellers.

But, I don't want to write one.

Exactly my feelings. Instead, I was trying to write about how "fairy tale turned on its head" is basically its own genre because it's been around almost as long as the tales have....and how the original tales have been PC-ified over the years until they are practically spoofs themselves....and how writing about how the girl saves the day is actually not that wacky, and that in fact the underdog wins in most traditional tales....

Anyway, I'm bored just writing that paragraph. I get up on the soap box when I talk genre for children's stories. Yeech.

I'd say that I'll work on it more but it seems everyone's stuck. Sorry, LSPE!

Gemini Cricket · 06-10-2006, 05:42 AM

Damsel of Distress
by: Me

Melanie shoved the file cabinet drawer closed with her knee. It slammed shut with a crash as if from a door to a castle dungeon. She locked up the drawers to her desk after putting his picture in the drawer. He smiled at her, with his hands shoved in a windbreaker leaning up against a fence that enclosed that bobsled ride at that park. He had gained some weight since that picture, but that infectious smile was always there. I could reprint the photo, Melanie thought, but I wouldn't want it stolen just the same. The hospital green paint in her cubicle turned from a mint to a grey as she shut the lights off in the shared office space.

She removed a black smudge from an indented design on her steering wheel as she sat in traffic. The car hadn't moved in quite some time. The car reminded her ad nauseum to inch forward, so she really didn't need to pay attention much, not that she ever did.

When she was a child, she didn't picture herself preparing people's taxes for a living. It's not the life one dreams about, but it was steady. And her prince in shining armor wasn't supposed to be a manager at an art supplies store, but he tries.

Melanie thought back to the fight they had last night. A bounced check is hardly anything to throw in the towel for. Hardly. She had no idea how much an easel sold for. She was good with accounting, but at that point in time, that easel was all the money in the world.

Looking up at the next road sign, she realized it was an unfamiliar one. She had missed her exit. How do you miss an exit going 2 miles per hour? She wondered. She tensed up and a tear leaped from her eye. Silly, Mel. It's just L.A., people do this all the time. Your routine is just a little off, don't fret.

Melanie shoved her hand under the seat to look for the Thomas Guide. If only he'd put it back where it was supposed to go, in the slot in the door. She began to cry. The world was cavng in again. Don't panic, her doctor said last week and the week before.

No, she found it. She grabbed the book from under the seat and rested it on her lap. She looked down at the book. It wasn't the Thomas Guide. It was a beaten up old book that was dogearred and housed three book marks. She read the cover, "Helping the One You Love Through Depression".

She didn't buy the book. He did. It was his book about her.

Melanie had the urge to thumb through it, but didn't. She hugged the book tight as a horn blared behind her. A smile creased her face. She put the book back and couldn't wait to get home.

Melanie ran from the garage to the front door. She walked in the house to the smell of burning chicken.

"Gadfree!" He said. It was his word of choice. She had no idea what it meant.

She stood in the kitchen doorway and watched him scoop three pieces of black from a sputtering pan. The counters were cluttered with egg shells, chopped vegetables and for some reason a leaky carton of ice cream.

He turned to her. A smear of white flour went from his chin to his ear down his arms and all over his hands. He smiled at her. His tummy peeked out from under his UC Irvine t-shirt.

"I made dinner." He said laughing. "The really bad stuff is in the trash can. I'll clean this-"
"I love you." Melanie said.
"Don't worry, don't panic, I'll-"
"I love you." She said again.
"Huh?"
"I love you." She said once more.
She pulled her knight in shining chicken grease towards her. And kissed him until they were both covered in flour.

Cadaverous Pallor · 06-13-2006, 11:22 AM

Once upon a time there was a land under a plague of limitations. Only within the boundaries of one's neighborhood could one become involved. The people within one town could not work within another's. Sending messages from one town to the next was tedious and slow. Goods were limited to local sale. Even those with lofty power and standing were stuck within this poor physical realm, and escape was hard to come by and slow in function.

It is true that most keep their heads to the ground and their minds on their employment, but some do look up and over the fences to new possibilities. The main road to freedom was hard to find and many side courses were taken before the horizon could be glimpsed. Even then, one cannot be told the road, one must walk the road. It took many years of hard work, but eventually the waterways were spanned and the tunnels were dug. The execution seemed like magic.

Suddenly, one could visit instantly with acquaintances. Images from far abroad were visible a few inches away. Many voices could be heard and hold weight on the happenings within society. Old treasures were converted to gold at a market open to the entire country. Unseen art and unheard music hiding in small pockets seeped out onto the world stage.

