Ideas & Suggestions
DAILY LIT GROUP NOVEL
Just a suggestion. We all enjoy books, otherwise we would not be here on Daily Lit. Any takers in contributing to a chain novel. One finishes & the next follows. It may be too uncontrollable, it may be divergent & amusing considering all the variables in each members hopes, fears and aspirations, but what the hell!
Replies (49)
Posted by
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We've done something similar in my classes, where each person contributes a word to a story. However, since we're writing something of bigger length here, we could try having each person contribute a sentence... If that's feasible.
May 14, 2009 6:57 pm
by books -
Seth arrived in Discovery Bay on the north coast of Jamaica late afternoon by bus from Montego Bay. Tall, in his mid sixties, dressed in faded blue jeans and a white cotton Gant top, he descended the stairs and looked around. A cold, restless, impotent desperation, concealed under a polite exterior and a good-natured smile. The location was not the vibrant undercurrent of downtown Kingston or the glitz of touristy Ochio Rios. It was a cove community on the Caribbean encompassing a cross section of indigenous Jamacian society, from the affluent ensconced in their villas on the surrounding hills, to the Yardie in his corrugated iron shack who knew not where the next meal was coming from.
by MANICHAEAN -
The real estate office on the main drag, for some obscure reason was open, manned by the perspiring manager. Seth explained his need for a villa for an extended period and appeared not to have much concern regarding rates. By 6.30pm, the sun was setting and he was established on his newly acquired porch, suitably equipped from the nearby store with a bottle of Wray & Nephews rum, a tray of ice, coke & other accoutrements of a medicinal and beneficial nature.
by MANICHAEAN -
Just chiming in to say this is great! We'd actually been planning on launching a similar reader challenge--to create a group novel--and it's great that you've taken the plunge! Can't wait to see how it unfolds.
May 16, 2009 10:24 pm
by MaggieH (admin) -
Dear Maggie. Thanks for the encouragement. I was beginning to wonder what had happened to a country that had produced writers ranging from: Mark Twain to John Updike / John Steinbeck to Joseph Heller / Ernest Hemingway to James Baldwin! Everybody has got at least one book in them (or in this case, at least an occasional paragraph). Come on America. Does it take a Brit in his dotage to get down on Daily Lit your hopes, fears & aspirations?
by MANICHAEAN -
Small communities are such that any interruption in the daily routine soon starts a ripple of speculation throughout. So it was with the initial establishment of Seth. In true Jamacian fashion they soon concentrated on the essentials. Was he rich? Was he married? What was his background, his character, his faith and his intentions? Some had him as a retired banker, a hit man in between hits, a failed priest; such is the paucity of people's imaginations when given so few facts to grasp at.
by MANICHAEAN -
Anyway, little by little did Seth settle into the community. Ate at the local jerk chicken restaurant for a bit and then tended towards his own purchase of local produce & displayed an accomplished ability, much to the amazement of Miss Margaret who attended five days a week to wash & clean.
Being of a reserved and respectable disposition he was eventually invited to join the Discovery Bay Beach Club, a fenced off stretch of private sea front with controlled memembership and adequately equipped with a timber club house & shaded trees with long, sinuous roots protruding above the sand.
by MANICHAEAN -
The reader should be informed at this stage, that in Jamaica in general & in Discovery Bay in particular, that the female gender outnumbers significantly their male counterparts. Such is the disparity, combined with hot tropical nights, languid days and a certain Puritan outward demeanour of modesty, that an almost perceptable undercurrent of suppressed tension is felt. This was the complex human stage upon which Seth now made his mark, creating an impression whereby the romantic provincial ladies became infatuated to the point of distraction.
by MANICHAEAN -
What is that equipoise existing in the ineluctable human chemistry that divides the sexes and that, as a result either attracts or repels as abhorrent one to / from the other? From a female perspective what is essential is that the interest be aroused. It's not primarily, physical sexuality. Women want some meat on the bones of character and personality before the initial and tentative commitment. "She is a woman, therefore may be wooed / She is a woman, therefore may be won."
by MANICHAEAN -
From the male perspective in this instance, Seth had always felt that he had never become the slave of any woman he had loved. Was it, (in all due modesty), the magnetic appeal of a strong personality? Or simply because he had never met a woman with equal strength of character? He had a relaxed demeanour and was comfortable around them. In return, they could sense it, almost smell it. But the intensity of when he closed in for the kill was frightening.
by MANICHAEAN -
This was reflected in his eyes of which I must say a few words. Firstly, they didn't laugh when he did. It was a sign either of an evil nature or of a deep constant sadness. There was no reflection of spiritual warmth or fertile imagination. It was the flash of smooth steel, blinding but cold. His glance was brief but piercing and oppressive; it had the disturbing effect of an indiscreet question, and might have seemed audacious had it not been so calmly casual.
by MANICHAEAN -
Seth stood and listened while the mechanic fired up the engine of the aging MG Roadster, as it sprang to life , ,he survayed the slightysun flatted paintwork, and well worn leather seats .
