The Dark Lantern by Jules Renard, 1893
The magic trick:
Appealing to a very specific demographic
It’s almost like a risk management exercise. Instead of putting all the pressure on the creation of one amazingly fascinating and memorable main character, try to write 10 different smaller characters that function to paint the picture of a community instead of one person.
I’m not at all sure it’s easier. In fact, it’s probably even tougher to pull off.
And that’s quite trick on Renard’s part.
The selection:
Snow is falling, and through the streets, bareheaded, crazy Tiennette is running like a crazy woman. She plays all along, catches the white flies as they fall in her violet hands, sticks out her tongue to dissolve the light candy she can just taste, and, with the tip of her finger, draws sticks and rings on the bright sheet.
As always, join the conversation in the comments section below, on SSMT Facebook or on Twitter @ShortStoryMT.
Subscribe to the Short Story Magic Tricks Monthly Newsletter to get the latest short story news, contests and fun.
Short Story Magic Tricks 