When You're Right, You Write...

Okay, let's start with the explanation.

I've had this woman saying this line in my head for a week. It spun off of a funny exchange Brent and I had. I've tried to figure out what scene or story she belongs in but haven't been able to. She's argued with a variety of people in a variety of settings, but nothing has stuck. But because she's there saying this thing over and over again I don't have space for the other voices in my head who want to tell their stories.

That's how fiction writing works for me a lot of the time. I just get a scene in my head and go from there. But sometimes it works like this, there is a scene, or a voice, or a freaking tone, and I am stuck with it until it breaks free. And if I don't get more, I write what I have and let it go. Sometimes (as you've seen if you have a good memory for these sorts of things) they work back into other pieces. Sometimes they just don't.

So there's some writing process for you ahead of a short scene that's been in my head all week.

When You're Right, You're Right

"Well you get to say I told you so. I know that's your favorite."

She turned and stared at him like he was an idiot. Because, to be fair, she thought he was an idiot.

"I hate saying I told you so. It's actually my least favorite phrase."

"It's nobody's least favorite phrase. Everybody loves to be right."

"See, that's the problem. I know I was right. I knew I was right at the start. I know I'm right right now. Everytime I have to say I told you so that's my time and effort that have been wasted. I hate saying I told you so because I shouldn't have to say I told you so."

He laughed. "So you've never been wrong is that what you are saying? That we should all just do what you say because you're never wrong?"

"I am sure I will be wrong at some point, but so far nothing has proved that out."

"Holy shit you're cocky."

"Am I? Really? Let's go back to why you are here right now. What did you come here to say?"

He pursed his lips and glared at her.

"Well?"

"I came here to say you were right and we should have done what you said in the first place."

She glared right back. "I hate to say I told you so."