Yeah, it looks just a little scary in the picture. In real life, the place latched on to the back of my neck with icy tendrils. I was really knocked over with a sense of dread. See, I was lost when I drove past, and didn't notice the building the first time. Once I had to turn around, there it was, waiting, tucked away in the side of a small hill, surrounded by gnarly trees. On first glance, I thought: ruined house. Creepy. But it was much bigger than most run-down buildings around here. I sped away with a sense of awe: anything people build can just be devoured...
My sick little brain started working. As I drove away, I thought: man, something ate the front of that house. Fred (my muse) kicked into overdrive. New novel idea? The House Eaters (or something like that...)? What could eat a house? Why would it? Why were the Native American tribes in the plains mostly nomadic? (I know, to follow the herd animals--but work with my imagination here...I'm speculating.)
So, I'm editing Rock Gods and plotting/brainstorming for what I'm tentatively calling The House Eaters. Until the next short story inspiration comes along, that is. ;)
11 comments:
The road leading into that little place is well worn yet. It looks like it is probably a party shack for the local teens. Although I don't see beer cans littering the place or an errant keg thrown into the trees.
Good point. There was a lot of trash dumped in the area, but mostly industrial stuff. I can't explain the feeling I had when I first saw it...a little of my unconcious speaking to me. The picture doesn't capture the size well.
Whatever the size, I think you are right about a story lurking in that building- somewhere.
Sounds like a good idea.
Wow, that is an awesome picture. You definitely need to write something about that place!
Would it be even creepier in high summer, all covered with vines and full of sinister rustlings? I can't decide. I like how dead the place looks in that picture.
What a cool little place for a story.
Funny, I just took a similar path this week that I was going to blog about today...same kind of situation but it was an old building downtown that looked like a homeless camp, and I started drafting a short story about what might go on in there.
Cup running over, eh?
Cool beans : )
Cate - lets hope so...
K.C. - it will change with the seasons.
Jeremy - vacant buildings = spooky. Hands down.
Natalie - lets hope I'm not just having a bout of adult ADD.
Creepy! It would be interesting to learn some facts about the place, etc.
I really love how your writing is inspired by actual places and/or snapshots of them. I had a teacher in grade 5 who first inspired me to write using that technique - "here's a photo, write what you get from it". You've reinspired me to draw creativity from new sources, so thanks!
Glad to help, Felicity. It's really Fred (the ol' subconscious). I can't do anything without him.
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