Short Story Challenge 3 - Palingenesis

TUESDAY

      Lets face it, I’ve had much worse things stuck to the bottom of my shoe but this is definitely a first. I was so preoccupied with not losing my footing whilst trudging through the undergrowth that I didn't even see what it was that I had stepped on.

      It first felt kind of mushy, with plenty of give, which would explain why my step kept moving forward onto it - no traction to be able to push off of… whatever it was. It wasn't until I had put all my weight down that I felt the sharp pain shoot up through my foot and up my calf. Grabbing a nearby branch I managed with some considerable effort to hoist myself clear and sit down on a nearby log in order to inspect my foot.

      Cross-legged, with the foot turned upwards, I scanned for the damage, gently brushing away loose bits of dirt and leaves. The sharp pain had faded almost as quickly as it had hit me and instead a strange numbness had taken its place. Running a hand slowly along the sole of the boot I eventually discovered the hole. Something had indeed penetrated the thick rubber of my hiking boots, but whatever it was, no trace of it remained. I could sense a slight squelching of blood but no pain – strange…

      I managed to hobble my way back to the research station so that I could clean up and dress the wound. It’s not the worst thing that's happened to me whilst I’ve been out here - and besides, the relief team will be coming in a few days and I can get it looked at properly by a medic once they take me back to base camp.

      For now, business as usual I guess…

WEDNESDAY

      Woke up today with a pounding headache and dry mouth. Felt a bit dizzy standing up. Thought it would be a good idea to keep doing this audio log just so I can tell the medics exactly what my symptoms are when they do get here.

      Looking at my foot again, the wound looks angry and swollen. It still feels numb but occasionally I feel it twitch and spasm unexpectedly, especially when I keep very still. Taken some antibiotics as a precaution.

     Tried to get more research done today but my head remained fuzzy – hard to concentrate on anything.

THURSDAY

      Staying in bed today. So tired. My foot feels itchy. Swear I felt it move once or twice last night - kept waking me up. Let me take a look…

      Oh God - it a growth of some sort. Maybe this is the worst thing I have stepped on after all... I’m usually okay with being on my own but this time I actually feel a little... scared? It’s so swollen… and itchy.

      Wait – did that just move again? It feels… rhythmic. Kind of like… breathing?

FRIDAY

      I can’t move… It’s growing. Growing out of my foot. Bloody mess… What is that? Looks like… a face…? oh God, oh God… Need help… but so drowsy… so…

SAT

      < No log entry recorded >

SUN

      Hello? Hello? Oh it’s recording… Not quite sure what happened. It feels like I’ve woken up from a bad dream. I can tell its not though – there is a bloody mess on the floor next to my bed. It looks like a body of some sort. Familiar… but I can’t quite place it…

      Why am I not freaking out right now? I actually feel great. For once I feel really calm… refreshed.

      I feel… like I need to go for a walk. Something’s drawing me out into the jungle. 

     It feels good.

     It feels like… I’m going home…

 < No further log entries recorded >

25th July 2012

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Short Story Challenge 2 - Tomato Soup

      “No thanks, I’m on a diet”, she replied without looking.

      It wasn't quite the answer he had hoped for. Time for plan ‘B'. She had refused the cake, which he was almost certain was going to work, but surely she couldn’t refuse some champagne?

      “Well how about some bubbly then?” he said turning around once again, this time a flute glass held aloft.

      “What’s the occasion?”

      “Nothing, my dear. Just thought I would treat you.”

      Her eyes flicked up from her magazine for a second. Maybe that was all she needed to survey the situation.

      “You not having one?” she asked, idly turning the page.

      He hesitated for a second.

      “It’s… for you. I bought it for you.”

      “No thank you. I don't like the bubbles – not before I eat. It makes me feel all bloated…”

      Exasperated, he couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

      “What’s wrong with you?” she asked, dropping the magazine, finally giving him her full attention, “You’re acting kinda funny…”

      “Nothing’s wrong. I just… “

      He backed away a little. Didn't want to get her too suspicious.

      “I just wanted to do something for you. I know work’s been hard, long hours and whatnot… thought I would just treat you. Spoil you a bit…”

      She scrunched up her face in mock appreciation, “Awwwww! So thoughtful..!”, before letting her face fall emotionless again.

      “Fine then! Just eat your dinner…” he said, struggling to control his frustration. Carefully setting the champagne glass down on the kitchen work surface, he turned with the bowl of soup he had just served out from a larger pan and put it down on the kitchen table. His hurriedness betrayed him as the tomatoey liquid lapped against the sides of the china, coming dangerously close to spilling out.

