Sometimes, I like to throw a word like “Yeti” into a blog title just for the fun of it. But today, I actually have a reason for including “Yeti.”
I had a dream about a Yeti a few nights ago. And the night after that, I dreamed about a Zombie Teenager, chasing me all over town. Honestly, I didn’t know zombies could run like that. Anyway, I seriously wished I’d written down those dreams. I mean, the plot lines wouldn’t win any prizes, but the feelings engendered during the dream stories were so intense! Haven’t you ever wished you could capture intensity like that on the written page?
So, now I’m going back to keeping a journal by my bed. I want to write down how I feel when I wake up from those Yeti/Zombie Teenager dreams. And maybe I can use those journal jottings to inspire some emotional zing into my stories.
Which brings me to the contest I found this fine Friday: The Writer’s Journal Write to Win Contest using the starter phrase “Standing under the…”
Now, generally speaking, I’m not overly keen on starter phrases (which the Write to Win contests use). But, this phrase is so…well, easy to work around that I could probably take a few of my stories and just slap it on the beginning. Not that I would, mind you.
Um, maybe I would. The deadline’s February 20th, after all. But I’m leaning more towards “Standing under the streetlight, the Yeti flashed a toothy grin at the Zombie Teenager.”
(P.S. Isn’t that a swell Yeti costume? Kinda reminds me of the Beneficent Mr. Hall before he shaves in the morning.)
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Of all the possible names: Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Abominable Snowman I believe Yeti has the best ring to it. And I do like the suit.
Hey Cathy,I'm so glad you explained what a Yeti is. I read about your strange dreams on your Facebook Page and had no clue. Umm. I'm often clueless, but that time I was even moreso.Thanks for the contest link. I just might check it out.Donna V.http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com
Sometimes I look back at a dream and have no idea why I was so terrified in it/during it. The setting, the people, what's happening, etc. isn't scary in itself and yet I'll wake up all freaked out. My usual line to my husband is, "I know it doesn't sound scary but it WAS."Hmm, but maybe that's just me?
I know, Sally! Yeti sounds so much more exotic.And I'm glad you found out more about Yetis, Donna. I read a lot of speculative fiction. You cannot believe the weird stuff that's out there in the world. (Although I'm often clueless about ordinary things…like why my sink is clogged.)Oh! And Madeline, here's what I always say: "I had the WEIRDEST dream last night." And then my husband (or if they're really unlucky, one of my kids) is forced to listen to me recount the dream. Which turns out to be kinda ordinary in the light of day.So, no. It's not just you. 😉
Kelly Stone wrote a book about using your dreams/subconscious for writing, and it did include writing the dreams down. I attended her workshop a couple years ago and it was really interesting. Even Thomas Edison did it! The dream thing, I mean. Anyway, the book is "Thinking Write" and if I had it I'd let you borrow it, but I don't…it's on my Kindle.Yeti was in the LA Times crossword today! 🙂
I've been pondering that contest ever since I bought the journal to read Lisa's story. I may get it done this week, but it's not looking too good right now. That's okay though…I don't think my story could go up against a yeti and teenage zombie.:)
Yeti's and zombies–yikes! You're even funny in your dreams (although I'm sure they didn't seem so at the time!)!
Thanks Cathy,Good thing I clicked on the link, bceause the guidleines have changed. I also saw this on Donna's blog but there was no fee and the deadline was on the 10th and also email acceptable. I will now resend it!Watch out out for those Yetis.
Lisa, I'm a big believer in dream-pondering. Who knows what my brain is figuring out while I'm asleep?Deb, I have a great first line. It's the rest of the story I'm having trouble with. ;-)And Linda, I'm glad you checked it, too. Several years back I mailed off something for a Write to Win story. Hope you have better luck! :-)You're absolutely right, Vicky. Ain't nothing funny about a Teenage Girl Zombie. Ugh.