Another in my series of inspirations behind the stories.
The inspiration behind Destiny According to Doris, which can been found in this month's Fiction Feast, came from a memory I had of a day many years ago now. My children were around 6 and 10 at the time and we had popped into our little town's community centre as they were holding a 'holistics fair'. I only went in because I'd pulled a muscle in my neck and the sign outside mentioned a Reiki head massage which I thought might help (actually it was excruciating and made it much worse!).
While I was in there, I noticed a sign for a tarot reading at the back of the hall. I've always been fascinated by anything psychic, not because I believe in it (far from it) but because I love trying to work out how it's done.
For the first time ever, I decided to have a reading - just for a laugh. I had visions of a mysterious woman dressed in a gauzy headscarf with jingling coins around the edge - not sure where the image came from... the book of clichés I expect. When I sat down though, I have to say I was immensely disappointed: The psychic turned out to be rather ordinary looking and dressed as though she'd just come back from a morning at Tescos.
If you're a susceptible sort, she was very convincing. The reading was taped and for a small sum you could buy a copy to take home. This I did and when I got home I enjoyed going through all her comments and working out how she had come to each one.
I found the tape the other day at the back of a drawer and I would like to be able to tell you that what she said was:
- One day you will write for magazines
- You will inherit a very bad dog called Bonnie
- You will marry a very handsome inventor of a story timeline
- I see someone in your future (obviously noticed the ringless finger)
- You will have some problems to overcome (obviously noticed the children rampaging round the hall)
- Any money worries will improve (obviously noticed my empty purse as I paid her)
I saw a psychic at one of those fayres once. I gave absolutely nothing away as she spoke, didn't nod or anything, but I was quite shaken afterwards as she seemed to "know" things about me and my family. I'm looking forward to reading your story :-) x
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's all a very clever trick, Teresa but it is odd.
DeleteI read your story and loved it - clever and heart-warming :o)
ReplyDeleteWithout wanting to sound cheesy, I said to my husband after reading yours, "This is why Karen, no relation, Clarke has a 3 book deal!"
DeleteWendy
ReplyDeleteI've read your story and enjoyed it too! And I know what you mean about psychics being intriguing! I'm too scared to have my fortune told. I don't really believe it but what if they said something that frightened me?! I'm frightened of being frightened!! I did actually once have my tarot cards read. It was at a work's Christmas dinner and one of our sales reps (a woman), who was a bit strange, offered to do my reading. I was a bit merry at the time - as you are at these work 'dos', so I agreed. Actually, I have to say, that although I didn't think so at the time, she was uncannily accurate. She turned a card over and told me that I was involved with a man who 'seems strong but is weak' - that turned out to be absolutely true. Hmm.. maybe there's something in it after all...
I think I only had it done because I don't believe in such things - otherwise I would have been scared too.
DeleteReally enjoyed the inspiration post, Wendy - will try and get a copy to read the story now!
ReplyDeleteHope you like it, Rosemary
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