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Fiction Corner

Alison Hawke

Is truth stranger than fiction?

Ever heard an urban myth? How about the rumour that there are alligators in the New York sewer system? What about the one where police accidentally aim their speed testing radar gun at a plane from the local air base, triggering a missile attack. Lucky for the policemen, the plane isn't carrying any missiles. Was the University of Surrey's library supposed to have an extra two floors, but the designer forgot to include the weight of the books in his calculations?

It could have happened. It didn't, but it could have happened.

The most effective urban myths contain a grain of truth that makes them seem all the more real. Military aircraft can carry radar-detecting missiles. You do have to think about the weight of the books when designing a library. It's the exaggeration that makes them myths. Computer virus hoaxes are a specialised form of urban myth. Again, they sound plausible. Real computer virus's do exist, and can cause havoc on your computer.

Why am I telling you this? Because urban myths can be great inspiration for stories. What if someone did find an alligator in a New York sewer? Who would believe you if you told them? What if people believed a myth, then you found out it was actually true after "proving" it couldn't be real? What kind of story would you get if you toned down the myth a little?

So for a little inspiration, take a look at these sites:

• Urban Legends Reference Pages
• The AFU and Urban Legends Archive
• Computer Virus Myths home page

Happy hunting!

Drabble of the Month

Thank you to all who sent in drabbles about identity. This month's winners are Catherine Bannon and Dawn Arkin.

Beauty at Dawn by Catherine Bannon He knelt by her slender, naked body. No resistance was offered as he lifted her, arm behind her shoulders. He tilted her chin gently, raising her face closer to his. Brushing back a few stray hairs, he stared deep into her brown eyes. Slowly he let his eyes wander over every detail of her pale face. In the brightening sunlight, water rainbowed in her hair. Finally he laid her gently back on the riverbank. Taking a deep breath he stood, and turned to face his fellow officers, huddled, hushed. "It's not our mis-per. Take her to the morgue... identity unknown." Wouldn’t it be nice? by Dawn Arkin Hello, you don’t know me. In fact, nobody knows me. I’m an obscure man from an obscure town with no desire to ever be recognized when I’m out. When I would go out with my other credit cards, there was always a big fuss made. Everybody seemed to know who I was. But now, thanks to the Anonymity Express card, I never have to worry about that again. At a store or restaurant I’m totally protected from recognition. I fade into the background like bad wallpaper, completely inconspicuous. And that’s just the way I like it. Thank you Anonymity Express.

The theme for July is incompatible (due June 10th), the theme for August is observers (due July 10th) and the theme for September is waiting for...(due August 10th), suggested by Peter Keane of New Zealand. If you have any ideas for Drabble themes, please email me.

PLEASE read the drabble submission guidelines before sending in your entry. Only one entry per person per month.

Email your Drabbles to me at drabble@technologist.com.