I am finally starting my experimental play-along story this coming Friday, February twelfth. The notion I currently have (subject to change due to lack of interest, me writing myself into a corner, or general confusion) is to write an opening paragraph and then leave instructions for those willing to comment on how to guide my next installment. I’m thinking along the lines of (this is just a potential example):
For the next installment, I will need a location (landmark, city, or other nonspecific place), two nouns and two verbs. Please leave your comment with all six requested items. Commenters one and four will determine the nouns, commenter two the landmark…
Or something like that. Depending on how crazy you all get, I might have to be more specific, like:
Give me an animal, a piece of furniture…
As you can tell, I haven’t yet ironed out all the kinks. I think it will be much more fun to figure it out as we go. Or, it could be disastrous, which would still be fun for you; nothing increases the merriment factor better than watching a writer crash and burn. As I am in the fantasy genre, I will be starting the story with a fantasy plot in mind, but since you all will be in the driver’s seat, we’ll just see how that works out.
My overall hope is that this experiment will be an exercise in creativity and flexibility on my part. As a reward for your participation, you get to torture the hell out of me.
Don’t say I never did anything for you.
So, barring any blackouts from Snowpocalypse II, I’ll be seeing you all on Friday.
Hell and Wheels 
February 16th, 2010 at 3:06 am
Charles and Laughingwolf — I'm naming you guys number one and two, since you didn't give the other names and traits (not accusing, just saying). ; )Natasha — And you are, my dear.Kate — I just went through commenting hell with blogger not notifying me you guys still cared! I thought I was rattling around the universe all alone and comment-free for three months!! I'm still sifting through weeks worth of backlogged comments.Steve — I'm looking forward to your input through this whole thing. As my friend Oddly stated, "Your pirate friend always has good words."Lana — I hope.
February 11th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Sounds like an interesting experiment!
February 9th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
(rubs hands in fiendish glee…)
February 9th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Yay, you're back! I was afraid the armpit farter had permanently scared you away from the blogoverse.Friday sounds like fun – I'm game.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
1327pacific oceansaw, cutmead, robe;) lol
February 9th, 2010 at 6:27 am
That sounds like fun! (Torturing you, I mean.)
February 9th, 2010 at 5:25 am
Here's my suggestions. Red. 17. grimy. swamp. ashen sky. Dweezil.