The power pulled people together from the four corners of the earth, uniting those that were once strangers, liberating those once chained to worlds against their natures. Knowledge sped out faster than lightning and the responding thunder could be heard in towns, homes, and minds around the world.

The people were freed.

Motorboat Cruiser · 06-13-2006, 12:00 PM

Cannot mojo you but I like it, CP.

Gemini Cricket · 06-13-2006, 12:06 PM

I like it, too, CP!

Cadaverous Pallor · 06-13-2006, 12:57 PM

Thanks. Reading it again now, I realize it turned out far better than I thought it would.

Motorboat Cruiser · 06-13-2006, 03:08 PM

Once upon a time, there lived a very handsome Prince. He was well loved in the kingdom and his eventual marriage was widely anticipated. The Prince, however, didn’t feel that he deserved this universal love. For in his possession was a dark secret, one that was sure to destroy the kingdom, were it to ever be revealed. Hiding this information from the people he loved brought him great sadness.

The Prince went about his life, pretending to be happy, and quietly hoping that his deceit would never be discovered. Little did he know what the future would hold. While out walking in the forest one day, the prince was approached by a stranger. This man proceeded to offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to the Prince. Very politely, the Prince declined the offer, adding that he was flattered but not yet ready to choose someone.

Looking deeply into the eyes of the Prince, the old man lowered his voice and said “It would be in your best interest to accept my offer for I hold some information about you that would destroy you and this kingdom.”

Startled, the prince tried desperately to regain his composure and not let his alarm show.

He asked what secret the man spoke of.

“I saw you one night, doing something you shouldn’t have in the stables. Does this ring any bells?”

Mortified, the Prince knew instantly that this old man knew too much. He desperately tried to bargain.

“I will make sure that you are given a horse and two oxen if you will mention this to no one”.

The old man let out a sinister cackle and replied, “I have no use for these animals. I’ve already told you, I want you to marry my daughter and you will. Otherwise, everyone learns of what I saw. I expect you to propose by nightfall”. And with this, the old man walked away.

The Prince sat down and tried to steady his mind. He would have to marry this girl or the whole kingdom would know the truth.

Riding back to his castle, the Prince decided that he must seek the advice of his only confidante, his sister. He approached her and let her know what had transpired. She gently took his hand and said. “No, you will not marry her. You cannot live a lie for the rest of your life and be beholden to the power this old man holds over you”

“So then I tell everyone?” the Prince asked, clearly uneasy with the prospect.

“Yes, and they will all still love you and respect you. You may not believe this now but you have to trust me”

The Prince knew she was right. As long as the secret existed, someone else held power over him. And if he kept it revealed forever, he would never find the happiness he so desperately sought.

In the evening, the Princess told all of the townspeople to gather as the Prince had an announcement to make. Upon hearing this news, the old man danced gleefully, certain that once his daughter became a princess, he would be wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.

Everyone gathered in the courtyard and soon the Prince appeared.

“It is with great regret that I inform you that I have not been honest with you about who I am. I have always felt a need to keep a secret from you and for this, I apologize. And yet, I can never live my life to the fullest, never experience true love without being honest with myself and with all of you.

My secret is that I will never be able to marry a woman. It just isn’t who I am, nor is it someone I can ever be. My heart will someday belong to another man. And if you should choose to hate me from now on, I completely understand. Still, I felt I should finally tell the truth”.

Upon finishing his announcement, the Prince expected to be shunned or possibly even attacked by the crowd of people gathered and driven forcefully from the castle. Much to his surprise however, the entire crowd moved towards him, arms outstretched as they embraced him and commended him for his honesty and integrity.

Standing alone, far behind the crowd, the old man lowered his head in shame. For the truth had removed all the power he once held. He took his daughter and left, never to return again.

And as for the Prince, he learned a most valuable lesson. You can’t hide who you are for you are then forced to live a life of lies. Nothing but despair can come from that. And yet, if you give people a chance to love you for who you are, they often will surprise you. From this point forward, the Prince had a life he could truly enjoy and appreciate, without fear and without regret. He proceeded to live happily ever after.

Gemini Cricket · 06-13-2006, 03:39 PM

Did the prince find the love of his life? Who did he shag in the stable? Will there be a part two?

Love it.

Cadaverous Pallor · 06-13-2006, 04:09 PM

Dug it.

I wonder about the blackmailer though...what a jerk. Would you want your daughter to not only be forced to marry, but forced to marry a queer?

Motorboat Cruiser · 06-13-2006, 06:26 PM

Thanks for the nice words.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

I wonder about the blackmailer though...what a jerk. Would you want your daughter to not only be forced to marry, but forced to marry a queer?