His decision was immediate I'll buy it it's just so me , a racey little devil who's seen better times in my younger years.May 20, 2009 8:04 am
by HSEManager342 -
Leaping into the MG in one swift bound that belied his advancing years Seth drove to the Discovery Bay weekly dance disco function, where gathered the "to be seen" of that community's middle class. Tossing the car keys to Trevor, a middle aged Rasta with a history of dubious distinction, he stode into the main hall and viewed the groups already gathered. His eyes lit upon one woman in particular. In her late thirties with a full bodied figure, low cut dress of green silk and a cleavage to die for.
by MANICHAEAN -
Her face, a face of a child rather than of a woman, seemed transparent, for so soft and clear was the skin. She kept her eyelids modestly lowered over her blue eyes; tremulous lids bent and suffused reply at his glance. "But I don't like the sadness", he thought. "That sadness is bad. That's the sadness they get before they quit or before they betray. That is the sadness that comes before the sell-out".
by MANICHAEAN -
Quickly he sauntered over to her side, casually gesturing to Timothy, the establishments owner . To bring drinks. The geographil relief map of Ireland that consttuted Timothys face, was evidance to a life of indulgance in all the vices, his pidgeon toed mince as he approached evidanced that his sexual taste lay in more masculine terrirtories. OOOH@ I saw you beckon to me Seth your so bold so you are, what would you and the beautiful lady like to drink, he asked The usual please, Seth replied just to relax us while my friend here tells me whats bothering her.
by HSEManager342 -
The evening was nowhere near finished when Seth asked her home. No manoeuvring, no half truths.With a bead of perspiration on her upper lip she knew she was either in or out. The shock of reality for what the night held. Seth retrieved the keys from the entrance cubicle, where its occupant Trevor the doorman observed them coldly through hooded bloodshot eyes, his skin glistening with a purple hue in the hot humid night. Rivulets of sweat ran from his arm pits & his stomach churned from the half digested curried goat contained within.
by MANICHAEAN -
As he lay back in the arm chair opposite her Seth survayed her closely, the golden sheen of her skin that rippled with sinuous muscles each time that she flexed her thigh the green silk shimmered like the scales on a Python
by HSEManager342 -
At dawn the next day, they lay there in each others arms, soaked in sweat, hearts beating, gasping for air untill at last a total feeling of exhaustion overcame them both and they sank into that abyss of fatigue known only to commensurate lovers. Awake for ever in a sweet unrest.
by MANICHAEAN -
I would love to. I like challenges that force me stretch myself as a writer. So bring it on.
May 22, 2009 2:01 pm
by anjanettepotter -
As a matter of course, upon arriving home, the woman was besieged by her female friends using every wile known to that sex to extract graphic detail of the previous evenings' encounter. Keeping this information to a minimum, her new loyalties enforcing upon her a reluctance to engage in the erotic detail still not fully absorbed, and yet so fresh in her mind. She knew she had been taken, and yet she did not feel used but felt a common bond with the man who had taken her beyond any sensations she had experienced before.
by MANICHAEAN -
Earlier romances by comparison had been dull, fumbling affairs lacking in any real emotions. This man had been like a huge dense cloud, as dark as the sky at night and full of the presage of barely suppressed energy advancing upon her estate, creeping low over the fields to envelope her very being.
by MANICHAEAN -
Seth lay back in the comfortable club chair, and looked at Timothy, well how did you get on last night, he enquired? Well as you know Tim, a genleman does not speak of his conquests but suffice to say she went like a belt fed howitzer on nitrous oxcide, now how about that cold cider over ice you promised me, while I rest my aching back.
by HSEManager342 -
It is said that the love of a savage girl is little better than that of a well-born lady. The ignorance and simplicity of the one are as boring as the coquetry of the other.And yet there is no penance due to innocence.It was the first physical contact that had decided the issue as she twisted her trembling arms tightly around his neck as if by this kiss she wished to give her soul to him.
by MANICHAEAN -
As he lay there entwined tightly in her arms, rivulets of sweat running down his heaving chest, his thighs shaking like the back legs of a shitting dog his first tought was I could do with a cold beer, right my dear just nip into the kitchen and get me a cold beer will you, he wispered hoarsly into her shell like, and while your there a sandwich wouldn't go amiss.
