I am going to be running a Pirate Borg game and I was thinking if I could do some testing of the rules and get some inspiration at the same time as I was writing. In parallel I am also attempting to build a writing routine taking the chance that I am in annual leave; yes, it is one of these projects that might not stick, but one can dream.

So I reserved a little bit of time and started small. Took one of the exercises from Ursula K. Le Guin Steering the Craft and gave it a go.

The prompt

Write a paragraph to a page of narrative that’s meant to be read aloud. Use onomatopoeia, alliteration, repetition, rythmic effects, made-up words or names, dialect — any kind of sound effect you like — but NOT rhyme or meter.

The paragraph

Bear trots through the jungle, shaking trees and collecting coconut juice. Lately, she has been more Bear than Isabel, although her true nature is Isabear. Bulky, strong-armed, tanned, furry after a month in this island, and a good hugger. Nobody to hug though, only animals and these creatures that must be a hag creation. Human decayed bodies, that animated, try to bite you. But fierce as a trapped boar Isabear jumps on them, trampling, wrestling, hitting with a mouldy oar, and then using her golden letter opener to cut through bone. Then she digs, and put them to rest. She is, after all, a good devotee. Do what the almighty bids and all will be alright.