I’m not sure if other writers (or people, in general) have experienced this. But last night I seemed to have a battle with my subconscious mind while I was dreaming. I was semi-aware of the fact that I was dreaming and doing my darndest to create a storyline that my subconscious was fighting every step of the way. The results were comical.
I was working in some type of health clinic/hospital environment that my family owned (In fact; I lived in the family home next door to the clinic).
In one room, there was a special event, where a very abrasive woman was lecturing about her take on female empowerment in relationships, except that 1) none of it was based on research. It was all pretty much her opinion (with lots of stories about herself), and 2) No one was attending except for a soft-spoken male who seemed to have a crush on her. For whatever reason, I felt bad that she had no attendees. Despite being exhausted after a long workday, I stuck around hoping other people showed up.
Moments later, two women arrive — her friends — apologizing profusely for being late. I take it as my cue to make my excuses and leave. Except, before I do, an attractive man walks into the room and comes over to talk to me.
“Aha!” I think to myself, realizing this might be a dream. “He probably likes the presenter, whereas my character (Me) likes him. A love triangle!”
*Scratch that.*
“No, he and I have been dating for a long time.” I figure we can sneak out and share a kiss before he has to go back to his late-night shift, and I can go home and get some sleep. “Could be a secret romance,” my semi-lucid self suggests to my character (Me).
*Scratch that.*
“No” I decide. “That’s stupid…” I’m also aware that I’m really tired… and I never got my kiss (darn it).
“Aha! Maybe my character is pregnant and has to let him know in the most inappropriate time/place possible. Hmm, that would mean that my character is a lot younger than I.” I picture what I look like (since I can’t see myself in the dream).
It then occurs to me that my character’s love interest fits the stereotype of every romantic lead in every romantic comedy. So, I decide to change him, and poof… a new male character is in his place. I confess to myself that the first man was better looking. 🙂
I tell him I’m pregnant. He’s overjoyed…
*Scratch that.*
He’s annoyed… the timing is terrible for “us” to be pregnant.
“Hmm, have I created a jerk? The first guy was more easy-going… had a better sense of humor, too.”
*Scratch that.*
The pregnancy bit should come later on in the story…
By then, I realize that the imagery keeps shifting and I’m fighting with my subconscious to control the narrative before I wake up.
*The End. (No sequel planned.)*
And all this because I went to sleep thinking, “I wonder if I should write a romantic comedy next?”