I worried about his motivation as well. Then I thought of the numerous stage moms I have seen that would easily trade their kids souls in return for just a little fame. It made more sense then.

06-10-2006, 05:42 AM	#102
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	Damsel of Distress by: Me Melanie shoved the file cabinet drawer closed with her knee. It slammed shut with a crash as if from a door to a castle dungeon. She locked up the drawers to her desk after putting his picture in the drawer. He smiled at her, with his hands shoved in a windbreaker leaning up against a fence that enclosed that bobsled ride at that park. He had gained some weight since that picture, but that infectious smile was always there. I could reprint the photo, Melanie thought, but I wouldn't want it stolen just the same. The hospital green paint in her cubicle turned from a mint to a grey as she shut the lights off in the shared office space. She removed a black smudge from an indented design on her steering wheel as she sat in traffic. The car hadn't moved in quite some time. The car reminded her ad nauseum to inch forward, so she really didn't need to pay attention much, not that she ever did. When she was a child, she didn't picture herself preparing people's taxes for a living. It's not the life one dreams about, but it was steady. And her prince in shining armor wasn't supposed to be a manager at an art supplies store, but he tries. Melanie thought back to the fight they had last night. A bounced check is hardly anything to throw in the towel for. Hardly. She had no idea how much an easel sold for. She was good with accounting, but at that point in time, that easel was all the money in the world. Looking up at the next road sign, she realized it was an unfamiliar one. She had missed her exit. How do you miss an exit going 2 miles per hour? She wondered. She tensed up and a tear leaped from her eye. Silly, Mel. It's just L.A., people do this all the time. Your routine is just a little off, don't fret. Melanie shoved her hand under the seat to look for the Thomas Guide. If only he'd put it back where it was supposed to go, in the slot in the door. She began to cry. The world was cavng in again. Don't panic, her doctor said last week and the week before. No, she found it. She grabbed the book from under the seat and rested it on her lap. She looked down at the book. It wasn't the Thomas Guide. It was a beaten up old book that was dogearred and housed three book marks. She read the cover, "Helping the One You Love Through Depression". She didn't buy the book. He did. It was his book about her. Melanie had the urge to thumb through it, but didn't. She hugged the book tight as a horn blared behind her. A smile creased her face. She put the book back and couldn't wait to get home. Melanie ran from the garage to the front door. She walked in the house to the smell of burning chicken. "Gadfree!" He said. It was his word of choice. She had no idea what it meant. She stood in the kitchen doorway and watched him scoop three pieces of black from a sputtering pan. The counters were cluttered with egg shells, chopped vegetables and for some reason a leaky carton of ice cream. He turned to her. A smear of white flour went from his chin to his ear down his arms and all over his hands. He smiled at her. His tummy peeked out from under his UC Irvine t-shirt. "I made dinner." He said laughing. "The really bad stuff is in the trash can. I'll clean this-" "I love you." Melanie said. "Don't worry, don't panic, I'll-" "I love you." She said again. "Huh?" "I love you." She said once more. She pulled her knight in shining chicken grease towards her. And kissed him until they were both covered in flour.
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06-13-2006, 11:22 AM	#103
Cadaverous Pallor ohhhh baby Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Parental Bliss Posts: 12,364	Once upon a time there was a land under a plague of limitations. Only within the boundaries of one's neighborhood could one become involved. The people within one town could not work within another's. Sending messages from one town to the next was tedious and slow. Goods were limited to local sale. Even those with lofty power and standing were stuck within this poor physical realm, and escape was hard to come by and slow in function. It is true that most keep their heads to the ground and their minds on their employment, but some do look up and over the fences to new possibilities. The main road to freedom was hard to find and many side courses were taken before the horizon could be glimpsed. Even then, one cannot be told the road, one must walk the road. It took many years of hard work, but eventually the waterways were spanned and the tunnels were dug. The execution seemed like magic. Suddenly, one could visit instantly with acquaintances. Images from far abroad were visible a few inches away. Many voices could be heard and hold weight on the happenings within society. Old treasures were converted to gold at a market open to the entire country. Unseen art and unheard music hiding in small pockets seeped out onto the world stage. The power pulled people together from the four corners of the earth, uniting those that were once strangers, liberating those once chained to worlds against their natures. Knowledge sped out faster than lightning and the responding thunder could be heard in towns, homes, and minds around the world. The people were freed. __________________ The second star to the right shines in the night for you
	Submit to Quotes

