@improv, I enjoy your stream-of-consciousness freewrites, but this shows us what you can do when you set out to create a story. Did you really do this in five minutes, no editing? I want to kidnap your Muse and put her to work for me!
Mount Balefire. There is always a beacon atop Mount Balefire. And down, into the canyon, though there are no roaming dogs, you will find the Cafe of shuttered windows. Love it. Great opening line.
https://steemit.com/freewrite/@improv/beacon-5minutefreewrite#@carolkean/re-improv-beacon-5minutefreewrite-20190212t192425570z
I love this short, succinct-but-loaded, mythic fantasy. The tone is epic and sweeping, rich and timeless. There's even a crime noir vibe. Dogs no longer roam these streets: that is a telling detail, provocative, making me want to know what's left. Behind a shuttered window, a drenched old man, for there are only men and cats in this town - every single word on its own is a simple word, but put together, they convey so much more than meets the eye. You're a born writer @improv! You've got "it."