Writing 101, Day Fourteen: To Whom It May Concern

Pick up the nearest book and flip to page 29. What’s the first word that jumps off the page? Use this word as your springboard for inspiration. If you need a boost, Google the word and see what images appear, and then go from there. 

Today’s twist: write the post in the form of a letter.

I have quite a few notebooks on my desk, all of them notes for my novels, or else handwritten parts of them.  The bookshelf next to my desk is where I keep my classic literature.  I love the classics, whether they are ancient works like Beowulf and The Epic of Gilgamesh, or late 19th/early 20th century works like Walden and The Time Machine.  Then there’s these epic French works.  I suppose I can appreciate Victor Hugo and Alexander Dumas because they wrong long and detailed like I do.  Today’s page 29 is from The Count of Monte Cristo, an incredible story even if you are naughty and just watch the movie (if you do, the French mini-series is best).  Interestingly enough, it is a scene about the letter that caused so much unrest among the characters, and that led to the arrest of Edmond Dantes. 

Dear Gérard de Villefort,

I am writing to inform you that your treatment of Dantes is utterly deplorable.  The path that you have dared to tread is one of great darkness and treachery, and I should warn you that having set yourself upon it, you have put yourself at great risk.  By behaving as sourly as the Dark One himself, you have in essence brought upon your own doom.  You cannot yet imagine the things that Dantes will have done to you in retribution for such injustice.  I cannot in good conscience warn you about the details, for I agree with him that you should meet this fate and find yourself worse off than you have made him.

I will say only this, Villefort: revenge shall come when you least expect it, and it shall be exacted terribly and deeply.  It might be swift, if might be slow, but it shall be cold, that is certain.  You cannot stop it, nor can you predict or redirect it.  Live in fear every day, if you must, for that would only be a suitable fate for that which you have subjected Dantes to.

With coldest regards,

Madame Mercedes Mondego