It's Winter

Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter — What If? Writing Exercise for Fiction Writers prompts

The Exercise —Write a scene involving two characters. Have the point-of-view character presume something entirely different about the situation from what the other character's overt behavior seems to imply. For example, a landlord comes to visit, and the tenant suspects that it isn't a visit but an inspection. Make up several situations in which one character can fantasize or project or suspect or even fear what another character is thinking.

The Objective - To show how your characters can use their imaginations to interpret the behavior and dialogue of other characters.

Winnie exclaimed, "I love it when the sun is out! My day runs so much smoother."

Seth thought, what does she mean? It is 20 below zero. There is nothing beautiful about that. Maybe she got a little last night, and that is what she is so damn excited about. Isn't she too old for all of that? I know I am.

Then he thought, well, I can be a bit jealous of others. I really should give her a break! Maybe she is one of those who have SAD, seasonal affective disorder. Yes, that is probably it. She's SAD alright!

Winnie said, "I'm not sure what it is, but especially after a few dreary days, I get so much energy when the sun is out, and I feel great! How about you, Seth?"

"No, I really can't say that I am feeling great! It's 20 below zero, and we have work to do outside today." He looked at Winnie and was thinking, she doesn't really want to know what I'm thinking. If she only knew, would that make a difference? I just think she talks to hear herself talk. Women talk too much!

Seth said, "Along with the sun came some snow. It means clearing the steps and the walkway."

Winnie thought I wish Seth felt better. He seems to always be so intense and crabby. Yes, he's crabby. Ever since his divorce, he has not been the same guy. That's it, he needs a girlfriend! I wonder who I can hook him up with.

"Time to get to work then," said Winnie with a big smile on her face.

"Okay, I'll be right with you," replied Seth. "Right after a stop in the bathroom." She is such a pain. Next, she'll be singing and clipping pictures while I do all the work.