06-13-2006, 12:00 PM	#104
Motorboat Cruiser Cruiser of Motorboats Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: So Cal Posts: 3,665	Cannot mojo you but I like it, CP.
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06-13-2006, 12:06 PM	#105
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	I like it, too, CP!
	Submit to Quotes

06-13-2006, 12:57 PM	#106
Cadaverous Pallor ohhhh baby Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Parental Bliss Posts: 12,364	Thanks. Reading it again now, I realize it turned out far better than I thought it would. __________________ The second star to the right shines in the night for you
	Submit to Quotes

06-13-2006, 03:08 PM	#107
Motorboat Cruiser Cruiser of Motorboats Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: So Cal Posts: 3,665	Once upon a time, there lived a very handsome Prince. He was well loved in the kingdom and his eventual marriage was widely anticipated. The Prince, however, didn’t feel that he deserved this universal love. For in his possession was a dark secret, one that was sure to destroy the kingdom, were it to ever be revealed. Hiding this information from the people he loved brought him great sadness. The Prince went about his life, pretending to be happy, and quietly hoping that his deceit would never be discovered. Little did he know what the future would hold. While out walking in the forest one day, the prince was approached by a stranger. This man proceeded to offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to the Prince. Very politely, the Prince declined the offer, adding that he was flattered but not yet ready to choose someone. Looking deeply into the eyes of the Prince, the old man lowered his voice and said “It would be in your best interest to accept my offer for I hold some information about you that would destroy you and this kingdom.” Startled, the prince tried desperately to regain his composure and not let his alarm show. He asked what secret the man spoke of. “I saw you one night, doing something you shouldn’t have in the stables. Does this ring any bells?” Mortified, the Prince knew instantly that this old man knew too much. He desperately tried to bargain. “I will make sure that you are given a horse and two oxen if you will mention this to no one”. The old man let out a sinister cackle and replied, “I have no use for these animals. I’ve already told you, I want you to marry my daughter and you will. Otherwise, everyone learns of what I saw. I expect you to propose by nightfall”. And with this, the old man walked away. The Prince sat down and tried to steady his mind. He would have to marry this girl or the whole kingdom would know the truth. Riding back to his castle, the Prince decided that he must seek the advice of his only confidante, his sister. He approached her and let her know what had transpired. She gently took his hand and said. “No, you will not marry her. You cannot live a lie for the rest of your life and be beholden to the power this old man holds over you” “So then I tell everyone?” the Prince asked, clearly uneasy with the prospect. “Yes, and they will all still love you and respect you. You may not believe this now but you have to trust me” The Prince knew she was right. As long as the secret existed, someone else held power over him. And if he kept it revealed forever, he would never find the happiness he so desperately sought. In the evening, the Princess told all of the townspeople to gather as the Prince had an announcement to make. Upon hearing this news, the old man danced gleefully, certain that once his daughter became a princess, he would be wealthy beyond his wildest dreams. Everyone gathered in the courtyard and soon the Prince appeared. “It is with great regret that I inform you that I have not been honest with you about who I am. I have always felt a need to keep a secret from you and for this, I apologize. And yet, I can never live my life to the fullest, never experience true love without being honest with myself and with all of you. My secret is that I will never be able to marry a woman. It just isn’t who I am, nor is it someone I can ever be. My heart will someday belong to another man. And if you should choose to hate me from now on, I completely understand. Still, I felt I should finally tell the truth”. Upon finishing his announcement, the Prince expected to be shunned or possibly even attacked by the crowd of people gathered and driven forcefully from the castle. Much to his surprise however, the entire crowd moved towards him, arms outstretched as they embraced him and commended him for his honesty and integrity. Standing alone, far behind the crowd, the old man lowered his head in shame. For the truth had removed all the power he once held. He took his daughter and left, never to return again. And as for the Prince, he learned a most valuable lesson. You can’t hide who you are for you are then forced to live a life of lies. Nothing but despair can come from that. And yet, if you give people a chance to love you for who you are, they often will surprise you. From this point forward, the Prince had a life he could truly enjoy and appreciate, without fear and without regret. He proceeded to live happily ever after. Last edited by Motorboat Cruiser : 06-13-2006 at 03:13 PM.
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06-13-2006, 03:39 PM	#108
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	Did the prince find the love of his life? Who did he shag in the stable? Will there be a part two? Love it.
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06-13-2006, 04:09 PM	#109
Cadaverous Pallor ohhhh baby Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Parental Bliss Posts: 12,364	Dug it. I wonder about the blackmailer though...what a jerk. Would you want your daughter to not only be forced to marry, but forced to marry a queer? __________________ The second star to the right shines in the night for you
	Submit to Quotes