NYC Midnight Flash Fiction 2021 — Round 2

Summary

Paul Mansfield, after struggling to write a romantic comedy, finds inspiration through Paul Combs' method, which involves a combination of caffeine and Bailey's, leading to a modern twist on the traditional romantic comedy genre.

Abstract

The author, Paul Mansfield, recounts his challenging experience in writing a romantic comedy for the NYC Midnight Flash Fiction 2021 — Round 2 — Day 2. Despite his preference for darker, grittier narratives, he takes advice from Paul Combs, a Medium writer likened to Yoda, and employs the "Comb's method," which includes a potent mix of double espressos and Bailey's. This approach breaks his writer's block, resulting in a story that subverts the conventional romantic comedy. With his newfound inspiration, Mansfield plans to refine his work while sober, ensuring it makes sense beyond his initial euphoria.

Opinions

The author has a clear disdain for traditional romantic comedies, considering them part of a genre he despises.
Paul Combs, referred to as Medium's Yoda, is held in high regard by the author for his advice and writing method.
The author initially wanted to write a story that was antithetical to a romantic comedy, favoring a setting with heavy drinking and profanity.
The "Comb's method" is credited with helping the author overcome his creative impasse and is recommended by him to others.
Despite the success of the method, the author acknowledges the need for sober editing to ensure the coherence of his work.

NYC Midnight Flash Fiction 2021 — Round 2 — Day 2

The Comb’s method saves the day

Saturday was a bust. I wrote lots of stories. The problem was not any were romantic comedies. It’s just not in my veins. Romance and comedy aren’t part of my repertoire.

I was at a complete impasse. I couldn’t find a storyline I liked. A game show? A romantic comedy? I wanted to write a dark story, set in a bar, with a lot of booze and swearing and shit.

That’s my kind of life.

Instead of just blindly giving up, I listened to Medium’s version of Yoda — Paul Combs — and started my Sunday with four double espressos and an equal amount of Bailey’s. I believe that is hardcore Comb’s method — maybe even a step or two above the recommended starting point, but it worked. The ideas flew, and I will recommend the Comb’s method to everybody.

I now have a story that’s almost a romantic comedy. Well, not very close to a trad RomCom, but it’s a modern uptake on the RomCom that we know and despise. (Or at least I despise it.)

Now I have to edit it down and make sure it all makes sense in my bacon grease-induced sobriety.

Paul Mansfield is a writer, a photographer, a guitar player, a philosopher — some he does well, some not so well, but he still tries them all. You can follow him on Twitter @pmansfield.

If you like this story, try this one.

DEAR DIARY

NYC Midnight Flash Fiction 2021 — Round 2 — Day 2

Alberta Clipper

The snows do blow, and the winds do wail