      Maybe she had noticed it, or perhaps in that moment she felt a brief twinge of guilt, but whatever the reason, it appeared she had finally conceded.

      “Ok! Ok! I’ll eat! Keep your hair on…”

      She picked up the spoon and tentatively stirred the soup. She could feel his eyes on her, watching her every move.

       She stopped.

      “What now?”

      “It’s too hot.”

      “Its soup, for crying out loud! It's supposed to be hot!”

      “Well maybe you can get me a glass of water to have with it?”

      He paused, considering it.

      “Okay”, he said getting a glass from the cupboard and filling it with tap water, “There you go. Happy now?”

      She took a sip.

      “It’s not cold enough.”

      “…Seriously?”

      “Maybe some ice…?”

      “We don't have any…” he whined as he flung open the freezer door.

      “Pleeeease-“, she squeaked, “I promise I’ll be good and have my soup if you get some me some…”

      “You want me to go all the way to the freezer down in the cellar justto get you some ice?”

She looked at him meekly, “Pretty pleeeease…”

      Unable to resist, he paced off out of the kitchen and into the hallway. Ice!He thought, just some goddamn ice and we can be done with all this! He was in such a rush – so lost in his racing thoughts – that he failed to notice the slight heaviness of the cellar door, or the fact that unusually it was already slightly ajar.

      It was too late.

      The toolbox that had been perched precariously above the door came crashing down on his head with muted thud. His legs giving way beneath him, his limp body having nowhere to go except to tumble forward down the stone steps into the darkness.

      A good minute had passed before the light switched on above his head. Impossibly bright. Footsteps slowly descending the stairs. A silhouette of a figure looked over him. He tried to cry out but could only produce a gurgle from out of his crumpled form.

      She bent over and, after a moment’s consideration, picked up a sturdy hammer from the scattered debris.

      “Idiot...”, she scoffed before slowly raising it above her.

      Washing her hands in the kitchen sink, she felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted off of her chest. She even caught herself humming at one point and let out a chuckle at her own audacity. Time to celebrate, she thought. She picked up the champagne flute still on the side and instinctively took a large gulp. It wasn't until the glass was almost horizontal that she noticed it – the unusual separation of bubbles in the bottom of the liquid.

      The sudden burning in her throat and lungs caused her to start coughing in a violent fit. She tried in vain to cover her mouth but it wouldn't stop. Wide-eyed she stared as blood filled her hands - in some cruel twist of irony, replacing that which she had just washed off moments before.

16th July 2012

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Short Story Challenge Outline

      So recently I did my first short story challenge.

      The idea is to ask people for suggestions of an opening sentence and then go on to write a (somewhat coherent) short story from that. The main point of it, of course, is to get more disciplined with my writing - but also it allows me to associate ideas and stories from other people’s random garblings and in turn, to practice my creative writing a little bit.

      Since most of this blog has been non-fiction writing, it's a welcome change.

      So let me outline a couple of rules to help me keep disciplined:

1)    Open to suggestions for an hour or two and then I haveto choose one. Once chosen I will notify the thread and discount any offerings made after that.

2)    I have until the next day (the finishing point being when I have to have uploaded it to my blog before the end of the day) to complete the story. This is to force a time limit on myself so that will force myself to write as well as practicing general speed writing.

3)    The story needs to start with the chosen opening sentence with exactly as it is written, with the exception of spelling and grammar.

4)    The content of the story needs to be adequately connected with the opening line and not just used as a non-sequitur going in to something else that is totally unrelated.

5)    The story has to be at least 500 words, but not to exceed too far over that amount.

6)    Once the blog has uploaded (pic optional), I can post the link up on FB along with the winner and their chosen sentence.

      As long as I stick to this way of working it should be ok. If you want to check my first effort, click HERE. I’m going to try and aim to do one every week.

 

      Laters ‘gaters!

12 July 2012

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Short Story Challenge 1 - Red Ring

          
            The priest pulled out his finger from the stripper’s ear lobe in shock.

            “Im sorry,” he stammered, “I didn't think you were going to make a noise like that…”

            She looked up at him, the dirty neon of the club splashed across her face. She half smiled, trying to mix a coy face with that of a sultry one.

            “Honey, whatever you’re into… I’ll make it good for you.”

            Taking his hand, she started to guide it towards her ear once more but the priest hastily pulled free. There was an awkward pause.

            “I... I shouldn't be doing this”, he said shifting in his seat uncomfortably.

            Sensing that this was probably a lost cause, the stripper gently rolled her eyes, stood up and sashayed off to another area of the club. He could have sworn he heard her mutter ‘weirdo’ under her breath but was more preoccupied with nervously glancing around, seeing if anyone was watching. It suddenly occurred to him he was still wearing his dog collar, so he quickly pulled it off and stuffed it his pocket.

            Certain events had recently made him start to question his faith; but then there was that strange dream that he had last night, and even in these sober waking hours that one powerful image still burned in his mind.

            A glowing big red circle…

            Surely it was a sign. It had to have meant something. Why else would that image remain in his consciousness so resolutely? Why could he not push it out of his thoughts no matter how hard he tried?

            His whole existence, the path he had chosen in life, was based on faith - belief in signs, belief in meaning within everything around him. God moves in mysterious ways - he had preached it so often and yet now he felt it was really happening to him, testing him and not just something you might say to excuse the unexplainable.

            Exiting the club, the priest turned momentarily to look up at the strip club’s neon sign. The outline of the girl’s torso lay etched against the concrete hue of the building; the circle that made up her red lips glowed brightly. A slight flicker of the lights gave the appearance that the sign was winking at him trying to get his attention and so he turned away, feeling uneasy.

            Why was he there? Did he really believe that glowing red circle of her lips was a sign for him? The doorway he had just stepped out of, curved and painted red, shaped like a rising sun, had invited him in. That girl in there, she had stretched earlobes with red flesh tunnel piercing. She was speaking to him but he couldn't hear what she was saying. That piercing… The hole was pretty big enough to…

            Before he knew it he was reaching forward, finger outstretched.

           

            How do you explain the signs he’s been seeing? It has to be leading him somewhere. It couldn't be just a coincidence could it? Something more? His eyes drifted up toward the lamppost next to him. It had a stop sign sitting on top of it. The priest glanced up the road and shivered. Further up was a tube station sign. Across the road from that was a taxi rank, a row of red brake lamps glaring at him. A coffee shop sign with an enlarged ‘O’. A poppy wreath at the foot of a monument in the park.

            His heart sank.

            Over the river, The London Eye glowed red, casting its light across the water.


11th July 2012

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Shakespeare Double Bill

     No, this isn’t a joke – I really did watch two Shakespeare films in a row recently. Lovefilmwhy you so crazy like that?

     The first was Coriolanus, one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays updated into a modern setting, both directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes. Although ‘getting the contemporary retelling’ has become somewhat de rigeur for the majority of The Bard’s pieces, this is the first time Coriolanus has been brought to the big screen in any form.

     The story, which tells of a banished war hero joining forces with his greatest enemy to take revenge on his own country, is somewhat slow and dialogue heavy but works really well in a modern setting - where politics and ulterior motives affect the outcome of warfare as much as brute force does.

     Although the film does contain moments of shooting, explosions and knife fights, the majority of it is very dialogue heavy, ALL of which is spoken as it was in the original Shakespeare’s play. So if you couldn't sit through Baz Luhrman’s version of Romeo + Juliet or Ethan Hawke as Hamlet then chances are you probably wont be able to stomach this.

     Personally I enjoyed the film – Ralph Fiennes is charismatic as the lead, with good turns from Gerald Butler and Brian Cox (and even an extended Jon Snow cameo!). A particular standout performance however comes from Vanessa Redgrave as Volumnia, whose moving speech toward the end of the film is a highlight.

     If you are a fan of Shakespeare’s work then chances are that you will enjoy this. If not, you will probably be unable to sit through it.

     The second film of the double bill isn’t actually by Shakespeare. It’s about him – or more specifically about his work. Anonymous posits that William Shakespeare was but a front man for the famous plays, sonnets and poems – all of which were actually written in secret by the Earl of Oxford, Edward De Vere.

     Rhys Ifans stars in the main role with support from Rafe Spall as a cocky young Will and Vanessa Redgrave (again!) as Queen Elizabeth. Her real life daughter, Joely Richardson, plays the young queen to great effect in flashback sequences.

     Although the central premise is intriguing, the story and events are a bit muddled at times. Rather than the liberal mixing of fact and fiction being to blame (which actually works quite well – including many referential Shakespearean ‘in-jokes’), the overall narrative isn’t as clear as it could be.

     Having said that, the production and design on this film is fantastic – not surprising since it was directed by Roland Emmerich, most known for his disaster movie epics such as 2012, The Day After Tomorrow, Independence Day and Godzilla. It all looks great but cant quite match up to it in terms of delivering the story.

     To watch or not to watch? That is the question. In a nutshell, both films in this double bill are worth a look at, but how much enjoyment you get out of them will likely depend on how much of a Shakespeare fan you are.

11 July 2012

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Frenzy The Ninja B3ar

      Recently, I’ve started playing Call of Duty: Black Ops again.

