Johnny was so happy when he received this letter from Diana. They were not in touch for some time now, except for a few letters they exchanged during the last three years since she left Las Vegas with her family to settle in New York.
Why Am I Such A Loser?
#fiction #writing #theinkwell #theinkwellprompt #ocd #curangel #neoaxian #creativecoins #community #aforkintheroad
Maybe if he took a step back this was the path for him all along
Things to say to oneself to navigate life ;D
I was thinking of Dostoyevsky's Gambler as I read this, or of so many other stories/movies that have depicted the self delusion of a gambler. Something I can relate to. Not because I'm a gambler but because I spent a lot of time in Las Vegas. Actually got married there (48 years ago). I've seen that look in people's faces. You capture it nicely here. It's almost as though the gamblers have no volition. They are on automatic. Pensioners, vacationers, inveterate gamblers--seduced by the clang of money, the trappings of luxury--so close and yet catastrophically unobtainable.Hello @sunnyag,
Great lead up to the prompt. I do suggest that you take out the "Jewish bump" (negative stereotype). That might bring offense to people (I'm pretty sure it will). That is not what you intend, I am certain.
Your writing is really coming along. You capture scene and character very well. Some good psychological insight.
Thanks, the first thing I did was the correction you suggested. And thanks for all the encouragement. I am really loving the way I am getting to know you a little better with every post.
Basically, I am a travel writer but I am reading and commenting on various posts in The Ink Well and learning about fiction slowly.
This is a terrific story, @sunnyag. Were you telling the truth when you said you hadn't written fiction before coming to The Ink Well? :-)
This story brings us right into Johnny's world, his longing and despair, and his misguided attempt to achieve his goal. It has the all the key elements of a good story - a character we care about who has a burning desire, and obstacles that prevent him from achieving it, which forms a very nice story arc. The end is not surprising, as it would have been a miracle if he magically won the money he needed to get to New York. But in the end I wanted to pat him on the back for trying and give him some encouragement to never give up hope.
I love that line so much!
Thanks, @jayna for asking if I had ever written fiction? The answer is simple, "Never". I am basically a travel and fitness writer. I have done some motivational writing which was part of my job, encouraging fresh and junior marketing professionals to stay focused. And travel writing is all about what you experience so that's not a problem.
I am in the beginning stage of learning about the thrilling world of fiction but I hope I will learn it. I am in good company. I visited your blog yesterday and was tempted to fill out the form but stopped. I think I need a lot more practice before joining in. Thank you for everything once again.
You will know when you are ready, grasshopper! 😁
Beautiful piece, I felt it so real while reading, your descriptions were awesome. Please keep the good works coming.
Thanks I will do just that as a learner!
This is really nice. Loved the way you gave details and described every detail.
Thank you for submitting this story to the Ink Well community. It contains a impressive psychological insight. And thank you for engaging with other writers in the community.
My pleasure, I am reading as many posts as possible to get the basic idea of fiction. I am an engineer and business school graduate, but being a salesman, I have an interest in psychology. Thank you!
I am sure staking all is not the right thing to do but play wisely or not play at all! Thank you!
We feel sad when that happens, but no one ever goes to a casino for losing his money. You know the desire to make money makes a person blind.