Feathering the Clutch

If you've managed to wander into this blog, you must know me well, or are just bored, clicking links left and right.

In truth, this blog is intended for publishing drafts of a novel — a workshop novel if you will (Great idea, by the way, Charles!). 'A Silly Dance' is not the title but could be with your opinions. I already have a title in mind, but can be inclined to change it. I've already a rough plot in mind with some of the chapters already written, mentally at least.

They'll be posted here, in so long as I have time to write them or when inspiration hits, and not necessarily in chronological order.

On to the first dilemma. I'm split up as to how the first major plot twist should go. Your opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Here's the plot summary to get things percolating.

Mike (working name) a tech writer in one of the hottest technology magazines has a little problem. He’s not very talented with women. Stuttering, flinching and generally losing it, his approach to women leaves a lot to be desired. He’s ready to live a life of celibacy until he stumbles into Life by the Bylaws by Prof. Player, a revolutionary new book that summarizes the fine art of playerdom into 7 simple rules. Upon reading the book, Mike immediately shows some improvement, capturing the hearts of his officemates and acquaintances with his newly reconstructed outgoing personality. Girl after girl, he dumps to the gutter, failing to meet his high standards, until he bumps into Claire ( I need to change these names!)— a kind, shy, yet ambitious pre-school teacher. They see each other frequently with the help of the bylaws, but as they grow closer, Mike slowly sees himself breaking all the bylaws, one by one —

1. especially No. 7: Don’t Fall in Love. In an outburst of emotion, Mike confesses his love, effectively scaring her away and putting to waste all his efforts in the past months. Eventually, Mike gives up the bylaws and returns to his reclusive life, swearing off the bylaws and the measures men have to stoop to, to get the all too elusive One. Will Claire come back into his life?

B. especially No. 7: Never say “I love you.” Claire, on the other hand, is growing steadily unsure of Mike’s actions and won’t commit until she hears those three words. Fearing rejection, Mike finds a compromise between Claire and the Bylaws through his love of numbers. He sends Claire a message that simply says “405143.” (Or any other number. It has to make sense, mathematically.) Claire, mistaking it for another one of Mike’s mind games quickly dismisses it and gives Mike her final goodbyes. Will she finally figure out Mike’s secret message?