Taking Tea in the Kasbah



Dear Benedict,

Psst. Hey you. Yeah, you with the chiseled cheekbones and gently tousled hair. I’ve only got a moment before the nefarious Plot Bunnies notice I’ve slipped out of the writing cave. Now that my other story is on a little holiday from my persistent meddling, the Plot Bunnies have me all hopped up (pun intended) on a new story idea. It’s potentially a good one, so I don’t really mind all of their excitement. What I do mind is being held captive in the writing cave by a bunch of rabbits in flapper dresses doing the Charleston.

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That probably sounded a little disturbing concerning. Let me explain.

You see, the Plot Bunnies stopped by the other day and begged me to write a story set in the 1920’s in New Orleans. You know how I’m totally fascinated by the 1920’s and how I adore New Orleans, so it really didn’t take too much convincing to get me to do it. Then they wanted me to give it a steampunk twist because one of the bunnies fancies herself the tinkering type. She showed me this really cool thing she made that looks like a cross between a —

Actually, I’m not supposed to be revealing too much just yet. Plot Bunny-Writer confidentiality and all. I’m sure you understand.

Anyway, I told them I could roll with the steampunk twist, though between you and me I’m not sure I possess the technical know-how to really do it justice. Tinkering Plot Bunny assured me she would give my resident genius the skillz and knowledge to help guide me. Seeing as neither my genius nor my go-go outfit have returned to the cave following our completion of the previous manuscript, I was skeptical. Nevertheless, I have agreed to incorporate it into the story.

The Plot Bunnies were happy. I was happy. All was well.

And then they said they wanted to add one more thing to the story: zombies.

You know that confused look you have on your face right now? I think that is how mine must have looked when the Plot Bunnies threw that at me. I was all “Hey, Plot Bunnies. I totally appreciate your super awesome ideas, but I’m not really into the whole zombie thing. I mean, it’s cool if y’all are, but it’s really not my area.” And they were all, “Hey, Writer Lady, what do you have against zombies? Are you, like, one of those prejudiced writers or something?” And then I was all, “I am NOT prejudiced against them. I just don’t want to write a story with them in it.” And they were all, “Why are you a hater?” and then started whispering to each other while glaring at me with their beady little bunny eyes.

photo credit: Madeleine_ via photopin cc

Why are you a hater? photo credit: Madeleine_ via photopin cc

Not wanting to instigate riot, I quickly tossed out a compromise to the zombie subplot. The good news is that my idea seemed to be well received by them. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal too much about it due to the aforementioned Plot Bunny-Writer confidentiality, but I can tell you that I will be well-versed in the Voodoo religion of Haiti and New Orleans by the time I am done with this manuscript.

The bad news is they won’t let me out of their sight until I’ve scribbled down my character sketches and a general outline. Did I mention they are bossy Plot Bunnies?

It’s probably all for the best. You’re really busy filming Sherlock right now so we wouldn’t be able to hang out anyway. And then there’s the tiny problem that you haven’t found the writing cave yet. That’s just as well. I’m going to be hopped up on writing endorphins and caffeine again while fighting the urge TO WRITE IN ALL CAPS AND HAVE EVERYTHING APPEAR ALL SHOUTY EVEN THOUGH I’M NOT SHOUTING WHILE WRITING IT.

And now I shall return to the writing cave before I’m overcome with the need to use the caps lock button again.

Captively yours,

Tami

~*~

*Editor’s note: The views, ideas, and opinions expressed in the Letters from Benedict series are works of fiction and did not come from the actor himself. Obviously. This series is just my ridiculous way of expressing adoration for Mr. Cumberbatch and his work and is not intended to be taken or read as a true collaborative writing endeavor with him.

 

 

12 thoughts on “Dear Benedict: On Nefarious Plot Bunnies, Steampunk Flappers, & Zombie Compromises

  1. Despite being a self-professed Zombie Hater, I think your Plot Bunnies have done you a solid. WHAT A COOL STORY IDEA.
    Ahem.
    Can’t wait to hear more about it.
    😉

    • Ah, yes. I had forgotten we are kindred anti-zombie souls. Glad to know I am not alone.

      THANKS, LIV. (I like how all caps reduces the need to use things like exclamation points.) The Plot Bunnies have brought forth a very intriguing idea so I’m gonna run with it.

  2. Sounds like you’re stepping it up, Tami! Can’t wait to see what a steampunk zombie flapper story comes out like!

    • Thanks, Ellen! I am also curious to see what a steampunk zombie flapper story comes out like. I’m toying with the idea of doing a one-woman mini NaNo next month to really jump start it. We’ll see if I can get organized with an outline before then.

    • Thanks, Sara! In Plot Bunnies We Trust – could be a new writer’s motto. 😉 These particular Plot Bunnies were tenaciously persistent that I pay attention to THIS story right now, so I was really helpless in the whole ordeal.

  3. Your plot bunnies are pure genius! This story idea is fresh and original, something very hard to come by in today’s market. I think the voodoo twist adds just the right amount of intriguing spice. Let me know if/when you need a beta reader. *raises hand*

    • Thanks, Elizabeth! I will definitely check in with you when I get to a beta reader stage. Thank you for offering!

  4. on ,
    Marcia said:

    The Plot Bunnies are so cute and inspiring. Weave it Tami!

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