Monday Morning Mark • 90

Foolish Endeavor • What I Learned From Completing My 30-Second Writing Challenge • The Real Book

Mark Starlin

May 16

One Minute Wit

Foolish Endeavor

Trying to make a jar big enough to hold all the water in the Pacific Ocean just seems crazy to me.

Unless you are planning to ship it to another planet.

Groundbreaking Info For Writers

What I Learned From Completing My 30-Second Writing Challenge

You can learn a lot in 30 seconds. I did.

I know, 30 seconds seems like a long time to write. But you have to push yourself sometimes. Like when you get stuck in a revolving door.

Writing challenges are good. Come on, who would do something they enjoy and find fulfilling without challenges? No one, that’s who. So get busy forcing yourself.

For those of you who scanned down looking for numbered items, too bad. I am going to use letters. Consider it a reading challenge. And now, without further ado —there is too much ado in the world — here is what I learned.

A. I discovered that I can actually focus for a half minute. Who knew? I’m pretty proud of myself in a humble sort of way.

B. My writing has improved vastly over the stuff I knocked out in 10 seconds. I attribute it to consistency and dedication. Some people call it practicing your craft. I say, get out of your boat or airplane and start writing.

C. I get hungry when I write so long at one sitting. Keep plenty of snacks and burritos on hand if you plan to take the challenge. You’ll thank me. Don’t forget the napkins. Churro crumbs get everywhere.

D. Setting an alarm helps. If I don’t set a timer I will keep pounding away at my laptop for minutes at a time. Don’t do it! You need breaks or you’ll burn out.

That sums it up, folks. It was definitely well worth the effort. I’m not sure I would do it again, but I am glad I did once. The struggle has inspired me to expand my findings into an eBook called Thirty Seconds To Writer Fame And Fortune For Those Who Can Spare The Time. Watch for it!

Story

The Real Book

And The Silver Chair

There once was a cruel King who ruled over his lands with fear and anger. All of his subjects hated him. One day, one of the King’s spies returned with surprising news.

“My King, there is a tale going around of a magic book. Apparently, the Wizard in the mountains has cast a spell on a book. And now, whatever is written in the book becomes real. It is called The Real Book.”

“Can this be true?” The King wondered aloud.

“Several claim to have seen it work its magic. One man claims he saw the Wizard write A bag of gold appeared on the table in front of me, and a bag of gold instantly appeared. Then the writing in the book disappeared.”

“Fetch me Sir Justice,” the King shouted.

The spy located the knight and sent him to see the King.

“My King, I am here to do your bidding,” Sir Justice said when he arrived.

“There is an old wizard living in the mountains. He has a magic book called The Real Book. You must retrieve this book and bring it to me, at all costs. Do not fail me. Your life depends on it.”

“I shall not fail you, my King.”

The knight rode into the mountains and eventually found the old Wizard sitting in an Inn. He approached the table and sat down.

“Have you come for the book?” The Wizard asked.

“I have.”

“Why do you serve such an evil man? The lands flow with rivers of blood due to his lust for gold and power. I was once well-regarded at the castle. Then King Stoneheart began to rule. He exiled me to the mountains because I refused to make him killing spells.”

“I am a knight. I am sworn to the King, regardless of my feelings. You will give me the book.”

“Do you not fear my magic? I could turn you into a newt.”

“I only fear failure. The King will kill me if I fail to bring him the book.”

“Then you shall do exactly that. But first, I shall write something for the King to read.”

“No tricks, wizard.”

“I assure you, this is no trick.”

The Wizard took a quill and wrote a few words on the first page of the book. Then he handed the book to the knight.

The knight rode back to the castle and went straight to the King.

“My King, I have done as you commanded. Here is The Real Book.”

Sir Justice kneeled before the King and handed him the book.

“Well done, Sir Justice. You will be greatly rewarded.”

“Thank you, my King.”

The King opened the book, saw writing on the first page, and read it aloud.

“The King in the Silver Chair will die today. What kind of trick is this?”

Instantly the King slumped and fell out of the Silver Throne. His dead body sprawled on the floor.

The knight smiled. He had his reward.

This story was based on a writing prompt called Two Titles. I was instructed to roll a dice and use the numbers to select two books from my bookcase. Then create a story based on the titles. The resulting books were The Real Book, a jazz music fake book, and The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis.