<---------- Note very large dictionary in background; quiet
symbol of the terribly literary.
So, half-a-dozen chapters into Compass Jones, I'm thinking it's time to, you know, stop, take stock, try to figure out if this story has an actual plot, or if that's just an optimistic rumor. The smart money's on rumor.
I've been asked a few (OK, a couple of) times now, "What's in the box?" (Compass Jones, Chapter 5). To be honest, I don't know yet. I'm just hoping it's not a puppy. But I'm soliciting guesses (read: ideas) from my audience, so both of you, get crackin'! Let's hear what you think is in the box, and then I'll tell you why you're wrong. Or I'll steal your idea, delete your comment, and take all the credit for it myself. Hey, fiction isn't pretty.
4 comments:
Wow... so much pressure. Let's see - it's been a while since I read the first few chapters....
Love letters, pictures - a dead rat? Maybe a portal to another planetary system?
Maybe the box was empty and you can just start writing again - without worrying about the box.
I guess the obvious would be a picture of a guy - presumably her father - but that's obvious - so you don't want to go there.
How long do you want the book to last? It could be dozens of love letters from men all over the world - one of whom is her father - so she travels everywhere looking for him (does this hook into "compass"?)
Oh right... she's only supposed to open it once her mother is dead. So how about a will - describing that she is leaving some of her possesions to a guy named Bob Jones (or another name) - who Compass has to find and could end up being her dad - or her uncle - or someone else who will continue the mystery?
I like that one... it could even be a video tape will - that will make it good for the eventual screenplay and movie.
Sorry I'm writing such a long comment. The end.
Wow did I not expect anyone to actually take that request seriously. But these are some great ideas. Thanks! Now I just need help deciding which one to steal . . .
I still like the idea of a scavenger hunt. So the box contains a key to a bus station locker, or a safety deposit box. And then Compass descends into a real-life version of Where in the World is Compass Sandiego?
Ok - I am going to start reading soon!
Post a Comment