Why I Choose This or Choose That
ToT Challenge to Fiction Writers
Once Upon a Time in Another Dimension …
Jacinta Palmer and Brett Jenae Tomlin invited me to participate in their challenge, so here’s my response:
https://readmedium.com/once-upon-a-time-in-another-dimension-4357ef2acf56
- Dystopian or Enchanted. Were I to invent a completely different reality — and I could do that — I would go for enchanted rather than dystopian. I just read Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers, a wonderful author, who does a superb job of envisioning a positive future. I feel this type of visioning is what we need more of, steering us away from the dreary desolate negative dystopian visions people keep churning out.
2. Vampire or Dragon. I’ve loved dragons ever since I read Anne McCaffery’s novels about the Dragon Riders of Pern as a young person. I also have an extreme dislike for vampire stories, so my choice is easy. I have written a couple of stories about dragons actually: The Making of a Dragon Wizard and Seraphina, the Dragon Who Couldn’t Breathe Fire — drabbles and both very short reads.
3. Sword or Bolt of Fire from your Fingers. I choose a sword. I studied Aikido, a type of martial art for a while, and part of this tradition includes swords (even though we used wooden ones as beginners) and I really enjoyed it. It felt almost comfortable. I wonder if I was a samurai in a past or future life? (I suspect I would have more precise control over the sword too.)
4. Mind Reading or Crystal Ball. Got to be the empathic one. I did have a crystal ball for a period of time, though I can’t remember how I acquired it. Must have been a gift from the future. And I’m feeling you now. I think I’m starting to lose you, my reader. Hang in there, and I’ll do better!
5. Broom Stick or Winged Creature. I know Harry Potter enhanced the level of broomsticking to a new “high”, but I’m not convinced. I think I’d rather have a dragon, or a giant Condor, or a mythical beast under me — something living I can have a rapport with. I’ll make one up for us: A Gyromancer’s Hawken?
6. Runes or Tarot Cards. I’ll take the deck. I’ve actually done a bit of Tarot Card readings in my past life somewhere. I interpreted them not so much esoterically but more psychologically — being a reflection of one’s inner life state, however.
7. Under an Oath or Stolen Memories. I can’t remember my memories a lot of the time, so I might as well steal yours — if they are good ones. Must of been the last mind meld I did with Spock. I never did recover 100 percent.
8. Rainbow or Waterfall. This is the first time I equivocate at all. I do like them both. But, forced to choose, I’ll take the rainbow for the ethereal beauty, magical suggestion, and transition image it represents to me. However, one caveat: If the future holds a shortage of water, and it may come to that — should we continue to behave stupidly as a species — I’d choose the waterfall. I need water to live people!
9. Enchanted Object or Cursed Object. The enchanted object (Aladdin’s lamp anyone?) doesn’t have a lot of downsides, compared to a cursed object which is likely to bring trouble. Though I do love a good treasure hunt. Of course, to make it easy on myself, I’d choose the enchanted object, however, if I’m writing a story about this-mind you — having a curse that you can eventually change into a positive somehow might make a better storyline. So, cursed it is.
10. Seer or Warlock. I’ve never been fond of the term warlock as it has a negative connotation, at least for me. A seer on the other hand suggests to me someone who is extremely sensitive — especially to things that others don’t see. (Somewhat like a writer’s eye?) Anyone who can see the causes being made in the present time can predict the future if you understand the “law of cause and effect” well enough. It’s something I study regularly. I am always looking to be on the cutting edge of things. Being too far in the future is so boring and annoying, waiting for people to wise up.
11. Dungeon or Banishment. I’ll take the banishment. The dungeon is just too depressing, has rats, unclean, and basically bad for your health — a place to avoid. At least out on my own, I have a fighting chance. Yes, it may be lonely, and challenging to survive but with some skill and a little luck, better odds. (And I’ve got my trusty Gyromancer’s Hawken.)
12. Soul Sucking or Demon Torment. What gruesome and terrifying things to contemplate — both of them. But I’ll take the demon. I might end up dead in either case, but with the demon at least I’ll still have my soul.
13. Portal or Time Travel. What kind of controls do these things have? If they came with instructions it would really guide me in this decision-making process. Time travel with no controls or a portal with a few guideposts — see it’s easier now isn’t it? But if both are just to be random, wheel of fortune, you — get — what — you — deserve experiences — I’ll take the portal. Surely, I’ve got good karma points stored up by now, and I’ll spend them right here.
14. Undiscovered or Forgotten. Forgotten is an emotionally more difficult place to be, whereas with undiscovered comes the suggestion of someone who does what they do whether they are ever recognized for their contributions or not. That would be more like me — helping to save the world, but a small bit part.
15. Enchanted to Sleep or Cursed to Ride. Give me a good rest (Rip Van Winkle) and I’m ready to take on a monster or two. But cursed to ride (the headless horseman) and it would just be too tiresome, probably bad scenery, and the movie wouldn’t be as good as the book.
16. Diary or Grimoire. A diary is my choice because I can use it to move the plot anywhere or change my character’s outlook, but the grimoire puts me squarely into the realm of magic. I believe more in science and not so much in magic. Mystery, yes, but magic is stretching it. It’s too easy to get away with anything without having to work for it, explain it, or pay for it. Does that sound like spoiled kids to you?
17. Kraken or Mermaid. I won’t be doing any kraken unless it’s wise-kraken. Now mermaids, on the other hand, are enchanting creatures that would be fun to take on a scuba-diving vacay.
18. Haunted or Re-programmed. I am going with reprogrammed. I am free to do sci-fi stunts all I want, and besides, I’ve lost my ghost-busters outfit along with its cute little tank rig. (Darn)
19. Historical or Future. I’m a futurist through and through. I love reading up on the latest advances in various fields and cutting-edge technologies. I want to know where we are going and who is driving this rig anyway. I also hated history class in school, which was about memorizing a series of battles. The only history I’m interested in is the history of Peace on the Planet Earth. And we are creating that right now, damn it.
20. This World or Another Realm. Send me where I’m needed most, that’s what I say. Right now that seems to be here in This World.