An intriguing story for sure. I have to wonder if the waiter has found a way to stay… and so could Sophia. Though I also recall the movie “Midnight in Paris” where the MC finds that the past isn’t quite as romantic as it looks from now.
You've hit on one of the issues I haven't dealt with yet. That movie might have some clues about how I could work this story into a novel. Thanks for mentioning it!
This story has been on the back burner for a while, and I still find it interesting, so I will be working on a longer version with this theme. Thanks so much for the visit and the comment.
I found several issues with this one, and the waiter is one. I'll have to find a way to deal with him or maybe there could be a different waiter with each visit. Who knows! This writer certainly doesn't. Thnks JQ
Interesting. I'm seeing more people write in the present tense. Rather odd. Or am I just old-fashioned that way? Why did Sophia have a ring (engagement?) from Lars if he didn't want to be married? Or did he just not want children? And you made me think of a line I wrote a couple days ago in a new romance WIP. "Things are different when you're on the inside than looking at them from the outside." Being in a painting won't have the same feel as the artist (or even a hack like Van Gogh) had and conveyed in his or her work.
I didn’t write this with the teen reader in mind. It was something for a fun contest with the theme of Starry Night. This is a rewrite of the original one.
I haven't read Antoine de Saint-Exupéry since my teen years--but then in English. Sharon and I share a weakness for literary, atmospheric time-travel (Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris", C.S. Lewis and "The Travels of Narnia"). Of course I am charmed by the suitor dressed in jeans chasing after your heroine to the "Belle Epoch"? Romance fiction! Why not! Nice.
I'm wondering if I could do a romantic chase through several different paintings. Choosing those would be a challenge, but what great fun! You're the second person to mention Midnight in Paris. I should see that again. I was so taken by it, but I'd forgotten about it.
I meant to mention an episode from Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone" from many decades past where a neo-Nazi admires a dark, mysterious painting that transports him back in time to Auschwitz.
About the waiter - I've just read A Snow Garden by Rachel Joyce - a collection of short stories based around characters from her other stories, who wanted a story of their own. Her explanation in the introduction is brilliant. It might help with what to do with the waiter .
I really enjoyed this story and the time traveling inside a painting. I'd definitely read more.
I think it will become a longer piece one of these days.
An intriguing story for sure. I have to wonder if the waiter has found a way to stay… and so could Sophia. Though I also recall the movie “Midnight in Paris” where the MC finds that the past isn’t quite as romantic as it looks from now.
You've hit on one of the issues I haven't dealt with yet. That movie might have some clues about how I could work this story into a novel. Thanks for mentioning it!
I like how you slowly build the story. and a surprise twist. Nice work. -Jeff. https://fromarockyhillside.com
Do I remember this one! Enjoyed reading it, Lee. Love the waiter coming in with an apt quote just when it was needed.
Thanks to WEP and their theme, I came up with this. I re-wrote some of it, so there are some changes in this version.
Love this! You've pulled me in and I want to read more!
This story has been on the back burner for a while, and I still find it interesting, so I will be working on a longer version with this theme. Thanks so much for the visit and the comment.
What a clever idea in this story to be Inside the painting. Yes how did the waiter get to stay? More please. Eloquent writing fits the atmosphere.
I found several issues with this one, and the waiter is one. I'll have to find a way to deal with him or maybe there could be a different waiter with each visit. Who knows! This writer certainly doesn't. Thnks JQ
Interesting. I'm seeing more people write in the present tense. Rather odd. Or am I just old-fashioned that way? Why did Sophia have a ring (engagement?) from Lars if he didn't want to be married? Or did he just not want children? And you made me think of a line I wrote a couple days ago in a new romance WIP. "Things are different when you're on the inside than looking at them from the outside." Being in a painting won't have the same feel as the artist (or even a hack like Van Gogh) had and conveyed in his or her work.
Once in a while, I like present tense. Teen readers love it, and when I ask why, it's always the immediacy--"It's as if I'm there," they say.
There are so many directions I can go with this one. You bring up some excellent ones. Thanks, A.C.
Huh, I’ll keep that in mind about teens. Was this written for that audience?
I didn’t write this with the teen reader in mind. It was something for a fun contest with the theme of Starry Night. This is a rewrite of the original one.
Ok. Just wondering. Thanks.
What a fantastic concept!
I've often wanted to step into a picture and become a part of it. What an experience, heh?
I love this story. Hasn’t everyone wanted to step into that cafe?
Thousands, I imagine.
I haven't read Antoine de Saint-Exupéry since my teen years--but then in English. Sharon and I share a weakness for literary, atmospheric time-travel (Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris", C.S. Lewis and "The Travels of Narnia"). Of course I am charmed by the suitor dressed in jeans chasing after your heroine to the "Belle Epoch"? Romance fiction! Why not! Nice.
I'm wondering if I could do a romantic chase through several different paintings. Choosing those would be a challenge, but what great fun! You're the second person to mention Midnight in Paris. I should see that again. I was so taken by it, but I'd forgotten about it.
I meant to mention an episode from Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone" from many decades past where a neo-Nazi admires a dark, mysterious painting that transports him back in time to Auschwitz.
Nice. I love time travel from a different angle. I'm interested in the waiter now.
I need to think about him. Who is he? Why is he there? Good grief. This is going to keep me up at night.
About the waiter - I've just read A Snow Garden by Rachel Joyce - a collection of short stories based around characters from her other stories, who wanted a story of their own. Her explanation in the introduction is brilliant. It might help with what to do with the waiter .