STORY STARTER
Write a story which takes place near a volcano.
Try to be descriptive with the setting, whether the volcano plays a part in the plot or not.
We Only Have Now
One learns to live for the moment when a volcano looms nearby. Truthfully, no one really knew of it was going to erupt any time soon but without so much as saying anything to anyone else, they all agreed to stay where they were. This was their home after all and a pesky volcano wasn’t going to make them leave.
The people on the island had a different way of thinking then others, though. Why hold back what they were thinking or how they felt if they knew that at any moment an eruption could happen and they would all be reduced to ashes.
The island was an honest place. Filled with love and understanding. Apparently, when death hangs above your head you find it in yourself to forgive easier.
Lovers embraced more passionately. Not hiding their feelings or pretending they didn’t exist. Kids ran around laughing loudly, not afraid to be quiet. Of course, when somebody was angry that would make an appearance as well but not having to hold it back and let it fester until it became unbearable often made the ugly feelings melt away.
It seemed that, although, they would die at anytime the people of the island knew something the rest of the human race did not.
That life is right now and if you aren’t living it to the fullest you weren’t truly living at all.
Your concept is fantastic: Residing under the shadow of impending doom makes people live more honestly. I think that the delivery needs some help, though. It’s all tell, no show. I’d love to see examples of how living that way impacts real life. How does Citizen A justify having children? What conversations to Citizens B and C have about whether or not to go into business together? Does Old Timey Citizen Z remember a previous explosion, and all the death and pain that came with it? Lots of fertile ground for great stories.
Technical stuff: Could use an editing pass. Nothing major, but a little cleanup would help it read more smoothly.
Nice work!
The use of words is very good! There are some grammatical error bits around, but the choice of words and descriptions help to make the island feel well thought out and engaging! The place feels fascinating! I think the only thing I would personally critique is that it feels like the setting is introduced from a distance, but the people are glossed over, and any sort of narrative isn’t really there? That’s probably more of an opinion than anything though, because writing can be lots of things, and I’m not sure where the line between good writing and writing I personally think is good would be. I think the words and sentences are evocative and the concept described is interesting and engaging, but if you described one of the lovers or children living in this place in more detail, such as what they’re doing or how they’re interacting with others more specifically, I think it would be even more engaging.