by HSEManager342 -
Bloody hell, he exclaimed as he shot bolt up right in the bed, throwing her supine form from him as he leapt to pull on his trousers, sorry my dear her gasped, a crooked but charming smile lighting his face. I must have dropped off after the little snack, you made me. I'm late for an appointment at a poker card school being run by Timothy at the club house this evening I dont suppose you could drop me off, its not to far out of your way, my old MG's in for some epairs and I am Sans transport, err you couldn't see your self to lending me a few bob as I missed the bank this afternoon and I'm a little short.
by HSEManager342 -
Interesting, in todays modern novel market, writers such as Chis Ryan and Andy McNab (British Thriller Writers)have no formal writing training yet produce best seller after best seller, there hi tempo but grammatically impaired litrature appealling to the younger market place (pulp fiction) it may be that the usage of the English in the written sense may have to under go a review of perspective, to coin a phrase make it more sexy to the younger generation, after all that has been he beauty of the English language in that it lends it self to change and evolution. (Thoughts please)
by HSEManager342 -
Derar Maggie please excuse the usage of parts of a dogs anatomy, in my exuberance, however in my defence The Bard used such referance.
by HSEManager342 -
But the coyness expressed on her part, continued to feed the relationship with Seth, for the greatest strength of a woman is her percieved innocence. Only the love we read in a woman's eyes is noncommited wheras words....... The concept of compassion - that emotion which all women so easily yield to - had sunk its claws into her inexperienced heart.
by MANICHAEAN -
He was aware of other women in this new percieved circle he had entered and several times their gazes rested on him, expressing frustration while trying to communicate indifference. For them, they hated men in order not to despise them, while he invariably countered with despising women in order not to love them.
by MANICHAEAN -
Seth percieved that he had already passed that period of spiritual life when people seek happiness alone and when the heart feels the need to love someone passionately. Now he only wanted to be loved, and then only by a few. For ideas are organic entities: their very birth imparts them form, and this form is action. Passions are nothing more than ideas at the first stage of their development. They belong to the heart's youth, and he is foolish who thinks they will stir him all his life.
by MANICHAEAN -
His eye lids lifted apart gradually, gummed together by the mucus that is the detrius of alcohol induced sleep. His mouth had the texture of a week old sand paper lining you normally find on the bottom of a budgie cage.
Ouch he thought, I feel like my brains being pummelled , but suddenly his grin broke openly across his face as he recalled the large pot of money hed had won at poker the previous night.
by HSEManager342 -
The Alarm clock, ratlled his stupified brains into conciousness, he slid his arm across to punch the off button and relaxed back into the feather down pillow that cosseted his head, his thoughts rallied to the matters of the day, ok here we go he thought, shave , shower, coffee, breakfast, dress and off to work.
His head tilted into the direction of the face of the clock, and he noted the time , seven o'clock; right rollin by seven , fifthteen.
His feet swung towards the floor and he launched him self into his morning routine, 20 years in the military had conditioned him to explocive action to get things rolling in the morning.
by HSEManager342 -
The flick of the kettle was almost in unison of the ding from the micro wave, indicating that the water for his instant coffe and the scrambled eggs for his buttered were ready.
A rivulet of water ran down the back of his neck, from his still damp hair and he rubbed it vigorously with the towel , reaching ouver to the kitchen counter he raised to his lips the tumbler of orange juice and swalled it down in gulp, his eyes screwing up at the acidic sweetness of the juice, smock he popped his lips apart and breathed in smashing,
He quickly completed his culinary delight and sat at the breakfast bar on a high stool, casually dressed in a white cheese cloth shirt, and beige linen trousers, he looked casually smart,with the typical sartorial elagance that the English, have embedded into the genes, he stood looked at his watch ,turned towards the door. Sixteen minuetes he thought I'm slowing down.
by HSEManager342 -
At this juncture the reader will have ascertained the unfathomable sea change in a relationship between the initial satiation of lust and the origination of something else. The cold reflections of the mind and bitter insights of the heart. The sentimentalist can decieve himself, but for the maturity and experience of mind, the cold exigencies of emotional reality must be accepted even if rational plays a second string.
by MANICHAEAN -
Seth sat on the porch and reflected, as is usually the case when hardened drinkers, drink alone and let good alcohol stimulate the thoughts and imagination.
He had not as a child rode out upon an adverse tide. A loving devout Catholic mother who had raised three sons both in her own strengths of character and of the faith she had so unreservedly accepted.
by MANICHAEAN -
The moon over head had reached its zenith, its silvery glow depicting the crated surface as clearly as though it were under a magnifying glass, its translucent form broken only by the occassional flitting form of a group of large fruit bats gliding silently across the soot black sky.
