the short story i am working on (yes, i am working on it and it’s not even due for another 4 days) is set in 1994. it’s a period piece, i guess. it’s weird because i’ve never written anything with a definite time-setting. most of my stories take place a vague sort of here and now. but this one takes place on April 8, 1994, the day that Kurt Cobain’s body was found.

this period piece is quite a bit of a challenge. it’s hard to write about 1994 without using everything i know about what’s happened since then.

to get into the mood for some ‘method’ writing, i have decided to go back in time. i’m sitting here in a flannel shirt that i actually wore back in 1994. i even made a very special 1994 playlist, to help put me in the mood and mindset of being 22 all over again.

currently Nine Inch Nails’ “Head Like a Hole” is flowing through my headphones. i don’t think i’ve actually even listened to this song since 1994 (it was a specially downloaded just for today), but it’s doing the trick. because if i close my eyes i can taste the Bloody Marys from The GI and hear the Gin Blossoms pouring out of the speakers next to the bar.

This post has 6 comments. Add your own.

  1. Dude. I graduated in 1994. I love you for using that year as the time for your story.

    And, I’m excited you decided to do the Cobain thing!! Can’t wait to read it :)

    02 Apr 06 at 10:31 pm #
  2. jodi

    don’t get too excited yet, because so far the number of goats the story is blowing is mind-numbing.

    02 Apr 06 at 10:33 pm #
  3. It doesn’t need to be good. In fact, the more goats that are blown the better because as we all know, goats don’t get nearly enough action. You’re performing a public service.

    All you need to not sing is a draft in hand. The shittier, the better.

    02 Apr 06 at 10:36 pm #
  4. jodi

    but salinger is so over coming of age stories . . . he will eat my liver!

    02 Apr 06 at 10:37 pm #
  5. I think he’s still working on mine from the first week of class. He’s been loving everyone lately so maybe he just doesn’t have his appetite back yet.

    02 Apr 06 at 10:40 pm #
  6. jodi

    good point, and Salinger probably won’t even know who Kurt Cobain is, since he was born after 1948 and nobody of any importance was born after 1948.

    02 Apr 06 at 10:50 pm #

Be bold & mighty forces will come to your aid.
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