13 Comments
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Douglas Lumsden's avatar

I'm looking forward to your meta-story where McLean wanders into your dream to help you write the plot and solution to his own mystery adventure.

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M.E. Proctor's avatar

It's just what I needed to give that idea a bit more flesh!

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Fiona Tate's avatar

Yeah dreams, huh. They're like movie trailers. There's just enough information to pique your interest but not enough substance to flesh it all out for you. Tricky bastards

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Craig's avatar

Love the soul line!

And I remember that line from Caleb's Cannon!

For me, it's the airport dream - so many of those - lost my ticket, my luggage, my passport... one time I lost the airport.

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Mr. Troy Ford's avatar

Your brain is trying to work out solutions to story twists/problems, that's my guess.

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M.E. Proctor's avatar

I'll wait for the next "recurrence"... maybe I'll get it right this time!

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Rebecca Rhoads's avatar

I wish I had your brain and your dreams! I already like hapless Harry.

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M.E. Proctor's avatar

Ahaha! He's pretty effective in his laid-backness!

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Rebecca Rhoads's avatar

The best kind of gumshoe! Love it!

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James L Proctor's avatar

Good line, a keeper, and sounds like one that could have been spoken by Lou Cypher to Harry Angel in 'Angel Heart,' one of the best PI films of all time.

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Great post Martine. You made me think about something. I've never developed a recurring character in any of the short stories I've written. Not once and there have been opportunities to do so (like Hell's Belle). It's always one and done in terms of characters. I'm amazed how short sighted I've been. I did co-author a four-novel series titled Ania with Frank Zafiro that had Ania Kozak as the siren/centerpiece of each book but never in my short stories. You have given me inspiration to open a door that has always been there, but never unlocked. A big thank you! - Jim

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M.E. Proctor's avatar

Not every short story character has the shoulders for one encore, and even less have what it takes to expand into book length... but occasionally, you find one that just screams for more screen time. Good luck!

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

So true. Thanks again.

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