      Firstly, because a friend of mine has still got my copy of Modern Warfare 3 (hey you need to give it back already, Sneaky!) – but also due to this one guy:

Frenzy The Ninja B3ar.

 

      A personal friend of mine for many years, Frenzy has his fingers in a few pies - but recently he has taken to uploading commentaries of himself playing Black Ops.

      Now this in itself isn’t that special. Youtube is awash with hundreds if not thousands of people playing the various incarnations of the Call of Duty games – often with a commentary, showcasing their skills and offering tips, tricks and tactics.
     TheNinjaB3ar stands out from the crowd however as his commentaries are just frickin hilarious.

 

      Taking on the ‘Ninja B3ar’ persona, Frenzy’s use of puns and wordplay, samples and sound effects, themed commentaries and general gift of gab make for an entertaining watch – regardless of whether you have any real interest in COD or not. Hear him shout his war cry of ‘Sheeeeees!’ or watch him take out an opposition with nothing but a camera tripod after listening to him go on a foulmouthed tirade for a full 20 seconds.

      Amidst discussions of the N64 classic Goldeneye or a faux wildlife documentary on bears - come such gems as “This map is called ‘Summit’, because you know summat’s going down”, or “he’s prayin’ and sprayin’ …like a nun with a water hose” and even unintentional hilarity with slips such as “…And the sound horns!”

      You can check out his Black Ops commentary vids HERE.
     I, for one, have been inspired to start playing it again solely from watching these. Today I prestiged (reset to level 1 again for those of you not familiar with the game), which is a big deal since I haven’t done that with ANY of the previous Call of Duty games – I usually just get to the maximum level and then get bored and stop playing. - So thanks, Frenzy! 

      
      All hail TheNinjaB3ar!
     Sheeeeeeeeeees!

8 July 2012

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Not so Super 8

      

     Okay, so it’s been over a month since I last posted.

     Apologies.

     As well as moving house and being busy with lots of work, I haven’t allowed myself much time to write – but I have, of course, been watching lots of films…

      But enough with the excuses – I’m getting back on to this writing ting!

 

     So a while ago I watched Super 8 – directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Stephen Spielberg. It’s about aliens kept secretly by the military discovered by a group of children in small town America yadda yadda…

So far, so familiar – it’s basically E.T. but with more of a bland Cloverfield type monster instead of the cuddly little brown one we all know and love.

     First the good stuff - the child actors, mostly unknowns and quite rightly what the film mostly focuses on, are on the whole very effective in their roles - capturing the essence of childhood camaraderie and innocent adventure. Elle Fanning is a particular standout, following on the family tradition of being able to act with a wisdom that belies her young age.

     The train crash at the beginning of the film is another highlight – one of the most visceral ever committed to film – it needs to be seen to be believed.

     Now unfortunately, the bad stuff - my main gripe with this film is that it tries to betoo much. Although Abrams is usually competent at juggling multiple themes across various genres, it seems this film is trying to be too many types of film at once. Is it a science fiction/monster movie mashup? Is it a nostalgic coming of age period piece drama? Is it about the magic of cinema and how the film making process bonds and inspires?

     The truth is, it’s all of these things, but at the same time not enough focus is given to each, resulting in something that feels distinctly half-baked in its presentation. The lack of story focus casts doubt onto who the audience for this film is. There is too much violence and swearing for young kids, not substantial enough for adults (too many of the monster kills happen off screen for example).

     The greatest potential of this film is in its Stand By Me focus of the kids’ group dynamic – just coupling this with the amateur filmmaking strand of the story (and as a period piece) would have made for a good enough movie – in fact, the argument can be made that taking away the whole ‘alien’ element of the story would have made the whole thing a much more focused and worthwhile film.

     Because lets face it – Spielberg did that infinitely better with E.T and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which this film is clearly wants to be.

     A couple of technical things that bothered me too – Abrams! Enough with the lens flare!Although people complained about its overuse in Star Trek, at least it fitted in with the otherworldly future-tech aesthetic of the shiny new rebooted Enterprise deck. But a film set in 1979? It just seems way out of place and jarring.

     The sound mixing was also a bit haphazard – really quiet speaking parts followed by deafeningly loud action scenes will have you constantly reaching to adjust the volume control on the remote. Coupled with the occasional bout of unconvincing CGI the film is sometimes hard to lose yourself in.

     What this all contributes to is a very so-so film. Not terrible by any means but just kind of bland. It’s kind of a disappointment when the amateur movie the kids make (which is shown in full during the end credits) displays more charm than the entire film can muster.

5 July 2012

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