I would like to write, and hopefully get published, and I'm somewhat lacking in confidence in my work. I also have no idea how to get my work out there. I don't have the advantage of any post-secondary education, either. I'm here today to post something I wrote earlier in the year, and to hopefully get some feedback on it. It's not incredibly long, and I've spoilered it for length nonetheless.
“Goodevening, my dear.”
The voice came from a wizened old man, staring intently at Karia with eyes rendered milky by severe cataracts.
“We're nearly closed, so I'm afraid I can't give you much time to browse. Is there perhaps something I can help you find?”
Karia hesitated, wondering if it was worth asking or if she would be better off looking on her own. Something told her that despite his vision, this man would likely know his own store well enough; after all, the store seemed nearly as old as he was.
“I'm looking for a very specific book,” she said, gazing around at the dimly lit shelves. “I have a photograph of the cover, but the title is illegible.”
“Ah, a challenge, is it?” For a moment, Karia thought she heard his face creak as the old man broke into a smile. “Very well, hand it over and I'll see what I can do.”
Karia reached into her bag and pulled out the photograph, weathered and yellowed from its ages in the attic. The man all but snatched it from her, holding it mere inches from his face and lifting his glasses out of the way as he studied it. His mouth moved as if he was speaking to himself, and it took nearly a minute before any sound came out.
“Ah! Yes, I recognize it now.” He jabbed a bony finger at the picture. “This wrinkle here threw me off at first. Thought it was a line on the cover.” Shoving the photo back into Karia's hands, he reached for a cane that had previously been hidden in the gloom. “Come, come! This way, right this way.”
For an old man, he sure is fast, Karia thought. She nearly had to jog to catch up as he tottered his way between the shelves, leading her steadily deeper into the store. Finally, he stopped near the back, looking left and right for a moment before spotting what he was looking for. In a flash he was halfway up the ladder leaning precariously against the stacks, and just as quickly he was back down, pressing a book into Karia's hands.
“Here we are, miss.” He looked at his watch. “And not a moment too soon! Come, come, let's return to the front. Better light there, and I can always put this away later if you decide not to buy.”
As they walked, Karia studied the book carefully. The cover was a deep purple, stained in spots and a bit beaten around the corners. On it, in spiraling golden lettering was the title 'The Rituals of the Time Gods', and below that what appeared to be a monochromatic rendering of clocks in infinite regression. Holding the picture next to it, there could be no doubt – though the photo was discoloured and the title beyond recognition, the rest matched perfectly.
“Hmm... I seem to have misplaced my key...”
Karia glanced up sharply to realize they had reached the register. The old man was fumbling around in his pockets, turning each out in order, but to no avail.
“Ah, well, it seems it was meant to be. Why don't you take that book, and come back after the weekend? I can't find my key for the register, and it doesn't seem right to tell you you can't have the book just because I misplaced something.”
“Are you sure?” Karia replied. “I do have cash, if you -”
“Nonsense, if I can't ring it up then I can't do the paperwork and then I get audited. As I say, come back after the weekend and we'll figure it out. In the mean time, take the book.”
“Thank you,” Karia said. “I'll be back first thing Monday morning.”
The old man smiled and waved, then escorted Karia out the door and locked it behind her before turning his sign to Closed and pulling down the shades on the windows while Karia evaluated her surroundings. It was dark, and cold, and she thought she could feel the first drops of rain, but an all-night coffee shop down the street promised warmth and enough light to discover just what it was that she had found. She nodded to herself and started in that direction.
Above, the clouds had gathered.
I'd appreciate any and all constructive criticism, feedback, and advice that you good folks have to offer. If it makes a difference, I'm located not too far from Vancouver, BC, so going through American publishing agencies is (I'm guessing) not really an option. Thoughts?
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Topic: I would like to write. (Read 857 times)