I've been obsessed with circuses for a while--possibly my entire life. I suppose you become obsessed with what scares you. At least that's the case with me and the circus. I'm intrigued by the oddities and the stunts and the bizarre performances.
I'm also stubborn and determined not to be pulled in by a charlatan, not to give myself away. I'd rather sneak a glimpse from the back of the tent than admit my curiosity and risk getting shammed.
In my current novel, and the world in which it lives there is a Carnival at the End of the World. I love the idea of a riotous carnival being at the end of everything. They're so vibrant with their bright lights and hypnotic music yet also morbid with their clowns and circus freaks and darkness beyond the lighted tents. There's such a dichotomy between what's real and what's a trick, between the garishly painted or tattooed faces and the people behind them.
Here's my current circus inspiration: The Bros. Grim Side Show. I wonder if it's still around. If so, I will plan a trip immediately.
I've seen something akin this, on Discovery Channel perhaps. And I'm intrigued by the idea of a Carnival at the End of the Universe.
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely have to snoop around and see what else I can find on these circus side shows. Discovery Channel you say....
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're intrigued by the Carnival at the End of the World! It plays a small role in the novel I'm currently revising but I'd love to write a collection of short stories about it too. Just have to learn how to write a good short story first!
I think it was Discovery, one of those types anyhow. Or even Ripley's believe it or not. ~shrugs~ I wish I could be more helpful, but it was a couple of years ago.
ReplyDeleteAh, short stories. They are my bane. I'm working on improving mine, as well. I'm much more inclined to draw it out into something long and convoluted.
Same here. Short stories and I don't get along. They give me bad flashbacks to my fiction writing workshops in college (bad because of my fiction writing attempts). It's so hard to get that elusive "aha!" moment.
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