I don’t enjoy writing fiction.
THERE. I said it.
There are times, though, that I need to pull something together, especially when I’m demonstrating a process with my students. (You’ll see that process in the Wednesday, March 6 post on TWT…just as a shameless plug!)
My students are crafting stories in the style of Leo Lionni, using crowdsourced ideas and suggestions to improve their work.
Below is my work-in-progress. I’m about 60% of my way through the story, so I thought I’d share it with you here. Who knows? I may even end up finishing it at some point. If so, you bet I’ll post again!
Once there was a small brown hop-toad named George. He lived in his own little nook, tucked away in the crack of a concrete step by the patio door of a small, quiet, suburban house. Usually, nobody ever noticed George, and that was how he liked it.
George liked to stay in his nook, listening to the sounds of the squirrels, chipmunks and birds all around him. All day long he would hear them chirping and arguing with each other over this or that: a good nesting spot, a buried acorn, or the best place to keep an eye out for predators.
And the main reason why George liked to stay in his nook? Because George was not the kind of hop-toad who liked to be noticed. Somehow, whenever he ventured his way out from the step, somebody would notice him. Maybe it was the people who lived in the house and would shout, “Look! A toad!” Or perhaps it was the dogs, forever sniffing and prying and poking with their stinky dog breath.
One day, George heard a commotion outside his hidey-hole in the patio. Now, George was shy, but he was also curious. He plopped right to the edge of his entrance, where he saw – of all things! – another small brown hop-toad! She was smaller, browner, and even hoppier than George. And she looked scared and confused as all of the animals circled around.
“Hey! Who’s that?” a squirrel shouted.
“Looks like someone new,” chirped the cardinal from her spot on the backyard fence.
“She better not steal any of my food!” responded the squirrel.
“You mean MY food?” the chipmunk scoffed. The squirrel rolled her eyes.
“Tell me about it,” said the cardinal. “I have my wings full trying to fend off the bluejays. I don’t need any more competition around here.”
“Oh, come on,” said the squirrel. “We all know you -” but the squirrel never finished her sentence. All the animals went quiet as they heard the familiar thump-thump-thump of paws on the deck from the other side of the house.
“DOGS!” their terrified stares seemed to say. “Let’s get OUT of here!” went the silent command. The squirrel, chipmunk and birds left, leaving the new little hop-toad standing all alone in the middle of the patio.
George watched as the dogs sniffed the air, caught the scent of a newcomer, and slowly tracked their way to the patio.
“Who’s THIS?” they growled, circling the toad. “Smells like someone new.” More sniffing, a little growling. “Smells like a new toy.”
What will happen to the little hop-toad? When will George learn that stepping outside his little step is sometimes the best step? Will they live hoppily ever after? Tune in…eh, whenever I wind up finishing…
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
OK. You got me hooked, now. I want to know what happens. There are 26 days left to this challenge. You gotta finish and post before the challenge ends.
I guess I gotta! I’m a little stuck where I am, but I’ll find a way to push through…
I’m hooked, too! Please don’t leave us with a cliff (or patio) hanger! 🙂
Although you do not enjoy writing fiction, this is awfully rich and compelling. Can’t wait to hear what will become of George and the recent arrival. I share your feelings about composing fiction. Just not my bag. Grateful that no one has asked me for that.
Thanks! I’m glad to know I’m not alone in my resistance to fiction writing. It’s a good way to stretch, but oh! to be back with poetry!
I’m curious now!!! But I also love how you ended it. Whenever you get around to it. I love your sense of humor.
Thanks! I feel like this is a good stopping point, but I am still hoping to reach the story’s end. It’s been a LONG while since I’ve fully told a tale in writing…
Considering fiction writing isn’t your favorite, I wouldn’t have known if you didn’t say it. You leave it open to many options. I’d love to see what your students suggest. Do you plan to let them know you’re stuck? Looking forward to reading the conclusion.
Oh, they know I’m stuck! I crowdsourced with them, and let’s just say a LOT of them have a LOT of different opinions. I may let the story marinate a day or two, then give it another go!
Oh how fun! It’s like a “choose your own adventure” story.
SO FUN, Lainie! I am amused that we both shared snippets of fiction on the same day, but somehow not surprised, as we are so often on the same wavelength. I love that great photo of ol’ George. I feel he will manage to save his skin by hopping out of his comfort zone (we all gotta do it, to survive) and I am so curious to see what becomes of these other lively characters. It’s a delight of a tale, vivid and tight…and in true Lainie fashion, your language-play leaves me laughing: please do let them live “hoppily ever after.” Heads up: I may have a frog post coming in the weeks ahead. Our 3rd grade ELA curriculum has a nine-week unit centered on frogs (you read that correctly) and it has spawned some interesting tales, to say the least…
I love this fun fiction! (Although, I did find myself nodding my head with you about the writing of fiction … I do write it with students and as examples … but I am not practiced and it is hard for me to do other than with kids!)
My favorite line of your fiction is, “George was not the kind of hop-toad who liked to be noticed.”
I hope you post more of the story!