Glancing to the left his night accustomed eyes picked out the breaking surf, as it rolled onto the ephemeral form of the beach, he saw her rise naked from the water, thesilhouetted shape of her body causing a stirring in his loins. He rose finished off his drink and started to wards the steps that led down to her, Oh well cant keep a lady waiting, he thought as he strode off into the welcoming night
by HSEManager342 -
The ravages of drinking half a bottle of rum however were soon apparent as the svelte apparition he initially percieved turned out to be that Fallen Archangel of Jamacian doormen: Trevor emerging from his monthly bath in the Caribbean, his dreadlocks wet against his paunch & his fists trailing along the sand above the surf line.
by MANICHAEAN -
He proceeded to the villa of his half cousin Kevin Young, known among the Kingston drug underworld as "Kitkat". The product of a liasion dangereuse between a mistress of Papa Doc Duvalier & a Ton Ton Macoute Corporal in the HSSE Enforcement Division, his ruthless methods had enabled his rise to meridian splendour and respect within the dark society he frequented.
by MANICHAEAN -
A slight stocky man on the upper side of fifty, with an oval face that was delicately beautifuel. There were dark stains of suffering or sleeplessness under the low-lidded eyes, heightening their brilliance and their gentle melancholy. The face was very dark, save for the vivid colour of the full lips and the hectic flush on the rather high but inconspicuous cheek-bones.
by MANICHAEAN -
It was something in those lips that marred the perfection of that countenance: a fault, elusive but undeniable lurked there to belie the fine sensitiveness of those nostrils, the tenderness of those dark liquid eyes and the noble calm of that furrowed brow.
by MANICHAEAN -
Any physician of note would have regarded the man with peculiar interest, ascertaining the angonizing malady he suffered, and the amazingly irregular debauched life that he led in spite of it - perhaps because of it.
by MANICHAEAN -
The three rogues huddled over the table staring intently at the map of the Miami coast line, yeah Mon said Trevor, his dread locks rippling when he spoke we gan tak de ganga right onto dee beech, get dee nines in payment and be long gone before the sun shows his lazy ass
by HSEManager342 -
Kit Kat was more cerabal in his question, now your sure that the boys from Haiti will give hard cash dollars for the Glocks, Timmy?
Ooooh your such a doubting Thomas, Kit Kat, he lisped harshly out of the side of his mouth.
Andromada has it all in hand , she is a scheming little tart that one , cant see how Seth hasn't caught onto her yet, he chuckled.
by HSEManager342 -
Timothy was lounging back in hi computor chair while his long time lover Effie was gently massaging his head and shoulders, he was enjoying the relaxing pressure and felt the stirrings of lust stir in his loins, Now stop that you bitch he spat out and sat up right, I dont have the time just now, so get your sweet ass inj motion and go and make me one of my favorite frothy coffees, Effie smiled demurly and minced off in the direction of the kitchen, his bangles and beads all bought by Tim clinking gently
by HSEManager342 -
Effie reflected on the intrinsic beauty of the patois spoken to her. The felicity of the cadence, the chain reaction of the rhyme, the pleasuring of the etymology. Such things can proceed happily and as it were autistically, in an area of mental operations cordoned off by and from the critical sense.
by MANICHAEAN -
The characters that have evolved so far:
1. Seth of uncertain background & aims, arrives in a small community in northern Jamaica, where he has an affair with a woman from the local beach club.
2. A cabal of : Tim the beach club manager / Kevin the drugs operator / Trevor the club doorman.
3. A mixture of associated females: Ellie (of indeterminate sex) & Andromada tied into the drugs ring.
by MANICHAEAN -
Seth reflected on the journey so far. Those early formative year and a leaning towards spirituality, that normally unattained dimension: catechism, first confession & communion, incense, the Latin liturgy, priest facing the suspended Nazarene,the foundation stones of a faith that would carry one through both the sunlit uplands and the abysses of despair
by MANICHAEAN -
Whether it was this core establishment of Church teachings, or the familiarity with the comforting consistency and message of the Mass, he was not sure, but there came a time when he felt in his early twenties what is termed "the calling to serve" or as is sometimes expressed with an element of glibness "Many are called / But few are chosen".
by MANICHAEAN -
I shall be leaving shortly on home leave to the Philippines, and so my input into this miscellany will in the interim, cease. But please feel free to contribute, down any path you choose, in whatever inimitable style takes your fancy.
Best regards
Manichaean
by MANICHAEAN