When I first joined my writing circle I was too shy and unsure of my ‘talent’ to read, but did enjoy listening to other members work. Eventually I summoned up the courage to read a piece. It was short and the result of a 5 minute writing exercise. The shocked faces around me as I finished reading will stay with me forever. It is still a conversation piece even now! So I thought I would share it – the three words were Fire, Clock & Certainty.
Fire light flickered on the walls and ceiling as Joan sat with a glass of her favorite red wine. Watching the flames lick the logs and send little sprays of ash and sparks upward, she tried to calm her mind. It was a certainty that Thomas would be angry with her once he knew of her accident. The clock ticked as its hands made their gradual path towards 9 o’clock and the inevitable argument.
Joan had tried to cover up the dented fender with a casually placed cloth but Thomas would immediately know something was wrong as she had parked in his place in the garage. Such a creature of habit, her husband he had rules and very particular likes and dislikes. His routine had to be strictly adhered to or there was hell to pay. She knew he would go over the top with his recriminations and probably ban her from driving for months.
The clock struck nine and she heard the garage door open as Thomas drove up to it. Straining her ears she heard his car drive forward and then shriek to a halt. His place was taken up by her car now he would be mad. A slam of the driver’s door told her he was walking through to the kitchen and she could feel his presence enter the lounge.
She squeezed the trigger slowly as the instructor had told her and Thomas’ face flew apart. No more shouting, no more rules, no more living in fear. Watching Thomas’ foot twitch as the life left him gave her a rare feeling of joy. No more tormentor.
What was the first piece you
read aloud to an audience?
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Off the top of my head, I cannot remember the first piece I read to this group – and in the fall this Writer’s Circle will be celebrating 10 great years! I will add here, however, I was very nervous reading to groups from as far back as I can remember – even in University going so far as to sign up for a “Fear of Speaking in Front of Others” seminar/workshop session. I even feared 400 level courses because of their presentation requirements. BUT I lived…
Now, it does not bother me to speak to groups of any size and am able to read most things well – unless, emotion gets the better of me and I have had occasion to not finish a piece.
I remember being there to hear this piece Mandy, and yes, it still produces comments – you did shock us. But that, is what being a good writer is about – having your reader remember you!