Start Writing Fiction - week 3 (the first assignment)

There is no specific target to meet here. Just start writing and see where it takes you. It might become a story that you want to develop further, and you might carry on working on it. It might be something where you write the first paragraph or two and then decide you don’t want to proceed further, and you’d rather try another idea. That’s up to you. Try to write at least 200 words, up to a maximum of 350 words in a Word document, in your notebook or on your blog.


The Beginning

“Mind if I join you?”
A plump middle-aged man wearing a thick weatherproof jacket, scarf and woollen hat sat down without waiting for a reply.

“I see you’re a photographer.”
He nodded at my camera as he removed his hat, surprising me with the difference it made to his appearance. He had round features and was completely bald. I amused myself with the thought that my new companion had the sort of face that might look just the same upside-down.

“I’m Tom” he announced as we waited for our coffees to arrive. He had found somebody to talk to and, with a feeling of dismay, I realised that there would be no easy escape.

I nodded and smiled at what I thought were appropriate moments as Tom outlined the key highlights of his career in retail. He followed that with the rationale behind his latest blog, ‘Flat Broke’- a photo documentary of the last three years of his life in a single-bedroom flat.

“One latte and one Americano” interrupted the waitress.

Tom was in full flow but I wasn’t really listening. My gaze had fallen on the next table. A pretty, young Asian girl was writing furiously in a cheap, battered notebook. Perhaps notes for a student presentation? A draft letter home? A shopping list for a family dinner party?

“I’ve covered everything. There are about 120 photos, including inside the fridge and under the sink.”

The girl paused. She nibbled on her stick biro as she gathered her thoughts. The glitter in her white nail varnish twinkled as her hand caught the light.

“I converted them all to black and white to give them a documentary authenticity.”

After a few seconds contemplation she continued to write, and then, moments later, she was finished. She slapped the notebook shut, dropping her keys on top with an abrupt finality.

“I’m hoping to exhibit a selection of images from ‘Flat Broke’ in the photo society end of year show.”

The girl stood up, gathered her notebook and keys and walked out into the cold November morning.  I was thinking it strange that she didn’t have a coat when I noticed the Marks & Spencer carrier bag on the floor by her chair.

“She’s left her bag – back in a min” I said to Tom. In my haste I jolted the table. Tom’s coffee spilled into his saucer.

“Shit - sorry”.  I didn’t have time for lengthy apology as I scooped up her bag and hurried to the door. 

And that’s how it all started. The events that followed would stay with me for the rest of my life.


to be continued (maybe)