RE: The Man In The Mirror (Short Story - Horror)
WHAT THE!! I've written something eerily similar to this as a draft of a novel in the past, which is ironic, since we're talking about reflections and mirrors. OH MAN! Getting goosebumps as I read through the piece. Are you my other? Rather, am I your other?? :O
Woooh breathe. Let me collect myself for a minute. This is so freaky haha!
Doppelganger stories are really unnerving. One might argue that it's even more unnerving than clone stories, because of the more unexplained aspect of it. I'm assuming that's the urban story you're trying to depict here. The urge that Norman has, trying to step away from being someone else's shadow is so relateable in the present context. Everyone wants to make a name for themselves instead of just being a derivative. Great work fleshing these ideas out, mate!
One might argue this is more short story than flash fiction, but who's keeping score. I hope this wins the contest, brother :) (:
The writer whose other is a character he has written in one of his stories, who emerges from the pages of a book to take over his life. Or the author/reader instead of other/reflection relationship. Now you've got me thinking.
I think we may be on a similar wavelength with our writing. Soon we will have to race each other to publish, if we get in sync with each other. Would love to read your take on the concept though.
I suppose the Urban Legend aspect I was loosely aiming for was the idea of being replaced by a copy or lookalike, and tying that in to the fears we have especially as children, about everyday things like our reflections, or monsters under the bed, etc. And the way in which those stories get passed around, and take on a life of their own. How would such a story play out. Does the monster/other have their own story and hopes/dreams?
It probably is less flashy than it could be, lol. But technically it is under 1000 words, so I qualify for the competition, just :)
Thanks for your detailed comment and analysis. You get me thinking, and looking deeper, which is helpful to the creative process.
Not if I think of it first!! Nah, just kidding :D Being on the same league as you is honor enough, mate. Don't mention it, brother. As I told you before, I do unto others (insert complete saying here). I really enjoy supporting friends, so it's not bother at all. I'm just glad I'm able to help out any way I can :D
What you said is actually what doppelgangers do! Talking about replacing you and taking over your life. It's not what the article I linked to specifically mentions, but it's a story I've heard of countless times. To that end, I refer you to this very claustrophobic movie starring Jesse Eisenberg.
Sending me links with wonderful and mythical ideas and concepts - are you trying to inspire me :)
I actually just thought the term doppelganger meant exact lookalike. Didn't know it had the extra layer of meaning to it. Curioser and curioser. There goes that White Rabbit again.
That movie also looks particularly interesting. More food for my creative interests.
Oh you bet I am! :D I'm very interested to see what you come up with upon your emergence from the rabbit hole haha