Last week the Writers’ Reading Group at mac asked me to come and talk about my writing and to set them a task inspired by my novel, RUBY’S SPOON. I love the collision of the mundane and the magical, so this is the exercise I set. The results were disturbing, arresting and compelling. Have a go.
Pick two numbers between 1 and 5 without reading any further. Write them down to prevent yourself from cheating.
Done?
Find your first number on this list of supernatural characters (descriptions below all from Katharine Briggs’ DICTIONARY OF FAIRIES, Penguin 1976)
1. Grindylow
a Yorkshire water-demon who lurks in deep stagnant pools to drag down children who come too near to the water.
2. Fetch
A double or co-walker. When seen at night, it is said to be a death omen and is always ominous.
3. Red cap
One of the most malignant of old Border Goblins, Redcap lived in old ruined peel towers and castles where wicked deeds had been done, and delighted to re-dye his red cap in human blood[…] Human strength can avail little against him, but he can be routed by scripture or the sight of the cross.
4. Ogres
The word ‘ogres’ is used sometimes to describe man-eating giants, monstrous both in shape and habits, but it may also be taken to mean a race of creatures of mortal size who are anthropophagous [eaters of human flesh]. George Macdonald in Phantases used the word in this sense to describe the sinister woman with the pointed teeth who sits quietly reading and looks up from her book to advise the hero not to look in a certain cupboard, advice that has more the effect of a temptation than a warning.
5. Fairy godmother
The fairy godmothers of the sophisticated fairy tales of Perrault… are something of an anomaly. The wild fairies would be by their nature entirely out of place at a Christian service, but there is a deep-rooted foundation for their appearance at a heathen name-giving… [eg] three fairy ladies, Arcile, Morgue and Maglore, are summoned to attend a banquet… and Maglore is angered at the inadequacy of the cutlery set out for her, and lays a curse of baldness on her host.
This template forms the basis for your character.
Your second number is where we find your character.
1. garden centre
2. swimming pool
3. corner shop
4. primary school
5. library
Task:
Write a piece which reveals your character’s true nature through their interaction with the people they encounter in this setting.
Then, if you have time, pick two different numbers. Develop a second character in his/her setting. Write a second piece which brings your two characters together.
Five by Three 