How to Write a Story
How to Write a Story
By Arvin W.
Begin with an idea. It doesn’t have to be good, but it’ll seem ingenious at the time. Scramble to y our desk while the idea is still fresh in your mind. Fumble through the mess of papers, whiskey, and Chinese takeout boxes in search of a pen and a clean sheet of paper. Find a pen with its tip exposed. Attempt to write before realizing that the pen is empty. Lick the tip, trying to revive the pen. When that fails, curse and toss the pen at the wall. Search through your room for another pen. Find one in a takeout box.
Begin writing your story. Initially, the words should flow freely; you may even complete a page in a few minutes. Slowly notice the flaws in your writing. Convince yourself to continue, everyone says it is better to revise after. Find a huge flaw in your story. Let it stop you. Contemplate various ways to rework the story. Fail and let your mind wander. Wonder how that stain got on the wall. Look out the window and count the cars passing by. Think about other things you could be doing: the friends you could be annoying, the TV you’re missing, the whiskey you’re not drinking. Take a swig. Take another, and another.
Wake up in a puddle, with paper stuck to your face. Crumple the paper and toss it near the trash bin. Try to remember what you were doing. Head to the bathroom. Vaguely recall your story idea. Adjust your aim. Flush the toilet. Look in the mirror. Ignore the mirror. Flop down in the front of your desk. Recalled a failed idea form the past. Confuse it with the story you’re working on. Shuffle through the papers on your desk, looking for your recent story. Eventually give up and search for a clean sheet. Grab the pen on the side of your desk.
Begin writing your story.