Thursday 18 April 2013

Electric Dreams



This story was written as part of the Dark Fairy Queen Writerly Bridal Shower for Anna and Michael (Twitter #DFQWBS) Check out the other wonderful tales HERE


Electric Dreams




“Newly weds? May I offer you, on behalf of all here at Dream Honeymoons, our warmest congratulations. You’ve come to the right place. As I say to all my clients, Why have reality when you can have a Dream? Now, have you studied our promotional material and understand the principle behind what we offer here...? No? Well then. Here at Dream Honeymoons we have digitised the essential elements of the characters from the world’s greatest love stories, enabling you to experience them for yourselves. No scenario is beyond the means of the first class technicians here at Dream Honeymoons. Our patented state of the art VR Dream Suites enable us to tailor your idyllic escape down to the minutest detail. Whilst the main characters would be based on your chosen great romantic figures, you of course would be completely immersed in the virtual experience. Unlike some of our so called competitors, whose products are little better than visual projections, a Dream Honeymoon experience would enable you to form real, all senses memories that would last for years, indistinguishable from mundane memories. But first let me give you an idea of the sort of experience that only we can provide. I’ll introduce you to some of our more popular Dream Honeymoon scenarios and characters. Could the lady see herself as Helen of Troy? We can furnish just such a journey. Carried off to a far away kingdom by your besotted hero of the ancient world. Reclining at your ease, feasted and feted with the delicacies of the Orient, whist civilisations teeter in your name. Obviously, some of the more distressing details have been omitted and the trip would end before the unfortunate events of the sack of the city, but all in all.... No? Ah well, maybe a more generic trip where your own personalities guide the story rather more directly. Perhaps the gentleman could imagine himself a square-jawed laconic lawman of the Old West? Overcoming insurmountable odds, fighting your way to the side of the feisty Southern belle you love and for whom you are prepared to give up everything? Indeed, the lady may like the option to add the ‘fights alongside her man’ subroutine that has become increasingly favoured in recent times? No? One of the classics then? We have tales from legend, life or literature. They may have had unhappy endings in their original forms, but here at Dream Honeymoons we tastefully amend the story arcs to produce delightfully romantic outcomes. Tristan and Isolde, where he sees the white sails? Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor where they stay together? Romeo and Juliet, where the message does not go astray? In that one we can even extend to the families becoming finally reconciled, should you wish to invite others to join you? Scarlett and Rhett, where he does give a damn? The list is practically endless. Leave it to us. We’ll build your Dream.... Madam...? Madam...?”

“No thanks. Michael and I are already building our own dreams - together.”



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Title – Electric Dreams

Author – Nick Johns

E-Book - Yes

500 words

Wedding Toast
Dream your boldest dreams together, for they will be the building blocks of your shared future. Congratulations!

Twitter - @nickjohns999

Website - http://talesfromatightrope.blogspot.co.uk/

17 comments:

  1. So enjoyed this Nick, the salesman approach, the various '
    characters', had a laugh with, not at your writing. Well done..

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Rambly. Is this where increased immersion in various tech will end?

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  2. This was great, what a sales pitch and at the end, wonderful last line :)

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    1. Hi Laura. A great, unique present for Anna & Michael, thanks for organising it.

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  3. Cool idea, and I like ho you ended the story!

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    1. Thanks Beth. I was concerned that it was a bit too smaltzy, but hey!

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks! Having read some of the tales, and working my way through the others, I feel a bit light weight in such company!

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  5. Thank you. Couldn't devise a creepy tale that wasn't too gross for the project.

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  6. Ha ha, you had me considering many romantic leads whilst reading...and then I read your last line and realised quite how pertinent and wise it was! We can write our own love stories! Loved it.

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    1. Hi Lisa Yes, it is fun to play with imaginary friends, but the best friends are always the real ones!

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  7. Clever, clever! And I too loved the ending.
    Nicely done!

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  8. I was thinking of the great loves I would like to experience. Such a fab idea but the last line is just perfect. I loved it!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lizzie! Thanks for your kind comment. A couple of other have mentioned the whole couples thing - sounds like another ebook idea, flash fiction inspired (however loosely) by any of the world's great love stories. We could try to rally the gang & put it out in time for Valentine's day?

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