I’ve started STOS # 3 last week, and it appeared, I mean literally, in front of me during the period when I was working on the ending of STOS # 2.Before telling you exactly how it happened, I need to tell you a little bit more about me. Because of how I become easily engross in my own thinking and to conserve mental energy for creative purposes, I do a lot of daily things from habit. Such as walking Pepper, my dog, I always follow the same route. This route is the street opposite to my house.
For this particular Saturday morning about three weeks ago, I was trotting happily behind Pepper while my mind was gradually warming up to the final scene of STOS # 2. All of a sudden I came to a halt in the middle of a small parking area at the end of my street. I looked around and realized Pepper had led me across the road to the other side of street. Because it was a Saturday morning, there was no car parked in the area. I was annoyed of what had just happened and told Pepper that he was a bad boy. I was pretty sure Pepper understood me but instead of expressing his guilt by flapping his ears back, he dragged me to the direction of a huge eucalyptus tree.
I remembered this tree. It gave me a story idea which I wasn’t sure if it was suitable for STOS. However, I have included it in the series and thought I would come to it when I finish writing up all the others. “No!” I looked up to the ancient branches. “No way!” I told Pepper. He was pissing at the tree. And then I saw this long single branch lying on the pavement not far away. I looked at it and looked at it. A jolt hit my body and my mind screamed: “That’s it. That’s your STOS # 3! And you are to bring the branch home.”
Looking at the branch again, I reckoned it was almost doubled my height and the walk back home took about 30 minutes. Plus I was with Pepper, who always managed to “walk” me instead. I shook my head and walked away. But it only took me 5 steps before the branch summoned me back. A voice in my head said: “The tree wanted its story to be told.” I had no choice but to carry the branch on my shoulder and had Pepper walk me home.
The branch is now standing next to the door of my living room and I’ve been listening to its whisper ever since…
P.S. Yes, that’s “The Branch” in the photo.
13 comments:
That definitely looks like a talking branch to me! Good luck with the story.
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. I loved your story about the the branch and look forward to hearing what inspiration it brings you. What does STOS mean?
What a great branch! And yes, sometimes things do just beg to have story written about them.
Walking is hugely helpful for me when I'm trying to find some sort of inspiration. You're lucky you've got Pepper to force you to do it every day!
Speaking of which, I might just go for a walk this afternoon.
I meant to ask.. What's STOS?
Hi Barbara,
Oh, that branch really talks, I promise you! ;)"STOS" is a series of stories based loosely on a common theme which I developed last Dec. It consists of 12 to 13 stories. So far I had 10 story ideas to work on. 3 more to go! :) I don't want to disclose the full name of the title as it might change later on.
Hi Leone,
The pleasure is mine to comment your blog! :)
We'll see how STOS # 3 go. As usual, I don't really plan any story beforehand, so it's all up to the tree to decide. :D
"STOS" is a series of stories based loosely on a common theme which I developed last Dec. It consists of 12 to 13 stories. So far I had 10 story ideas to work on. 3 more to go! I don't want to disclose the full name of the title as it might change later on.
Hi Sophie,
I'm the same with walking. It is one of the best way to generate ideas! So did you go for a walk this afternoon and if there's any stories accompany you back home?
And yes, I love my doggie prince. Without him, I won't be doing any exercise at all. :D
Sadly, no. Sorry, shameless reference to this month's Monday Project!
But unfortunately I didn't get to go for a walk. My writing practice needs a good shake-up soon though, so perhaps a walk for a walk's sake (I do a lot of walking -- it's just always to or from somewhere) will become a regular part of it.
A talking stick? And Pepper...sounds like a children's book to me! I'll be looking for the story of the stick that insisted on being adopted. P.S. Thank you for your lovely note in your blog!
Very cool! I love the inspiration that comes from walks and love that Pepper is leading you to story ideas!
Hi Sophie again,
Walking's good ... so fellow writer, keep walking! :)
Hi Holly,
Looks like this tree branch really got people's attention and imagination. I better do a real good job for it! :)
Hi Leah,
Thanks for the lovely comments and my little doggie prince has led me to more story ideas than I could manage. He's a real charmer! :)
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