Ten years ago, when chat rooms were popular, I made a joke one night that took on a life of its own.
The chat room I spent a lot of time in had its fair share of drama queens. During one chat session, one of our little divas came into the room, acting up more than usual. My comment to this was, “And welcome to another episode of “As The Dungeon Turns”. The next thing I knew, I started writing a story, with characters based on people in our chat room. It became an instant hit, and it was a great way to relieve stress after a long day of taking a full load in college and doing the single mom thing to a energetic toddler.
I wrote on the story off and on for two years. We eventually had to create a website for the story, because the original group members were sharing the story with their family and friends.
I have to admit, I had a blast writing it. I didn’t plot it out, didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about what was going to happen. I just sat down and wrote. It was thrilling and exciting.
A month or so ago, one of the original group members sent me a message, asking me what had happened to the story. Many people had encouraged me to rewrite and publish it, but I never did. I got a bit busy with life (moving, getting married, silly things that interrupt a writer’s life!), but deep down, I was afraid to rewrite it because of that fear of failure thing.
After talking to my old friend, I started to toy with the idea of starting another online story. I talked to some writer friends, who thought that it sounded like a rather intriguing idea.
So, last night, I wrote the first chapter of a new story.
In a few minutes, that chapter will make its debut on this very blog.
It’s not anything flashy or fancy. It’s just a good way for me to get the creative juices flowing.
Feedback is welcome. But keep this in mind: this is supposed to be a fun thing. It’s not going to be a polished manuscript. There will be some mistakes.
Will you have a say in what happens? It’s highly likely! Make suggestions! Let me know what you think MIGHT happen next. If I like the twist you suggest, I’ll put it into the story. I won’t guarantee that all comments will make it into the story, but they will be strongly considered.
Most of all, this story will be a break for you from your normal schedule. Something funny to look forward to after a hard day. I might post one chapter a night, I might do more. If I get inspired, or get some good feedback, I’ll post several chapters a night. I just never know what is going to happen.
So sit back, relax, enjoy the ride! I promise that it will get wild once in a while!
Author Teresa Watson 