“It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents—except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness”
Read that again, let it sink in….
I think I might add this “Style” to my writing exercises. Something like a writing prompt idea to get the juices flowing. It has been said that the first line of the novel “Paul Clifford” by Bulwer-Lytton is the poster child for bad writing. I, however, think that there is some genius to it. I mean, it is challenging to be a good writer. But the genius to this lies in being a good, “bad” writer. I think it flakes off the rust in the creative parts of your brain that have been neglected. (Akin to building muscle belly density, the first muscle fibers that fire off are generally the ones that get used the most, but as they fatigue, muscle fibers are recruited from deeper muscle tissues to assist, and as they fatigue, fiber recruitment gets deeper and deeper increasing strength and endurance overall). Where was I? Oh yeah, anyway, hitting those deep and unused neurons in the creative parts of your brain only strengthens your overall skill. (Just a personal theory). It’s a fun challenge, and if you think you got the chops, you can try out your work by entering the contest at https://www.bulwer-lytton.com/ The Bulwer Lytton fiction contest.
I have not entered the contest as of yet, I don’t think I am good enough bad writer to enter yet, But I am gonna play around with the idea.
Hand-prints of Darkness 