Board Thread:Writer's Workshop/@comment-25180415-20140715033425/@comment-25180415-20140719185420

Dear WaveDivisionMultiplexer,

I have made some subtle changes to the text, aside from the previous edit. I will not go any further however, until you give your opinion on its current state. Because if it is in this state adequate to provide entertainment to its viewers, then there will be no need to flush it out with backstory. Yet if it is needed, then I am more than willing to provide the story behind my character’s dilemma. But before you decide what is what, let me give you two reasons why I did not elaborate further on his past/future. First, the story, in my opinion, needs to be short and concise, tying up all loose ends. Basically, the story needs to provide the reader with a short but sweet narrative. Finally, the second reason is that the broader the situation, the more relatable it is. Now when I say relatable I am not talking about being able to relate to that situation. No, I am referring to the fact that when something has a set date/ when the character’s background is described in detail, it limits the fact that the reader will not be able to say “I think something like this has actually happened.” or something along those lines. Overall the points I presented are solely off of my opinion and if you have something that will provide an explanation on why it is beneficial to have backstory, I am more than happy to hear you out.

Sincerely,

The Blank Slate

Worn out and tired from his exertion, he sat down at his desk and began recounting his life.

This is…..

'' “The day I hunted and killed it. That frail, impudent animal thought it deserved life, but I knew better. Once I finished with the carcass however, things began to change. Specifically, my feeding began to coincide with my mental decay. Unfortunately, my actions have caused my mind such damage that it could no longer safely exist. Due to this fact, my body gave way to the weight of my hunger leaving me an empty shell lacking in humanity." ''

''What makes….. ''

''“Me feel regular in my chaotic state? A pattern. Anyways, today marks the day that I went further, deeper into the abyss than anyone I know. For I killed no stranger, but a friend. Though it was an animal, it marks a renewal to that feeling of guilt that was slowly escaping from my tender grasp.” ''

The hunger….

'' “Burning once more, but now animals don’t suffice the urge for guilt. My addiction continues to force me down the path when none have returned. This time it wasn’t just an “it” but rather a “he”. Though he had put up quite a fight, he was never a match. Reason being, my burning desire for that feeling some call guilt inside me, pushed my body to lengths previously unknown.”''

 Consume me…

'' “Time, yet I am not ready. Always my enemy, taking away my pleasure of feeling something normal, guilt. Though for most that agonizing pain called remorse tears their very being apart, for me it’s my life. Guilt, the knowledge that someone else is suffering just as much as me, feeds me. Yet, I cannot feed off everyone; that is why my parents are dead.” ''

Take away….

'' “The feeling, time I hope it is enough. Yet time has finished its effect, what once was so lavishly imposed upon me has now diminished. So much so that nothing save from my own error can cause it to reanimate.” ''

My life…

'' “Has now have been subjugated to a place where I cannot be found. Yet they do not understand that prison cannot effect one who is empty.”''

'' My very being… ''

''“Says this cannot conclude for story must continue, yet there is no way. Unless the story cannot end if it never began, only continues.” ''

For it is over… 

Yet as the ink faded into non-existence, the alarm clock sounded. Waking up, annoyed to his very being, he could not bear the thought of being late to his first killing. Upon finishing however, he proceeded to grab his journal and began to write the never ending cycle that was his life.