As I said a couple of weeks ago, I was deciding which one of my WIPs to work on in November, in my own version of the now-defunct NaNoWriMo challenge.
Perhaps we should call it FauxNaNo?
I had a choice of three possible stories. I’ve spent the last few days trying to get an impression of where each might go.
The decision has been made.
This year, I’ll be working on,
My Place or Yours?
This story is Sci-fi, with a foot in the present day. At its simplest, it’s a dimension swap, multiverse thriller.
Two versions of the same man, Andy Wilson, exchange realities, thanks to a quantum experiment. Told from the twin perspectives of the Andy (and his wife Becc) from our world.
It’s up to them, as well as their partners in both realities, to try and work out what’s going on.
I’ll be updating you on word counts through my social media as the month progresses.
Here’s a glimpse of the first few paragraphs.
I stood outside the coffee shop, waiting for Becc. The bags were heavy in my hands.
“I’m just going to the bathroom,” she had said, as we finished our drinks. “You pay, I’ll see you outside.”
It was a dark November evening; the streets were busy with people wanting to get home. I peered in through the window, our table had already been filled by one of the queue that snaked back almost to the door.
“Ready?” said Becc. “Let’s get back to the car, it’s freezing.”
I turned; she had come out while I wasn’t looking at the door. Her hood was pulled up. She was scarved and gloved against the chill. All I could see was the breath coming out as she spoke.
I followed her to the car, watching the shopping bags she carried in each hand swinging as she strode, purposefully, the pedestrians giving way to her.
Her progress reminded me of an icebreaker, clearing a path through the solid press of humanity, with me following in her wake.
We got to the car, “I’ll drive,” she said, pressing the button on her keys that unlocked the doors. We loaded up and left the car park, setting off for home through the evening rush. She was silent, concentrating on the nose-to-tail traffic.
“You alright?” I asked. She was quieter than usual.
“Sure, just concentrating,” she said, keeping her gaze on the car in front, its brake lights splitting into patterns on the windscreen as it started to rain. The wipers throbbed as they cleared the sudden downpour. We jolted as the queue stopped and started. “Miserable, isn’t it?” she added. “I’m looking forward to two quiet weeks.”
So was I. Even better was the fact that we had both managed to get the same two weeks off. Even though it was November, while I was hoping for some better weather, it didn’t really matter. We had trips planned to see relatives, plus a bit of decorating.
It was boring, mundane stuff, but better than hauling myself into the office every day. At least we’d have some time together. With both of us working long hours, weekends were about the only time we shared.
We turned into our drive and parked. I went round and lifted the bags from the car as Becc opened the front door. I locked the car with my keys, dragged all the bags inside and dumped them in the kitchen.
“Thanks,” she said. She pulled off her gloves and took off her coat. Blonde hair spilt down her back.
That was where the nightmare started. Becc had short, jet-black hair. Or at least, she had done when she had got up and gone to the bathroom, less than an hour ago. As she spun around and faced me, I saw a sharp, angular face. She fixed her gaze on me, and a huge smile broke out.
She was pretty. But it was a stranger’s face.
“Who the hell are you?” was all I could say.
If your preference was for one of the other projects I had in mind, never fear. I will be attempting to complete both of them in 2026. There will be more about my plans for the new year soon.
If you want to know more about anything to do with my writing, just drop me a comment. Until next time,
Happy reading.
I’d love to get your comments, please leave them below. While you’re here, why not take a look around? There are some freebies and lots more content, about me, my writing and everything else that I do. You can join my newsletter for a free novella and more news by clicking this link.
Leave a Reply