How Far Would You Go?

If a madman, or in this case delusional woman, saved your life, how far would you go to keep it? Over the weekend, I launched a short story that explores this question.

It all started in the spring of 2009. Browsing the internet one day, I ran across a writing challenge that encouraged writers to write a short story weaving in a list of pre-defined words throughout the tale. As you can imagine, the word list included springtime words like ‘eggs’ and ‘umbrella’. I tend not to enter these, but I do read the entries and if inspired, I’ll end up writing something. In this particular instance, most of the entries fell within the general fiction genre–a hundred ‘feel-good’ stories that left you with a smile on your face by the time you read the last paragraph.

Before I go any further, you should know something about me. I hate doing what everyone else does. I buck the system. I walk the other path. I run from the mainstream. I don’t know why, but there’s a rebellious spirit in me that will do anything to avoid jumping on any bandwagon, no matter how good the music.

What does this have to do with writing, or my latest publication? When I read those bunny stories laced with happiness and chocolate, I had to do something different. I sat down with pencil and paper (yes, I still use those for initial stories) and pushed away thoughts of sunshine until they erupted into a cold world, set in a not-too-distant future. I wrote a dark tale where camaraderie wasn’t dependable, while exploring the complexities of sacrifice and power. I wrote Mariska’s story and the choice she was forced to make. I think she wanted you to hear it. To judge her, or commiserate with her, I don’t know. Only you can make that call.

I’ve revised the story and late Saturday night I launched it into the world. I would love to know your thoughts. It’s available on Amazon Kindle for 99 cents or just click here.